The Essex Reporter: August 22, 2019

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Thursday, August 22, 2019

Board postpones shooting ordinance vote

By COLIN FLANDERS

PHOTO BY COLIN FLANDERS

Speakers line up during a packed public hearing Monday night on the selectboard’s proposed firearm discharge ordinance. The selectboard voted to table the issue and hopes to vote on the final ordinance proposal September 23.

District presents new transportation plan

By COLIN FLANDERS Solving the Essex Westford School District’s busing crunch has taken on a certain Rubik’s Cube quality, a pulla-lever-here, push-a-lever-there mentality in which every decision ripples through the system in unexpected ways.

The challenge for school officials then has become finding the correct sequence. Or short of that, the one that does the most good while complicating the least lives. So where on this spectrum do the newest plans fall?

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Probably somewhere in the middle.

“In designing this system, we had to make some sacrifices,” EWSD transportation manager Jamie Smith said during an Aug. 13 informational meeting, where he outlined how the district plans to get kids to school this year.

Smith’s presentation described changes involving every part of the transportation system, from new bus routes and tweaks to walking zones to the introduction of several districtwide bus aides.

See TRANSPORTATION, page 3

A wary selectboard on Monday delayed a vote on whether to adopt its new shooting ordinance, suggesting that it may ditch regulations on backyard shooting ranges until it can seek more public feedback.

Monday’s hearing was slated to be the final step in a lengthy ordinance revision process, and the board entered the evening prepared to vote on changes reflective of discussions over the last two years: placing limits on hunting in several town parks and requiring residents to register their backyard ranges.

But the board blinked, tabling the ordinance over several outstanding questions and raising the possibility of removing shooting ranges from the proposal entirely, based on concerns that a proposed notification form does little toward the overall goal of safety.

The move capitulated to the appeals of a majority pro-shooting crowd and frustrated some supporters of stronger regulations. It also added at least another month to the ordinance process.

The board now plans to schedule a special meeting in the coming weeks, where it will finalize language for a Sep. 23 pubSee ORDINANCE, page 4

Trustees issue eminent domain order

By COLIN FLANDERS Village trustees last month officially invoked eminent domain over a slice of land deemed vital to the long-awaited Crescent Connector, determining that the bypass road’s benefits override the property owner’s objections.

In a July 17 order, the trustees authorized the village to condemn a part of Bill Kalanges property through which the Connector will pass on its route from Park Street to Maple Street.

Kalanges’ property along Maple

Street one of four being sought as a permanent village right-of-way; the municipality had already reached agreements with three other property owners, but Kalanges remained the lone hold out as of this month.

The eminent domain process requires the village to judge if the project is in the public’s best interest, and whether inconveniences placed on property owners warrants changing plans.

Discussion at recent trustee meetings suggested Kalanges had a high bar to pass: Elected officials have See CONNECTOR, page 13

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Vol. 18 No. 34

2 • THE ESSEX REPORTER

Thursday, August 22, 2019

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Inclusive Arts Vermont, based in Essex Jct., is inviting established and emerging Vermont artists to participate in ANEW, an exhibition showcasing works of art by Vermont artists with disabilities to travel statewide next year. The exhibition will begin its statewide tour at the Amy E. Tarrant Gallery in Burlington in February 2020. Artists are asked to submit works that represent their interpretation of the theme of ANEW — highlighting beginnings, openings, doorways, and new starts.

ANEW will offer participating artists opportunities to be featured in statewide publicity, build larger audiences for their work, and receive technical assistance in the professional documentation and presentation of their work.

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Vermont. This includes, but is not limited to: verbal descriptions, audio tours, large print, braille, and gallery tours.

Vermont artists with various disabilities, regardless of experience or formal training, who are at least 18 years of age or older are eligible to apply. We encourage participation by artists who have lifelong disabilities as well as artists applying with artwork completed after the onset of their disability.

Artists may obtain assistance with the application form from a support person, family member, or friend. Artists should have direct involvement in the completion of an application when assistance is used, and artwork should only be produced by the applicant.

Katie Miller, Executive Director of Inclusive Arts Vermont, will curate the show in conjunction with a volunteer panel. Katie’s previous curatorial experience includes community and private galleries.

Visit our website to download the entire call to artists, application, or to apply online.

Applications are due no later than September 30, 2019.

GlobalFoundries staffer recognized by chamber of commerece Leslie Griffiths of GlobalFoundries has been recognized for going Above and Beyond by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce.

Ross was among nine Vermonters to receive the award this year.

In a statement announcing the winners, the chamber stated that the Above and Beyond Awards are given to “individuals who have taken that extra step in their job, industry, or community work, thus contributing to a more vibrant state for Vermonters to live, work and play.”

The other recipients this year are: • Steve Bryant, Dorset Inn • Steve Costello, Green Mountain Power • Mark Delaney, Smugglers’ Notch Resort • Julie Holcomb, Vermont Employment Agency • Sherre Ross, Liquid Measurement Systems, Inc.

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• David Wulfson, Vermont Rail System • Maureen Hebert, Vermont Technical College • Sheena Daniell, Rutland Regional Medical Center • Amanda Benway, AeroParts Plus Inc. Recipients will be recognized at a dinner on Nov. 19 at the Hilton Burlington Hotel, along with former Secretary of Human Resources Al Gobeille, who the chamber has named Citizen of the Year.

The Nov. 19 dinner will also feature the award presentation of the 2019 Citizen of the Year, Al Gobeille of Gobeille Hospitality, named this Monday by the Vermont Chamber as the 56th recipient of the prestigious annual Citizen of the Year award.

Taylor Walters, 524-9771 ext. 105 taylor.walters@samessenger.com

THE ESSEX REPORTER • 3

Thursday, August 22, 2019 TRANSPORTATION

OUR OWN FRESH SUPER SWEET CORN!

from page 4 This, of course, impacts the town’s existing K-8 routes, with middle schoolers now waiting longer for buses and high schoolers facing a much longer ride than last year.

“In designing this system, we had to make some sacrifices.”

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Village high schoolers, meanwhile, ARE NOW AVAILABLE WE ALSO HAVE CANNING TOMATOES can expect the least amount of change; they still have no school bus service, though the district’s partnership does 182 River Rd. offer them the opportunity to ride Essex GMT buses to school for free.

879-3760 Despite the complicated matrix, Fruit & Vegetable Stand school officials like Smith are relieved HOURS: 7AM - 8PM • 7 Days a Week 135 Poor Farm Rd. to finally provide some sort of service to the village. And last week’s meetColchester Like us on Facebook ing notably lacked much of the public 879-0102 display of frustration that has lately defined the world of school transportation here.

Still, concerns covering long-standing issues – length of rides, safety of certain stops and impact on traffic – alongside new ones: busing of high schoolers alongside the district’s youngest students and the requirement that some kindergarteners transfer buses, appeared to be enough to persuade some parents to keep their kids off the buses.

“It seems kind of unreasonable for a kindergartener to make a bus transfer,” said parent Amanda Marino, who said she planned to keep driving her child to school because of this. Several other parents after the meeting PROOF cited O.K. BY: _____________________________ O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY:_____________ long bus rides and said they too were MIDWEEK MADNESS unsure if they’d send their young chil• KID’S DAY / READONLINE & WIN DAY dren through the school’s transportaPLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS tion system.

PAUL MAZZA FRUIT & VEGET PROOF CREATED AT: 8/19/2019 8:07 AM Acknowledging the ADVERTISER: system is far from perfect, Smith said thePERSON: district Deanna Dahlgren SALES • SENIOR DAY PROOF DUE: had a choice between PUBLICATION: using its limFP-BURLINGTON FREE STRIDES PRESS NEXT RUN DATE:DAY 08/20/19 • MAKING AGAINST CANCER ited resources to put SIZE: some3 col level of in X 5.01 service on the street, or returning yet again with bad news. He said the dis• CARLOAD SPECIAL trict knows there will be a “big learning curve” and plans to deploy staff throughout the village schools to work Save big with $3.00 deals at with students and keep the system • FOOD BANK DAY participating food vendors on running smoothly.

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As for his expectations for the expanded service, Smith said the town bus routes have historically shown *Discount programs cannot be combined • MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY about 40 percent ridership. with other discount admission programs “If we got to 30 percent in the village it would be a smashing success,” he said.

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The result is a number of unique scenarios too vast to detail in a single news article. But if one needed a takeaway, it was this: The transportation system rolled out on the first day of school represents the best offering given its limited resources, but Smith believes there’s a better system out there.

The only problem: “It requires more drivers and buses,” he said.

Smith fielded a few dozen questions after his presentation, with many parents interested about how the changes will impact their individual situations.

For that information, the district’s website – EWSD.org – remains the best option. It includes a new tool allowing parents to type in their address and find their child’s bus route.

But for the sake of this story, let’s focus on the year’s biggest change – the village’s three new bus routes – and trace how the give-and-take required to make this a reality will impact students throughout the system.

First, picture a seesaw. On one end: K-8 village students, who can ride the buses if they live outside of walking zones (a half mile for grades K-5 and a mile for grades 6-8). On the other: town high school students, who no longer have dedicated school buses.

Generally speaking, the three village buses will run on 20-minute loops and transport a dedicated group of kids – K-2, 3-5 and 6-8 – to school.

There’s a few exceptions, starting with the complicated Hiawtha-Summit St. relationship. Because these two elementary schools have no dedicated geographic areas, situations exist where neighbors attend different schools, meaning any given stop in the village could have students who need to get to one of the two.

Not a problem if time wasn’t an issue, but timing is everything in busing, and there’s not enough of it to allow the K-2 bus running through the village’s eastern zone to stop at Summit, cross Pearl Street and drop off at Hiawatha while still maintaining a feasible schedule, Smith said.

So Hiawatha students from the eastern part of town – the area between Lincoln and Maple Streets – will need to get off the bus at Summit Street and board a different bus. The transfer will force one of the other buses to detour from its schedule, a responsibility that falls on the shoulders of the bus serving Fleming students, forcing them to pick up the bus on the earliest loop.

Town high schoolers, meanwhile, have two options in light of no longer having dedicated buses.

If they live within 0.75 miles of the Green Mountain Transit silver loop (the old Essex Center line), they can ride the public bus for free. Otherwise, they will be added to the existing K-8 routes in the town, dropped off at Essex Elementary and transferred onto another bus that will take them to the high school.

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4 • THE ESSEX REPORTER

Thursday, August 22, 2019 ORDINANCE from page 1

JOIN US FOR THE 12TH ANNUAL 12 TH ANNUAL

lic hearing at which officials hope to vote on the ordinance.

Some on the board found the postponement hard to stomach.

“I admit this is not perfect. Come September, it won’t be perfect then. It won’t be perfect a year from now. It’s a baby step, and I think it’s a step in the right direction,” said vice chairman Max Levy. “Waiting, to me, is a delay tactic that I don’t think is warranted.”

Chairwoman Elaine Haney shared Levy’s frustrations, saying the board needs to “stop waiting” and act, though “out of respect” to questions from other board members, she supported pushing back a vote until September.

But not a moment longer.

“We will get as much information as we possibly can, and at that time, this board needs to do what we need to do,” Haney said.

As written, the ordinance prohibits shooting at the Essex Tree Farm and allows it at two town parks – Indian Brook and Saxon Hill – during a 45-day window covering deer hunting season: November 1 to December 15.

Among several outstanding questions are how the ordinance would be enforced, whether the board should consider extending the shooting window to match upcoming hunting season changes and whether the rules clearly outlaw target shooting on public property.

The answers are unlikely to bring major changes. Officials agreed upon the rules last year and view them as a compromise, prohibiting shooting in town parks during popular summer months while still allowing hunters to use the land for their preferred recreational outlet. And even as hunters continue to push for an extended window, many seem to believe the board has at least tried to find a common ground.

Shooting ranges are another story.

Under the proposed ordinance, anyone who operates a backyard range – defined as open property on which people may discharge a firearm for purposes other than hunting – would

need to register with the town before January 1, 2020.

The registry was born out of a proposal from Levy to create a permitting system. The idea was eventually dismissed over concerns that it would put the municipality at risk of being liable if a stray bullet left a permitted property and injured someone.

The goal of Levy’s proposal was to get a better idea where ranges are located, and the proposed ordinance would aid that effort by making homeowners submit a notification form listing their name, address, date their range was established, intended use of their range and a site plan.

But the document goes beyond information gathering, instead creating a to-do list that would make backyard ranges more expensive.

That’s because in registering with the town, homeowners would need to certify their ranges meet standards in the National Rifle Association Range Source Book, share proof of $500,000 of liability insurance and confirm they will “defend, indemnify and hold harmless” the town over any liability claims.

Opponents of the ordinance changes have argued the form is a gross overstep of the municipality’s authority and an invasion of privacy that creates a one-stop-shop for people who want to discriminate against gun owners.

“You guys are painting a red scarlet letter on my back as a target shooter,” said Kendall Chamberlain. Others say the form’s requirements are costprohibitive, since the NRA manual is geared toward large-scale commercial ranges, not backyard ranges.

Leery of pricing out low-income homeowners, selectboard officials have voiced similar concerns about the liability requirement, prompting staff to investigate how much a $500,000 liability policy costs an average homeowner.

The answer varied across providers; prices ranging between $15 and $100 a year for homeowners with exist-

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ORDINANCE from page 4

ing insurance policies, according to staff memos.

But some commenters noted the cost would be more for people who don’t have existing policies, like those who own open land or have paid off their mortgages. And some of the same insurance providers informed the town last month that they wouldn’t provide liability insurance to someone who operates a shooting range on their land.

The selectboard initially shied away from shooting ranges when it began the ordinance process, recognizing the opaque laws surrounding the practice and potential powder keg that comes with trying to legislate over private property.

But after some residents argued backyard ranges pose a greater noise nuisance and safety threat than hunting, the selectboard decided late last summer to lump the topic into the current process, hoping to pass through any changes in one swoop.

That meant twice the work upfront, but the board seemed posed to finish it off heading into Monday night.

Two hours later it had unraveled, starting with an unlikely source: Levy, the vice chairman, who proposed that the board think about nixing the form and returning to the drawing board.

“I’d like to give [the shooting range discussion] the respect it deserves.”

Levy guessed his take was surprising but pointed to criticisms that the form doesn’t further the goal of safety and said, “I don’t want to just do something. I want to do something right.”

He proposed a listening tour through which the board would “tap into the knowledge resource” of local shooters and “come up with an encyclopedia of ideas” on how to make sport shooting safer in town.

Selectman Patrick Murray responded that Levy’s idea runs into the same liability concerns as before. “We cannot go out there and say, ‘This looks good,’” Murray said, later adding, “What we’re trying to do is come up with a middle ground, a compromise.”

Some in the crowd took issue with Murray’s comments.

“See you in court,” yelled one crowd member.

“In a lot of cases, yeah, that’s what happens,” Murray said.

“That’s what will happen,” the person responded.

Few topics have encouraged the level of public discourse witnessed during the two-year ordinance process. Opponents of the changes have maintained a vocal majority, accusing the town of infringing upon their constitutional rights and punishing all shooters for the failures of a few.

Meanwhile, voices supporting regulation have steadily grown, and Monday night was no exception. Numerous residents called on the board to stand firm

PHOTO BY COLIN FLANDERS

Selectboard vice chairman Max Levy suggested the board conduct a listening tour in search of ways to make sport shooting safer in town. and protect the public.

“Even if you’re taking baby steps toward this goal, take them. Do something. It has been too long,” said resident and former selectmen Bruce Post, who said it’s been 11 years since a stray bullet killed former St. Michael’s College professor John Reiss in his Essex home.

“We’re past the point of saying I’m sorry that happened,” said resident Mark Redmond.

In the end, the board tabled the form and asked town staff to explore ways for more public outreach, suggesting the ordinance changes seen in September will focus mainly on shooting in town parks.

“Please keep in mind the significant shift we just took at your behest,” Haney said after the discussion, speaking to the mainly pro-shooting crowd that remained at the meeting. “We have been listening the whole time, and most of the time, it’s you guys that have been in the audience and not people who are in favor of what we’re trying to do.”

Haney said officials could have acted on the recommendations of three different local police chiefs to make the entire town a no discharge zone. Instead, they are trying to walk a line between the two extremes, she said.

“The personal remarks and the threats of lawsuits are just not necessary,” she said. “We’re doing our best.”

The comments drew a brief applause.

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6 • THE ESSEX REPORTER

TRUSTEES

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Working toward a greater Essex Taxes, Taxes, Taxes!!!

SELECTBOARD

The Village of Essex Junction is an incorporated municipality within the Town of Essex.

The governments of the two municipalities, the Town and the Village, have been consolidating services and departments since 2013, and are now exploring the concept of a complete merger.

By Andrew Brown And MAx Levy

President Andrew Brown

Vice president George Tyler

It should be no surprise to anyone in the public, or to any Town Selectboard or Village Trustee member, that at the end of the day “taxes” are the Marcia Brady of the family. During most board meetings the word “tax” comes up and the notion of how taxes will be impacted is at the forefront of our minds during specific budget development meetings.

We are often asked, “Why merge now?” One reason is because each year that passes is another year where the cost to merge in the future goes up. This is largely due to the reality that the Town and Village have employees. Employees deserve to earn a wage that is livable.

This means that as the cost of living goes up, employees deserve to have their wages go up as well. Additionally, we contract for services such as construction, legal, auditing, etc. Each of our contracted service providers also deserves to earn a livable wage. Not to mention the ballooning costs of health insurance for employees. All of this combined equates to costs increasing every year to provide Town and Village services we currently have. It is in part because of this reality that the Town and Village began exploring how to work together to reduce the amount of growth in taxes. We cannot escape the ever increasing costs of operating the Town and Village. But we can temper them over time by making good financial decisions.

Since 2013 the Town and Village have consolidated some of the services which have historically been provided by both governments. Having one government provide a service for both communities is not only more efficient, it also costs less in the short- and long-term.

These consolidations have benefitted both the Town and the Village by reducing the amount of taxes we need to raise. As Max Levy shared during Town Meeting this past March, here is the approximate amount of money--your taxes--Town and Village residents saved from July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2019 due to consolidations:

Dan Kerin

Chair Elaine Haney

Vice chair Max Levy

Andy Watts

During that six-year time period, over $2 million in tax dollars stayed in our pockets instead of going to the Town and Village governments. For the fiscal year we are currently in, July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020, the approximate amount of money (taxes) Town and Village residents are estimated to save is:

Raj Chawla

Patrick Murray

Amber Thibeault

Annie Cooper See GreATer eSSex, page 9

THE ESSEX REPORTER • 7

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Doubling down on UVM money

By EMERSON LYNN The University of Vermont has been given $6.6 million to further its work on opioid addiction in rural America, courtesy of Sen. Patrick Leahy. It’s a scourge well known to every Vermont hamlet and it’s encouraging Vermont’s senior senator has been able to secure funding to establish the Vermont Center on Rural Addiction at UVM. According to the information released, the funding will focus on “identifying, translating, disseminating, and implementing Hub and Spoke, Community Reinforcement Approach and other evidence-based [approaches] to address the opioid epidemic in rural communities.”

The $6.6 million is a fair amount of cash and how it is allocated, and how the success of the program is measured is something beyond our reach, but what sparks the imagination is how that money, and the program

itself could be leveraged to understand the deeper afflictions that plague our rural areas, afflictions that are part of the opioid crisis.

That would require a different way of communicating. In Vermont we typically communicate within our own little silos, with those outside not privy to what is discussed or what progress is made, or what problems are encountered, or what suggestions were put forth.

That would be a shame if the same pattern were followed with UVM’s $6.6 million. We’re a small state and highly homogenous; what applies to one community applies to us all. There should be a way to network UVM’s efforts with other state and local collaborators.

Substance abuse has a number of contributing causes, including poverty, lack of transportation and reduced employment opportunities. These rural addiction centers are being put in rural America [UVM] because rural

America is in a downward spiral. The availability of a good education, prosperity and health are things increasingly at risk in our rural areas; not only in Vermont, but nationally.

It’s THE issue in Vermont.

Everything we talk about should be connected in a visible and understandable way to the state’s overarching issue, which is how the most rural state in the nation stays competitive, and healthy, as the exodus to the city and suburbia continues.

Here’s the snapshot; if you live in rural American you are: • further away from a hospital and get less exercise. You suffer more from obesity, mental health issues and chronic illness.

• Your community hasn’t fully recovered from the Great Recession and you watch as your young leave for the city because good jobs with a ladder to opportunity later on are few and far between.

• Your communities are not techno-

logically adapted and as 5G is built out in our cities and suburbia, the same will not happen in our rural towns for a long time, which increases the ruralurban divide.

Vermont, as opposed to larger rural states, has ways to combat these trends, but it will take a coordinated, all in approach. Everyone has to know what the other is doing and how the efforts of one contribute to the other.

This is something we should be able to address through our government agencies, our higher education community, our schools, and our political leadership. But it’s something we’re loathe to do.

It’s time we figure out how to multiply the impact of money given to us by the feds. The opportunities are considerable, the responsibility to do so is undeniable. And, to anyone: Why wouldn’t we?

A Vermont we can afford

By PAUL DAME Chair, Essex Republicans & Former State Legislator In the past week we have all been faced with the news that many Vermonters have been living with for years: Life in Vermont is getting harder and harder to afford. Whatever the Democratic super majority thinks they intended to do, the reality is that our affordability crisis worsening.

In 2010 Progressive Democrats told us that if we handed over the keys of our health care system to an un-elected, unaccountable group of hand-picked bureaucrats and gave them unprecedented power and control over health care providers, insurers and even patients that everything would get better. This week we all saw insurance costs were APPROVED to increase at double digit rates for the state’s duopoly of insurers while the government agency (which costs taxpayers millions of dollars a year in salary, per diems, and other overhead) has done next to nothing to stop them.

Progressive Democrats have had 9 years to lower health care costs - but they have continued to skyrocket, and now we have even fewer providers in the state than we did 10 years ago. Health Care is becoming less available, less accountable and less affordable.

At the same time, we also saw the story that businesses are concerned after seeing a 16% increase in electric rates through Green Mountain Power.

Despite Progressive Democrats promising everything would be fine after we shut down our nuclear power plant, and spend tens of millions of dollars subsi-

dizing solar panels, we are still seeing big increases. This comes even after the utility received a huge tax break, thanks to the Trump Tax Cuts. Despite the Progressive Democrat agenda we have fewer always-on power generation and what is available is becoming less and less affordable.

A recent study showed during the eight years that Progressive Democrats controlled the House and Senate from 2010-2017 (during which they also controlled the Governor’s office from 20112016) the income gap they constantly talk about actually grew wider. Meanwhile Vermont households making less than $30,000/yer actually saw their income decline. This left many Vemonter with less income with which to pay the higher costs of living. Their entire financial lives became less affordable.

Anecdotally two recognizable and higher-profile young people have also announced they are leaving the state to pursue better opportunities. Earlier this summer Seven Days reporter Taylor Dobbs announced on Twitter that he was moving to North Carolina, and just a few days ago State Rep. Ben Jickling of Randolph announced that he is leaving the legislature in the middle of the biennium to take a job in Wisconsin.

The events of this past week bring into the focus that giving Progressive Democrats all of the legislative power has resulted in a Vermont that is becoming more difficult for many of us to afford to stay in. We’ve been implementing the policies of the far Progressive Left consistently for 10 years, and things have not gotten any better. In many cases they are even worse. And while Gov.

Douglas and Gov. Scott have done the best they could to act as a backstop from even more damaging policies, they can only play the hand they’ve been dealt.

By electing Republicans who support the affordability mission outlined by Gov. Scott, The Republican legislators and the Vermont Republican Party, voters will have a chance to deal themselves a new hand.

As Vermonters we need to rise up and demand better results from our Legislature.

Too often health care, energy and other policies have been implemented with zero accountability or reflection about their success. We’ve already implemented the ideas of the Progressive Democrats - let’s try something else. Let’s work to support, encourage and elect people who recognize that we’ve made some mistakes as we’ve set policy. It’s only by being honest about our mistakes that we can learn from them, and improve our situation. When you find yourself in a hole the first step is to stop digging.

By electing more Vermont Republicans next year Vermonters will reap the benefit of a more balanced legislature that has a more diverse set of policy perspectives which can enhance the discussion and give us better policy. If you would like to put and end to the affordability problem and be part of the solution the Vermont Republican Party stands ready to help support this message of giving Vermonters the ability to afford the life they want here in our Green Mountain State, and just as importantly a life they can afford for them and for their children.

the essex

RepoRteR 281 North Main St. St. Albans, Vt. 05478 (802)524-9771 Jim O’Rourke Publisher jorourke@samessenger.com Michelle Monroe Executive Editor michelle@miltonindependent.com Colin Flanders Reporter colin@essexreporter.com COMiNg eVeNtS, letteRS, NewS: news@samessenger.com ObituARieS obituaries@samessenger.com (802)524-9771 x. 109 ClASSiFiedS ANd legAlS Ben Letourneau ben.letourneau@samessenger.com (802)524-9771 x. 122 AdVeRtiSiNg George Berno george@samessenger.com deAdliNeS ARe tueSdAYS 8 A.M. PubliShed thuRSdAYS Circulation: 8.800 The Essex Reporter is owned by the O’Rourke Media Group

8 • THE ESSEX REPORTER

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Welcome back!

By BETH COBB Essex Wesford School District Superintenent

The floors are shiny and the classrooms are refreshed, as the District has spent the summer cleaning, preparing and planning for a new school year.

Entering our third year as one system consisting of 10 schools, three communities, and 4,000 students, the Essex Westford School District (EWSD) can not wait until the children fill our playgrounds, hallways, and classrooms!

SUPERINTENDENT BETH COBB On Monday, August 26, 2019, the District will host an event welcoming ties. This is complicated work and back all staff. Being in education can will lead to difficult conversations. We be stressful and emotionally drain- know we have students who do not feel ing, so the morning will focus on welcomed. We know we carry implicit wellness. The District wants to share biases and we are committed to all ways staff can take care of themselves students having a sense of belongand self care is important so that we ing. To continue to work on our chalare ready to take care of others. Dr. lenges, some staff will take part in Gillian Boudreau, a local psychologist two trainings: Beyond Diversity and will present “A Secure Base to Teach Courageous Conversations.

From; Calm connection and caring This is only a step in the right for ourselves.” Later that morning, direction and not everyone will have a the District will have a number of chance to participate in the trainings. different activities that staff will par- For the future, we will be working ticipate in. Some of the offerings will on expanding the trainings Districtbe yoga, bike riding, walking, hiking, wide. Each school is also working with Zentangle, or to continue to learn from staff on being inclusive and welcomDr. Boudreau. If you see a group of ing. Erin Maguire, our new Director EWSD staff taking care of themselves of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, is on that day, say hello and thank them leading this work. for taking care of our children.

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THE ESSEX REPORTER • 9

Thursday, August 22, 2019 WeLCOMe

Protect her future.

Always.

from page 8 ents, school administrators, local law enforcement, and community members have a role to play in creating a safe and secure environment for everyone.

Over time, starting with staff at our high school and technical center campus, the EWSD will be rolling out the US Department of Homeland Security’s recommended protocol Run, Hide, Fight. This work will not replace any of the current safety protocols or regular drills - each of those will remain and be actively reinforced across the District and throughout the school year. What is new, is the building of greater situational awareness around responding to an active threat.

This is challenging work and the dif-

ficult conversations ahead will help us in our preparations to keep our schools and community even safer.

We have adopted “See Something, Say Something” and encourage students and adults to use our anonymous tip line by calling 802-857-7977 or make an anonymous report through our website or EWSD app. A strong community takes care of one another.

If you observe or hear about suspicious activity, say something - it could save a life.

On September 18, 2019 the District will be hosting a School Safety Community Engagement evening at Essex High School. Please come learn and share your thoughts about school safety with us.

Attorney at Law

from page 6

It’s our 5

th

get of the newly unified community.

However, we can’t lose sight of the fact that many factors influence tax rates, including inflation, grand list growth rate, economic conditions, and urgent capital needs, all of which will occur whether or not we merge. The longterm savings we seek must take those unavoidable increases into account.

There is so much more to say on the topic of taxes, and in this column over the coming weeks and months we will share our thoughts and concerns, and do our best to answer yours. Please feel free to contact Elaine Haney (ehaney@essex.org), Andrew Brown (abrown@essexjunction.org), or Evan Teich (eteich@essex.org) with your questions and comments, and keep up to date on the process by visiting GreaterEssex2020.org.

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GReateR essex Both Town and Village residents will keep nearly $700,000 in our pockets this year. Consolidations provide an ongoing savings that we will continue to realize and that will increase over time the more we consolidate services, tempering future increases.

Another answer to the question, “Why merge?” is to continue to find efficiencies that can better control costs over time. The above savings were publicly vetted through the annual budget process, approved by voters, and enacted through signed agreements between both the Selectboard and Trustees. Any additional opportunities for consolidation and savings that could be achieved by merging are being explored by both boards, with the intent that potential savings like these will be built into the bud-

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Email us at news@essexreporter.com

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

10 • ESSEX REPORTER

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Classifieds

SOMETIMES ERRORS OCCUR. After placing an ad, it is your responsibility to check your ad on the first day of

Your Ad Here

publication for any errors. Refunds are not issued for classified ads, but if notification is given to our department

Contact us to get a free quote or place an ad!

802.524.9771 x117 or 122

classifieds@samessenger.com www.samessenger.com fax: 802.527.1948 281 North Main Street, St. Albans VT 05478

NEED SOME HELP WRITING YOUR CLASSIFIED?

after the first day of publication, we will run your corrected

CALL US AND WE WILL HELP WRITE YOUR AD &

ad for one extra day. We will not be responsible for more

DESIGN IT FOR FREE

than one incorrect publication of each ad.

DEADLINES Monday ...............................Noon Friday Tuesday ..........................Noon Monday Wednesday ................... Noon Tuesday Thursday .................. Noon Wednesday Friday & Saturday ........Noon Thursday For display ads or ads requiring a proof please allow us extra time.

Building a community where everyone participates and everyone belongs.

Champlain Community Services is a growing developmental services provider agency with a strong emphasis on self-determination values and employee and consumer satisfaction.

Shared Living Provider Open your home to someone with an intellectual disability or autism and make a positive impact on their life, and yours! A generous stipend, paid time off (respite), comprehensive training & supports are provided. CCS is currently offering a variety of opportunities that could be the perfect match for your household and lifestyle.

TOWN OF ESSEX

TOWN OF ESSEX ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT (PART-TIME) (PART-TIME) DEPARTMENT COMMUNITYTOWN DEVELOPMENT OF ESSEX TOWN OF ESSEX COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT (PART-TIME) (PART-TIME) COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

The Town an enthusiastic enthusiasticnew newteam teammember member work as the The TownofofEssex, Essex,Vermont Vermont isis seeking seeking an to to work as the Administrative Assistant in the Community Development Department.

The Administrative Assistant in the Community Development Department. The Administrative for providing providingadministrative administrativesupport support AdministrativeAssistant Assistantisisresponsible responsible for andand performing clerical work while supporting the activities and operations of department. performing clerical work while supporting the activities and operations of thethe department.

The Town of Essex, Vermont is seeking an enthusiastic new team member to work as the This position works under the general supervision andreports reports directly to Community Administrative Assistant in the Department.

This position works under the general and toThe thethe Community The Town of Essex, Vermont isCommunity seekingsupervision anDevelopment enthusiastic newdirectly team member to work as the Development Director supervision bythe theadministrative ZoningAdministrator.

Administrator.

Works Development Directoriswith some supervision by Zoning Works in in Administrative Assistant responsible for providing support and Administrative Assistant inwith thesome Community Development Department.

The accordance with various Town policies.

This part-time position will work approximately accordance with various Town policies.

This part-time position will work approximately performing clerical work while supportingfortheproviding activities administrative and operations of the department.

Administrative Assistant is responsible support and hoursper perweek. week.The Theanticipated anticipated work schedule 9 am – 3:00 pm,pm, 2828 hours scheduleisisMonday Monday– –Friday, Friday, 9 am – 3:00 erforming clerical work while supporting the activities and operations of the department. though schedule may vary depending on ofofthe thethe schedule may vary depending on the theneeds needs themunicipality. municipality.

Thisthough position works under the general supervision and reports directly to the Community Development Director with some supervision by the Zoning Administrator. Works in ThisThis position works under the supervision and reports directly the Community This position requires highgeneral school diploma diploma and ofofexperience in in anto office or or position requires aahigh school and22years years experience an office accordance with various Town policies.

This part-time position will work approximately administrative setting.

Previous experience in customer service related positions is Development Director with some experience supervision by the Zoning Administrator.

Works administrative setting.

Previous in customer service related positions is pm,in 28 hours per week.

The anticipated work schedule is Monday – Friday, 9 municipal am – 3:00 desired.

Strong computer andpolicies. customer service skills are aposition must.

Previous ccordance with various Town This part-time will work approximately desired.

Strong computer and customer service skills are a must.

Previous municipal thoughexperience the schedule may vary depending onable the needs ofwithin the municipality. preferred.

Candidates must be busy office experience preferred.

Candidates must able to towork work withina avery busy office 8 hours per week.

The anticipated workbeschedule is Monday –very Friday, 9 am – 3:00 pm, environment and prioritize work around departmental needs and statutory deadlines. environment and prioritize work around departmental needs and statutory deadlines. hough the schedule vary depending the2needs of experience the municipality.

This position requiresmay a high school diplomaonand years of in an office or The minimum starting salary is $17.44/hour, actualservice startingrelated salary positions is dependent administrative setting.

Previous experience in customer is on The minimum starting salary is diploma $17.44/hour, starting salary isindependent on This position requires a high school and 2actual years of experience office or relevant experience and customer qualifications.

This position is eligible for municipal theanVMERS desired.

Strong computer and service skills are a must.

Previous relevant experience and qualifications.

This position iswith eligible forletter, the resume VMERS Retirement Plan, pro-rated sick and vacation accruals.

Apply a cover dministrative setting.Candidates Previous experience customer service related positions is experience preferred. be ableintoaccruals. work within a very busy office Retirement Plan, pro-rated sickmust and vacation Apply with a cover letter, resume and three references to: Travis Sabataso, HR Director, 81aand Main Street, Essex Junction, esired.

Strong computer and customer service skills are must.

Previous municipal environment and prioritize work around departmental needs statutory deadlines. and three references to: Travis Sabataso, HR Director, 81 Main Street, Essex Junction,

VT 05452, or via email to ​tsabataso@essex.org​. Position is open until filled. EEO xperience preferred.

Candidates must be able to work within veryfilled. busy EEO office VT 05452, or via email to ​tsabataso@essex.org​ . Position is opena until The minimum salary $17.44/hour, actual needs startingand salary is dependent nvironment andstarting prioritize workisaround departmental statutory deadlines.on

relevant experience August 15, 2019 and qualifications. This position is eligible for the VMERS

Retirement Plan, pro-ratedsalary sick and accruals.

Apply with asalary cover letter, resume on August 15, 2019 The minimum starting is vacation $17.44/hour, actual starting is dependent

Contact Jennifer Wolcott, jwolcott@ccs-vt.org or 655-0511 ext. 118 for more information.

www.ccs-vt.org E.O.E

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Go to MylanCareers.com for more information!

All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to their disability or protected veteran status. Mylan is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Minorities / Female / Disabled / Veteran.

ESSEX REPORTER • 11

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Showcase of Homes

Front leg needs repair.

Giving away for free!

31 Old Colchester Road, Essex Junction

Home decor, lots of “man cave items”, Las Vegas collectables.

RAIN OR SHINE, reasonably priced, ask if WICKER LOVESEAT, looking for something SERVICES COMES with cushions. specific.

Brickyard Front leg needs repair.

11 Sugar Tree Lane Giving away for free!

Appliances #G6 31 Old Colchester Essex Junction AIR CONDITIONER, GE, Road, 6150 BTU, like new conEssex Junction Misc. dition. Paid $250, asking $150. Call 802-873CANNING SET, Gran2663 ite Ware 33 quart Furniture BUTCHER BLOCK TABLE, comes with 4 chairs, in great shape. Asking $45. Call 802-373-2663

To advertise your listings contact your ad rep today!

802-524-9771

Taylor Walters x 105 taylor.walters@essexreporter.com

VIEWS! VIEWS! VIEWS! Enjoy sunsets and panoramic lake and mountain views from this amazing home with expansive wrap-around deck, gourmet kitchen, open floor plan, master suite with luxurious private bath, plus 3 guest rooms and tons of garage space. On 11+ acres with 98 feet of owned water frontage. Offered at $785,000

The Lipkin Audette Team, 802-846-8800, www.lipkinaudette.com team@lipkinaudette.com

TOWN OF ESSEX PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA/​PUBLIC ​HEARING September 12, 2019 -6:30 P.M. MUNICIPAL CONFERENCE ROOM, 81 MAIN ST., ESSEX JCT., VT 1. Amendments to Agenda (if applicable) 2. Public Comments 3. Consent Agenda: ● Boundary Line/Boundary Line Amendment: Pinewood Manor, Inc. Request to reverse a previously approved boundary adjustment, including a minor adjustment to property located at 1 & 7 Valley View Drive in the R2 Zone. Tax Map 24, Parcel 10 & 12. ● Site Plan Amendment: Lowe’s Home Centers LLC: Request to increase outside display areas located at 135 Sunderland Way; B1 Zone; Tax Map 46, Parcel 10. ● Final Plan Amendment: Mark & Roberta Hipes: Request to approve existing driveway grade for property located at 1682 Old Pump Road in the C1 Zone. Tax Map 12, Parcel 16, Lot 5. ● Donna Boisselle, Final Plan Amendment: Request to approve existing driveway grade for property located at 264 West Sleepy Hollow Road in the AR Zone. Tax Map 12, Parcel 3-2.

4. Site Plan Amendment-Public Hearing: Pomerleau Real Estate: Proposal to construct a 2,886 SF drive-thru restaurant located at 86 Center Road in the CTR Zone. Tax Map 57, Parcel 18.

5. Sketch Plan-Public Hearing: Richard Bouffard: Proposal for​ a 7-building, residential 24-Unit PUD located at 79/81 Susie Wilson Road in the R2 Zone. Tax Map 54, Parcel 3.

6. Site Plan-Andrew Hood-Public Hearing: Proposal to construct four (4) warehouse buildings totaling 38,860 SF on a 6.77 acre lot located at 1 Allen Martin Drive in the RPD-I Zone. Tax Map 71, Parcel 2, Lot 0.

7. Minutes: August 22, 2019 8. Other Business Note: Please visit our website at ​www.essex.org​ to view agendas, application materials, and minutes or stop in at our office, 81 Main St., 2​nd​ Floor (7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)

Commercial Roofers& Laborers

WICKER LOVESEAT, COMES with cushions.

GARAGE SALES Garage Sales MOVING SALE Fri., 8/23 - 8/25 8:00 -3:00PM

LEGALS Town of Essex Line Striping RFP The Town of Essex invites you to prepare a proposal for line striping select roads throughout the Town of Essex. A copy of the Request for Proposals can be picked up at the Town Public Works office, 5 Jericho Road, Essex Center. Sealed proposals will be received at the Town Public Works Office, or mailed to the Town of Essex Public Works Department, 81 Main Street Essex Jct., VT 05452 until 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, September 5, 2019. Questions can be directed to the Town Public Works Office at 878-1344.

Town of Essex Road Crack Sealing RFP The Town of Essex invites you to prepare a proposal for crack sealing select roads throughout the Town of Essex. A copy of the Request for Proposals can be picked up at the Town Public Works office, 5 Jericho Road, Essex Center. Sealed proposals will be received at the Town Public Works Office, or mailed to the Town of Essex Public Works Department, 81 Main Street Essex Jct., VT 05452 until 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, September 5, 2019. Questions can be directed to the Town Public Works Office at 878-1344.

Year round, full time positions. Good wages & benefits. $16.50 per hour minimum; pay negotiable with experience EOE/M/F/VET/Disability Employer Apply in person at: A.C. Hathorne Co. 252 Avenue C Williston, VT 802-862-6473

canner with muti size jar rack, case of new Ball 32 oz. mason jars, Ball Blue Canning Book, and 7 one quart canner rack. $35. Call 802872-0745

LOST AND FOUND Lost and Found

LOST MALE CAT, brown tiger/tabby named Lumen. Shy cat, may be hanging around with stray cats. Please do not chase, but take pho-

AUCTIONS

Restaurant & Bakery Equipment Foreclosure: 2BR Cape Online Ends Tues., Aug. 27 @ 6PM on 1.44± Ac. 131 Dorset Lane, Williston, VT

Thursday, June 6 @ 11AM

(Register & Inspect from 10AM)

687A VT Route 109, Belvidere, VT

Stoelting Soft Serve Machine; Oliver Bread Slicers; Ice Makers; Contact Grill; Berkel Shaver/Slicer; Adcraft Food Warmer; Commercial Soup Kettle; Beverage-Air Commercial Upright Refrigerator; Pitco 40 Lb. Fryers; SS Prep Tables AND MORE!

Nice views, large yard w/ spacious decks. Full partially finished basement, close to Jay Peak, snowmobile trails and hiking. House built in 1999.

Foreclosure: 5BR3BR Brick House Foreclosure: Home Renovation Project 1/4 Mile from Lake Wed., September 11AM Friday, June 28 18 @@ 11AM

tos if you can. Cash Reward. If you’ve seen or fed any stray cats in your area, please call Orson at 802-777-9432.

FOUND, MALE CAT, black/white color, now neutered, well house trained, may have been seen on poster in Essex. If this is your cat, call 802-373-2663.

FOR SALE Homes For Sale

SWANTON Beautiful 3 bed, 2 bath, home nestled near Swanton Village. This 18yr old home is perched on nearly .4 acres, with quick access to local amenities. The home is comprised of over 2100 finished Sqft, allowing for ample space to relax or entertain. List Price: $237,000. Call 800478-3850 Ext: 100 for more information.

SERVICES Painting

Since 1977, Lafayette Painting has provided top quality interior painting services. Our experts will complete your job quickly and the finished work is guaranteed.

Learn more about us at lafayettepaintinginc. com or call 863-5397

(Register & & Inspect Inspect from from 10AM) 10AM) (Register

15 North Elm St.,Alburgh, St. Albans, 22 Deso Dr., VT VT OPEN HOUSE: Thurs., Sept. 5, 2-4PM OPEN HOUSE: Thurs., June 6, 2-4PM

Walk to the lake or the public boat access from this 3BR/2BA double Built in 1860, this home boasts 5 wide in Champlain Estate. Built in bedrooms and two full baths, 1,987±SF, 2012, this home sits on a concrete basement, 1-car garage. Bring some slab and has 1,512±SF, 2-car attached elbow grease and turn this house into garage, 0.54± acre lot. Close to village a home for your growing family. Close and amenities. to amenities.

Thomas Hirchak Company Thomas Hirchak Company THCAucTHCAuction.com • 802-888-4662 tion.com ; 800-634-7653

802-524-9771 Ext. 117/122

12 • ESSEX REPORTER

Thursday, August 22, 2019 AUTO SERVICES

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CARPENTRY

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Thursday, August 22, 2019

THE ESSEX REPORTER • 13

CONNECTOR from page 1 strongly emphasized the project’s importance to the village, pointing to its expected impact on traffic congestion and pedestrian safety.

They also noted if the project isn’t completed, the village won’t receive federal and state funds to cover the project’s cost, leaving the village on the hook for money already sunk into the project: over $1.5 million to date.

The Connector has been on the village’s to-do list for nearly a decade, selected by the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission as one of the area’s core alternative projects to be funded with money previously earmarked for the circumferential highway.

But while Kalanges was among those in support of the road when it first hit the scene in 2011, the long-time business owner now says the current design is different than what he had expected, and he never would have backed the project knowing its impact on his property.

At last month’s hearing, Kalanges and his attorney, Eliza van Lennep, attempted to challenge several aspects of the road’s design and the protocol leading up to the meeting. They alleged they hadn’t been properly notified of the changes and argued that the project unnecessarily infringes

on Kalanges’ land and will negatively impact the business of one of his tenants, removing parking spaces while making it difficult to navigate for tractor trailers that need to access the property.

“They wouldn’t be able to function,” Kalanges said of Bailey, Spring and Chassis, an auto body shop that works on tractor trailers.

Village officials pushed back on Kalanges’ complaints.

Robin Pierce, community development director, said the proposal has shifted only slightly since being first introduced eight years ago, and there have been more than a dozen public hearings on the proposal since then.

And village engineer Richard Hamlin said he met with Kalanges in May to discuss the project.

Hamlin also assured that the village did its best to move the roadway away from Kalanges property, reaching a compromise with the railroad to slightly skew the angle of a nearby railroad crossing. But moving it any further would skew the railroad crossing to a potentially dangerous angle, the engineer said.

Hamlin also questioned Kalanges’ assessment of the turn radius for tractor trailers, saying the project has been designed to accommodate trucks of all

sizes. He added designers could work with the property owners to ensure that single-unit trucks would be able to maneuver the parking lot.

The trustees deliberated in a closeddoor session following the hearing and issued their final decision two weeks later.

In a final attempt to delay the process, Kalanges’ attorney urged the village last week to push back a final public hearing scheduled for August 29.

Van Lennep said the village provided only a month’s notice prior to the hearing – a timeframe she said has not allowed Kalanges to retain an appraiser to look over the property and has created an “undue burden” on her client.

“Due to the timeline, the appraiser has requested nearly three times the customary fee,” van Lennep wrote, explaining Kalanges had held off on hiring an appraiser due to a “goodfaith difference of opinion” about whether the project was necessary.

Van Lennep requested the trustees delay their hearing at least another month.

“Due to the nearly 10 years that this project has been under consideration, we hope that the board will agree that a brief continuance is appropriate and

does not unduly delay the proceedings,” she wrote.

The trustees weren’t convinced.

Village president Andrew Brown said Kalanges knew of the appraisal requirement months ago and had been given more than enough time to arrange it. He said the only rationale for the continuance request was the increased cost, which was due to Kalanges’ delay, not a lack of available resources.

The board agreed, voting 5-0 to deny the continuance request. They will now decide on August 29 whether Kalanges is due any compensation.

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14 • THE ESSEX REPORTER

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Community Calendar 22 THURSDAY

CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH - 61 Main St., Essex Jct., 878-8341.

James Gangwer, pastor. Sunday School: 10 a.m., Worship Service: 11 a.m., Sunday evening worship: 6 p.m., Wednesday evening youth groups, Adult Bible study and prayer: 7 p.m.; Fundamental-Independent.

CHRIST MEMORIAL CHURCH - Route 2A, Williston, just north of Industrial Ave. 878-7107. Wes Pastor, Senior Pastor.

Summer Worship Service Times (June-September): Sundays at 9:30 a.m. Nursery is provided for infant-K. Also check out our other summer offerings: Wednesday Gatherings, Ultimate Frisbee, Play Dates in the Park, Summer Bible Camp, and more! www.cmcvermont.org; also on Facebook & Instagram.

COVENANT COMMUNITY CHURCH - 1 Whitcomb Meadows Lane, Essex Jct. 879-4313. Rev. Jeannette Conver, pastor. Adult bible class: 9 a.m., Sunday service: 10 a.m. with fellowship following. Infant through pre-K childcare provided, cccpastorjeannette@gmail.com; Facebook page: bit.ly/2rDz4NE DAYBREAK COMMUNITY CHURCH - 67 Creek Farm Plaza, Colchester. 338-9118. Jesse Mark, lead pastor. Sunday service: 10:30 a.m., www.daybreakvermont.org; brentdaybreak@gmail.com ESSEX ALLIANCE CHURCH - 37 Old Stage Road, Essex Jct. 878-8213. Sunday services: 8:00am, 9:30am & 11:00am, www.essexalliance.org.

ESSEX CENTER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH - 119 Center Rd (Route 15), Essex. 878-8304. Rev. Mitchell Hay, pastor. Service 10:00 am with Sunday School and childcare provided. We offer a variety of small groups for prayer, Bible study, hands-on ministry, and studying contemporary faith issues. Please join us for worship that combines the best of traditional and contemporary music and spirituality. We are a safe and welcoming space for all people to celebrate, worship, ask questions and plant spiritual roots.

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF ESSEX JUNCTION - 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, Assoc. Pastor, Rev. Josh Simon. Summer Worship One Service 9 am, June 2 – September 1.

Communion: first Sunday of every month. School Year Faith Formation.

Jr. & High School Youth Groups. Heavenly Food Pantry – second Monday, 5:30-7:30pm; fourth Thursday, 2-6pm, except for Nov & Dec when it is the third Thursday. Essex Eats Out Community Dinner – 1st Friday of the month, 5:30 – 7pm. Music includes Sanctuary Choir, Finally @ First Band, Joyful Noise, Cherub Music, Handbell Choir, Men’s Acapella and Ladies’ Acapella groups.

GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH - 130 Maple Street, Essex Jct., 1 mile south of the Five Corners on Maple Street / Route 117. 8788071. Worship Sundays: 9:30 a.m., with concurrent church school pre-K to grade 6. Handicapped-accessible facility. Adult choir, praise band, women’s fellowship, missionally active. Korean U.M.C. worship Sundays: 12 p.m., come explore what God might be offering you!

HOLY FAMILY - ST. LAWRENCE PARISH - St. Lawrence: 158 West St., Essex Jct. 878.5331. Saturday Vigil: 4:00 p.m.; Sunday Morning: 8:00 a.m. Holy Family: 36 Lincoln St., Essex Jct., Sundays: 11 a.m. & 7:30 p.m. For more information visit www.hfslvt.org.

MT. MANSFIELD UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP - 195 Vermont Route 15, Jericho, the red barn across from Packard Road.

899-2558. Services are held 9:30 a.m. on the second and fourth Sunday of each month from September through June. Visit www.mmuuf.org.

ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH - 4 St. James Place, Essex Jct., off Rt. 2A at the Fairgrounds Gate F. 878-4014. Rev. Kim Hardy. Holy Eucharist, Sundays: 10 a.m. Visit www.stjamesvt.org; office@stjamesvt. com.

ST. PIUS X CHURCH - 20 Jericho Road, Essex.

878-5997. Rev. Charles Ranges, pastor. Masses: Saturday, 4:30 p.m. & Sunday, 9:30 a.m. Confessions: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. or please call 878-5331 for an appointment.

CALL EARLY FOR RESERVATIONS!

Bus Day Trip to AKWESASNE MOHAWK CASINO Hogansburg, New York

MONDAY, SEPT. 9

Donuts

$

38 PER PERSON

FREE extras include: $30 Free Slot Play Free Buffet Bottled Water Movies Aboard

Meet at Milton Park & Ride Off I89 Exit 17 between 6:35am-6:55am Bus Departs: 7:00am Depart the Casino: 4:30pm

Call BARBARA at 802.829.7403

Food ShelF 9 - 11 a.m. Thursdays and Saturdays, 6 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Aunt Dot’s Place, 51 Center Rd. Essex Jct. Serving the communities of Essex, Westford, Jericho and Underhill. Visit auntdotsplace.com for more information. drop-In KnIttIng Club 1 - 2 p.m., Essex Free Library. heavenly pantry 2 - 6 p.m., First Congregational Church.

The Food Pantry is open to residents of Essex Junction, Essex Town and Westford.

Clients will need an ID for each member of the household and a utility bill. Clients may only visit the Pantry once in each calendar month. lego Club 3 - 4 p.m., Essex Free Library.

23 FRIDAY

MuSIC wIth raph 9:30 - 10:15 a.m., Brownell Library.

Come sing & play with Raph. No registration required. dungeonS & dragonS 5:30 - 8:30 p.m., Brownell Library.

Embark upon imaginary adventures.

A Dungeon Master serves as this role playing game’s referee and storyteller. Game starts at 6:30, come early for help with character design. eSSex eatS out 5:30 - 7 p.m., Methodist Church, Essex Jct. Free community

Vermont Integrative MD Dr. Sepinoud Bazel Family Practice and Integrative Medicine

dinners for all! If you need a ride, please email essexeatsout@ gmail.com

27 TUeSDAY

24 SATURDAY

weeKend Story tIMe 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., Essex Free Library. Start off your weekend with books, rhymes and songs! adult uKulele ClaSS 12:30 - 1:30 p.m., Essex Free Library.

Learn the basics of playing the ukulele in this light-hearted beginner’s workshop.

You don’t need to know anything about music to learn how to strum, make chords and sing a song. 18+, please register.

tap taKeover

1 - 7 p.m., VFW Post, Essex Jct. With beverages provided by14th Star Brewing, 1st Republic Brewing and Kickback Brewing come enjoy the food of Mark BBQ. Public invited. For more info contact Charles Rittenburg at 802782-7710. Benefiting Vermont Paws and Boots.

bIngo 12:30 - 3:30 p.m., Essex Area Senior Ctr. Every card costs a penny, so if you play 10 cards, each game costs a dime. drop-In KnIttIng 6:30 - 8 p.m., Essex Free Library.

28 WeDneSDAY teCh tIMe 10 - 11 a.m., Essex Free Library. Drop in with your device and questions!

teCh help w/ ClIF Noon - 1 p.m., Brownell Library. (See Monday, August 26) larp 3 -5 p.m., Brownell Library. Live Action Role Play (LARP) is a DIY adventure in a mystical land. Create your own character and enter the story.

Fun & fantastic for ages 11 and up.

26 MonDAY

Story tIMe wIth eMIly 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., Essex Free Library.

Drop in for stories, songs and a craft.

802-495-5817 www.vtintegrativemd.com vtintegrativemd@gmail.com 20 Kimball Avenue, Suite 303 South Burlington

...and help build homes!

Green Mountain

VERMONTHABITAT.ORG

857-5296

6 p.m., bike/walk advisory Committee, Lincoln Hall, 2 Lincoln St.

tue., aug. 27

6:30 p.m., village trustees, Lincoln Hall, 2 Lincoln St. 7 p.m., town Selectboard, Town Offices, 81 Main St. 7:15 p.m., trustees/ Selectboard Joint Meeting, Lincoln Hall, 2 Lincoln St.

Established and emerging artists are invited to submit one or two pieces of art work in any medium for Beyond the Seed. The only requirement is that the work must be wire hung to hang on a gallery system. This is an exhibit scheduled for September through December 2019 in the Jericho Town Hall.

For more information and registration materials contact Catherine McMains, catherine.mcmains@ gmail.com. Registration forms as well as the policies and procedures which include information on hanging requirements can also be found on the Town of Jericho website, Jerichovt.org. Registration deadline is August 23, 2019.

Car, Boat, Trailer/Camper

414 Route 7 South

Mon, aug. 26

• 8/25/19 - Men at First from First Congregational Church, UCC, will be offering special music throughout our worship service.

Donate Your...

Open W-F 10-6. Sat. & Sun 10-5

6:30 p.m., town and village Subcommittee on governance, Lincoln Hall, 2 Lincoln St.

CALL TO ArTISTS: BEyOND ThE SEED

teCh help wIth ClIF Noon - 1 p.m., Brownell Library.

Offering one-on-one technology help.

Reservation required.

Please call 878-6955 at least 24 hours in advance.

MILTON

thu., aug. 22

6:30 p.m., town planning Commission, Town Offices, 81 Main St.

MALLETTS BAy CONGrEGATIONAL ChurCh, uCC AuGuST 2019 WOrShIp SErvICES

- Continuity with one doctor

- Same day appointments for sick visits - Phone and email availability after hours and on weekends - Cash practice

LOCAL MEETINGS

WILLISTON

528 Essex Road (Rt. 2A) Open M-F 10-6. Sat. & Sun 10-5

872-8726

FURNITURE • APPLIANCES • ART • HOUSEWARES • RUGS • TOOLS • BUILDING MATERIALS

upCOMING EvENT DIvOrCE CArE SuppOrT GrOup Sundays, September 8 - December 1 Divorce is a tough road. Feelings of separation, betrayal, confusion, anger, and self-doubt are common. But there is life after divorce. Led by people who have already walked down that road, we’d like to share with you a safe place and a process that can help make the journey easier. This free 13-week group for men and women will be offered on Sunday evenings, 5:30-7:30, Sept. 8 through Dec. 1 at the North Avenue Alliance Church, 901 North Ave., Burlington, Vt. Register for class at essexalliance.churchcenter. com. For more information call Sandy 802-425-7053.

THE ESSEX REPORTER • 15

Thursday, August 22, 2019

EssEx sport shorts

By JOE GONILLO Summer, summer, summer...don’t go! EHS fall sports are underway.

Tryouts and practices are pairing down teams. Hesitate to mention, but school starts next week! Ignoring all those horrible Back-to-School adds.

Funny how my anxiety is lower than ever. Lots to do as scrimmages are popping up everywhere. Also, largest SAT Test we have ever run, 350+ students, is happening Saturday AM. Not sure I would take the test before school starts because of the math (English a piece of cake), but the need for early admission among seniors and many parents seems to be increasing. Good luck.

Here’s a look at the Hornets’ fall sports coaching staff: • Bass Fishing: Charlie Burnett • Cheerleading: Emily Curtis • Boys Cross Country: Derek Martisus • Girls Cross Country: Kaitlin White • Varsity Field Hockey: Grace O`Neil • JV Field Hockey: Barb Isham • JV B Field Hockey: Kelsey Patterson • Varsity Football: Drew Gordon • Jv Football: Dean Corkum • Freshman Football: Kerry Leclair • Golf: Justin Norris • Boys Varsity Soccer: Jake Orr • Girls Varsity Soccer: Kevin Barber • Boys Jv Soccer: Matt Lyon • Girls Jv Soccer: Nicole Grinstead • Girls Jvb Soccer: Bri Joy • Boys Jvb Soccer: Matthew Olsen • Varsity Boys Volleyball: Albert Gonzales • Varsity Girls Volleyball: Jen Liguori • Jv Gold Girls Volleyball: Bjorn Norstrom • Jv Blue Girls Volleyball: Meghan Fahey • Jv Gold Boys Volleyball: Sara Lestage • Jv Blue Boys Volleyball: Eric Machat

Coaches please feel free to email me any time with results, esp sub-varsity, to get athletes recognition.

Sand Hill Pool is sadly closing for the season Friday @ 4pm. Clean up, dropping water level, storage, lost and found, and putting on the dreaded pool cover all happen Friday afternoon/evening. Till next year…..

If anyone is interested in becoming a high school or middle school soccer ref, please contact me by email – jgonillo@gmail.com . Our VT Soccer Officials Association will train and prepare you for fall games. The VSOA is instituting a new brand of membership this season: an Associate Membership geared for first-year officials or older refs who still want to work games but at the sub-varsity level: jv, frosh, and middle school games. It’s a great idea. You get guidance, reduced dues fees, clinics, and insurance. Makes sense practically and financially especially for high schoolers who enjoy soccer but are not on a team.

Congrats to golfer Bob Maritano on his hole-in-one last Saturday at the Links. The veteran was playing in the Member Guest Tourney and aced #16.

Tough hole. Congratulations again and on the free 2020 membership.

Sad to hear that Linda Murtie passed last month.

Happy Birthday to my wife and best friend, Tina (Bechtel Gonillo).

She is celebrating her beautiful birthday Saturday. Congratulations sweetheart. Love You!! Big plans for Saturday evening…..also Carissa Gordon Gump, Stacey Reyome, Wendy Peyrat, Mary Truax Rup, new teacher Keenan Weischedel, and Kara Bissonnette.

Awesome wedding last week as nephew Derek Hathaway and Nikki Boudah celebrated with a rehearsal party in Salisbury Thursday evening and were married Friday afternoon at the Mountain Top in Chittenden.

Beautiful ceremony; beautiful couple.

May they live as long as they want, and never want as long as they live!

Congrats!

COME ENJOY OUR

Weekly Specials!

MONDAY

Kids Eat Free WEDNESDAY

$5 Margaritas

authentic mexican cuisine

THURSDAY

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK FOR LUNCH & DINNER

1/2 price Nachos 4 Park Street • Essex • 802.662.4334 169 Church St. • Burlington • 802.540.3095

ElGatoCantina.com

Pet of theWeek

NANOOK

~ 9 year old Neutered male ~ Breed: American Shelter Dog Reason here: Not a good fit in his Arrival Date:8/5/2019 previous home Forget the city life - this country boy is looking for a home with lots of room to explore and relax! Nanook loves spending time in the great outdoors.

He’d love to be by your side when you’re weeding the garden, shoveling the driveway, or doing just about anything else! That includes road trips - just watch out, he might claim the driver’s seat before you get there! Nanook would love a laid-back home where he can spend his golden years in peace and quiet. If that sounds like your place, meet this extra special boy!

Dogs: He has a mixed history with dogs.

Cats: He has lived with multiple cats and kittens.

Children: He has spent time with kids of all ages.

Humane Society of Chittenden County 802-862-0135 chittendenhumane.org

FREE ESTATE PLANNING SEMINARS Monday, September 10 Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Thursday, September 12 Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Seminars will be held at our office at 26 Railroad Avenue, Essex Junction

To reserve your seat call (802) 879-7133 or visit unsworthlaplante.com We can cover all your home & family needs

Send your sports photos to ben@essex reporter. com

PLY OF BIG SUP SKETS A BERRY B Quarts d n a -Pints

STOCK UP ON CANNING SUPPLIES

L.D. Oliver Seed Company, Inc.Green Mountain Fertilizer Co. 26 Sunset Ave., Milton, VT • 802 893-4628 Mon-Fri 7:30 -5:30, Sat 8:00-4:00, Closed Sun

16 • THE ESSEX REPORTER

Thursday, August 22, 2019

At Mansfield Place, the transition to assisted living is a positive and happy experience for residents and their loved ones.

Why Choose Mansfield Place?

To join in the fun!

Here are just some of the many benefits available at Mansfield Place: • Engaging activities and events, as well as health and fitness programs.

• Delicious chef-prepared meals and snacks.

• A variety of studio, one and two-bedroom apartments.

• Common areas including living and dining room, private dining room, country kitchens, cocktail lounge, exercise room, salon/barber shop, patios, walking paths and gardens.

MansfieldPlaceVT.com

• Assistance with personal care, grooming, bathing, dressing, medication management and physical therapy.

• Pendant call system to alert for assistance.

• Housekeeping, laundry and maintenance services.

• Scheduled transportation for medical appointments, errands and events.

Call Laurie today to schedule your visit. (802) 871-5808 PET PET FRIENDLY FRIENDLY

18 Carmichael Street, Essex Junction, VT 05452

MPJ7753_Essex MPJ7753_Essex Reporter Reporter ad ad resize_LadyGardening_10x8.indd resize_HerbGarden_10x8.indd 1 1

1/10/19 1/10/19 1:42 1:40 PM PM

You’re Invited To Our Open House!

Tuesday, August 27th 4pm to 7pm Now’s the Perfect Time to Come and Learn About Gazebo Senior Living and All That We Have to Offer You or a Loved One.

For Over 30 Years We’ve Been Providing Assisted Care The Way It Was Meant To Be Vermont Family Owned and Operated

CALL US TODAY

to Schedule a Personal Tour 802-861-4003.

Visit Our Website: www.gazeboseniorliving.com.

1530 Williston Road | South Burlington