The Essex Reporter: April 18, 2019

Police, rescue hold first joint training

Education loses an innovator

Essex Police and Essex Rescue held their first-ever joint exercise focused on better collaboration during dangerous situations.

Vermont’s educational community has been mourning the loss of one of its own: Former Essex Middle School principal Ned Kirsch .

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Thursday, April 18, 2019

‘What’s on your mind?’

Boards to pursue unified charter

By COLIN FLANDERS

Since joining Essex Police in early 2018, Hoague has made growing the department’s online presence one of his top priorities – viewing social media as a “necessity” for 21st century law enforcement – and pushed EPD to join a growing number of police agencies that use social media to carry out some of the job’s basic functions.

“Everyone expects in this day and age to be able to look at their phone

The governance subcommittee recommended last week that the selectboard and trustees pursue a unified charter model for the town and village while stressing two main obstacles that stand in the way: creating a new representation model and achieving tax equity.

Speaking on behalf of the subcommittee, village president George Tyler outlined the idea for the two governing boards. Under a unified charter model, the town and village could continue the council and manager form of government under the guidance of a unified board with a single budget, charter and tax rate.

“If we just imagine Essex Town if Essex Jct. didn’t exist,” Tyler said.

“If Essex Town was like Colchester or Williston – that’s pretty much the concept.”

Getting from here to there has two major hurdles that the boards will need to tackle within the calendar year if they hope to meet their goal of a November 2020 vote.

For starters, they must figure out what a new governing board looks like – and where those new officials can reside. At their disposal are several options including a fully at-large membership, where representatives are elected across the merged municipality, or a two-ward system, where the village and town-outside-the-village could maintain representatives who live in their geographical area.

But the more pressing concern,

See FACEBOOK, page 3

See CHARTER, page 18

In Facebook, local police departments find useful tool

By COLIN FLANDERS Sitting behind his desk at 145 Maple St., Ron Hoague looks every bit the part of a police captain: a towering figure whom potential wrongdoers may think twice before crossing. His office fits the bill, too, from artwork of a cruiser shining through the dark to a tree-shaped ornament made of 12 empty bullet casings that stands below his computer screen.

The tree is topped with a neat, blue

bow.

So it’s all the more unexpected to hear the 28-year law enforcement veteran launch into his social media strategy like a college graduate applying for their first marketing job.

He breezes past tips like know your audience, declares plans to break into Instagram – a great place to connect visually with all generations, he says, calling it a “middle ground” – and even teases a potential YouTube expansion, if the market supports it.

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2 | The Essex Reporter | Thursday, April 18, 2019

UPBEAT NEWS Essex student garners financial literacy award

EHS takes monster production on the road

From the Vermont State Treasurer’s Office On Thursday, Charlie Cloud of Essex Elementary School was among those recognized by State Treasurer Beth Pearce and Lieutenant Governor David Zuckerman during a financial literacy awards ceremony to recognize Vermont students who successfully completed the Treasurer’s Office’s Reading is an Investment financial literacy education program, which was expanded in early 2019 to include a pilot for afterschool students called VerMoney. VerMoney and Reading is an Investment are both offered to teach students basic financial concepts and money skills.

“We are thrilled this year’s schoolbased Reading is an Investment curriculum was completed by a record 5,688 students – the most in the program’s history,” said Treasurer Pearce. “By the time Vermont students graduate high school, most have already faced complex decisions about their finances as they consider how to pay for things like vehicles, housing, and post-secondary education. It is important that we work with our elementary learners to build a strong foundation for future financial decisions. I want to thank the students, educators, and partners who have made financial literacy a priority this year.”

Reading is an Investment teaches K-6 students basic financial concepts through classroom and library instruction that utilizes a personal reading program. The 2018-2019 program was the ninth year of the program. Since its inception, more than 37,800 students have finished the program requirements, gaining valuable financial knowledge. A record 5,688 students completed the reading challenge this year and had their names entered in a random drawing to win one of twenty $250 college savings accounts provided by the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC).

Send your good news submissions to news@essexreporter.com

The Essex High School theater program performs a scene from their production of Frankenstein last month.

Essex High School students took their production of Frankenstein on the road this week.

Essex was chosen to represent Vermont in the 2019 New England Drama Festival, hosted by the New England Drama Council (NEDC) and the Rhode Island Theatre Education Association (RITEA), from April 15-17.

Following successful showings at the regional and state festivals, Essex High School was chosen by the Vermont Drama Council as one of two representatives for the state to the New England festival.

FILE PHOTO

“We are so excited to welcome Essex High School to the New England Drama Festival and Rhode Island,” said Richard Sylvia, RITEA President. “The festival is an opportunity to connect high school thespians across New England in a shared sense of community and art, and we hope Essex will feel at home in the Ocean State.”

Essex students were scheduled to perform on Tuesday at 7:10pm. All performances will take place at Cranston West Alumni Auditorium on the campus of Cranston High School West in Cranston, Rhode Island.

Essex Jct. girl headed to national chess championship

Essex Town resident Beth Goss joined seven Howard Center colleagues in Nashville, Tenn., last month to receive the National Council for Behavioral Health’s 2019 Excellence in Addictions Treatment Award. Howard Center was selected from 230 nominations from across the country. From left are: Howard Center staff (l-r) at NatCon 2019: Christine Hayner, Dan Hall, Dana Poverman, Catherine Simonson, Sandy Steingard, John Brooklyn, Beth Goss, Kim Hatgen

Chess whiz Elizabeth Tupaj, of Essex Junction, will represent Vermont at the National Girls Tournament of Champions, sponsored by the U.S. Chess Federation.

Tupaj was selected to represent the state at the Vermont Scholastic Chess Championship at Berlin Elementary School on Saturday, April 6.

More than 130 students competed for grade level championships in grades K through 6, plus middle school and high school championships.

Sasha Kagle, of Jericho, was the high school champion and Jacob Graham, of Bristol the middle school champ. St. Johnsbury Academy won the High School Team title and Stowe Middle School became the middle school champs.

The Essex Reporter | Thursday, April 18, 2019 | 3

FACEBOOK from page 1 and find out what’s going on in the world,” Hoague said. “In their hometown, they expect that same thing.”

EPD started posting to Facebook regularly at the turn of the year and now has over 2,200 followers. Other local pages boast even greater numbers; Milton Police Department has over 5,000 followers, while more than 8,000 people follow the Colchester Police Department.

Before Facebook was a regular part of most people’s lives, police relied solely on media outlets to spread their message to the masses. Officers arrest a robbery suspect post-deadline?

Detectives catch a break in a murder investigation after the nightly news?

Tomorrow’s another day.

Not anymore. Through social media, local agencies can become defacto media outlets, employing a public outreach and information gathering tool like none other in the history of policing – the most useful of which remains Facebook.

A scan of the three departments’ pages over the last few months shows announcements ranging from public service alerts, like when a registered sex offender recently relocated into the area, to more community-based notices, like when officers wandered upon a lost dog. But the departments also find in Facebook uses well beyond that of a modern bulletin board.

By allowing people to comment, the departments have created a two-way line of communication in which residents can weigh in on police performance or, in some cases, even become digital tipsters. More than once in recent months, officers have identified suspects with the help of their Facebook following; in one Essex case, the public found the suspect in less than 10 minutes. In another, commenters tagged the suspect’s personal page.

Facebook also allows the department to share the “good stories,” Hoague said. Sometimes that’s in the form of sharing positive news articles, like a recent story about a new school resource officer. Other times it’s photos taken at a Rotary awards dinner, or videos from a retirement ceremony – things known in the digital world as original content.

The common denominator is that, compared to other forms of public outreach, posting to Facebook takes little time.

“In a time where were struggle with having enough people to be able to do what we need to do and be proactive, this type of thing really fits into that,” Hoague said. “It’s relatively quick, it helps us and it’s a benefit to everybody who works here.”

But their newfound abilities bring new sets of challenges, forcing the departments to find a happy medium between a social media presence that provides information and, as some people see it, publicly shames. At the heart of that dilemma: mug shots.

Both Essex and Colchester have

decided against posting photos of suspects in most arrests. Milton police, however, rolled out a new approach over the last month, posting a press release for nearly every arrest, with many featuring a photo of the arrestee.

Not everyone agrees with the approach.

“Clearly MPD is pretty bored if they feel it’s necessary to make a Facebook post for every DUI or misdemeanor arrest,” wrote one commenter last

son: “We should be transparent about who we arrest,” he said. But he said mugshots posted online can and likely will be electronically stored forever, so “there’s got to be some caution with that.”

Top brass in Essex have a similar stance. They decided against regularly posting the photos because there’s “too many drawbacks,” Hoague said.

“You’re putting that picture out there on someone’s worst day, and forever and ever it’s going to live like

“Everyone expects in this day and age to be able to look at their phone and find out what’s going on in the world. In their hometown, they expect that same thing.” Ron Hoague Essex police captain

month. “The ‘small town mentality’ of publicly embarrassing people before they go to court is disgusting [and] immoral.”

Other users have appreciated the department’s efforts, arguing that people who don’t want their photographs on the page shouldn’t break the law.

Milton Chief Stephen Laroche said the department formed its approach with an eye toward transparency, hoping to give a better idea of what officers do on a daily basis.

But he said the feedback has prompted the department to alter its approach, believing the current system has brought a “negative undertone” to its community outreach efforts.

“It makes the positive efforts that we’re trying to do take a backseat to the constant barrage of mugshots and press releases,” he said.

Now, Laroche said MPD hopes to soon develop and publish a blog, like that of the Vermont State Police, where the department can post all of its arrest press releases.

That way, Laroche said, people interested in staying up-to-date on the most recent arrests – including mug shots – can make a conscious choice to visit the page instead of passively seeing the posts in their Facebook feed.

The change will put MPD’s Facebook usage more in line with the other two departments, which only post arrest press releases for more significant cases – think bank robberies or attempted murders.

Allen said Colchester typically only posts photographs of people they need to identify or locate. He acknowledged arrests and mugshots are public record, and for good rea-

that,” Hoague said. “We didn’t want to do that. We didn’t want to have that kind of controversy. We want to keep our page positive.”

Still, Milton is not alone in navigating a social media learning curve, with the other departments recently seeing firsthand how online social media posts can sometimes take on a mind of their own.

Last month, Hoague posted a screenshot from an EPD dash cam during a close-call between Winooski police and a driver. The photograph showed the moment when the driver nearly clipped the officer, who’s making a DUI traffic stop along Route 15. EPD’s post noted the driver was not a U.S. citizen and appeared unaware of the state’s move over law.

Some commenters chastised the driver, making references to his or her perceived immigration status, and an hour later Hoague had updated the post to remove reference to citizenship.

He added the following message: “The intent was to educate to prevent these types of incidents, not to create a discussion on the abilities or knowledge of foreign drivers. Further, by policy, we do not identify the immigration status of drivers and that is not what happened here. Our only concern is the safety of our officers and citizens.”

Weeks later, Hoague shakes his head at the mention of the post. “That got twisted around to something that was never intended,” he said, calling it a learning experience.

“You have to be cautious about what you put out,” he continued. “You have to be thoughtful about how it’s going to See FACEBOOK, page 4

4 | The Essex Reporter | Thursday, April 18, 2019

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Police, rescue hold first joint training

By COLIN FLANDERS

Essex Police and Essex Rescue held their first-ever joint exercise last weekend focused on better collaboraBuilding Solutions for a Sustainable Future Since 1971 Building Solutions for a Sustainable Future Since 1971 tion during dangerous situations.

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spent last Saturday running through four different scenarios.

The goal of the training was to teach police and EMS how to work together so that the latter can provide quicker care during emergency situations, such as an active shooter.

Trainers from EPD and Essex Rescue worked together to create the scenarios, which also helped test out the See TRAINING, page 19

FACEBOOK from page 3 be interpreted, not just by your people but by other people who don’t have the same mindset as you would. It’s hard, sometimes, to interpret that and to remember how things are going to be seen.”

Allen said Colchester initially shared the post to its page, too, but he later removed it due to similar comments.

Both he and Hoague said their respective departments have strict rules on the Facebook page dictating the types of comments that will be removed.

“It’s like anything else,” Allen said.

“We have pretty strict rules about bashing anyone.”

He said if a commenter shares a derogatory comment about the department, he will usually let it stand, as long as it doesn’t target a specific officer. But comments targeting someone in the community will be removed, he said, especially when dealing with issues like race or immigration status.

“We’re very sensitive about comments about people of minorities or really any segment of the community that’s marginalized,” Allen said.

None of the police leaders expected they would be including social media duties into their job descriptions after decades into their careers.

Allen, whose been with CPD since

the 80s, recalled an age where police officers still used typewriters, or in some cases, paper and pens, to write out reports and affidavits.

Hoague dated himself, too, by remembering the first time he heard about the Los Angeles Police Department’s so-called “community policing” effort of the mid-90s. He became a police officer a few years before and said he and many of his peers questioned the idea at the time. “[We] were thinking what in the world is this? What do they expect us to do? Go out, kiss babies, shake hands, that type of thing?” he said. “We’re like, ‘Oh, no. We’re not doing that.

We’re here to enforce laws.’”

“Over the years, we’ve realized you can’t just be out there and be an occupying police force. You have to engage with the public to keep them informed of what we’re doing,” he said.

“That’s what we’re trying to do, ultimately: connect with the community and build our credibility.”

And Laroche, who started in law enforcement nearly 30 years ago, said outreach then was more “boots on the ground, walking through businesses, meeting people that way.

Now, he said, “you have all these people – as they say – just a click away.“

The Essex Reporter | Thursday, April 18, 2019 | 5

Education loses an innovator

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRIS DODGE

Fletcher Elementary School sixth grader Monica King shares a book she wrote with Franklin West Supervisory Union Superintendent Ned Kirsch.

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Former Essex principal Ned Kirsch has died Vermont’s educational community has been mourning the loss of one of its own.

Franklin West Superintendent Ned Kirsch, of Essex, died unexpectedly April 3. He was in his early 50s.

Prior to assuming the leadership of Franklin West in 2010, Kirsch served as the principal at Essex Middle School for ten years.

“It would be an understatement to say that Ned will be missed. The pride he felt for the students, staff, and administrators in the supervisory union was evident in his infectious smile and the enthusiasm with which he greeted every day,” the supervisory union said in a statement announcing Kirsch’s death. “’We have 1,698 reasons to come to work every day,’ he was known to say, and he helped us share ‘a belief in what is possible’ by believing in all of us.”

Linda Keating, Director of Curriculum at Franklin West, said, “Vermont has lost a tremendous leader in innovative education. Ned’s forward thinking pushed us all to do better for our students.”

Kirsch himself said, shortly after assuming the reins at Franklin West, “We have to have students who can

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6 | The Essex Reporter | Thursday, April 18, 2019

Letters to the editor The students in Timiny Bergstrom’s class at the Summit Street School as part of a lesson on writing pieces to persuade others. We will run additional letters next week.

People shouldn’t kill animals Did you know how most animals die? By humans killing them! One way humans kill animals is use them in science experiments, helping people, not animals. That’s disrespectful. I don’t like it. Let’s change it!

First, animals have less protection than humans, and more predators! Want to hear some bad things humans do? They make lots of pollution, fighting in wars which destroys ground, and they hunt.

Also animal population is less than human, if there is any killing animals should do it (though I hope not).

Imagine a world without animals, there would be no food, nothing to enjoy from nature, that might happen to us!

Animals have lived way more than humans, yet humans have done way more bad things on earth than animals. (I wish I was an animal!)

Just the other day, I thought ‘oh, we don’t need animals,’ but know I’m wrong because we would die!

I haven’t said enough, but it’s time to move onto to move onto the next reason!

Lastly, you don’t need to do experiments. You are smart enough and have enough, you don’t need more, be done!

Imagine a world without people, there would be everything needed less death and pollution. It would be perfect. We don’t need ourselves!

I have a dream of less killing of animals, and I hope you understand it, because that could change the world. Everything is special! I hope things change with us as the years go by. Now you know all of my story.

Roland Toys-R-Us a special place Since Toys-R-Us closed about 80 percent of kids are a little sad. Kids love Toys-R-Us and we should

appreciate it. So I hope this letter will make it so that kids will see that Toys-R-Us is a special place.

We should appreciate Toys R Us because kids like to get toys. Toys R Us is a popular toy store that kids love. Another reason is that kids like to run through the aisles. And Toys R Us has so many toys!!!

Here’s an example. My little brother loves to play in the big cars at Toys R Us. And Toys R Us has so many toys it’s hard for me to decide what toy to get.

It takes me 13 minutes to decide… And sure, I’m only nine, but I want for everyone to appreciate Toys R Us. The second reason is Toys R Us is a kids place because the whole store is filled with toys. And they have candy at Toys R Us. Also they don’t just have toys, they also have baby stuff. Also they have board games and video games/consoles and so many more cool toys!!!

Andy the don’t just have one Toys R us. They have more Toys R Us all around the world.

Lastly, I’m going to teach you about kids emotions/actions at Toys R Us. Like maybe about a year ago I saw a kid so happy to be at Toys R Us, and I’ve seen kids really happy to be at Toys R Us. But just imagine if your favorite store closed, how would you feel? You would probably feel so sad. We should appreciate Toys R Us because it makes children feel happy. Kids always feel happy at Toys R Us. Now do you see how special Toys R Us is? I hope you did because I learned a whole lot about Toys R Us. Also I hope you visit Toys R Us. Wait don’t go, I have more to say, like just imagine if you were at Toys R Us, how would you feel? Those are reasons why you should appreciate Toys R Us. James

Child abuse prevention month Gov. Phil Scott signed a proclamation for Child Abuse Prevention Month on April 2nd. I appreciate the ceremony at the Statehouse and the attention that it draws to the need that every child has, to be loved and safely nurtured. Every child, every day requires at least one adult who provides that love

and is committed to her healthy development and well-being. All our children will reach their potential and contribute to their community’s economic viability and stability, if they have safe, stable and nurturing homes to grow up in.

We have a role to play. We can be a good family member or a supportive neighbor to a single parent or parents of young children who would benefit from some time to themselves. Babysitting, or simply taking time to listen to a parent, can make a great difference in the lives of both a parent and his child.

Mentoring an elementary age or middle school child can make a world of difference in that child’s present and future. Knowing that someone as nice and as good as you, finds value in spending time with them can help a young person imagine being a successful student and adult. We learn to take chances in life, in good ways, based on how others see us. Children need our time and interest much more than they need material things!

There are many opportunities in Vermont to volunteer to help children and families. Our local Parent Child Centers, Dream and Prevent Child Abuse Vermont, are some of the many organizations in need of caring volunteers.

Speak up if you fear a child may be at risk of being abused. Call Prevent Child Abuse Vermont’s Help Line at 1-800-CHILDREN (800-244-5373) to discuss concerns about a child and call the Vermont Department for Children and Families to report suspicion of child abuse or neglect. Their central number is 1-800-649-5285 and is available 24 hours a day.

As you read this, please remember to think about how you can make a true difference in the life of a child with your time, your talents and your treasure.

Vermont will only continue to be as beautiful as it is, to the extent that our children are nurtured and protected today. Child Abuse Prevention Month is a reminder of this important commitment that we share. Learn more by visiting pcavt.org.

Linda E. Johnson Executive director of Prevent Child Abuse Vermont

MESSAGES FROM MONTPELIER chittenden 8-3

chittenden 8-1

chittenden 8-2

REP. LINdA MyERS (R)

REP. dyLAN GIAMBATISTA (d)

REP. BOB BANCROFT (R)

lindakmyers@comcast.net, 878-3514

dylan@vtdylan.com, 734-8841

bancroft.vt@gmail.com, 879-7386

REP. MARyBETH REdMONd (d)

REP. LORI HOUGHTON (d)

marybethredmond@comcast.net, 488-0531

houghton.lori@gmail.com, 373-0599

By REP. BOB BANCROFT It was a relatively slow week on the floor of the House. Committees were busy working on bills that have come over from the Senate.

Ten bills came before the full House. With the exception of a couple of town charter changes, the bills were either Senate bills sent over to the House or House bills passed earlier in the session that the Senate wanted amended. I do not believe any of them are of wide spread interest to voters in Essex and Westford.

A complete listing of bills passed by the House and the Senate can be found at https://legislature.vermont. gov/bill/passed/2020.

There is one Senate bill, S.126, that hopefully will come up for a vote in both legislative chambers. S.126 will restore the medical cost income tax deduction that was eliminated in the 2017 rewrite of Vermont’s tax code which took effect in the 2018 tax year.

While the elimination does not affect a large number of tax payers, it has had a profound impact on individuals or families with very large medical expenditures. Without the deduction, the increased state tax liability can be in the thousands. A single person who spends their entire Social Security and pension/retirement income on medical care will have to pay Vermont income taxes on all their income except for the $7,000 standard deduc-

tion. The elimination of the medical deduction is expected to increase tax revenues by $3 to $4 million. That is $3 to$4 million that Vermonters would have had to cover their catastrophic expenses. Unfortunately, nothing can be done for the 2018 tax year.

H.439, which doubles the tax on heating fuels, is running in to trouble in the Senate. The additional tax revenue was to go toward weatherization (about 425 homes). H.439 was hotly debate and condemned by some (me included) as a regressive tax which would be borne disproportionately by low income people who likely have poorly insulated homes. It will be interesting to see what the Senate does.

Two controversial Senate bills

CHITTENdEN COUNTy SENATORS Tim Ashe (D/P), Phil Baruth (D), Debbie Ingram (D), Ginny Lyons (D), Chris Pearson (D/P), Michael Sirotkin (D) email: firstinitial.lastname@leg.state.vt.us

currently being considered in House committees are S.23 and S.54. S.23 is the minimum wage bill. It proposes to raise the current minimum wage of $10.78 to $15.00 in 2024. S.54 deals with the regulation of cannabis, the current preferred term for marijuana. The 68 page bill sets forth regulations on the growing, marketing, sale and taxing of marijuana. Both promise to generate lengthy and intensive debates on the floor of the House.

On a sad note, the House lost one of its members last week. Robert Forguites represented the Windsor 3-2 District and lived in West Springfield.

Bob and I were both freshmen in 2015.

We became good friends and held similar views on a verity of issues.

The Essex Reporter | Thursday, April 18, 2019 | 7

Perspective

Environmental sustainability with greener labs

By Vy Cao Human’s current carbon footprint is destroying the one place everyone calls home, earth. Urbanization rates are predicted to increase in the future meaning the need for natural resources and energy and waste production will rise as well.

Thanks to developments in research, technology, and medical advancements, the life span of humans has been prolonged immensely. However, this came at a price. The amount of waste laboratories produce is very high. Disposing waste has high costs, especially if the waste is contaminated. The United States generates about 254 million tons of waste. In 2014, labs were responsible for 5.5 million tons of waste which only consisted of plastics, not glass or anything else. We can improve a lab’s environmental impact by promoting more sustainable green labs.

Green labs have recycling programs for lab materials such as glass and plastic which can be recycled without losing its quality or purity and used as a substitute for 95% of raw materials.

Without recycling, waste ends up in a landfill or an incinerator consumes energy and contributes to the greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and overflow of landfill waste which will exacerbate the current climate change situation.

The recycling business also creates over 200,000 jobs in the U.S. which provides some sustainability to the job market.

Industries could even join this fight and work with labs to help recycle their waste if they purchase the products from them.

Kimberly-Clark have implemented a glove recycling program

for institutions willing to pay to ship the gloves back. This would be a win-win situation for both parties.

Waste production doesn’t only pose a problem for the environment, but it also affects our health negatively. Having a greener lab will also improve everyone’s health. The amount of toxic chemicals and waste people need to interact with will be cut down. Pollution prevention and source reduction are important when it comes to cutting down on environmental impacts.

Of course, implementing a green lab can be tedious and require an initial investment, but many have done so with great success. Universities such as Stanford, Oregon State, and Columbia have become eco-friendly and initiated recycling programs. Besides saving our planet, recycling lab waste saves money for labs. Columbia was able to recycle 50% of their glass waste and saw a 40% decrease in glassware disposal expenses.

If we can afford to invest the initial time and resources, it will be worth it in the end.

How can you help? We need to stop the pollution at the source, be more labconscious, and implement lab recycling programs. Time and money are important, but so are the consequences of our environmental footprint. I urge you to reach out to your community leaders, local research facilities, and even industries to make environmental issues one of their priorities. Being more conscious of our actions will leave our planet in a better condition than it is now and allow us to further the research world. Our future generations depend on it.

Vy Cao is an Essex resident, EHS graduate and MPG grad student at the University of Vermont.

Educational Reform: Back to the Future

By William J. mathis With shades of déjà vu, another state school reform proposal has thudded down; this one touted as a vision of a “modern education system.” Unfortunately, it is more a remnant of a failed past rather than a view of a promising future. It is a mélange of thirty years of unsuccessful neoliberal reforms with non-Vermonty authoritarian overtones. Most puzzling, this new “blueprint” proposes unsupported solutions to undefined problems.

The Phantom Problem - Claiming an “overly complex system. . . as the chief cause of our inefficiency” (with no documentation or proof for either end of this vague claim), a single statewide school system is proposed eliminating school boards, superintendents and all but vestigial citizen involvement. Overlooked is the research that tells us that highly centralized systems perform less efficiently.

We might also look back to Vermont’s past where over 25 such plans entertained us during the past century. These schemes crashed for, in large measure, separating the people from their schools.

It is a particularly strange time for such a tone-deaf proposal. Thoughtful observers across the nation caution us about disempowering the citizenry, the dangerous decline in civic participation, and unchecked commercial and government agents collecting and misusing data.

Defining the “inefficiency” The plan rightly says we must have “quality data.” Unfortunately, it doesn’t use quality data. Beginning with the oft-quoted, mis-quoted and very impor-

tant cost of education, the blueprint uses national union estimates to claim Vermont spending is $23,557 per pupil as compared to a national average of $11,787. There is no need to rely on “estimates.” Official government numbers are available. The real numbers show Vermont spends a smaller amount than reported of $19,627 and the nation spends a greater amount at $13,474. To be sure, Vermont still has higher per pupil expenditures but a data driven plan missing the real number by $6000 per student (about 25%) raises eyebrows. While the blueprint says that Vermont spending is not decreasing at the same rate as the decline in students, that’s not the whole picture. The nation’s spending went up 3.9% while Vermont went down 3.2% “Design team” vs. Democratic Participation The blueprint begins with a return to the past invoking the spirit of the 1968 Vermont Design. But the contrast is inappropriate. Vermonters of that day embraced citizen participation with great fervor. As befits a democracy, the Vermont Design involved citizens from every town, village, and walk of life. In contrast, the new blueprint was developed by an unnamed “small design team, based on expertise and experience.” This exclusion of the public is justified by saying, “A design strategy is more applicable to the Vermont context since Vermont will be facing a series of adaptive challenges that will require new solutions” (p.7). The reader is left adrift as to what such a vague proclamation means. It is certainly true that life is a series of chal-

lenges requiring new solutions but such fuzzy and rhetorical abstractions provide no substance, guidance nor rationale.

Back to the Past: our real problem – there are two fundamental omissions The first is the absence of emphasis on improving the quality of education. Beyond having a state curriculum which the state would “supervise and coordinate,” little is said. If we value the diverse talents of children, we must also value building long-boats, studying around campfires in snowfields, and peering at galaxies.

The second is the absence of purpose. Our biggest problem is the achievement gap. The blueprint presumption is that a grand unified school system will somehow solve this problem. It lacks a guiding star. Education’s primary role is to maintain and strengthen a democracy.

It is a universal public good and draws its power from the people, generously and fairly-shared among all children. It is about the core values and necessities of a civilization. It is the continuous building and rebuilding of knowledge, skills and community. Perhaps our ancestors had the better view and the more accurate instincts. Rather than an aggressive surrender to the fears of the present, we are better served to go back to the best of our future.

William J. Mathis is the Managing Director of the National Education Policy Center and a member of the Vermont State Board of Education. The views expressed are not necessarily the views of any organization with which he is affiliated.

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8 | The Essex Reporter | Thursday, April 18, 2019

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By JOE GONILLO

Routes 15 & 100, Morrisville, VT Routes 15 & 100, Morrisville, VT harlmontvt.com • ReSeRVaTionS: 802-888-4242 thecharlmontvt.com • ReSeRVaTionS: 802-888-4242

Ea EEaster Eas aEaster as s Sunday Sunday April 2019 April 21,21, 2019 Easter Sunday Easter Sunday April 21, 2019 Breakfast Buffet

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Easter this weekend. Go easy on the ham and sticky buns! Got to love vacations though. Finish week strong and enjoy the break. Full sports schedule this week; sporadic next week.

Spring Coaches: • Girls tennis – Laury Shea, Dennis Langdell • Boys tennis – Christian Sibucao • Softball – Eric Rutz, Bernie Couture, Mike Thweatt, Steve Ferreira, Peter Monty • Baseball – Chris Richard, Wayne Courcy, Liam Coulter, Gabe ColeReg Re egu gula l r Bre rea re eakf kfa fas ast Me M nu Se S rveed 7 to t 11 a.m.. man, Matt Currier Routes 15 & 100, Morrisville, VT • Girls lacrosse – Grace O’Neil, Brooke Panton, Linnea Willey Routes 15 & 100, Morrisville, VT thecharlmontvt.com • ReSeRVaTionS: 802-888-4242 • Boys lacrosse – Dean Corkum, Served 8 to Noon802-888-4242 thecharlmontvt.com Served • ReSeRVaTionS: 8 to Noon Scott Edwards, Patrick Ivory, Ira Served 8 Station to Noon• Waffle Station Egg Station • Omelette Isham, Dave Neil EggHome Station • Omelette Station • Waffle Station Fries • French Toast and Pancakes with Maple Syrup Egg Station • Omelette Station • Waffle Station • Track and Field – Katie White, Home Fries • French ToastServed and Pancakes with Syrup Bacon • Sausage Gravy • VT Maple Maple Sausage 8Biscuits to Noon Adam Lacrosse, Nick Smith, V FriesGravy • French Toast and Pancakes with Maple Syrup Bacon • Home Sausage Biscuits • VT Maple Sausage Chase Fresh Fruit • Pastries • Assorted Juices Egg Station • Omelette Station • Waffle Station • Boys rugby – David Meek Bacon •• Sausage Gravy Biscuits • VT Maple Sausage Fresh Fruit Pastries • and Assorted Juices Served 8 to Noon adults...$11.95 Kids Under 8...$6.95 Home Fries • French Toast Pancakes with Maple Syrup • Girls rugby – Emily Morgan, Gary Bacon Sausage Gravy Biscuits •• VT Maple Kids Station •• Omelette Station • • •adults...$11.95 •Egg • •• •Fresh • • Fruit •• •Pastries •Under • Station •• Assorted •8...$6.95 •• Waffle • Juices • • Sausage • • • • • • • Sturgis, Melissa Dean Fresh Fruit Pastries • Assorted Juices ••French Pancakes with Maple Syrup • • • • Regular • Home • • •Fries •Breakfast •Adults...$11.95 • • ••Toast • • and • • • • • • • • • • • • • Ultimate – Chas Legge; Doug Menu Served 7 to 11 a.m.

KidsUnder Under8...$6.95 8...$6.95 Shatz Bacon •adults...$11.95 Sausage Gravy Kids Biscuits • VT Maple Sausage

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Breakfast Buffet

Easter Sunday Breakfast Buffet Easter Sunday April 21, 2019

Regular Breakfast Menu Served 7 to 11 a.m.

April 21, 2019

Dinner Buffet Dinner Buffet Breakfast Buffet Breakfast Buffet Served Noon to 6 p.m.

• Includes Salad Bar and Dessert Table Dinner Buffet Served Noon to 6 p.m. • Includes Salad Bar and Dessert Table Dinner Buffet Served Noon to 6 p.m. • Includes Salad Bar and Dessert Table Dinner Specials Served NoonDinner to 7 p.m. • Includes Salad Bar and Dessert Table Buffet Dinner Specials DinnerSpecials Buffet Dinner Served Noon to 7 p.m. • Includes Salad Bar and Dessert Table Served Noon to 7 p.m. • Includes Salad Bar and Dessert Table Dinner Specials Regular Breakfast Menu Served 7 to 11 a.m.

• • • •Noon • • Fresh • •6 p.m.

•Fruit • ••••Includes • • • •• •Assorted • •Bar • •Juices • •Dessert • • • Table • • Pastries Served to Salad and

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adults...$11.95 Under 8...$6.95 Carved Maple-Glazed Ham and VT Roasted Turkey Breast Served 8 toKids Noon Syracuse last weekend. They went 0-3 Leg of Lamb • Fried Shrimp • Baked Haddock • • • • Egg • •Station • • • • Omelette • • • •Station • • •• Waffle • • •Station • • • • • • • • • on the annual NY pilgrimage, gaining Carved Maple-Glazed HamServed and VT8 Roasted to Noon Turkey Breast valuable experience and team spirit.

Gravy • Cornbread Stuffing • Roasted Red Potatoes Home Fries •Station French Toast and Pancakes with Maple Syrup Served Noon to 6 p.m.

• Includes Salad and Dessert Table Egg • Omelette Station •Bar Waffle Station LegCarved of Lamb • Fried Shrimp • Baked Haddock They began the trip with a 10-8 loss Maple-Glazed Ham and VT Roasted TurkeyRolls Breast Rice Pilaf • Vegetable Medley • Homemade Bacon • Sausage Gravy Biscuits • VT Maple Sausage Home Fries • French Toast and Pancakes with Maple Syrup to Cicero-North. Chris Davis scored Gravy Carved • Cornbread Stuffing • Roasted Red Potatoes Maple-Glazed Ham and VT Roasted Turkey Breast FruitKids • • Assorted Juices LegFresh of• Lamb • Pastries Fried •• Baked Haddock adults...$18.95 5 toShrimp 8...$9.95 Under 5...FRee Bacon Sausage Gravy Biscuits VTKids Maple Sausage three goals and had an assist. Grady Rice Pilaf • Vegetable •Under Homemade Rolls adults...$11.95 Kids Gravy • Cornbread Stuffing • Red Potatoes Leg of Lamb •Medley Fried Shrimp •8...$6.95 Baked Haddock Fresh Fruit • Pastries • Roasted Assorted Juices Corkum two goals, Luke Meunier one Carved Maple-Glazed Ham and VT Roasted Turkey Breast adults...$18.95 Kids to• 8...$9.95 Under • • • • Rice • • Pilaf • adults...$11.95 • ••5•Vegetable • • • Medley •Kids • Kids •Under •• •Homemade •8...$6.95 • • 5...FRee • • Rolls • • • • goal, Carter Frankenhoff one goal and Gravy Stuffing • Roasted RedHaddock Potatoes Leg•ofCornbread Lamb • Fried Shrimp • Baked Cam Frankenhoff one goal. Aidan • adults...$18.95 • • • • • • • •Kids • • 5•to• 8...$9.95 • • • • •Kids • • Under • • • 5...FRee • • • • • Gravy Cornbread Stuffing • Roasted Red Potatoes Haggerty made 12 saves. They fell to Rice • Pilaf • Vegetable Medley • Homemade Rolls Roast VT Turkey with Cornbread Stuffing...$17.95 Liverpool 18-4. Corkum, Davis, Sam Rice Pilaf • Vegetable Medley • Homemade Rolls Served Noon to 6 p.m.Kids • Includes Salad Bar and Dessert Table Adults...$18.95 5 to King...$21.95 8...$9.95 Kids Under 5...FREE Bowen and Carter Frankenhoff all Roast Prime Rib Au Jus: / Queen...$18.95 adults...$18.95 Kids 5 to 8...$9.95 Kids Under 5...FRee Carved Maple-Glazed and VTSalad Roasted Turkey Served Noon to 6 p.m. Ham • Includes Bar and Breast Dessert Table scored. Haggerty stopped 18 shots.

Baked Maple-Glazed Ham with Raisin Sauce...$16.95 Leg ofMaple-Glazed Lamb FriedHam Shrimp •VTBaked Haddock Roast VT Turkey with• Cornbread Carved andStuffing...$17.95 Roasted Turkey Breast The girls lacrosse team lost to Roast VT Turkey with Cornbread Stuffing...$17.95 8 oz.

Filet with a Burgundy Demi Glace...$21.95 Gravy •Mignon Cornbread • Roasted Red Potatoes Roast Prime Rib Au /•Wine Queen...$18.95 Rutland 13-4 Friday. Emma Whitney Leg ofJus: LambKing...$21.95 •Stuffing Fried Shrimp Baked Haddock Roast Prime Au Jus:Medley King...$21.95 / Queen...$18.95 Rice Pilaf •Rib Vegetable Homemade Baked Sea Scallops...$18.95 scored twice, Abby Robbins had a goal Gravy • Fresh Cornbread Stuffing ••Roasted Red Rolls Potatoes Baked Maple-Glazed Ham• with Raisin Sauce...$16.95 Served Noon to 7 p.m.

Includes Salad Bar and Dessert adults...$18.95 Kids 5 to 8...$9.95 Kids Under Baked Maple-Glazed Ham with Raisin Sauce...$16.95 Fresh Baked Stuffed Haddock...$17.95 Served Noon to 7•p.m.

• Includes Salad Bar and 5...FRee Dessert Table Tableand an assist and Maddy Young added Rice Pilaf Vegetable Medley • Homemade Rolls 8 oz. Filet8 Mignon with aTurkey Burgundy Wine Wine DemiStuffing...$17.95 Glace...$21.95 Roast VT Filet • • oz.

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• Includes Bar and Dessert Table rison and Carlota Jensen but lost 6-5 • • • • ••8• •Mimosa...$5.75 •• ••Mignon •• •Turkey •Raisin • ••ofGlace...$21.95 • •Baked •Filet • Bloody •• with •• a••Cornbread •• • •with • •• Stuffing...$17.95 • •• •Glass ••Wine...$6.00 •• •• • • • •• • to the Red Raiders. oz. with Burgundy Wine Demi Roast VT Maple-Glazed Ham Sauce...$16.95 Mary...$5.75 Served Noon to 7 p.m. • Includes Salad Bar and Dessert Table Roast PrimeFresh Rib AuBaked Jus: King...$21.95 / Queen...$18.95 The baseball team opened with a Sea Scallops...$18.95 VT Turkey with Cornbread Stuffing...$17.95 8 oz.Baked FiletRoast Mignon with aHam Burgundy Wine Demi Glace...$21.95 Full Available Full Bar Bar Available Maple-Glazed with Raisin Sauce...$16.95 7-0 shutout over MMU. Cory Giannelli FreshRib Baked Stuffed Haddock...$17.95 Roast Prime Au Jus: King...$21.95 / Queen...$18.95 Monday 8 a.m.

3 p.m.

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Dinner Specials Drink Specials Dinner Specials

Drink Specials Drink Specials Drink Specials - 3•p.m.

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-• 6• p.m.

• • • •7•a.m.

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• • • •• Sunday • • • Full • • 7•Bar • •Available • • •

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ay -Friday Saturday 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Sunday 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.

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- 3 p.m. •Bloody Tuesday - ursday a.m. - 8 p.m.

Mimosa...$5.75 Mary...$5.75 Glass of7Wine...$6.00 Mimosa...$5.75 Bloody Mary...$5.75 Glass of Wine...$6.00 Friday Saturday 7 a.m.

- 9 p.m.

• Sunday 7 a.m.

- 6 p.m.

Monday- 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

• Tuesday - ursday 7 a.m.

- 8 p.m.

Friday - Saturday a.m. -• 9Tuesday p.m. • Sunday 7 a.m.

- 6 p.m.

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- ursday 7 a.m.

- 8 p.m.

Friday - Saturday 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Sunday 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.

stole two bases. Tate Bostwick had two RBI’s. Patrick Morgan threw two innings in relief with three Ks. The softball team beat Mount Mansfield 13-2. Molly Bruyns led the offense with hits including a HR, 2B, and five RBIs. Kaylan Ferreira two hits and two RBIs, Maddie Catella and Logan Pollard had two hits and an RBI while Ainsley Thorne smashed a 2B and 2 RBIs. Pollard was the WP going 4 innings 4 K’s helping coach Eric

Rutz to his first career EHS victory.

The track and field team opened up with a strong showing at BHS last week. Winners include Wyatt Lamell, Ryan Guerino,Henry Farrington, Peter Alden, Jamaal Hankey, B/G 400m relay, B 4x800m relay, Jackson Baker, Michael Baker, Erin Noel, Gabby Schmeida, Lily Bulger, Maria Campo, Hannah Brisson, Lizzie Martell, and Nejla Hadzic. Meet on Thursday at BHS and annual Vacational Wednesday during break.

Girls tennis, 0-1, lost 4-3 to SB. Destina Suren, Maya Asher, and Lauren Riley all won their singles matches. Boys tennis, 1-1, fell to the Wolves 6-1. David Knickerbocker won his singles match.

Congrats to Hornet Sr. Robbie Meslin who earned a spot on the BFP 29th All-State Boys Hoop Team. A solid student/athlete, he averaged 15 pts/g this winter along with 5.3 boards, and 4 assists leading Essex to a 13-win season.

The VT Shamrocks 16-and-under girls’ hockey team blitzed the Baldwin Riverfalls BlackCats (Wisconsin) 5-0 on Monday morning to win the USA Hockey Tier II girls hockey national championship. Essex’s Abby Robbins scored a goal in the game. Four the tourney she had 4 goals and 3 assists.

Tiger wins The Masters for the fifth time. Snapped an 11-year drought between majors, 14 years between Masters, and captured his 15th major championship. Consistent and clutch play since Thursday. He performance Saturday and especially Sunday was legendary. Happy for him. Thought of Terry Bechtel, my mother-in-law, who was a HUGE Tiger fan.

Sad day last week when I found out that one of my all-time favorite restaurants, the Manor in West Orange, NY has closed all of its Buffet Dining. No lunch, no Sundays, and the worst of all no more Lobster Buffet on weekend evenings.

Condolences to the family of Connie Savage. So very sorry to hear of her passing. She was a friend and colleague at EHS. Appreciated her work and friendship. She would collect ALL pencils and pens she found in hallways and on floors every night and drop off on my desk. I had more writing implements for students who...forgot their pens/pencils...than Kinney’s or Staples! Tina and I will miss her.

Happy Birthday nephew Hudson Stark, nieces Madison and Sydney Peet, Dean “the Dream” Corkum, Sudden Sam Couture, Chinelo Asanya, Russ Auger, Rob Stephenson, Jess Dows, Shellie Dunham, Rylie and Paige Hathaway, Jess Steel, Jay Vallieres, Marie and Anne Guillette, Larry Ransom, Katie Brady, Dee Meunier, and Steve Line.

OF ATHLETES THE WEEK

The Essex Reporter | Thursday, April 18, 2019 | 9

NEJLA HADziC

Junior: Track & Field

CHriS DAviS

Hadzic, a runner-up in both hurdles races in last spring’s Division I state championships, started her season with a pair of sprint victories on April 11 at Burlington H.S. The junior was first in the 100-meter dash by just .13 seconds in a field of 62 runners, and running just her second 200-meter race again came out on top, winning by .35 seconds.

Protect her future.

Always.

Sophomore: Lacrosse Davis led the Hornets offense in its losses to Cicero-North and Liverpool in their early season trip to New York, netting a team-high four goals in the two matches along with an assist. Davis had three for a hat trick against Cicero-North, and also set up a goal in the 10-8 loss April 12. He was one of four Essex players with a goal each the next day in am 18-4 loss to Liverpool.

Jules on the Green is a proud sponsor of athletes in our community.

Let me help you navigate

Estate Planning, Wills, Trusts, Elder Law, Special Needs Planning and Probate Matters

Holly K. Lemieux, Esq., PLLC Attorney at Law

802-871-5410 21 Carmichael St., Ste. 201 Essex Jct., VT Holly@Lemieux-Law.com www.plantogetherlaw.com

10 | The Essex Reporter | Thursday, April 18, 2019

Local Shamrock players win New England title

Girls ruGby opens season COURTESY PHOTO

Essex High School girls rugby hosted the season opening tournament at Maple Street Park last Saturday featuring teams from South Burlington, Capital city, Saratoga and Albany. Essex won 3 lost 1.

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Send your sports photos to ben@essexreporter.com

summer camps

The Essex Reporter | Thursday, April 18, 2019 | 11

5 reasons camp is a good choice Summer vacation offers students a respite from lessons and the routine of school. Children might once have eagerly awaited those final days of classes so they could lounge poolside, skip rocks across ponds and spend the long days of the season playing with friends. But many of today’s youngsters spend much of their summer vacations indoors playing with their digital devices.

Perhaps that’s why one of the last vestiges of the classic summer vacation escape — summer camp — remains such a viable option for parents who want their children to get outdoors once the school year ends Although kids needn’t be in camp all summer long, a week or two can benefit campers of all ages.

The following are five reasons why summer camp might be the right fit this year.

1. Explore talents. Summer camps help young people explore their unique interests and talents. Under an organized, yet often easygoing, camp schedule,

STOCK PHOTO

kids can dabble in sports, arts and crafts, leadership, community support, and so many other activities that may not be fully available to them elsewhere.

2. Physical activity: Lots of camps build their itineraries around physical activities that takes place outdoors. Campers may spend their time swimming, running, hiking, playing sports, climbing, and so much more. This can be a welcome change for kids accustomed to living sedentary lifestyles. Regular physical activity has many health benefits and can set a foundation for healthy habits as an adult.

3. Gain confidence. Day and sleepaway camps offer campers the opportunity to get comfortable in their own skin. Camps can foster activities in self-esteem by removing the academic measures of success and fill in with noncompetitive opportunities to succeed. Campers learn independence, decision-making skills and the ability to thrive outside of the shadow of their parents, siblings or other students.

4. Try new things. Camp gives children the chance to try new things, whether that’s learning to cook, exploring new environments or embracing a new sport or leisure activity. Opening oneself up to new opportunities can build character and prove enlightening for children.

5. Make new friends. Camp is a great place to meet new people and make lifelong friends. Campers flood in from areas near and far. This provides kids with a chance to expand their social circles beyond their immediate neighborhoods and schools.

Keep in touch with kids at camp Summer camp is an exciting way for children to spend their extended vacations from the classroom. Camps cater to various interests, including sports, crafts and even technological hobbies.

Children who attend overnight camps may spend several nights away from home. Some kids take this in stride, while others, possibly away from home for the first time, may experience some homesickness. Staying in touch while the kids are at camp can help alleviate fears and show children their parents care.

Camps now handle communication issues differently than they might have when today’s parents were campers. While it once common for campers to send handwritten letters or short missives home to mom and dad, technology has changed that. Today’s campers may have access to email accounts, or they even may be allowed to bring mobile phones along. This can facilitate communication, but it also may take away from the camping experience.

Parents need to find a balance between what might be too little or too much contact with campers. After all, camp is kids’ chance to grow independent for a few days or weeks.

• Learn camp rules. The camp will likely provide information regarding

correspondence. Camps may permit parents to send one-way emails and regular mail, but limit campers to handwritten letters only. Determine if mobile phones are allowed or should be left at home. Knowing the rules can help parents and kids plan accordingly.

• Pack correspondence supplies.

Send kids to camp with fun papers, stickers, pens, and other crafty items.

This way they’ll be inspired to write home once or twice. Provide brief lessons on how to address an envelope for campers who may not know how.

• Check blogs and texts. Some camps may blog about campers’ progress, post information on social media or send out mass texts. These messages can reassure parents that their youngsters are doing just fine. Figure out which tech options are available from camp administrators.

• Send a care package. Treat the campers to some supplies from home.

Pack camp-approved snacks and other reminders of home. Be sure to include enough for the entire cabin and your son or daughter will be the camp star.

• Expect some silence. If camp is going well and campers’ days are funfilled, they may be too busy for daily correspondence. Parents may get nervous when they don’t routinely see or hear from their children, but chances are everything is going swimmingly.

A CAMP FOR EVERY CHILD CAMPS SERVING ESSEX & ESSEX JUNCTION • Co-ed day camps for ages K-6, full-day, 7:30am - 6pm, M-F • Half-day Specialty Camps • A new theme each week • Focus on achievement, belonging, relationships and fun!

• Financial assistance available to elibible families

gbymca.org/camp-koda The Y’s Community Partner

12 | The Essex Reporter | Thursday, April 18, 2019

Youth on

Board

By DAVID VOEGELE Executive director of Essex CHIPS Griffin Pine is one of the dedicated volunteers for the Essex Teen and Tween Centers. He is 16 years old, and a sophomore in high school. As with many of the volunteers who make it possible for local youth to have a comfortable and welcoming haven after school, he is a former program participant. Years earlier, some high school and college students, under the supervision of professional staff,

“I have lived in Vermont all my life, and like they say, there is no place like home.”

Griffin Pine, Essex CHIPS volunteer

made it possible for Griffin to come to the Teen Center after school, and to participate in the Adventure Orientation Program.

I asked about Griffin’s favorite activities, in and out of school. He responded, “My favorite subjects would be Art and English…I am an active video gamer and I like to play MTG the card game, as well as hang out with friends and family.”

In what ways does the school and community support youth? Griffin said, “They (school) offer lots of help

First Congregational Church of Essex Junction, UCC A welcoming community, accepting and serving all in the Spirit of Christ

1 Church Street, Essex Junction, VT 05452 • (802) 878-5745 Our community of faith seeks God with inquisitive minds, warm hearts and a desire to help our community. We are an Open & Affirming Congregation. Everyone really is welcome!

We have inspiring worship services with Sunday School, seven musical groups, youth groups and many opportunities for adult fellowship. Our outreach includes a Food Pantry, Thrift Store, and international mission trips.

Learn more at www.fccej.org, on Facebook, First Congregational Church of Essex Junction UCC. Or email welcome@fccej.org

SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30-9:30am Traditional Worship with Nursery 10:15-11:15am Family Friendly Worship with Sunday School & Nursery

HOLY WEEK & EASTER SERVICES MAUNDY THURSDAY 4/18, 6pm GOOD FRIDAY 4/19, 7pm EASTER SUNRISE 4/21, 6am (outside Holy Family Church) EASTER BREAKFAST (at FCCEJ) 7-10am EASTER SUNDAY CELEBRATION SERVICES (at FCCEJ) 8:30 & 10:15am Senior Pastor: Mark Mendes Associate Pastor: Josh Simon

You know what would look great here? Your ad!

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and support through our careers as students... the community supports the youth with programs such as CHIPS, and after school activities that help encourage the youth to interact with one another.”

What are his goals for after high school? “Live my life the best I can and the way I want. One goal would be to hopefully go to college, and learn all I can for a job that interests me.” Does he see Vermont as part of his future?

“I think I do. I have lived in Vermont all my life, and like they say, there is

no place like home…although I might end up living somewhere else to pursue a future career, so I’m not sure.”

Griffin Pine is a community volunteer serving younger youth. I suspect in a few years some of those youth will be in high school, and will then be serving as volunteers for those who came after them. What a wonderful cycle of receiving from others, and then giving in return – a key characteristic of a healthy community.

Thanks Griffin for your contribution!

Essex woman arrested for armed robbery

By COLIN FLANDERS Police say an Essex woman used a gun to rob a convenience store in Colchester early Wednesday morning before attempting to do the same shortly after in South Burlington.

Theresa Marking, 22, pleaded not guilty in Vermont Superior Court on Wednesday to charges of assault and robbery with a weapon and attempted assault and robbery.

If convicted of the Colchester incident, she faces a minimum sentence of a year and a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.

Police say Marking brandished a black handgun and forced a cashier at the Colchester Champlain Farms to hand over about $130 from the cash register shortly after midnight on April 10.

The cashier described the woman to police as having blonde hair, standing about 5 feet 9 inches tall and wearing a green jacket with a red hat.

Police learned through surveillance footage later showed that she was also wearing gray sweatpants and black combat boots.

When a customer who was in the store approached the counter, the cashier said he can’t help right now because he’s being robbed, court records show.

Police say Marking then reached across the counter and grabbed the cash before running out of the store.

The customer told police he followed Marking outside as she left the store and saw her enter a silver/gray Honda Civic, which headed toward Winooski.

A nearby Winooski officer who heard reports of the robbery come in over the radio saw the Civic on Main Street and obtained a partial reading of the car’s plate, taking down the letters HEG, court records show.

As detectives investigated the Colchester incident, South Burlington police received a reported attempted robbery in the city. In that case, a female suspect matching the description of the Colchester suspect tried to rob the Champlain Farms along Williston Road, court records show.

The clerk refused and the woman left without incident.

A University of Vermont police officer saw a silver Volkswagen Jetta traveling along Shelburne Road shortly after, court records show.

Police say the vehicle was silver and occupied by several people, the officer followed it onto Interstate 89 to take a reading of the plate and found it read HEG820.

The officer continued following the vehicle as it pulled into the Price Chopper parking lot off Shelburne Road near Exit 13, at which point Marking exited the vehicle and went into the store. She was arrested and transported to the South Burlington police department.

Police say Marking’s clothing matched that seen on the suspect in the surveillance footage.

Colchester detectives interviewed Marking at the South Burlington station later that morning. She initially denied any knowledge of the robbery, saying she hadn’t ever been in Colchester, but later said she had limited memory of the time period during which the robbery occurred, telling detectives she had been using drugs at the time.

She eventually admitted that she received the weapon from an acquaintance and robbed the store to make good on a $3,000 drug debt one of her friends owed.

Marking was held at the Chittenden County Regional Correctional Facility on lack of $10,000 bail. Her next court date is April 18.

Legals TOWN OF ESSEX PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA/​PUBLIC ​HEARING MAY 9, 2019 - 6:30 P.M. MUNICIPAL CONFERENCE ROOM, 81 MAIN ST., ESSEX JCT., VT 1. Amendments to Agenda (if applicable) 2. Public Comments 3. Consent Agenda: ● Site Plan Amendment: Mattieu Investments, LLC: Proposed 1,600 SF addition to the existing building located at 183 Colchester Road in the Industrial (I1) Zone.

Tax Map 55, Parcel 6. ● Site Plan Amendment: Loan Oak–Essex, LLC: Proposed 24’x41’maintenance shed on property located at 32 Thompson Drive in the Resource Preservation District-Industrial (RPD-1) Zone. Tax Map 72, Parcel 7.

4. Site Plan Amendment and Master Plan Amendment: Public Hearing: HDI Real Estate, Inc.: Proposal to convert 2,945 SF of existing commercial space into three residential units. The property is located at 8 Carmichael Street in the Mixed Use Development-Commercial (MXD-C) & Business-Design Control (B-DC) Overlay District. Tax Map 091, Parcel 1, Lot 8​.

5. Site Plan Amendment: Public Hearing: HDI Real Estate, Inc: Proposal to replace, enlarge and relocate dumpster enclosures on the north side of 2, 4 & 8 Carmichael Street within the Essex Town Center. The property is located in the Mixed Use Development-Commercial (MXD-C) & Business-Design Control (B-DC) Overlay District. Tax Map 091, Parcel 1.

6. Site Plan: Public Hearing: Heco Rentals, LLC: Proposed 6,000 SF warehouse building, including 50’ buffer waiver, located at 16 Corporate Drive in the Resource Preservation District–Industrial (RPD-1) Zone. Tax Map 72, Parcel 3, Lot 16.

The Essex Reporter | Thursday, April 18, 2019 | 13

Skilled Property Maintenance Persons (Colchester, VT) Looking for reliable and self motivated people to fill several positions for the 2019 Spring/Summer season. Jobs will be in Chittenden County area. Average 40 hours per week.

Also hiring laborers and personnel able to drive a truck and trailer. Potential to turn into year round position. Must have valid drivers license and be willing to work hard to get the job done.

Job duties will include, but not limited to: • Spring Clean Up • Mowing/Trimming • Planting/Pruning

• Weeding • Mulching • Fall Clean Up

If interested, please call 802-355-8193 or email Highstandards802@gmail.com

Showcase of Homes

Chittenden County Community Bankers- Floating and Temporary Positions 7. Possible Follow-Up Discussion on ETC|NEXT There is no better time to join the NSB team!

8. Minutes: April 25, 2019

9. Other Business: e are looking for both full-time and temporary employees. These positions offer an excellent portunity to work forwebsite a premier Vermont savings bank inin1867.

Note: Please visit our at ​www.essex.org​ to view mutual agendas, application materials, andfounded minutes or stop at our office, 81 Main St., 2​nd​ Floor (7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)

mmunity Banker, Floating (full-time position) ●

This meeting will be recorded by Channel 17 and live streamed (YouTube).

As a Community Banker, Floating you will have the opportunity to work in multiple branches within our Chittenden County region and will receive a quarterly incentive and mileage. NSB offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, profit sharing, matching 401(K) retirement program, professional development opportunities, mileage and a quarterly incentive.

mporary Summer Community Bankers – generally May through August with the opportunity to County Community Bankers- Floating and Temporary Positions rk duringChittenden school vacations.

To advertise your There is no better time to join the NSB team!

Chittenden County Community Bankers - Floating and Temporary Positions

contact e Community Banker for both positions willtobe responsible for receiving and processinglistings customers’ is and no better time join the positions NSB team!

We are looking for bothThere full-time temporary employees.

These offer an excellent ancial transactions, customers’ needsbank with appropriate products and services, protecting your ad rep today! opportunity to workmatching for a premier Vermont mutual savings founded in 1867.

We are looking for both full-time and temporary employees. These positions offer an excellent tomeropportunity information and maintaining customer confidentiality.

802-524-9771 Community Banker, Floating (full-time position) to work for a premier Vermont mutual savings bank founded in 1867. e are looking candidates who will provide outstanding customer service, have ● Asfor a Banker, Community Banker, Floating youconsistently will have the opportunity to work in multiple branches (full-time position) Community Floating within our Chittenden County region and will receive a quarterly incentive and mileage. NSB Taylor Walters x 105 ellent communication skills, and will build rapport andtodevelop relationships with our valued ● As a Community Banker, Floating you will have the opportunity work in multiple offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, branches profit taylor.walters@essexreporter.com Chittenden County region program, and will receive a quarterly incentiveopportunities, and mileage. NSB tomers. within sharing,our matching 401(K) retirement professional development mileage offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, profit and a quarterly incentive.

sharing, matching 401(K) retirement program, professional development opportunities, mileage high school diploma, general education degree (GED) or equivalent is required.

Temporary Summer Community Bankers – generally May through August with the opportunity to and a quarterly incentive. work during school vacations.

e offer Temporary a comprehensive Community BankerMay training program toopportunity assist with Summer Community Bankers – generally through August with the to learning the fundamentals The Community Banker for both positions will be responsible for receiving and processing customers’ work during school vacations. financial transactions, matchingwork customers’ needs with appropriate productsby andaservices, this position and a positive environment supported teamprotecting culture.

The Community Bankerand formaintaining both positions will be confidentiality. responsible for receiving and processing customers’ customer information customer financial transactions, matchingwho customers’ needs with appropriate products and services, We are looking for candidates will consistently provide outstanding customer service, protecting have customer information andskills, maintaining confidentiality. excellent communication and willcustomer build rapport and develop relationships with our valued are looking for candidates who will consistently provide outstanding customer service, have We customers. excellent communication skills, and will build rapport and develop relationships with our valued A high school diploma, general education degree (GED) or equivalent is required. customers. ase submit your job application and resume to: We offer a comprehensive Community Banker training to assist with learning the fundamentals A high school diploma, general education degree (GED)program or equivalent is required. reers@nsbvt.com (Preferred) of this position and a positive work environment supported by a team culture.

We offer a comprehensive Community Banker training program to assist with learning the fundamentals mail: of this position and a positive work environment supported by a team culture.

rthfield Savings Bank Please submit your job application and resume to: man Resources Careers@nsbvt.com (Preferred) O. Box 7180 Please Or mail:submit your job application and resume to: (Preferred) Northfield Savings Bank rre, VTCareers@nsbvt.com 05641-7180 Or mail:Resources Human Northfield Savings Bank P.O. Box 7180 Human Resources Barre, VT 05641-7180 P.O. Box 7180 Barre, VT 05641-7180

Equal Opportunity Employer/Member FDIC Equal Opportunity Employer/Member FDIC Equal Opportunity Employer/Member FDIC

MOVE RIGHT IN! Don’t miss this turn-key Essex Townhome offering 3 bedrooms, an office, 3 baths, garage and more. In immaculate condition with a flexible floor plan including the option for a 1st floor OR 2nd floor master suite, updated kitchen with tiled backsplash, End Unit with extra windows, plenty of storage and wonderful back deck with bench seating. Easy access to schools, shopping and restaurants. Offered at $279,900.

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14 | The Essex Reporter | Thursday, April 18, 2019

FOR SALE Appliances

MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS MANAGER The Town of Essex Public Works Department is receiving applications for a half-time (20 hours per week) Municipal Buildings Manager to start July 1, 2019. Applicants are encouraged to apply who meet the position requirements as outlined in the job description. The salary is $30 per hour but may be adjusted depending on experience and qualification. The Town will consider applicants who are not fully qualified if a fully qualified applicant is not selected. A town-vehicle will be provided during normal work hours. This is a part-time position that will be eligible for only pro-rated leave accruals.

Information on the position and application requirements can be obtained from Travis Sabataso at the Town of Essex Municipal offices, 81 Main St., Essex Junction, VT, 05452 or by calling 1-802-878-1341. Materials can also be obtained online at https://www.essex.org/employmentopportunities.

The position is open until filled.

EOE.

MAPLE SYRUP Yates Family Farm Maple Syrup New 2019 Crop All Grades Gallon $44.00 Half Gallon $24.00 Quart $15.00 Pint $10.00.

Contact Garrys Barber Shop 38 C Park Street Essex Junction 802-878-4010

PAINTING EMPLOYMENT SERVICES For 42 years, Lafayette Painting has provided top quality, fairly priced, painting services for Chittenden County.

This winter, schedule your free estimate and see why we were voted the Best Household Painting Company in Vermont.

Call 802-863-5397 or visit lafayette paintinginc.com

CARPENTERS Frame & Finish Tired of short work weeks, no overtime and layoffs? Then join our company today.

45+ hours/week, secure employment, opportunity to advance.

Call Sweeney & Belisle or 802-355-0836 or email: pfssnb@gmail.com

JUMBO GEORGE FOREMAN grill, brand new, still in box. Asking $50 OBO. Call 802782-5000 MICROWAVE, SMALL SIZE, white, works great. Asking $25.

Please call 802-8686231 Boats OUTBOARD MOTOR, MERCURY, 2014 9.9, short shaft, 4-stroke, low hours excellent condition, perfect camp motor. Asking $1,500.

Call Pete at 802-8685778 Boating Equipment/ Supplies LIGHT WEIGHT ALUMINUM, docks Preseason sale! Low, low prices this week! 24 foot aluminum dock with cedar tops. $2495 with all the hardware.

802-372-8805 Vermontdock.com Clothing & Accessories LADIES SCRUB SHIRTS, 4 sized in 2XL, variety of colors. $5 each. Call 802-7824125

SANDLES, LADIES, SIZE 10 wide, brand new. Asking $10. 802782-4125 Children’s Items & Toys FIRST COMMUNION DRESS, girls size 7, white, comes with purse, only used once.

Asking $45 OBO. Call 802-933-6840 Crafts/Homemade Items/Sewing Mach SEWING MACHINE, BROTHER, 12 different stitches, still in box.

Paid $129. Asking $75.

Call 802-848-3336 Electronics/Cameras/Etc. DVD PLAYER, COMES with remote, works great. Asking $20, Call 802-8686790

Furniture CORNER DESK, TWO piece. $75.

802-796-4027 DRESSER, 6 DRAWERS, hardwood, in great shape. Asking $25. Call 802-8686231 OFFICE DESK, RECTANGLE, one piece, wood. Asking $50. Call 802-796-4027 Health Supplies/ Equipment AMERIGLIDE STAIRLIFT, LIKE NEW, Top stair to bottom stair 156 inches, 35 inches wide, rise of 1 step 8 inches, AC powered. 802-9338348 Lawn/Garden

PRIVACY HEDGES SPRING BLOWOUT SALES 6FT Arborvitae Reg. $179. Now $75.

Beautiful, Nursery Grown. FREE INSTALTV WALL MOUNT, LATION/FREE delivbrand new, fits up to ery, Limited Supply!

50” tv. Asking $20. Call Order NOW: 518-5361367 802-868-6790 www.lowcost Exercise/Sporting treefarm.com Equipment MOUNTAIN BIKE, PRIVACY HEDGES, WOMAN’S, Roadmas- ARBORVITAE (cedar). ter 6 speed, 24”. In Dark Americans, niagLADIES SLACKS, size good shape. Asking ara, or emerald green 14, one brown one $65. Call 802-868- 6 foot trees. Regular price $175, NOW gray. $4 each. 802- 6231 ONLY $55 EACH LIQ782-4125 LAPTOPS, DELL AND Compaq. Comes with Windows 7. Asking $75 each laptop. Call 802868-6231

UIDATION SPECIAL. While supplies last.

Also fruit trees, Rhododendrum, lilacs, shade trees, flowering trees, at liquidation pricing.

Low cost installation available on all trees with minimum order.

Call 802-372-8805 ask for Robin.

Pet Supplies DOG CAGE, SMALL, in good shape. Asking $25. Call 802-8686790 Produce/Turkeys/ HomemadeFood PICKLE BEETS, HOMEMADE, sells for $6 pint. Call 802-7824125 Wanted to Buy BUYING ANTIQUES Estate Merchandise, Collections. +45 Years Buying!

Call Ed Lambert 802-528-5651 or 802-782-1223 St. Albans Fair Prices Paid FREON R12 WANTED: CERTIFIED BUYER will PAY CA$H for R12 cylinders or cases of cans. (312) 2919169; www.refrigerant finders.com

Find the police reports

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The Essex Reporter | Thursday, April 18, 2019 | 15

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To place an ad, contact Taylor Walters at 524-9771 ext. 105 or taylor.walters@ essexreporter.com.

APR 18

16 | The Essex Reporter | Thursday, April 18, 2019

Community

18 Thursday

Easter Worship Services

Thursday, April 18

7:30 p.m., Easter Vigil, St. Lawrence Church, 158 West St., Essex Jct.

5:30 p.m., simple supper, 6:30 p.m., Maundy Thursday service, St. James Episcopal Church, 4 St. James Place, Essex Jct. 7 p.m., Maundy Thursday with Holy Communion service, Grace United Methodist Church, 130 Maple St., Essex Jct.

Friday, April 19 Noon, Good Friday Station of the Cross, St. Pius X Church, 20 Jericho Rd., Essex Jct. Noon, Good Friday service, St. James Episcopal Church, 4 St. James Place, Essex Jct. 3 p.m., Good Friday Station of the Cross, St. Lawrence Church, 158 West St., Essex Jct. 7 p.m., Passion of the Lord, Veneration of the Cross and Holy Communion, St. Pius X Church, 20 Jericho Rd., Essex Jct. 7 p.m., Easter service, Essex Alliance Church, 37 Old Stage Rd., Essex Jct.

Saturday, April 20 4:30 & 6 p.m., Easter service, Essex Alliance Church, 37 Old Stage Rd., Essex Jct. 6 p.m., Easter Vigil potluck dinner and service, St. James Episcopal Church, 4 St. James Place, Essex Jct.

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS

Sunday, April 21 6:30 a.m., Sunrise Service, Grounds of Holy Family Church, 36 Lincoln St., Essex Jct. 8 a.m., Easer Sunday Mass, St. Lawrence Church, 158 West St., Essex Jct. 8:30, 10 & 11:30 a.m., Easter service, Essex Alliance Church, 37 Old Stage Rd., Essex Jct. 8:30 a.m., Easter Sunday Mass, St. Pius X Church, 20 Jericho Rd., Essex Jct. 9:30 a.m., joint Easter Worship with the Vt. Korean American UMC, Grace United Methodist Church, 130 Maple St., Essex Jct. 10 a.m., Easter Sunday service, St. James Episcopal Church, 4 St. James Place, Essex Jct. 10:30 a.m., Easter Sunday Children’s Mass, St. Pius X Church, 20 Jericho Rd., Essex Jct.; Easter egg hunt at 11:30 a.m.

11 a.m., Easter Sunday Mass, Holy Family Church, 36 Lincoln St., Essex Jct.; no mass at 7:30 p.m.

For a more complete listing of Easter services being held in the Colchester, Essex and Milton areas, visit EssexReporter.com

HERE

To place an ad, contact Taylor Walters at 524-9771 ext. 105 or taylor.walters@essexreporter.com.

Food shelF 9 - 11 a.m. Thursdays and Saturdays, 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Tuesdays, Aunt Dot’s Place, 51 Center Rd. Essex Jct. Serving the communities of Essex, Westford, Jericho and Underhill. Visit auntdotsplace. com for more information.

Preschool PlaygrouP 9:30 - 11 a.m., Maple Street Recreation Center, 75 Maple St., Essex Jct. Join other caregivers and children for play time. We ask that you bring a drink and indoor shoes. seaTed yoga 10 - 10:30 a.m., Essex Area Senior Center. Class is free for EASC members, $2/session for non-members. Please call 876-5087 to register. seaTed Tai chi 12:30 - 1:30 p.m., EJRP Aspire, 74 Maple St., Essex Jct. adulT Book discussion Noon, Essex Free Library. This month discuss “An American Marriage” by Tayari Jones. droP-in kniTTing cluB 1 - 2 p.m., Essex Free Library.

Teen cenTer 2:30 - 5:45 p.m., Essex CHIPS, 2 Lincoln St., Essex Jct. Open to students attending ADL and EMS. Free; open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. lego cluB 3 - 4 p.m., Essex Free Library. chess cluB 3:30 p.m., Brownell Library.

We provide chess sets and you provide the strategy.

All ages and skill levels are welcome.

MounT MansField scale Modelers 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., Brownell Library, Essex Jct. An informal gathering of scale model enthusiasts and model builders. Show off projects, discuss modeling tips and techniques and gain inspiration from fellow modelers. Call 8790765 after 6 p.m. for more information.

Modern WesTern sTyle square dance 7:30 - 9 p.m., Maple Street Park. You don’t need to know how to dance - “If you can walk to music you can learn to square dance.” Email Wayne or Susan Pierce at sewpie@ aol.com.

19 Friday BaBy TiMe 9:30 a.m., Brownell Library.

Meet other families, read a board book, learn some sign language and play.

Mah Jongg 10 a.m. - noon, Essex Area Senior Ctr. Members play for free. Non-members pay $1/ visit.

Musical sTory TiMe 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., Essex

Free Library. Rock ‘n’ read with Caitlin on Friday mornings with books, songs and instruments. All ages.

kniTTing and crocheTing 1 - 2 p.m., Essex Area Senior Ctr.

Free verMonT sTaTe insPecTion day 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Green Mountain Harley. The service dept. will be happy to inspect your bike free of charge. No appt. needed.

sTeaM Fridays 3:30 - 4:30 p.m., Brownell Library. Create and explore with Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math. . For grades 1 and up.

Preschool Takes over The darkrooM gallery 5:30 - 7 p.m., Darkroom Gallery. On display will be a variety of art pieces on canvas that were created by 3-5 year-olds. Tickets can be purchased online in advance at ejrp.org or at the door on the night of.Tickets are $15 per adult and $5 per child (ages 3-17).Additional raffle tickets can be purchased with cash that evening before the drawings.Light refreshments and sparkling cider will be served.Dress for the evening is business casual.Proceeds from the event will support the purchase and installation of new playground equipment at the preschool.For more information, visit the website or call 878-1375.

Wing nighT 5:30 - 7 p.m., Essex VFW. Movie: FanTasTic BeasTs, The criMes oF grindeWald 6:20 - 8:35 p.m., Brownell Library. Rated PG-13, 134 min. Free popcorn & drinks!

20 saTurday heavenly cenTs ThriFT shoP 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Spring Grand Opening. All inventory is now for spring and summer. easTer egg hunT 10 a.m., Maple St. Park. Bring your basket or bag to search for and collect precious treats and eggs! Celebrate the first taste of spring with your neighbors from the Essex community. Dress appropriately for the weather.

Weekend sTory TiMe 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., Essex Free Library. Start off your weekend with books, rhymes and songs!

The rules oF The (Financial) road: invesTing 2 p.m., Brownell Library.

You’ll learn: The most common investing mistakes and how to avoid them; Investing strategies to help reach your long-term goals; What you can do now to prepare for retirement. Join Financial Adviser Benjamin Ross to learn more about smart investing.

Preschool oPen gyM 3 - 4:30 p.m., Maple Street Park Recreation Center.

21 sunday

22 Monday eWsd Will noT Be holding classes Through Friday, aPril 26 For sPring Break Mah Jongg 10 a.m. - noon, Essex Area Senior Ctr. Members play for free. Non-members pay $1/ visit. Newcomers are always welcomed! sTarTing seeds 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Brownell Library. Join Joelyn Niggel from the Burlington Garden Club, for a special story about gardening and an introduction to starting seeds. Recommended for children ages 4-10. sTory TiMe WiTh eMily 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., Essex Free Library. Drop in for stories, songs and a craft.

Tech helP WiTh cliF Noon - 1 p.m., Brownell Library. Offering one-on-one technology help. Reservation required. Please call 878-6955 at least 24 hours in advance.

Bridge 12:30 - 3:30 p.m, Essex Area Senior Center. New players invited!

BreakouT: deserTs 2:30 - 4 p.m., Brownell Library. Participants will have 30 minutes to solve puzzles and learn about deserts in this escape room. Games start on the hour and half hour Recommended for ages 8 and up

23 Tuesday Preschool PlaygrouP 9:30 - 11 a.m., Maple Street Recreation Center, 75 Maple St., Essex Jct. sPecial sTory TiMe 10 - 10:45 a.m., Brownell Library. Picture books, sign language, songs, rhymes, flannel stories and early math activities. Bring the siblings!

Bingo 12:30 - 3:30 p.m., Essex Area Senior Ctr. Every card costs a penny, so if you play 10 cards, each game costs a dime. yoga WiTh Jonah 5:30 - 6:30 p.m., First Con-

Calendar gregational Church,1 Church St., Essex Jct. Donations welcome, but not required.

Drop-In KnIttIng 6:30 - 8 p.m., Essex Free Library.

24 WeDnesDay tech tIme 10 - 11 a.m., Essex Free Library. Drop in with your device and your questions!

BaBytIme 10 - 11 a.m., Essex Free Library. For infants through pre-walkers. senIor Luncheon 11:30 a.m., Essex Area Senior Ctr. Bring a dish to share!

Program: birthdays. tech heLp WIth cLIf Noon - 1 p.m., Brownell Library. (See Monday, April 22) rotary cLuB of essex Noon - 1:15 p.m., The Essex, 70 Essex Way, Essex Jct. Visitors are always welcome.

DupLIcate BrIDge 1:15 p.m., Essex Area Senior Center. Duplicate Bridge is a variation of contract bridge where the same bridge deal is played at each table.

Larp 3 - 5 p.m., Brownell Library.

Live Action Role Play is open to all middle and high school students.

LIons cLuB socIaL meetIng 6:30 - 8 p.m., The Essex, Essex Way, Essex Jct. Guests are always welcome! open stuDIo 3 - 4 p.m., Essex Free Library. The library supplies the materials, you bring the creativity. great DecIsIons: cyBer confLIct anD geopoLItIcs 7 p.m., Brownell Library.

Cyber conflict is a new and continually developing threat, which can include foreign interference in elections, industrial sabotage and attacks on infrastructure.

25 thursDay preschooL pLaygroup 9:30 - 11 a.m., Maple Street Recreation Center, 75 Maple St., Essex Jct. Join other caregivers and children for play time. We ask that you bring a drink and indoor shoes. seateD yoga 10 - 10:30 a.m., Essex Area Senior Center. Class is free for EASC members, $2/session for non-members. Please call 876-5087 to register. seateD taI chI 12:30 - 1:30 p.m., EJRP Aspire, 74 Maple St., Essex Jct. neW canasta 12:30 p.m., Essex Area Senior Center.

APR 28

LocaL meetIngs thursDay, aprIL 18 6 p.m., village planning commission, Lincoln Hall, 2 Lincoln St., Essex Jct.

tuesDay, aprIL 23 6:30 p.m., village trustees, Lincoln Hall, 2 Lincoln St., Essex Jct.

thursDay, aprIL 25 6:30 p.m., town planning commission, Town offices, 81 Main St., Essex Jct.

Drop-In KnIttIng cLuB 1 - 2 p.m., Essex Free Library.

Lego cLuB 3 - 4 p.m., Essex Free Library.

BIKe rIDe! 3:30 p.m., Brownell Library.

Bring your bike and ride from the library to the tree farm to have a snack, and ride back.

Wear helmets and sunscreen for safety! heavenLy pantry 2 - 6 p.m., First Congregational Church, 39 Main St., Essex Jct. The Food Pantry is open to residents of Essex Junction, Essex Town and Westford. Clients will need an ID for each member of the household and a utility bill. Clients may only visit the Pantry once in each calendar month.

Woof! What’s the Dog sayIng? 6 p.m., Essex Free Library. This multi-media extravaganza of fun helps us understand what dogs say with their bodies.

We’ll demystify dog communication, reveal some common dog-human misunderstandings, and learn how we can all live safely and happily together.

After the presentation, the audience gets to engage in exercises to practice reading dog body language. (This is for humans only…dogs must be left at home!) evenIng BooK DIscussIon 6:30 -7:30 p.m., Essex Free Library. This month discuss “The Ocean at the End of the Lane” by Neil Gaiman.

26 frIDay musIc WIth raph 9:30 - 10 a.m., Brownell Library. Come sing, dance and play with Raph. All ages. mah Jongg 10 a.m. - noon, Essex Area Senior Ctr. Members play for free. Non-members pay $1/ visit. musIcaL story tIme 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., Essex Free Library.

KnIttIng anD crochetIng 1 - 2 p.m., Essex Area Senior Ctr.

essex eats out 5:30 - 7 p.m., Essex Center United Methodist Church, Essex Jct. Free community dinners for all! If you need a ride, please email essexeatsout@gmail.com

The Essex Reporter | Thursday, April 18, 2019 | 17

List your event here!

Email calendar listings at least two weeks in advance to calendar@essexreporter. com.

To place an ad, contact Taylor Walters at 524-9771 ext. 105 or taylor. walters@essexreporter.com.

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LIL’ vermonters consIgnment saLe 6 - 9 p.m., Champlain Valley Expo. Make money on the child-related items your family is no longer using and save money on a huge selection of gently used clothes, shoes, toys & gear for your family.

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Dungeons & Dragons 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Brownell Library. Embark upon imaginary adventures.

Dungeon Master serves as this role playing game’s referee and storyteller. For grades 6 and up.

Mon-Fri 7:30 -5:30, Sat 8:00-4:00, Closed Sun

grange 7:30 - 9:30 p.m., First Congregational Church, Essex Jct. The Grange is a family, community organization with its roots in agriculture.

27 saturDay LIL’ vermonters consIgnment saLe 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Champlain Valley Expo. Make money on the child-related items your family is no longer using and save money on a huge selection of gently used clothes, shoes, toys & gear for your family. roLLIn’ IrIsh haLf marathon 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Essex Elementary School. Certified half marathon through rural and scenic and rolling on mostly dirt roads. can/am con 2019 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Williston Armory. scale model contest and exhibition is hosted by two clubs – IPMS Champlain Valley and the Mount Mansfield Scale Modelers.

General admission is $1; children under 12 are free.

A fee is required for contest entries.

WeeKenD story tIme 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., Essex Free Library. Start off your weekend with books, rhymes and songs!

preschooL open gym 3 - 4:30 p.m., Maple Street Park Recreation Center. Come run around inside during the cold winter months. There will be a bouncy house, balls, trikes, a play hut, a mini-slide and push toys for ages 5 years and younger.

28 sunDay free vermont state InspectIon Day 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Green Mountain Harley. The service dept. will be happy to inspect your bike free of charge. No appt. needed. musIc JamBoree 1 - 6 p.m., Essex VFW Post.

Enjoy delicious appetizers

while listening to the sounds of local bands Twangcasters, Shake My Nerves, Contraband and Nottingham Drive.

ongoIng events gIrLs on the run open for regIstratIon GOTR Vt.’s registration for its spring program is now open. Girls on the Run is a physical activity-based, positive youth development program that inspires girls in 3rd through 8th grade to be joyful, healthy and confident.

The volunteer-led program brings together groups of girls for a ten-week program that encourages personal development, team building and connection to the

community. Visit gotrvt.org for more. vermont geneaLogy research Tuesdays, 3 - 9:30 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Vermont Genealogy Library, Fort Ethan Allen, 377 Hegeman Ave., Colchester.

The library will be open for research throughout the year.

Please visit vtgenlib.org or call 310-9285 for more info.

18 | The Essex Reporter | Thursday, April 18, 2019

CHARTER from page 1

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according to Tyler, is how to address taxes, since the only way to achieve equity between village, who pay taxes into both general funds, and town-outside-the-village residents is to make the latter pay more.

If the town were to move the village’s entire general fund budget into its own, voters would be asked to approve about a 27 percent increase over the current fiscal year – roughly eight times greater than the increase approved on Town Meeting Day. “I’ve gone to most of the annual meetings the last two decades. I’ve never seen it get to 10 percent,” Tyler sid of the increase. There’s a reason why governments don’t just bump up their general funds by 20 30 40 percent, and one of them is because voters don’t like that.” He continued that if the boards are serious about consolidation, they need to consider what happens when they try to unify the two budgets.

“We could take the attitude it doesn’t matter [and] our job is just to figure out what’s the ideal form of government – we put it out there on a ballot and let the chips fall where they may,” Tyler said. But that approach has historically only led to an increase in town-village antagonism and resulted in a defeated proposal, he said.

Tyler outlined several options to help ease the shock of the tax increase.

The boards could include wording in the charter that details a timetable over which the tax increase would take place – say, five years.

Another possibility is to make the village a special taxing district that could still pay more taxes than its counterpart but slowly phase down the tax rate – though Tyler said that’s more of a “finance scheme” than a governance model.

Or the boards could create special districts in the town and the village that could maintain oversight of the community-specific services – namely recreation and libraries – while creating a unified tax rate for essential services. A separate board could then set those departments’ budgets for the unified board’s approval.

“That would ease some of the tax shock of equalizing taxes and also give voters ... a little bit of a sense of control, maybe a little more sense of identity over their specific services,” he said.

Tyler said if the boards want to put something on the ballot for November 2020, considered the best chance of getting the most voters to the polls, then they should have a clear idea of “where we want to go” by the end of the calendar year, leaving eight months for a robust public outreach

campaign.

“How do we decide whether the tax equity issue is going to be a dealbreaker for people outside the village?

How do we decide whether maintaining village identify is a deal breaker for people in the village? How do we get some feedback on those kinds of questions?”

The subcommittee recommended the boards hire a consultant to coordinate the outreach campaign, which officials hope to start as soon as possible. Tyler noted the 2020 election will likely bring thousands of voters to the polls, meaning the boards need to reach thousands of people in town – a far greater task than any recent public outreach campaign.

Tyler also urged the boards to remain as objective as possible throughout the process, understanding that while officials are passionate about the subject of consolidation, their feelings “may very much be in the minority” when looking at the more than 16,000 registered voters in town.

“We don’t want to go sailing onto the rocks and say we’ve got this beautiful thing figured out here and yet the rest of the community isn’t with us because we’ve overlooked something,” Tyler said.

The boards approved $14,000 in funding for the consultant and authorized town staff to send out a request for proposal. The boards also blessed their subcommittee to continue its governance work for at least the next few months.

Resident Bridget Downey Meyer emphasized the large task ahead of the boards, especially given how the often intertwined nature of town-village relations leaves even some longtime residents confused.

“I’m not the professional you’re going to hire – I’d throw myself out in traffic if you did that – but I really think this has to be made clear,” she said. “If you don’t communicate it and you get to the 2020 vote, your chances are going to be pretty slim.”

Dan Richardson, the boards’ consulting merger attorney, followed Tyler’s summation by saying none of the challenges that lay ahead are insurmountable. “There’s a lot of different options,” he said. Richardson will remain on retainer as the boards work toward the 2020 deadline and help officials get the proposal through the legislature if it passes muster with voters.

Asked if he had any other recommendations at this time, Richardson kept it short and sweet. “Good luck,” he said, to laughter.

News tip? Email us at news@essexreporter.com

The Essex Reporter | Thursday, April 18, 2019 | 19

Lawsuit seeks damages from PD crash with bicyclist

By COLIN FLANDERS A former Essex resident is suing the town and its police department for negligence over its refusal to accept liability for 2016 crash in which he claims a police cruiser hit him while he was riding his bike.

The complaint, filed in Chittenden Superior Court earlier this month, says Colin Dees was biking along Maple Street on the early evening of April 7, 2016 when he was hit by an Essex police cruiser driven by Edward Piro.

The suit names the town, the department and Piro and seeks unspecified damages.

The suit claims Piro’s visibility was obstructed by a partially fogged windshield and “aftermarket equipment.”

It says Piro he failed to stop at a stop sign just prior to the crash. The suit says Dees had the right of way and was riding his bicycle in a legal manner.

Dees, who now lives in Pennsylvania, has suffered “severe chronic pain and severe emotional injuries,” which have negatively impacted his “lifestyle and personal relationships,” the suit says. He was also unable to work for an extended period of time as a result of the crash.

The complaint notes the town of

Essex has insurance through the Vermont League of Cities and Towns.

But two years later, the town continues to deny responsibility for Dees’ injury, the suit claims, adding this “behavior is outrageous and has added to the infliction of severe emotional distress.”

Joshua Martin, an attorney representing Dees, did not immediately return a call for comment earlier this week.

It’s unclear if details of the crash were ever publicized. The department’s weekly media log from April 2016 shows EPD responded to an “accident” on Maple Street roughly 20 minutes after the suit claims the crash occurred. But The Reporter was unable to find any media reports detailing the incident, nor could it locate any press release on the town’s website mentioning the crash.

Piro was one of two EPD veterans to accept a buyout earlier this year, offered to employees at least 60 years old who have served EPD for 20 years or more. He has since stayed on at the department part-time.

The town has yet to file a response.

Voicemails for police Chief Rick Garey and municipal manager Evan Teich went unreturned.

from page 4

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TRAINING departments’ various equipment.

In one exercise, training groups needed to relocate a 185-pound dummy from the middle of the school’s hallway while dealing with an actor who ran into the scene calling for help. Other exercises forced the teams forced to react to gunfire or deal with multiple live patients.

Hoague said the training follows an approach adapted in the wake of the 2012 shooting at a movie theater in Aurora, Colo., where police needed to transport some people to the hospital due to policies prohibiting medics from entering “hot zones” until they are deemed fully safe.

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The approach forces both groups two alter their traditional approach, Hoague said. For police, who are usually searching for suspects, officers must assume the role of protector. Rescue workers, meanwhile, must remain vigilant and communicative while still providing necessary care.

After the scenarios, trainers assessed the teams and offered feedback. For example, after one scenario found rescue workers holding onto the back of one of the officer’s bulletproof vests, a police trainer suggested they instead place their palm on the officer’s back. That way, if the officers needed to quickly aim at a target, their movements won’t be constricted.

“That’s the whole thing: getting everybody to work together,” Hoague said.

Taylor Walters, 5249771 ext. 105 taylor.walters@ samessenger.com

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20 | The Essex Reporter | Thursday, April 18, 2019

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