April 21, 2016 The Essex Reporter

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APRIL 21, 2016

Vol. 36, No. 16

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Essex data breach leaks personnel information

Leahy promotes border travel bill

By COLiN FLANDERS

The Essex Reporter

Essex Jct. seeks funding for rail improvements

By COLiN FLANDERS

The Essex Reporter Despite empty rails far as the eye could see, the Essex Junction train station buzzed with excitement last Friday as various U.S. and Canadian officials gathered to support legislation

aimed at expediting border travel.

The legislation, introduced by Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), would expand pre-clearance facilities, which accelerate customs and immigration for U.S.-bound travelers.

“We’re just a little state, but we are a very special state,” Leahy said at a press conference Friday.

“It shows how important this is to leaders of travel and tourism.”

Pre-clearance has long been viewed as the major hurdle for restoring rail service from Vermont

boost to the town and village economy.

In January, the Essex Village Board of Trustees approved $1.1 million of structural improvements to the village’s train station, including a bus canopy and bathroom and lobby upgrades.

Changes to the surrounding

An Essex Town employee accidentally disclosed confidential records of 262 municipal staff to a fraudster, a town press release said on Monday.

In the emails, which were sent to the town on April 8 and 9, an unknown person posed as a town official and requested payroll records for all town personnel, police say. The town employee did not verify the sender’s identity before releasing the information, the press release says.

Officials realized the incident April 12 when several town employees attempted to file their taxes, only to find their accounts were comprised.

“Mistakenly, town staff did not confirm the identify of the sender and sent the requested payroll records,” reads the press release sent out by Essex police Capt.

Rick Garey, who oversees the town’s IT department.

The breach included copies of Essex Town’s 2015 W2s, employee phone numbers, date of hire, date of birth and rate of pay information.

The leaked information

– See AMTRAK on page 8

– See DATA on page 2

Senator Patrick leahy receives a model airplane from bob deluce, president of Porter Airlines, a regional airline headquartered at billy bishop toronto city Airport, during a press conference last Friday.

Photo | colin FlAndErS

to Montreal, which Amtrak eliminated in 1995 due to financial constraints. Reintroducing the service is significant locally, since the Essex Junction station is where most Burlington-bound riders disembark.

Village Board of Trustees President George Tyler said added ridership could provide a healthy

Budget to ballot movement enters 3rd phase

Geisler resigns from CCSU after 10 years

Unified school district awaits new CFO

By COLiN FLANDERS

The Essex Reporter

moving the budget to a ballot.

But first, some history.

At 595, the capacity of the Essex High School auditorium, where both the town of Essex and Essex Junction hold annual meetings, can accommodate a fraction of the roughly 15,000 registered voters. Those who can’t attend at 7 p.m. on a weeknight in March, or April in the village’s case, do

Chittenden Central Supervisory Union’s search is underway to find a new executive director of finance after Grant Geisler announced he will resign at the end of June.

Geisler, from just outside of Pittsburgh, began working at CCSU 10 years ago after moving to Plainfield, where he currently resides.

He tendered his resignation on March 18 after accepting a position as the business manager of Montpelier public schools, citing his 75-minute commute to and from Essex Junction as a motivation for the switch.

He’ll take over for Cynthia Rossi, who announced her retirement in January after holding the position for 24 years.

Geisler said he’ll miss his coworkers most, particularly superintendent Judith DeNova, who he said is supportive of his decision.

“It’s just a fantastic place to come to work everyday,” Geisler said.

His resignation becomes official a year before the unified school district of Essex Junction, Essex Town and Westford begins operation July 1, 2017. Last November, voters from both Essex communities voted overwhelming, by a rate of nearly 10 to 1, in favor of the unification.

Geisler attended many meetings during the eightmonth unification study process, and though looking

– See BUDGET on page 3

– See CFO on page 2

Essex Jct. voters barely filled the Essex high School auditorium at the annual meeting.

Photo | courtnEY lAmdin

Group seeks end to Town Meeting Day disenfranchisement

BY JASON STARR The Essex Reporter It was early 2014 when a group of Essex residents began petitioning for a voter referendum on changing Town Meeting Day to give all Essex voters a chance to participate.

Now, a formal committee is scheduled to meet this week to target Town Meeting Day 2017 for a potential voter question to finally

Village manufacturer talks expansion with Welch

BY JASON STARR The Essex Reporter Tyler Sadler grew up in Essex, but if you told him there was a manufacturer employing dozens of people in the middle of the village of Essex Junction and shipping products worldwide, it would have been news to him.

It’s easy for Flex-A-Seal – a 33-year-old maker and repairer of mechanical seals for pressurized pipes – to fly under the radar.

The company is tucked into a cul-de-sac against the railroad tracks in a former maple sugaring

house located roughly behind the Lincoln Inn. An unassuming entrance belies a 30,000-square-foot operation where seals used in refineries, wastewater treatment facilities and chemical plants, among other applications, are designed and forged.

Sadler, the company’s director of operations, led Congressman Peter Welch (D-Vt.) on a facility tour earlier this month.

Welch marveled at the company’s inconspicuousness in light of

– See FLEX-A-SEAL on page 3

tyler Sadler, left, shows congressman Peter Welch a Flex-A-Seal product during a site visit April 7 in Essex Junction. the company has an application with the Essex Junction Planning commission for a 19,000-square-foot expansion.

Photo contributEd

Dance instructor charged with sex crimes

Ernest Phillips

By COLiN FLANDERS

The Essex Reporter An Essex Junction man pleaded not guilty to six felonies in court last week after police say he had sex with two underage girls in 2012.

Ernest “E-knock” Phillips, 29, is charged with four counts of sexual assault on a victim under 16 years old and two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, court documents show.

Police arrested Phillips at Regal Gymnastics in Essex on April 13, where he works as an instructor for the gym’s ninja warrior classes, a press release said.

Police initially investigated Phillips in 2012 alongside the Vt. Department for Children and Families after directors from the Green Mountain Performing Arts Dance School in Waterbury reported they were concerned Phillips had inappropriate relationships

– See CRIME on page 2

2

The Essex Reporter • April 21, 2016

CFO

from page 1

The apartments.

The dining.

The amenities.

The choices...

Grant Geisler, executive director of finance for the chittenden central Supervisory union, sits in his Park Street office last Friday. he tendered his resignation last month after 10 years with the supervisory union.

forward to his position, he wishes he could see the process through.

While Geisler prepares for his own personal transition, the supervisory union’s search began about a month ago.

The position was posted on March 18, and applications are accepted until Sunday.

Since the new director will lead some of the transition efforts between the merging school districts, a committee comprised of both CCSU and Essex town school officials will screen the applicants.

They aim to narrow the pool down to two candidates by May 4.

Representing CCSU on the committee is DeNova, administrators Deb Anderson, Kathy Barron and Paul O’Brian; Center of Technology principal Bob Travers and director of property services Bruce Murdough.

Roger George, director of business and financial affairs; superintendent Mark Andrews and Mary Reardon, payroll and benefits coordinator, will represent ETSD. The committee’s 10th and final member is Westford resident Martha Heath, chairwoman of the unified school board.

After the committee selects two candidates, DeNova and Andrews will conduct interviews and background checks before considering a second round of interviews. They will announce the recommended candidate to the CCSU board on May 23.

The application asks candidates about experience creating budgets and to describe a time they “helped lead organizational change” at their job.

It also outlines a handful of key projects slated for the upcoming school year, including

the revamping of the CCSU and ETSD payroll and finance system. Geisler called this one of the biggest challenges facing administrators in all three communities.

The new CFO will also have the unique opportunity of developing the unified school district’s inaugural budget, as well as recommending staffing for food and IT services, safety and security, property services and the payroll and finance offices, according to the application.

Despite assuming his new role July 1, Geisler said he’s willing to help his successor to make sure “nothing falls through the cracks.”

Geisler took a break from perusing the year-to-date financials of the Westford School District last Friday to reflect on his time at CCSU: “As your days get shorter, you start thinking back,” he said.

Geisler cited the unification vote and completing the $12.5 million “one campus” project — which helped bolster Essex’s Center of Technology, the largest technical education center in the state — as a few of his proudest memories.

In the same breath, he lauded the widespread support for learning in both CCSU and the community at large.

“We’re not one of those communities that has budget defeats every year,” Geisler said.

“Our community really supports our schools and the kids, so my gratitude [extends] all the way from the community to the school boards to the superintendent and the folks I work with everyday. I’ll miss this place.”

DATA

from page 1

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didn’t include banking or credit card information, according to police.

No information regarding Essex Junction staff was released, nor was data on village or town residents, police say.

Town officials notified Essex police on April 12 and the Vermont Attorney General’s Office the next day.

The town alerted all affected staff via email and postal mail and is “providing steps

and information they should take to prevent identify theft,” the press release says.

“We will be updating policies, procedures and training on proper storage, use and transmission [of personally identifying information] for all employees who handle such information in their jobs,” the press release says.

The incident is currently under investigation.

CRiME from page 1

with two students — then ages 15 and 17 — according to Vermont State Police Detective Sgt. Aimee Nolan’s affidavit.

Nolan interviewed the 17-year-old, referred to as Victim No. 1, in November 2012.

The student said she and Phillips traveled to Massachusetts in September 2012 for a Home and Garden TV show for which they were asked to dance in a “flash mob,” court records state. The victim said she and Phillips shared a hotel room.

She called him a “great dancer, mentor and friend and vehemently denied any sexual relationship,” court records state.

Nolan said Phillips told her they stayed at the hotel after arriving to the area late and denied any sexual relations with the victim.

Due to a lack of information and no other witnesses, Nolan closed her investigation, court records show.

In March 2016, nearly three and a half years later, Essex police Officer Rob Hall contacted Nolan after Victim No. 1 applied for a job with the town.

During Hall’s background check, the victim revealed she lied to investigators about her relationship with Phillips, court records state. She then admitted she and Phillips had a sexual relationship in early 2012 that lasted beyond her 18th birthday, court records show.

The victim also provided another woman’s name, which Nolan recognized as the 15-year-old from her prior investigation.

During a conversation with Nolan two weeks ago, Victim No. 2 said she and Phillips’ relationship began in August 2012 and lasted until January 2014, during which time they had sex once a week at both her home and at two of Phillips’ residences, court records state.

Nolan then applied for and received

a search warrant to record a conversation between Phillips and Victim No. 1, with the latter’s consent, court records state.

On April 12, Victim No. 1 called Phillips, saying detectives alerted her the 2012 investigation was reopened, and she was unsure what to tell them, court records show.

Phillips told her to “stick with the story you had before” and “don’t change nothing up,” the affidavit says.

When she asked if Phillips was telling her to lie again, he replied: “Say what you want to say then. They’re probably recording our conversations already,” the affidavit says.

Later that day, Nolan and VSP Detective Sgt. Ben Katz met with Phillips outside his workplace. He again denied sexual contact with both victims but admitted he gave them gifts and said they’d been to his residences before.

At one point in the interview, police asked Phillips what he would do about this investigation. Phillips suggested detectives should “listen to what these girls are saying and support them to the fullest,” the affidavit says.

Police arrested Phillips and brought him to the Williston barracks for processing.

He was released on a $30,000 bail bond April 15 with conditions to not contact the victims, nor come within 300 feet of their residences, vehicles or places of employment.

Phillips also was instructed to avoid any contact with — including working with, teaching or supervising — girls under age 18.

He was forced to surrender his passport and was told not to leave the state without the court’s permission, his court docket states.

Phillips is due back in Washington County Court – Criminal Division on May 6 for a status conference.

If convicted on all counts, he faces up to 90 years in prison and a $60,000 fine.

3

The Essex Reporter • April 21, 2016

Jericho man arrested for sexual abuse

By COLiN FLANDERS

The Essex Reporter A Jericho man was arrested after police say he sexually abused a 12-year-old Colchester boy on multiple occasions.

Claude Harrington, 68, a convicted sex offender, was charged with two counts each of aggravated sexual assault on a child and lewd and lascivious conduct with a child on April 14, police said.

The former charge carries a sentence of 25 years to life imprisonment.

Harrington was previously convicted in Vermont for two counts of sexual assault in 1989 as well as failing to comply with the state’s sex offender registry in 2003, police said.

Police opened this case after one of Harrington’s relatives, a prior victim, told police Harrington was seen with a young boy and was concerned given his criminal record. Police contacted the boy’s mother, who said it was all right for her son to be

with Harrington, according to an affidavit written by Colchester Detective Cpl. Donald Demar of the Chittenden Unit for Special Investigations.

An investigation by the Vt. claude harrington Department for Children and Families followed up this report.

On March 21, DCF investigator Tracey Brown spoke with the boy’s mother, who said Harrington told her he’d been to jail for assaulting an 18-year-old woman but never mentioned his offenses involved young boys, court records state.

The victim’s mother said the boy spent a lot of time with Harrington and described him as a “father/grandfather figure,” the affidavit says.

The boy’s mother agreed to keep him away from Harrington while police carried out their investigation.

Brown interviewed the boy at the CUSI station two days later.

The boy was agitated throughout the interview, Demar wrote, and was reluctant to answer questions, repeatedly stating, “I don’t want to talk about it,” court records show.

Brown then referred the boy to the ChildSafe Program — a clinic at the University of Vermont Children’s Hospital specializing in treating sexually abused children — for an appointment with Dr. Joseph Hagan. En route, the boy confessed to his mother what happened with Harrington, court records state.

The boy later told CUSI he couldn’t keep track of how often the abuse occurred, the affidavit says.

The boy motioned with his hands “as if his head was exploding,” which Demar said demonstrated “this sexual contact

happened so much that he couldn’t remember,” court records state.

At an interview at his residence later that evening, Harrington told police he guessed they were there about the “boys coming over,” the affidavit says.

Harrington then told police the 12-yearold and two other boys had spent the night with him in his RV. Harrington told police he was depressed and lonely following his fiancé’s death, and said he no longer had sex due to his medication.

Harrington “freely admitted” his previous victims were boys between 8 and 10 and confessed to sexually abusing the Colchester victim “two to three” times in two locations — once in his RV in Colchester and once in Jericho, court records state.

Harrington was then arrested and processed at the Colchester Police Department before being lodged at the Chittenden Correctional Facility for lack of $100,000 bail.

BuDGET from page 1

not have a say in annual municipal budgets. The votes are taken by voice, and absentee voting is not an option.

This disenfranchisement — of voters overseas on military service, those who have scheduling conflicts or those who happen to be out of town — motivated the group to push for an alternative.

They called their effort “budget to ballot. Their effort would remove the capacity restrictions of the high school auditorium and allow people to vote early and by absentee ballot.

The group also noted that in order for Essex Junction voters to fully participate in annual elections, they have to vote five times: Town Meeting night, Town Meeting Day, village meeting night, village meeting day and school election day.

Town residents have to vote three times, which could contribute to voter apathy and low turnout, they said. Only about 5 percent of voters participated in school budget voting on April 12, and about 60 people attended the annual village meeting April 6.

One election day in Essex could give residents a better understanding of the cumulative impact of the different budget proposals and the convenience of voting all at once each spring, the group says.

In February 2014, they brought their concerns to the Essex Selectboard, seeking a board-endorsed ballot question.

To make a change to Town Meeting Day, voter approval for a charter change would be required.

“We thought, ‘We can try to do this with the blessing of the selectboard or without it,” said Ron Lawrence, one of the group’s

“People are willing to work on things so long as there is reasonable progress being made …

As slow and frustrating as it is, (the selectboard is) at least engaging in the discussion.

I understand it takes time.”

Ron Lawrence Essex Governance Group

founders. “We thought it was better to get the blessing of the selectboard.”

Selectboard chairman Max Levy stressed that changing Town Meeting traditions would be a major undertaking. He steered the board toward offering a consultant-led investigation and enlisted the Heart and Soul of Essex group as a sponsor and facilitator.

The resulting “Essex Governance Group” met throughout fall 2014 and submitted a report to the selectboard in March 2015.

The report’s recommendations were in line with the original budget-to-ballot group’s desires.

Essex village voters consider the budget at the annual meeting on April 6.

The governance group recommended an “enhanced town meeting” where the municipal and school budgets would be discussed, and possibly amended, before being put to voters as a ballot question in April, when voters would decide on all annual budgets and elected board positions.

Minutes from both municipal boards in the spring 2015 show both members struggling to reach consensus.

Board member Brad Luck urged the board to either endorse or deny the recommendations, noting the group’s yearlong effort and its desire for a conclusive stance. Levy reiterated the significance of changing traditions.

After the board voted to merely accept the report, Lawrence

recalled some of the original group members were ready to return to a petition drive to force the charter change question onto a ballot.

“People are willing to work on things so long as there is reasonable progress being made,” he said. “The selectboard gets credit for even entertaining this issue. As slow and frustrating as it is, they are at least engaging in the discussion.”

Last May, the trustees and selectboard agreed to further investigate the Essex Governance Group recommendations with an “Ad Hoc Governance Committee.”

By the end of last year, the boards had recruited members and offered trustee Elaine Sopchak and selectman Mike Plageman as official representatives to the committee.

FilE Photo | courtnEY lAmdin

“The intent is not to take the teeth out of Town Meeting,” said Lawrence, who will serve on the new committee. “You can still discuss and have an impact on the budget, but the greater population will have a chance to say ‘yea’ or ‘nay.’”

Meanwhile, the four local school districts that annually present budgets in April have merged into one district, improving the prospect of sameday voting for all local municipal and school budgets, Lawrence said.

“Dealing with one school district instead of four is a move in the right direction,” he said.

“The town, village and school governments really don’t have any tie to each other, so it will still be a negotiation to pull them all together.”

FLEX-A-SEAL from page 1

its production and longevity.

“It’s amazing,” the congressman said.

“You would have no idea driving around here that you have this complicated operation engaged with customers all over the world.”

Flex-A-Seal’s footprint at 1 Jackson St. is poised to almost double this year. The company has an application before the Essex Junction Planning Commission for a two-story, 19,000-square-foot expansion of manufacturing and office space. Flex-A-Seal also has a facility in Brazil.

“We just don’t have any more ability to expand our manufacturing capability to keep up with demand,” said Alex Slauson, vice president of sales and the son of company founder Hank Slauson. “And to continue to grow, we need to be able to do that.”

The company currently employs about 100 people in Vermont, and the expansion would create new positions, but Slauson could not pinpoint how many. The company hopes to break ground this year.

In anticipation of new hiring, Flex-A-Seal

has undertaken a partnership with Vermont Technical College to bring on machining interns to work on the manufacturing floor.

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“The expansion means more equipment and more employees,” Slauson said. “We’re trying to build a pipeline for good, skilled workers.”

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The Essex Reporter • April 21, 2016

opinion Perspective

Letters to the Editor

News flash: Best workers aren’t Yale or Harvard grads

By EMERSON LYNN

T

his is a story that needs to start with a conclusion: When recruiters for 500 of the nation’s largest companies were asked which colleges consistently provided their clients the best employees, the only Ivy League school that made it was Cornell, at No. 14. The only private school that made the list was Carnegie Mellon at No. 10. No mention of Harvard. Or Princeton. Or Yale, or any of the “highly selective” schools that dominate the higher education conversation.

The story’s beginning is presently unfolding with this year’s high school seniors, and it contains a lot of anxiety and false perceptions that pull at the fabric of our higher education system.

Our students are in the process of getting their college acceptance letters … the fat envelopes versus the skinny ones. As parents, we’re advised to begin tenderizing them in preparation for the flood of denials coming their way.

No matter the hours they’ve spent taking and retaking their SATs. No matter the number of subject tests. No matter how clever their college essays. No matter how ingenious their “personal stories” or how they stumbled upon the answer to the bleaching problem that plagues the coral reefs off the coast of Australia.

They’re not going to make it. The chance of being accepted to one of the nation’s “elite” schools is remote.

Tell them now. Open the box of tissues. Call the therapist. Your stellar little student might have to call UVM home. Or (sotto voce) CCV. And they are made to believe that’s failure, courtesy of the national media’s preoccupation with everything elite, everything glitzy. If you are not part of the one percent, then the path you trudge on this mortal coil is not worthy of mention.

That one percent, by the way, is the same percentage of the U.S. undergraduate population that attends schools with acceptance rates of less than 10 percent.

In other words, we lavish attention on the very few at the expense of a system that educates all the rest of us.

In the process, we distort the picture of higher education. Here are some facts: • About 75 percent of U.S. undergraduates attend colleges that have acceptance rates of at least 50 percent.

• About half of all college students attend community colleges.

• About 25 percent of all college students are there part-time.

• About 25 percent of all college students are 25 or older.

We continue to pay attention to the stories about students with debt that stretches into six-figure territory. But typically, those stories are about students who have completed college, and who have also gathered advanced degrees. They are also the ones most likely to have the least problem paying them. They continue to be the stories of the elites.

The real story is happening where it is most crucial, which is the fate of the college system responsible for educating the other 99 percent. States (like Vermont) are underfunding their public schools, which forces the schools to raise tuition, or to reduce what they offer.

As tuitions increase, students are forced to take jobs to make up the difference.

The time conflicts between school and work are what make completing school on time problematic for many.

No one likes to think of their child as ordinary, and they shouldn’t. They should push them to do their best. They should preach the importance of drive. And children should know they remain the center of their parents’ little universe.

The truth that parents and students should hear goes back to what those recruiters are reporting; the story is not what it seems or what the national media portrays.

The system of higher education in America is built for the masses, which is what has distinguished us among other nations. When we focus on the very few and ignore the rest, we put that progress at risk.

Not only are we sending our children the wrong message, we’re working against ourselves.

Reps should support ballot access

Shooting reignites mental health debate

This week’s local school budget vote is a reminder of the importance of having open, accessible elections. While there are thousands of residents who can vote in Essex Junction, on Tuesday, April 12, less than 400 of those eligible voters cast ballots. The very next day, our elected state representatives debated a tri-partisan bill to register more Vermonters to vote.

The final tally was 125-1 in support of the measure.

Rep. Paul Dame was the lone dissenting vote.

At a time when a small share of residents are participating in local elections, it is concerning to see one of Essex’s representatives attempting to stand in the way of access to the ballot.

Maybe the fatal shooting of “Phil” Grenon in Burlington in March will change the stigma associated with serious mental illness, but I doubt it. One can only have true empathy and understanding when it hits home. I have seen families torn apart by bi-polar, schizophrenia, and the list goes on. People who have serious mental illness have had their personalities shattered. They become isolated and can’t trust anymore.

The mentally ill are not criminals, although many find themselves in front of judges. Prosecutors see them as trying to escape justice. Parents and siblings and children see them as a burden for stealing part of their futures. Storeowners see them as detractors to their bottom line. Drug companies use them for testing and increasing their bottom lines. Drug pushers and sexual predators see them as easy targets.

Candace Morgan Essex Jct.

General Manager Suzanne Lynn

Executive Editor Courtney Lamdin news@essexreporter.com Associate Editor Abby Ledoux

By Bob Bancroft

During the last two weeks, seven bills finally received both House and Senate approval and then sent to the governor. The most significant one is H.458, an act relating to automatic voter registration through motor vehicle driver’s license applications.

Vermont became the fourth state to allow automatic voter registration when a resident applies for a driver’s license (supported).

In the last two weeks, activity on the House floor was relatively modest. The House passed eight bills in addition to H.458. On April 13, the House passed H.865, an act relating to promoting workforce housing, which deals with setting up projects to encourage the building of affordable housing for moderateincome households. Vermont has a shortage of moderate priced housing for young people entering the workforce and/or starting a family. The bill was amended to include funding for an analysis of

the long-term functionality and sustainability of Vermont Health Connect, which continues to be plagued with problems. Those of us who fought for this analysis held our breath until the vote was taken.

All it would have taken to kill this amendment is for one member to question whether the amendment was germane to the underlying bill.

The most controversial bill taken up in the last two week was H.93, an act relating to increasing the smoking age from 18 to 21 years of age. The bill raises the legal age to purchase cigarettes and other tobacco products to 21 over the next three years. I supported this bill, as it will have a positive impact on Vermont’s future health care costs, especially Medicaid. The principle controversy was an amendment to raise the taxes on tobacco products.

Raising the tobacco purchase age to 21 would result in a loss of $900,000 in tax revenue once the law is fully implemented. This loss would also result in the loss of federal matching global commitment funds (used for Medicaid). The bill with the tax amendment passed (supported).

H.868, an act relating to miscellaneous economic development provisions, passed with a particularly interesting

Ron Coppola Essex

amendment. H.868 is the product of consolidating13 bills, covering such things as funding for the Vermont Credit Program and Vermont Development Authority, and an examination of tax law and financial regulations of internet-based lodging companies. The interesting amendment to H.868 called for a study to analyze the economic impact of Vermont’s and New Hampshire’s tax policies on Vermont retailers.

Besides H.58, the most significant bill passed last week was H.870, which would provide funding to expand both cell phone and internet service to underserved areas. The bill included a provision to give local governments more say in the siting of cell towers. The bill also contained an amendment to ensure the Shumlin administration will continue to answer 911 calls, unless the legislature allows otherwise. I support this bill.

There are three weeks left in this legislative session. A slew of bills will be coming before the full House, many of which will be controversial.

The return of the budget and tax bills from the Senate, along with marijuana legislation, will produce lively debates.

Essex conservation committee news Committee to remove invasive species at Indian Brook; conservation fund survey results released

To celebrate Earth Day, the Essex Conservation Committee will hold the first Annual Spring Invasive Species Removal Day at Indian Brook Reservoir on Sunday, April 24, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. We hope volunteers of all ages will attend the event to continue efforts eradicating invasive species, such as buckthorn and honeysuckle, from along the trails. Invasive plants crowd out native plants that provide habitat and food sources for native wildlife.

The committee has held cleanup days in the fall, but since springtime is an ideal time to pull up and cut down invasive plants, the committee decided to add another workday.

This event is a wonderful way for the whole family to spend some time outdoors and learn about invasive plant species that may be encroaching on your own yard. Please wear work gloves and shoes for hiking, and if you have pruning tools and/or loppers, bring them along, too. There will be refreshments and informational handouts.

Essex

News Editor Jason Starr jason@essexreporter.com

Advertising Manager Wendy Ewing ewing@essexreporter.com

Sports Editor Colin Flanders sports@essexreporter.com

Advertising Sales Michael Snook snook@essexreporter.com

Bookkeeping Michael McCaffrey michael@essexreporter.com

health reform. I thank sympathetic judges and the public defenders that represent them. I praise the volunteer facilitators at NAMI for their support groups as well as compassionate nurses that do yeoman’s work. Above all, I appreciate Burlington police Chief Brandon del Pozo’s challenge of being damned if you do and damned if you don’t.

To some extent, each bullet that desecrated the memory of Phil Grenon that night also wounded hundreds of good people to whom dedicate their lives to keep individuals like Phil safe from his demons and live life with some sense of dignity. It took five hours to wipe out a lifetime of benevolence. If not for the grace of God, somewhere, at sometime, these situations and events could find our loved one. The community lost a part of its humanity that day, and I’ve reached my tolerance for such things.

From the Statehouse

Reporter The

Some hard working people resent them for begging at shopping mall exits.

Eugenicists of the past and present see them as people to be identified for exclusion from society.

I suspect during Mr. Grenon’s lifelong struggle against schizophrenia, he was much like the majority of catastrophically ill clients who couldn’t hold down a job, didn’t assimilate into society and survived on SSDI. In my reality, medications alone do not reverse the aforementioned.

Many don’t endure and take their own lives. Mr. Grenon’s courage to live with this illness for so long merits a purple heart in terms of military service.

At a time like this, I thank of all the social workers at HowardCenter and the peers at Assist. I think about COTS and the homeless.

I’m thankful for the Church Street outreach program, the Wellness CoOp and Soteria house. In requiem, I reflect on all the efforts of the late Sen. Sally Fox and her colleagues that passed real addiction and mental

Publisher Lynn Publications Inc.

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Mailing Address: 42 Severance Green Unit #108 Colchester, VT 05446 Phone: 802-878-5282 Fax: 802-651-9635

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The Essex Reporter makes every effort to be accurate. If you notice an error, please contact us at 878-5282, or by e-mail at news@essexreporter.com.

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The committee conducted a survey during Town Meeting and through Front Porch Forum postings to gauge the conservation priorities of the community and to determine interest in the establishment of a fund to help achieve conservation priorities. The survey generated 220 responses—50 percent from the village and 49 percent from the town. While not scientific, the respondents represented a wide range of ages, income levels and lengths of residency.

Top priorities were as follows: 94 percent said it is very or somewhat important to preserve land for river and stream protection, 93 percent for wildlife habitat” and 91 percent for public trails. Land preservation for neighborhood parks, floodplains, wetlands, scenic views and more were also important to most respondents. At the bottom of priorities were parks with sports fields at 67 percent and hunting at 26 percent. Other reasons to preserve land produced 21 responses and included controlling development, urban trees and safe walking, to name a few.

Fifty-eight percent of respondents indicated they’d be willing or probably willing to increase taxes to finance a conservation fund; 23 percent would not or probably not be willing, and 19 percent were unsure. Sixty-four percent said they’d probably or definitely donate to such a fund; 14 said probably not or no, and 21 percent were uncertain.

Even for those respondents who did not want a tax increase, preserving land was still an important issue.

Only a handful indicated conserving resources was unimportant.

The committee will use the survey results as it explores the creation of a fund, whether publicly or privately funded, and as a guide for future efforts.

For more information on the Essex Conservation Committee and what it does, please attend one of the meetings on the second Tuesday each month at 7 p.m. at the town offices at 81 Main St. The meetings are always open to the public, and we welcome your ideas and thoughts on how best to serve this community we all call home.

5

The Essex Reporter • April 21, 2016

Obituaries

Volunteers

Margaret G. “Peg” Reardon

By SuE ALENiCK United Way volunteer columnist

Margaret G. “Peg” Reardon, 90, of Essex Jct., widow of William Edward Reardon Jr., entered into eternal peace Friday, April 8, 2016 surrounded by her loving family.

One of eight children, she was born and raised in South Boston. She lived in Vermont for the past 43 years where she raised her family.

Peg was a communicant of Holy Family Parish in Essex Jct. A caregiver by nature, she was a longtime volunteer with the VNA, Meals on Wheels and the Vermont Respite House. She was a talented seamstress, quilter and baker. Peg was an avid reader and loved spending time with family and friends.

She is survived by her eight children, Paul J. Reardon and his wife, Karen, of Williston; Susan Fay of McLean, Va.; Kathleen Desmarais and her husband, Thomas, of Snohomish, Wash.; Maureen Bernard and her husband, Ret. Col. Steven Bernard, of Summerville, S.C.; William E. Reardon and his wife, Susan, of York, Penn.; Patrick G. Reardon of Vashon, Wash.; Brian J. Reardon of South Boston and Mary Mercik and her husband, Steven, of Enfield, Conn.; by her two brothers Daniel McCole of South Boston and Robert McCole and his wife, Sally, of Quincy, Mass.; by 14 grandchildren, one great-grandchild and by many nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband, Bill, Peg was predeceased by four brothers John, Thomas, Philip and Leo McCole, as well as

margaret G. “Peg” reardon

her sister Mary Bergin.

Masses were celebrated in Essex Junction and South Boston, with committal at St. Joseph Cemetery in West Roxbury, Mass.

Donations in Peg’s memory may be made to COTS, Vermont Respite House and the Vermont Food Bank. Her family wishes to extend their gratitude to Peg’s friends and neighbors on Hillcrest Road for their friendship, support, care and love over the years. They were very special to her.

To leave online condolences, please visit www.Leetestevens.com.

Obituary Submission Guidelines

We welcome submitted obituaries. Send obituaries of 300 words or less to news@essexreporter.com. Photos are encouraged. Obituaries are subject to editing. Please submit obituaries no later than Thursday at 5 p.m. for publication in the following week’s edition.

We also offer the option of paid space if you prefer a longer or unedited obituary.

Paid obituaries are marked by ◊. Contact snook@essexreporter.com or 878-5282 x 207 for more information.

eSSeX poLICe RepoRt Emergency 911 • Non-emergency 878-8331

81 Main Street, Essex Jct., VT 05452 • www.epdvt.org

Apr. 11–17, 2016 Monday 0323 Suspicious Vehicle on Frederick Rd 0602 Citizens Assist on Sand Hill Rd 0626 Theft on Jackson Hts 0803 Parking Problem on Pearl St 0845 Suspicious on Pearl St 1206 Arrest for Retail Theft on Essex Way 1517 Family Fight on Main St 1627 Suspicious on Spruce Ln 1641 Family Fight on Greenfield Rd Ext 1706 Citizens Assist on Pinecrest Dr 1735 Shoplifting on Essex Way 1859 Suspicious on Colchester Rd 1929 Citizens Assist on Greenfield Rd Tuesday 0336 Fraud on Main St 0629 Littering on Warner Ave 0857 Accident on Educational Dr 0902 Motor Vehicle Complaint on Susie Wilson Rd 1037 Citizens Assist on Owaissa Ave 1058 Fraud on Timberlane Dr

1142 Agency Assist on Maple St 1253 Loitering on Billie Butler Dr 1317 Theft on Gauthier Dr 1320 Agency Assist on Pinecrest Dr 1332 Citizens Dispute on Susie Wilson Rd 1414 Found Property on Educational Dr 1422 Accident on River St 1443 Traffic Offense on West St 1512 Phone Problem on River Rd 1555 Motor Vehicle Complaint on Pearl St 1557 Accident on Lincoln St 1620 Traffic Hazard on Fort Parkway 1634 Citizens Assist on East St 1639 Burglary on Maple St 1729 Agency Assist on Sleepy Hollow Rd 1923 Motor Vehicle Complaint on I 289 2025 Motor Veh Complaint on Center Rd 2031 Agency Assist on Colchester Rd 2037 Agency Assist on Center Rd 2116 Traffic Offense on River Rd 2254 Agency Assist on Center Rd

Wednesday 0405 Alarm on Sand Hill Rd 0814 Intoxicated Person on Railroad Ave 0917 Juvenile Problem on Founders Rd 0957 Suspicious on Pinecrest Dr 1143 Phone Problem on Pearl St 1235 Motor Vehicle Complaint on I 289 1338 Burglary on Gero Ct 1413 Citizens Assist on River St 1659 Agency Assist on Central St 1815 Animal Problem on Lamore Rd 1846 Motor Vehicle Complaint on Susie Wilson Rd 1913 Littering on Brickyard Rd 2106 Accident on Autumn Pond Way 2114 Motor Veh Complaint on Abnaki Ave 2258 Citizens Assist on Weed Rd Thursday 0720 Suspicious on North St 0734 Citizens Assist on Main St 0945 Motor Vehicle Complaint on Susie Wilson Rd

Hochelaga in South Hero for its 97th season by cleaning, doing yard and garden work, carpentry and minor maintenance.

May 6 and 13, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Contact Terry Melton at 862-7520 or email terry. melton@ywcavt.org.

We’re redefining community! As of April 1, Franklin-Grand Isle United Way and United Way of Chittenden County are uniting to achieve greater impact. The newly formed United Way of Northwest Vermont unites our expertise, staff and resources to better address the complex challenges and needs across our interconnected communities. In the next few months, we will be working to build connections between volunteers and opportunities to serve throughout our region. To check out more than 300 volunteer opportunities, go to www.unitedwaynwvt.org/ volunteer or contact us at volctr@unitedwaynwvt.org or 860-1677.

MISSISQUOI NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE: Join Refuge Green Up Day on May 6 from 9 a.m.-about noon. Efforts will concentrate on river cleanup using refuge boats. Requires rubber or hip boots for walking in wet areas. Contact Dave Frisque at 868-4781 or email dave_frisque@fws. gov.

CHAMPLAIN HOUSING TRUST: Help clean up at two Burlington housing sites on May 7, 10 a.m.-noon. Ice cream for participants! Contact Anna Herman at 8626244 or email aherman@ champlainhousingtrust.org.

OUTDOORS – Several local groups are looking for volunteers for outdoor clean up and green up: Burlington Dismas House: Green thumb volunteers can help with the Annual Plant Sale by filling pots and transplanting.

Tuesdays and Fridays, April 26-May 24, 9 a.m.noon and/or 1-4 p.m.

Contact Kimberly Parsons at 658-0381 or email kim@ dismasofvermont.org.

ON THE ROAD – COTS (Committee on Temporary Shelter) needs many volunteers for its annual COTS Walk at Battery Park on Sunday, May 1. Volunteers serve as crossing guards, help with registration, refreshments, hospitality, set-up and cleanup. Contact Lori Goldman at 864-7402, Ext. 207, or email lorig@ cotsonline.org.

YWCA OF VERMONT: Help prepare Camp

POP-UP SALE – Dress for Success Burlington will be

1131 Agency Assist on Franklin St 1146 Accident on Susie Wilson Rd 1240 Accident on Essex Way 1312 Property Damage on Pioneer St 1412 Lost Property on Osgood Hill Rd 1457 Burglary on North St 1519 Juvenile Problem on Lincoln St 1644 911 Hang-up on Franklin St 1726 Agency Assist on Maple St Friday 0639 Alarm on Rustic Dr 0727 VIN Verification on Greenfield Rd 0825 Alarm on David Dr 0853 Agency Assist on Maple St 1101 VIN Verification on Park St 1209 Alarm on River Rd 1313 Found Property on Valleyview 1343 Lost Property on Juniper Ridge Rd 1348 VIN Verification on Maple St 1435 Agency Assist on Central St 2042 Accident on I 289 2300 Juvenile Problem on Pettingill Rd Saturday 0327 Alarm on Susie Wilson Rd 0511 Alarm on Osgood Hill Rd 0658 Family Fight on Franklin St 0909 Citizens Assist on Maple St 0955 Fraud on Hagan Dr 1043 Suspicious on Sugar Tree Ln 1231 Family Fight on Baker St 1233 Citizens Dispute on Hiawatha Ave

1311 Juvenile Problem on Pinecrest Dr 1344 Alarm on Forest Rd 1524 Accident on Susie Wilson Rd 1702 Trespass Notice Request on Discovery Rd 1705 Vandalism on Main St 1831 Trespass Notice Request on West St 1940 911 Hang-up on Carmichael St 1947 Alarm on Sleepy Hollow Rd 2046 Agency Assist on Central St 2202 Noise Complaint on Greenfield Rd 2215 Alarm on Pearl St 2228 Intoxicated Person on Park St Sunday 0304 Suspicious on Susie Wilson Rd 0918 Vandalism on Park Ave 1202 ATV Complaint on Pinecrest Dr 1718 Assault on Prospect St 1723 Accident on Essex Way 1754 VIN Verification on Maple St 1944 Lost Property on Pearl St 2023 Suspicious on Brigham Hill Ln 2058 Welfare Check on Susie Wilson Rd 2217 Suspicious on Sand Hill Rd 2218 Suspicious on Brickyard Rd 2243 Agency Assist on Susie Wilson Rd Tickets issued: 21 Warnings issued: 48 Fire/EMS Calls Dispatched: 47

Essex Area Property Sales February 2016 PROPERTY ADDRESS

Happy Birthday Phyllis Firkey!

Phyllis Firkey’s 80th bithday is Saturday April 23.

Help her celebrate with a card shower! Please send to her home at: 30 School Street #4 Essex Junction, VT 05452

BUYER

SELLER

SELLING PRICE

20 Wrisley Ct.

Mitchell Ryan J.

Van Buren, Michael J & Sueann

$156,500

281 River Rd.

Allen Brook Dev. Inc

Villeneuve, David L

$200,000

23 Steeplebush Rd.

Stockamore, Meghan T.

Harnish, James M & Pamela E

$237,000

200 Towers Rd.

Novof, Ilya

A Johnson Co LLC

$250,000

87 Towers Rd.

HDS Towers Prop. LLC

State Of Vermont

$200,000

302 Colchester Rd.

Santo’s Roots LLC

Berard, Roland & Clairette

$480,000

218 Brigham Hill Rd.

St James, J. S. & J. E. A.

Paramount Properties LLC

$335,000

10 Kellogg Rd. #247

Benoure, Joshua

Lilley, Vicky M

$ 88,000

31 Beech St.

Bohne, P W III & N S

Darling, Joshua T & Davies, Kathleen M

$309,000

16 Damon Dr.

Wise, W. M. & D., B. W.

White, Judith A

$259,000

42 Sleepy Hollow Rd.

Maurer, Tracey

Quay, Brian R & Lindsay J

$387,000

11 Wilkinson Dr.

Adhikari, Beda & Indira

Lubana, Mohanjit

$365,000

197 Pearl St.

Jiddu/Sittu Trust

Parker, Randal J & Nancy L

$356,397

51 Greenbriar Dr.

Shoemaker, Michael

US Bank NA

$174,000

42 Indigo Ln.

Lang, B. W. & P. A.

Forestdale Group LLC

$337,330

70A South St.

Manley, Seth Adam

Frimodig, Michael A & Shelby, L Russell

$112,000

13 A Williams St.

Niroula G., Shiva L. & R.

Spar, Richard & Betty

$242,500

This report brought to you by

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holding its second annual Pop-up Sale at Burlington Town Center on May 2.

Volunteers are needed for two-hour shifts between 9 a.m.-9 p.m.to arrange items, decorate, set up storage and return unsold items to the office. Orientation on April 30, 10 a.m. Contact Harriet Williams at 8612243 or email Burlington@ dressforsuccess.org.

HOOKERS AND QUILTERS NEEDED – The Shelburne Museum invites volunteers to share their love of rug hooking and hand quilting by demonstrating their crafts at the Museum’s Hat & Fragrance Gallery. Flexible weekday and weekend schedules. Contact Laura Need at 985-3346, ext.

3305, or email lneed@ shelburnemuseum.org.

MENTOR TRAINING – Mercy Connections is seeking mentors to support women making the transition form correctional facilities to Chittenden County. Mentors can have a profound influence on individual women as they work to rebuild their lives.

Training begins May 4 and runs on Wednesdays for additional four weeks.

Contact Darrell Morris at 846-7164 or email dmorris@ mercyconnections.org.

Have a little announcement?

Let us know.

michael@essexreporter.com

Essex Automotive Services gIVE yOUR SySTEM A flUSH

To help guard against engine overheating during the upcoming summer months, it is recommended that vehicle owners flush the coolant from their automobile’s radiators and coolant systems.

This service removes acids, phosphate and silicate gels, rust particles, and mineral deposits, as well as replenishes the additives that protect vital cooling system components. While engine coolant is formulated with additives that inhibit pitting and corrosion of aluminum components, these additives fall out of solution over time to form abrasive damaging gel-like mixtures. In addition, antifreeze gradually breaks down to form weak acids that erode aluminum components. Flushing spares aluminum components such as front covers, thermostat housings, cylinder heads, and intake manifolds from electrolytic metal erosion.

Was your vehicle built before 2012? Is it time to have your car’s coolant checked? Our technicians have the expertise to handle your questions and the candor to send you away when a repair is unnecessary. At ESSEX AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES, we will be happy to check your vehicle. Our automotive experts, located at 141-147 Pearl St, Essex Jct., are ready to help you and your vehicle. Call 802.879.1966 with any questions. We offer same day service, and free customer shuttle.

Ask us for details. We are open for Business!

NOW OPEN SATURDAy 6:59 A.M. NO APPT. NEEDED HINT: Automakers recommend coolant flushes at least every two years.

6

The Essex Reporter • April 21, 2016

schools EES

ADL

Students in Amanda Waldo’s Kindergarten class are learning about living and non-living things. Each child chose an animal that they wanted to learn more about and are using the site Pebble Go to gather important facts about the animal’s body, habitat, what it is eats, etc.

They are also writing informational books about their animal in order to teach others what they learned.

Essex Elementary School students are learning about what animals eat, their habitat and other facts through online technology.

Photo | Amanda Waldo

ADL’s recent production of the musical Annie was nothing short of superb. Under the direction of Carol Spradling, our ADL students performed the best middle school musical I’ve ever seen. Everything from the acting, to the singing, to the choreography, to the sets and set changes were well timed and professional.

Several EHS students, who are ADL alumni, came back to lend a hand, such as musical director Tommy Bergeron, choreographer Meredith Payson, stage manager Matt Tupaj, production support Isabella Dunn, and violinist Grace Lu. Many, many parents/guardians were also instrumental in the success of this show: Carmon Verasamy, Matt Sutliff, Mike Toomey, Leah Joly, Bobbi Villella and Ellen Emery. Congratulations to the cast and crew on such a successful production to three

Hiawatha Highlights

The Hiawatha PTO held a dance party April 8 for staff, teachers, students and parents.

Photo contributed

Hiawatha PTO Dance Party: The buzz around school the week before April 8 was all about the Hiawatha Dance Party. This very fun event was hosted by the PTO. DJ Kim Desjardins, Principal Tom Bochanski and other teachers helped to make this a fun event by volunteering their time to run some organized dances.

The rest of the time, kids and parents enjoyed dancing, popcorn snacks and a photo booth. Fun was had by all.

Classroom highlight: The Mini Milers program is up and running with 60 kids participating. Every

Wednesday the group meets with PE teacher Joel Rasco to run miles and earn their way to life-long health.

Congratulations kids and a special thanks to Joel for hosting this wonderful program.

Programs/events: Other programs and events going on at Hiawatha School are Girls on the Run, Chess Club, Recorder Club, Four Winds and more. What a great time of the year this is, as we get prepared for spring and time outside.

Playground improvements are back on the agenda, and the PTO and Principal

Bochanski are planning to make a few basic additions before the end of the school year.

Reminders: • Save the date: The Hiawatha kindergarten screening date has been set for May 25 from 12-3 p.m.

Kindergarten registration will start soon.

• The next PTO meeting is on May 3 at 6:30 p.m. in the music room. Childcare will be available and all are welcome.

• The next Green Mountain Sing will be held April 29 at 1:30 p.m.

Fleming Flyer Poetry Recitation Competition: Students practiced their recitation and public speaking skills in preparation for Fleming’s annual Poetry Recitation Competition, which took place last Friday. Students were encouraged to memorize a poem of their choice and recite it from memory in front of their homeroom classes. Two students from each class were chosen to move on to the school-wide recitation competition assembly.

All students were encouraged to participate, and students who speak multiple languages were encouraged to explore poetry outside of the English language and present a poem in their native language. This poetry recitation also aligns well with the Common Core objectives for speaking and listening skills.

Spring Spirit Day: The third-trimester student council polled their classmates, and the students have spoken: Fleming’s Spring Spirit Day on April 29 will be Pajama Day. We look forward to a cozy day.

Staff Appreciation Week: Teacher Appreciation Week is coming up the first week in May. The PTO has a big week planned for Fleming faculty and staff. This

is an opportunity for the school community to express gratitude to the school staff members who support each learner’s success at their school. The Fleming PTO would like your help to make the week a success: Consider donating items or volunteering your time. Head over to our website to see how you can help out.

Spring Break this week: School will not be in session from April 18-22. Students will return to class on Monday, April 25 at 8 a.m.

The 2016-2017 class placement process has begun: We are beginning to look ahead to class placement for the 201617 school year. Parents and guardians have been provided with information regarding their child’s transition to the next grade level, and families have been encouraged to notify the school if they have any plans to move out of district before the start of next year. We will use the information our families provide to us along with our in-school assessments to create balanced classes for next year. We’re looking forward to our students’ successful transition to the next grade level.

In honor of National Foster Care Month, Howard Center is hosting a

Respite, Foster Care & Adoption Open Forum Monday May 9th 6pm—8pm

1138 Pine St. Burlington, VT

Love spending time with kids? Want to make an impact in your community but don’t know where to start? Join us at the Howard Center to hear from the folks who welcome children and youth into their homes and the professionals who support them from various Vermont agencies. Our panel will share about the many ways to provide meaningful support to children, youth and families in your community.

Discussions will focus on opportunities through different agencies and roles including mentor, hourly respite buddy, overnight respite provider, foster parent and adoptive parent, through the state and internationally. To learn more, contact Katie Nee at 802.488.6742 or email HCFosterCare@howardcenter.org.

sellout crowds. Stay tuned for details on next year’s production, which will have a high benchmark to meet.

— Laurie Singer, ADL Principal The next Community Forum: Community Forum will be held on April 27 from 6-7:30 p.m. This meeting will be a follow-up to the first meeting and will include further discussion and action steps needed to move forward on addressing the intolerant and unkind behaviors we are seeing in school and our community. We are hoping to have an even bigger turnout than our last forum and encourage parents/guardians, students, educators and community members to attend as we begin the planning process for continued efforts to combat these issues. Pizza will be available.

CTE The Center for Technology, Essex held its annual Induction Ceremony for students who met the requirements for membership in the National Technical Honor Society on March 24 in the auditorium at Essex High School. Fiftyone students were inducted as new members of NTHS, while 10 second-year students were recognized as returning members.

Students recognized as NTHS members are those who have excelled in both their technical area and their required academics.

In order to be nominated, students must earn a 92 or better as a semester average, and each quarter grade must be at least a 90 or above. In addition, they must have excellent worker traits within their technical program and earn the recommendation of their program instructor(s).

Any academic classes taken within the technical center must have a grade average of a B- or better and attendance in the program cannot exceed four absences for the semester.

Nominated students are then required to complete an application and write an essay including a description of their community service component, also a required element for membership.

Inducted students receive a certificate recognizing their achievement and a stole which they can then wear at Recognition Night at CTE in June and at their own high school graduation.

Returning students meeting the same criteria receive a NTHS medallion.

The following students were inducted this year: Curtis Boudreau, Building Technology Residential, EHS Cole Gaudette, Building Systems, MHS Michelle Echelberger, Childhood Education and Human Services, EHS Elizabeth Jones, Childhood Education and Human Services, BFA-FX Taylor King, Childhood Education and Human Services, SBHS Zachary McGuiness, Childhood Education and

Human Services, BFA-FX Jazmyn Townsend, Childhood Education and Human Services, BFA-FX Kourtney Chilcote, Childhood Education and Human Services II, EHS Bridget Eastman, Childhood Education and Human Services II, SBHS Avery Follett, Computer Animation and Web Design, BHS Beny Kiesse, Computer Animation and Web Design, EHS Max Laudenslager, Computer Animation and Web Design, CVU Samantha Martelle, Computer Animation and Web Design, home schooled Lila Ottinger, Computer Animation and Web Design, CVU Sven Phelps, Computer Animation and Web Design, CHS Leo Phillips, Computer Animation and Web Design, EHS Emma Shea, Computer Animation and Web Design, EHS Saige Turner, Computer Animation and Web Design, BFA-FX Simon Wagg, Computer Animation and Web Design, MMU Kyle Youngberg, Computer Animation and Web Design, MMU Alexandre Verville, Computer Systems Technology, EHS Sydney Bergeron, Cosmetology, MMU Saedee Perkins, Cosmetology, MMU Abigail Perocchi, Cosmetology, CVU Brooke Tully, Cosmetology, BFA-FX Kyla Wootton, Cosmetology, LUHS Kayla Allen, Dental Assisting, SBHS Alexandra Anthony, Dental Assisting, CHS Brittany Boisvert, Dental Assisting, MMU Logan Denton, Dental Assisting, Adult Gulchin Kochaliyeva, Dental Assisting, Adult Kenly Smith, Dental Assisting, Adult Rodica Tiron, Dental Assisting, Adult Keagen Mathieson, Design and Creative Media

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Call 878-5282 or email michael@essexreporter.com

I, CVU Victoria Poquette, Design and Creative Media I, CVU Geraughty Badger, Engineering and Architectural Design, EHS Jonathan Carter, Engineering and Architectural Design, MMU Paul Eells, Engineering and Architectural Design, MMU Noah Harris, Engineering and Architectural Design, BFA-FX Matthew Wood, Engineering and Architectural Design, BFAFX Christina Bhandari, Health Informatics, EHS Sheelar Moo, Health Informatics, CVU Radhika Tamang, Health Informatics, BHS Reneé Utter, Health Informatics, Adult Roze Yar, Health Informatics, WHS Andrew Boutin, Natural Resources Forestry, CVU Fletcher Eddy, Natural Resources Forestry, MHS Kurt Remlin, Natural Resources Forestry, MMU] Jillian Davila, Professional Foods I, CHS Samantha Kershner, Professional Foods I, EHS Emily Wootton, Professional Foods I, EHS The following students were inducted into the NTHS as juniors last year and were recognized as returning students having met the same academic expectations for a second year: Robbie Peeters, Building Systems II, CHS Garrett Harriman, Computer Animation and Web Design II, BHS Bishnu Gurung, Cosmetology II, Adult Bhagi Pradhan, Cosmetology II, SBHS Kaitlynn Wimble, Cosmetology II, BFA-FX Nicholas Jewett, Computer Systems Technology II, MMU Dakota Bilodeau, Design and Creative Media II, CHS Alexis Boyd, Design and Creative Media II, BFA-FX Jacob Bonning, Engineering and Architectural Design II, EHS Riley Horsford, Natural Resources Forestry, EHS.

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7

The Essex Reporter • April 21, 2016

schools EHS

EMS

Essex middle School French club students explore French culture through a variety of fun activities, games, music, film and food! Shown are students Firdaus muhammad, Paige dubuque, Sophia hall, Amanda Fagnant, Grace Stone, Aly Katon, Zoey Goff, Sabrina chapdelaine, Alisa

Students in front of the metropolitan museum of Art during a trip to new York city earlier this month.

Kokorovic, lucy renaud, claire Knowles, marie Erickson, madame lockwood, river Koval, logan Sahagun, hunter boulet, Vivek lasserre, owen Kupferer, carmella deGregorio, Storm dusablon, lucas Williams, max Foster and isaac dodge.

Photo | ShirlEY brunEt

FMS

PhotoS contributEd

Community Service Dinner: The annual Community Service Dinner was held at Essex High School on April 7. This event celebrates the acts of community service that EHS seniors have performed during their time in high school. This year, we had over 100 attendees, as it was wonderful to recognize so many caring, helpful students. Essex Rotary plays a large role in this celebration, providing funding for the food and many volunteers to help serve it. EHS faculty also helped serve dinner to this large crowd, and they provided tasty homemade treats for dessert. The entire EHS community would like to extend their thanks to the special students who were honored at this dinner, and we hope that the seed of kindness they have sown over the last four years continues to bear fruit for many years to come.

Author visit: Author Ingrid Sundberg, who recently published her first book All We Left Behind, visited EHS/CTE Library on April 7. Sundberg gave several presentations to students throughout the day, sharing with them details about how she transitioned from being an artist and screenwriter to becoming a published author. She spoke with students about the steps in her writing process and how she went about finding a publisher for her book. Sundberg also shared some of her personal experiences that led to the themes she explored in her novel.

Author ingirid Sundberg speaks to students at EhS/ctE library on April 7.

New York City trip: Forty-six performing and visual art students from Essex High School explored the sights of New York City from April 8-10. Highlights included four Broadway shows, a visit to the Apollo Theater, art tours of the Guggenheim and MET, shopping at Rockefeller Center and a wonderful walk in the rain over the Brooklyn Bridge into Chinatown.

Upcoming ETSD Events April 25 — ETSD School Board Meeting, FMS Library, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

April 26 — EWEC Unified Union School Board Meeting, EHS, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

May 3 — EWEC Unified Union School Board Meeting, EHS, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

May 3 — EMS students play at Jazz Night at Essex High School at 7 p.m.

Joe White’s students loved meeting the therapy dog Amethyst during a visit to school. She is a very sweet dog!

Photo | mAriA hArriS

Amethyst the Therapy Dog A few weeks ago, Joe White’s class met a dog named Amethyst. Amethyst is a therapy dog, and her owner is a former teacher at our school. Therapy dogs help people of all ages to be happy and feel better.

Amethyst is an adopted greyhound.

Before she was adopted she was a race dog.

She was successful and won many races. Most greyhounds are put to sleep if they don’t win.

Special organizations help give greyhounds up for adoption, after their racing careers are over. Amethyst was one of these dogs.

Amethyst usually works one-on-one with older people. We gave her a new experience

of working with a large group of children.

We are a fourth-grade class in Founders Memorial School in Essex Town. Amethyst made her way into the room, and we let her sniff and greet us all. Mrs. Ahokas let Amethyst walk around as she told us about Amethyst’s life and what she was doing to help people in need. Amethyst is a really nice dog.

I don’t know who loved the meeting more, Amethyst or us. Therapy dogs really do cheer people up. The students in our class all had a smile on their faces when she left.

— By Gavin Dubuque and Raygan Gilmond

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8

The Essex Reporter • April 21, 2016

Local bio-med researcher puts NIH grants to use

S

By JASON STARR The Essex Reporter

ubmitting grant applications is a way of life for medical and pharmacology researchers.

Karen Glass, an Essex Junction native and professor at the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Colchester, has elevated it to an art form.

Glass received the top score in a competitive grant application process with the National Institutes of Health and secured nearly $384,000 to further her epigenetics research with students at the college. The work will enhance understanding of the causes of disease and potentially lead to new disease-fighting drugs.

Glass works with graduate-level pharmacy students, undergraduates and even high-schoolers. On Tuesday, Colchester High School’s Maddy Prevost was in the lab at the college’s Water Tower Hill campus as part of an internship associated with the high school’s Advanced Placement biology course.

“The goal [of the grant] is to do quality research but also to train students,” Glass said.

The grant has a three-year term and builds on an NIH grant Glass received in 2013. It will support the salaries of lab staff at the college, research supplies, travel costs and the cost to publish findings.

The NIH is the research arm of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Glass, who also works as an adjunct professor at the University of Vermont medical school, where she received a Ph.D. in 2005, said all professors and researchers in the field rely on grant support.

Glass continues to work on new grant applications.

“You can’t stop,” she said. “You want to have continuous funding … People don’t realize that all of the advancements we have in technology and medicine are government-funded.”

The college opened its Colchester campus in 2009, and Glass started there a year later. She wanted to return to Vermont after spending four years in a post-doctoral training stint at the University of Colorado-Denver and learned about the college opening a Vermont campus.

“I said ‘Huh, that wasn’t there when I left,’” she recalled.

“There are very few places I can work in this state. This turned out to be an excellent fit for me.”

maddy Prevost, left, a colchester high School senior, works with professor Karen Glass in a lab at the Albany college of Pharmacy and health Sciences on tuesday.

Photo | JASon StArr

AMTRAK from page 1

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Senator Patrick leahy speaks with Al Villa, longtime Amtrak employee and stationmaster of the Essex Junction train station, after a press conference last Friday.

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This credit union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration.

streetscape run the bill to an estimated $1.3 million.

The improvements will be completely state and federally funded, and Tyler will meet with a Vermont Agency of Transportation policy director next month to discuss the timeline.

Village officials also provided Leahy with a copy of the station’s scoping study.

“As with any infrastructure project in Vermont, he will give it thoughtful consideration,” said David Carle, a spokesman for Leahy, in an email.

Because the facility is multimodal, serving train and bus patrons, there are a number of state and federal grants for which Essex could apply, Carle said.

Tyler said though the fight for funding is an uphill battle, the village is persistent.

“It’s something that I’m absolutely committed to. We’re not going to give up,” Tyler said Tuesday afternoon.

Leahy’s legislation is currently pending before both the U.S. House and the Senate, with similar legislation before the Canadian Parliament.

His statements Friday

came just over month after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau voiced support for expanding preclearance facilities during at a joint press conference with President Barack Obama on March 10.

At the heart of preclearance support is the economic boost that accompanies easier travel between the nations, which bolster approximately a $1.4 trillion bilateral trade and investment relationship, according to the U.S. Embassy in Canada.

VTrans Secretary Chris Cole joined Leahy in highlighting this benefit.

“Transportation is really the grease that allows the economy to function,” he said. “And while we’re preserving our assets that we have today, we have to make strategic investments for the future economy. And the future of connecting Vermont to the rest of New England — to Boston and New York — is rail.”

The eastern seaboard provides limited opportunity for more airports but forecasts a “bright future” for rail, he said. Pre-clearance will help rail remain competitive with travel by car, Cole said, which isn’t as plagued by the lengthy border stops that eventually forced the Montrealer into oblivion.

Expedited travel to Canada also has a significant social component — 35 percent of New Englanders can trace their ancestry back to Canada, according to David Alward, the general consul of Canada, extending benefits well beyond just trade and commerce.

“It’s communities and families as well,” he said.

This familial aspect resonated with Leahy: His wife’s parents emigrated from Quebec.

“Many Vermonters have family members — as we do — on both sides of the border,” Leahy said. “More than that, we share economic interests, environmental goals. We all enjoy what this vibrant cultural hub offers.”

For the Leahys, that enjoyment has passed on through generations.

“I’ll tell you one thing the grandchildren always say when they get off the train: ‘That wasn’t long enough,’” Leahy said.

9

The Essex Reporter • April 21, 2016

aRTs & eNtertAiNMeNt

GMP and Vermont Magazine announce winner of Vermont Writers’ prize

COLCHESTER – Nancy Kilgore is the winner of the 2016 Vermont Writers’ Prize. Her story “A Thousand Half Loves,” is of a small town in Vermont, but at the center is the love story between the primary characters, Mona and Frank. The Vermont Writers’ prize is awarded by Green Mountain Power and Vermont Magazine.

“A Thousand Half Loves” captures the quaintness and intimacy of living in a small town in Vermont through the eyes and heart of Mona, beginning with an image of a bulletin board outside Mona’s country store, cluttered with papers and yellowed with age, that resonated with the panel of judges as “very Vermont.”

“Mona Duval stands in front of the outside bulletin board, a storm center of papers and notes and photos, in pinks and blues and whites that are yellowed with age. The wind blows, cutting up from the river and scarpering down to the parking lot, and the sun plays tag with the clouds.

A day of sharpness and light, shadows and angles. People come to Vermont in droves for the fall colors, but she likes it best in the spring.”

Ms. Kilgore, a writer and psychotherapist who leads workshops and retreats on creative writing and spirituality, said, “This is something I love about rural Vermont – that we can talk about gutter cleaning and snow shoveling and recycling and in the next moment share something deep and life defining. In my writing I like to describe the ways ordinary life can shine with moments of profound meaning.”

Phil Jordan, editor of Vermont Magazine, commented on how “smooth and nicely flowing” the story reads, adding that moving beyond that bulletin board, “her story is about change taking place in Vermont––not on the hilltops or in the valleys, but in someone’s life in a rural place.”

Kilgore lives and writes in Burlington. “A Thousand Half Loves” is an adaptation of a chapter in her yet to be published novel, “Wild Mountain.” She will receive a $1,500

prize for the short story.

The prize was created to honor the literary legacy of the late Ralph Nading Hill, Jr., a Vermont historian and writer and longtime member of Green Mountain Power’s board of directors. It is considered by Vermont writers to be one of the state’s premier literary prizes. Previous winners include amateurs as well as seasoned writers.

The selection was made by an independent panel of judges: Phil Jordan, editor of Vermont Magazine; Tony Marro, retired executive editor of Newsday; Alison Freeland, a 1994 winner of the Ralph Nading Hill, Jr., award; Brian Vachon, retired vice president of communications at National Life of Vermont and a former Vermont Life editor; Suzanne Loring, writer at The Stern Center for Language and Learning and committee member of the Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children’s Book Award and Steve Terry, retired Green Mountain Power senior executive.

“A Thousand Half Loves” is published in the March/April issue of Vermont Magazine, on newsstands now.

The deadline for this year’s Vermont Writers’ Prize is Nov. 1, 2016. The contest is open to all Vermont residents.

Entrants may be amateur or professional writers.

Submissions may include essays, short stories and poetry that focus on “Vermont – Its People, the Place, Its History or Its Values.” Entries must be unpublished and fewer than 1,500 words. Individuals may submit only one entry.

Employees of Vermont Magazine or Green Mountain Power and previous winners are ineligible.

Entries should be mailed to Vermont Writers’ Prize, c/o Green Mountain Power, 163 Acorn Lane, Colchester, VT 05446. All submissions will be acknowledged with a postcard within 30 days after they have been received.

Entries must be accompanied by a cover sheet that can be downloaded at www.greenmountainpower.com and at www.

Vermontmagazine.com.

Upcoming Events EARLY CHILDHOOD MAYFEST. On May 5, colorful ribbons will unfurl and young children and their families will celebrate the arrival of spring at Lake Champlain Waldorf School’s annual Early Childhood Mayfest. This outdoor celebration, designed for children ages 6 and under, includes live music, crafts, maypole dancing, flower crown decorating, games, jump rope making, face painting, pony rides and other festivities is an unforgettable welcome to spring. Free and open to the public. Lake Champlain Waldorf School, Shelburne, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Information: http:// www.lakechamplainwaldorfschool.org.

CALL FOR ARTISTS. Dunkiel Saunders seeks submissions of up to five works for the 5th Annual Art + Soul event. Artwork must be inspired by the mission of event beneficiary Local Motion, who works to bring walking and biking within reach for everyone. Prices are to be set by artists, and revenue from pieces sold will be split 50/50 between the artist and beneficiary.

For information and art submission form: visitartandsoulvt.org.

Submissions accepted through May 12.

CELEBRATION OF DANCE 2016. On May 28, Vermont Ballet Theater School presents Celebration of Dance 2016.

The Vermont Ballet Theater Company will join dancers from Vermont Ballet Theater School for a springtime dance showcase.

Performing excerpts from Raymonda, Romeo and Juliet, Sleeping Beauty and more. The show will also include Broadway jazz, contemporary and lyrical jazz numbers. Guest artist Samuel Wilson, of The Washington Ballet, will be returning to perform with the company. Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, Burlington, 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $17. Information: www.flynntix.org.

Current Exhibits “TRADITIONAL CULPRITS.” A solo exhibition of the New York-based artist Cal Lane’s “industrial doilies,” sculptural works that challenge conventional distinctions between masculine and feminine forms of labor. On exhibition through June 18.

BCA Center, Burlington. Gallery Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.: Closed Sunday and Monday. Information: http://www.burlingtoncityarts.org/ exhibitions “SURVIVAL AND MEMORY.” The Fleming Museum at the University of Vermont is exhibiting a collection of paintings by the Polish artist, Samuel Bak. Bak addresses his experience as a Holocaust survivor, using a Renaissance palette and personal lexicon informed by Jewish culture. On display through May 22. Fleming Fine Art Museum, UVM Campus, Burlington. Gallery Hours: Mondays, closed; Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Wednesday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 12-4 p.m.

Information: www.uvm.edu/~fleming/index.php?category=exhibi tions&page=samuel_bak

For more listings visit: www.essexreporter.com/arts-and-entertainment

Williston artist to be shown in Jericho Emile A Gruppe Gallery in Jericho presents Phil Laughlin’s exhibition of oil paintings “Classic Vermont in 2016,” from April 28 through June 5. An artist reception will be held Sunday, May 1 from 1 to 4 p.m. Since 1986, Laughlin has been painting in the rich tradition of New England landscape artist. His work has been represented in shows throughout New England and New York.

This show looks at the question “Does classic Vermont still work?” and

examines how Vermont’s storied past endures into the present. The paintings concentrate on various structures and altered environments, which stand witness to past efforts.

Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 899-3211 or email emilegruppegallery. com for more information.

Weekly Estate Tag Sale Located at 63 Creek Farm Plaza In Back of Creek Farm Plaza (Watch for Signs)

Saturday, April 23 10 a.m.

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10

The Essex Reporter • April 21, 2016

Essex Area Religious Directory

calendaR 21

Thursday

m.a.G.i.c.: masculinity and Gender identity conversation. participants of any

apR. 23

and all gender identities gather for a casual discussion on a wide variety of topics ranging from inequality to language, media and food. Wellness Co-op, burlington, 2-3 p.m. Free. information: 370-5369.

mandarin chinese class. the Agape Com-

munity Church invites language enthusiasts to practice the Chinese dialect spoken throughout northern and southwestern China. Agape Community Church, south burlington, 7-8:30 p.m. Free. information: www.burlingtonagape.org.

CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH (Fundamental-independent.) 61 Main St., Essex Junction, (802) 878-8341. Pastor James Gangwer.

Sunday School 10 a.m. Worship Service 11 a.m. Sunday evening worship 6:30 p.m. Wednesday evening youth groups; Awana, Pro-Teens and Prayer meeting 7 p.m.

CHRIST MEMORIAL CHURCH - Route 2A, Williston, just north of Industrial Ave. Wes Pastor, Senior Minister, (802) 878-7107, Proclaiming Christ and Him crucified Sundays at 9:30 a.m. www.cmcvermont.org.

DAYBREAK COMMUNITY CHURCH - 67 Creek Farm Plaza, Colchester VT. 05446. (802) 338-9118 www.daybreakvermont.org or brentdaybreak@gmail. com Sunday Service at 10:30 a.m. Lead Pastor, Brent Devenney.

ESSEX ALLIANCE CHURCH - 37 Old Stage Road in Essex Junction. Sunday Services: 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Phone: 878-8213. www.essexalliance.org.

ESSEX CENTER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Please join us for worship that combines the best of traditional and contemporary music and spirituality.

We are a safe and welcoming space for all people to celebrate, worship, ask questions, and put down spiritual roots. Adult Bible Study at 8:30 a.m. Service at 10:00 a.m. with Sunday School and childcare provided.

We offer a variety of small groups for prayer, Bible study, hands-on ministry, and studying contemporary faith issues. 119 Center Rd (Route 15) Essex Center. Rev. Mitchell Hay, pastor. (802) 878-8304.

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF ESSEX JUNCTION, UCC, an Open and Affirming Congregation, embracing diversity and affirming the dignity and worth of every person, because we are all created by a loving God. 1 Church Street, Essex Junction, VT 05452.

Telephone (802) 878-5745; Website: www.fccej.org; Email: welcome@fccej.org. Senior Pastor, Rev. Mark Mendes. Sunday Worship Services: 8:30 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. Communion: first Sunday of every month.

Sunday School meets weekly at 10:15 a.m. Jr. High Youth Group, Sr. High Youth Group every Sunday.

5th/6th Grade Youth Group, 1st Sunday of the month.

Heavenly Food Pantry – fourth Thursday of the month, 2-6 p.m., except for Nov & Dec when it is the third Thursday. Essex Eats Out Community Dinner – 1st Friday of the month, 5:30 – 7 p.m. Music includes Senior Choir, Praise Band, Junior Choir, Cherub Choir, Handbell Choir, Men’s Acapella and Ladies’ Acapella groups.

GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH - 130 Maple Street, Essex Junction. (802) 878-8071. 1 mile south of the Five Corners on Maple Street / VT. Route 117.

Worship Sundays at 9:30 a.m. with concurrent Church School Pre-K to High School. Handicapped-accessible facility. Adult Study Group Sundays at 11:00 a.m. Adult Choir / Praise Band / Women’s Fellowship / Missionally active. Korean U.M.C. Worship Sundays at 12:30 p.m.

Come explore what God might be offering you!

HOLY FAMILY - ST. LAWRENCE PARISH - Essex Junction, - Mass Schedule, Saturday Vigil: 4:00 p.m - St. Lawrence, Sunday Morning: 8:00 a.m. - St. Lawrence, 11:00 a.m. - Holy Family, 7:30 p.m. - Holy Family. For more information visit our web page www.hfslvt.org.

LIVING HOPE CHRISTIAN CHURCH - 1037 South Brownell Road, Williston ,VT 05495. A Living Hope.... a Loving God. (802) 862-2108 | Livinghope@aol.com | www.livinghopevt.org. 9:00 a.m. - Children and Adult Sunday School. 10:00 a.m. - Worship and Service.

MT. MANSFIELD UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP - Visit www.mmuuf.org. Services are held at 9:30 a.m. on the second and fourth Sunday of each month from September through June. 195 Vermont Route 15, Jericho (the red barn across from Packard Road). (802) 899-2558.

ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH - 4 St. James Place (off Rt. 2A at the Fairgrounds Gate F) (802) 8784014 www.stjamesvt.org The Rev. Ken Hitch v office@ stjamesvt.org 8:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II (no music) 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II (with music) 9:20 a.m.

Adult Ed: Bible Study 10:15 a.m. Godly Play.

ST. PIUS X CHURCH - 20 Jericho Road, Essex, (802) 878-5997 - Pastor: Rev. Charles Ranges.

Masses: Saturday 4:30 p.m. and Sunday 9:30 a.m.

Confessions: Saturday 3:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. or please call (802) 878-5331 for an appointment.

BURlinGTon choRal socieTy’s hidden haydn. richard

22

riley conducts the 80-voice chorus, with orchestra and soloists, in Haydn gems that have not been performed in the area for many years: “spring” and “summer” from “the seasons,” and shorter works: “insanae et Vanae Curae” and “te Deum Laudamus.” soloists Mary bonhag, Adam Hall and benjamin Dickerson, members of the burlington Chamber orchestra as well as pianist Claire black join this celebration of light and life. elley-Long Music Center, Colchester, 7:30 p.m. tickets: $25 general admission and $20 for students and seniors. Information: flynntix.org and 86-FLYNN.

Friday

elder education enrichment lecture. the el-

der education enrichment group will offer the next installment of its spring lecture series with britta tonn, architectural historian. tonn will present a lecture titled “History and Architecture of burlington’s Northern Hill section.” parking and handicap access available. Faith United Methodist Church, south burlington, 2 p.m. $5 at the door. information: 864-3516.

VfW color Guard dinner. the VFW post

6689 Color Guard will hold a dinner open to the public. Menu will include baked boneless chicken breast with maple chipotle glaze over rice, vegetable, salad, rolls and dessert. Proceeds benefit the Color Guard. VFW post 6689, essex junction, 5:30-7 p.m. $10. information: 878-0700.

casino night. the Colchester-Milton rotary

Club will host its annual Casino Night. back by popular demand, the evening will include black jack, roulette, Wheel of Fortune, craps and a texas Hold’em tournament. Cash bar, along with food and munchies, also available. Doubletree, south burlington, 7-11 p.m. Admission: $10. information: https://www.facebook. com/events/955969861189228.

23

Saturday

Girl expo-Vermont. the Girl scouts of the

Green and White Mountains with the Champlain Valley expo present the Girl expo Vermont, the region’s only expo geared specifically toward girls ages 5 to 18. Attendees will enjoy free workshops, mainstage performances, hands-on exhibits, giveaways and more. tickets $5.

Champlain Valley exposition, essex junction, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

24

Sunday

sunday coffee mix and mingle. Members

of the LGbtQA community gather to bond over books, coffee, art and more at this casual hangout. barnes and Noble bookstore, south burlington, 10 a.m.-noon. information: 860-7812.

The Three B’s concert. Cathedral Arts

presents the Walsh-Drucker-Cooper trio performing the three b’s in concert. Violinist eugene Drucker, pianist Diane Walsh and cellist roberta Cooper perform beethoven’s piano trio op. 1, No. 2 and brahms’ trio in C minor. Flutist karen kevra joins the group for a performance of j.s. bach’s trio sonata. Cathedral Church of st paul, burlington, 3 p.m. Admission: $25; students 18 and under: $15. information: 864-0471.

26

Tuesday

movies at main street landing: “all The King’s men.” this series presents the

robert rossen-directed 1949 drama, “All the king’s Men,” starring broderick Crawford, john ireland and joanne Dru. Main street Landing Film House, burlington, 7 p.m. Donations benefit a local charity.

Contact: 540-3018 or www.mainstreetlanding.com/movies.

25

shape and share life stories. prompts trig-

ger real-life experience stories, which are crafted into engaging narrative and shared with the group. Free and open to all adults. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 12:30-2:30 p.m. Free.

Contact: 878-4918.

elder education enrichment lecture. the

elder education enrichment group will offer the next installment of its spring lecture series with erin jacobsen, attorney for the Vermont immigrant Assistance project and assistant professor of the Vermont Law school Legal Clinic. jacobsen will present a lecture titled “How to be Happy and Lose Money (but Not too Much) owning bookstore in Vermont.” parking and handicap access available. Faith United Methodist Church, south burlington, 2 p.m. $5 at the door. information: 864-3516.

Trivia night. trivia buffs gather for a meeting

of the minds. Hotel Vermont lobby, burlington, 7-9 p.m. Free. Contact: 651-5012.

essex art league meetings. Meetings hap-

pen on the first Thursday of the month. The meeting agenda includes a business and social time, and features a guest artist presentation. essex junction Congregational Church, essex junction, 9-11 a.m. information: www.essexartleague.com.

craft connection. Come to the essex Alliance

27

Wednesday

open studio collage Workshop. Whirled

tree Arts studio invites budding artists to take a break from their busy lives to learn how to create beautiful mixed media compositions using paint, paper, fabric and found objects. All creative levels welcome. Whirled tree Art studio, burlington, noon-1:30 p.m. $5-$10 suggested donation. information: www.whirledtree.org

28

Thursday

Blast off with Books 2016. stern Center

for Language and Learning will host blast off with books where guests will meet more than 20 authors behind a range of popular literary works. Attendees of all ages will experience hands-on workshops, read-aloud and storytelling sessions and author panels during the day. in the evening, the ticket-only “evening with Authors” event, guests will enjoy engaging conversation, music, food and a cash bar. there will also be an all-day silent auction with a wide variety of exciting items. Free parking available at the airport all day. burlington international Airport, burlington, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. suggested donation for day sessions/evening event tickets: $25. information: http://www.sterncenter.org/ news-events/calendar.

Bingo. the VFW post 6689 will host a com-

munity bingo game. $10 for 10 games and each additional sheet is $1 per game. the coverall is $2. VFW post 6689, essex junction, 6-8:30 p.m. information: 878-0700.

Ongoing seniors Watercolor 1 class. the town of

Monday

bible stories and games. No registration needed, and parents can stay and have coffee. Grace United Methodist Church, essex junction, 8:30-10:30 a.m. information: 878-8071 or ejgraceumcsudayschool@gmail.com.

Colchester invites seniors to jump into the fun and accessible medium of watercolors each tuesday afternoon in this six-week class. No prior experience needed. participants will experiment with different techniques using high-quality supplies, including the use of a variety of brushes to get many different effects. the focus will be on landscape paintings. bring your own easel or folding chair/ table. tuesdays, April 5-May 17. bayside Activity Center, Colchester. 2-4 p.m. $95 residents; $100 non-residents. information: 264-5648.

divorce care support Group. Divorce is

a tough road. Feelings of separation, betrayal, confusion, anger and selfdoubt are common. but there is life after divorce. Led by people who have already walked down that road, the group shares a safe place and a process that can help make the journey easier. the 13-week Divorce Care support Group for men and women will be offered on sunday evenings, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Feb. 28 through May 29 at the essex Alliance Church, essex junction. register: 989-4081 or emailsandybrisson@gmail.com.

children’s Breakfast. First and third satur-

day of each month. the Grace United Methodist Church will be offering a free breakfast for children ages k-5, though all children are welcomed. Crafts, songs,

Church community as women gather for a time of crafts and fellowship. twice a month, Wednesday evenings. essex Alliance Church, essex. Contact Deb: 2382291.

essex eats out community meals. essex

eats out seeks to build community connections by providing healthy, free meals in a warm, safe and inclusive atmosphere.

Meals are served Fridays: First Friday of the month at First Congregational Church, second at Holy Family/st. Lawrence parish Center, third at st. james Church, fourth at essex United Methodist Church and fifth when applicable at St. Pius X Church. 5:30-7 p.m. transportation is available. Call Dawn on thursday by 9 a.m. to schedule Friday transit: 878-7622. information: essexeatsout@gmail.com or www.essexeatsout.org.

interstitial cystitis support Group. interstitial cystitis is recurring pelvic pain, pressure or discomfort in the bladder and pelvic region and urinary frequency/urgency. this is often misdiagnosed and mistreated as a chronic bladder infection. if you have been diagnosed or have these symptoms, you are not alone. We are building a Vermont-based support group and welcome you to email bladderpainvt@ gmail.com or call 899-4151 for more information.

creative Tuesdays. Artists exercise their

imaginations with recycled crafts. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Fletcher Free Library, burlington, 3:15-5 p.m. Contact: 865-7216.

Burlington Writers Workshop. A free writing

workshop for all Vermonters. Meets every Wednesday in downtown burlington. Free and open to the public. participants must register at meetup.com. More info: www. burlingtonwritersworkshop.com.

cell phones for soldiers. Local residents

can support these collection drives by donating their old cell phones at A. W. rich Funeral Home, 57 Main st., essex junction, or at the American Legion, 3650 roosevelt Highway, Colchester. Collections accepted 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Contact: 849-6261.

champlain echoes. A women’s four-part

harmony chorus group seeks additional women to sing in their holiday performances. Meetings are Monday nights. the pines, Aspen Drive, south burlington, 6:30 p.m. Contact: 655-2174.

community Wellness day. practitioners offer reiki, shiatsu, aromatherapy, acupressure, energy work and more to those looking to experience alternative healing. 2 Wolves Holistic Center in Vergennes, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. most Fridays. sliding-scale donations; preregister the tuesday prior.

Contact: 2wolvescenter@gmail.com or 870-0361.

english as a second language classes. improve your english conversation skills and meet new people. Wednesdays. Administrative Conference room: intermediate/ advanced. Pickering Room, Second floor: beginners. Fletcher Free Library, burlington, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Contact: 865-7211.

family support Group. outright Vermont

holds support group meetings for family members of youth going through the process of coming out. one sunday evening and one Wednesday morning each month at outright Vermont. Contact: 865-9677.

italian conversation Group. open to all

interested in learning/hearing the italian language. room 101, st. edmunds Hall, st. Michael’s College, Colchester. every

11

The Essex Reporter • April 21, 2016

calendaR second and fourth Wednesday of the month, 7-9 p.m. Contact: 654-2536.

Toy library playgroup. Fridays. Ages birth through 5 years. Memorial Hall, essex, 9:30-11 a.m. Contact essex parks and rec: 878-1342.

Vcam access orientation. free. Vermont

Community Access Media, 208 Flynn Ave. 2-G, burlington. Monday-Friday 10 a.m.10 p.m., saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Contact: 651-9692 or www.vermontcam.org.

colchester-milton Rotary meeting. thurs-

days. serving the communities of Colchester, Milton and the Champlain islands.

Hampton inn, Colchester, noon.

essex Rotary meeting. essex rotary Meet-

ings are held on Wednesdays at 12:10 p.m. at the essex. serving the communities of essex, essex junction, jericho and Underhill.

duplicate Bridge. Wednesdays. essex junc-

tion senior Center, essex, 1 p.m. information: 876-5087.

celebrate Recovery. Thursdays. This confidential 12-step recovery program puts faith in jesus Christ at the heart of healing.

We offer multiple support groups for both men and women, such as chemical dependency, co-dependency, sexual addiction and pornography, food issues and overcoming abuse. All those 18 and older are welcome. sorry, no childcare. essex Alliance Church, essex. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., sessions begin at 7 p.m. information: recovery@essexalliance.org or 310-9062.

mah Jongg. join other Mah jongg enthusiasts ages 50 and over at the essex junction senior Center at 10 a.m. on Mondays

and Fridays. New players are always welcome. Free to members of ejsC, others pay $1 per day. Membership at ejsC is open to anyone 50 years of age and older and is $12 per year. Contact: 8765087 or lpioli@essex.org.

senior strength. HammerFit Gym in essex of-

fers a 50-minute guided exercise class for anyone over age 50. the session begins with a warm up, stretching exercises, then strength training using Hammer strength equipment with guidance. the class ends with a relaxing stretch and cool down, and participants are welcome to use the cardio machines before or after if they wish. HammerFit Gym, essex, Mondays and thursdays 9:30 a.m. $5. information: 878-0444.

essex community Justice center’s citizen advisory Board meetings. Meetings

take place on the second Wednesday of all even-numbered months. the Community justice Center provides restorative responses to crime and conflict in the greater essex area. the Citizens Advisory board advises the Community justice Center on policy, direction and programming in an ongoing capacity. Community justice Center, essex junction, 5:30 p.m. Contact kate: 662-0001 or at kate@essexcjc.org.

Drop-in pottery Wheel Class. spend Friday nights with our pottery instructors learning the basics of wheel working. try the wheel and have some fun with other beginner potters. through demonstrations and individual instruction, students will learn the basics of preparing and centering the clay and making cups, mugs and bowls. Price includes one fired and glazed piece per participant. Additional fired and glazed pieces are $5 each.

No registration necessary, but space is limited. First come, first served. BCA Print and Wheel studio, burlington, Fridays 8-10 p.m. $12. Contact: 865-7166.

Something to Celebrate?

Tell us!

news@essexreporter.com

drop-in life drawing class. this drop-in life drawing class is open to all levels and facilitated by local painter Glynnis Fawkes. spend the evening with other artists drawing one of our experienced models. bring drawing materials and paper. No registration necessary. Ages 16 and up. bCA Center, burlington, Mondays 6:308:30 p.m. $8. Contact: 865-7166.

Sunday, April 24th, opening at 8:30am Admission: Just $3.00

Save $1.00 with your WOKO Country Club Card Children 13 and under are Free 105 Pearl Street, Essex Junction, Vermont 05452

www.cvexpo.org

Bagpipe and drum lessons. the st.

Andrew’s pipeband of Vermont offers instruction for bagpiping and drumming as an encouragement and incentive for attracting new members. the instructional program is designed to integrate and transition a piper or drummer into the “parade” band at a level of basic competency. st. james episcopal Church, essex junction, Wednesday evenings.

Free. Contact beth: 343-4738.

Equine & Pet Supplies!

Opening Sept 8th

Hrs: Tues-Sat 10-6pm

Zignature, Eagle, California Natural, Evo, Triumph 4 Kellogg Rd #1, Essex Jct, VT 802-876-4444 * Tonystack.com Winter hours: Tues-Fri 10-6, Sat 10-4 4 Kellogg Rd., Essex Jct. 802-876-4444 TonysTack.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 21

ONGOING

Vacation Movie: “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.”

New HD release of “The Greatest Animated Film of all Time.” In this epic story of love and friendship, the kind and beautiful princess Snow White wins the hearts of the seven dwarfs and triumphs over the evil plans of a wicked queen. (1937, Disney, G, 83 min.) Free popcorn and drinks. Brownell Public Library, Essex Junction, 2-3:30 p.m.

Drop In With Your Device. Wednesdays. Need some tech help? Drop in with your device and your questions. Essex Free Library, Essex Center. 10-11 a.m.

A Visit from Bixby Hill Sugar House. Essex sugar makers Joe and Laurie Jordan visit to share their passion for maple sugaring and present memorabilia and stories. Essex Free Library, Essex Center, 6-7:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, APRIL 22 Crafternoon. Come and create a refrigerator magnet.

For students Grades 2 and up. Brownell Public Library, Essex Junction, 3-4:30 p.m.

Dungeons and Dragons. Embark on imaginary adventure. Our Dungeon Master serves as the game’s referee and storyteller. Grades 6 and up. Brownell Public Library, Essex Junction, 6-8:30 p.m.

MONDAY, APRIL 25 Reading Buddies. Eighth-graders from A.D. Lawton School will read with children K-5 years old. This program continues weekly until the end of April.

Please register in advance. Brownell Public Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, APRIL 26 Dorothy Canfield Fisher Book Discussion Group.

Attention readers in grades 4-8. Join us for pizza, book trivia and a discussion of “The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher” by Dana Alison Levy. Copies available at the main desk and children’s room desk.

Essex Free Library, Essex Center, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, APRIL 28 Adult Evening Book Discussion. Join us as we discuss “Interpreter of Maladies” by Jhumpa Lahiri. Copies available at the main desk. Essex Free Library, Essex Center, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Read to McKenzie the Dog. McKenzie is a certified reading and therapy dog! Sign up for a 15-minute session to read her your “just right book.” For ages 5-10. Registration is required. Please call 879-0313.

Essex Free Library, Essex Center, 3:15-4:15 p.m.

Read to Daisy and Archie, Therapy Dogs. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Daisy and Archie love to listen to kids read. They are certified by Therapy Dogs of Vermont. Daisy’s owner is Maddie Nash, a retired school counselor, and Archie’s owner is Christine Packard, chair of Brownell Library Trustees. For all ages. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Story Time for Babies and Toddlers. Tuesdays. Picture books, songs, rhymes and puppets for babies and toddlers with an adult. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 9:10-9:30 a.m.

Story Time for 3- to 5-Year-Olds. Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Picture books, songs, rhymes, puppets, flannel stories and early math activities for preschoolers. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10-10:45 a.m.

Tech Help with Clif. Mondays and Wednesdays.

Offering one-on-one technology help. Bring in your new electronic devices, and Clif will sit with you to help you learn more about them. Please call to make an appointment. Brownell Library, noon-1 p.m.

Saturday, April 23 @ 10AM • Register from 8AM 298 J. Brown Drive, Williston, VT

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’07 Volvo XC90 ’06 Dodge G. Caravan ’06 Jeep G. Cherokee ’06 Toyota Sienna ’06 VW Passat ’05 Chevy Cobalt ’05 Chevy Equinox ’05 Chevy Silverado 1500 ’05 Chevy TrailBlazer EXT ’88 Mercedes 300 & MANY MORE! List subject to change

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Drop-in Story Time. Mondays. Reading, rhyming and crafts each week. All ages welcome; no registration required. Essex Free Library, 10:30 a.m.

Lego Club. Mondays. We have thousands of Legos for you to build awesome creations. Essex Free Library, 3:30-5 p.m.

Special event coming up?

Drop-in Knitting Group. Tuesdays. Connect with other knitters and tackle new knitting projects.

Both beginner and advanced knitters are welcome.

Essex Free Library, 6:30 p.m.

Creative Writing Club. First Wednesday of each month. Let your imagination soar as you write your own stories and poems using prompts, games and other writing exercises. For ages 9 and older. Essex Free Library, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Tell Michael! calendar@essexreporter.com

Spring cleaning checklist:

Musical Story Time. Fridays. Rock out and read with books, songs and instruments. For all ages. Essex Free Library, 10:30 a.m.

Drop-in Story Time for Kids of All Ages. Twice a month on Fridays. Babies, toddlers and preschoolers are welcome to come listen to picture book stories and have fun with finger plays and action rhymes. No registration required. Brownell Library, 10-10:45 a.m.

Events at your

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The Essex Reporter • April 21, 2016

Home

Spring

12

IMPROVEMENT

How to create a budget-friendly home landscape

H

omeowners understandably envy the awardworthy photo spreads in lawn and garden magazines, wanting to emulate those same looks on their own properties.

Scores of designers and landscape architects are involved in the process of creating those amazing lush lawns and perfect

décor. Although not every homeowner has the budget to create lavish landscape designs, it’s still possible for homeowners to craft lawns they can be proud of.

• Establish your budget. The first step in any project is to determine how much money you can devote to the job. Once you have established the budget, all other factors

can be built around it.

• Find an inspiration piece. Great landscapes are often inspired by many things, whether it’s a memorable piece of art or a landscape layout in a gardening magazine. Use photos of other gardens or neighbors’ yards as inspiration and build off of them. As long as the theme is cohesive, it will be

aesthetically pleasing.

• Consider the space and how you want to use it.

Understanding the space will help you better allocate your budget. If your yard is more of a retreat, look for ways to create privacy and a vacation feel. If you have kids and entertaining friends is a main priority, focus on recreational aspects, such as a pool, playset and some durable plants. Understanding how to allocate your budget will help you to avoid spending money frivolously.

• Think about reclaimed or repurposed materials. Brand new items can quickly eat up a budget. However, repurposing salvaged or inexpensive items can stretch that budget while adding some unique flair to a landscape. See if you can find an outdoor patio set that someone is giving away or selling for a lower price. All it takes is a coat of paint and some new cushions to make it look like new. Discarded bricks or stones can be worked into a patio space or used to create raised garden beds.

Purchase inexpensive flower pots and then paint them to make them look like stone or another desired material.

there are many simple ways to create a beautiful landscape, even at your own home.

Photo | mEtro crEAtiVE

• Buy native plants.

Native shrubs, trees and flowers will fare better than non-native, exotic plants.

This means you’ll have to spend less time nurturing them to health and less money having to replace plants that cannot withstand your climate.

• Consider perennial plants. Perennials may cost more at the outset, but the savings will be realized in years to come.

• Hire a professional. It may seem counterintuitive to spend money on a landscaping professional when you’ve established a strict budget, but it’s actually one way to save money. Landscape artists or garden designers have a lot of experience that will be useful, guiding you in the right direction and helping you avoid potentially costly

mistakes.

• Use gravel in spots where plants don’t thrive.

Gravel is an inexpensive landscaping material that can fill voids where plants or ground cover simply do not flourish. Those working on limited budgets may be happy to learn that gravel is typically less expensive than concrete or pavers.

• Ask friends or family for clippings. Don’t be shy about admiring the plantings of those you know.

Flatter their good taste and ask if you can have some clippings to propagate yourself. These clippings can turn into lush plants in no time with no additional spending required.

With some frugal spending, planning and budgeting, anyone can create a beautiful landscape.

A new color can easily spruce up your living space Changing paint colors is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to add a fresh new look to the interior or exterior of a home.

Both exterior and interior paint can be used to protect homes and make strong impressions on visitors. Painting is fun and simple, but not

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all projects are so easily executed. Often times, homeowners need to exercise patience and devote an ample amount of their schedules to get the job done right. One errant drip is all it takes to turn a perfect paint job into a colorful mess.

While paints are much safer now than in years past, they still need to be handled with caution and disposed of with care after the job is done. The fumes and chemicals found in many paints make these products more difficult to dispose of, so take caution.

The Environmental Protection Agency says homeowners in the United State throw out 64 million gallons of paint per year. While latex paints are not considered hazardous waste, they should be recycled.

Oil-based paints, however, are considered hazardous household waste and must be disposed of properly.

All homeowners should check with their trash and recycling collection centers regarding the proper way to dispose of paints, stains and varnishes.

It’s also possible to visit Earth911.com and find a disposal facility online.

13

The Essex Reporter • April 21, 2016

Spring

Home

IMPROVEMENT

How to prepare a home for elderly residents

U

traditional telephones as their primary means of communication. Install extra landlines in your home, including in seniors’ bedrooms, so they can more readily access the phone should they fall and need to call for emergency help. Phones in seniors’ bedrooms may also provide some additional privacy to seniors who don’t want to carry on phone conversations in busy areas of the home, such as the kitchen or living room. Such lines may also reduce feelings of isolation. · Prioritize accessibility when storing items. When storing groceries, books, magazines or other items seniors are likely to use, choose locations that are accessible to seniors. Avoid storing items on the top shelf of pantries, bookcases or entertainment centers, as seniors with limited mobility may not be able to reach them.

Many seniors move in with their adult children to make their golden years safer and more enjoyable and manageable. Such a change in living arrangements may necessitate some changes on the part of homeowners so they can ensure their homes are safe for seniors.

pon approaching retirement down stairs throughout the day. That age, new retirees may ease of accessibility to the primary face some tough decisions floor of the house encourages seniors to regarding their living be active participants in a household. arrangements. Some seniors may opt If possible, choose an area that is close to stay put, while others may want to to a first-floor bathroom. · Take steps to make bathrooms downsize their homes to save money and relieve themselves of the burden safer. The National Institute on Aging says that more than one in three of maintaining a larger home.

But those are not the only situations seniors over age 65 fall each year, and seniors find themselves in. Some 80 percent of those falls take place in seniors realize they can no longer care the bathroom. Slippery tile floors can for themselves without assistance. In make it difficult for seniors to navigate such instances, seniors may choose bathrooms safely, and bathtubs and to move in with a relative. Young shower stalls present additional people welcoming seniors into their challenges. Install grab bars on homes usually need to take on some bathroom walls and next to toilets to home improvement projects to ensure provide support. In addition, consider their homes are as safe as possible for installing a shower chair or bench and removable shower nozzle in the shower elderly residents. · Convert a room on the first floor or tub so seniors can sit down while into a bedroom. While this may not they bathe and rinse without having apply to all seniors, some people to stand up on slippery surfaces. Make struggle with stairs as they age, and sure any mats around bathtubs and that can make it difficult for them sinks are nonskid to reduce the risk of to fully participate in a household. falls even further. · Install an extra phone line or two.

Homeowners with an extra room to spare can convert a room on the first While people between the ages of 18 floor of their homes into a bedroom and 50 may never use the landlines in HOMESTEADAd_7.28x7.5_New.pdf 1 4/15/16 4:38 PM so seniors won’t have to climb up and their homes, many seniors still rely on

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The Essex Reporter • April 21, 2016

Home

Spring

14

IMPROVEMENT

Why you should consider using mulch in your garden

using mulch in your garden can benefit your plants in many ways.

Photo | mEtro crEAtiVE

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Lawns and gardens can often benefit from the laying of mulch. Mulch serves various purposes in lawns and gardens, and many experienced lawn and garden enthusiasts lay mulch to ensure their properties make it through spring, summer and fall unscathed.

First-time homeowners with little or no landscaping experience may not understand the benefits of mulch, which can be used to strengthen soil and protect properties from the elements.

What is mulch?

Mulch refers to a material spread around or over a plant to enrich and/or insulate its soil. Many homeowners prefer mulch made of wood chips, which is both effective and readily available. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes that organic mulches, which include leaves, wood chips, compost or grass clippings, can be used by homeowners who want to develop ecofriendly landscapes.

Why mulch?

Mulching can benefit plants around a property in various ways. Many people lay mulch because it helps soil retain moisture in the summer, when temperatures tend to be at their hottest. This can help plants survive summer heat waves.

Mulch also can be used to suppress weeds. Weeds, which steal moisture that is needed by plants to build strong roots and survive summer, need light to grow. When

laid correctly, mulch deprives weeds of the light they need to grow. Organic mulches can even provide homes for crickets and a type of beetle that feeds on weed seeds, which allows the ecosystem that benefits your plants to flourish.

Mulch also can deter harmful pests, depending on the type of mulch homeowners choose. When purchasing mulch, homeowners face the decision between the aforementioned organic mulch and man-made mulch, which may consist of plastic or rubber. While man-made mulches may repel pests, they can also have adverse effects. Plastic, for example, can heat up in the summer and cause plants to burn.

Certain organic mulches can repel insects that threaten plants. This is because the majority of organic mulches increase the amount of beneficial bacteria in the soil, and they also increase the presence of helpful insects that do not pose a threat to plant life.

Those helpful insects help keep the harmful ones at bay. Compost is a type of organic mulch that may attract harmful insects.

While that does not mean homeowners should shy away from using compost as mulch, they should know that they may need to employ organic insecticides to combat their unwanted guests.

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The Essex Reporter • April 21, 2016

Sports

Strong showing for boys rugby

15

SPORTS SHORTS Joe Gonillo

A

pril vacation is all about relaxation and recharging your batteries. It’s also about spring sports, practices and games. I love vacations, but I think April’s break disrupts the spring season. Enjoy the weather, as it appears to have turned warmer.

The Essex rugby team prepares for a scrum against Adirondack High School on April 10.

T

he Essex boys rugby squad wasted no time during its opening day game April 10, dominating Adirondack High School by a score of 50-5.

Tries were scored by James Emery (2), Chris Bird (2),

Evan Friedman (2), Brendan McCormack and Matthew Emery, while Evan Friedman converted five of eight conversion attempts.

Jay Grant won a majority of scrums to propel Essex, as did

photo | Nathan Ertle

timely ball distribution by Josh Adams.

Head coach Brad Luck called it a “solid start” for the team.

“We have a strong group of veteran players, as well as some promising first-year players this

season. We’re looking forward to seeing what this group accomplishes,” he said.

The team will look to keep build on this early momentum April 27 when it travels to Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

Girls lacrosse tallies first win of season After starting the season with three straight losses, the girls lacrosse team is back on track, its first victory of the season over Colchester, 13-9, on April 13.

The Hornets were led by Mady Corkum, who scored six times, in addition to Lydia Palker’s three and Hannah Danis’ two.

Olivia Miller-Johnson and Justine Martin each added a goal, while Elise Carney stopped five shots.

Spring Sports The boys lacrosse team is now 2-1. The team went 1-1 this week, dropping Middlebury 9-5 in a rematch of last spring’s semifinal match-up. It then fell 17-4 to an extremely strong Liverpool, N.Y. squad over the weekend.

Alex Russell had two goals, while David Forbes and Grady Corkum added the other scores. The coach is a genius. Take your team out of state and play an outstanding team, then use that as they play teams in Vermont. Watch these guys closely. They play at MMU Friday. The JVs tied the Tigers 3-3 and are now 0-1-1.

The girls lacrosse team captured the elusive win No. 1 last week. They beat CHS 13-9 behind the scoring of senior Madison Corkum, whose six goals led the charge. Lydia Palker scored three times, Hannah Danis twice, while Justine Martin and Olivia Miller-Johnson each added a goal. Elise Carney stopped five shots. Earlier in the week, they fell 10-5 to the Rice Green Knights after running out to an early lead. Corkum had two, Danis a goal and an assist, while MillerJohnson and Cicely Haggerty also scored in the loss. They are 1-3 and play Spaulding High School on Saturday.

The baseball and softball teams opened Tuesday versus Middlebury. The JVs are away. The freshman boys beat SB 10-9. They played BFA Friday and MMU Saturday. The varsities play Thursday and Saturday in this week of sports without school.

The Hornets dominated much of the day, adding 17 shots on goal in addition to 13 scores. The team will look to continue its turnaround Saturday at Spaulding.

Girls tennis began with two wins last week: 5-4 over St. Johnsbury and 6-1 over Stowe. The boys began with a 4-3 loss to Stowe. Both teams are off until after the break.

Essex’s Justine Martin, left, and Colchester’s Kelsey Cauchon eye a ball in mid-air after a faceoff April 13.

The Ultimate Frisbee team lost its opener vs South Burlington 14-13 in overtime. The JVs came up short against the Rebels, 11-6. Both host SHS after vacation.

photo | Colin Flanders

The track and field teams competed in their first meet of the 2016 last week. North Country, Whitcomb, Hazen and Randolph provided the opposition. Highlights included firstplace finishes from Chike Asanya in the 100m/2000m, Sam Feehan in the 400m, Nate Rodrigue-Hotchkiss in the 800m, Justin Poulin in the 1500m, frosh Peter Alden in the 3000m, frosh Jamaal Hankey high hurdles, Hornet boys 400m relay and 4x800m relay, Omkar Borse in the pole vault, Anel Peco in the triple jump, Amanda Sinkewicz in the shot put, discus and javelin, Katie James in the 800m, Madison Stephenson high hurdle and long jump, the girls’ mile relay team, Sade Hankey in the high jump and triple jump and Abbie Evans in the pole vault.

The 2016 Essex Warriors pose for a photo.

Photo contributed

Essex Warriors finish strong at state finals

The Essex Warriors wrapped up their youth season by producing five champions at the state tournament at Vergennes High School on April 9 and 10.

Bryce Barber, Lucas Shannon, Talan Kirby, Gil Stawinski and Tanner Weston all captured first-place finishes, while Jack Arpey, Jaymeson Arpey and William Einhorn

recorded second-place results.

Lance Watson and William Danis placed third, Connor Kirby and Chris Folsom finished in fourth, followed by Evan Quintin, Christian Stygles and Nathan Wimble in fifth.

Eli Bonning and Nikki Norton rounded out the Warriors in sixth place.

As a team, the Warriors

placed second overall with 176.5 points. The tournament wrapped up a season in which the team recorded a total of 1,018 matches, 1,048 take downs, 523 wins and 296 pins.

The team’s athletes and parents wished to thank coaches Keith Lamell, Shaun Barber, Brett Danis, Tom Mooney, Tony Arcovitch, Mike

Andronico, Charlie Daniel, Chris Isham and Blaine Isham for their time and dedication.

“The kids and parents are so grateful for all you do,” said parent Evan Einhorn, whose son, William, is in his second year with the team. “Looking forward to another awesome season.”

Sports schedules Baseball 4/21 EHS @ Missisquoi – 4:30 p.m.

4/23 EHS vs. Rutland – 11 a.m.

4/26 EHS vs. BFA-St. Albans – 4:30 p.m.

Golf

4/25 EHS vs. St. J, Rice and Colchester – 3 p.m.

4/27 EHS vs. BFA and CVU (@ VT Nationals) – 3 p.m.

Boys lacrosse 4/22 EHS @ Mt. Mansfield – 4 p.m.

4/26 EHS vs. CVU – 4 p.m.

4/25 EHS vs. Mt. Mansfield – 3:30 p.m.

Girls lacrosse

Girls tennis

4/27 EHS vs. Burlington – 4:30 p.m.

4/25 EHS @ Mt. Mansfield – 3:30 p.m.

Softball 4/21 EHS @ Missisquoi – 4:30 p.m.

4/23 EHS vs. Rutland – 11 a.m.

4/26 EHS vs. BFA-St. Albans – 4:30 p.m.

Boys tennis

Track and field 4/27 EHS vs. SHS, Lamoille, BHS and Lake Region – 3:30 p.m.

Ultimate Frisbee 4/26 EHS vs. Spaulding – 4 p.m.

The vocational meet was Wednesday, and the annual BHS invite is Saturday after the break. The team would also like to thank local business that already donated more than $3,000 in fundraising toward advertising through company logos for our Essex Invitational T-shirts.

If you care to donate, please email kwhite@ccsuvt.org or jgonillo@ccsuvt. org ASAP. The rugby teams own 1-0 records. They played South Burlington last week, and the girls also hosted a team from Montreal on Friday.

Miscellaneous The MLB is in full swing. The Boston Marathon was as exciting as ever with the fastest Americans finishing in the top-10 in both races. The National Football League draft is next week.

Happy birthday wishes to Ellen Emery, Amy Kearns Glynn (anniversary too), Russ Auger, Jess Steel, Terry Hopper and Dean Corkum. Happy anniversary to ex-Hornet Kristin Hathaway Peet and husband (and O’s fan) Charlie.

Very special 13th birthday to nieces Sydney and Madison Peet — two special, beautiful young ladies.

16

The Essex Reporter • April 21, 2016

classified & jobseekers DAYCARE SPACE

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DAYCARE SPACE AVAILABLE Considering opening a daycare business? Cloarec Hall at Holy Cross Church in the Malletts Bay section of Colchester is available to lease for daycare use.

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the space is approximately 1300 square feet. If interested, we are happy to give you a tour of the space. Please call 863-3002 between 8am - 5pm.

SEEKING GEORGIA, Live in Assistant/Companion for overnight pres-

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17

The Essex Reporter • April 21, 2016

classified & jobseekers The Abbey Group 6212 VT Rte 105 Enosburg Falls, VT 05450 WANTED ANTIQUES WANTED Trusted 3rd generation Vermont dealer specializing in Jewelry, Watches, Silver, Art, Military, Etc. www.bittnerantiques.com Call Brian at 802-272-7527 Free house visits.

COLLECTOR WILL PAY CASH for old wood bird carvings, goose, duck and shorebird decoys.

802-238-1465 FOR SALE YATES FAMILY FARM MAPLE SYRUP Crop. All Grades Gallon $44.00, Half Gallon $24.00, Quart $15.00, Pint $10.00.

Contact Garrys Barber Shop, (802) 8784010.

QUEEN SOFA BED like new Floral Pattern, Includes Throw Pillows. Asking $200 Pick up Only Call 802-310-0248.

CRYSTAL DISH, ROUND, beautiful antique with designs.

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802-658-1636 BATHROBE, NEW, LADIES' heavy bathrobe with belt. 100% cotton, size M. Black with white designs. $20. 802-658-1636 BOLA NECKTIE, SILVER black with Onyx stone. $20.

802-524-9691 COAT, LEATHER, BROWN, size medium. Goes below the knees. $35. 802524-2201 HAT, LADIES', NEW, light purple, beautiful. Has brim and flaps that cover ears.

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802-524-1139 TOTE, NEW, WITH handles, 21"x13", beautiful. $10. 802658-1636 WINTER COAT, LADIES, medium, long, Burgundy. Brand new. $25. 802-5249691 PORCELAIN DOLL, VICTORIAN, 12"h. light pink satin dress.

In wicker carriage, 14.5"L X 9.5"w X 4"d X 10"h., lined with satin, decorated with roses, bows and pearl beads. Carriage is musical. Asking $50. 802-848-3336 DESK TOP COMPUTER, works great. $85. 802-868-6364 DVD PLAYER WITH 20 movies. $50. for all. 802-868-6364 INK CARTRIDGE, HP 564XL black, will take $18. or OBO. Call 524-2201 KINDLE TABLET $50. 802-868-6364 LAP TOP, TOSHIBA, Windows 7. Works great. $150. 802868-6364 BABY SWING, UNIVERSAL. Can rock front to back and side to side. $45.

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Engineering Services ESSEX TAP TA16(5) Sydney Drive Retrofit

Call our sales staff to place your ad!

The Town of Essex is seeking conceptual design services for the retrofit of an existing stormwater detention pond located on Sydney Drive. Funding is through the VTRANS MAB Program and firms must be on the VTRANS Qualified list or found eligible for addition to the list.

Please direct any questions regarding this request to Dennis Lutz, P.E. at the Public Works office. Copies of the RFQ and Scope of Work are available at the Public Works Offices at 878-1344. An SOQ is due to the Town by 4PM on May 12, 2016.

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Kitchen Workers Part-time positions available in our Chittenden Central Supervisory Union (CCSU) Child Nutrition Program to perform a variety of routine food service tasks for CCSU school cafeteria programs. Selected candidate must be willing to work as cashier. Positions range from three to five hours/day, M-F on school days, and pay $13.03/ hour. Anticipated school placements include Hiawatha Elementary School and the Essex Educational Center serving Essex High School and Center for Technology students. A minimum of one year of related food service experience preferred. For consideration, please apply electronically through www.schoolspring.com, or stop by to complete an application at Chittenden Central Supervisory Union, 51 Park Street, Essex Jct., VT 05452.

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VILLAGE OF ESSEX JUNCTION PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING MAY 19, 2016 6:00 P.M. Final site plan for removal of buildings B, C and residential portion of building G to construct an 8,882 s.f. apartment building with 29 additional parking spaces at 6 Franklin Street in the MCU District by O’Leary-Burke Civil Associates, agents for 222 Franklin Inc., owner. ________________________________ This DRAFT agenda may be amended. This meeting will be held in the conference room of the Essex Junction municipal building at 2 Lincoln St., Essex Junction, VT. Reasonable accommodations will be provided upon request to the Village, to assure that Village meetings are accessible to all individuals regardless of disability.

Legal ad for 04/21/16, Essex Reporter.

Any questions re: above please call Robin Pierce or Terry Hass – 878-6950

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S.D.Ireland Irelandisisan anEqual EqualOpportunity OpportunityEmployer Employer S.D. TOWN OF ESSEX PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA May 12, 2016 - 6:30 P.M. MUNICIPAL CONFERENCE ROOM, 81 MAIN ST., ESSEX JCT., VT

1. Public Comments.

2. Site Plan: Chris Paya is proposing to construct a gravel parking area for automobile storage located at 266 Colchester Road in the Industrial Zone (I1). Tax Map 76, Parcel 23.

3. Minutes (April 28, 2016).

4. Other Business.

Note: Proposed agendas, site plans, staff reports and draft & approved minutes can be viewed online at www.essex.org or stop into our temporary office located at 81 Main Street between 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. to view application materials. Staff is available to discuss development proposals.

Members of the public are encouraged to speak during the public to be heard agenda item, during a public hearing, or, when recognized by the chair, during consideration of a specific agenda item. The public will not be permitted to participate when a motion is being discussed, except when specifically requested by the chair. (24 VSA Section 4464(a) (1) (c)).

This meeting will be taped by channel 17

Carol Audette | (802) 846-8800 | www.carolaudette.com Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman Realty

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MATERIALS HANDLER: Responsible for moving our inventory throughout the distribution center accurately, safely and quickly. The position supports the needs of multiple departments by moving product, keeping bins filled and receiving inventory from our vendors. We are interested in applicants with experience operating various materials handling machines. The shift is Sunday through Thursday 6:30 AM-3:00 PM most of the year. It changes to Thursday through Monday 6:30 AM-3:00 PM in November & December and March through June.

We are a 100% employee-owned company and an award winning and nationally recognized socially responsible business, voted one of Vermont’s “Best Places to Work.” Interested? Please send your cover letter & resumé to Gardener’s Supply Company, attn: Human Resources, 947 Route 7 South, Milton VT 05468 or to jobs@gardeners.com.

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Champlain Community Services is a progressive, intimate, developmental services provider agency with a strong emphasis on self-determination values and individual & family relationships.

Case Management: CCS is seeking a Service Coordinator with strong clinical and organizational skills to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will enjoy working in a fast-paced, team-oriented position and have demonstrated leadership.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a distinguished developmental service provider agency during a time of growth. Send your cover letter and application to Elizabeth Sightler, esightler@ccs-vt.org Community Inclusion Facilitators: Provide one on one inclusion supports Help folks lead fulfilling lives, reach their goals and be productive members of their community. We currently have several positions with comprehensive benefit packages. Send your resume and cover letter to staff@ccs-vt.org Shared Living Provider: Provide residential supports to an individual in your home or theirs. A generous stipend, paid time off (respite) and comprehensive training & supports are provided.

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• Support a kind, older gentleman with dementia who enjoys music, a good cup of coffee, and the simpler things of life. The ideal candidate will be patient, flexible, and will support this gentleman by providing companionship and oversight.

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18

The Essex Reporter • April 21, 2016

Body, mind & spirit

Vermont’s first Zika case confirmed in a traveler

State officials remind hikers to stay safe in early spring

T

he Vermont Department of Health announced last Friday the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed the state’s first case of Zika virus in a Vermont resident, an adult who traveled to a Zika affected area before developing symptoms.

Zika is a virus spread by the bite of certain Aedes species of mosquitoes. Illness is usually mild, with the most common symptoms of fever, rash, joint pain and pink eye (conjunctivitis), although often a person infected with Zika has no symptoms.

Zika virus has caused microcephaly, a serious birth defect of the brain, in babies of mothers who had the virus while pregnant, and may cause other severe fetal brain defects.

“Based on what we know now, the mosquitoes that are in Vermont are not likely to transmit Zika virus,” said Patsy Kelso, state epidemiologist for infectious disease. “We’ve been expecting to see travel-related cases of Zika, and expect there will be more. We are advising Vermonters who are planning to travel to check to see if their destination is a Zika-affected area, and to take all precautions against mosquito bites.

We advise women who are pregnant or could become pregnant to not travel to these areas.”

Zika virus can also be spread during sex by a man infected with Zika to his sex partners. To help prevent spreading Zika from sex, use condoms every time you have sex.

There is no vaccine to prevent Zika.

A

s the weather improves this spring, the Vermont State Police and Department of Public Safety would like to remind those heading out onto Vermont’s hiking trails of the ever-changing conditions a hiker may encounter this time of year, especially at higher elevations.

As you follow trails into the mountains, you can find yourself hiking in snow and ice again despite warm weather and green grass at the trailhead. Spring showers at lower elevations can turn into an all too familiar wintry mix of snow, sleet and rain in the hills. The longlasting snowpack at higher elevation keeps the air temperatures cool, soaks your boots and can make the trails difficult to follow.

When hiking at higher elevations,

it’s important that spring hikers continue to be prepared for winter conditions. Waterproof boots (not sneakers) with traction devices, extra layers of warm clothes, a headlamp, map and compass may become necessary for a safe and successful hike. Consider turning around when you hit icy or snowcovered trails if you are not properly equipped or if travel and route finding becomes more difficult.

Neil Van Dyke, Search and Rescue Coordinator for the Vermont Dept. of Public Safety, reports there were several search and rescue incidents last spring involving hikers who were not properly prepared for the conditions they found at higher elevations.

A rescue on April 14-15 in Fayston highlighted these concerns when hikers called 911 reporting they had become stuck in extremely

icy conditions while trying to hike the Long Trail from Lincoln Gap to Appalachian Gap. Fortunately, the hikers were able to provide first responders with GPS coordinates, but it took several hours for rescuers to reach them and guide them safely down out of the mountains. These situations can be avoided by having appropriate winter hiking gear, or simply turning around when snowy, icy conditions are encountered.

State officials encourage you to stay safe while enjoying the beginning of hiking season by being careful as you climb higher into the mountains where spring may not yet have arrived. Hikers are also reminded that trails on state land above 2500 feet in elevation remain closed until Memorial Day.

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The Essex Reporter • April 21, 2016

food

New census confirms Vermont still a national leader in farm-to-school National survey shows Vermont schools spent more than $1.5M on local food in 2013-2014

V

ermont is in the farm to school spotlight once again this month, as recently released Farm-to-School Census data ranks Vermont second in the nation in farm to school engagement. With 78 percent of Vermont districts reporting, Vermont schools spent more than $1.5 million in local food in the 2013-2014 school year. The top three districts – Washington Central Supervisory Union, Burlington School District and Milton Town School District – spent a combined $168,000 on local food purchases, excluding fluid milk.

This continued national leadership can be attributed to the Rozo McLaughlin Farm-to-School Act of 2006, which established the Vermont Farm-to-School Grant Program. The grant program has contributed to the establishment of a strong statewide farm to school network, the development of regional farm-toschool nonprofits and a robust interagency partnership to support farm to school programs, including of the Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets, Agency of Education and Department of Health.

Other census highlights include: • Vermont schools spent an average of 17 percent of their food budgets on local food.

• Almost 100 percent of Vermont schools surveyed are buying local fruits and vegetables.

• Vermont has 85 gardens at schools throughout the state.

AT-A-GLANCE: Essex’s census responses

FARM TO SCHOOL

Q: How does your district define “local” food?

A: Produced within a 50 mile radius

Top 5 specific food items your school district purchased locally in the 2013-2014 school year based on value:

Yogurt

Milk

Corn on the cob

“Farm-to-school programs are an important tool to help students understand the value of nutrition, develop healthy eating habits and appreciate where their food comes from, creating a culture of change in the classroom, cafeteria and community,” Agricultural Secretary Chuck Ross said.

“We are thrilled with the recent Farmto-School census data. The results are an affirmation of the hard work undertaken by students, teachers and staff, farmers, community members and partner organizations throughout the state, as well as the support and commitment of Vermont legislators and the Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets.”

What’s Cooking in your Kitchen?

Cucumber

Approximate total food costs of the 2013-2014 school year:

$475,000 Approximate local food costs of the 2013-2014 school year:

Tomato

$20,000

Nationwide, schools report that farm to school programs can increase the number of students purchasing school breakfast and lunch, improve consumption of healthier foods at school and reduce plate waste. The programs are also heavily focused on nutrition education, helping teach children where their food comes from and exposing them to lessons about healthy eating. The census data also showed school gardens, which can be both teaching tools and sources of fresh produce, have nearly tripled over the past two years.

“We now have valuable data from schools on the local products they are buying, the gardens they are planting

and the many methods they are using to teach children where their food comes from,” said Deborah Kane, director of USDA Office of Community Food Systems.

In order to establish realistic goals for national Farm-to-School initiatives, the USDA conducted the first nationwide Farm-to-School Census in 2013. In 2015, the USDA conducted a second census to measure progress against the goals established the previous year. Of the 18,000 public, private and charter school districts surveyed, approximately 70 percent (12,585 districts) responded.

To view the full results, visit https:// farmtoschoolcensus.fns.usda.gov.

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Pet of the Week

In April Hannaford Helps Brownell Library

CHEETO

7-month old Male Reason Here: Transferred from Addison County Humane Society SUMMARY: Meet Cheeto! This cheesy little goofball loves to bury in his cozy bedding, and hide away his seeds. He’s a curious little critter, and is looking for a home where he can spend his days exploring his cage. If you’re looking for an active little furry friend, you should check out Cheeto!

Humane Society of Chittenden County 802-862-0135

Hannaford Donates $1 For Every Bag Purchased

Celebrate Earth Day – it’s so easy to do We have hundreds of helpful green products for you From a reusable bag to an earth friendly cleaner Each small step we take makes Mother Earth greener 21A Essex Way, Essex Jct. 802-878-0274 www.Hannafords.com

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20

The Essex Reporter • April 21, 2016

Seniors get royal treatment

R

esidents at the Town Meadow Senior Housing facility in Essex got a special visit on Saturday from none other than Miss Vermont 2015 Alayna Westcom and other pageant royalty.

Westcom, a Bakersfield native, spoke with a handful of residents about the Miss Vermont Organization and performed her talent alongside Miss Vermont Sweetheart Julia Crane, Miss Franklin County Outstanding Teen Jenna Lawrence and Miss Washington County Shaniah Bartlett.

Westcom recently returned from the pageant, where she made history as the first woman ever to perform a science experiment on the Miss America stage. She works as a lab assistant at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner where she assists with autopsies and hopes to use her scholarship to pay for medical school.

Above, miss Vermont 2015 Alayna Westcom lets town meadow Senior housing’s m.J. merchant, the Support and Services at home coordinator, try on her tiara.

At right, Westcom, miss Vermont Sweetheart Julia crane, miss Franklin county outstanding teen Jenna lawrence and miss Washington county Shaniah bartlett are pictured with town meadow residents.

PhotoS | hArJit dhAliWAl

Anonymous drug take-back day set for April 30

Several agencies in Chittenden County are participating in National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, April 30.

The initiative, sponsored by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, aims to get unused, unwanted or expired prescriptions out of people’s homes and out of circulation on the black market. In years past, the anonymous dropoff program has netted about 350 tons of prescription drugs nationally.

Starting at 10 a.m. on April 30, repositories will be set up outside of several area businesses and law enforcement headquarters. Included are the Essex Police Department on Maple Street, Colchester Police Department on Blakely Road, Kinney Drugs on Pearl Street in Essex, Winooski

Police Department on West Allen Street and Burlington Police Department on North Avenue.

According to the DEA, more than half of the 46,000 annual drug-related deaths in the United States each year are attributable to prescription opioids and heroin. Also, four out of five new heroin users start out abusing prescription medication. A majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet, according to the DEA. “I know our take-back program makes a real difference,” acting DEA administrator Chuck Rosenberg said in a press release.

– Staff report

Photo | mEtro crEAtiVE

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