October 27, 2016 The Essex Reporter by Essex Reporter

Reporter

October 27, 2016 • The Essex Reporter •1

THE ESSEX

OctOber 27, 2016

Vol. 36, No. 43

Prsrt Std ECRWSS U.S. Postage Paid Permit No. 266 Burlington, VT 05401 Postal Patron-Residential

Town clerk defends rec vote date

By COLIN FLANDERS

hile Vermonters vote for president and statewide offices in less than two weeks, voters in Essex won’t consider the unified recreation district plan despite November 8 being the preferred date to do so by both the local governing boards and the committee that proposed it. Instead, the selectboard and trustees will vote whether to warn the

question for December. That’s because town clerk Cheryl Moomey chose to not hold both elections on the same day, she said. “It was my decision and my decision alone that this would be difficult, if not impossible,” Moomey wrote in a memo to the Recreation Governance Study Committee. Her decision has unsettled those who think it was possible, with some maneuvering, to hold the See VOTE, page 10

Photo by KAYLEE SULLIVAN Athletic trainer John Stawinski of Fit2Excel performs an ocular motor screen test on South Burlington High School hockey player Alex Rozhansky on Tuesday at the company's Essex Jct. facility. Rozhansky was assessed for a baseline test just one week before sustaining a concussion.

A bruise on the brain

Essex thinks about concussion protocols By KAYLEE SULLIVAN

izziness, headaches, sensitivity to light and sound and feeling in a fog – these are symptoms of a concussion.

As awareness and education spreads throughout the country and Essex alike, these symptoms are becoming more and more recognizable, Essex High School athletic trainer Seth Rebeor said.

Diagnosis of a prolonged headache versus a concussion is not always clear-cut, however, EHS nurse Karen Harlow said, but the protocol the school follows is. See CONCUSSION, page 11

Nightmare on Pearl Street Haunted circus rattles guests at Expo

By MICHAELA HALNON Photo by JASON STARR Emir Heco of Excelerate Essex and Heco Engineering gives a talk Friday at the Vermont Tech Jam at the Champlain Valley Exposition.

Essex stakes out Tech Jam presence By JASON STARR In its 10th incarnation, the Vermont Tech Jam landed at the Champlain Valley Exposition last week. Produced by Seven Days, the annual technology expo, career fair and speaker series has been a nomad in Chittenden County for the past decade. It has taken place

in hotel conference rooms, a vacant Church Street building, Winooski’s Woolen Mill and Burlington’s Memorial Hall. The location has remained unsettled partly to keep the event fresh, said organizer Cathy Resmer of Seven Days, but also because Burlington lacks a dedicated convention center. Will the expo See TECH JAM, page 2

Nightmare Vermont event creator and Colchester-native Jana Beagley doesn’t usually act in her show. But after a few of her recruits suddenly dropped out last Saturday night, she took to the stage. As a makeshift tour guide, Beagley welcomed See NIGHTMARE, page 11

Photo by MICHAELA HALNON Actors dressed as spooky clowns at the 10th annual Nightmare Vermont haunted house at the Champlain Valley Expo in Essex last weekend.

Town corrects VOSHA violations By COLIN FLANDERS A Vermont Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspection of town buildings in August found three violations, Photo by COLIN FLANDERS including one carrying a penalty Essex public works mechanic Jerry Lesage points of more than $1,800. to a metal guard last Friday that he placed on a The violation stems from the saw to correct a Vermont Occupational Safety and town’s failure to properly guard Health Administration (VOSHA) violation the town received in August.

a saw in the highway maintenance garage. The other violations, both without penalties, involve labeling electric boxes and guarding a generator at the Alder Brooke Pump Station. Doug Fisher, director of Essex town administrator services, said he presented evidence of corrective actions via a phone See VIOLATIONS, page 18

CANDIDATES CONTEND AT DEBATE SUNDAY

ajor party candidates for Vermont's next governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general squared off in a series of debates hosted by the Vermont Press Association at St. Michael's College in Colchester last Sunday. Held in the McCarthy Arts Center, the three 90-minute debates began with candidates for AG at 1 p.m. and lasted throughout the day, broadcast live by Channel 17. VPA

members and St. Michael's College faculty and students served as moderators, questioners and time keepers at each debate, including Essex Reporter associate editor Abby Ledoux, who questioned candidates for attorney general. Voters head to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 8. Watch last Sunday's debates in full at http://livestream.com/cctv/freespeechtv/ DebateSunday. VPA pool photo by GREG LAMOREUX, County Courier

See the Reporter's coverage of the debates on pages 3,8 and 9.

Major party candidates for Vermont's next governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general gathered for a debate at St. Michael's College last Sunday.

2• The Essex Reporter • October 27, 2016

local teCH JAM from page 1

become a long-term Tech Jam host? Only time, and an exhibitor survey, will tell. “We’ll see how people like this space,” Resmer said. “We can do a lot with it. We can customize it. And everyone knows how to get here.” About 70 exhibitors filled the expo’s Robert E. Miller building for the Friday and Saturday event. For Essex High School’s robotics team, longtime Tech Jam exhibitors, this year’s event felt “like a home game,” EHS science teacher and team coach Joe Chase said. “This venue is one of the best they’ve had because it’s really easy to access, and it’s nice to have a lot of empty space that you can fill up with a lot of toys,” Chase said. The robots attracted a continuous crowd Friday, when the Jam hosted student groups from about a half dozen of the area’s private and public schools. Isaac Olson, Joe Printon

and Carl Fung of EHS served as ambassadors for their creations and for the FIRST – For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology – robotics competitions. FIRST is a New Hampshirebased nonprofit that sponsors national robotics contests. Essex had one of the original Vermont teams. This year’s Vermont state robotics championship will be held at EHS in February for the first time after four years at the University of Vermont. Last year, the Vermont Principals Association recognized robotics as an official school activity. Vermont’s participation in robotics has grown from about four teams five years ago to about 60 this year, according to Chase. The majority of the teams are at the elementary school level. Essex was also represented by Revision, Flex-a-Seal and Heco Engineering at the Tech Jam. Heco founder Emir Heco was nominated for a “Jammy” — a Tech Jam startup award — for founding Essex’s first co-

Photo by JASON STARR Essex High School students Joe Printon, left, and Isaac Olson pose with “Slender Man,” a creation of the Essex robotics team.

working space, Excelerate Essex, in 2015 near Five Corners. Heco was a speaker Friday afternoon at the Tech Jam’s “Lightning Talk” series, featuring five-minute talks from representatives of seven Jammynominated companies. Excelerate Essex, Heco said, is almost completely full. Heco sees it as an incubator for entrepreneurs to get a foothold before they’re ready to open their own

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offices and hire people. “It’s not a business. It’s a community effort,” Heco said. Dimitri Garder, co-founder of a co-working space in Bennington called Lightning Jar, reenforced Heco’s assertion that co-working spaces must incorporate a variety of community assets to survive. They are not meant to be profitable, he said. Lightning Jar is made possible by a donation of office space

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from the Vermont State Employees Credit Union. Garder counts eight coworking spaces in Vermont and said the demand will increase as more workers become untethered from their employer’s location. The spaces also represent a homegrown path to economic development — “economic gardening,” Garder explained — versus an “economic hunting” model that focus on government incentives to attract existing businesses to locate in Vermont. “Do we build our future economy, or do we buy it?” Garder asked. “I think we build it.” As host to Excelerate Essex and the Tech Jam, Essex officials hope the town stakes out a role in the state’s economic future, Jim Bernegger of the Essex Economic Development Commission said. “The opportunity meant much to the [the commission] in its efforts to enhance awareness in the legacy and future role that Essex enterprises will play in the growth of the Vermont high tech sector,” Bernegger said.

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local

VPA pool photo by GREG LAMOUREUX, County Courier Lt. governor candidates Progressive/Democrat David Zuckerman and Republican Randy Brock participated in the Vermont Press Association debate last Sunday at St. Michael's College.

Lt. governor candidates talk EB-5, marijuana By MICHAELA HALNON

he stakes were high as the major party candidates for Vermont’s next lieutenant governor faced off just over two weeks before Election Day. Republican Randy Brock of Swanton and Progressive/Democrat David Zuckerman of Hinesburg remained unruffled throughout their debate last Sunday, despite laying out key policy differences in several controversial arenas. Boots Wardinski, a Liberty Union Party candidate, was invited but did not

attend the debate. An early question about college affordability quickly pivoted to marijuana legalization after Zuckerman, a Chittenden County senator, suggested using some revenue generated through a statesponsored cannabis industry to bankroll higher education trust funds. Zuckerman sees the irony in funding education with a restricted substance, but thought it would allow the government to stop the “underground system” of drug use and “address it in an honest way.” “Many people who are younger get

into drugs and alcohol when they don’t see a path to a future,” Zuckerman said. “If we make higher education an affordable option, we erase that deterrent and instead create hope.” Brock flatly disagreed. “This is not the time to legalize,” he said, going on to challenge Zuckerman’s revenue calculations. The former state auditor also said legalization would directly contradict the federal government and warned “the stroke of a bureaucrat’s pen” could wipe out any statewide industry. “Essentially, I see that as pot smoke and mirrors,” Brock said. “It is not something you can build an economy on.” Later, both Zuckerman and Brock voiced support for accepting refugees into Vermont, saying it would increase diversity. Brock connected the question to the EB-5 immigrant investment program, the subject of a fraud investigation at Jay Peak. “Wouldn’t it be nice to invite EB-5 investors, instead of locating in California and New York, to become Vermont residents?” Brock asked. “Wouldn’t it be great to have a few immigrants that are actually wealthy?” Zuckerman took issue with that, saying, “I would never promote a wealth test for people to move into Vermont. I’m not really a fan of giving folks who have huge sums of money an advantage over others in immigrating into this country.” Brock later clarified he would not support any preferential treatment for well-off immigrants. “I don’t think there’s anything wrong with having some wealthy immigrants,” Zuckerman said. “I just don’t think they should get a free card to the front of the line.” On healthcare, the candidates agreed: Both said Vermont Health Connect needs serious amending or abandoning.

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Zuckerman suggested a “less complex” system, like universal primary care or Doctor Dinosaur 2.0. Brock said the state should head to the federal exchange, insulating itself from potentially costly changes likely to crop up along the way. “We have this tendency in Vermont to say we’re going to be first in the nation in doing something,” Brock said. “Well, I don’t want to be first in the nation to have a heart transplant. I want to look at what’s working elsewhere.” Zuckerman said he thought Vermonters were proud to be first to support civil rights and marriage equality issues, among others. “I’m OK with us being first and leading the way,” Zuckerman said. “We are small and we’re nimble, and we can make corrections when we’ve made mistakes.” The candidates were later asked to imagine how they would spend their days in office, especially in a position known for its relative flexibility and embedded freedom. As a Progressive and a Republican, Zuckerman and Brock both said they knew what it was like to be a political minority in Vermont and would work to integrate a variety of voices while presiding over the Senate. When not in session, Zuckerman said he planned to take a page from Sen. Bernie Sanders’ book, helping ordinary Vermonters influence the political process. He said he hoped to travel Vermont and bring the statehouse to the people. Brock also promised to be an ambassador, but said he’d focus on reaching out to people who can create new jobs and enterprises. He promised to be a set of eyes and ears for government. As Zuckerman pointed out, however, the future lieutenant governor’s biggest responsibility is the potential call to step into the state’s highest office. That’s happened five times in Vermont history.

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4• The Essex Reporter • October 27, 2016

obituary

Monk Sweetland Elmer R. Sweetland, doctor of chiropractic, of Essex Jct. went to spend eternity with his

Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Oct. 19, 2016. Monk was born in Detroit, Mich. on Dec. 3, 1931 to his beloved parents, Harold and Rebecca (Ball) Sweetland. He graduated from Philadelphia College of the Bible in Philadelphia in 1953 and went on to earn a doctor of chiropractic from Columbia School of Chiropractic in New York City in 1974. He was a pastor, a tool and die maker, an engineer at IBM and a chiropractor since 1976. He was able to do absolutely anything and was gifted in so many ways. He was totally devoted to his patients, and they were at the very center of his life. Monk spent hours of time helping his patients acquire a positive attitude and shared his wealth of wisdom and faith every day with whomever would

listen. His appreciation for life and positive attitude permeated his very character. On a personal note, Dad gave us a sense of wellbeing, encouragement to be anything we wanted to be and the assurance that we were in the hands of a sovereign God who loved us. Dad enjoyed creating many beautiful things in his multiple workshops, sailing on Lake Champlain, collecting just about everything, philosophizing, pontificating, quoting poetry, singing hymns, going to his grandchildren’s sporting events and enjoying many, many trips all around the beautiful state of Vermont with his daughters. Dad was his own man and a very unique individual; we referred to him as an eccentric, eclectic enigma. Poppy thought

that every grandchild born was the smartest and most clever child ever. It is hard to imagine not having him in the lives of his grandchildren. He leaves an incalculable legacy to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Monk was predeceased by Ruth Marie Handleton Sweetland, his loving wife of 56 years, and by his kind-hearted daughter, Cindy Sue Sweetland. He was predeceased by his parents and brother, Danny Sweetland, and has three surviving siblings: Ruth Wagner, David Sweetland and Dorothy Sweetland. Monk is lovingly remembered by daughters Linda Sweetland Mayhew (Dr. Paul) of Franklin, Tenn.; Janet Sweetland Liscio (Dr. John) of Colchester; and Joann Sweetland Lum (Gregory)

of Portland, Ore.; by 13 grandchildren: Rebekah Liscio Faugl (Jason), Allison Mayhew, Dylan Wyer, Benjamin Liscio (Natalia Engelhardt), Micah Wyer (Rivka), Zachariah Liscio (Nicole), Kristin Lum, Mary Lum, Sophia Liscio Metzger (Jaime), Ruth Mayhew, Gordon Lum, Luke Liscio and James Lum; and by three great-grandchildren: Ellie Mayhew, Ariana Faugl, and Elisabella Faugl. A memorial service of Dad’s amazing life will be held at Essex Alliance Church in Essex Jct. on Saturday, Oct. 29, at 3 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to the Berean Bible Society. (https://www.bereanbiblesociety.org/donations/). As Dad would always tell us when we would leave or end a conversation, “Carry on!” And we shall.

pelier. He is deeply committed to open communication with his constituents so that he may truly represent the concerns and ideas of the people of Essex Jct. This is a striking and important departure from the approach of our current represen-

tative Paul Dame, whose voting record demonstrates a disregard, or perhaps lack of understanding, of the sentiments of his constituents. Indeed, his voting record and the rather superficial ideas he puts forth do not indicate a cohesive vision for the

village nor a deep enough level of engagement with the real issues we are facing. Dylan Giambatista, on the other hand, has the experience, skills, ideas and acumen to get things done and move the junction and the state of Vermont

toward progress in the financial, environmental and social issues we face. We will be fortunate to have such an enthusiastic and capable person in the House.

opinion Dylan can move Jct., Vermont forward I write to urge my fellow citizens of Essex Jct. to support Dylan Giambatista on November 8. Dylan brings the qualities we need to represent us in MontSupport for Giambatista I hope you have had the chance to meet Dylan Giambatista as he has knocked on doors to introduce himself. Dylan impresses me with his attention to really know his village neighbors, to get to public meetings to hear concerns first hand and the respect he has for each of us. Dylan’s experience, skills and abilities have been lauded by others in this

paper – rightly so, by the way – so please read those letters for his bio. What I know when I vote for Dylan is he will put his experience in government, his attention to detail and his knowledge of who we are and what we value to work in Montpelier. Vote Dylan for house rep on November 8 at Essex High School. Diane Clemens Essex Jct.

My reasons for voting for Lori Houghton I hope you will join me in voting for Lori Houghton on November 8. Here is why Lori has my vote. Lori listens with purpose, actively engaging in listening. Lori asks questions to fully understand the situation at hand, to fully understand all sides. Lori knows she is not an expert on all things. Rather she seeks out experts to learn more. Lori knows there is a time for prudence and a time for action. I’ve personally witnessed all these traits in Lori over the years I’ve watched and worked with her in our community. Lori was inspired to volunteer in the commu-

Kelley Helmstutler Di Dio Essex Jct.

nity after attending a community forum held to discuss the crime and drugs in our community. A couple years later, she sought out a trustee seat because she felt the community wasn’t being effectively represented. She ran on a platform of collaboration and consolidation and has, with the other trustees, worked on both over the past five years. Lori is smart, honest and committed to our community. For all these reasons, and so many more, I am voting for Lori Houghton to represent me in Vermont’s State House. Wendy Johnson Essex

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letters to the editor Houghton represents our community This election year, more than most, it seems that up and down the ballot it is important that we consider what we care about as voters and how our voice will be represented by our future decision makers. I cannot think of someone who cares more about our community and whose voice would better represent our village than Lori Houghton. Lori has a storied history of involvement in our community as a volunteer, board member, appointed member of committees and elected trustee. Her experiences are widespread, giving her a broad perspective as a working woman, small business owner, parent and community member. She will bring this background to Montpelier and make balanced decisions. I have witnessed Lori in action as a decision maker. She comes to situations well read and prepared, yet with an open mind and flexibility. She understands compromise and demonstrates civility. She is comfortable looking at situations from different perspectives and brainstorming outside of the box solutions. She is not afraid to speak her mind but also listens to others. I am confident that she will carefully consider what is best for the people of Essex Jct. as she addresses the important issues that our state will face in the coming years. Please support Lori Houghton to be one of our next state representatives for the Village of Essex Jct. Brad Luck Essex Jct.

opinion & community

I’m excited to vote for Paul Dame To be honest, I’m not really excited about voting in this presidential election. But I am excited to vote for Rep. Paul Dame on the local level. Paul does one thing that I’ve never seen before: He tells people how he voted before they ask. If you go to his website, he’s made it as public as possible about how he voted on every issue and why. Everybody gets the same explanation. He doesn’t give you one answer when he goes to your door and a different answer to your neighbor – or a third answer when he gets back to Montpelier. Since he explains every vote he casts, you know that he has really thought about how he’s going to vote. And even if you don’t agree with every vote, following Paul’s Facebook page or his website is one Houghton can lead in Montpelier Essex Jct. is thriving, but we also have many tough decisions ahead. While I’d like to think we are masters of our own destiny, I’m realistic enough to know that much of this work can be helped or hurt by what is decided in Montpelier. With that in mind, I enthusiastically support Lori Houghton to represent Essex Jct. in the Vermont State House because Montpelier needs to hear from someone so deeply rooted in our village. Lori is committed to seeing our village, and its residents, thrive. She has a personal stake in the success of our schools, businesses, governance and economy. Lori is a strong woman who is a smart, natural leader. She All in for Houghton

While there is a lot to be discouraged about on the national level, I am really encouraged at the opportunity to vote for my friend Paul Dame for a second term in the Vermont Legislature this November. I first got to know Paul 10 years ago when we both were math education majors at the University of Vermont. While I’m using my skills in the classroom, Paul is using his training to make sense of the state budget and also explaining things in a way that everyone outside the of Montpelier can easily follow. This is made most evident by the fact that he publishes every single vote he casts on his website with a brief explanation. He’s able to take dozens of pages of legislation and boil it down to how it is going to affect families like ours back in Essex Jct. Since I knew Paul back when his passion for education far surpassed his more recent involvement in politics, I think he has a trustworthy balance of ensuring high quality education while also being realistic about the math behind the constant rise of property taxes, which makes it harder for families to afford living in places like Essex with good schools. So if you want to see balance and transparency, then voting for Paul Dame is a slam-dunk.

One of the greatest benefits of living in a small state like Vermont is that it is possible to have a personal connection to the political process. For some of us, that means joining a village committee or school group, and for a select few that means running for statewide office. The commitment it takes to be a state representative is not for everyone, but in this election cycle, we are incredibly fortunate to have Lori Houghton running for a seat in our district. For all the many years we have known Lori, she has spent most of her free time serving our local community. When we were eating dinner at home, she was listening to public proposals and complaints as a member of the village trustees. When we were out of town, she was working to make our community safer, healthier, and more thoughtful through her work on the Heart and Soul Advisory Board. And while we were wistfully wishing that we could enjoy the benefits of a farmer’s market closer to home, she was working to make that a reality in our community. There are many people who use their service as a way to attract at-

Taylor Coppenrath Essex Jct.

Though relatively new to Essex Jct., I’ve met and talked with Dylan several times recently and have found him to be both well informed and dedicated to public service. He is very knowledgeable about both statewide and local issues. As former chief of staff for the speaker of the Vermont House, he is well acquainted with the complex legisla-

Janelle Blake Essex Jct.

is a devoted wife and mother, and her family’s ties to the village stretch back decades. She is a trusted small business owner who knows the realities of making payroll, the full cost of health care and the importance of valuing employees. She is a full time professional, a village trustee and a volunteer on many local committees, boards and initiatives. To learn more about her, go to www. lorihoughton.com. In a recent conversation, Lori said she wants those under the Golden Dome to hear, first hand, how the state’s decisions are playing out in our community. She wants to take what she sees at trustee meetings, what she hears as a member of the Recreation Governance Committee, what she learned from launching and

Dame is a slam dunk

Supporting Dylan Giambatista for State Rep

of the ways to know what is really going on down there in Montpelier. I don’t want to lose that. Paul is also fighting for low and middle income Vermonters. When the legislature wanted to raise income taxes, Rep. Paul Dame put forward a proposal that had enough spending cuts (largely made up from legislative pay increases) to at least keep taxes level for families making under $60,000 per year. That proves he is willing to do put in the hard work to keep Vermont affordable for families like mine. He’s doing the right thing for us. While the presidential election may have us all holding our noses, re-electing a creative, transparent advocate for middle class families like Rep. Paul Dame will be a breath of fresh air.

leading the Five Corners Farmers’ Market and what she knows as a mom juggling full time work, family and obligations and she wants to show Montpelier how the state can serve our community better. When I vote on November 8, I want someone who knows the history of our community and has a vision for its future. I want someone who has served and led and honors our community. I want someone who is naturally curious and will learn and isn’t scared to engage us all when weighing how to proceed. I want Lori Houghton to represent Essex Jct. as our next legislator, and I hope you will join me. Maura Collins Essex Jct.

tention, and there are others who serve because they have a desire to make their community the best that it can be. Lori Houghton is the personification of this type of public servant. She is thoughtful, willing and modest. Every leadership role she has served in and every committee she has served on has been for the sole purpose of quietly boosting our community. She has not just embraced community service to run for office. She is a community servant at her core, with or without a title. To say that we are happy to see Lori Houghton running for office would be an understatement. We are thrilled. There is no better person to represent the interests of Essex Jct. in Montpelier. More broadly, we want a concerned and compassionate citizen in the State House to help make decisions for the future direction of our great state. reservation, Lori Without Houghton has our vote on November 8. We hope you will join us in enthusiastically supporting her candidacy for Vermont House! Stephanie Teleen & Timothy Kemerer Essex Jct.

tive process of developing and passing state legislation. Locally he has been a frequent attendee at numerous community and local government meetings. If elected as state representative, he plans to hold regular community forums to receive feedback about community issues and needs. In addition, he will regularly reach out to residents to help them stay informed and to connect with needed resources. He intends to work in a

non-partisan way to best serve the public interest. In sum, I believe Dylan Giambatista is well positioned to provide fresh ideas and innovative problem solving in Montpelier, and in representing the interests and needs of Essex Jct. there. I will therefore be supporting him on November 8. Jud Lawrie Essex Jct.

PersPective Vt. elections won't be rigged By JIM CONDOS, Vermont Secretary of State Recent unsupported allegations and sensationalized reporting are sowing seeds of doubt about our democratic process. This undermines voter confidence and calls into question whether all voices will be heard on November 8. As Vermont’s Secretary of State and chief elections officer, former state senator, former city councilor and lifelong voter, I’ve been following our elections my entire adult life. I am frustrated by the careless way in which these stories attack our very democracy. They show a real lack of understanding of the true risks. I’d like to set the record straight. Vermont’s elections will not be “rigged,” and “voter fraud” is essentially non-existent here and across the U.S. In fact, a Loyola University study by constitutional law professor Justin Levitt found just 31 instances of potential voter fraud between 2000 and 2014. According to Levitt, more than 1 billion ballots (local, state, federal) were cast in that period. Vermont’s elections process is nonpartisan, transparent and decentralized to the town level. Any hacking or altering of results would require a conspiracy on a massive scale. I can assure Vermonters we have taken every precaution to insure our elections are secure. I’m confident my elections team, our IT security staff, law enforcement and local election officials will continue to protect the integrity of our electoral process. I have faith in our system, and you should too. Here’s why: · Vermont’s election process is decentralized to the local level. Someone trying to influence or change an election would have to hack into each town’s vote tabulators. · Our tabulators are not connected to each other, the internet or any other software – either hard-wired or wireless. · It has been suggested that the memory cards in these machines could be tampered with, but from the time the memory cards are delivered two to four weeks before the election, the clerks are instructed to keep them secure. As long as the memory card is stored securely, it cannot be manipulated. · Ten to 14 days before the election, the clerks complete a logic and accuracy test on the memory cards.

· Vermont requires a paper ballot for our statewide elections. That ballot is sealed, secured and stored for 22 months after each statewide election. · After each general election, we randomly audit several towns to ensure results are accurate. Another story that makes for great headlines is the risk of cyber attacks. Are we vulnerable? There is always a risk and there will always be vulnerabilities, but the risk has been overstated. There are only two confirmed cases of successful hacking in other states, and those breeches were of voter registration databases having nothing to do with election results. In Vermont, we have taken many precautions to secure our systems and data including a cyber risk assessment, penetration test and firewalls. We are on high alert and in contact with federal law enforcement to identify and respond to any threats as they arise. I have faith in our hardworking city/town clerks, local elections officials and volunteer poll workers who conduct Vermont’s elections. We work directly with those individuals, providing training, supplies and other support. They appreciate voting and cherish it as a fundamental right. They know what it means for democracy and are passionate about ensuring free and fair elections and careful, accurate results. To say that elections will be “rigged” or “hacked” or that voter fraud is “very common” ignores the facts and insults their integrity. Regrettably, the more harmful effect of casting unfounded aspersions is to rattle our confidence and prevent us from voting or trusting the outcome of those votes is a direct attack on democracy. That should concern us all, making us even more determined not to allow such threats to work. I’m confident in our democratic process and how we have secured our elections. While there will always be vulnerabilities and risks, Vermonters should know they can go to the polls on November 8 and cast their ballots with the full expectation that their votes will be counted and their voices will be heard. Remember, your vote is your voice. Vermont’s voter registration deadline is November 2 at 5 p.m. Register by visiting your town clerk or online at www. olvr.sec.state.vt.us.

Reporter THE ESSEX

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

6• The Essex Reporter • October 27, 2016

calendar EssEx ArEA

Religious Directory

ocT. 29

CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH - 61 Main St., Essex Jct., 878-8341. James Gangwer, pastor. Sunday School: 10 a.m., Worship Service: 11 a.m., Sunday evening worship: 7 p.m., Wednesday evening youth groups, Adult Bible study and prayer: 7 p.m.; FundamentalIndependent. CHRIST MEMORIAL CHURCH - Route 2A, Williston, just north of Industrial Ave. 878-7107. Wes Pastor, senior minister, proclaiming Christ and Him crucified, Sundays: 9:30 a.m., www.cmcvermont.org. DAYBREAk COMMUnITY CHURCH - 67 Creek Farm Plaza, Colchester. 338-9118. Brent Devenney, lead pastor. Sunday service: 10:30 a.m., AWANA: Thursdays twice a month, www.daybreakvermont.org; brentdaybreak@gmail.com ESSEX ALLIAnCE CHURCH - 37 Old Stage Road, Essex Jct. 878-8213. Sunday services: 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. & 11:30 a.m., www.essexalliance.org. ESSEX CEnTER UnITED METHODIST CHURCH - 119 Center Rd (Route 15), Essex. 878-8304. Rev. Mitchell Hay, pastor. Service 10:00 a.m. with Sunday School and childcare provided. We offer a variety of small groups for prayer, Bible study, hands-on ministry, and studying contemporary faith issues. Please join us for worship that combines the best of traditional and contemporary music and spirituality. We are a safe and welcoming space for all people to celebrate, worship, ask questions and plant spiritual roots. FIRST COngREgATIOnAL CHURCH OF ESSEX JUnCTIOn - 1 Church Street, Essex Jct. 878-5745. Rev. Mark Mendes, senior pastor. Sunday Worship Services: 8:30 and 10:15 a.m. Communion: first Sunday of every month. Sunday School: 5th/6th Grade - 1st Sunday of the month, Jr. & Sr. high youth groups - every Sunday. Heavenly Food Pantry: fourth Thursday of the month, 2-6 p.m. except for Nov. & Dec. when it is the third Thursday. Essex Eats Out community dinner: 1st Friday of the month, 5:30 – 7 p.m. Music includes Sanctuary Choir, Praise Band, Junior Choir, Cherub Choir, Handbell Choir, Men’s Acapella & Ladies’ Acapella groups. UCC, an Open and Affirming Congregation, embracing diversity and affirming the dignity and worth of every person, because we are all created by a loving God. www.fccej.org; welcome@fccej.org gRACE UnITED METHODIST CHURCH - 130 Maple Street, Essex Jct., 1 mile south of the Five Corners on Maple Street / Route 117. 878-8071. Worship Sundays: 9:30 a.m., with concurrent church school pre-K to high school. Handicapped-accessible facility. Adult study group Sundays: 11:00 a.m; adult choir, praise band, women’s fellowship, missionally active. Korean U.M.C. worship Sundays: 12:30 p.m., come explore what God might be offering you! HOLY FAMILY - ST. LAwREnCE PARISH - 4 Prospect St., Essex Jct., Saturday Vigil: 4:00 p.m, St. Lawrence; Sunday Morning: 8:00 a.m., St. Lawrence; 11 a.m. & 7:30 p.m., Holy Family. For more information visit www. hfslvt.org. MT. MAnSFIELD UnITARIAn UnIVERSALIST FELLOwSHIP - 195 Vermont Route 15, Jericho, the red barn across from Packard Road. 899-2558. Services are held 9:30 a.m. on the second and fourth Sunday of each month from September through June. Visit www.mmuuf. org. ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH - 4 St. James Place, Essex Jct., off Rt. 2A at the Fairgrounds Gate F. 8784014. Rev. Kim Hardy. Holy Eucharist: 8:15 & 10:30 a.m. Adult study: 9:15 a.m. Visit www.stjamesvt.org; stjamesvtoffice@yahoo.com. ST. PIUS X CHURCH - 20 Jericho Road, Essex. 878-5997. Rev. Charles Ranges, pastor. Masses: Saturday, 4:30 p.m. & Sunday, 9:30 a.m. Confessions: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. or please call 878-5331 for an appointment.

file photo by emerson lynn

Join the Milton independent – the Reporter's sister paper – at the 4th Annual Monster Mile on Saturday, Oct. 29. A Halloween costumed fun run to support the local food shelf, this event is fun for the whole family! Sign up in advance at miltonindependent.com/monstermile to save $5 off your admission.

27 ThurSdaY read To archie

3:15 - 4 p.m., Brownell Library. Archie loves to listen to kids read and is certified by Therapy Dogs of Vermont. Archie’s owner is Christine Packard, chair of Brownell Library Trustees. For all ages.

SpookY STorieS

3:30 - 4:15 p.m., Brownell Library. Storyteller Linda Costello celebrates Halloween with some spooky stories for the season. For students in grades 2 and up.

children’S STorY Time

6 p.m., Rocky’s Pizza, 39 Park St., Essex Jct. Mother Goose stories and Aesop’s Fables.

evening Book diScuSSion

6:30 - 7:30 p.m., Essex Free Library. Join us for our monthly evening book discussion of "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee.

nighTmare vermonT

7 p.m., Champlain Valley Expo, Essex Jct. Live stunt work, splashing blood, unnecessary surgery and more than a few scary clowns will kick off the 10th Halloween season of scaring Vermonters. Tickets: $12 - $15. available at www.nightmarevermont. org.

28 fridaY Senior mixer

9:30 - 11 a.m., University of Vermont. An Essex Area Senior Center mixer with UVM grad students. Preregistration required. Call 876-5087 for more information.

SongS & STorieS wiTh maTThew 10 - 10:45 a.m., Brownell Library. Matthew Witten performs songs about our world and tells adventurous tales. Funded by the Friends of Brownell Library. For all ages.

muSical STorY Time

10:30 - 11:30 a.m., Essex Free Library. Rock out and read with stories, songs and instruments. All ages.

Single adulT acTiviTY

3:30 p.m., Essex Alliance Church Fireside Room, 37 Old Stage Rd., Essex Jct. A book club for single adults. To RSVP and for more information, call Blanche at 655-1327.

live acTion role plaY

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

harveST carnival

5:30 - 8:30 p.m., Ross/ Tarrant Centers, St. Michael’s College, 1 Winooski Park, Colchester. Candy, prizes, costumes and carnival games! Ages 2 -12 welcome; $5 per person. Sponsored by the Center for Multicultural Affairs and Services and the Martin Luther King Jr. Society.

projects and engage in conversation. Bring patterns to share if you’d like. Email 6maggie2@ myfairpoint.net for more information.

nighTmare vermonT

7 p.m., Champlain Valley Expo, Essex Jct. (See Thursday, Oct. 27.)

29 SaTurdaY Single adulT acTiviTY

9:30 a.m., meet at Richmond Park and Ride. Single adults and their older children are invited to hike up Stowe Pinnacle. Sponsored by the Essex Alliance Church. To RSVP and for more information, call Sue at 999-5291.

a (noT So) SpookY STorYTime

10:30 - 11:30 a.m., Essex Free Library. Come in costume and get an early start on celebrating Halloween! VT. GEnEALOGy SOCiETy

uSing TimelineS

5:30 - 7:30 p.m., 12 Main St., Essex Jct. An artists’ reception for the photographers participating in the Haunted exhibition. A spooky and occasionally creepy look at darker visions through the lens. Free; seasonal drinks and light refreshments provided.

10:30 a.m. - noon, 377 Hegeman Ave., Fort Ethan Allen, Colchester. Genealogists can sometimes have gaps in their research. in this talk, professional genealogist Joanne Polanshek will describe how using timelines can help us systematically review our past work and find opportunities for further research. $5. Visit www.vtgenlib.org or call 310-9285 for more information.

dungeonS and dragonS

whole Book approach

DARKROOM GALLERy

haunTed exhiBiTion

6 - 8:30 p.m., Brownell Library. Embark upon imaginary adventures. Our Dungeon Master serves as the game’s referee and storyteller. For grades 6 and up.

maggie’S fiBer fridaY for adulTS

11 a.m., Phoenix Books, 21 Essex Way, Essex Jct. Calling all kids! Join us for our weekly "Whole Book Approach" story time. The approach explores the ways words, pictures and book design work together to tell a complete story. The adult leads children through the book, rather than reading the book at/to them. We’ll hold story time just about every week. Want to double check on a particular date? Call us at 872-7111.

american red croSS Blood drive

11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Essex Cinemas, 21 Essex Way.

4TH AnnuAL MiLTOn inDEPEnDEnT

monSTer mile

2:30 p.m. check-in, 3 p.m. start time, Oliver Seed, 26 Sunset Ave., Milton. Join the Milton indy staff for a community Halloweencostumed fun walk/run/ stroll around a 1.1-mile loop in Milton village! Proceeds benefit the Milton Family Community Center food shelf; bring a canned good to donate. Save $5 off registration by signing up early at miltonindependent.com/ monstermile. Fun for the whole family!

nighTmare vermonT

6 p.m., Champlain Valley Expo, Essex Jct. (See Thursday, Oct. 27.)

30 SundaY horSeS for hope halloween celeBraTion

10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Enniskerry Farm, 906 Middle Rd., Colchester. Come join us for pony rides, trick or treating with horses, food, games and fun! Hosted by the Flying Hooves 4H Club. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. Admission is $5 and includes a pony ride and trick or treating. Other activities are free or cost a small fee. For more information, call Elizabeth Ploof at 999-8519.

annual fall Bridge TournamenT

12:30 - 4 p.m., Essex Area Senior Center. Call 876-5087 for more information.

31 mondaY drop-in STorY Time

10:30 - 11:30 a.m., Essex Free Library. Enjoy books, songs and crafts each week. For all ages.

lego cluB

3:30 - 4:30 p.m., Essex

October 27, 2016 • The Essex Reporter •7

calendar local meetings tHurs., oct. 27 6:30 p.m., town Planning commission, Town offices, 81 Main St., Essex Jct.

6 - 7:30 p.m., capital Program review committee, Lincoln Hall, 2 Lincoln St., Essex Jct.

tues., nov. 1

tHurs., nov. 3

5:30 p.m., village tree advisory committee, Lincoln Hall, 2 Lincoln St., Essex Jct.

Free Library. Build awesome creations using our collection of Legos.

Halloween Face Painting

3:30 - 5 p.m., Brownell Library. Free face painting provided by teens! Come in costume or just as you are. All ages welcome.

1 tuesday story time For BaBies and toddlers

9:10 - 9:30 a.m., Brownell Library. Picture books, songs, rhymes and puppets. For babies and toddlers with an adult.

story time For PrescHoolers

10 - 10:45 a.m., Brownell Library. Picture books, songs, rhymes, puppets, flannel stories and early math activities for preschoolers.

vermont genealogy liBrary

3 - 9:30 p.m., 377 Hegeman Ave., Fort Ethan Allen, Colchester. The Vt. Genealogy Library has the resources to help you find those elusive ancestors. For more information, visit www. vtgenlib.org.

read to daisy

3:15 - 4 p.m., Brownell Library. Daisy loves to listen to kids read and is certified by Therapy Dogs of Vermont. Daisy’s owner is Maddie Nash, a retired school counselor. For all ages.

middle scHool HelPers & Planners

3:30 - 4:30 p.m., Brownell Library. Celebrate November’s National Button Day by making your own! Plan your first activity with the younger students. "Go Ask" ice-breaker; snacks served. For middle school students.

diy giFts For country Folk

6 p.m., Phoenix Books, 21 Essex Way, Essex Jct. Abigail Gehring and Winslow Tudor demonstrate DIY gift ideas from the pages of their latest titles. Free; both books will be available to purchase and have signed. For more information, call 872-7111 or visit www. phoenixbooks.biz.

droP-in knitting cluB

6:30 p.m., Essex Free Library. Bring your current knitting project or start a new one in the company of fellow knitters.

2 wednesday

6 p.m., town zoning Board, Town offices, 81 Main St., Essex Jct.

tecH time witH traci

10 - 11 a.m., Essex Free Library. Need some tech help? Drop in with your device and your questions.

essex rotary cluB meeting

12:10 p.m., The Essex, 70 Essex Way, Essex Jct. The Rotary Club of Essex is known for offering a superb lunch, featuring speakers on topics of interest to the community at large. Visitors welcome.

Hamilton: tHe man and tHe musical

7 - 8:30 p.m., Brownell Library. From his birth in the Caribbean to his death in a duel, Alexander Hamilton's life was part romance, part tragedy - and the inspiration for the blockbuster Broadway musical. Hamilton biographer Willard Sterne Randall discusses the man and the musical, with excerpts from the latter's score.

3 tHursday essex art league montHly meeting

9 - 11:30 a.m., Essex Jct. Congregational Church, Route 15. A presentation by watercolor artist Peter Huntoon.

noontime Book discussion

Noon, Essex Free Library. Join us as we discuss "Adapted Eye" by Barbara Vine.

read to arcHie

community souP & Bread suPPer

4:30 - 6:30 p.m., Covenant Community Church, 1 Whitcomb Meadows Ln., Essex. Choose from a variety of hearty soups and breads and a sweet dessert. Stay and eat with friends and family or pick up to take home. Donations accepted. Call pastor Steve Anderson at 879-4313 for more information.

cHildren’s story time

6 p.m., Rocky’s Pizza, 39 Park St., Essex Jct. Mother Goose stories and Aesop’s Fables.

adult coloring

6:30 - 7:30 p.m., Essex Free Library. Come join in the fun of adult coloring! Bring your own books or choose from a variety of printed

16th Annual

Casino Night!

Try Your Luck With Us!

pictures supplied by the library.

4 Friday songs & stories witH mattHew

10 - 10:45 a.m., Brownell Library. Matthew Witten performs songs about our world and tells adventurous tales. Funded by the Friends of Brownell Library. For all ages.

musical story time

10:30 - 11:30 a.m., Essex Free Library. Rock out and read with stories, songs and instruments. All ages.

teen advisory Board

3 - 4 p.m., Brownell Library. Create a moustache display for the teen room, celebrate National Candy Day and try your persuasive skills in Book Lust. For high school students.

magic: tHe gatHering

6 - 8 p.m., Brownell Library. Come play the role of planeswalker – a powerful wizard who fights others for glory, knowledge and conquest. Your deck of cards represents weapons in your arsenal, spells you know and creatures you can summon to fight for you. For grades 6 and up.

Brave little Finn storytime & activities

6 p.m., Phoenix Books, 21 Essex Way, Essex Jct. Join "SheepOver" authors John and Jennifer Churchman for a Brave Little Finn storytime and activity session. Guests are invited to bring their own stuffed animals and leave them for an animalsonly “sheepover” in the bookstore. Pick up your animal the next morning and stay for weekly storytime. Call 872-7111 or visit www. phoenixbooks.biz for more information.

maggie’s FiBer Friday For adults

6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Brownell Library. Maggie Loftus, veteran knitter, will be settled in front of the fireplace in the Main Reading Room. She invites adult knitters and crocheters to join her with their projects and engage in conversation. Bring patterns to share if you’d like. Email 6maggie2@ myfairpoint.net for more information.

5 saturday eumc Holiday Bazaar

9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Essex United Methodist Church; 119 Center Rd., Essex Center. Baked goods, candy, books, crafts, cookie walk, knitting, sewing, plants and white elephant items. Lunch available starting at 11 a.m.

cozy nook craFt Fair

9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Essex Free Library. Crafters and artists display their treasures on all three

floors of the library, and baked goods beckon from the circulation desk. Proceeds directly fund the summer reading program, the purchase of juvenile titles, summer page honoraria and other special items. Visit the library or call 879-0313 for more information.

Sat., Oct. 29th from 7 - 11 pm Elks Lodge 925 North Ave., Burlington ♦ Black Jack ♦ Roulette ♦ Poker ♦ Craps ♦ Wheel of Fortune

Benefits Epilepsy Foundation of Vermont For information:1-802-318-1575 or email epilepsy@sover.net “Together We Can Make A Difference”

cHristmas Bazaar

9 a.m. - 3 p.m., St. Pius X Church, 20 Jericho Rd., Essex. Start your holiday shopping by visiting crafters, Treasures from the Attic and entering a raffle drawing. Bring the family to enjoy Santa and his helpers along with the Christmas Café and the Sugarplum Bakery. For more information, visit www.saintpiusx.net.

wHole Book aPProacH

11 a.m., Phoenix Books, 21 Essex Way, Essex. (See Saturday, Oct. 29.)

ESSEX

SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST

german dinner

5:15 & 6:30 p.m., Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 273 Route 15, Jericho. Pork schnitzel with gravy, potato stuffing, German rotkohl and buttered carrots; beverage and dessert included. Live music and candlelight, handicap accessible. $12 for adults, $5 for children 4 - 12, free for children under 3. To reserve seats, call 899-3932 or email gslcvt@ gmail.com. For more information, visit www. goodshepherdjericho. org.

10 ✓ Same Day Service ❏

✓ Free Shuttle ❏

We do it all!

141-147 Pearl St., Essex Jct., 879-1966 EssexAutomotive.com

6 sunday 14TH ANNUAL

cHildren's memorial service

3 p.m., Ira Allen Chapel, University of Vermont, 26 University Place, Burlington. Family, friends, healthcare providers and other community members are all welcome to attend this service, which provides parents and families an opportunity to honor the memory of a child of any age who has died in a supportive environment. Anyone is welcome to attend, regardless of whether their child was ever a patient at UVM Children's Hospital. For more information, call Dr. Marlene Maron at 847-4880.

ongoing PumPkin sale

Oct. 27 - 30, 4 - 8 p.m. (weekdays), 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. (weekends), First Congregational Church, Essex Jct. Essex Jct. Boy Scout Troop 624 and Venture Crew 6689 are selling pumpkins to help members attend camps and other program activities throughout the year.

essex area senior center

Visit www.essexvtseniors. org for a list of events happening at the center this month. For more information, call 8765087.

ReModel ReUse ReStore Furniture, appliances and building materials get a new life when you donate and shop. G r e e n M o u nt a i n

528 Essex Rd. (Rt. 2A) • Williston • 857-5296 • vermonthabitat.org Open to the Public Mon. - Fri. 10 - 6 & Sat. 10 - 5

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

8• The Essex Reporter • October 27, 2016

local Gov contenders face off on economy, environment

By ABBY LEDOUX

andidates for Vermont’s top political office focused heavily on the economy, environment and education last Sunday, both calling for a more affordable Vermont with greater opportunity but differing in their strategies to achieve it. Republican Phil Scott of Berlin and Democrat Sue Minter of Waterbury both participated in the debate; Liberty Union candidate Bill “Spaceman” Lee of Craftsbury was invited but did not attend. Scott, the three-term lieutenant governor and former state senator, pledged a departure from “the last six years of over promising and under achieving.” Minter, former secretary of transportation and state representative, vowed to “level the playing field” for working families. The candidates agreed a lack of affordable housing and a highly trained workforce are barriers to

growing Vermont’s economy. Scott argued for tax incentives to expand affordable housing and for more technical education. Minter offered her plan of two years of tuition-free community and technical college to all eligible Vermonters to prepare high school graduates for employment in sectors like advanced manufacturing and clean energy. Already responsible for more than 16,000 jobs in Vermont, the latter is key to economic growth and attracting young people to the state, Minter said. Both candidates are committed to the state’s goal of meeting 90 percent of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2050. Minter’s energy plan includes reducing peak electric demand by 10 percent over the next five years, and Scott’s emphasizes the importance of storage and power on demand. Scott said wind power, though, has cost Vermont’s pristine ridgelines.

VOTE

Lori Houghton For Vermont House

Working Mom, Community Leader, Small Business Owner Committed to working for ALL of Essex Junction (802) 373-0599 I www.lorihoughton.com I would appreciate your vote on November 8th Paid for by: Lori Houghton for VT House, 40 School St., Essex Junction, VT Treasurer, Bridget Meyer

Minter said she’s for “wellsited wind” to reduce carbon emissions. “I know that climate change is not just real, it is here,” she said. “We need a leader who’s ready to take it on.” Minter suggested Scott is beholden to special interest contributors like the oil tycoon Koch brothers who partly fund the Republican Governors Association, which supports Scott’s campaign. “I don’t know who the Koch brothers are; I’ve never met them,” Scott rebutted. “My understanding is they don’t invest in moderate centrists like myself.” He challenged Minter for supporting a carbon tax, a charge she flatly denied. “I do not support a carbon tax, Phil, and you continue to say that I do,” Minter said. “I do not support Vermont going it alone. I think it will hurt Vermonters.” Minter was less unequivocal in her response to the same question at an Oct. 18 debate hosted by WCAX. VTDigger reported Minter said then she would have to wait and see, noting there was no bill in front of her, but was against Vermont taking on the issue alone. Scott said in both debates he would veto a carbon tax bill if he were governor. On Sunday, Scott asked how Vermonters could trust Minter would make the state more affordable given a record he said reflects approving higher taxes. Minter insisted she would hold the line on income and sales taxes, pledging not to hurt the middle class. Instead, she said, she will close loopholes that benefit the wealthy, alleging her opponent would do the opposite. “Phil’s plan for economic development really

VPA pool photo by GREG LAMOUREUX, County Courier Governor contenders Democrat Sue Minter and Republican Phil Scott face off at St. Michael's College during a Vermont Press Association debate last Sunday.

looks like something out of national Republican talking points,” Minter said. “I think we have learned that trickle down economics does not work.” The candidates found some common ground in education, agreeing declining student enrollment and rising per pupil costs are unsustainable. The legislature’s attempt to remedy that was Act 46, which Scott deemed a hurried attempt to help Vermonters “screaming for relief” from property taxes. He said the law fell short in promises to contain costs and maintain high school choice. Minter acknowledged these conversations are “far more difficult” in rural areas and said she’d extend the law’s timeline by one year to reduce the pressure on critical decision-making. Though quick to distance himself from the Democratic governor, Scott credited Gov. Peter Shumlin for his approach to the state’s opiate crisis. Scott said he would implement a plan that appeared similar to Minter’s: Both call for a dedicated taskforce with a point-person reporting directly to the governor. Minter likened that position to hers as the state’s Tropical Storm Irene recovery officer. She also emphasized prevention and treatment efforts, proposing the state examine prescribing patterns and better coordinate law enforcement agencies. The addiction discussion dovetailed with that of mental health, an area both candidates agreed needs improvement. Scott wants designated agencies to have proper staffing and resources and to consider another facility beyond the 25-bed state

hospital for long-term placement. “I’m not convinced we need more acute care facilities, but we need better treatment when people need it,” Minter countered. She called for parity of mental and physical health, an objective she said requires de-stigmatizing mental illness. For Scott, mental health was at the core of gun violence. When Minter asked Scott to join her in supporting universal background checks for gun sales, he declined. “We need to focus on the root of the problem, which is going to require a lot more hard work than simply reducing our constitutional right,” he said. “If I thought further gun restrictions would stop any violent crimes, I would consider it.” Minter said in states requiring background checks for private gun sales, nearly 50 percent fewer women are shot to death by their partners. “Those seeking to do harm will use whatever sources are available to them to fulfill their act,” Scott countered, advocating for enforcing current gun laws. As the debate neared its end, candidates were asked to identify specific people – excluding family – they would seek counsel from as governor. Minter named her predecessor, former transportation secretary Brian Searles, calling him a mentor. Scott said he would look to former Gov. Jim Douglas and Grand Isle Sen. Dick Mazza, the latter a Colchester Democrat that Scott counts as “an ardent supporter.” Scott argued an effective leader reaches across the aisle, and an Oct. 19 Vermont Public Radio poll conducted by the Castle-

ton Polling Institute suggested he’s successful in that: Though the poll showed Scott and Minter in a dead heat overall, it also found Scott winning 14 percent of Democrats’ votes with Minter getting 4 percent of Republicans’. Scott has broken with party rule in supporting abortion rights and marriage equality, the latter which cost him some friendships, he said. He was also far quicker than fellow Vermont Republicans to rebuke GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump, saying that hurt him in the primary. Meanwhile, Minter has garnered support from President Barack Obama, who recorded radio ads supporting her and other Democratic candidates nationwide, The Washington Post reported. Vice President Biden also spoke fondly of Minter’s campaign during his visit to Burlington last week, and former presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders endorsed her earlier this month. Minter identified integrity as her core defining principle, a trait she said her father instilled with Shakespeare’s credo, “to thine own self be true,” one she passed on through coaching youth sports for 13 years. Scott said his top value is the golden rule – to treat others the way one wants to be treated – in his case, with respect and dignity. “Our nation is so deeply divided and politics have become so polarized, but it doesn’t have to be that way in Vermont,” he said. “Hillary Clinton is right: Our children are watching us.”

Your Republican Justice of the Peace Candidates

Deborah Bilodeau Patricia Crocker Paul Dame Dawn Hill-Fleury Robert Lavalette

Robyn Myers Moore Scott Moore Linda Myers David E. Rogerson Hannah Shepard

VOTE NOV. 8 at Essex High School & Essex Middle School Paid for by the Candidates

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October 27, 2016 • The Essex Reporter •9

local

AG candidates make opiate fight a priority By COURTNEY LAMDIN

he two major party candidates for Vermont’s next attorney general debated for the fourth time this election season last Sunday. Democrat TJ Donovan of South Burlington and Republican Deb Bucknam of Walden drew out their differences but also found some common ground, particularly with the state’s opioid crisis. Liberty Union Party member Rosemarie Jackowski of Bennington was invited but did not attend the debate. Both candidates named Vermont’s opiate epidemic a top priority. Donovan, a state’s attorney in Chittenden County for 10 years, said his approach includes taking down drug dealers, holding pharmaceutical companies responsible and expanding treatment opportunities. He also said all first-responders should carry Narcan, an overdose reversal drug that he credited for saving 700 lives in Burlington over two years. Bucknam, a St. Johnsbury attorney, said she has a seven-point plan to combat the “terrible disease” of addiction, which includes both treatment and prevention. Bucknam wants to form a taskforce of law enforcement, educators and human services agencies to analyze what programs work in Vermont. Bucknam added police should leverage the state’s small size and collaborate, and as attorney general, she’d facilitate meetings between stakeholder agencies. Donovan said all Vermonters don’t have the same access to justice, including a program like his Rapid Intervention Community Court Program that diverts addicts from prosecution in favor of treatment after arrest. “There’s no jail cell that’s going to cure that disease,” he said. “We need to invest in the community. We need to invest in breaking down the barriers in access to care.” But for offenders who are sentenced to prison time, for drug offenses or other-

VPA pool photo by GREG LAMOUREUX, County Courier Attorney general candidates Democrat TJ Donovan of South Burlington and Republican Deb Bucknam of Walden shake hands on stage during Debate Sunday last weekend at St. Michael's College. The debate was sponsored by the Vermont Press Association.

wise, Donovan and Bucknam disagreed on Vermont’s practice of sending prisoners to out-of-state, private prisons. Donovan said it seems less expensive, but the cost doesn’t account for recidivism, which is higher for those inmates. He said Vermont needs to reduce its in-state prison population, suggesting the state adopt a compassionate release program and consider mental illness in prison. “Our jails should not be our largest mental health facility in this state but unfortunately are,” he said. Bucknam said the state should conduct a cost-benefit analysis on the prison contracts, which she said saves $9 million annually. Those funds could be used to address housing and drug treatment for offenders, she said. “If we can bring them all back [to Vermont], I think that’s a great idea,” she said, noting her own clients have

family members doing time outside Vermont, “but with any organization, there must be priorities.” The candidates also considered police body camera footage and prosecutors’ sometimes-hesitation to release it, particularly in the latest officer-involved shooting in Winooski. Bucknam thinks police too often use the excuse that releasing information could help suspects. She also cited the state’s refusal to release documents pertaining to the EB-5 investment program scandal. “There is an investigation going on, but that doesn’t give the state carte blanche to keep all its records. That investigation could be five years long, and the public has a need to know,” she said. “Vermont is not doing that well in regard to transparency.” Donovan deals with this issue daily, saying attorneys must consider the in-

vestigation’s integrity. “Why would you ever put some evidence out to the public that could possibly taint an eyewitness’ testimony?” he said. “That is the issue with body cameras.” The candidates also discussed the importance of helping everyday Vermonters. Donovan said he’d focus on “kitchen table issues” with a small business resource center. Before Vermont’s GMO labeling law became effective, Donovan said he spoke with a shop owner concerned about compliance. The AG’s office sent him a pamphlet, which instructed, “Do not call us,” Donovan said. “That’s exactly what has to change,” he said. “We should be doing everything we can to help.” Bucknam agreed but said she’ll focus on small businesses by creating a protection unit, which will contact state agencies on Vermonters’ behalf and work with them to clarify regulations. Later in the debate, the candidates considered if Donovan were elected, whether he would resign early to allow Gov. Peter Shumlin to appoint a new state’s attorney, or if the new governor should appoint one in January. Donovan and Bucknam both called the question “presumptuous,” but Donovan said he’d serve until January, allowing the new governor to find his successor. He hopes that person would be a Democrat recommended from a party caucus, he said. Bucknam chose instead to say if she’s elected, she would have to close her practice, and her clients would have to find new representation. The candidates were also both asked whom they’re supporting in the presidential election. Donovan said, unequivocally, Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. Bucknam eventually said she’s undecided but stressed her political beliefs won’t affect her decisions if elected attorney general.

FAMILIES AND BUSINESSES MY COMMITMENT TO YOU I will fight for long-term, comprehensive economic growth. I will work across the political spectrum to put into place policies that will encourage employers and entrepreneurs to invest in Vermont, and in Vermonters. Only when private sector investment and growth occurs will we see Vermont families and businesses achieve the success they deserve. I will continue my work to encourage the new independent and collaborative workforce that is emerging in Vermont, while maintaining the important protections for employees. Independent business owners from web developers and artists, to photographers, software developers, skilled tradespeople, and so many more, are providing enormous benefits and great opportunities in today’s economy. We must bring our laws into the 21st century to ensure these true independent contractors are able to work and prosper in our state. I will fight to ensure our children are protected from the opiate addiction epidemic that is fracturing our families. Nobody is immune from this crisis, and it must be treated as a public health issue in a comprehensive way, with increased availability of treatment and counseling. I will continue my advocacy for education and education funding reform that will allow for greater opportunities and improved outcomes for our students at a price Vermonters can afford.

kmplageman@comcast.net (802) 879-1989 | www.mikeplageman.com Paid for and authorized by Mike Plageman for Vermont Legislature. 19 Beech St, Essex Junction, VT 05452

10• The Essex Reporter • October 27, 2016

local NIGHTMARE from page 1

a crowd to the Champlain Valley Expo grandstand in Essex with enthusiasm. A crew of suspicious circus characters was hanging around since the Champlain Valley Fair, Beagley told guests, and she needed their help to kick them out of town. She led the group inside, shrieks and screams abounding, and returned to the entrance with a smile. Just minutes before, a few dozen actors circled up for a pre-show pep talk. Some used duct tape or staples to quickly repair props. Others shoved hand warmers in their pockets, prepping for a cold night ahead. Two cast members dressed as clowns sat outside the Expo in increasingly inconvenient rain. Beagley promised to find a dry place for them soon as she had a free moment. They didn’t seem to mind. Now in its 10th year, the show combines live stage combat, an original theatrical storyline and plenty of interactive scares and special effects – some so extreme, patrons are asked to sign a waiver before entry. This year, Nightmare introduced a thrilling “strings and stings” maze. The blindfolded experience invokes psychological manipulation and unexpected sensations, Beagley said. An animatronic monster also makes its debut, created by Burlington-based Generator Maker Space. At least 10 percent of gross ticket sales are donated to local charities, including Generator, Del’s Ride and Essex CHIPS. The haunted circus theme was cemented months ago, Beagley said. When a creepy clown craze took hold of nearby towns, she said things got a little awkward for the Nightmare cast. “On the one hand, there’s no bad publicity,” Beagley said. “On the other hand, we really pride ourselves on giving people the experience they want to have. People pay to come here, [and] it’s important to us that everything we engage in is consensual.”

Fostering a spooky yet secure environment is a goal the Nightmare cast works hard to achieve. Beagley said the cast instituted a safe word for the first time this year. Patrons who want to exit the event immediately can say “green balloons,” and a cast member will escort them out. “When people consent to have a scary adventure that they know is safe, it can be very powerful, it can be very uplifting and it can be very bonding,” Beagley said. “When people have a scary experience that they do not have any control over and they’re not sure is safe, it can be very traumatic.” There’s no age limit on who can attend the show, but coordinators tell guests to expect a PG-13 display. A sister event called Spookyville Vermont is housed across the fairgrounds and sports a family-friendly label. And while no one will be turned away from Nightmare, folks won’t allow anyone to be dragged into the event unwillingly, according to Beagley. “It gives people a bad experience with haunted houses,” Beagley said. “They don’t want to come back.” The crew also has additional measures in place to help visitors customize their experience. Flashing “monster teasers,” or glowsticks, tell the Nightmare team you’re willing to become a part of their show. Conversely, “monster wards” let the actors know you would like some personal space as you navigate through the house, Beagley said. “We love giving people who might be nervous a chance to safely experience our show so they can feel empowered,” Beagley said. “They can enjoy the show without having to put themselves in a situation that they just don’t like.” Tickets to the Nightmare Vermont show can be purchased online for $12 - $15 at www.nightmarevermont.org. The show continues through Saturday. See our calendar page for more information.

TOM LICATA FOR STATE SENATE

he election of November 8th presents two choices: Progressivism or Constitutionalism.

Established in Natural Law, Constitutionalism believes you possess Creator-endowed rights to your life, liberty and property which government is instituted to secure. Progressivism rejects this for History’s evolution and the Planned Society. The individual replaced by the Common Good. The Laws of Nature and Nature’s God erased for the Common Good. “Everything in the State, nothing outside the State, nothing against the State” defines totalitarian society: And this reveals the ends of Progressivism’s deceptive gradualism. At Gettysburg, Lincoln called for a Constitutional rebirth – as we should now – when he said: “That this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom.”

a Vote Tom

This freedom’s at risk, as Progressivism and Constitutionalism are irreconcilable. And herein lies our House Divided… and your existential choice.

Bio: • Caregiver: Presently working with the elderly, primarily with Alzheimer’s • 10 years experience in Corporate Strategic Planning and Finance, including IBM, Virginia Electric & Power, MacDonald Associates • MBA, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia • Fresh Air Fund host family, 6 years • Burlington Neighborhood Leadership Award, 2001 • Burlington Little League baseball coach, 8 years • Cubmaster, Burlington Scout Pack 641, 5 years • Appalachian region family service project, 7 years • Year-long Volunteer, Covenant House NY: Worked with homeless children • Host family for a Honduran exchange student • Founder of Vermonters for Economic Health: In 2007, our group presented some three dozen economic presentations throughout Vermont, including Vermont’s House Ways and Means Committee, highlighting our unsustainable federal and state spending and debt. Since this time, federal debt has doubled, from approximately $10 to $20 trillion dollars. • Residing in Burlington with my wife and two children, I spend my free time - when not walking our six month old Shepherd or chasing her as she pursues our two cats - reading political philosophy or lamenting my insufferable Buffalo Bills!

Lawn Signs | Questions | Speaking - Contact: tomlicata2@comcast.net Paid for by Tom Licata for State Senate.

File photo by COLIN FLANDERS A voter fills out a ballot during the August primary. December's recreation vote will be the fourth and fifth time town and village voters have faced a decision this year, respectively.

VOTE

from page 1 vote on a day typically gleaning high voter turnout. December’s vote will be the fourth and fifth time town and village voters have faced a decision this year, respectively. Voting on school budgets in April, both the town and village sported an identical, dismal 5.35 percent turnout rate. Comparatively, the August primary saw a 23 percent turnout across Essex’s three districts. Moomey decided to organize a special election to “minimize the confusion” for voters. Vermont requires state and federal ballots be available 45 days before the election, September 23 for this cycle. Petitions for local elections are due the sixth Monday before the election, or October 3. Absentee voters, about 2,400 so far this year, would have needed to rerequest an absentee ballot to vote in the local election, Moomey said. Complicating matters further is Essex’s districting map, which was restructured in the 2010 Census. Some Pearl Street residents belong in the town’s district for state and federal elections. For local elections, however, they are in the village district. Those 128 voters would vote on the state and federal ballot at Essex Middle School before voting on the town rec ballot in a separate room, Moomey said, but there isn’t extra space or voting

machines to do so. Since these voters are considered village residents for local elections, they would also need to vote on the village rec ballot at Essex High School, making it three votes in two separate locations. In prepping more than 30 elections during her 15 years as clerk, Moomey said the rec vote was the most difficult to configure. The December date is a major point of contention from the proposal’s challengers, specifically selectboard vice chairwoman Irene Wrenner, who believe the town could have remedied Moomey’s concerns. To get around the absentee issue, the question of forming the district could have been on the November ballot, and the election for the district’s board could be held in December, Wrenner said. With overlapping districts, Wrenner said the town could have provided an additional poll worker at EMS to maintain the separate voting area. Voters could then move to the gym and vote in the state and federal election, Wrenner said. Similarly, Pearl Street voters could place their village rec ballot in a locked box when voting at the middle school to avoid needing to travel to Essex High School. Those ballots could be either hand-counted or brought to the high school to be machine-counted with other village ballots, she said. Wrenner says the selectboard couldn’t address these concerns due to mis-

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information from town officials, who informed both the trustees, selectboard and prudential committee in June that a November vote is simply impossible. Then, joint municipal manager Pat Scheidel confirmed that holding the two elections on the same day is “definitely impossible.” “Upon checking with the guru in the secretary of state’s office, it cannot happen,” he said them. However, Will Senning, director of elections in the Secretary of State’s office, said that’s not the case. Senning said he told Moomey it was both legal and possible to have local and federal elections on the same day. A number of such instances are occurring this year, he added. Still, it’s “fully reasonable” for a town clerk to assess the election and advocate for a position, he said — in this case, a separate election. “That’s fair to say the more complicated and logistically confusing a polling place would be, you run the risk of more voters feeling like something went wrong,” Senning said. In a phone interview Tuesday morning, Scheidel said he reported what Moomey relayed from her conversation with Senning back in June — that it would be “impossible to hold an election that was not going to be challenged.” “The clerk is the one who decides what she can and can’t do, what is possible or impossible,” Scheidel said. The committee’s FAQs, which initially said a November vote was impossible, have since been updated to quote Moomey’s viewpoint that holding two elections on the same day opens the door for a contested election. Though all elections are open to contest, Senning said there’s no inherent risk built in from holding two on the same day. Any legal voter can file a contested election claim with the superior court within 15 days of an election. Complaints must prove there were errors or fraud that changed the vote’s result. Wrenner admitted the issue may appear as “water over the dam” since it’s too late to change the vote’s date but said it represents a bigger issue. “As with so much else related to the rec [special taxing district] proposal, I’m seeing how a process lacking in honesty and transparency has led to, and further undermined, a less-than-ideal proposal — and now its voting date,” she wrote in an email to The Reporter. Scheidel stands by Moomey’s decision “1000 percent” and said he’s not worried about political stances. He noted although it’s ideal to hold elections when the most people will be voting, it’s important to get “every single detail” correct. “We have many people in our community of late who have been overly zealous in scrutinizing processes,” Scheidel said. “If you’re sitting from the standpoint of the town clerk, and you have another possibility to run a clean election with a localonly issue to manage that you want to guarantee will run correctly, then the decision that was made for December 13 was the best and really the only decision I could see.”

October 27, 2016 • The Essex Reporter •11

local

Photo by KAYLEE SULLIVAN John Stawinksi asks client Alex Rozhansky to perform eye movement from one finger to the other during an ocular motor screen test at Fit2Excel on Tuesday.

CONCUSSION from page 1

Most students who come to Harlow with a head injury do not have a doctor’s diagnosis of concussion. All, however, go through the Return to Learn protocol, a six-step program that monitors concussion symptoms. First, students check in daily with nurses, who make accommodations for students limited to 30 or 60 minutes of mental exertion. Once Harlow clears student-athletes, who account for 60 percent of

the head injuries she sees, they begin a four-step Return to Play protocol with Rebeor and athletic trainer Leo LaBonte. Once declared symptom free, a student-athlete hops on a bike for 20-30 minutes of light pedaling. If all is well the next day, he or she increases the heart rate with more pedaling, but quicker. Step three is a noncontact practice and step four is a full-contact training. If still symptom-free, the athlete is fully cleared, but if symptoms arise, they go back a step, Rebeor said. Travis Warmouth, an

Westford voters approve school land purchase By COLIN FLANDERS The town of Westford will purchase two parcels of school land for $1 each after voters approved the move last week during a floor vote, according to school board chairman Mark Drapa. Voters also supported the school board’s intention to work with the selectboard on easements and use agreements to help spell out correct use for the properties. The Essex Westford unified school district assumes all assets of its two existing entities — Essex Town School District and the Chittenden Central Supervisory Union — on July 1, 2017. That includes Westford’s three parcels of school land. Since the new district must honor any current contracts held by the local boards, the Westford School Board can deal directly with its selectboard to finalize any easements. Still, Drapa said his board will work with the unified board to explain the intent behind the agreements. “We can go in and try to keep the school’s ability to use, develop and maintain the land to be identical to the way it is today,” he said. Westford’s school land is currently made up of three parcels. The first is about 14 acres and includes the school building, driveway, parking lot, playground, a

EHS football graduate and current trainer, is one of many players who underwent the protocol. “It was a Saturday game,” Warmouth recalled. “I remember Friday night. But the next thing I remember is my mom driving my car Saturday night and me not knowing why.” Two weeks later, his injury was solved and he returned to the field. Whether a concussion is ever fully in the past, however, is debatable. When a person sustains one concussion, they are more prone to acquiring another, Rebeor said.

They may also have longlasting effects into adulthood. Rebeor is a mirror of this himself. A four-year University of Vermont soccer player, Rebeor racked up three concussions. He sometimes finds himself at a loss for certain vocabulary; he can picture the words, but they don’t roll off his tongue easily. Because concussions are impactful no matter their severity, protocols are closely followed in Essex. For about the past seven years, LaBonte said they’ve used a form of the SCAT 2 test, a cognitive and physical evaluation. Players rate their symptoms on a scale of zero to six. Though the SCAT 2 dictates symptoms at the onset of a head injury, baseline testing is also common. Fit2Excel, an Essex Jct. fitness and rehabilitation facility, is home to Vermont’s only ImPACT AT center. The ImPACT baseline assesses memory, processing speed and reaction time, providing a pre- and post-concussion comparison. All NCAA athletes are required to complete a baseline before their collegiate debut. ImPACT, a neurocognitive test, is paralleled by other baseline tests, such as the

majority of athletic fields and a generator owned by the town. The two remaining parcels include about 65 acres of trails as well as half the softball field and one soccer field. The town currently maintains the trail system on Parcels 2 and 3, which the town will now purchase. The trailhead is on Parcel 1, however, with parking only available in the school’s lot. And although the school can access the generator during power outages, the building itself is designated as an emergency shelter for the town. The land was donated over the years; deed restric-

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Biodex Concussion Management Program, the baseline choice for Essex Jct.’s Transitions Physical Therapy. Transitions clinician Sean Fitzgerald prefers Biodex’s sensory integration and balance test to neurocognitive tests. “Neurocognitive testing is not super accurate because athletes can sandbag the test,” he said, noting Biodex compares people’s baseline test to where they should be within their age bracket. Rebeor acknowledged the skepticism, saying kids can rig neuro tests by purposely doing poorly on the baseline test, so when a re-evaluation occurs, they are closer to being within range. Even so, John Stawinski brought ImPACT to Essex Jct. several years ago and has seen its success. “We’d like to see every athlete in the county get tested,” he said. Fit2Excel has talked with EHS athletic administration about testing all EHS student-athletes’ baselines. Rebeor said it’s possible ImPACT could be implemented someday, but it’s not in the budget this year. Stawinski’s math showed the test’s cost – including man-hours and the test itself – would be

tions state it can only be used for recreation and education purposes, Drapa told the unified board last month. He hopes the move will clear up Westford residents’ concerns over maintaining land ownership. The unified district’s articles of agreements state no schools will be closed within the first five years. After that point, the district must offer the land back to the town for $1 before selling any land. That five-year window presented too much of an unknown for Westford residents, Drapa said. “It was imperative for our town to have some earlier guarantee,” he said.

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“MICHAEL IS TENACIOUS, SMART AND EFFECTIVE. IT’S IMPORTANT TO ESSEX AND CHITTENDEN COUNTY THAT WE RETURN HIM TO THE SENATE”

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I also served for nearly five years on the Selectboard in Milton, and am currently the Town Treasurer and, for a short period, Interim Finance Director in Milton.

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As your Senator I am committed to identifying ways to cut spending especially education costs - without sacrificing the quality of services that families in our district deserve.

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about $3,000 for the estimated 700 athletes. In the meantime, Fit2Excel is hosting a concussion testing event this Sunday, Oct. 30 between 1 and 4 p.m. The test is discounted to $19 from its original $29. A new pediatric version is available for children aged 5-11. Previously, ImPACT testing started around age 10, Stawinski explained. Now that kids are getting involved in collision sports at an earlier age, the test helps track their development. Although only one pediatric patient and a handful of others have registered so far, Stawinski hopes more will show interest last minute to increase awareness in Essex and beyond. “A concussion is like bruising your brain, “ Rebeor said. “If you had a bruise on your arm and you kept poking it, it’s not gonna heal any faster, just like if you have a bruise on your brain and you’re watching TV or looking at your cell phone.” But a concussion is a chemical process in your brain, Fitzgerald said, used for far more than physical mobility. “We need our brains for a much longer time than we’re going to be athletes,” Stawinski said.

CHITTENDEN COUNTY STATE’S ATTORNEY

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12• The Essex Reporter • October 27, 2016

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Colchester School District is seeking applicants for a Food Service Worker. This position is part-time, school-year, 15 hr/ wk. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, serving and breakdown of school breakfast and lunch programs as well as related activities in assigned building. Must be able to read, write, understand verbal/written instructions and perform basic math calculations. Basic computer skills preferred or ability to learn “Point-of-Sale” system. To apply, please visit www.SchoolSpring.com. Job #2719369 Custodian and Job #2717485 Food Service Worker. Applications are also available at Colchester School District Central Office, 125 Laker Lane, Colchester, VT. EOE

Your Essex Hannaford is expanding! We need talented people who share our passion for food, respect for fellow associates, and outstanding customer service. We are hiring all around the store so you’re sure to find a position that suits your passion and expertise. Front End - cashiers, customer service associates, service center associates, and bookkeepers Deli & Bakery - sales associates, service leaders, bakers, and production associates Produce, Meat & Seafood - sales associates, meat cutters, meat apprentices Nonfoods & Grocery - grocery associates, receivers, night crew (overnight stocking), nonfoods, specialty foods, health & beauty care associates, frozen food & dairy associates Stop by with your resume and ask for Sue Hayes or call 802-878-0274 to set up an interview.

October 27, 2016 • The Essex Reporter •13

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14• The Essex Reporter • October 27, 2016

SCHOOL FOUNDERS MEMORIAL SCHOOL

ounders Memorial School recently installed a new addition to their playground last week. Each of us can remember a time in our lives when we didn’t have someone to play with and felt left out of the group. This is a feeling we don’t want any child to experience. The Buddy Bench is one way to help alleviate a feeling of loneliness and exclusion by fostering friendships on the playground. The Buddy

Bench was introduced at a school-wide assembly on October 14. Jessie Kochelyaev’s fifth-grade classroom wrote, produced and starred in a newscast that introduced the bench and how to use it. The video can be found on the Founders Memorial School website, http://www.edline. net/pages/Founders_Memorial_School Since the bench was installed, students said that it is helping them find new friends on the playground and try new

things. It has also made them more aware that other kids might be in need of a friend. “I looked over there today and noticed someone was sitting there, so I invited her to play tag,” one student said to principal Wendy Cobb. The Essex Town School District PTO was responsible for making the Buddy Bench possible at Founders. They have also purchased a Buddy Bench for Essex Elementary School. Much gratitude goes out to our PTO for helping us build friendships and include everyone during recess.

Photo by WENDY COBB FMS students pose around the playground's new Buddy Bench, which promotes inclusiveness among students.

ESSEX ELEMENTARY SCHOOL pressing their admiration for his works while children were clamoring to borrow his books from the library. Hall published seven books to date and is working on more. His books are available for purchase at Phoenix Books. By way of a slideshow, Hall spoke of his journey to becoming a children’s author and illustrator and then read aloud from his newest book, "Wonderfall." The book takes common adjectives associated with the fall season and tweaks them into original words. While each double-page spread provides a short standalone poem, the illustrations create a narrative of animals and Prime commercial property inpeople preparing for winter, with Chittenden County and beyondspecial emphasis on two squirrels from beginning to end. Hall also answered many questions from children during each presentation. During an interactive portion of his slideshow, Hall invited the children to help him blow the leaves and acorns off the oak tree. The children howled with delight when the squirrel snuck into view and stole the acorns multiple times while Hall’s back was turned. Prime commercial property in They had a lot of fun pretending Chittenden County and beyondto run after the squirrel, throw Photo by CAROL SCRIMGEOUR acorns at him and squirt him with water. Their laughter could EES students look on as author Michael Hall presents about about his novels. Hall is known for using color, shapes, days of be heard from the office. the week and animals to structure his story ideas, which often have deep meaning. As a follow-up, first- and second-graders at Essex Elemenn Thursday, Oct. 6, tions in the Learning Center to or, shapes, days of the week and tary have been creating special Essex Elementary all grade levels. Prior to his vis- animals as the structure for his picture thank-yous using the School students re- it, EES children enjoyed the in- story ideas. But each book has Google Drawing program. The ceived a special visit troduction to his books through deeper layers of meaning that kindergartners crafted their from author Michael Hall of read-alouds in the library and become apparent with repeated Essex own animals using square paMinneapolis, Minnesota. Made classrooms, and what a pleas- readings. Hall’s books generate per shapes, all of which will be possible through the generos- ant surprise it was! wonderful conversations beshared 1,200 SFtween day carechildren space available for lease In on Center Road with Hall. Our students ity of Phoenix Books and HarpAt first glance Michael and adults. are in Essex. $800 per month plus utilities. Direct access offnow ardent fans of Hall’s erCollins Publishers, Michael Hall’s books are deceptively the weeks leading to hisample vis- parking. Route 15, great visibility, greatup signage, books and are eagerly awaiting Hall delivered two presenta- simple-concept books using col- it, teachers were overheard ex-

The CommerCial Corner

his next one. In a 2014 interview with Amy Meythaler of Mackin Educational Resources, Hall said, “My favorite picture books are the ones that you can revisit over the years and continue to find something new and relevant. I think of picture books as more than a stepping stone to other kinds of reading, but a legitimate form of literature — and art — in their own right. I hope that my books have something in them for all ages. For children, I hope my books will help them broaden their sense of wonder, celebrate their differences and come to know the power of their imaginations.” Hall did not start off his adult life as a children’s book author; rather, he studied biochemistry in college. His routine became boring routine, so he started his own graphic design company, which he and his wife still operate today as Hall Kelley Inc. During this time, Hall started to experiment with pictures and words. One of the first stories he wrote was a present for his daughter who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. It later became his second published book, "Perfect Square." Some surprising things about Hall: He was diagnosed with dyslexia as a young child; he has a standing desk and likes to pace around his workspace to help him think better; his book "Red: A Crayon’s Story" is his most autobiographical, which he didn’t realize until he finished writing it.

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October 27, 2016 • The Essex Reporter •15

sports SPORTS SHORTS

by JOE GONILLO

Essex's Hamza Halilovic skies for a header during the Hornets' game against BFA on October 20.

PHOTO BY JOSH KAUFMANN

HORNETS SECURE FIRST SEED

By JOSH KAUFMANN Messenger Sports There was no shortage of motivation on either side Thursday when BFA-St. Albans and Essex closed the regular season against each other for the second year in a row. Last fall, the Bobwhites needed a win to stay ahead of Colchester and get home field for their firstround playoff game, and came through with a 3-2 win after opening a three-goal cushion at Essex. On Thursday at the Collins-Perley Sports Center, BFA was in the same position while Essex arrived needing a win to clinch the No. 1 seed for the Division I tournament. With a sparkling 11-1-1 record,

Essex seemed more likely to get what it needed. But for 40 minutes, the Bobwhites were the Hornets’ equal on the field and on the scoreboard. “The first half, you couldn’t tell which team was competing for the number one seed,” BFA coach Luke Laroche said. "They didn’t have the ball in our defensive half very much so our defenders didn’t have to do much work. Everybody was positioned well, strong on the ball. Our two forwards, Dan (Barrow) and Brady (Green) had a great work rate the entire first half.” It didn’t take much of the second half for things to change. A.J. Whitney scored two minutes in, assisted by Tristan Salgado. Six minutes later, Matt Lyon

made it 2-0, finishing off the first of two straight assists by Hamza Halilovic. For an Essex team that had three straight shutouts and had allowed as many as two goals just three times all fall, that was enough. Salgado made it 3-0 with 13 minutes remaining, and the Hornets added two more late goals a minute apart with both sides having cleared their benches. Ryan Guerino scored (from fellow sophomore Spencer Towle) with 4 minutes left, and Guerino set up another sophomore, Peter Osiecki, to close it out. Essex finished with 10 shots on goal and allowed the Bobwhites just one first-half shot, notching the team’s eighth clean sheet of the fall.

Essex takes final seed in state tourney

PHOTO BY JOSH KAUFMANN Essex goalkeeper Frankie Martin makes a diving stop on a BFA player during last Friday's game. The Hornets fell 3-0.

By ANTHONY LABOR Messenger Sports After a hard-fought overtime loss against South Burlington two days earlier, BFA-St. Albans responded well during its regular-season girls soccer finale against Essex on Friday. The Comets carried the momentum they gained during the tough 1-0 loss to a good Rebels team into Friday’s showdown with the Hornets

and came away with a decisive 3-0 victory on Senior Day at Collins-Perley. “Being Senior Day, I’m always a little worried because it’s a big emotional day for the girls,” said BFA coach Jake Toof. “We came out with fire, challenged, and put the ball on the net, which is what we need to do especially on a rainy day when the ball could slide and bounce any way.” The Comets scored all of their goals in a nine-

minute span early in the first half and stood tall defensively throughout the game with Kaylee O’Brien and Jessie Casey combining for the shutout. BFA used its speed up front to get close shots all afternoon, putting 11 shots on net with a number of other strikes that just missed. “I think we responded well after losing 30 seconds into overtime in the South Burlington game, and they came into today

remembering how it felt after that game,” said Toof. “They moved on quickly from that game and were ready to play from the start today and played with a lot of fire, leading to a good amount of shots.” For Essex, the game served as a final tune-up before facing Burr and Burton in the opening round of the playoffs on Wednesdy evening after The Reporter went to print.

Halloween, the end of October in sight, the World Series, high school playoffs, a nice long weekend, a bit of rain and the wait for Daylight Savings Time are all highlights of the fall. The one-and-done of the postseason is highly exciting and entertaining. You can check the Hornet website for up-to-date rankings and individual team schedules and also go to the VPA website at www.vpaonline.org. Congrats to the football team (6-2), which picked up a big win over South Burlington 32-15 in their final regular season game. The win wrapped up the fourth seed for the Hornets and a home firstround playoff game Friday night versus the Middlebury Tigers. Jordan Hines scored three firsthalf touchdowns on runs of 5, 8 and 55. He added a 19-yd TD in the second half. Otis Crock connected with Grady Corkum on a 9-yard TD for their final points. Essex shut out the Tigers earlier this month 17-0. The JVs (2-3) lost a close one to Middlebury 14-12 last week and ended their season Monday at Rutland. The frosh (3-2) shut out CVU 18-0 behind a strong defensive effort. They completed the fall at Rutland. The Hornet boys soccer team nailed down the No. 1 seed in the postseason by posting a 121-1 record. They edged BHS by one index point although they suffered their only loss of the year to the Seahorses. They won their last six games, allowing only three goals and posting four straight shutouts. St. Johnsbury and BFA were the victims last week. It›s on to a first round matchup versus SHS and a quarterfinal game this weekend (with a win) versus the RutlandBFA winner. The JVs finished their fall 8-4-1 as they beat the Hilltoppers 5-1 and lost to the Bobwhites 3-2. The girls soccer team ended their regular season with two losses last week, 2-1 to St.J and 3-0 to BFA. At 1-12-1, the Hornets will matchup versus No. 1 Burr&Burton down in Manchester. Anything can happen in the playoffs. The JVs went 1-1 in their last week and 6-4-3 after beating the Hilltoppers 4-1 and falling 2-0 to the Comets. The field hockey team (9-2-2) went 2-1 last week, dropping a 2-1 decision to Middlebury, beating BHS 4-1 and blitzing CHS 3-1. They end the fall as the No. 2 seed in D-I and await a playoff opponent. The JVs shut out Middlebury and BHS 2-0 and end 4-4-3. The frosh girls completed an 11-0-2 undefeated season with a 4-1 win over BFA. Emma Legg connected for a hat trick with Aiden Bradshaw scored the other goals. Catherine Farm-

er added two assists. Fine season ladies! The boys tied Stowe 2-2 and ended their season on a high note with a 3-0 win over Rutland. They went 6-1-1 over their final 8 games and were 7-6-1. Girls volleyball completed its undefeated season with a 3-2 win over Rice. Seniors Emily Moehn, Sabrina Liguori and Katrina Tang were honored before the game. They head to the playoffs as the obvious top-seed, with their record a spotless 14–0. The boys are 8-2 beat LI 3-0 but lost to CVU 3-1. They locked up No. 2 seed in the playoffs. The cross-county teams will be racing in the NVAC Metro Championships on Saturday up in Highgate. Looks like afternoon races. States are next weekend down in Thetford. EMS Coach Andrew Kasprisin reported his boys cross-country team won the Chittenden County Cross Country meet. Essex had five boys in top-ten, led by Brady Martisus who came in second overall and Liam Mack finished third. The World Series began as the Chicago Cubs and the Cleveland Indians battle for the MLB championship. This should be an exciting series. Hope you get a chance to watch it. Sadly, attended the funeral mass for Rev. Michael P. Cronogue from SMC last week, who died suddenly the week before while helping others. He was an outstanding man who started at St. Mike’s in 1980. My favorite story was back in the summer of ‘04 when my wife, Tina, was singing in the choir. I came a few minutes early Sunday morning with my beautiful 1-yearold nieces Madison and Sydney. As we walked to the church, Maddy breaks away from holding my hand, starts running and falls right on her head. I picked her up to see a huge egg on her forehead over her right eye. Amid the screams and cries we ran into Mike going in the side door of the chapel. “Need help?” he asked fully knowing the answer. I said, “Father Mike, I need ice and prayers.” We get her in the church as Tina comes over, but he had Maddy sitting in a pew touching her egged-forehead with holy water. Her cries now were rapid, deep sighs as she calmed down. He finished the ritual with some prayers and many signs of the cross right on the bump and assured Madison she’d feel better and that the bump might actually go down. She was happy for the rest of the day! I still thank him for that! He will be missed. Happy Birthday to Michele Cioffi, Steve Kretz, Christina Metropoulos Moulton, Jason Lang and Isla Davis (1).

16• The Essex Reporter • October 27, 2016

sports

Fourth-straight for Essex By COLIN FLANDERS

he Essex football squad finished its season strong with fourstraight wins, capped off by a 32-15 rout of host South Burlington on Friday, October 21. Essex began its season with two wins before dropping its next two to St. Johnsbury and Champlain Valley Union. During its next four games, the Hornets have allowed an average of just over 7 points a game while scoring an average of 26, while breaking the 30-point mark twice. Jordan Hines led the way Friday, cashing in three first-half scores before adding a fourth in the second half. The Hornets now prepare to host Middlebury on Friday night to kick off the playoffs. It's the second time Essex has taken on the Tigers, with their first meeting ending in a 17-0 rout in favor of the Hornets. If victorious, Essex will then play the winner of Colchester and Hartford next week.

PHOTOS BY GEOFF GADBOIS Top: Essex players swarm the ball during their game against South Burlington last Friday. Essex won by a score of 32-15. Right: Grady Corkum hauls in a pass.

UPCOMING PLAYOFF GAMES October 28

Football No. 5 Middlebury @ No. 4 Essex – 7 p.m. Boys soccer No. 8 Rutland @ No. 1 Essex – 3 p.m. Girls volleyball TBD @ No. 1 Essex – 4:30 p.m.

October 29

Field hockey No. 7 MMU @ No. 2 Essex – 10 a.m.

November 1

Boys volleyball TBD @ No. 2 Essex – 6:30 p.m.

October 27, 2016 • The Essex Reporter •17

FOOD

Create college care packages By NANCY MOCK, HungryEnoughToEat Six.com It’s that time of year again: Time to send a college care package to your kids away at school! While it’s fun to experience the independence of college, a package from home with treats and care items means so much. It can be just the thing to get students through a tough week of long classes and late nights. Here are some ideas for college care package themes, as suggested to me by my college sophomore daughter and her friends. Prepackaged and microwavable food. In many dorms, the only cooking appliance available to students is a microwave oven. Even

if the dining hall food is amazing and abundant, early classes or late nights of studying may require a quick microwavable or grab-and-go option. Microwave popcorn, Easy Mac bowls, breakfast bars, Cup-ofSoup and snack crackers are great options. These items are easy to pick up in bulk at warehouse stores like Costco. Amazon Pantry is a convenient online option as well. Cold and flu season care package. The first time you get sick while being away from home can be hard. Sending comforting, self-care items during cold and flu season is thoughtful. It’s as close as you can get to a hug in a box! Think tissues, cold medicine, herbal teas and instant chicken noodle soup. Vitamin-C supple-

ments like Emergen-C are also a good idea to help boost their immune system. If one student has the creeping crud, it is easier for his or her dorm floor to acquire it, too. Pantry items package. If your student does have a kitchen in their dorm or their first apartment, they may not think to pick up the kitchen basics until they’re too hungry to think straight. Send packaged mixes for baked goods. For example, King Arthur Flour has amazing varieties available in grocery stores. Spices, even basic salt and pepper, help to stock cabinets, as do cooking staples like oils and chicken or vegetable stock. If your student has a favorite dish you always made for them at home, send

Photo courtesy of NANCY MOCK Nancy Mock of HungryEnoughToEatSix.com conducted an informal poll with her sophomore-aged daughter and college friends on what parents should include in care packages.

the recipe along with the shelf-stable ingredients they can use to put it together. Mid-Terms and Exam Week Care Package. Think caffeine, sugar and salt! These basics are greatly appreciated during stressful times, particularly when students need to stay awake for all-night studying and paper-writing sessions. Sweet and salty snack mixes hit the spot here, along with packages of tea and coffee (instant if they don’t have access to a coffee maker). This is a good time for gift cards too: Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts and pizza places. Also, check your student’s college website for the food service/dining hall page. Many college food service companies will hold special dining events to get students through exam weeks and make options available to parents who want to order special treats for their kids to pick up and enjoy. While all these prepackaged goodies are helpful and thoughtful, one thing the informal poll of my daughter and her friends revealed is that homemade goodies from loved ones rule! They will be infinitely better than any treats they get at school because they are made by you. Here is an easy snack mix you can make and ship: Sweet Tooth Snack Mix. It hits the salty and sweet spots!

Photo courtesy of HUNGRYENOUGHTOEATSIX.COM College kids enjoy receiving care packages from friends and family througout the semester. Homemade goodies tend to be favorites, such as homemade sweet tooth snack mix, a play off of the popular Chex Mix-brand snack.

Ingredients

• 4 c. Rice Chex cereal • 1 c. salted mini pretzels • 1 c. whole almonds, coarsely chopped • 1/2 c. light brown sugar • 1/4 c. butter, melted • 1/4 tsp. cinnamon • 1 c. semisweet chocolate chips • 1 c. white chocolate chips • 1/4 c. rainbow sprinkles

Instructions

1 2 3

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the Rice Chex with the pretzels and chopped almonds. Add in the melted butter and cinnamon, and stir to coat everything in the butter. Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake the mixture for a total of 30 minutes, stirring every 10

4 5

minutes. Remove the sheet from the oven and allow the mixture to cool for about 10 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a serving dish or a resealable container. Add in the semisweet and white chocolate chips and the rainbow sprinkles. Stir to combine everything together. Allow to cool to room temperature before serving. Serve the mix or store it sealed for up to 5 days.

Have fun assembling these caring packages. Be prepared for a whole lotta love and gratitude coming your way when your college student and his or her friends dig in! Makes 7 cups.

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18• The Essex Reporter • October 27, 2016

local VIOLATIONS from page 1

conference, which resulted in VOSHA dropping the fine to $1,000. The inspections took place the week of August 22-26, and included the town offices at 81 Main St., a number of pump stations and the entire highway maintenance complex. After receiving notice of the violations September 30, the town had 20 days to request an informal meeting.

The town is currently processing the payment. Fisher said it’s the first VOSHA inspection of Essex municipal properties he’s seen in his 25 years. The town’s corrective actions included hiring an electrician to re-label all electrical boxes out of compliance, as well as verify all circuit breakers as a proactive measure. The services cost the town $2,300, Fisher said. The town’s mechanic also crafted two guards for the saw and generator. Despite the fines, Essex public works director Dennis Lutz views the inspec-

tions positively; extra eyes, like those from VOSHA, help point out issues the town might miss over time, he said. It’s almost impossible to run an operation at 100 percent compliance, Lutz added. Still, it works both ways, Lutz said; the town never received the guard when it purchased the saw a few years ago. He hopes VOSHA will contact the manufacturer to address this. “We’re buying these products under the assumption that it’s a safe product to buy,” he said.

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The fine was low compared to other Vermont towns, Lutz said, and while the town would prefer to avoid putting any taxpayer money toward penalties, he was pleased with Essex’s overall performance. The inspector even mentioned a few employees by name, Lutz said, praising their knowledge and safety attributes. “I like that, because that tells me the employees themselves have an interest in safety,” Lutz said.

Emergency 911 • Non-emergency 878-8331 • 81 Main Street, Essex Jct., VT 05452 • www.epdvt.org

October 17 - 24 Monday

Browns River Rd. 10:47 p.m., Vandalism on Lincoln Pl.

Wednesday

10:20 a.m., Theft on Pearl St. 3:13 p.m., Assault on Dalton Dr. 5:29 p.m., Arrest for Fraud on Pearl St. 7:30 p.m., Vandalism on Frederick Rd.

10:53 a.m., Burglary on Susie Wilson Rd. 1:35 p.m., Juvenile Problem on Maple St. 2:37 p.m., Suspicious on Park St. 5:01 p.m., Arrest for Retail Theft on Essex Way

Tuesday

Thursday

7:07 a.m., Suspicious on Pearl St. 9:18 a.m., Theft on River Rd. 11:59 a.m., Citizens Dispute on Educational Dr. 12:57 p.m., Suspicious on Margaret St. 1:54 p.m., Violation of a Restraining Order on Educational Dr. 4:33 p.m., Suspicious on Center Rd. 6:56 p.m., Assault on Lincoln St. 9:57 p.m., Citizens Dispute on Lincoln St. 9:58 p.m., Suspicious on

12:15 p.m., Citizens Assist on Abnaki Ave.

Friday

1:18 a.m., Suspicious on Cascade St. 4:42 a.m., Vandalism on Center Rd. 8:54 a.m., Theft on Gentes Rd. 9:52 a.m., Citizens Assist on Abnaki Ave. 5:40 p.m., Theft on Pearl St. 8:03 p.m., Citizens Assist on Maple St. 8:22 p.m., Citizens Assist on Wilkinson Dr.

8:44 p.m., Citizens Assist on River Rd. 11:37 p.m., Citizens Dispute on Park St.

Saturday

12:50 a.m., Citizens Assist on Land Fill Ln. 12:53 a.m., Citizens Assist on Carmichael St. 1:53 a.m., Juvenile Problem on Susie Wilson Rd. 5:54 a.m., Burglary on Susie Wilson Rd. 1:47 p.m., Suspicious on Pearl St. 9:22 p.m., Vandalism on Pearl St.

Sunday

12:53 p.m., Citizens Assist on South St. 1:07 p.m., Citizens Assist on Joshua Way 1:39 p.m., Theft on West St. 9:00 p.m., Citizens Assist on Lost Nation Rd. Tickets Issued: 19 Warnings Issued: 17 Fire/EMS Calls Dispatched: 51