The Essex Reporter November 2, 2017

November 2, 2017 • The Essex Reporter • 1

Residents remain powerless

By ABBY LEDOUX A few hundred Essex residents remained without power Tuesday morning, the second day of outages for some following a massive windstorm that rocked the state Sunday night and into Monday.

Hurricane force winds – including some gusts up to nearly 80 mph, according to Green Mountain Power – swept across Vermont, downing power lines and trees in their wake and caus-

ing widespread power outages in nearly every region. Essex schools were closed Monday.

About a third of Vermont lost power, officials said, and the storm is one of the biggest in recent history – all told, 115,000 homes and businesses were affected, including Gov. Phil Scott’s, he disclosed in a press conference Monday afternoon.

This storm marks the first time Vermont’s statewide outage map at the Emergency Operations Center is “totally red,” Scott added. “It re-

the essex

ally is a statewide event.”

Colchester-based Green Mountain Power reported more than 45,000 homes and businesses – See STORM, page 4 COURTESY GRAPHIC

At left, a map of Vermont shows the approximate number of power outages across the state as of Tuesday morning. Red represents above 1,000 outages, orange means 250-999 and yellow is 50-249.

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Boards juggle transparency as manager search continues

Man dead after Essex collision

By ABBY LEDOUX

By COLIN FLANDERS The selectboard and trustees are exhibiting varied levels of transparency as they enter uncharted territory in the municipal manager search.

The two boards announced their three-week extension of the application deadline doubled the pool, welcome news for the officials who approved the delay at their recruiter’s urging.

Thirty-seven people have now applied, 13 with prior experience in a manager role. There’s also 13 total applicants from Vermont, a dozen more than when the boards extended the deadline in September.

Of those 13, four are or have been managers, one has assistant manager experience and three others have somewhat relevant experience, according to data recruiter Don Jutton sent to The Reporter.

Beyond that announcement, however, the Oct. 24 joint meeting diverged from the candidness of previous recruitment discussions.

Shortly after, the boards announced they would complete the next step — narrowing a list of 10 suggested essay questions to five — in executive session.

Jutton planned to send the essay questions to the top 15 candidates within a week of the meeting. Those candidates would then have three weeks to return them.

Explaining why the discussion justified a closed-door session, village president George Tyler said debating the questions in public could give a “savvy” candidate a “leg up on the application process.”

Trustee Lori Houghton saw it differently: “Wouldn’t we want those individuals who are savvy enough to study our minutes or watch Channel 17?” she asked.

Most officials, however, agreed a sequestered discussion was necessary.

Otherwise, it would open the door for contention from applicants who don’t see the questions early, trustee Elaine Sopchak said. Fellow

PHOTO BY COLIN FLANDERS

Cpt. George Murtie is retiring this week after 33 years with the Essex Police Department. Murtie plans to spend his new-found free time focusing on his life's first passion: music.

Murtie retires after three decades

G

By COLIN FLANDERS

eorge Murtie drove through Burlington on a late-night voyage that was routine by that point in 1984. His wife, Linda, pregnant with their second child, was often unable to sleep through the night.

Murtie was a construction worker at the time, a career path he didn’t see extending much further. One night drive, he observed a police officer sitting in his cruiser doing paperwork, and he had a quick thought: “I could do that job.”

The next day, several area departments had his applications. Passing him over the first time, Essex called later that year when another opening arose, and Murtie was off

to the academy.

“Thirty-three years later, here I am,” he said last week.

With his retirement party days away, the veteran officer had already begun cleaning out his office. He found an old ticket book that would soon be relegated to the cabinet of artifacts in the department’s lobby, one of the many memories he’d leave behind.

Murtie began as a patrol officer and ended second in the chain of command as one of the department’s two captains. He spent a quarter-century in uniform before taking over the detective division, a position he jokingly said he’d take once he was “too old to do real police work.”

See MURTIE, page 13

A 54-year-old Georgia man was dead Tuesday morning after a fourcar collision on Essex's Susie Wilson Road around 8 a.m., police said.

The male, whose name is being withheld pending family notification, was transported to the University of Vermont Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased, Essex police reported.

"It is undetermined at this time if the operator died as a result of the collision," a press release said.

The four-car crash partially closed the road until 9:40 a.m. on October 31, and all vehicles were removed from the scene by tow truck, the release said. No other operators were injured.

Two good Samaritans helped at the scene until emergency personnel arrived, and Essex Rescue, Essex Town and Essex Jct. fire departments assisted with life-saving efforts and traffic control.

Police are still investigating the crash and ask anyone who witnessed it to contact EPD at 878-8331.

P.C. again tables four-story senior housing complex

By COLIN FLANDERS The Essex Jct. Planning Commission is scheduled to host a design session with developer Gabe Handy on Thursday in a compromise spurred by members who again tabled a vote on his four-story senior housing proposal.

When commissioners first saw Handy’s proposal five months ago, they sent the complex back for revisions due to concerns over how the building meshes with the surrounding neighborhood.

On October 19, Handy’s team shared some of the modifications.

Window projections extend a bit further from the building to break up its length; the exterior paneling changed from olive green to dark red; and a section of the previously See HOUSING, page 4

See MANAGER, page 3

Thomas Fleming students contrive insect hotels

I

By KAYLEE SULLIVAN

nsects around Essex will have cozy new homes to inhabit later this month thanks to innovative fifth-graders at Thomas Fleming School.

Last Friday, chainsaws buzzed and hammers clunked as students in Jeff Guilmette’s class hunkered down in Lisa Foley‘s art room for their second-to-last construction day. Their assignment — to build insect hotels — is the second arts integration and makerspace project for which the two teachers have teamed up.

“Any time you put the power into the kids’ hands, and they can guide their own learning and apply the skills I’ve given them for background knowledge, they take more ownership in their learning, it’s more powerful for them,” Guilmette said. “And to see a finished product is so awesome to watch.”

As students Will Knox, Harrison Hutton and Ben Smith put the finishing touches on their bee and ladybug hotel, they solidified Guilmette’s outlook.

“This project, we just got to imagine how

to build it, which [for] other projects we haven’t been able to do,” Will said.

“Because we’re told what to do and how to do it,” Ben added.

As they finished each other’s sentences, they also noted the importance of teamwork.

Seconds later, they were back to sanding the hotel’s outer walls.

Toward the bottom of the structure, six rows of wine corks stood stacked on top of one another. Through their research, the boys learned bees prefer to rest in small holes, so they set the corks accordingly.

For many students, this project is their first exposure to power tools. Safety and proper use are part of the lesson, Foley said.

Mom Aricha Drury said she jumped on the opportunity to volunteer because of the nature of the project: hands-on problem solving that encourages kids to build.

The message is especially pertinent for girls, she said, because society doesn't always promote power tools are for both boys and girls.

It’s a model Drury exemplifies at home for her See INSECTS, page 2

PHOTO BY KAYLEE SULLIVAN

A fifth-grader in Jeff Guilmette's class uses a power drill during an arts integration project at Thomas Fleming School last Friday, Oct. 27.

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The Essex Reporter • November 2, 2017

INSECTS from page 1 daughter, Savienne, she said.

In class, the girls “were a little hesitant with the drill press, and I was like, ‘Come on over, dive in,’” Drury said.

They also placed bamboo, pinecones, hay and wooden blocks into their compartmented hotel to provide different resting places for various insects.

Foley said bees, ladybugs and beetles were among the top targeted tenants.

Local businesses donated much of the bark, wood and larger materials, Foley said. Moms, dads and grandparents also contributed their time.

The educational aspect of this project reaches beyond the Prospect St. school, too.

In a few weeks, Foley and Guilmette will truck the hotels to various spots

around town. Maple Street Park, Cascade Park, Fleming’s schoolyard, two community gardens and two retirement homes are on the list.

Each hotel will feature an attached QR code that community members can scan to learn more about the project and challenges the insects face, per the students’ research.

Next spring, Foley said Vt. Fish & Wildlife plans to follow-up and track the project’s effectiveness. A few weeks ago, the department’s education coordinator Ali Thomas visited the class to talk about insects.

Part of the project’s enrichment is its STEAM foundation, Foley said. Kids indulge in arts, science, engineering and math all in one. They’re simultaneously learning how to use fractions and how a diminishing bee population affects crop control.

“And they just want to keep coming back and do-

LocaL ing more,” she said.

“They ask me every day if they can do it,” Guilmette added. But because of the ample preparation and cleanup time involved, the work is restricted to once a week. Friday, Nov. 3 is the last work session.

Thankfully, Guilmette has another idea or two up his sleeve. Recently, he said the school’s music teacher approached him about building instruments.

Students will start out designing them and will then gather household items to construct xylophones, wood guitars and maybe even a PVC pipe saxophone.

“Whenever you do a project like this — we call it project-based learning — there’s a reason for it, and it’s not just arbitrary,” Foley said. “You need to know the math, you need to be able to measure, do the science, do the writing [and] the research, because there is an end result that is meaningful.”

PHOTOS BY KAYLEE SULLIVAN

ABOVE: Aricha Drury, far right, works with her daughter, Savienne, and friends on their insect hotel. BELOW: This project is the first time many students are using power tools. BOTTOM: Fifth-grade teacher Jeff Guilmette helps his student with a power drill. LEFT: A nearly complete hotel for bees and ladybugs is pictured.

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November 2, 2017 • The Essex Reporter • 3

Governance discussion advances

By COLIN FLANDERS Essex’s elected boards are advancing a conversation that could radically change the town-village relationship and mark this decade’s biggest move toward a fully merged community.

Last week’s joint meeting covered what information officials will need to tackle on governance while highlighting some of the likely sticking points that stand in the way.

The agenda item picked up minutes after officials accepted a report that recommended continuing their consolidated public works model. And just a mile away, their recruiter spoke with residents about the ongoing manager search.

“Clearly the momentum is moving us towards changing things the way they are,” village president George Tyler said.

Suggestions included seeking out speakers who have experience on different governing models, a joint retreat or work session to help spur the discussion and a look at other town-village mergers, both state and nationwide.

Among the various challenges is addressing the town and village charters, voting systems, organizational charts and local codes.

Selectwoman Irene Wrenner said the boards should include the new manager in the discussion so they have that person’s buy-in.

She suggested compiling a running list of the “lowhanging fruit” and then coming up with a to-do list. But she also questioned if governance is the appropriate next step considering not all municipal departments have merged.

To date, consolidated services include departments of finance, town clerk, stormwater and public works. Big-ticket items like libraries and recreation remain.

Wrenner wondered how a joint board would govern separate, outlying departments. “[Let’s] be totally honest with ourselves,” Wrenner said. “If this is indeed a bottom-up merger, the boards are last.”

Wrenner’s comments clash with the consensus among the trustees, who believe future consolidations don’t make sense before first addressing governance.

To that end, trustees shelved recommendations to merge planning commissions in July, citing concerns over their degree over control for the shared entity.

Then, they offered three options: maintaining two chartered governments indefinitely, dissolving to force consolidation or continuing a gradual approach with an explicit goal of forming a unified government.

The last option appears to be preferred by both boards, Tyler said at the time, though he hoped to reaffirm the course during the manager search.

If officials do pursue a unified government, some of their biggest decisions will be prescribing what a merged

MANAGER

Does someone with special needs depend on you?

Will you be able to be there for them?

from page 1 trustee Dan Kerin added interested applicants may feel unsafe searching for the minutes because their computer records can be tracked by current employers.

Selectboard vice-chairman Michael Plageman said he’s “all for keeping it under wraps.”

Tyler initially said the boards would happily publicize the questions “a couple months from now,” but later offered to do so once candidates received the essays.

It’s the second time in recent weeks the boards adjudicated an aspect of the recruitment process outside the public’s view. The other decision involved a list of key community members to speak to Jutton.

“It’s got to be executive [sessions]. It’s got to be offcamera,” Plageman said during a September discussion on curating that list, adding the boards should approach certain people before naming them in public.

Levy agreed, but said he wanted to make sure it was legal to discuss in private.

“Call it something else if you want,” Plageman said. “It doesn’t need to be ‘executive session.’”

A month later, as the board prepared to enter executive session, The Reporter questioned why a public discussion would place the town at a “substantial disadvantage” — a finding boards must make before entering executive session.

Levy explained members would be sharing why they think some people shouldn’t be on the list. For fear of accidentally slandering someone, the board never evaluates people in open meetings, he said.

The board later named Iris Banks, Jeff Carr, Raj Chawla, Kim Gleason and Michael Smith as the key community members. They also named Doug Fisher, Paul Austin, Sharon Kelley, Mary Morris and Joe Percy as alternates.

Although those names were shared in public session — open meeting law prohibits making decisions in executive session — there’s no way to know who didn’t make the cut. That’s because the town denied The Reporter’s public records request for a copy of the list of names each member emailed to town staff.

In his denial, deputy town manager Greg Duggan cited two public exemptions.

The first protects records that would “violate a person’s right to privacy.” The second protects intradepartmental communications that deal with “other than primarily factual materials.”

The Reporter argued in its appeal that such privacy concerns are secondary to the public’s right to know whom elected officials nominate to serve as spokespeo-

board looks like, such as the number of members and the breakdown between town and village.

And while they may find some inspiration from other municipalities that have undergone a similar transformation, trustee Elaine Sopchak said the boards should not pursue an existing governance model simply because it already exists.

Instead, they should be willing to “take risks” and “consider unusual ideas,” she said.

"This is a very clean slate, and we're probably one of the only communities in the country having this conversation,” Sopchak said. "We're in the vanguard, let's act like it.”

ple, or an equally important decision: who was kept off the list.

Joint municipal manager Pat Scheidel denied the appeal.

While the selectboard deliberated behind closed doors, the trustees held no discussion on the topic — public or private.

When asked for the list’s status at last week’s joint meeting, Tyler said he

created a list and sent it to each trustee. He asked they respond directly as to avoid an online three-person conversation that would violate the open meeting law.

“We did not have an open discussion about that,” Tyler said.

The next day, he shared the list via email. It named John Alden, Tom Weaver, Nick Myers, Raj Chawla,

Tim Shea and Mark Mendes.

He wrote there were no additions or subtractions to their list, and “had this been controversial at all,” it would have been on the trustees’ agenda. He added that some of the “mystery” stems from the two boards never before collaborating on a manager search.

“We’re trying to play it safe,” he wrote.

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The Essex Reporter • November 2, 2017

LocaL

STORM

Officials urged patience as well as caution, noting a wide range of potential from page 1 safety hazards, particularly from downed power lines, trees and structures.

“The safety of the public is paramount 112,500 customers – in its service area were – it is our greatest concern,” Bornemann impacted by the storm as of 7 a.m. Monday said. “Please stay away from power lines; morning, and a second round of winds treat every line like it’s live, don’t go near picked up again later that day. it.”

Sustained gusts caused new outages Officials also reminded residents with despite crews’ overnight work to restore generators to use them outside in open power to 92,000 dwellings, GMP said. spaces, and ensure carbon monoxide and Still, 23,000 homes and businesses fire detectors work and have batteries. remained powerless Tuesday morning, and “Many Vermonters want to know what “an army of more than 500 line workers, they can do to help, and to that end, you tree crews and field teams” continued 24/7 can check on your neighbors and make restoration efforts, GMP’s vice president sure they’re OK,” Scott said. of strategic and external affairs Kristin “In our small town environment, we Carlson said. have the advantage of knowing each othGMP reported over 240 Essex customers’ neighbors, and we really need to check ers remained without power Tuesday on folks,” Bornemann added. morning, while Vermont Electric Co-op The state Emergency Operations Censaw 238 more. ter will remain fully staffed until the need State officials urged those needing help is downgraded, she said, urging residents to call 2-1-1, especially the elderly or people to call 211 for “a place to sleep, warm up, with special needs. charge a cell phone, get a bite to eat or just “We want people to make sure they relax away from your house that may not swallow their pride and ask for help when be with power.” they need it,” Gov. Phil Officials said the Scott said. “As this goes state can open shelters further into the week on an as-needed basis, and goes into multiple and calling 211 will help days, there could be more identify areas of greatest need.” need.

Indeed, utilities Utilities’ initial estimated some residents response targeted “emerwouldn’t see power regency situations,” GMP stored until the weekend, said, like live wires and despite advanced prepadowned poles that closed ration beginning last roads and posed immiThursday for potential Erica Bornemann nent safety hazards. Offiwidespread outages. cials reminded residents Vt. emergency management director “It doesn’t really to stay clear and call 911 matter how prepared you in the case of a downed are for a storm like this,” Vermont Emerline, and reported conditions remained gency Management director Erica Bornedangerous Tuesday. mann said. “It means you have to do the “With the majority of that work comhard work of getting the power back on.” plete, hundreds of crews will turn their That work is made harder by the stunfocus on residential and business repairs, ning scale of the storm, which rollicked pole replacements and clearing downed the entire eastern seaboard, leaving New trees and branches from lines,” GMP said England states all clamoring for limited in a press release. crews.

The utility expected to provide town“From a labor standpoint, we’re just estimated restoration times Tuesday night going to have to dredge on and get the work after the Reporter’s press deadline and done,” Vermont Electric Co-op CEO Chrisdirected customers to its website, www. tine Hallquist said, adding the storm’s greenmountainpower.com, where they can impact “really stretched the limit.” view a live outage map and sign up for text “This is a multi-day outage. The service alerts. breadth and scope so far is monumental, “As always, this is a team Vermont efand the winds were at hurricane level,” fort,” GMP CEO Mary Powell said Monday Washington Electric Co-op general manafternoon. “We’re going to continue to ager Patty Richards said. “It’s just going to work hard; we’ll be working through the take a significant amount of time and staff night every single day and night until we resources to get everybody back up and on get power fully restored to the Vermonters line.” we serve.”

"The safety of the public is paramount — it is our greatest concern."

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PHOTO BY COLIN FLANDERS

From left, Essex Planning Commission vice-chairman John Alden and chairman David Nistico chat with developer Gabe Handy following a meeting back in May. The PC will host a design session with Handy on Thursday after deciding to table a vote on his four-story senior housing proposal for the second time.

HOUSING from page 1 contiguous sidewalk was removed for a fence and more shrubbery.

Despite the changes, commissioners echoed their concerns and said Handy failed to adequately address them in a timely manner. Certain aspects of the plan arrived on the day of the meeting.

“This is too important. It’s the village center. It’s a building that’s going to be around for a long, long time. We want this to happen,” PC chairman David Nistico said. “I just feel like it needs to be tweaked a little bit. It needs to be better.”

Nistico explained that while the village’s comprehensive plan and land development code call for this type of growth, he didn’t believe the proposal’s design passed design review standards, which aim to protect the village’s “unique historic qualities.”

The standards add an extra layer of protection against unsightly development by compelling commissioners to review a proposed building’s relationship to the village center.

“With five minutes of review time, I don’t possibly have enough time to make a full decision on that,” vice-chairman John Alden said.

Handy’s team noted it did consider a gabled roof, another change proposed in May, but it made the building even taller and didn’t match some of the other new developments in the area.

Reactions from nearby property owners matched those shared six months ago, with concerns over the building’s size and lot coverage reigning supreme.

School Street’s Anne Whyte called it an “oversized” building and questioned the decision to remove some of the sidewalk, which creates an “incredibly unpedestrian” environment for seniors, she said, especially during the winter months.

Instead, Handy could shrink the building and fit both the fence and sidewalk, Whyte said.

“I’m really happy that you guys are not so quick to sign off on this,” she told the commission. “We do need senior housing, but we need smart senior housing.”

Those favoring the proposal focused less on the building’s design and more on those it will serve.

“We’re going to save our elderly or we’re going to worry about a pitch on the roof to match our school,” said resident Mary Lefcourt, who reported spending the last two years looking for a place for her elderly parents to live.

She wants the village to offer a place where she can know they’re safe without having to drive miles in a snow storm.

Ed Von Sitas, a longtime resident in

his 70s, said he’d like to move in to the building once it’s built.

“By delaying this, a lot of the seniors are looking forward to moving in here aren’t going to be able to afford it by the time it gets around to building it,” he said.

Both Alden and Nistico stressed their contention is separate from the need for affordable senior housing.

“We have a large responsibility that we make sure in addition to providing a service that our residents need, we also provide a living environment and an aesthetic value that people want to see,” Nistico, the chairman, said.

Handy, who waited to speak until after the public comments, said the building’s size is vital to the project. He said he needs 43 units to build single-bedroom residences. Otherwise, he will need to likely move to two-bedroom units or a rental model.

“Then it’s going to be families with kids — noise factors,” he said.

Handy believed his team returned to the planning commission with all its concerns addressed. He removed the sidewalk to fix a fence that will help block headlights from spilling into nearby properties, and they moved the entire building four feet from the school to adhere to setback requirements.

And, at the commission’s request, Handy ordered a three-dimensional model of the proposal to help show how it fits into the surrounding landscape.

“That was $2,000, and now you’re telling me you don’t even like it?” he said. “If I’m sounding upset, I have the right.”

Handy also took issue with the PC’s approach. He said the commissioners haven’t told him what they want to see; instead, they keep asking him to come back.

He offered an ultimatum: Either approve or deny the proposal, but unless the commission is willing to say what it’s looking for, he’d take his chances elsewhere.

“I do a lot for this village,” he continued. “I never, ever burnt anybody. I’ve never upset any neighbors in anything I have built. This is the first time around that I find negative stuff.”

Nistico responded that while he believes Handy has done what he can to address residents’ comments, he questioned whom the burden should be on.

“Is it our job to tell you what we want?”

Nistico asked. “Or is it your job to come here with something we can all agree on?”

The Nov. 2 work session is planned for 6 p.m. at 2 Lincoln St.

November 2, 2017 • The Essex Reporter • 5

opinion & community LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Five corners growth not thoughtful Friday, Oct. 27, I witnessed three near accidents at Five Corners in Essex in less than one minute.

I was stopped at a red light on Park Street, waiting to turn left onto Pearl Street. Being first in line and behind the white line for traffic, I saw a pedestrian nearly hit by a speeding car as she tried to cross from the Mobil station to Pearl Street. Then, it was my turn. A tractor trailer turned right from Pearl onto Park and missed my left front fender by inches. A minute later, another big truck almost hit me.

In both vehicular cases, the trucks lacked sufficient lane space to make a safe right turn without jumping onto the sidewalk in front of McGil-

licuddy's tavern. In this area of Five Corners, the shoulder of the street is measured in inches, not feet. Who allowed a wider sidewalk here at the cost of human safety?

How the community development department can honestly describe the massive, four-story building at an already failed intersection as "thoughtful growth in action" is beyond rational belief. When People's Bank exited the corner, Essex Jct. had a golden opportunity to revitalize this busy corner on a reasonable scale. It failed that standard in what can only be described as a "development at any cost."

thank you for service We at the Vermont Veterans’ Home desire to express our gratitude to every U.S. military veteran, past and present for their unwavering service to our country. Let us all remember, if not for their assurance of liberty, we would not have the rights and freedoms their sacrifice bestows on us all.

We live in the greatest nation on earth because of their commitment to duty, honor and country.

Please join with me and thank our veterans and their families for their service on this Veterans’ Day.

Jack t. scully colchester

melissa Jackson cEO/administrator Vermont Veterans’ home Brattleboro

Email your letter (450 words or fewer) to news@essexreporter.com. Please include your full name, address and phone number.

Deadline: Fridays at 5 p.m.

ESSEX FREE LIbRaRY bOOK REVIEWS Reviewed by Ann Paietta Set in New Orleans, this novel follows the Boisdore family from pre-Hurricane Katrina to the evacuation to the aftermath. Joe, an artist descended from slaves, and Tess, a white non-Creole psychiatrist, are parents of two grown daughters. Cora, one of the daughters, refuses to leave New Orleans, leading to her being discovered in a near-catatonic state after the hurricane. Her sister, Del, returns home from New York to uncover the truth of what happened to her sister.

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ObITuaRIES

Erica Eastham Erica Ann Eastham, née Parker, died unexpectedly on Oct. 5, 2017 after a complication from pneu-

monia and chest surgery in San Antonio, Texas, at 46 years old.

As a Vermont Folkkid, she learned to contra dance and attended an international folk festival in Turkey after visiting Greece. Erica was a Girl Scout throughout her school years. Her troop went to England and Germany as a culminating activity at the end of high school.

She attended Essex Elementary School, Founders Memorial, Essex Middle School and graduated from Essex Jct. High School in 1989. After high school, she attended Elmira College and graduated from the Uni-

versity of North Texas with a degree in forensic anthropology and a certificate of criminal justice, while driving a Denton, Texas city bus to support herself.

Erica was a special educator, teaching preschool and early elementary kids in Cotulla, Texas. During her free time there, she drove a school bus, headed up a chess club at RamirezBurks Elementary School and volunteered for CASA as a guardian ad litem for children in the foster care system. She became very close to some of those children and families.

She is survived by her husband, Earl Eastham Jr.;

her parents, LindaLou and Bruce Parker; her brother, Chris Parker; a niece, Emma Parker; her maternal grandmother, Marjorie Bliss; her aunts NanLouise Bliss and Nancy Bengry (Kim); and an uncle, Mike Parker.

There were also three cousins surviving her.

There will be a celebration of life for her on November 5 at 3 p.m. It will be held at the First Congregational Church of Essex Jct. where she enjoyed many activities as a teen, including playing Mary in the Nativity service each year.

Her bubbly personality will be missed by all.

COMING SOON

SALUTE TO VETERANS A special supplement to the essex reporter

D

o you have a servicemember in your family?

The Essex Reporter is honoring local heroes by asking residents to submit a veteran's name, photo, town of residence, branch of service and rank, plus a personal message from you to news@essexreporter. com by November 3. These will be printed in our special Veterans Day section on November 9. Have your own story to tell? We want to hear that, too! Contact us today.

HAVE yOUR OwN STORy TO TELL? wE wANT TO HEAR THAT, TOO! CONTACT US TOdAy AT 878-5282 OR by EMAIL. You can also support this section by advertising your local business. contact casey toof today at casey.toof@samessenger.com for rates.

What is high-grading?

I

f you are even tangentially involved with the world of forest management, you have probably heard the term “highgrading” or “high-grade logging.” These terms refer to the ugly underbelly of the world of logging, where loggers or landowners have engaged in timber harvesting purely targeted at the pursuit of the almighty dollar.

High-grading is the process of cutting the highestwith Ethan Tapper value trees in a forest while leaving behind all or most poor-quality, low-value trees.

High-grading is a purely extractive practice without consideration for any ecological variables, more like drilling or mining than anything one could call sustainable forest management.

There was a time when the prevailing wisdom was to “cut the big trees to let the little trees grow.” Loggers or farmers would cut the biggest and most valuable timber and return years later to forests well-stocked with more valuable trees to be cut. The amazing resilience of forests in New England, which seemingly respond to any disturbance with abundant growth and regeneration, made this idea possible. It wasn’t until the latter 20th century the forest management community began to recognize the effects of high-grading on forests and change their tune. It became clear high-grade logging leads to stands, which are less healthy, less valuable and less productive in the future.

So, what impact does high-grading have over the long term? Research shows while high-grading provides a large initial payoff, stands which were more responsibly managed produce the same amount of income over time, but are exponentially higher in quality and health than high-graded stands. High-graded stands have less species and structural diversity, which means they are less resilient to disease, natural disturbance events and invasive species and feature poorer wildlife habitat in general. Additionally, because of the low value of highgraded stands, they often must be managed using more disruptive logging equipment and techniques to make them healthy again.

My land in Bolton is a good example of this, as it was high-graded by a previous owner. The extent to which this practice fundamentally altered the character of the forest is stunning. Loggers aggressively targeted certain high-value species (in my case, mostly red oak) for removal, leaving behind a monocrop of diseased beech and red maple. Structural diversity is low, with virtually all large trees removed, and the understory is dominated by non-commercial regeneration. As a result, my only recourse as a landowner has been to regenerate large areas by removing as much unhealthy stocking as I can, which requires intensive logging. Even with this aggressive intervention, it will be decades until the effects of high-grading are diminished in my forest.

There is nothing wrong with harvesting large, valuable trees. Cutting mature timber is part of how new forests are regenerated and how landowners realize economic benefits from forest ownership, which helps them pay their taxes and fund additional stewardship activities, de-incentivizing subdivision and development.

Most responsible timber harvests involve the removal of mostly low-grade material (pulp, firewood and chips) in addition to some high-value logs and veneer from trees that are mature or declining. The removal of these mature stems should be done as part of a well-thoughtout management strategy to encourage regeneration or release healthy, immature stems. Harvests like this elevate the quality and health of trees in our forest while compensating landowners and loggers and providing loggers with an economic incentive to cut the job.

This fall there are a lot of acorns on the ground. I see them being eaten by deer, bear, turkeys, squirrels and chipmunks. I’ll bet those acorns taste awful good, but I also think of how many acorns an oak tree would cast if all those animals would just let them sprout and grow. Those animals remind me of loggers and landowners who engage in high-grading, trading a shortterm payout for the long-term goal and valuing their bank accounts over the well-being of future generations.

Into the Woods

Ethan Tapper is the Chittenden County forester. He can be reached by phone at 585-9099, by email at ethan.tapper@ vermont.gov, or at his office at 111 West St., Essex Jct.

the essex

RepoRteR ExEcutivE Editor

co-publishErs

Courtney A. Lamdin

Emerson & Suzanne Lynn

AssociAtE Editor

gEnErAl mAnAgEr

sports Editor

AdvErtising

Abby Ledoux

Suzanne Lynn

Colin Flanders

Casey Toof John Kelley

rEportErs

Colin Flanders | Michaela Halnon | Kaylee Sullivan 42 Severance Green Unit #108, Colchester, VT 05446 Phone: 878-5282 Fax: 651-9635

Email news@essexreporter.com Website www.essexreporter.com Published Thursdays

Deadlines: News & advertising – Fridays at 5 p.m.

Circulation: 8,800 The Essex Reporter is owned by Vermont Publishing Corp Inc. and is a member of the Champlain Valley Newspaper Group

6•

The Essex Reporter • November 2, 2017

calendar

EssEx ArEA

Religious Directory

Nov. 4

CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH - 61 Main St., Essex Jct., 878-8341. James Gangwer, pastor. Sunday School: 10 a.m., Worship Service: 11 a.m., Sunday evening worship: 7 p.m., Wednesday evening youth groups, Adult Bible study and prayer: 7 p.m.; FundamentalIndependent.

CITYREACH CHURCH - 159 Pearl St., Essex Jct. Behind Subway, on the back side of the building.

Pastor Brent Collins. Sunday worship service: 5 p.m.

A casual, family-focused and friendly Christian Church with practical teaching, great music, a safe kids program (Nursery-5th grade) and an exciting and empowering church experience, www.essexjunction.cityreachnetwork. org; bcollins@cityreachnetwork.org; facebook: CityReach Church - Essex Junction.

CHRIST MEMORIAL CHURCH - Route 2A, Williston, just north of Industrial Ave. 878-7107. Wes Pastor, lead pastor, 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 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. Communion: first Sunday of every month. Sunday School: weekly at 10:15 a.m. 5th/6th Grade youth group: first Sunday of month.

Jr. & Sr. high youth groups: every Sunday. Heavenly Food Pantry: second Monday of the month, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. and fourth Thursday, 2 – 6 p.m., except for Nov. & Dec. when it is the third Thursday. Essex Eats Out community dinner: 1st Friday of the month, 5:30 – 7 p.m.

Music includes Sanctuary Choir, Praise Band, Junior Choir, Cherub Choir, Handbell Choir, Men’s Acapella & Ladies’ Acapella groups. UCC, an Open and Affirming Congregation, embracing diversity and affirming the dignity and worth of every person, because we are all created by a loving God. www.fccej.org; welcome@fccej. org gRACE UnITED METHODIST CHURCH - 130 Maple Street, Essex Jct., 1 mile south of the Five Corners on Maple Street / Route 117. 878-8071. Worship Sundays: 9:30 a.m., with concurrent church school pre-K to grade 6. Handicapped-accessible facility. Adult choir, praise band, women’s fellowship, missionally active. Korean U.M.C. worship Sundays: 12 p.m., come explore what God might be offering you!

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

MT. MAnSFIELD UnITARIAn UnIVERSALIST FELLOwSHIP - 195 Vermont Route 15, Jericho, the red barn across from Packard Road. 899-2558. Services are held 9:30 a.m. on the second and fourth Sunday of each month from September through June. Visit www.mmuuf. org.

ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH - 4 St. James Place, Essex Jct., off Rt. 2A at the Fairgrounds Gate F. 8784014. Rev. Kim Hardy. Holy Eucharist, Sundays: 8:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Visit www.stjamesvt.org; office@stjamesvt.com.

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

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

FiLE phoTo

The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War present a free program on Brigadier Gen. George J. Stannard in the battle of Gettysburg on Saturday, Nov. 4 at GAR Memorial Hall in Essex from 1 - 5 p.m, featuring photo opportunities in uniform and civilian clothes as well as the preservation of the Stannard House in Milton. See listing for more information.

2 ThurSDAY

ments. For all ages.

engage in conversation.

ESSEx ArT LEAguE

EDucATioN AND ENrichmENT For EvErYoNE

4 SATurDAY

9 - 11 a.m., Essex Jct. First Congregational Church, 39 Main St., Essex Jct. The meeting includes a business and social time as well as a guest speaker or artist presentation. For more information, visit www. essexartleague.com.

NooNTimE Book DiScuSSioN Noon - 1 p.m., Essex Free Library. Join us to discuss “The Rosie Project” by Graeme Simsion.

rEAD To ArchiE

3:15 - 4:15 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.

FrEE commuNiTY Soup AND BrEAD SuppEr

4:30 - 6:30 p.m., Covenant Community Church, 1 Whitcomb Meadows Ln., Essex Jct. Serving hearty soups, breads and a sweet dessert.

Stay at the church to enjoy your meal with friends and family or pick-up to take home.

Donations not expected, but appreciated. Call 879-4313 for more information.

ADuLT coLoriNg

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

LA LEchE LEAguE mEETiNg

6:30 - 8 p.m., Essex Free Library. Meet up with others to share breastfeeding information and mothering experience.

3 FriDAY muSic wiTh rAF

10 - 10:30 a.m., Brownell Library. Come sing and play with Raf. For all ages.

muSicAL STorYTimE

10:30 - 11:30 p.m., Essex Free Library. Rock and read together on Friday mornings with books, songs and instru-

2 p.m., Faith United Methodist Church, 899 Dorset St., South Burlington. Peter Hirschfeld, State House reporter for Vermont Public Radio, presents “The Trump Budget: What Federal Cuts Mean for Vermont.” Participants can join EEE for the fall semester for $40 or pay $5 per lecture at the door. For more information, contact Adam at 864-3516.

TEEN ADviSorY BoArD

3 - 4:30 p.m., Brownell Library. TAB meets to celebrate National Peanut Butter Lovers’ Month, brainstorm scenarios, dialog for the summer video contest and play truth or dare. New members are welcome.

For grades 9 - 12.

LivE AcTioN roLE pLAY

4:30 - 6 p.m., Brownell Library. LARP is open to all middle and high school students who want to have adventures in a mythical land.

SiNgLE ADuLTS’ voLLEYBALL AND poTLuck DiNNEr

6 p.m., Essex Alliance Church Community Center, 37 Old Stage Rd., Essex Jct. Suggested donation $2 per person.

For more information and to RSVP, call Lynn at 338-5558.

vFw poST 6689 FiSh FrY

6 - 7 p.m., Essex Jct. VFW, 73 Pearl St., Essex Jct. Join us in support of veterans and enjoy baked or fried haddock, mashed potatoes, French fries, coleslaw, dinner rolls and cake. $12.

mAgic: ThE gAThEriNg

6 - 8 p.m., Brownell Library. Whether you know the game or are curious to find out more, come have tons of gaming fun!

SiT & kNiT

6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Brownell Library. Adult knitters and crocheters are invited to settle in front of the fireplace in the Main Reading Room to knit, share projects and patterns and

hEAvENLY cENTS ThriFT Shop

9 a.m. - noon, First Congregational Church, 39 Main St., Essex Jct. Featuring our newly renovated shop.

hoLiDAY BAzAAr

9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Essex Center United Methodist Church, 119 Center Rd., Essex Jct. Crafts, Christmas ornaments, sewn and knitted items, baked goods, cookies, candy, plants and white elephant items. Lunch available at 11 a.m.

cAThEDrAL SquArE BAzAAr AND cAFé

9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Town Meadow Senior Housing, 22 Carmichael St., Essex Jct. All proceeds benefit the Resident Activity Fund.

ANNuAL cozY Nook crAFT FAir

9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Essex Free Library. Shop around at our annual craft fair and bake sale as we welcome local crafters. Proceeds to benefit the summer reading program.

ST. piuS x church chriSTmAS BAzAAr

9 a.m. - 3 p.m., 20 Jericho Rd., Essex Jct. Start your holiday shopping by visiting our many crafters or by purchasing tickets for our raffle drawing.

Bring the family to enjoy Santa and his helpers along with a delicious lunch at our Christmas Café and something scrumptious from the Sugarplum Bakery. For more information, visit www.saintpiusx.net.

BoNFirE NighT STorYTimE

10 - 11 a.m., Brownell Library. Enjoy a British storytime and sparkler craft as we celebrate Bonfire Night at the library. All ages welcome.

wEEkEND STorYTimE

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

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

cookiES wiTh

cookiE STorYTimE

11 a.m., Phoenix Books, 2 Carmichael St., Essex Jct. Join Lynda GrahamBarber for a storytime featuring her new book, “Cookie’s Fortune.” Free and open to all ages.

Visit www.phoenixbooks. biz for more information.

DuNgEoN & DrAgoNS

Noon - 5 p.m., Brownell Library. Embark upon imaginary adventures.

Dungeon Master Aiem plays the game’s referee and storyteller. For grade 6 and up.

STANNArD cAmp

1 - 5 p.m., GAR Memorial Hall, 10 Towers Rd., Essex Jct. Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War present a free program on Brigadier Gen. George J. Stannard in the battle of Gettysburg. Lectures, displays and activities include researching Vermont soldiers, grave and monument registration and maintenance and photo opportunities in uniform and civilian clothes as well as the preservation of the Stannard House in Milton. For more information call 871-5236.

5 SuNDAY griEF ShArE SupporT group

10 - 11 a.m., Room 102, Essex Alliance Church, 37 Old Stage Rd., Essex Jct. A faith-based, weekly support group through December 10 for anyone who's lost a spouse, child, family member or friend. For more information and to register for the class, contact Ron Caldwell at ron_caldwell@comcast. net.

6 moNDAY STorYTimE

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

TEch hELp wiTh cLiF

Noon & 1 p.m., Brownell Library. Offering one on one technology help. Bring in your new gadget or gizmo and Clif will sit with you to help you learn its ways.

Reservation required.

November 2, 2017 • The Essex Reporter • 7

calendar LoCaL meetings thurs., nov. 2

WeD., nov. 8

6 p.m., village planning Commission work session, Lincoln Hall, 2 Lincoln St., Essex Jct.

7 p.m., trustees/ selectboard joint meeting, Town offices, 81 Main St., Essex Jct.

mon., nov. 6

6:30 p.m., town planning Commission, Town offices, 81 Main St., Essex Jct.

7 p.m., town selectboard, Town offices, 81 Main St., Essex Jct.

tues., nov. 7

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

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

Lego CLub

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

go CLub

5:30 - 6:30 p.m., Brownell Library. Come learn to play this 4,000-year-old strategy game with Max and Celia. Best for grades 1 and up.

book DisCussion: soLDiering on

6:30 p.m., Deborah Rawson Memorial Library, 8 River Rd., Jericho. Read and discuss “Odysseus in America, Combat Trauma and the Trials of Homecoming” by Jonathan Shay. Alan Berolzheimer will lead the discussion. Copies of the book available at DRML thanks to the Vt. Humanities Council.

stories from the 2017 soLar eCLipse

7:30 - 9:30 a.m., Brownell Library. Some Vt. Astronomical Society members traveled across the U.S. to view the total eclipse of the sun. Others viewed the partial phases from Vermont and set up equipment to help the public view the partial eclipse. Come hear their stories and see the pictures from those who traveled far away and those who stayed home.

7 tuesDay storytime for babies & toDDLers

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

storytime for presChooLers

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

Library eLementary event pLanners

3:30 - 4:30 p.m., Brownell Library. Middle school students meet to learn how to teach watercolor making, plan activities for the year and have a special Thanksgiving celebration including a pie eating contest. Grades 6 - 8 welcome.

WeLLness Workshop

6 - 7:30 p.m., Essex

thurs., nov. 9

fri., nov. 10

Town & Village offices closed for veterans Day.

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

8 WeDnesDay reD CLover group for homesChooLeD stuDents

9 - 10 a.m., Brownell Library. Each month, students in grades K-3 read two titles and complete activities with one on the list for this year’s Red Clover Award. Voting takes place in April.

Dorothy’s List group for homesChooLeD stuDents

9 - 10 a.m., Brownell Library. Each month, students in grades 4-8 hear book talks from this year’s Dorothy’s List.

Students keep a log and vote for their favorite to win the Dorothy’s List Book Award in the spring. Group discussion is encouraged.

gmba book DisCussion for homesChooLeD stuDents

9 - 10 a.m., Brownell Library. High school students discuss this year’s GMBA nominees.

Voting takes place in April.

storytime for presChooLers

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

teCh time With traCi

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

WeDnesDay storytime

10 a.m., Phoenix Books, 2 Carmichael St., Essex Jct. Enjoy timeless tales and new adventures with your little ones.

Each week, we’ll choose a new picture book, a classic or a staff

Bus Day Trip to

AKWESASNE MOHAWK CASINO

favorite to read aloud together. See you there!

Visit www.phoenixbooks. biz for more information.

teCh heLp With CLif

Noon & 1 p.m., Brownell Library. Offering-oneon one technology help. Bring in your new gadget or gizmo and Clif will sit with you to help you learn its ways.

Reservation required.

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

reaD to Daisy

Jct. Recreation & Parks, 75 Maple St., Essex Jct. Halloween to New Year’s Day is a time of food, folks and fun, but it can also be very stressful and overwhelming. As we head into the busy holiday season, come learn some helpful, practical tips to get through this time in a happy, healthy and balanced way. Register at www.ejrp.org.

CALL EARLY FOR RESERVATIONS!

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.

Register online at www. brownelllibrary.org.

seCret book box

7 - 8:30 p.m., Brownell Library. Join us to create your own secret book box. We will hollow out old books to make a storage area perfect for keeping jewelry, cash, phones or snacks. They also make great gifts for the holidays. Books provided, but bring your own if you would like.

9 thursDay reaD to arChie

3:15 - 4:15 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.

10 friDay broWneLL & essex free Libraries CLoseD for veterans Day. eDuCation anD enriChment for everyone

2 p.m., Faith United Methodist Church, 899 Dorset St., South Burlington. Pablo Bose, associate professor of geography and director of the global and regional studies program at the University of Vermont, presents “Refugee Resettlement in Vermont.” Participants can join EEE for the fall semester for $40 or pay $5 per lecture at the door. For more information, contact Adam at 864-3516.

JeriCho artisan market hoLiDay gift saLe

5 - 8 p.m., Jericho Community Center, 329 Browns Trace, Jericho. Vendors offer high quality wares in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere enhanced by local musicians who join us during the show.

Take a break during your shopping to catch up with friends and enjoy onsite refreshments from the Jericho Town Library soup sale or school bake sale. For more information, visit www.jerichoartisanmarket.com.

11 saturDay heavenLy Cents thrift shop 9 a.m. - noon, First

Congregational Church, 39 Main St., Essex Jct.

Charity bazaar & raffLe

9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Memorial Hall, 5 Towers Rd. Essex Jct. Crafters, photography, knit items, handmade crafts, soaps and skincare, makeup, candles and more. $1 suggested donation.

Raffle items from vendors and other local companies.

Hogansburg, New York

[

MONDAY, DECEMBER 4 Coffee

JeriCho artisan market hoLiDay gift saLe

9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Jericho Community Center, 329 Browns Trace, Jericho.

(See Friday, Nov. 10.)

WeekenD storytime

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

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

“i WiLL never not eat a tomato” storytime

11 a.m., Phoenix Books, 2 Carmichael St., Essex Jct. Enjoy a reading of the children’s book “I Will Never Not Eat a Tomato” by Lauren Child. In this picture book, a fussy eater decides to sample carrots after her brother convinces her they are from Jupiter. After we read together, we will have a fun and interactive healthy food activity.

Presented in partnership with City Market. Visit www.phoenixbooks.biz for more information.

Free.

12 sunDay aunt Dot’s pLaCe 5k turkey trot

1 p.m., Essex Middle School. Race day entries accepted between 12:15 and 12:45 p.m. inside the school, cash or check online. For more information and to register online, visit auntdotsplace.com.

WestforD musiC series: heLianD Consort

4 - 5 p.m., UCW White Church, Route 128, Westford Common. The Heliand Consort will perform an innovative program entitled “Crossing the Bar.” Donations accepted. Refreshments served. Call 879-4028 for more information.

Donuts

Bottled Water

Free Buffet

Movies Aboard

[

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

Call BARBARA at 802.829.7403

Pets of the Week JANE

five Corners Craft festivaL

9 a.m. - 3 p.m., First Congregational Church, 39 Main St., Essex Jct.; Holy Family Catholic Church, 4 Prospect St., Essex Jct.; St. James Episcopal Church, 4 St. James Pl., Essex Jct.; Essex Senior Center, 2 Lincoln St., Essex Jct. Many crafters with homemade items, delicious lunches, great homemade goodies and nearly new items. The first 125 visitors at each location will receive a punch card. Cards that have been fully punched by visiting all events during the day will be entered into a drawing for one of five gift baskets. For more information, call Linda Bogardus at 872-8972 or email lbogardus@ myfairpoint.net.

$35 PER PERSON

FREE extras include: $25 Free Slot Play

10 Year Old Spayed Female Arrival Date: 06/23/2017 Breed: Domestic short hair- black Reason here: I didn’t get along with the cats in my previous home SUMMARY: This shy, raspy Chatty Cathy is looking for a new special home to call her very own. She’s a sassy lady who knows what she wants and won’t be afraid to shake her cane at you (from her proverbial porch and rocker)! Jane would love nothing more than to allow you to bestow her with pets and affection whenever she is in the mood and eat delicious crunchy food that you provide in a silver bowl. Lady Jane would do best in a calm home where she rule and can bond with her loyal and devoted new person.

Sound like you? Ask about Jane!

My thoughts on: Dogs: No thank you! I need a home without other animals Cats: No thank you! I need a home without other animals Children: I would do best with older children who respect my space

Humane Society of Chittenden County 802-862-0135

Open to the Public! 300+ Vehicles Expected!

Auto Auction: Saturday, November 4 @9AM (Register to bid from 7:30AM)

298 J. Brown Dr., Williston, VT 802-878-9200 • 800-474-6132 Bid Online on Select Vehicles at thcauction.hibid.com ’15 Honda Motorcycle ’15 Yamaha R6 ’14 Dodge GR Caravan ’14 Harley FLHXS ’14 Subaru Outback ’13 Honda Civic ’12 Hyundai Veloster

’10 Dodge GR Caravan ’10 Ford F-150 ’10 Harley FLHX ’10 Kia Forte ’10 Mazda 3 ’10 MINI Cooper ’10 Mitsubishi Lancer

’08 Chrysler Pacifica ’08 Dodge GR Caravan ’08 Dodge Ram 1500 ’08 Ford Escape Hyb. ’08 Ford Fusion AND MORE Subject to Change

Foreclosure: 3BR Lake Eden Home on 1± Acre For the Estate of Harold Holmes Thursday, November 30 @11AM 54 Peninsula Dr., Eden, VT

OPEN HOUSE: Sunday, Nov. 12, 10:30AM-12:30PM

Enjoy the beauty of Vermont from your deck and walk down to your dock on picturesque Lake Eden. 3BR, 1BA 2-story home has a walk-out basement, cathedral ceilings, and generator on a 1± acre parcel. Year-round lake living or a vacation home can be yours!

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

Lumber

Superior Quality Great Prices

Mill Direct

Kiln Dried 6-8%

As projects move indoors....

HARDWOOD FLOORING 3/4” finished thickness. Random length 4’ - 12’ (some longer)tongue and groove, recessed back (not end matched). MAPLE, CHERRY, OAK, BIRCH Price & availability can vary. Call ahead to confirm.

HARDWOODS ROUGH Hard & Soft MAPLE, CHERRY, Red & White OAK, ASH, BASSWOOD MAHOGANY, WALNUT & YELLOW POPLAR. No quantity too small.

ALMOST WHOLESALE 500’ BF pkgs of lumber - Hard Maple, Yellow Birch, Cherry & Red Oak. Select & better. Ask Ken for details.

E N PI

BEADED SHIPLAP FLOORING V-JOINT PIPWICK DRESSED 4 SIDE

Cash & Volume Discounts Great Specials • Friendly Service

The A . Johnson C o.

WHOLES ALE • RETAIL

L U M B E R

All Pine is Kiln Dried Pitch set @ 170°

995 South 116 RD Bristol, VT 05443 802-453-4884 7am - 4pm Mon-Fri

8•

The Essex Reporter • November 2, 2017

classifieds & jobseekers

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

Jobsites in the Burlington and Middlebury areas. 45+ hours/week, secure employment, opportunity to advance.

Call Sweeney & Belisle at 802-644-5695 or 802-355-0836 COMMERCIAL ROOFERS and LABORERS Year round, full time positions Good wages and benefits Pay negotiable with experience EOE/M/F/Vet/Disability employer Apply in person at: A.C. Hathorne Co. 252 Avenue C Williston, VT 802-862-6473

SERVICES

FOR SALE

SINCE 1977, LAFAYETTE PAINTING has been providing top quality interior painting services. Our experts will complete your job quickly and the finished project is guaranteed to look great.

Call 863-5397 or visit LafayettePaintingInc. com

MAPLE SYRUP

6438

Appliances FOOD GRINDER, STAND mixer attachment, Kitchen Aid. Sells for $67. Still in box, $40. Call 802868-3269 mornings.

SLACKS, (4), size 2XL. $3. each or best offer. 802-524-6438

SNEAKERS, SIZE 10, $5. or best offer. 802STORM DOORS, 524-6438 COMBINATION, (2), white. 31”X80”. Very TOPS, BLOUSES, (5). good condition. $60. size 2XL. $3. each or each or $100. for both. best offer. 802-5246438 802-527-7891 Building Materials

Camping Supplies Yates Family Farm Maple Syrup 2017 Crop All Grades Gallon $44.00 Half Gallon $24.00 Quart $15.00 Pint $10.00.

Contact Garrys Barber Shop 89 Pearl Street Essex Junction

SHOES, BRAND NEW, size 10 wide. $10. or best offer. 802524-6438

TENT COT, COLEMAN with mattress, only used once.

Bought new at WalMart. $20. 802-8687613 Clothing & Accessories COAT, LONG, BLACK. Nice and dressy, size 2XL. $10. or best offer. 802-5246438 JACKETS, FALL, (2).

SIZE 2XL. $3. each or best offer. 802-524-

dows, works great. $75. 802-868-7613 Children’s Items & Toys BABY CARRIAGE, PLAID, very clean. $90. 802-527-7891 Electronics/ Cameras/Etc. TV, COLOR, 27”, black with matching swivel stand. Includes remote. Works fine, used very little. Excellent condition. $50.

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WALLET, BUXTON, Furniture MENS, black leather.

New, still in box. Paid BOOKCASE, BRAND $26., sell for $15.00.

NEW, pine. $45. 802Call 802-868-3269 868-4471 mornings.

BOOKSHELF, VINCollectibles TAGE, WOODEN, 4’x3’, multiple adjustSCHOOL DESKS, (5), able shelves. $75. 802vintage. Ideal for pre868-7975 school. $25. each or all OLD, 5 for $100. 802-868- DRESSER, LARGE, painted, 3 7975 large drawers, 2 small Computers/Supplies drawers. $15. 802527-7230 LAPTOP COMPUTKNACK ER, PRESARIO, Com- KNICK pact C700. Has win- SHELVES, brand new,

made of pine. $20. In stock ready to ship!

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Pet Supplies Great gift. Asking $75.

CAT CAGE, 802-868-7613 ELECTRIC BLANKET 17X20X24, brand new, WITH dual control, light blue, 2 doors. $40. king size, light blue. 802-527-7891 Like new. $20. 802868-7469

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A GREAT HOME TO COME HOME TO! You will be so thankful you purchased this lovingly cared for home in Whitcomb Heights in Essex Junction.

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Michael Snook x x208 Casey Toof x 125 George Berno 103 snook@essexreporter.com casey.toof@samessenger.com george@samessenger.com

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CHAINSAW CHAPS, Health Supplies ELVEX, JE-9136 Prowraparound WALKER WITH SEAT, Chaps, calf protection, 36” leg. leather, black. Good condition. $60. 802- Never worn. $20. 802527-0857 527-7891 CHAINSAW, PORMiscellaneous TABLE MILLING maSAWMILLS FROM chine. Clamps onto ONLY $4,397. -MAKE chainsaw bar. No drill& SAVE MONEY with ing required. $100. your own bandmill-Cut 802-868-7613

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Police loG

ESSEX POLICE REPORTS

Emergency: 911 • Non-emergency: 878-8331 • 145 Maple St., Essex Jct., VT 05452 • www.epdvt.org

October 23-29 Monday

10:29 a.m. Citizen dispute on Ethan Allen Ave. 11:49 a.m. Suspicious on West St. 12:08 a.m. Littering on Browns River Rd. 12:10 a.m. Theft on Brigham Hill Rd. 1:04 p.m. Property damage on Park St. 1:06 p.m. Welfare check on West St. 6:19 p.m. Citizen assist on Maple St. 7:09 p.m. Agency assist on Glenwood Dr. 9:12 p.m. Accident on Pearl St and W St Ext. 9:52 p.m. Citizen dispute on Hiawatha Ave.

Tuesday

7:03 a.m. Accident on 289 10:36 a.m. Vehicle theft on South St. 11:37 a.m. Fraud on Park St. 2:03 p.m. Accident on Williams St. 5:12 p.m. Citizen assist on Catella Rd.

5:26 p.m. Theft on Education Dr. 7:18 p.m. Vehicle theft on West St. 7:53 p.m. Communications offense on Pearl St.

Wednesday

7:49 a.m. Arrest on Sand Hill Rd. 8:17 a.m. Theft on West St. 9:17 a.m. Suspicious on Redwood Ter. 10:09 a.m. Accident on River St. 11:03 a.m. VIN inspection on Maple St. 1:09 a.m. Accident on Pearl St. 3:03 a.m. Agency assist on Main St. 4:03 a.m. Accident on Essex Way 5:12 p.m. Property damage on Center Rd. 6:17 p.m. Accident on Pearl St.

Thursday

7:56 a.m. Family disturbance on Kiln Rd. 8:18 a.m. Found property on Weed and Naylor Rd.

8:57 a.m. Assault on South St. 9:54 a.m. Motor Vehicle Complaint on Railroad Ave. 10:18 a.m. Suspicious on Dunbar Dr. 11:30 a.m. Citizen assist on Orchard Ter. 1:39 p.m. Agency assist on Blair Rd. 2:06 p.m. Found property on Essex Way 5:02 p.m. Burglary on Jackson St. 5:50 p.m. Theft on Fox Run Rd. 7:53 p.m. Robbery on Colchester Rd. 9:24 p.m. Motor vehicle complaint on Saxon Hill Rd.

Friday

1:28 a.m. Welfare check on West St. 5:49 a.m. Burglary alarm on Sand Hill Rd. 5:57 a.m. Citizen assist on Pearl St. 10:38 a.m. Juvenile problem on Founders Rd. 10:39 a.m. Juvenile problem on Founders Rd. 12:36 Found property on Main St and

Fairview Dr. 1:17 p.m. Theft on School St. 3:26 p.m. Theft on Main St. 4:13 p.m. Citizen dispute on S Summit St. 7:56 p.m. DLS on Pearl St and West St Ext. 8:48 p.m. Juvenile problem on Mansfield Ave.

saTurday

8:58 a.m. Domestic abuse order violation on Carmichael St. 10:04 a.m. Accident on Upper Main St. 5:50 p.m. Trespassing on Pearl St. 6:07 p.m. Animal problem on Pearl St. 6:21 p.m. Family disturbance on Park St. 7:11 p.m. Loitering on Pearl St. 9:16 p.m. Communications offense on Ridge Rd. 10:25 p.m. Accident on Pearl St and Susie Wilson Rd. 9:15 p.m. Burglary Alarm on Jericho Rd. 9:35 p.m. Citizen dispute on Pearl St.

11:44 p.m. DUI on Curtis Ave.

sunday

12:11 a.m. Automobile theft on South St. 1:50 a.m. Agency assist on Pine Ct. 1:54 a.m. Stolen property on Franklin St. 3:45 a.m. Motor veh. complaint on Brickyard Rd. 6:43 a.m. Disorderly on Pearl St. 12:52 p.m. Fraud on West St. 12:55 p.m. Weapons offense on Sand Hill Rd. 2:41 p.m. Larceny on Essex Way 5:40 p.m. Citizen dispute on Susie Wilson Rd. 8:31 p.m. Accident on Lincoln St.

TickeTs issued: 8 Warnings issued: 12 Fire/eMs calls dispaTched: 32

This log represents a sample of incidents in the date range. For more information, call the non-emergency number: 878-8331

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COMING SOON

2017 SALUTE TO VETERANS

D

o you have a servicemember in your family?

The Essex Reporter is honoring local heroes by asking residents to submit a veteran's name, photo, town of residence, branch of service and rank, plus a personal message from you to news@essexreporter.com by November 3. These will be printed in our special Veterans Day section on November 9. Have your own story to tell? We want to hear that, too! Contact us today.

802-524-9771 casey.toof@samessenger.com

10 •

The Essex Reporter • November 2, 2017

School Essex High School

Wild Bird Seminar Wed. November 15th 6-8 pm

Milton Municipal Bldg in the Community Room.

RSVP at the store or by calling the store 893-4628

National Honor Society: The National Honor Society inducted 51 new members October 26. These students met the requirements for membership based on their accomplishments in and commitment to the four pillars of NHS: leadership, service, character and scholarship.

Career and college search process program: This is a meeting for juniors and parents/guardians on Tuesday, Nov. 7 starting at 6:30 p.m. at Essex High School. The meeting covers the career and college search process and offers important information for students as they begin considering career and school choices. In the first part of the program, a college admission counselor will discuss what colleges are looking for in applicants.

Participants can then attend two halfhour workshops based on their interests.

College visits field trip: On Wednesday, Nov. 8 from 8-11:30 a.m., all 10th grade students will be participating in our EHS College Exploration Day. Students will be randomly assigned to visit one of the following local colleges: UVM, St. Michael's, Champlain or VTC-Williston. The purpose is for students to experience what a college campus is like, meet some college students and ask questions about their college life while touring the campus.

College Exploration Day is one of the many ways EHS helps prepare students for their futures beyond high school. All parents/guardians should have received an email explaining the day in greater detail. Please feel free to contact Pam Hemingway, career development coordinator, at phemingway@

With

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16 & 20 lb bags $2.00 off and 40 lb bags $4.00 off Bags of wild bird seed mixes

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phy@ewsd.org with your preferred appointment time and she will be happy to sign you up.

EHS fall musical: Over 80 students collaborated to create Essex High School's edition of "Les Misérables," the epic, grand and uplifting pop opera. This modern masterpiece continues to be vitally relevant: A story about the survival of the human spirit set against an environment of social unrest and inequality. The EHS fall musical will take place November 16, 17 and 18. Each night starts at 7 p.m., with an additional Saturday matinee at 1 p.m. Tickets available at the door or in advance online at: bit. ly/2zVDuhZ. Tickets for seniors, students and children are $5, while general admission is $8 per ticket. Seating is assigned.

T HE M ILTON C RAFT C OMMITTEE, I NC.

Health informatics hospital visit: Students from the Center for Technology, Essex’s health informatics class hope to work in a hospital one day.

On October 18, they had an opportunity to “gown up” and see exactly what that could be like by touring the University of Vermont’s clinical simulation lab radiology and central sterilization departments.

CTE to host community appreciation days, November 2 and 3: The Center for Technology, Essex community is excited to invite citizens 60 years or older to come visit its programs and enjoy free services provided by students on either November 2 or 3. Arrive between 9:45 and 10:30 a.m. No early birds please. Services include manicures, haircuts, assistance with technology, health and wellness information, photo restoration, car services and a buffet lunch. No reservations required. CTE is located at 2 Educational Dr. in Essex Jct. For questions, call 8577966. Bring a friend, spread the word and hope to see you there!

Furniture, appliances and building materials get a new life when you donate and shop.

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Blood drive: The EHS Red Cross Club will host a fall blood drive on Thursday, Nov. 16 in the gymnasium from 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Anyone over age 16 is eligible to donate as long as they meet other general donor criteria. Blood donors who are 16 or 17 must bring a Red Cross consent form signed by a parent or legal guardian before they can register. Red Cross Club members will be at a table outside of the cafeteria from November 6-15 during all lunch blocks to sign donors up for time slots when they have study hall/free blocks. They will have parental consent forms available at the table as well. We also hope adults in the community will sign up to donate.

Please email Maeve Murphy, one of the Red Cross Club advisers, at mmur-

Center for Technology, Essex

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COURTESY PHOTO

Essex High School students are putting on their fall musical this month: Les Misérables.

River Road Beverage Redemption Bottle Drives by Reservation only Ad required for discount. Can’t be combined w/ other offers.

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Essex Westford School District EWSD school news on the go: Don’t miss out on news, announcements, social media posts and more with the free Essex Westford School District mobile app, available in the Apple and Google Play stores (search: Essex Westford School District).

The app gives users the ability to personalize the school news and information

that you care about in a convenient, onestop shop.

The mobile app provides users with an avenue to access school calendars, a tip line and push notifications such as school closings, alerts and updates. EWSD will look to add new features to the app throughout the school year.

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SportS ESSEX MIDDLE SCHOOL'S

ATHLETES

WEEK

OF THE reporter PrESEnTEd by

the eSSex

The school year is a busy time for everyone — including us here at The Reporter — and with each sports season only running so many weeks, we thought it was time to highlight some of Essex's top student-athletes in addition to our weekly team coverage. Our new Athlete of the Week segment will include a male and female athlete from both the Essex High School Hornets and their younger counterparts from Essex Middle School and Albert D. Lawton. Check back next week and see who has earned their spot in our athlete of the week spotlight!

November 2, 2017 • The Essex Reporter • 11

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ANDREW

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As co-captain of the Boys A soccer team, Andrew Seavers has allowed just five

ANNA

HALL

goals on the season, an average of .83 per game. He’s improved his foot skills and brought confidence to the team, helping EMS play to a record of 4-2-3. His leader-

CROSS-COUNTRY

Anna Hall finished in the top 5 in each of Essex Middle School’s five meets

ship on and off the field has earned him the respect of his peers and coaches.

this season, including finishes in first, second, third, fourth and fifth. At the most recent EMS meet, she broke the school record for the course. She’s known as a fantastic student, teammate and a leader for both her team and class.

Follow our reporters on twitter!

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Casey Toof, 524-9771 ext. 125 casey.toof@samessenger.com John Kelley, 524-9771 ext. 105 john.kelley@samessenger.com

12 •

The Essex Reporter • November 2, 2017

Water and sewer bills due Water and sewer bills dated October 30 were mailed to Village of Essex Jct. property owners and are due by November 30. The current bill includes quarterly fixed charges, plus water usage for the previous six months. The previous water and sewer bill, dated July 31, was for quarterly fixed charges and did not include the usage that is on the current bill.

The new water bills have a different format due to a change in billing software. Payments may be mailed to: Village of Essex Jct., c/o 81 Main St., Essex Jct., VT 05452 or may be delivered to either the village office at 2 Lincoln St., Essex Jct., VT 05452 or the town office at 81 Main St., Essex Jct., VT 05452. A drop box is available at both locations for after-hours check payments.

Payments received or postmarked after November 30 will be charged a 5 perent penalty. For questions concerning your bill, or if you did not receive a bill, please call 857-0073.

Water and sewer bills can be paid online or in office with a credit or debit card. Convenience fees will be charged. A link to online payments can be found on the village website at www.essexjunction.org.

local

Phoenix Books celebrates 10th anniversary This October, Phoenix Books celebrated its tenth anniversary and Phoenix Books Essex's recent move.

The program included an array of events for all ages, including story times, costumed character appearances, a ribbon cutting, an anniversary party, book talks by local authors and more.

While the store's new location at 2 Carmichael St. has been open for business since July, the official ribbon cutting took place October 20.

The main event followed on Oct. 21 and included light fare, music and company of neighbors, booksellers, authors and more at an open house.

Children enjoyed a series of three Saturday morning events:

Dr. Seuss' the Cat in the Hat visited "in person" for a celebration of the character's 60-and-a-half birthday on October 7. Families were invited to meet Bruce the Bear at an Oct. 14 event featuring the storybook "Bruce's Big Move" by Ryan T. Higgins. On the 21st, the store hosted an 11 a.m. celebration featuring the picture book "When's My Birthday?"

by Julie Fogliano.

Teens and adults won't be left behind: The month will also include visits from Julie C. Dao, author of the new young adult fantasy "Forest of a Thousand Lanterns;" Elayne Clift, editor of "Take Care: Tips, Tricks and Love from Women Caregivers;" Essex reflexologist

and author of "Put Your Best Feet Forward," Geraldine Villeneuve; and Random House Children's Books sales associate Kate Sullivan, who will lead a discussion entitled "Picture Books for Grown-ups."

Phoenix Books was founded in Essex in 2007 by Michael DeSanto and Renee Reiner, and has since added locations in Burlington, Rutland and Chester, plus a sister store in Woodstock.

Phoenix Books Essex is located at 2 Carmichael St. in Essex. For more information, please call 872-7111 or visit www.phoenixbooks.biz.

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Essex What's

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Directions:

1. Stir together the first seven ingredients in the slow cooker.

2. Season the pork roast all over with salt and pepper and place it in the slow cooker. Spoon some of the sauce over the roast.

3. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender. Add the apples during the last hour of cooking.

4. Place the pork on a carving board, tent it with foil and let it stand for 10 minutes before slicing. While the pork rests, stir the cornstarch mixture into the sauce and cook until thickened, about 10 minutes.

5. Serve the pork slices with a spoonful of sauce and apples on top. Offer the remaining sauce on the side.

Servings: 6 Slow cook: 6 to 8 hours

November 2, 2017 • The Essex Reporter • 13

local MURTIE from page 1 “I never worked so hard in my life,” he said of the role, in which he oversaw the department’s major cases and headed internal affairs investigations.

The new roles brought more responsibility, and Murtie’s proud of the work he’s accomplished. Law enforcement is a great profession, he said, and Essex has been a great place to spend a career.

“If there's a place where it's easy to do police work, certainly this is one of the better places,” he said.

He also credits his family for his success. He frequently racked up overtime during the early years of his career, and family members often arrived home to a sign on the front door reading: “Shh, George is sleeping.”

After years of seeing people at their worst, police officers lose the luxury of taking life at face value. And with the final leg of his career coming amid the opioid

crisis, Murtie has seen the residual crimes that grow as people seek ways to fund their addictions.

“You learn things about people that you wish you didn’t know,” he said.

Still, Murtie likes his job, and said he could see himself working until 65. He didn’t even think about retirement until his wife began bringing it up some months ago.

“You’ve been doing this a long time,” she said to him. “It’s starting to change you. It’s starting to take a toll.”

Despite best efforts, the work inevitably made its way home. Murtie said his biggest regrets are two unsolved homicides from when he started with the department.

He said he won’t miss the late-night phone calls or the trivial incidents that take up an officer’s time. And he certainly won’t miss the worst part of the job: Informing people something tragic happened to their loved ones.

“I’ve done that so much, I’m ready to move on,” he said.

As to what, the story traces back well

beyond that late-night drive. After starting off on the piano at age 7, a teenage Murtie, inspired by The Beatles’ historic Ed Sullivan appearance, knew he had to get a guitar.

He’s played almost every day since and even attended Berklee College of Music for a semester after high school.

A recent introduction to social media has sparked 20 subscribers to his YouTube channel, where Murtie is seen strumming his guitar from his Essex home. So far, he’s posted over a dozen videos, including covers like Glen Campbell’s “Gentle on my Mind” and even an original song, “Them Choices,” which finds Murtie crooning about some ill-fated rough-housing.

Another song, called “My Next Last Chance,” was written in a Boston hotel room after Murtie’s wife was recovering from surgery for stomach cancer.

“Ain’t no turning back, I’m moving at the speed of faith Nothing left to lose, relying on the hands of grace

Don’t know what’s ahead, learning all the steps to dance I’m running down the road and I’m gonna take next last chance.”

Murtie plans to play some open mics before aiming to snag some gigs around the area with the help of his wife, who’s now fully healthy.

A likely attendee to those shows will be Chief Brad LaRose, who Murtie a valued adviser with the “highest level of honor and integrity.” When asked of Murtie’s singing prowess, he put it this way: “I won’t be throwing any tomatoes.”

And though starting his singing career when most others fade, Murtie said it’s all about the experience.

“It doesn't have to take me anywhere,” he said. “But I'm just excited about the opportunity to go out and get some people to listen to my music, write some music and play with some other people.

“I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve now,” he added. “I’m so looking forward to what the future holds.”

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14 •

The Essex Reporter • November 2, 2017

sports

Crosscountry captures state title

Hornets fall to CVU in semis The No. 2-seeded Essex field hockey team’s season came to an end Monday after dropping a tight contest to No. 3-seeded Champlain Valley Union, 3-2.

The loss snaps a sixgame winning streak for the Hornets and marked the final game for seniors Dakota Allen, Jenna Puleo, Hannah Palmer, Samantha Hemphill, Anna Eekraw, Emily Singer and manager Makenna Thorne.

Essex finished the season 13-3, and outscored opponents by a margin of 5610.

The Essex boys cross-country team secured the program’s 16th state championship last weekend after beating second-place Burlington.

The title marks Essex’s first since 2008.

Led by sophomore Henry Farrington and junior Peter Alden, who placed second and third, respectively, the Hornets totaled a score of 49 points. The top-five included Jack Wagner (12th), Brady Martisus (14th) and Jake Moran (21st), while senior Justin Poulin turned in a gutsy performance, crawling across the finish line after falling 20 feet from the finish line.

The Hornets are now the top Vermont seed headed to Belfast, Maine on November 11 for the New England Championships. The state title wraps up a phenomenal season highlighted by a handful of first-place finishes, including at the annual Essex Invitational and the BFA-Festival.

The girls team placed fourth. Lizzie Martell ran 13th, followed by Hannah Brisson (25th) Olivia Miller-Johnson (36th), Ary Wilson (39th), Natalie Preston (41st), Guilia Eddy (42nd) and Morgan Marckres (56th). The New Englands are next week.

COURTESY PHOTO

Senior captain Jenna Puleo pushes upfield during the Hornets' semifinal loss to CVU on Monday at the University of Vermont.

SPORT SHORTS

By JOE GONILLO Congratulations to the boys cross country team for winning the 2017 state championship Saturday down in Thetford. It’s the first for the program since 2008. Nice job by all. Complete rundown of playoff results follow. Cross-country continues its season as the others shut the door on fall.

Relax and enjoy time off until winter sports begin. Registration info is below.

Our boys cross-country team edged BHS 49 to 54 in a close title race Saturday.

A cliff-hanger, nail-biter, exciting but fun. Henry Farrington again led the team to the finish, placing second. Peter Alden had an outstanding race coming in right behind Farrington in third. Jake Wagner and freshman Brady Martisus were next across the line ,placing 12th and 14th. BHS had their top four runners in, so it was a race for the best fifth runner. Senior Justin Poulin was just behind Martisus when he collapsed 20 feet from the finish line.

His legs simply gave out. He made five attempts to stand, but each time he took one

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step, he collapsed again. Fellow senior Jake Moran ran past and finished in 21st. Determined to help the team and finish, Poulin crawled over the finish. Some said it was a tear-jerker to watch him finish, though by that point Moran had sealed the deal.

The JVs also had a great day. On Saturday, they claimed the JV championship. Freshman Liam Mack led the way in second with Connor Goodrich fifth, Walker Stapleton eighth, Kurt Dirmaier 12th and Charles Martell 19th, rounding out the scoring. Five of the seven varsity boys will be returning next year, as will all of the top seven JV runners. The girls were fourth, scoring 144 points to edge MMU by two points.

New Englands are next week.

The girls soccer team season ended in Manchester last Thursday in a 5-0 defeat to No. 2 Burr & Burton.

They finished with a 1-14 record, looking forward to 2018 as the future is bright.

The boys soccer team ended its fall in the quarterfinals Saturday, dropping a 5-1 decision to No. 2 St. Johnsbury. Spencer Towle scored his first career varsity goal in the loss. It cut the gap to 2-1, but EHS could not get closer. Earlier in the week, the team traveled to No. 7 Burr & Burton and came away with an exciting 2-1

win. It was their second win over B&B down in Manchester this fall. The Hornets end the fall at 7-8, and over half the team is returning.

The field hockey team extended their winning streak to six games with yet another shutout win, this one a 5-0 thrashing of Rutland last week in a quarterfinal victory. Jenna Puleo led the Hornets, scoring a hat trick. Hannah Palmer and Maddie Reed added goals with Puleo, Reed and Sarah Coulter registering assists. Kaylan Ferreira and Leah Rushford shared the shutout victory between the pipes as Essex moved to 132. They advanced to the D-I semifinals Monday playing No. 3 CVU. The girls volleyball team opened their playoff run with a 3-0 shutout win over Mid VT Christian Academy. The win ups their record to 14-1. More importantly, the No. 1 Hornets hosted No. 4 MMU on Tuesday. The finals are slated for Saturday at 1 p.m.

The No. 2 boys volleyball team improved to 11-2 with a 3-0 quarterfinal win over Enosburg last week.

The win advances the boys into Wednesday’s semifinal against winner of SB/BHS. Championship game is Saturday at 3:30 p.m.

The JV football team completed its fall with a win and a record of 4-2. The Hornets scored two touch-

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