Nov. 12, 2015 Essex Reporter by Essex Reporter

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NOVeMBeR 12, 2015

Vol. 35, No. 45

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Superintendent: No plan to cut Essex High honors classes Teachers’ union raises concerns about training, lack of input on curriculum changes

By MArIA ArChAnGELo The Essex Reporter Rumors about Essex High School cutting its honors and AP classes swirled on social media and email this week after administrators met with teachers to discuss potential curriculum changes. Fears about the loss of advanced-level classes were unfounded, said Judith DeNova, the Chittenden Central Supervisory Union superintendent, on Monday. DeNova said the curriculum meeting with teachers last week was the result of work by the U46 school board and administrators to figure out how best to prepare students for new state graduation requirements for the class of 2020.

In writing and in a phone interview, DeNova stated there will be no loss of AP and honors classes at the high school. “We are not doing away with honors and AP classes,” DeNova said. “We want to make sure that all children have access to college preparedness.” DeNova addressed the issue late Monday after phone calls, emails and Facebook posts asserted that teachers had been told “there will be one chemistry, one physics, one biology, etc.” Some Facebook posters also reported their children were upset when teachers polled them about whether they wanted to be able to take advanced placement classes in the future. During the curriculum meeting last week, the administration officials shared the

results of recent evaluations showing that students in lower-level courses at the high school — so-called level 100 and 200 classes — did not perform as well on standardized tests as other students and were not given the same opportunities for college prep study. School systems across the state and the country are evaluating whether the use of “leveled courses,” also known as tracking, ultimately hurts students by pigeon-holing them and overlooking their potential. To address that issue, the supervisory union is considering “compressing” the level 100 and 200 courses and giving those students the opportunity to tackle college preparatory material. “When we place a 14-year-old in a level 100 class, we are restricting their options

going forward,” DeNova said. Students who take only 100 level classes are closed off from some higher-level courses because they cannot take the prerequisites to get in. She said the proposed changes would “move everybody up” and not penalize students taking higher-level courses. She said any changes in 100 and 200 level classes would come next year in “maybe two or three” ninth- and tenth-grade classes.

Teachers’ union wants a say

While DeNova maintains that there will be plenty of opportunities for teacher and parent input on the changes, the co-president of the local teachers’ union

– See HONORS on page 3a

Shumlin applauds Essex and Westford school district merger

Crunch tim

By CoLIn FLAnDErS The Essex Reporter The decision made last week by Essex, Essex Junction and Westford residents to merge school districts proves that Act 46 is working, according to Gov. Peter Shumlin. Shumlin touted the merger decision at a press conference held at Essex High School on Tuesday, where he also lauded the three districts for their collaboration on the effort. Voters in all three communities said yes to the merger by wide margins. The unification, which was the first under the state’s new law that encourages school districts to consolidate, will reduce the number of school boards in the three communities from five to one, provide tax rate reductions for residents and cut the schools budget by $1 million after three years, according to early estimates. “Communities around Vermont are having important conversations about how to improve educational quality for their kids because of this law, not despite it,” Shumlin said. He cited declining enrollment over the past two decades as a clear sign

iscovery Preschool’s Explorer class recently enjoyed a field trip to Chapin Orchard in Essex. The preschoolers had a fun morning of visiting with the animals, taking turns with the water pump and of course, picking apples. They picked two bags of apples — one bag was used for classroom activities and the other bag was donated to the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf.

– See MERGER on page 2a

Three-year-old Maggie Mays of Shelburne enjoys a tasty apple.

Gov. Peter Shumlin addresses a crowd at Essex high School on Tuesday. Shumlin praised residents of Essex, Essex Junction and Westford for voting to merge school districts. PhoTo | CoLiN FLANDERS

PhoTo CoNTRiBUTED

ADL parents hope new principal is a lot like Singer GlobalFoundries invests Longtime leader to retire at the end of the year

By CoLIn FLAnDErS The Essex Reporter

The six mothers who gathered last week at Albert D. Lawton School to discuss the search for the school’s next principal found themselves hitting upon a consistent theme: They hope the new hire is a lot like Principal Laurie Singer. Last month, Singer announced she plans to retire at the end of the year, setting in motion a lengthy search for her replacement. This process includes four forums — one each for faculty and staff, parents, administrators Laurie Singer and students — along with the assembly of a search committee. Chittenden County Supervisory Union Superintendent Judith DeNova and Deb Robbins-Anderson, the district’s executive director of human resources, presided over the parent meeting, posing questions for the small group. In response to a question about what the principal’s most important work would be in his or her first year in the position, the mothers said they’d like the person to get to know the students and their families. They’d also like the principal to be visible in the school community; one mom cited Singer’s tendency to welcome students outside at the beginning of the day as an example.

“One thing my kids said to me before I left was, ‘I want someone who knows who we are,” said Rhonda Forcier, who has children in fifth, seventh and ninth grade. Other suggestions included a modern candidate who understands the trajectory of technology and its importance, but one who can also relate to kids in today’s world. While praising Singer for having many of these traits, the group agreed that the right person would be one who can also bring change to the school — when needed. “Whomever it is, they’ll be very blessed to have such a group of parents to work with,” DeNova told the group. The makeup of the search committee is still being finalized, but it is expected to hold its first meeting on Nov. 18. The committee will evaluate applicants during the first week of December, and then will to conduct interviews during the second week of January before finalizing a list of two or three candidates to be presented to DeNova for final selection. DeNova noted that although these dates are tentative, her final recommendation to the Prudential Committee — the board that governs Essex Junction schools — will come on March 14, 2016.

A remarkable place

The end of this year will mark Singer’s tenth at ADL. She said the thought of no longer being in a middle school setting is “a little daunting” — 23 of her 29 years

in education have been spent with middle schoolers. “ADL is a really remarkable place. I think when I first got here, there were (a few) middle school philosophies and practices in place. But I think over the course of the time that I’ve been here, we’ve really developed a school that is responsive to middle school learners and the adults that teach them,” said Singer, who was named Vermont’s 2011 middle school principal of the year. She is currently teaching a graduate class at St. Michael’s College, and hopes to continue consulting education leaders after her retirement. And while she will not be directly involved in the search for her predecessor, that doesn’t mean she hasn’t thought about it. “I’m hoping someone will be able to come in and keep that momentum going and keep having ADL be a shining star,” Singer said, adding that district’s families, community members and her colleagues have made it “a blessing to work here.” DeNova said Singer has been the perfect fit for ADL, which serves grades 6-8, praising her ability to connect with students both leaving and entering the school. “I, for one, will sorely miss her professionalism and the time and energy she has dedicated to the entire Essex community. She has always been there for the kids, and for that I have a deep respect for her and the legacy she’ll leave,” DeNova said.

$55 million in Essex By JASon STArr The Essex Reporter

It was said when GlobalFoundries took over IBM’s Essex Junction microchip manufacturing facility earlier this year that the company’s intentions for the plant would be predicted by whether it invests in it. And while GlobalFoundries just shed roughly 100 local employees through retirement incentives and targeted layoffs, it announced last Wednesday a $55 million infusion of infrastructure to increase manufacturing output. The plant will produce an additional 5 million microchips per day, according to Director of Fab Operations Dale Miller – a 13 percent increase in output annually. The investment moves 50 contracted workers to full-time workers, according to Senior Location

– See INVESTMENT on page 3a

Jim Doyle, left, vice president of the GlobalFoundries microchip manufacturing facility in Essex Junction, cuts the ribbon on a $55 million investment with Gov. Peter Shumlin last week. PhoTo CoNTRiBUTED

The Essex Reporter • November 12, 2015

ADL students pitch solutions to community problems Eighth-graders at Albert D. Lawton School faced a Shark Tank-like panel of community members on Friday, presenting their solutions to various community issues as part of a school project. A dog bite, an overweight bus, the Five Corners building project and one neighborhood’s trash truck routes were among topics covered by the students in Amanda Eldridge’s class. For all issues, students had to think of solutions that would benefit the greatest number of people. In the case of a dog that bit someone after repeatedly escaping on Beech Street, one group proposed fencing the dog owner’s yard and requiring that the dog is always leashed when outside. And in the case of a bus traveling on South Street that is over the road’s weight limit — a real issue that has been raised to the village

Board of Trustees — students suggested selling the bus and using the profits to purchase a smaller, lighter bus in its stead, citing the cost of having to constantly repave the roads in their reasoning. “This is a great stepping stone to get students thinking about how to network, how to make a phone call, how to send an appropriate email to get the information they need to start solving the problem on their own,” said Eldridge. Four of Eldridge’s classes participated in the presentations, receiving feedback from a panel that included Selectboard member Brad Luck, Village Trustee Lori Houghton, State Rep. Tim Jerman and community member Bridget Meyer. For Sathvik Kanuparthi, whose group presented about a neighborhood where garbage removal services are provided

on different times and days, the project provided insight into the responsibilities of local decision-makers. “It gets across the idea of community, how people get their decisions and what kind of solutions you might get. And you have to realize that you might need an alternative because the law might get in your way,” Kanuparthi said. Meyer, who was present for all four presentations, lauded the project for showing students that living in a democracy is about more than having freedoms. “It’s also about having responsibility. I think so many people have lost that sense,” Meyer said, while stressing the importance of instilling a civic obligation at an early age. “Middle schoolers are just beginning to be abstract thinkers, so the complexity of these issues is starting to occur to them. Before

Students at Albert D. Lawton School prepare for their Friday presentations. PhoTo CoURTESy oF AMANDA ELDRiDGE

they would have said black or white, now they’re thinking ‘Wow, there’s some gray. This is harder than I thought it was.’ I just loving watching that process,” Meyer said. Although the project was on a relatively small scale, Eldridge said it was great practice for her students, and she hopes to revisit the project later on in the year. “Hopefully we’ll see some growth and more polished work, but I’m really proud of the kids and so thankful for our panel members that came in and were willing to take time to give the kids feedback,” Eldridge said. The project ended with AFFORDABLE AND CUSTOM WINDOW COVERINGS a reflection where students THAT FIT YOUR STYLE AND BUDGET! shared what they learned. Many cited a deeper understanding of the “Expert Fit” Measuring & Installation compromises required for Shutters • Draperies • such decisions. Others, such Wood Blinds • Cellular Shades • as Jackson Parker, simply Roller Shades • Vertical Blinds • Valances • enjoyed feeling useful. “I felt like I could make a Woven Wood • Motorization and more! difference in my community,” wrote Parker. FREE Personal Consultation and NO CHARGE for Installation! – Colin Flanders

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MErGEr from page 1a

that the state needs to adapt. This adaption requires a delicate balance — providing students the best education opportunities possible, while also maintaining affordable property taxes, Shumlin said. “I think it’s fair to say that most Vermonters would agree we’re losing the battle on both too often,” he said. House Speaker Shap Smith echoed Shumlin’s praise for the three communities, and said that Act 46 is the “next step to fulfill the promise” of excellent education to the children of Vermont. “We see it throughout the state that because children live on different sides of invisible lines drawn on a map, they sometimes get different opportunity,” Smith said. Act 46 provides incentives to school systems that combine governance structures in an effort to share resources and cut costs. There are currently 11 school systems looking into mergers under the law, according a statement from the governor’s office. On the same night that Essex, Essex Junction and Westford residents approved the merger of their school districts, residents in Elmore rejected a plan to merge their district with Morristown, while Morristown voters narrowly approved the plan. The merger can move forward only if residents in both communities vote yes. The merger vote failure means Elmore residents will face a double-digit increase in school taxes. The loss of school choice, coupled with fears that the Lake Elmore School could close, appear to be reasons the measure failed in Elmore. Smith, a Democratic candidate for governor whose district includes Elmore and Morristown, said the House Education Committee will be hearing testimony about Act 46 from people around the state beginning next week to determine what’s working well and areas that need to be addressed. For Essex High School senior Emily Goodrich — who spoke at the press conference — the merger represents an opportunity to standardize the curriculum among all of the communities’ schools so that students can be on the same page when they get to the high school. “I commend the leadership of this community for having the bravery to be the first to capitalize on the opportunity Act 46 has provided,” Goodrich said.

The Essex Reporter • November 12, 2015

Essex Police Report Emergency 911 • Non-emergency 878-8331

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

Nov. 2 - 8, 2015 Monday 0023 Assisted Rescue on Carmichael St 0149 Family Fight on Maple St 0214 Wanted Person on Maple St 0458 911 Hang-up on Maple St 0524 Alarm on River Rd 0541 Animal Problem on Pioneer St 0716 Accident on Saybrook Rd 0724 Directed Patrol on Main St 0804 Agency Assist on Educational Dr 0844 Suspicious Circumstance on Greenfield Rd 0926 Juvenile Problem on Maple St 0938 Animal Problem on Rustic Dr 1051 Motor Veh Complaint on Lincoln St 1203 Accident on Colchester Rd 1245 Vandalism on Rosewood Ln 1305 Vandalism on Rustic Dr 1424 Motor Vehicle Complaint on Park St 1611 Found Property on Pearl St 1615 Assisted Rescue on Morse Dr

1751 Citizens Dispute on Central St 1752 Accident on Kellogg Rd 1914 Citizens Dispute on Lamoille St 2206 Suspicious on Bixby Hill Rd 2343 Alarm on Pearl St Tuesday 0733 Directed Patrol on Main St 0905 Susp Circumstance on Iroquois Ave 0905 Citizens Dispute on Lincoln St 1142 Susp Circumstance on Jericho Rd 1148 Accident on Center Rd 1236 Susp Circumstance on Pioneer St 1305 DLS on Susie Wilson Rd 1351 Juvenile Problem on Maple St 1401 Suspicious Vehicle on Woodside Dr 1714 Motor Veh Complaint on Center Rd 1723 911 Hang-up on Orchard Ter 1810 Theft on River Rd 1812 Theft on Thompson Dr 1935 VIN Verification on Craftsbury Ct

1942 Theft on Upper Main St 2009 Suspicious on Maple St 2021 Agency Assist in Williston 2038 Assault on Dalton Dr Wednesday 0018 Noise Complaint on Pearl St 0659 Alarm on Main St 0728 Directed Patrol on Main St 0755 Vandalism on Allen Martin Dr 0821 Accident on River Rd 0830 Motor Veh Complaint on Lincoln St 0908 Susp Circumstance on Jericho Rd 0915 Welfare Check on Frederick Rd 1206 VIN Verification on Corporate Dr 1212 Theft on Pearl St 1237 Assisted Rescue on Center Rd 1528 Lost Property on Kimberly Dr 1608 Trespass Notice Request on Woodside Dr 1613 Susp Circumstance on Fairview Dr

1631 Animal Problem on Cabot Dr 1645 Motor Veh Complaint on Maple St 1652 Accident on Center Rd 1704 Noise Complaint on Baker St 1710 Motor Vehicle Complaint on I 289 1735 Motor Vehicle Complaint on Susie Wilson Rd 1854 Accident on Park St 2146 Traffic Offense on I 289 Thursday 0722 Alarm on Pearl St 0801 Accident on Pearl St 0824 Disabled Vehicle on Central St 0827 Alarm on S Hill Dr 0848 VIN Verification on River Rd 0909 Assisted the Fire Department on Pearl St 0955 Parking Problem on Nicholas Ct 1100 Accident on Valley View Dr 1235 Theft on Upper Main St 1245 Citizens Dispute on Main St 1527 Motor Veh Complaint on River Rd 1531 Accident on Upper Main St 1559 Citizens Dispute on Pearl St 1708 Suspicious Circumstance on West St 2202 Suspicious Circumstance on Sleepy Hollow Rd 2335 Traffic Offense on Greenfield Rd Friday 0035 Suspicious Person on Kellogg Rd 0708 Animal Problem on Suffolk Ln

0751 Accident on West St 0833 Suspicious on Educational Dr 0845 Motor Veh Complaint on Drury Dr 0856 Motor Vehicle Complaint on Susie Wilson Rd 0950 Fraud on Maple St 1023 Fraud on Pearl St 1132 Theft on Laurette Dr 1234 Theft on Center Rd 1314 Family Fight on Franklin St 1338 Accident on Essex Way 1505 Suspicious on Center Rd 1512 Fraud on Brigham Hill Rd 1601 Accident on West St 1613 Agency Assist in South Burlington 1651 VIN Verification on Maple St 1709 Agency Assist on Cascade St 1841 Suspicious on Park Ave 1842 Accident on Greenbriar Dr 1924 Animal Problem on Athens Dr 2002 Accident on Essex Way 2240 Welfare Check on Thompson Dr 2247 Animal Problem on Susie Wilson Rd 2256 Alarm on Old Colchester Rd 2257 Suspicious Circumstance on Susie Wilson Rd 2323 Alarm on New England Dr Saturday 0500 Violation of Conditions of Release on Colchester Rd 0846 Alarm on Fox Run Rd 0944 911 Hang-up on Carmichael St

honors from page 1a

this week remained skeptical about the proposed changes and concerned about the administration’s decision-making process. Local teachers’ union co-president Jennifer Letourneau said that Essex High School Principal Rob Reardon and Chittenden Central Supervisory Union Director of Curriculum Amy Cole told teacher department heads last week about the change to more heterogenous classes. She said they were told that while advanced placement classes would be retained for higher-achieving students, the mid-level classes and lower-level classes will be combined next year so that a mix of students with different abilities are taught together. The change will take effect for freshmen and sophomores next year, and the following year, all grade levels at the high school will be “de-leveled,” according to Letourneau. The change will affect all content areas except math, she said the teachers were told.

Letourneau said she has never taught in a heterogenous environment in 22 years as an English teacher, and that EHS teachers were surprised and concerned about the decision. “Faculty input was not sought,” she said. Judith DeNova “This is a considerable shift … there would need to be a tremendous amount of professional development to ensure it’s done in a way that allows us to teach all levels. “We are concerned there’s not enough time to have adequate professional development.” One concern with heterogenous classes is that more advanced students won’t get challenged enough and less advanced students will get overwhelmed, Letourneau said.

Investment

DeNova maintains that the school district is at the very beginning of considering changes in the curriculum, and no changes will be made without parent and teacher input, including public forums that will be scheduled in the coming months. The U46 school board, which governs the high school, will discuss the proposed changes Dec. 14 , she said. The curriculum changes are part of a three- to five-year plan that will address a number of new requirements, including personalized learning plans and new report cards. DeNova said the proposed changes are part of an effort to move away from a “sift and sort” organizational structure that does not benefit all students and learning styles. “When we say we give equal opportunity to all kids, do we mean it?” DeNova asked. Jason Starr contributed to this article.

1043 911 Hang-up on Essex Way 1524 Suspicious on Saxon Hill Rd 1541 Arrest for Retail Theft on Essex Way 1616 Juvenile Problem on Jericho Rd 1640 Juvenile Problem on Taft St 1906 Accident on Old Stage Rd 1916 Suspicious Vehicle on Mansfield Ave 2018 Suspicious Person on Chelsea Rd 2038 Welfare Check on Railroad St 2219 Agency Assist on Greenfield Rd 2257 Vandalism on Essex Way Sunday 0111 Alarm on Market Pl 0325 Alarm on Abare Ave 0459 Suspicious Vehicle on Jericho Rd 0714 Vandalism on Beech St 0944 Citizens Dispute on Jericho Rd 1037 Animal Problem on Chapin Rd 1523 Theft on Susie Wilson Rd 1618 Animal Problem on Brickyard Rd 1624 Found Property on I 289 1634 Animal Problem on River Rd 1926 DLS on Pearl St 1926 Violation of Conditions of Release on Chelsea Rd 2257 Alarm on Old Colchester Rd Tickets/Warnings Issued: 76 Fire/EMS Calls Dispatched: 33

Water, sewer bills due Nov. 30

Water and Sewer bills were mailed to Village of Essex Junction property owners on Oct. 30, 2015. The current bill includes quarterly fixed charges plus water usage for the previous six months. The previous water and sewer bill (dated July 31, 2015) was for quarterly fixed charges only and did not include the usage that is on the current bill. Payments can be mailed or brought to the village office at 2 Lincoln St., Essex Junction, VT 05452. A drop box is available for after-hours check payments. Payments received or postmarked after Nov. 30 will be charged a 5 percent penalty. For questions concerning your bill, or if you did not receive a bill, please call the village office at 8786944. Water/sewer bills can be paid online or in office with credit or debit card for a fixed convenience fee of $2.95. A link to online payments can be found on the Village website at www.essexjunction.org.

Correction

from page 1a

Executive Janet Bombardier. As for the incongruity of increasing output while trimming the workforce, Bombardier emphasized that continuous streamlining does not affect the company’s commitment to developing innovations that keep it ahead of its competitors, all of which are in Asia. “Regardless of making this investment, we always have to watch our costs,” Bombardier said. “We look at it every day and that’s part of what you have to do in this business … The buyouts got us through our cost targets.” Gov. Peter Shumlin, speaking at a press conference announcing the investment, added: “The days of manufacturing companies adding hundreds of jobs are over.” Miller said the $55 million investment will keep the legacy technology that IBM had built at the facility viably competing in the current market. He said the project has come online over the past nine months. It involved relocating 14 existing microchip manufacturing tools, upgrading nine others and installing 30 new tools. It also involved

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new piping and chemicals to make the machinery run. Hundreds of employees, both on staff and contracted, engineered the new systems and provided trouble-shooting and quality control. Shumlin said the morale and transparency around the campus is noticeably improved from recent years, when IBM was laying off workers in waves and looking to vacate the business. “(All Vermont governors) have worried IBM would choose to get out of the chip business and leave Vermont in worse shape,” Shumlin said, calling GlobalFoundries the state’s most important employer. “Our partnership with GolbalFoundries is the best possible outcome for Vermont, and this project is a symbol of why we should be so excited about this partnership. “We now have a company that wants to be No. 1 in chip-making, who’s investing in the innovation that will lead to more jobs in the future. This is just a huge win for the Green Mountain State.”

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An article in the Nov. 5 edition of The Essex Reporter about proposals to improve the Essex Junction train station incorrectly stated the date of the meeting where the Village Board of Trustees would discuss the plans. The trustees will discuss the proposals at their meeting on Jan. 12. Community members are encouraged to view and comment on the proposed plans at www.essexjunction.org/news/item/train-station-improvements.

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The Essex Reporter • November 12, 2015

O pinion Perspective

Letters to the Editor

What is our purpose as educators?

Unified!

By Rebecca Holcombe Testing is once again in the news. National Assessment of Educational Progress test results were released across the nation; President Obama and the U.S. Department of Education have supported reductions in testing; and states have been releasing local assessment results. Yet the storyline remains the same: too much testing, not enough student achievement. In Vermont, we think the story should be more about what we are doing with these test results, and a little less about the tests themselves. Over the last decade or so, federal policy has used student achievement data to judge and sanction schools, teachers and principals. Furthermore, many states have defined teacher and educator quality narrowly in terms of test scores. While we believe the intent of No Child Left Behind (NCLB) is laudable, and we agree that we must commit to ensuring every student has the best quality education we can provide, the blunt tools in NCLB threaten faith in public institutions and undermine our ability to serve our children well. NCLB assumes that employees in our schools need motivation before they will provide for their students. Most of the “motivation” comes in the form of sanctions that, at best, introduce elements of fear and coercion to our educational system. High-stakes testing also creates perverse incentives for teachers to teach in ways that are antithetical to our vision for equity. Most states are using these test scores to shape employment decisions, and as a result, encourage educators to teach narrowly to the test, so as to boost those scores as much as possible. High stakes can also penalize good teachers who work with some of our most vulnerable students. If a teacher agrees to teach students whose performance is so far below grade level that their learning can never be captured on the grade level tests, their efforts, no matter how Herculean, will never be evident in test-based performance measures. These NCLB accountability measures have led educators to question the test and its purposes, and to challenge what they see as unfair measures of their performance. Unlike most states, Vermont has consistently chosen to not use scores to evaluate, hire and fire teachers. Our teachers express professional pride in improving student performance, but not fear that if they don’t inflate those scores by teaching in narrow, test-focused ways, that they might lose their jobs. However, the federal sanctions on our schools and districts remain, and we worry that this inappropriate use of tests is both eroding their utility as measures of progress and perhaps discouraging some of the learning and innovative thinking we most want to support. As the student representative on the State Board of Education, Rainbow Chen, recently noted, every year we use the tests to tell students, especially English language learners and children growing up in the face of deep adversity, that they are “not proficient” or “not on track for college and careers.” Instead, we could be helping them mark how much progress they have made and encouraging them to strive higher. Vermont still has educational dilemmas and challenges to resolve. We still have achievement gaps, particularly for students living in poverty. Our schools continue to search for solutions to support students as increasing opiate addiction afflicts some of our communities. We are struggling to figure out how to encourage some of our rural students to see postsecondary education as a step toward a stronger future for both themselves and their communities. We know that our ultimate job is not to prepare students for tests, but to prepare them for a future when humans do what computers can’t do well: creative, innovative work that demands selfdirection and judgment. What we have learned, however, is that we are more likely to solve this problem by working together, rather than looking to blame, sanction, or label one another. As a state, we have chosen to pursue a more measured, thoughtful and balanced approach to accountability that is focused on building the professional capabilities of our educators, so they in turn can take better care of our children. And, we need a more measured and supportive approach to student achievement that is focused on improving progress and accomplishment, rather than blaming and shaming. Students and families deserve schools that serve them and their communities well. Our schools and educators deserve policies that respect their contributions and support them in getting better at the most important work in the world: preparing ALL our children to create a strong future for themselves, the state and the nation. Rebecca Holcombe is the Vermont Secretary of Education.

As a member of the Regional Education District Study Committee and a newly elected member of the unified school board, I would like to thank everyone who came out to vote on Nov. 3. The turnout was a strong testimony to how much our three towns care about education, and also to the great work The Essex Reporter did in keeping the community informed about the unification proposal. I look forward to serving the community, and would welcome messages with questions about the next steps, or ideas and suggestions for the future of our schools. You can reach me through www.facebook.com/keeley. schell.vt or kcschellvt@ gmail.com. Let’s keep the dialogue going!

Keeley Schell Essex Junction

Looking forward to factory farming’s demise Further thoughts on “Industrial fear and loathing” (Oct. 29). In 2006 the United Nations reported that animal agriculture is “one of the top two or three most significant contributors to the most serious environmental problems at every scale from local to global.” In short “factory” or “industrial” animal agriculture creates “more deadly greenhouse gases than all the SUVs, Hummers, cars, trucks, planes, ships, and other forms of transportation in

General Manager Suzanne Lynn

By Rob Roper

A recent legislator’s comment about the new school district consolidation law, Act 46, seems to be representative of many parents, local school board members, students and lawmakers who value and hope to preserve Vermont’s 150-year-old school choice tuitioning system. “I don’t think we can still have choice the way the bill is,” Rep. Linda Martin (D-Wolcott), who voted for Act 46 amid assurances that choice had been protected but now fears it hasn’t, said in an Oct. 14 article in Seven Days. “I kind of feel like I was blind-sided.” Those assurances were widespread throughout the Statehouse in the weeks and months leading up to the passage of Act 46. School choice in Vermont’s 93 tuitioning towns absolutely would be protected, which many legislators took to mean that they would be allowed to merge with non-choice “operating” districts and still maintain their historic choice status. Many still believe that language in Act 46, Section 4, does, in fact, allow towns to keep their choice and merge with operating districts, despite a ruling by the State Board of Education stating that school choice towns would be prohibited from keeping choice if they decided to merge with operating districts. But, if preserving school choice really was the intent of Rep. Martin and her colleagues when they voted for the bill, the first thing they should do when they come back in January is pass clarifying language to reflect exactly this position, blocking any possible ruling by the State Board of Education or a future court that would prevent such mergers. There is precedent for such legislation in regard to the town of Vernon. The small Vermont town has maintained both full school choice and a public Union high school since the 1950’s. The legislature revisited this unique, successful and popular arrangement in 2006, confirming its legal viability.

Editor/Co-Publisher Maria Archangelo news@essexreporter.com Office Manager Michael McCaffrey michael@essexreporter.com

Essex

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Sports Editor Colin Flanders sports@essexreporter.com

cruelty and suffering that went into the industrial production of the meat, eggs and dairy that they put on their tables and feed their children. If one is going to eat animals then perhaps the moral thing (and sane thing healthwise) is to take a close look at the information and pictures that can be found on highly reputable websites and then think about the environmental cost, the subsidies cost, and the immeasurable cost in suffering. As a professor of history, I frequently have students express their indignation about past human actions with the question of “how could people have possibly done such a thing?” Hopefully before another century passes, students will be asking with the same shock and indignation that very question about a thendefunct system — factory farming.

Jacqueline Barbara Carr Essex Junction

Illuminating town planning Do you ever wonder why a particular building got built the way it did? Or where Essex may build new bike trails? Or whether you can build that garage you’ve always wanted? The answers to these questions rest in how Essex plans as a community. Recently, a primer on how planning works was created as part of the Thoughtful Growth in Action project (TGIA for short). The primer

answers questions related to how land development applications are reviewed, how long-range planning is conducted and how the Town of Essex and Village of Essex Junction plan together. The Town of Essex and Village of Essex Junction jointly undertook TGIA as a way to study new approaches to planning and zoning processes in the community. TGIA is taking several months to review and consider alternatives to Essex’s existing planning governance structure, which consists of two planning commissions and two zoning boards of adjustment – one of each for inside the Village, and one of each for the Town outside the Village. The Selectboard and Trustees will receive recommendations early in 2016. The primer was created as a way to help educate the 25-person working group charged with developing the recommendations. It’s proved so helpful in explaining how planning works in Essex that we wanted to share it with the community more broadly. You can read the primer at http://bit.ly/1NwLBFF. If you have more questions about planning and zoning, you can contact the Town Community Development Department at 878-1343 or the Village Community Development Department at 878-6950. To learn more about the TGIA project, go to www. essextgia.com/.

Maura Collins Essex Junction

‘Blindsided’ legislators should fix Act 46

Reporter The

the world combined.” Likewise, the Pew Commission on Industrial Farm Animal Production reports that nearly 90 percent of the freshwater in the United States is used in growing farm animal feed crops. Nearly 80 percent of the agricultural land in the United States is used to raise feed for the 10 billion farm animals slaughtered annually. Besides the waste of land and water and the environmental damage, the government pays huge subsidies to this industry (which is not a farm in any way), which in turn makes a profit shipping meat overseas and not just selling it in the U.S. Make no mistake agribusiness is a nightmarish horror for the living creatures imprisoned in factory farms. Recent documentaries or reports will show you that. Why else would neither the federal government nor agri-business corporations want America to know about what goes on behind closed doors in huge warehouses were animals are confined and abused beyond imagination? There’s a reason that these corporations have fought so hard for “aggag” laws preventing undercover reporting and whistleblowing by employees. In fact, if the anticruelty laws that protect pets were applied to farm animals, many of the nation’s most routine farming practices would be illegal in all 50 states. I believe that most morally decent human beings would be horrified if they knew the filth, horrific

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Act 182 of 2006 Sec 28 states: Notwithstanding the restrictions of 16 VSA 822(c), a town school district which is a member of a union school district and which has historically paid tuition for resident grade 7-12 students attending public and independent schools outside the union high school district may continue to do so . It is the intent of the general assembly to authorize a town school district which has historically both belonged to a union school and provided for the education of its students by paying tuition to continue the practice …” There is no reason that the legislature in 2016 could not pass a legislative fix along the lines of allowing a town school district that has historically paid tuition for resident students attending public and independent schools to continue doing so after merging into larger, consolidated districts containing public schools. If the legislature lets Vernon do it, they can certainly let everybody else. Baring legislative action, there is also a local avenue districts have to preserve choice when considering consolidation, avoiding both the legislature and the State Board of Education. Title 16, Chapter 21, § 822 states: “A school district may both maintain a high school and furnish high school education by paying tuition: (A) to a public school … or (B) to an approved independent school or an independent school meeting school quality standards if the school board judges that a student has unique educational needs that cannot be served within the district or at a nearby public school. (2) The judgment of the [local] board shall be final …” Given that every child is unique, a merging district could formulate articles of agreement binding board members to approve any request for tuition by any student who asks for it under this authority, creating de facto school choice. Precedent for this comes from the towns of Concord and Strafford. For example, Concord High School existed in the close orbit of St. Johnsbury Academy where many local residents preferred to send their children. Rather than face school closure at the hands of the voters, Concord agreed to grant tuition to any student who asked for it. For three years Concord essentially operated a public school while offering full school choice. This ended when the school board decided it would no longer honor this arrangement, and the voters promptly shut the place down, thus preserving their school choice. Several school choice towns are currently contemplating abandoning the rare gift of school choice forever in hopes of collecting some very temporary (and questionable) relief from high property taxes. Before they give up choice in a merger, they really should be aware of all the options available. Don’t give up choice if you don’t have to. And, it looks like you may not have to. Rob Roper is president of the Ethan Allen Institute (www.ethanallen.org). He lives in Stowe.

The Essex Reporter • November 12, 2015

B uSinESS Will you be ready for retirement?

FINANCIAL FOCUS

Information submitted by

hEIDI BroSSEAU

ational Save for Retirement Week was observed last month. It has some weight behind it, as it is recognized by the U.S. Senate for its importance in encouraging Americans to prepare themselves financially for retirement. Are you doing all you can? Many of your peers aren’t. About a third of working adults have no retirement savings or pension, according to a survey by the Federal Reserve. And more than half of workers report that the total value of their household’s savings and investments, excluding the value of their primary home and any defined benefit plan (such as a traditional pension), is less than $25,000, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute’s 2015 Retirement Confidence Survey.

Such figures help explain why many people are unsure if they’ll ever be able to retire. Nearly 40 percent of the respondents in the Federal Reserve’s study either have no intention to retire or plan to keep working for as long as possible. Of course, if you enjoy your career, or just simply like to work, you may be in no hurry to retire. But you may want to put yourself in a position someday when work is optional – not mandatory. To reach that point, consider taking these steps: • Estimate your cost of retirement. At what age do you plan to retire? When you do retire, will you stay home and pursue your hobbies, or will you travel the world? Will you do some consulting or other parttime paid work, or will you volunteer? By answering these and other questions, you can at least estimate your costs during your retirement years.

• Contribute to your 401(k). Contribute as much as you can afford each year to your employer-sponsored retirement plan, such as a 401(k). At a minimum, put in enough to earn your employer’s matching contribution, if one is offered. A 401(k) or similar plan is a great way to put money away for retirement, because your earnings can grow on a tax-deferred basis. And you may have a dozen or more investment vehicles within your 401(k), so you can build a portfolio that’s appropriate for your goals and risk tolerance. In 2015, you can contribute up to $18,000 to your 401(k), or $24,000 if you’re 50 or older. • Fully fund your IRA. Even if you participate in a 401(k) or other employersponsored retirement plan, you’re probably still eligible to contribute to an IRA as well. In 2015, you can contribute up to $5,500 – or $6,500, if you’re 50 or older – to an

IRA. A traditional IRA offers tax-deferred earnings, while Roth IRA earnings can grow tax free, provided you don’t start taking withdrawals until you’re 59½ and you’ve had your account at least five years. Plus, you can fund your IRA with virtually any type of investment you choose. Try to “max out” your IRA every year. • Control your debts. Control your debts as much as possible. Every dollar that doesn’t go into a debt payment could be invested for your retirement. These aren’t the only steps that can help you move toward a comfortable retirement – but they can certainly help get you on the right path. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by local Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Heidi Brosseau, who has an office in Essex Junction. Email: heidi.brosseau@edwardjones.com

Smooth move

Couple opens new shop to cater to fitness enthusiasts By JASon STArr The Essex Reporter

Ryan Greene, owner of Greene Mountain Nutrition and Smoothies, opened his business on Susie Wilson Road in october. PhoTo | JASoN STARR

It’s no coincidence that Greene Mountain Nutrition and Smoothies chose the primary route to the Edge Sports and Fitness as a location. Business owners Ryan and Jolene Greene have positioned themselves on the west side of Susie Wilson Road to capture fitness enthusiasts on their way to and from the popular gym on Kellogg Road. The Greenes, who moved to Vermont two years ago from Baton Rouge, La., opened the store in October to provide protein and vitamins to the health conscious community through pre-packaged supplements and unique smoothie concoctions.

Ryan Greene is a fitness competitor and he pursued the idea of a smoothie business after speaking with other fitness buffs as a member of the Edge. He runs the day-to-day operations of Greene Mountain Nutrition and Smoothies. His wife, Jolene, moved the couple to Vermont for another job; she is news director at ABC 22 and Fox 44. The couple lives in Fairfax. “Down South there’s a smoothie bar on every corner,” Ryan Greene said. “There is not one in Essex or Burlington doing what I’m doing.” The smoothie bar offers dozens of recipes with names like Rise and Grind, Rehab, Champlain Sunrise and Green Mountain Boy. Each is blended with at least 20

Business Briefs Essex Physical Therapy adds two to staff

Kelsey Bean, physical therapist assistant, has joined Essex Physical Therapy. Kelsey received her A.A.S. in Physical Therapy Assistance from SUNY Herkimer in May 2015. Kelsey is certified in CPR and therapeutic Kelsey Bean massage. Since graduation, she’s also obtained certification in soft tissue mobilization, postural restoration and myokinematics. Kelsey is passionate about post-surgical rehabilitation and aquatic therapy. Ashley Picoraro, physical therapist, has also joined the staff. Ashley received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of New England in 2014 and her bachelor’s degree in dance and psychology from Ashley Picoraro Skidmore College in 2009. Since graduating, Ashley has worked in the private practice setting with a focus on pelvic floor rehabilitation, postural restoration and dance rehabilitative therapy. Ashley has a passion for the core and integrates her 7-year history as a Pilates instructor into the individualized care that she provides to her patients. Essex Physical Therapy is Located at 21 Carmichael St #101, Essex Junction; 8789572.

Local firm named to U.S. News “Best Law Firms” list

The law firm Bergeron, Paradis & Fitzpatrick, of Burlington and Essex, received a Tier 1 ranking in the 2016 Edition of U.S. News - Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms.” The firm’s achievement signals a unique combination of quality law practice and breadth of legal expertise. The Tier 1 ranking is based upon the firm’s overall evaluation, which was derived from a combination of

our clients’ impressive feedback, the high regard that lawyers in other firms have for our firm, and information provided through a law firm survey. Firms included in the 2016 “Best Law Firms” list are recognized for professional excellence with persistently impressive ratings from clients and peers.

Captain Duck closing; holds sale Craft and party supply store Captain Duck has announced that it is closing and is holding a going out of business sale. The store, located at 90 Center Road in Essex Junction on Route 15 next to Price Chopper, began its sale last week.

New pet grooming shop opens Essex resident Kaaren Dagostino, with partners Jill Lumbra and Brittany Collins, have opened Happy Dog Grooming Shoppe. Owned by three professional, certified groomers, Happy Dog’s aim is just that: both pet and owner are happy with the experience and the results. As lifelong animal lovers and pet parents, Kaaren, Jill and Brittany are involved in fostering (although they’ve been known to keep their “foster” dogs) and animal rescue. They also work closely with Champlain Valley Canine Rescue providing free grooming and transportation to vet appointments. Their sparkling clean, brand new, state of the art facility was designed by the team with the animals’ comfort in mind. There are large, comfortable dog runs, each complete with a comfy bed, cozy kennels and a safe, spacious play area where dogs can socialize, with owner’s consent. In keeping with their philosophy of providing the best possible experience for pets and their people, Happy Dog will be hosting a series of workshops and seminars with other pet professionals. They’re located in the Essex Agway building at 364 Essex Road in Williston. Find them on facebook, email them at Happydoggroomers@gmail.com or call 7773371. www.HappyDogGroomingShoppe.com

grams of protein. The store, at 26 Susie Wilson Road, is also stocked with bottled supplements and vitamins. Greene consulted with a friend in Baton Rouge on the smoothie recipes, changing the names for a Vermont flare. He came to Vermont as a motorcycle mechanic but said wages here were far inferior to what he had been earning in Baton Rouge. “I was trying to figure something out where I didn’t have to work for somebody else the rest of my life,” he said. Greene spent the late summer converting the space from a former health food store. “It came together better than I envisioned it,” he said.

Something to Celebrate? Essex Automotive Services REPlACE WITHOUT HESITATION While most vehicle owners are attuned to the need to replace oil filters, air filters, and the like, many tend to overlook the need to replace fuel filters; yet, this should be a regular part of vehicle maintenance. Overlooking this relatively small task runs the risk of experiencing major problems. It is the fuel filter’s job to remove contaminants from the fuel tank and fuel line before they can get to the engine. If not replaced yearly or at least every 20,000 miles or so, the fuel filter can accumulate enough rust and debris to cause hesitation under acceleration. In the event that the fuel filter becomes entirely clogged, the engine will cease functioning. Prevention is key. Does your fuel filter need replacement? Today’s informative column has been brought to you by ESSEX AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES. Regular maintenance is essential to keep your vehicle in good running condition. We can handle all your vehicles, including your car, truck, SUV, van and more! We are located at 141-147 Pearl St, Essex Jct., and our phone number is 802.879.1966. We open 6:59am, with no appointment needed. It’s time to get your car ready for winter. Bring your car in today and let us help you prepare. “We do it all!”. We are open for Business!

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HINT: While removing the fuel filters on some vehicles is a fairly easy job, complications set in when the fuel filter is part of more complicated systems, making it a job for a professional.

185 Bank Street, Burlington (802) 862-3042 w TickTockJewelers.com FINE JEWELRY & WATCH REPAIR ON THE PREMISES

Group Fitness Classes

Zumba, Body Transformer, HIIT, Yoga Sculpt, Hip Hop, Yoga for Athletes, Senior Strength

Is it your first time? Classes start Take your first class for FREE! as low as $5/class Visit us online at www.hammerfit.com for a complete listing of classes

21 Essex Way • 802-878-0444 • www.hammerfit.com

The Essex Reporter • November 12, 2015

Essex Area Religious Directory

C ALEnDAr 12 Thursday

SEVENTH ANNUAL CRAFT FEST

Community Soup and Bread Supper. The

First Congregational Church, Holy Family Catholic Church, St. James Episcopal Church, St. James Place and Essex Junction Senior Center will be holding it’s 7th Annual collective “Craft Fest.” Each group will hold its holiday craft festival as part of the festival. Again this year each event venue will give a punch card to the ﬁrst 150 visitors at their location. Cards that have been fully punched by visiting all locations during the day will be entered into a drawing. Each person has an opportunity to win one of four gift baskets, each donated by one of the groups. Special attractions include a “Nearly New” sale and silent auction at First Congregational, a cookie walk and gift baskets at St. James, meat pies and white elephant at Holy Family and many crafters at the Senior Center. Don›t forget to leave time for a delicious lunch at one of the wonderful places. Multiple Location in Essex Junction, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Contact Linda: 872-8972 or lbogardus@ myfairpoint.net

Covenant Community Church will be hosting its monthly soup and bread supper. Eat in or takeout options available. Stay to eat with family and friends or pick up to take home. There will be a variety of soups, breads and a sweet dessert. Covenant Community Church, Essex/Jericho line, 4:30-7 p.m. Donations accepted. Contact Steve: 879-4313.

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CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH- (Fundamental-independent.) 61 Main St., Essex Junction, 878-8341. Pastor James Gangwer. Sunday School 10 a.m. Worship Service 11 a.m. Sunday evening worship 6:30 p.m. Wednesday evening youth groups; Awana, Pro-Teens and Prayer meeting 7 p.m. CHRIST MEMORIAL CHURCH- Route 2A, Williston, just north of Industrial Ave. Wes Pastor, Senior Minister, 8787107, Proclaiming Christ and Him crucified Sundays at 9:30 a.m. www.cmcvermont.org. THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - 73 Essex Way, Essex Junction - All Welcome! Sacrament Meeting - Sundays at 10 a.m. Come learn about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. It’s awesome! Family History Center - Sundays 1 - 3 p.m., Thursday 7 - 9 p.m. Come find your ancestry! The FHC has website resources (such as www. familysearch.org), including free access to ancestry.com, microfiche and microfilm readers, and a staff of capable genealogists. For more info, call 802-879-9142, email essexwardvt@gmail.com, or check out www.mormon.org. DAYBREAK COMMUNITY CHURCH - 67 Creek Farm Plaza, Colchester VT. 05446 802-338-9118 www. daybreakvermont.org or brentdaybreak@gmail.com Sunday Service at 10:30 a.m. Lead Pastor, Brent Devenney. ESSEX ALLIANCE CHURCH - 37 Old Stage Road in Essex Junction. Sunday Services: 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Phone: 878-8213. www.essexalliance.org. ESSEX CENTER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH - Please join us for worship that combines the best of traditional and contemporary music and spirituality. We are a safe and welcoming space for all people to celebrate, worship, ask questions, and put down spiritual roots. Adult Bible Study at 8:30 a.m. Service at 10:00 a.m. with Sunday School and childcare provided. We offer a variety of small groups for prayer, Bible study, hands-on ministry, and studying contemporary faith issues. 119 Center Rd (Route 15) Essex Center. Rev. Mitchell Hay, pastor. 878-8304. FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF ESSEX JUNCTION, UCC, an Open and Affirming Congregation, embracing diversity and affirming the dignity and worth of every person, because we are all created by a loving God. 1 Church Street, Essex Junction, VT 05452. Telephone (802) 878-5745; Website: www.fccej.org ; Email: welcome@ fccej.org Senior Pastor, Rev. Mark Mendes. Associate Pastor, Rev. Ryan Gackenheimer. Sunday Worship Services: 8:30 and 10:15 a.m. Communion: first Sunday of every month. Sunday School meets weekly at 10:15 a.m. Jr. High Youth Group, Sundays 11:30 -1 p.m. Sr. High Youth Group, Sundays 5 - 7 p.m. 5th/6th Grade Youth Group, 1st Sunday of the month 11:30 - 1 p.m. Heavenly Food Pantry – fourth Thursday of the month, 2 - 6 p.m., except for Nov & Dec when it is the third Thursday. Essex Eats Out Community Dinner – 1st Friday of the month, 5:30 - 7 p.m. Music includes Senior Choir, Praise Band, Junior Choir, Cherub Choir, Handbell Choir, Men’s Acapella and Ladies’ Acapella groups. GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH - 130 Maple Street, Essex Junction. 878-8071. 1 mile south of the Five Corners on Maple Street / VT. Route 117. Worship Sundays at 9:30 a.m. with concurrent Church School Pre-K to High School. Handicapped-accessible facility. Adult Study Group Sundays at 11:00 a.m. Adult Choir / Praise Band / Women’s Fellowship / Missionally active. Korean U.M.C. Worship Sundays at 12:30 p.m. Come explore what God might be offering you!

invites veteran players and newcomers to lace up for a two-hand-touch match. Meet on the ﬁeld adjacent College Parkway at Fort Ethan Allen. Fort Ethan Allen, Colchester, 6-7:30 p.m. Free. Information: www. burlingtonrugby.org/

Author Appearance. Join Arnie Kozak, PhD,

for a talk about his new book, Mindfulness A to Z, which presents a multifaceted look at living mindfully in our hectic world. Kozak is the founder of Exquisite Mind, a consultation service that teaches mindfulness as a vehicle for managing stress and enhancing quality of life. Phoenix Bookstore, Burlington, 7 p.m. $3. Information: www.phoenixbooks.biz or 448-3350

Sunday Coffee Mix and Mingle. Members

Friday

Education Enrichment of Everyone. The

Education Enrichment of Everyone group will be offering the next installment of its fall lecture series with Vermont Public Radio Classical Host, James Stewart. Stewart will present a lecture entitled, “A War in Harmony: Prokoﬁev’s 7th Piano Sonata and the Battle of Stalingrad.” Parking and handicap access available. Faith United Methodist Church, South Burlington, 2 p.m. $5 at the door. Information: 864-3516.

Artisan holiday market. The Community Center just north of the Jericho Center Store is once again home to our local artisan holiday market. The market has something for everyone, from delicious food to ﬁne art. Join us for the opening reception with live music from 5-8 p.m. and the sale continues on Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Library soup and bread sale on site both days. Admission is free. Set your GPS to: 329 Browns Trace Road, Jericho.

Oriana Singers-Bach B-Minor Mass. The

Oriana Singers, under the direction of Prof. William Metcalfe, will perform the Mass in B Minor by Johann Sebastian Bach. New York Chamber Soloists, Oriana Orchestra and 25-voice chorus. 7:30 p.m., College Street Congregational Church, Burlington. Tickets are $25, available at the door or through www.ﬂynntix.org, 863-5966.

Contra Dance. Queen City Contras will hold its regular dance. Music will be provided by Colin McCaffrey, Sarah Blair and Tim Cummings. Adina Gordon will be the caller. All are welcome, all dances taught, no partner or experience necessary. Please bring clean, soft-soled shoes for dancing. Shelburne Town Hall, Shelburne. Beginners’ session 7:45 p.m. Dance begins 8 p.m. Admission: $9 adults. Under 12 free. Information: www.queencitycontras. org or 371-9492.

Saturday

Deer Hunters/Community Family Breakfast. Menu will include bacon, sausage,

pancakes and maple syrup; eggs, home fries, toast, juice, and coffee. Beneﬁt for the Fairfax Food Shelf. Come and enjoy some good fellowship. All are welcome. Baptist Building, Fairfax, 4-9 a.m. Information: 782-9713.

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

Basic German Genealogy. Germans consti-

ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH - 4 St. James Place (off Rt. 2A at the Fairgrounds Gate F) 802-878-4014 www. stjamesvt.org The Rev. Ken Hitch v office@stjamesvt.org 8:15am Holy Eucharist Rite II (no music) 10:30am Holy Eucharist Rite II (with music) 9:20am Adult Ed: Bible Study 10:15 am Godly Play. ST. PIUS X CHURCH - 20 Jericho Road, Essex, 878-5997 - Administrator: Rev. Charles Ranges. Masses: Saturday 4:30 pm and Sunday 9:30 am. Confessions: Saturday 3:30pm - 4:00 pm or please call 878-5331 for an appointment. ST. THOMAS CATHOLIC CHURCH - 6 Green St., Underhill Center. Father Charles R. Danielson, Parish Priest. Weekend Masses: Saturday-4:30 p.m., Sunday-8:30. Daily Masses: Check with www.stthomasvt.com or call 899-4632.

of the LGBTQA community gather to bond over books, coffee, art and more at this casual hangout. Barnes and Noble Bookstore, South Burlington, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Information: 860-7812.

“Living like Original Vermonters of the Winooski – Applying the Best of the Past for a Sustainable Future.” For

thousands of years, ﬁrst inhabitants of Vermont lived in harmony with nature, utilizing hundreds of plants and fungi unknown to most people today for food and medicine. Mike Ather of BackyardWilderness.com will explain how we can use these same native plants and mushrooms to heal ourselves, regenerate our ecosystem and clean our soil, air and water. Ethan Allen Homestead, Burlington, 2 p.m. Free. Information: http://www.ethanallenhomestead.org/events.html

Spider Roulette in Westford. The Westford

Music Series presents the energetic blues band, Spider Roulette, at 4 p.m. at the UCW white church in Westford. Known for their lively playing, versatile vocals and wide range of instrumentation a fun time for the audience is guaranteed. Concert is free. Refreshments included

Vermont Wind Ensemble. The Vermont Wind Ensemble offers a program of musical adventures, including “Land of the Long White Cloud,” a musical description of New Zealand, musical portraits inspired by ﬁve of the characters from Melville’s novel Moby Dick in “Of Sailors and Whales,” and a day at a historic New England amusement park in “Rocky Point Holiday,” Music by Steven Bryant, Robert W. Smith and John Philip Sousa completes the program. Department of Music and Dance, Recital Hall, University of Vermont, 7:30 p.m. For information on this free concert, call 802-656-2280.

tute the largest ethnic group in America and have been arriving since Jamestown and Plymouth. In this class, Ed McGuire will describe the major waves of German immigration, where they originated in Germany and where they went upon arrival. He will also cover the types of records in Germany, how to handle language issues and he’ll identify the best reference books and websites to get you started. Vermont Genealogy Library, Colchester, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. $5. Information: http://www. vtgenlib.org/ or call 310-9285.

Monday

Understanding the Importance of Professional Pet Grooming. Free seminar to

help pet owners understand the importance of proper grooming practices. Happy Dog Grooming Shoppe, 362 Essex Rd., Williston (in the Agway building). 2 p.m. 881-6666, 777-3371 or brittpropetgroom@gmail.com

Education Enrichment of Everyone group will be offering the next installment of its fall lecture series with Retired Quebec Ministry of International Relations, Marc Boucher. Boucher will present a lecture entitled, “Our Neighbors to the North: History, Politics and Culture in Québec.” Parking and handicap access available. Faith United Methodist Church, South Burlington, 2 p.m. $5 at the door. Information: 864-3516.

Trivia Night. Trivia buffs gather for a meeting

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

Tuesday

Movies at Main Street Landing: “The Third

Man.” The Movies at Main Street Landing series presents the Carol Reed directed 1949-thriller film, “The Third Man,” starring film legends Orson Welles and Joseph Cotten. Main Street Landing Film House, Burlington, 7 p.m. Donations benefit a local charity. Contact: 540-3018 or www.mainstreetlanding.com/movies.

Wednesday

Pub Style Trivia. Join other teams of fellow

Sunday

Pancake Breakfast. Grace United Method-

ist Church will be hosting a free pancake breakfast. The menu will include pancakes with VT Maple Syrup, scrambled eggs,

Thursday

M.A.G.I.C.: Masculinity and Gender Identity

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

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Looking Ahead 26th Annual Women’s Festival of Crafts. Browse over 80 craftswomen’s booths to ﬁnd just the right handmade jewelry, artwork, pottery, food products, greeting cards, clothing, recycled and upcycled items, housewares, aromatherapy, herbal products, and more. Ginny Joyner, of Ginny Joyner Studio in Colchester, will be a participating artist. Stop by Memorial Auditorium in Burlington on Saturday, Nov. 28, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 29, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free and open to the public. For more info, please go to www.womensfestivalofcrafts.com. Thanks for supporting Vermont artists.

The 7th Annual Essex Junction Train Hop and Tree Lighting. Friday, Dec. 11,

from 6 to 8 p.m. The tree lighting is at 6:15 p.m. There will be carolers, model trains, food vendors, artisan crafts for sale, a trolley, a small train for children to ride, and more! Parking downtown, or at EJRP Maple Street Park - the trolley will be shuttling people back and forth to the Five Corners.

Ongoing Essex Art League Meetings. Meetings hap-

Education Enrichment of Everyone. The

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

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

sausage, juice, coffee and tea. Grace United Methodist Church, Essex Junction. Two sittings: 8:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Information: 878-8071.

NOV. 14

trivia buffs in a battle of the brains with Top Hat Entertainment. Seven rounds of fast-paced trivia with prizes awarded. Let the inner-geek surface. Cody’s Irish Pub, Essex, 7-9 p.m. Information: www. facebook.com/pages/Codys-Irish-Puband-Grille.

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

Craft Connection. Come to the Essex Alliance Church community as women gather for a time of crafts and fellowship. Twice a month, Wednesday evenings. Essex Alliance Church, Essex. Contact Deb: 238-2291.

Divorce Care Support Group. Divorce is

a tough road. Feelings of separation, betrayal, confusion, anger and selfdoubt are common, but there is life after divorce. Led by people who have already walked down that road, we’d like to share with you a safe place and a process that can help make the journey easier. The 13-week Divorce Care Support Group for men and women will be offered on Sunday evenings, 5:30-7 :30 p.m., Sept. 13 – Dec. 6, at the Essex Alliance Church, Essex Junction. Call Sandy: 425-7053. .

Essex Eats Out Community Meals. Essex

Eats Out seeks to build community connections by providing healthy, free meals in a warm, safe and inclusive atmosphere. Meals will be served: ﬁrst Friday at First Congregational Church; second Friday at Holy Family/St. Lawrence Parish Center; third Friday at St. James Church; fourth Friday at Essex United Methodist Church; and ﬁfth Friday when applicable at St. Pius X Church. 5:30-7 p.m. each week. Transportation is available. Call Dawn Thursday by 9 a.m. to schedule Friday transit: 878-7622. Information: essexeatsout@gmail.com or www.essexeatsout.org.

Champlain Valley Prostate Cancer Support Group. Mary L. Guyette RN, MS,

ACNS-BC will answer questions about prostate cancer surgical procedures. Plus, general discussion and sharing among survivors and those beginning or rejoining the battle. Second Tuesday of each

The Essex Reporter • November 12, 2015

C ALEnDAr month. Hope Lodge, 237 East Ave, Burlington, 6-8 p.m. Contact: 274-4990.

Interstitial Cystitis Support Group. Interstitial cystitis (IC) is recurring pelvic pain, pressure or discomfort in the bladder and pelvic region, and urinary frequency/urgency. This is often misdiagnosed and mistreated as a chronic bladder infection. If you have been diagnosed or have these symptoms, you are not alone. We are building a Vermont-based support group and welcome you to email bladderpainvt@gmail.com or call (802) 899-4151 for more information.

Creative Tuesdays. Artists exercise their imaginations with recycled crafts. Children under 10 must be accompanied by

an adult. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 3:15-5 p.m. Contact: 865-7216.

Burlington Writers Workshop. A free writing workshop for all Vermonters. Meets every Wednesday in downtown Burlington. Free and open to the public. Participants must register at meetup.com. More info: www.burlingtonwritersworkshop.com.

Cell Phones For Soldiers. Local residents can support these collection drives by donating their old cell phones at A. W. Rich Funeral Home, 57 Main St., Essex Junction, or at the American Legion, 3650 Roosevelt Highway, Colchester. Collections accepted 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Contact: 849-6261.

Champlain Echoes. A women’s four-part

harmony chorus group seeks additional women to sing in their holiday performances. Meetings are Monday nights. The Pines, Aspen Drive, South Burlington, 6:30 p.m. Contact: 655-2174.

Are you looking for a rewarding career change? Become a Pet Groomer!

To learn more visit www.bowmeowpetgrooming.com or contact Cindy at 802-878-3647 to schedule an interview 26 Susie Wilson Rd. Essex, VT

Community Wellness Day. Practitioners offer Reiki, Shiatsu, aromatherapy, acupressure, energy work and more to those looking to experience alternative healing. 2 Wolves Holistic Center in Vergennes, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. most Fridays. Sliding-scale donations; preregister the Tuesday prior. Contact: 2wolvescenter@gmail.com or 870-0361.

To view more ongoing events go to: www.EssexReporter.com/calendar

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Crafternoon. Come be creative and build with tubes: make map holders, binoculars, a space city or anything else you can think of. We supply the materials, you supply the creativity. For students Grades 4 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:15-4:15 p.m.

Evening Book Discussion. Join us for our monthly evening book discussion of Burning Marguerite by Elizabeth Innes-Brown. Essex Free Library, Essex Center, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

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

Read to Daisy and Archie, Therapy Dogs. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Daisy and Archie love to listen to kids read. They are certified by Therapy Dogs of Vermont. Daisy’s owner is Maddie Nash, retired school counselor. For all ages. Archie’s owner is Christine Packard, Chair of Brownell Library Trustees. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:304:30 p.m.

Maggie’s Fiber Friday for Adults. 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. If you wish to contact Maggie: 6maggie2@myfairpoint.net. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

MONDAY, NOV. 16 Star Wars Club. Max Holzman leads the Star Wars Club. This session focuses on favorite bad guys. For all ages. Popcorn and drink. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Friends of Brownell Library Meeting. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 7-8 p.m.

TUESDAY, NOV. 17 Library Trustees Meeting. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 7-8:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 18 GIS Day. Join us on GIS Day to celebrate the fun you can have with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), maps and the geography of Essex. This event (www.gisday.com) is celebrated each year around the globe from Essex Junction, Vt. to Juba, South Sudan. Learn how to tell a story with maps. For all ages. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Mayhem of the Month Dine and Discuss Series: The Broken Shore by Peter Temple. Discussion leader Ed Cashman. When a prominent local is attacked in his own home and left for dead, Detective Cashin is thrust into what becomes a murder investigation. The evidence points to three boys from the nearby aboriginal community-everyone seems to want to blame them. Cashin is unconvinced, and soon begins to see the outlines of something far more terrible than a burglary gone wrong. Copies available at the Adult Circ. desk. Potluck fare: Let the book inspire you. Library provides tableware, decaf and water. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6:30-9 p.m.

Veterans take 20% off Nov 11th-14th

ONGOING

Story Time for Babies and Toddlers. Tuesdays. Picture books, songs, rhymes and puppets for babies and toddlers with an adult. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 9:10-9:30 a.m. Story Time for 3-5 Year Olds. Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Picture books, songs, rhymes, puppets, flannel stories, and early math activities for preschoolers. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10-10:45 a.m. Tech Help with Clif. Offering one on one technology help. Bring in your new electronic devices and Clif will sit with you to help you learn more about them. Please call to make an appointment. Brownell Library, Mondays and Wednesdays, 12-1 p.m.

Equine & Pet Supplies! Equine &

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Hydrant Flushing in Essex Junction The Essex Junction Water Department will flow test fire hydrants in the Village and flush water lines on Nov. 5 to Nov. 25 between the hours of 8 AM and 3 PM. Residents should let the cold water faucet run if they experience dirty water or air in the water lines. Residents who notice low water pressure or have no water as a result of the hydrant flushing should call the Village Office (878-6944).

Drop-in Story Time. Mondays. Reading, rhyming and crafts each week. All ages welcome. No registration required. Essex Free Library, 10:30 a.m. Lego Club. Mondays. We have thousands of Legos for you to build awesome creations. Essex Free Library, 3:30-5 p.m. Drop-in Knitting Group. Connect with other knitters and tackle new knitting projects. Both beginner and advanced knitters are welcome. Essex Free Library, Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. Creative Writing Club. First Wednesday of each month, for ages 9 and older. Let your imagination soar as you write your own stories and poems using prompts, games and other writing exercises. Essex Free Library, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Special event coming up? Tell Michael! calendar@essexreporter.com

Musical Story Time. Fridays. Rock out and read with books, songs and instruments. All ages. Essex Free Library, 10:30 a.m. Drop-in Story Time for Kids of All Ages. Twice a month on Fridays. Babies, toddlers and preschoolers are welcome to come listen to picture book stories and have fun with finger plays and action rhymes. No registration required. Brownell Library, 10-10:45 a.m.

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Wendell’s Mattress Clearance Event! Days are getting shorter, nights are getting longer. Now is the time to upgrade your mattress and get a better nights’ sleep! Select mattresses are up to 50% OFF right now! New models are arriving this week, time to clear out last year’s models. Bring your truck or have them delivered. When they are gone, so are the deals!

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The Essex Reporter • November 12, 2015

C Ommunity Essex Junction Senior Center

Engagement

Thompson-Delphia engagement

April Thompson and Collin Delphia

Paul and Carol Thompson of Essex Junction announce the engagement of their daughter, April Elizabeth Thompson, to Collin Andrew Delphia, son of Kathi and Kevin Delphia of Lake George, N.Y. April is a 2008 graduate of Essex High School and a 2012 graduate of the University of Vermont. April teaches first grade at Smilie Memorial School in Bolton. Collin is a 2005 graduate of Mount Abraham Union High School in Bristol and attended the University of New Hampshire. Collin is employed at CPA Site Solutions in Winooski as a website technician. They became engaged in July at Adirondack Extreme Adventure in Lake George and are planning a July 2016 wedding in Lake George, N.Y.

HUGE

BOGO

By pEGGy pEArSon

Anyone 50 years of age or older is welcome at the Essex Junction Senior Center. Located at the Five Corners between the fire station and the Brownell Library, the Center is open weekdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For information, call 876-5087 or visit essexvtseniors.org. To make a reservation for the Senior Van call 878-6940. To register for any special activity, please contact Lou Ann Pioli, Director, at 876-5087.

Tasteful treasures in print

The Essex Area Senior Center’s new cookbook has arrived, and it is beautiful. The Cookbook Committee did a tremendous job. Led by Anne-Marie Dennis, Connie Marshall, Polly Giancola, Martha Dimaggio and Cathy Burke, the committee developed a professional cookbook. Many thanks to those who submitted recipes. The committee did its very best, but if you don’t see your recipe, please be aware that if recipes were received without a name, they were not included. It’s a wonderful cookbook and makes a nice gift. Don’t miss the Five Corners Craft Fest on Saturday! The Senior Center is happy to be one of the stops on this popular annual event. Essex First Congregational Church, Holy Family, St. James and the Senior Center all hold craft fairs on the same day every year. We pool advertising budgets and encourage shoppers to visit all the other stops by raffling off prizes to people who attend them all. Mark your calendars for Nov. 14 for the Craft Fest. The next day, Sunday Nov. 15, we have our second cribbage tournament of the season at 1 p.m. For $6 enjoy an afternoon of fun and friendly competition. The senior luncheon at the mealsite at Maple Street on Nov. 18 is a pot luck and birthday celebration. It’s free if you bring a dish to share, and $4 if you don’t. The food is always good, and the company even better. There is no senior meal the week of Thanksgiving. Opening Nov. 20: The Perfect Blend Café! On the third Friday of every month from 9-11 a.m. the community is invited to meet up with friends and neighbors to enjoy coffee, baked goods and conversation at the Senior Center. The name comes from a quote: “Coffee and friends make the perfect blend.” A couple of years ago, one of the ideas suggested by the Heart and Soul of Essex, was that Essex would benefit from having “a coffee shop … in the village where people might meet and linger.” The village offices ask that people park behind the fire station

Members of the Essex Area Cookbook Committee — Connie Marshall (left), Cathy Burke (center back), Martha Dimaggio (seated), and chair Anne-Marie Dennis — are proud of their achievement. Missing from photo is Polly Giancola. PhoTo CoNTRiBUTED

so parking is available for regular business. We owe a great deal to the village, so please respect that request when you come to the Perfect Blend. There is no charge for coffee and baked goods, but we will have a donations jar, and we hope to see you there. Heart and Soul identified six community values: “education, community connections, safety, thoughtful growth, health and recreation, and local economy.” The Senior Center contributes to three of those values. Every day, we build community connections, and we hope the Perfect Blend will build even more. We offer educational workshops and lectures on a variety of topics throughout the year. We also offer exercise classes to improve physical health, and we address mental and emotional health by providing space and events to combat loneliness and depression. The annual Rotary/Knights of Columbus holiday luncheon at the Fairgrounds is on Dec. 2. Tickets are $5 and available from Lou Ann Pioli at the center or from Donna Harnish at one of the senior luncheons.

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B Section The Essex Reporter November 12, 2015

Sports

Local tennis team finishes eighth at nationals

hree Essex residents competed against some of the best high school tennis players in the nation as members of the Vermont Junior Tennis Team, which participated in the advanced national tournament in Columbia, S.C., on Oct. 23-25. Essex’s Evan Greer, Jordan Walsh and Preston Gordon — along with six other local tennis players — finished eighth in the nation. They defeated teams from Delaware and Minnesota before losing to the eventual national champions from Texas, but not before managing to win more games against the Texas team than any other team in the tournament.

ALSO IN THIS SECTION: • Legal Notices

• Schools

• Classifieds

• Food

SPORTS SHORTS Joe Gonillo

ast week of rest and relaxation before the start of the winter sports season. All athletes except the cross-country team have had at least a week or two of break between seasons. Coaches take full advantage of the time off, especially if they coach a winter sport, though they have already have had signups, team meetings and are busy checking physicals. Dodgeball was a gigantic success after school Friday. Hope you enjoyed the unseasonably warmer weather we had last week. It gave me three days to rake leaves and clean up the yard. Glad the school district merger vote went through. Exciting times.

The Vermont Junior Tennis team poses at the advanced national tournament in Columbia, S.C. From left, Stephanie Joseph (CVU), Jordan Walsh (Essex), Megan Collins (Rice), Trent Newman (South Burlington), Evan Greer (Essex), Preston Gordon (Essex), George Lomas (CVU), Gabe Katz, (South Burlington) and Kathy Joseph (CVU). Photo contributed

Essex graduate receives cross-country honors

Dodgeball The annual dodgeball tournament involved a record number of serious teams. The action was furious as pride was on the line. Twenty teams signed up for the fall tourney. The Dodge Fathers emerged with as team champions with MVPs Eli Baez, Noah Baez and Victoria Bean. The Dirty Dodgers were runnerups. Their MVPs were Isaac Johnson and Maverick King. On a larger level, tournament MVPs include Cameron Quinn, Danilo Salgado, Aidan Travers and Andrew Wagner. The best costume prize went to Onesie One-Derland, wearing team onesies. A large thank you to Ms. McNamara, and Mrs. Ligouri for supervising, to Matthew Davis for running the bracket, to Daniel Feliciano for his assistance and to the students who volunteered to referee: Chip Crawford, Samantha Richard-Lynch, Jonathan Bosley, Jordan Dumouchel and Matthew Turner. Great job by all. Winter sports information As we approach the indoor season, here is an important reminder to all students and their parents: all winter sports registration forms were to be completed before Nov. 10. Also, the incredibly important winter "Meet the Coaches" night is Tuesday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. Please check to make sure physicals are on file in the nurses’ office this week. Take care of all the little details before Monday.

Jonah Lavigne, left, races past a Green Mountain College runner on Oct. 17.

An Essex Center resident on the Castleton University crosscountry team was named Second Team All-Conference following a 13th-place finish at the cross-country North Atlantic Conference Championships. Jonah Lavigne, a junior at Castleton who graduated from Essex High School in 2013, ran a time of 28:32 at the championships on

Photo | Dylan Robbins

Oct. 31. Lavigne was also selected to the conference’s Men’s CrossCountry Sportsmanship Team, which is reserved for those who have distinguished themselves through acts of sportsmanship and ethical behavior.

Essex residents finish season undefeated A tennis team out of the Manchester Athletic Club in Massachusetts competed in the 6.0 and 8.0 USTA Nationals tournament on Oct. 23-25, making it to the third round of the women’s 55-and-over bracket. After sweeping the first three rounds against two teams from Ohio and one from Colorado, the Manchester Athletic Club eventually fell to a tough Puerto Rico team. Essex resident Sarah Willwerth-Dyer and Manchester resident Karen Smith Crawley finished their 2015 season undefeated.

Indoor track and field athletes please meet in the cafeteria on Monday for a brief meeting and circle Thursday, Nov. 19 as the team will meet in the café again for its annual fundraiser. Might be some pizza there, too. Thanks in advance to those who plan on purchasing the team’s coupon book for $20. There will be more on that next week. Any track and field athletes who have never been in the weight room are invited to attend a preseason session on Thursday after school. Cross-country The cross-country teams are gearing up for the New England Championships this weekend in Thetford. Vermont gets to host the meet, and Thetford Academy is set once again to accommodate schools, runners and coaches from New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. It should be an exciting day. Good luck! Intramural hockey It's that time of year again. Ready for one of the most anticipated sports seasons yet? No, not bowling…Intramural Hockey! For those of you unfamiliar with the program, here’s how it works: on Saturday nights from December through February the rink is abuzz with action. The Wombats, Lemurs, Kangaroos and Armadillos go head-to-head in a display of hockey finesse, on not just a top-notch level, but on all levels. The uniqueness and allure of this program is that everyone gets to play regardless of ability. It's a great way to make friends and have fun on a Saturday night. No checking allowed. If you're interested in learning more, connect with Mr. Preska and Ms. Vensel as soon as possible or get to the cafeteria Wednesday at 2:45 p.m.

The Manchester Athletic Club’s tennis team poses at the USTA Nationals. From left, Susan Dowds, Lisa Hollis, Karen Smith Crawley, Sarah Willwerth-Dyer, Connie Varoudakis, Maria Billante, Jani Gunsaulus and Terry Cellucci. Photo contributed

Miscellaneous Happy Birthday to my beautiful granddaughter, Gianna, who turns 2 this weekend, as well as Sharon Adams and cousin Elizabeth O’Lear. Belated wishes to track and field discus record-thrower Jason Lang, and mommy Christina Metropoulos Moulton.

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The Essex Reporter • November 12, 2015

S ports | C ommunity

Volunteers By Sue Alenick United Way Volunteer Volunteer once a week, once a month or once in a while. The listings below are a sample of the 300+ volunteer needs from more than 250 agencies found online at www.unitedwaycc.org. More information available at 8601677, Mon.-Fri. from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. or go to www. unitedwaycc.org/volunteer

making their own selections and then purchasing books for a discount at participating bookstores. Lists are available now. Contact Rebecca Goldberg at 865-7216 or email rgoldberg@ Burlingtonvt.gov.

CHRISTMAS KETTLES – The Salvation Army needs individuals, families or groups to volunteer to ring the bell at their red Christmas kettles. BOOKS FOR CHILDREN Volunteers greet people – Fletcher Free as they shop and welcome Library invites volunteers them to donate in support to share the joy of reading of programs in the Greater in their 25th annual “Books for Children Gift Campaign.” Burlington area. Call to schedule your date(s). Volunteers provide new, quality books for preschoolers Contact Scott Murray at 8646991 or email scott.murray@ during the holiday season use.salvationarmy.org. by choosing from a list or

WARM HANDS, WARM HEARTS – Vermont Housing Finance Agency is looking for volunteers to knit (or purchase) children’s mittens and gloves, which will then be filled with candy canes and given to children through various youth programs in the area. Contact Steve Gronlund at 652-3428 or email sgronlund@vhfa.org. MENTORING PROGRAM – Howard Center’s Community Friends Mentoring Program is seeking a long-term volunteer to help provide stability to the program. The volunteer will help kids and adults form life-long friendships through tasks such as producing a monthly

newsletter, collecting data, conducting surveys, and researching grants. Background check required. Contact Catherine Shahan at 488-6913 or email cshahan@ howardcenter.org. DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS – Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity is looking for a volunteer to work with the Advancement Director at their Williston office on tasks including researching foundations for possible grants, helping with communication tasks, writing thank you letters to donors and organizing event projects. Contact Catherine Stevens at 3187533 or email cstevens@ vermonthabitat.org.

Essex volleyball players named to All-Vermont Team Four Essex volleyball players were named to the All-Vermont Team, hosted by the Vermont Youth Volleyball Association. Scott Lyon, Spencer Sochin, Sabrina Liguori and Amanda Sinkewicz received the recognition, which highlights the area’s best volleyball student-athletes. Players are nominated by opposing coaches at the end of the regular season, and are then voted on to narrow down the field by position. The Essex boys' volleyball team won the state championship this year, while the girls' team was the runner-up.

Essex football player vying for PRIDE award Senior Cole Picard has been nominated for the annual PRIDE award, which is handed out by the South Burlington Dolphins Football Foundation. The trophy is a piece of granite artwork and will be given out in the spring at the National Football Foundation’s Vermont Chapter awards ceremony at Castleton University. Coaches from Vermont’s three divisions nominate players from their own teams, and will now vote to elect a premier player from all nominees in their division (without voting for their own player). When the three finalists are chosen after the North/South contest, their game film will be reviewed by a panel of retired coaches who will ultimately decide the “pride” of Vermont high school football. The trophy is sponsored by the South Burlington Dolphins’ Football Foundation and is made possible by a donation from the Johnson Family in memory of their son, Chris Johnson, a former player with the South Burlington Dolphins’ Youth Football team. The Dolphin foundation was created to perpetuate the growth and future of football in Vermont.

november 9th-21st only

ADL cross-country takes second at states The Albert D. Lawton Middle School cross-country team finished second out of 13 teams at the state championship, which was held at the Trapp Family Lodge Outdoor Center on Nov. 1. Henry Farrington finished third, running the hilly 1.8 miles in 10:40, followed closely by teammate Charles Martell who finished 4th with a time of 10:45. Rounding out ADL’s team scoring were Nick Mendes in 27th, Bredon Cummings in 49th and Chance Austin in 63rd. Patrick Morgan finished 73rd and Jaron Cummings finished 87th. This was the final race for Farrington, Martell, Mendes, Morgan and Cummings, who all move on to Essex High School next fall. Heidi Stewart and Scarlett Wagner competed for ADL, running the same rugged course at 13:23 and 18:52 respectively.

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The Essex Reporter • November 12, 2015

WHITE CHRISTMAS, THE MUSICAL. Nov. 12 through Nov. 15, Lyric Theatre Company will present the musical adaptation of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. Based on the classic film and set just after the close of World War II, two showbiz buddies meet two talented sisters and put on a show in a picturesque Vermont inn owned by their former army commander. The timeless score by Irving Berlin includes such wonderful songs as, “Count Your Blessings”, “Sisters” and of course “I’m Dreaming of A White Christmas”. Glitz, glamour and a dash of patriotic flair. Perfect for all ages. Flynn Theater, Burlington. Tickets: $23-$38. Information: www.flynntix.org

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Longtime Colchester resident publishes new novel By LIZ CAnTrELL For The Essex Reporter Jim DeFilippi, a resident of Colchester for nearly 40 years, recently published a new novel, “Blight New York 1955.” The novel centers on how violence against three women claims other victims— family, friends, loved ones, lovers, perpetrators, and even strangers. The story takes place during a one-year period in the small, fictional town of Blight, New York. DeFilippi, 71, was born in Duck Alley, Long Island, N.Y. and moved to Colchester in 1973. He and his wife lived there until moving to Salem, Mass. in 2012. DeFilippi was a teacher of English and journalism at Winooski High School for nearly 30 years. During his teaching career, DeFilippi also published numerous crime novels, volumes of poetry, and humor books. Throughout his life, DeFilippi has participated in workshops, speeches, and presentations about writing. In the 1990s, DeFilippi published several novels through major publishing houses such as Harper Collins, including the well-received “Blood Sugar.” In recent years, however, DeFilippi made the switch to self-publishing. Self-publishing used to be viewed as an author’s “last resort” and was generally cautioned against. Many believed self-published books did not carry the same legitimacy as ones

published through traditional means. Yet, the practice has gradually become more accepted and popular. With the advent of Amazon’s Kindle Direct publishing and other e-book services, authors are able to produce and sell their work quickly. For some authors, like DeFilippi, the ease of publishing and having control over their work can outweigh associated negativity. “This whole ‘print on demand’ and e-books is the best thing to happen to writers since Guttenberg and the printing press,” DeFilippi said. DeFilippi has previously made his books available simply in PDF form on his website, but has recently published via Brown Fedora Books. He concedes that he has certainly not “gotten rich” from self-publishing and that most are not likely to. Regardless, he maintains that the practice still greatly benefits writers. “The whole publishing world is changing, I think for the better. I think it’s just great. It’s immediate, the royalties are good, and you get control of your product,” he says, adding, “the only thing is, a million people are doing it, and there’s competition.” DeFilippi describes his style as “80 percent crime novels, though some are humorous.” “I don’t know why, but I tend to bounce back between goofy and serious books,” he said. His new novel is entirely serious, however. The plot centers on the aftermath of murder and other acts of violence committed against three different women, and how their stores are connected.

“It looks like a series of short stories but you realize it’s all one big story, even though there are three acts of violence,” DeFilippi explained. “I try to show that violence against women has always been part of a society, it has happened throughout our history,” he said. “Obviously the damage done to the woman is horrible, but what I try to show that violence just spreads out. It goes to her family, her friends, the people she loves. It even goes to the perpetrator, to strangers.” “What I tried to do style-wise was to get it to its sparest form,” DeFilippi said. “I tried to walk into each scene with a black and white camera and just record what happened.” He decided to try this approach to resist the urge to “overwrite” the story. “So often, most writers are such egotists, me included. It’s ‘oh look at me, what I can do with these words.’ So, I tried to cut back on that and just writing plots,” he explained. DeFilippi estimates that he completed the manuscript in six to eight months. He presented many chapters to his Salem writers group, as well as writer friends, for editing and advice. “I one of the writers who likes to have the plot worked out,” he admitted, “but on the other hand, it’s always twisting and turning, so it’s a malleable plot.” An author’s work is rarely finished, however. Fresh from finishing “Blight,” DeFilippi is already at work on his 19th publication. Jim DeFilippi’s new novel, “Blight New York 1955,” is available at amazon.com

A+D FILM SERIES: MATISSE - EXHIBITIONS ON SCREEN, THE CUT-OUTS. On Dec. 2, The BCA Center’s Architecture and Design Film Series will present “Matisse-Exhibitions on Screen, The Cut-Outs.” Audiences are invited to enjoy an intimate, behindthe-scenes documentary about this blockbuster exhibition with contributions from curators, historians and those who knew Matisse personally. Filmed at both Tate Modern and MoMA the film reflects the preparation and exhibition of Matisse’s simple but sophisticated cut-outs. Special attention is given to the conservation work of MoMA’s treasured ‘The Swimming Pool’ by Matisse. Beautifully filmed footage of the exhibition is interwoven with Matisse’s biography, behind-the-scenes material, and sequences featuring special guests. BCA Center, Downtown Burlington, 6 p.m. Information: http://www.burlingtoncityarts.org/events

Current Exhibits ESSEX ART LEAGUE MEMBER SHOW. The Essex Art League members are exhibiting their work in a small picture show at Burnham Memorial Library through Dec. 3. All art will be for sale, just in time for holiday giving. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester. Gallery Hours: Monday and Wednesday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-3p.m. Information: www.essexartleague.com/ COLUMN INCH COLLECTION: MEGAN WINWARD. The Column Inch Collection gallery, located inside the offices of The Essex Reporter and Colchester Sun is excited to be exhibiting work from Essex artist, Megan Winward. Winward’s playful abstract works feature a bright color palette with pronounced brush strokes. The work also incorporates collage and texture through Winward’s use of dried acrylic paint scraps affixed to the canvas. Exhibit on display through Jan. 8. Gallery Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Information: Essexreporter.com/CIC JESSIE POLLOCK: VERNAL POOLS AND OTHER LANDSCAPES. Jessie Pollock creates evocative and richly textured paintings that transcend the specificity of time and place. Using cold wax and encaustic, she pays homage to nature in all its power and beauty. On exhibit through Dec. 3. West Branch Gallery, Stowe. Gallery Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Information: http://www. westbranchgallery.com/ SHADES OF RED. Shades of Red art exhibit features over 30 Vermont Artists at the Jericho Town Hall. Art work includes photography, watercolor, oil, pastel. stained glass, and collage. All artwork is for sale through the artist. Jericho Town Hall, Jericho. Gallery Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Information: http://www. jerichovt.gov/ For more listings visit www.essexreporter.com/arts-and-entertainment

Peak beauty Dazzling photographic artwork by Bill Boccio of Essex Junction is on display at the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library in Williston through the month of November. Right: “Peak Beauty” is among Bill Boccio’s work on display at the Williston library this month.

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The Essex Reporter • November 12, 2015

Friday at 5 p.m. for display ads

for a free quote or to place an ad PHONE: FAX: EMAIL: MAIL:

802-878-5282 802-651-9635 classifieds@essexreporter.com The Essex Reporter 42 Severance Greene, Unit #108 Colchester VT 05446

DEADLINES Friday at 5 p.m. for line ads to run in the following Thursday paper

Champlain Community Services is a progressive, intimate, developmental services provider agency with a strong emphasis on self-determination values and individual & family relationships. Service Coordinator: Provide case management to individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. The ideal candidate will enjoy working in a fastpaced, team oriented position, have strong clinical and organizational skills and demonstrated leadership Send your resume and cover letter to esightler@ccs-vt.org Community Inclusion Facilitators: Provide one on one inclusion supports to help individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities lead fulfilling lives, reach their goals and be productive members of their community. We currently have several part time positions with comprehensive benefit and training packages. Send your resume and cover letter to staff@ccs-vt.org Shared Living Provider: A personable gentleman is seeking an individual to move into his home in St. Albans. He is active the community, has multiple interests, and day supports. He loves to go to the movies, and is a great conversationalist. For more information contact Jennifer Wolcott, jwolcott@ccs-vt.org

SERVICES A burst of color can do wonders for your home this winter. The professionals at Lafayette Painting have been transforming the homes and busi-

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HIRING SEEKING HEAVY CONSTRUCTION LABORER. Benefits offered. Top pay. Courtland Construction, Corp. 802-891-9161 E.O.E.

Husky Injection Molding Systems is one of the world's leading suppliers of machines, equipment and services to the global plastics industry. A strong social and environmental commitment makes Husky a great place to work. Located in Husky Injection leading suppliers machines, equipment and services to the Vermont just nMolding orth of BSystems urlington, is Hone usky of is cthe lose world's to all that Vermont has to oof ffer. global plastics industry. A strong social and environmental commitment makes Husky a great place to work. Located in

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JACKET, ATHLETECH, BOYS, size S, 6/7, 4-in-1, black with lime green stripes, velcro adjustable wrists, fleece lined inner jacket, water resistant. New with tags attached, ($59.99). $30. 802527-7066 after 4: 00 JEAN JACKET, WRANGLER, winter, size 4XL, $65. 802782-0394

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2 PAIR OF YOUTH SNOW SHOES Tubb Flex Jr. Support Children 40-90lbs asking $25 each. Sears Kenmore Garbage Disposal, Brand New 1/2 HP asking $40. Razor Youth Bike Helmets, Size Medium asking $5 each. 802-370-5103.

PARKA, LANDS’ END, boys Weatherly fleece lined parka, olive gree. Size L (7). New with tags attached , (459.50). Exclusive Caring for someone with dementia aqua check lamiFree estimates requires patience, training andnate is is windproof, waterproof and a full time responsibility. breathable, warm PAINTING If you’re considering alternate thermacheck fleece lining, four options to home care, considermulti-purpose VALLEY inside pockets. Mansfield Place. PAINTING $25. 802-527“LivingMansfield & Working In Essex Junctionpersonifies For Over 30 Years”the Place 7066 after 4:00.

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The Essex Reporter • November 12, 2015

$150. 802-868-7613 DISHCLOTHS, HOMEMADE, (4), $3. each. 802-782-4125 WATER PITCHER, GLASS, large. Never used. $5. 802-658-1636 TV, COLOR, 28”, with remote. $60. 802849-2424 TREADMILL, NORDIC TRACK, Sears, 3 months old. 12 speed, 12 incline. Works lower body. Bought new for $900, asking $350. 802-735-8256

and one HP. Comes with everything. $75. each. 802-752-9143 DVD/VCR COMBO, $25. 802-752-9143 MATTRESS COVER, FITTED, for full double bed. Excellent

WOOD BOX, OLD, nice. $35. KINDLING WOOD, (2) boxes, $3. each box or both for $5. 802868-7975 DRESSER, 6 DRAWERS, $50. 802-7529143 ROLLAWAY BED WITH headboard. $10. 802-524-0788 SPOOL BED, 3/4, antique, white with mattress and box spring. $100. 802868-5606 COMPUTERS, (3), DESKTOPS, one Dell

TV, SAMSUNG, 28”, FREE 802-752-9143

Please send resume and professional references to: SSTA, 2091 Main Street, Colchester, VT 05446 SSTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer

TOWN OF ESSEX ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT PUBLIC HEARING December 3, 2015 @ 6:00 PM

Police Community Room 145 Maple St. Essex Jct., VT

Brian Marcotte, d/b/a Pinewood DevelopmentProposed Variance to reduce the front yard setback requirements from 40’ to 25’ on the remaining lots located in Section H in the R2 Zone. Tax Map 84, Parcels 1-27. Minutes (November 5, 2015)

Katherine Sonnick, Chair

Daycare Driver/ Aide Full Time Special Services Transportation Agency (SSTA) is looking for a full time Daycare Driver/Aide. Position is 40 hours per week from 7:00 - 11:00 and from 1:30 - 5:30, Monday through Friday. Person must be 21 years old with a clean and valid drivers’ license. Experience and patience with children a must.

PAYROLL SPECIALIST/ ACCOUNTING

The Franklin West Supervisory Union is seeking a friendly professional that is detail oriented and has strong organizational skills to join our team! This Payroll Specialist/Accounting position is year-round, 40-hours-per-week, and reports to the Business Manager. This person processes accurate and timely payroll for all entities within the Supervisory Union. Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced, multi-faceted environment, and have solid experience managing multiple deadlines with a positive attitude. Competence in excel and confidence in learning new computer systems are essential. Position involves managing a high volume of electronic time sheets, payroll record updates, interacting with numerous employees and ensuring a timely response to questions while workflow is in various stages of completion. This position also involves some accounting work, such as bank reconciliations. Sense of humor is a must! Franklin West offers a competitive salary and benefits package, and flexible summer schedule.

$13.20/hour with benefits. Please call or stop by the office. 2091 Main Street Colchester, VT 802-878-1527 x101 SSTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

VILLAGE OF ESSEX JUNCTION PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC MEETING NOVEMBER 19, 2015

Interested applicants should apply on www.schoolspring.com to Job # 2111834.

Lund, a multi-service nonprofit that has served families and children throughout Vermont for 125 years, is currently seekng candidates for positions within our Residential Treatment Programs:

6:00 P.M. Work Session for Land Development Code Updates

Counselors for Evening, Weekend, and Awake Overnight Shifts: Full and part-time positions available! Counselors provide crucial parent education and life skill support to pregnant and parenting women and their children in a residential treatment setting. Shifts include evening, awake overnight, and weekend hours. Ideal for those with alternative schedules and night owls! Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in human services related field and experience providing care to young children; ability to multi-task, work in fastpaced environment, flexibility and adaptability needed. Looking for a candidate that is a quick problem-solver and able to work independently during non-traditional hours. Experience working in residential treatment setting preferred. Valid driver’s license required. Shift differential offered. Great opportunity to work with a strong team of professionals in a fun and fast-paced environment. Ongoing training opportunities available. Comprehensive benefit package for full-time positions. Starting $14-$16/hr + shift differential hours. Sub positions also available.

Chapter 9: Chapter 10: Chapter 17: Chapter 11: Chapter 14:

Subdivisions Enforcement Appeals Sewer Regulations Water System Management and Use Appendix A: Public Works Specifications ________________________________ This meeting will be held in the conference room of the Essex Junction municipal building at 2 Lincoln St., Essex Jct., VT. Reasonable accommodations will be provided upon request to the Village, to assure that Village meetings are accessible to all individuals regardless of disability.

To apply, please send resume and cover letter along to:

Jamie Tourangeau, HR Manager PO Box 4009 Burlington, VT 05406-4009 Fax: (802) 864-1619 Email: jamiet@lundvt.org

Husky Injection Molding Systems is one of the world’s leading suppliers of machines, equipment and services to the global plastics industry. A strong social and environmental commitment makes Husky a great place to work. Located in Vermont just north of Burlington, Husky is close to all that Vermont has to offer.

The Purchasing Team Leader will be responsible for leading activities related to materials purchasing including demand review, cost validation, item data maintenance, procurement, expediting, and supply change management. They will also be responsible for managing and developing global supplier relationships and specific commodities.

Experienced HVAC Experienced HVACTechnician Technician

Manufacturing Team Leader Weekend Shift: Friday- Sunday 6am- 6:30pm The Manufacturing TL will be responsible for meeting delivery commitments, improving safety, workflow, quality and productivity efficiencies within the Manifold cell and Plateline. Other responsibilities include, but are not limited to, establishing and communicating short-term goals in line with the department and company goals and managing a team of technicians. A Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering is Preferred. Must be able to communicate effectively and collaboratively with support functions including; Maintenance, Quality, Scheduling, Finance and Manufacturing Engineering. Working knowledge of Baan, OFS, MS Outlook is required. Must have leadership experience to drive accountability within the department to promote maximum team performance and ownership. Shift flexibility is expected with this position to integrate with other shifts.

Apply on-line today at www.husky.co

Join the team at Gardener’s Supply Company! Gardener’s Supply is America’s leading catalog & web-based gardening company. We work hard AND offer a fun place to work, with summer bocce games, BBQs, employee garden plots and much more! We also offer strong cultural values, competitive wages and outstanding benefits (ranging from a tremendous discount on plants & product, to actually owning shares of the company!).

Materials Handler Responsible for moving our inventory throughout the distribution center accurately, safely and quickly. The position supports the needs of multiple departments by moving product, keeping bins filled and receiving inventory from our vendors. We are interested in applicants with experience operating various materials handling machines. Our evening shift is Monday- Friday 2:00-10:30PM during the months of November & December and March through June. The remainder of the year the hours are 10:00AM- 6:30PM. We are a 100% employee-owned company and an award winning and nationally recognized socially responsible business, voted one of Vermont’s “Best Places to Work.” Interested? Please send your cover letter & resume to Gardener’s Supply Company, attn: Human Resources 947 Route 7 South, Milton VT 05468 or to jobs@gardeners.com.

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A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Business with a Master’s degree in Supply Chain is preferred. Candidates should have 5+ years purchasing experience with a technical knowledge of commodity, leadership and negotiation with suppliers. Must have a broad understanding of “total cost” concepts, metallurgy, and lean manufacturing principles. Experience with process mapping, procurement, and Baan IV and/or Baan LN is a plus. The purchasing team leader should be comfortable traveling to foreign countries to assess and evaluate potential new suppliers, technologies, & products.

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BOURNE’S ENERGYis isHIRING HIRING BOURNE’S ENERGY

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Is seeking a highly motivated Person for the position of a: Swanton Mill Location This full-time position offers excellent pay, health insurance, vacation, 401K, and proﬁt sharing for the appropriate candidate. Must have Class A CDL and be willing to work ﬂexible hours. Please send letter of application and resume to: Poulin Grain Inc. ATTN: John Robillard 24 Depot Street Swanton, VT 05488 Or apply in person at: 24 Depot Street, Swanton Poulin Grain is an Equal Opportunity Employer

ORIENTAL RUGS, (2), imitation, 8x10 and 10x12. $20. for the pair.

RECTANGULAR CREATIVE TOP with many designs, for kitchen use. $5. 802-658-1636

BILLING ANALYST

TRACTOR, ALLIS CHALMERS, 1957, 2WD, 40HP, 8 speed, 6 foot bucket. Great snow mover. Chains and some extras. $2,500. 802-8487850

FIREWOOD, ALL HARDWOOD, seasoned, cut, split, delivered. Highgate, Swanton. $250./ cord, 2.5 cord loads. Call for price in other areas. Wood lots wanted. 802868-9225

MATTRESS, FULL SIZE, $25. 802-752-9143

802-868-5606

Special Services Transportation Agency (SSTA), a local not for profit, is seeking a full time Billing Analyst. SSTA has a complex billing system with multiple funding sources, all with specific billing requirements. Duties range from verification of data and submission of billing to database reporting and analysis. An integral part of this role is liaising with various funding sources, with data and trend analysis. Must enjoy detail work, as well as having strong communication and analytical skills. Relevant experience required. Salary based on experience, SSTA offers a competitive benefits package.

FEED CART, Bodco. Very good condition. $1,500. 802868-2285

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The Essex Reporter • November 12, 2015

S CHOOLS CTE

ADL Agenda We are quickly approaching the end of the first trimester. Families can expect an email from me right after Thanksgiving break that will contain the Jumprope link to view students’ first progress report. The report will give an overall mastery score in the content standards and habits of learning for each class. To see more detail, it will be necessary to go into the Jumprope program and click on the individual assignments and scores that were combined to arrive at the mastery score listed on the progress report. Should families not have access to the internet, please call 878-1388 to request a hard copy of the progress report to be sent home. Families are also encouraged to visit ADL before, during or after school to use our computers to access the Jumprope program and view student progress on an ongoing basis. We would be very pleased to have you in the building. Laurie Singer, Principal Fall Band Concert: The ADL Band will have its first performance of the year on Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. The concert will feature the Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble and Concert Band. We hope you will join us. Also, mark your calendars now for the annual Holiday Concert, which will take place Dec. 17 at 7 p.m., featuring the String Ensemble, Chorus, Select Chorus and Handbells. More information will follow in future Essex Reporter articles. Scholastic Book Fair: The fall Book Fair, sponsored by Parents as Partners, continues on Nov. 12 before and after the band concert for anyone interested in purchasing some great books for your children. With the holidays just around the corner, it is a great opportunity to get some of your shopping done and support the work of our Parents as Partners organization.

FMS We value reading In our class, reading time is a special part of the day. The students love getting cozy in their assigned reading nooks and getting lost in their stories. They often want to share with their peers and teacher what they are reading or an exciting fact they may have learned from their book. The third-graders are also doing a year-long author study of the well-known children’s author, Kate DiCamillo. They read her first book called “Because of Winn Dixie,” and they loved it! We had many wonderful conversations about this book, and the children made some great predictions and connections to their own lives. We also did some fun activities with character traits and development. After reading the book, the third-graders were able to watch the movie. They used a Venn diagram to compare and contrast the similarities and differences. We are currently reading our third DiCamillo book called “The Tale of Despereaux.” As we read, we will discover similar themes between her books. In our class we also enjoy having “mystery readers” visit and share their favorite books with us. Parents, friends or other family members can sign up to be a mystery reader with Mrs. Stone. Since this is a surprise, they write five clues about themselves that we read right before their visit. The children love to figure out who the mystery reader is, especially if it is someone from their family! Kristy Stone Third-grade teacher

Community Service Days at Center for Technology, Essex Senior citizens (aged 60+) are invited!

Students and teachers at the Center for Technology, Essex maintain a proud tradition of community service learning. Each year, every CTE program meets a wide variety of community needs while students get real world application of their skills and a healthy dose of civic responsibility. And of course, the annual Senior Service Days, attended by over 150 community members each year, is coming up soon. This two-day event has welcomed seniors from Chittenden County and beyond since 1995. Conversations and laughter between seniors and teenagers go a long way toward dispelling stereotypes and distance. Students feel appreciated and respected for the skills they have, and seniors generously share stories and praise. Everyone gets in on the event. Teachers park and walk so the lot is free for visitors. The school is then full with elders in the tech center enjoying manicures, playing bingo, monitoring blood pressure, eating lunch and amazing desserts, having snow tires mounted, getting computer tips. There’s even a jazz concert. This year’s event features the generous participation of students in many CTE programs: health informatics, professional foods, computer animation, graphic design, computer systems technology, automotive tech, cosmetology, childhood education and dental assisting students and teachers are all preparing for the Nov. 12-13.

• Have your blood pressure monitored. • Socialize in the café with arts and crafts and games. • Enjoy a music concert by EHS performing arts students (Friday only). • Maximize your health: information on nutrition, lifeline, exercise, diabetes. • Bring your computer (we’ll carry it in!) or cell phone for help. • Bring a favorite old photo that needs repair or restoration (e-mail address needed). • Students will provide yard clean up and basic tree care service. Call in advance 857-7000 ext. 1329. We ask anyone interested (aged 60 and up) to choose one day (either Nov. 12 or 13) to attend. Please register at the school between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. Plan to enjoy the students, catch up with old friends, eat wonderful food, and be cared for! Questions? Call Center for Technology, Essex at 802-857-7000 ext. 1329.

Free services for seniors include:

• Have tires rotated and car checked for winter. Due to popularity, tires are done by lottery. • Have a manicure, paraffin wax treatment and haircut. • Learn about email, the internet, and using your computer or cell phone. • Enjoy a buffet lunch (assigned seating time is based on when you arrive).

The Center for Technology, Essex hosts its annual Senior Service Day this Thursday and Friday. PhoTo CoNTRiBUTED

EHS As the school year progresses, we’ll include in this column notes from teachers about some of the topics taking place in their classrooms. We begin this week with science teacher Amy Vensel, who teaches earth science and botany this year. She shares the following: Something pretty cool is happening in the greenhouse. Shawn Rocheleau, a teacher at the Center for TechnologyEssex has just completed a new heating system for the greenhouse with his students. This system relies on heat produced using biomass; mine is run using wood chips donated by Barrett’s Tree Service. It consists of a large pile of bark mulch with water filled tubes running through it. These tubes then run underground, into the greenhouse and along a register-type system (like radiators). As the wood degrades it produces heat that warms the water. The hot water is then pumped throughout the greenhouse and along the registers, much like a furnace/hot water system. The degradation of the wood chips releases enough heat to warm the water up to 110-120 degrees. The cool part is that it’s completely free (outside of initial set-up costs) and the chips will last for about 18 months. It’s a great system that’s not only a money-saver, but it can eventually be used for various

science classes to study alternative fuels. Julian Bradshaw, whose first semester schedule includes art I, art II, art III and AP art, reports she has hard-working students in all levels this year. One particular project her students have become involved with is the AP Memory Project. The Memory Project receives photographs from an orphanage in Madagascar. AP students then use their skills to make an oil painting, which is sent to the subject upon completion. It’s a touching project that students really invest themselves in, and we hope to have some of the paintings on display before sending them to their recipients. visitors from Japan: A group of students from Japan visited Vermont this month. Several of our students were hosts and participated in a welcome dinner at Burlington High School. The students visited sights of interest including the Statehouse in Montpelier, Middlebury College, and UVM. They spent their last day shadowing students at South Burlington High School and Essex High School. Thanks to Yukari Dougherty, our Japanese teacher for making this all possible. vIA Update: After two years of planning, and connecting virtually through Virtual Intercultural Avenues

Founders Memorial School students and teachers participate in reading time as part of a year-long author study of Kate DiCamillo, author of “Because of Winn Dixie.” PhoTo CoNTRiBUTED

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EhS Visitors Japan: Pictured are Japanese visitors during their “Shadow Day” at Essex high School. PhoTo CoNTRiBUTED

(VIA), 24 Belgians (22 students and two teachers) arrived at the Burlington International Airport on Oct. 24. The group came from Brussels, where they attend Athénée Emile Bockstael. The students stayed with fantastic EHS host families. Hosts ranged from freshmen to seniors, and are French and Spanish students at EHS. In addition, the Belgian students each had a Student Ambassador who accompanied them to more than 60 different EHS classes in all. A highlight of the week was a visit to Molly Edwards’ World Cultures class, where the Belgian students were paired with American students to discuss different cultural perspectives related to school, family, friends, lifestyle and values. Later in the week, all the Belgian students met Erin Kranichfeld’s Creative Writing class. Both classes had received the same writing assignment, but on two sides of the Atlantic. The prompt was to write a spooky (Halloween-themed) story. After sharing their work with their American and Belgian partners, and choosing the best excerpts, the students shared their work in an open mic forum. On Friday, ADL and Westford seventh- and eighth-graders came to the high school for an assembly just for the middle school students. They got a chance to ask questions about everything from school and sports, to language and food! Throughout the week, the Belgians and American hosts visited some of the “must see” spots in Vermont, including the Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory in Waterbury, the Shelburne Museum, Burton Snowboards, Nightmare Vermont, and Jay Peak, to name a few. The whole exchange was a true community effort, supported by EHS families, EHS faculty and staff, and especially EHS students. Below: ViA Belgium visitors: A group of students from Belgium visited Essex high School in october.

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The Essex Reporter • November 12, 2015

S CHOOLS Fleming Flyer

EES Spelling competition success: Congratulations to the Thomas Fleming School Fifth Grade Spelling Team. The team came in second place behind Warren Elementary School in the VPA Regional Grade 5-6 Spelling Team Competition on Oct. 31 in Hyde Park. We are extremely proud of this team of spellers for their hard work and dedication.

Annie Allardyce’s second-grade class performs a Readers’ Theater of Melissa Stewart’s book “When Rain Falls” for Cheryl Day’s kindergartners and Ellen Pariseau’s first-graders. PhoTo | CARoL SCRiMGEoUR

Melissa Stewart, a prolific science author, visited Essex Elementary School on Oct. 26 and 27. This event was made possible thanks to the support of the school’s PTO and Book Fair profits. During her visit, Ms. Stewart met with seven small multi-grade groups. In each group, first-graders and kindergartners enjoyed watching the second-grade students present a type of performance called Readers’ Theater based on Ms. Stewart’s book “When Rain Falls.” Afterward, the author read aloud her book to everyone, and then prompted children to reflect on the differences between the book and the live readers’ theater. Ms. Stewart walked the children through the writing- and book-making process, from idea to published book. We learned that one of her books, “No Monkeys, No Chocolate,” took 10 years to be published, involving more than 50

edits and rewrites. First- and second-graders loved reading this one, and then examining real cocoa bean and pods. Ms. Stewart is the award-winning author of more than 185 science books for children. She has always been fascinated by the natural world and is passionate about sharing its beauty and wonder with readers of all ages. Melissa believes that nothing brings nonfiction writing to life like firsthand research. She has written everything from board books for preschoolers to magazine articles for adults. Her website: www.melissa-stewart.com/ has a wealth of information and activity suggestions to extend the experience after reading her books. The Learning Center library has purchased many of her books for students to borrow and enjoy at home with their families.

veterans Day assembly, nov. 11: Fleming School is very proud of its annual Veterans Day program to honor our nation’s men and women in uniform, both past and present. The program was held in Fleming School’s Gymnasium on Nov. 11. Fleming students and their families gathered in assembly to pay tribute to those who have dedicated their time and service to our country. We recognized the service of our community members with our annual slide show, and we talked about the commitment these individuals have made and expressed our appreciation for their dedication.

The Fleming Spelling Team, from left to right: Neha Metlapalli, DJ hankey, Eamon Kemerer, Mila Cornell, Kyle Lozier, Coach Amy Bigelow and Satchel Doubleday. PhoTo CoNTRiBUTED

Thanksgiving Food Drive, thru nov. 13: The PTO will be collecting canned goods and hygiene products for the Essex Junction Food Pantry through Nov. 13. Collection boxes are stationed in the school lobby for donations. This is an excellent opportunity to teach children empathy and awareness, and to contribute to our community members in need. Please consider joining the PTO in this community effort by donating.

End of trimester 1: Friday, nov. 20: Nov. 20 marks the end of the first trimester at Thomas Fleming School. Report cards will be sent home with students on Dec. 4. Our students are off to a great start this year, and we look forward to their continued hard work and success. Thanksgiving break: School will be closed Nov. 23-27 for Thanksgiving break. Students will return to school on Nov. 30.

EMS What comes to mind when a group of students brainstorming for a product idea suggest a GaGa Pit? What does Lady GaGa have to do with a seventh-grade Design Technology Education (DTE/STEM) class trying to use what they are learning about materials and processes to produce a product and meet a human need or want? Apparently for those of us now in the know, GaGa is a game that is played inside or outdoors in an octagon shaped enclosure. Students were very excited about manufacturing this GaGa Pit for use during lunch/recess time. The class researched different materials, calculated the length of the sides, and what angle to cut each piece to create the octagon enclosure. The final product finish was decided to be an exterior stain tinted blue and white for each side. The GaGa pit has just been completed and is outside the cafeteria for students to enjoy a quick game or two.

Pictured in the photos are EMS students Erin Noel, Walker Stapleton, Noah Neddo, Carter Cheney, Wyatt Lamell, Brady Martisus, Ryan Clark, Jessy Chen and Sabrina Chapdelaine. PhoToS | SABRiNA ChAPDELAiNE

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The Essex Reporter • November 12, 2015

F OOD

Photo

of the week

The Good Food Truck announces new funding from VSECU VSECU, the Vermont State Employees credit union recently donated $10,000 for the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf’s newly launched program, The Good Food Truck. The innovative new program is designed to use the power of nutritious and local food to feed people who are hungry, create opportunities for people who are under- or unemployed, and unite the community around the fight against hunger. “We are thrilled that VSECU has chosen to sponsor The Good Food Truck,” said Sophia Morton, the food shelf’s communications and development director. “This type of sponsorship is hugely impactful for the program, and supports our mission of feeding hundreds of more people who otherwise may not have access to nutritious and fresh meals.”

The Good Food Truck, launched in June of 2015, brings free meals and a fun, festive atmosphere to our hungry and food insecure neighbors using a 16-foot long truck that is equipped to cook and serve meals on the road. The goal for CEFS and the Food Truck is to offer 120 days of free meals to low income community members at partner organizations and meal sites throughout Chittenden County. Clientele of the Good Food Truck who have a household income at or below 185% of the federal poverty line will be eligible for these free, delicious meals featuring globally-inspired flavors and local foods. The Good Food Truck is also an opportunity for the Food Shelf to tell our story to the broader community in a fresh, new way. The Good Food Truck will be at several community

events and fundraisers throughout the season operating as a social enterprise, or business, venture. During these revenue-generating fixed price menu days, 100% of the proceeds from purchases made at the Good Food Truck will benefit The Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf and go toward providing 120 days of free meals for low income Vermonters. “The Good Food Truck is an innovative and entrepreneurial approach to the issue of hunger in Vermont,” said Simeon Chapin, VSECU director of community and social development. “This is exactly the type of initiative VSECU looks for as we work to improve the lives of all Vermonters and support projects that have a lasting social impact in our communities.” — Staff report

Lenny’s raises $22,790 to fight hunger in Vermont and New York

Chef Jackie hoff gets ready to serve chicken at Essex Middle School, leading to this student quote: “The best school meal i have ever had. Can i have seconds please?” PhoTo | BoNNiE SZARKoWSKi, ETSD ChiLD NUTRiTioN CooRDiNAToR

On Saturday, Oct. 24, locals shopped till they dropped — and raised more than $22,000 to fight hunger. During the 6th annual Charity Sale, Lenny’s Shoe & Apparel and its customers collectively raised $22,790 for the Vermont Foodbank and JCEO Plattsburgh Foodshelf. This week, Lenny’s owners Mark and Todd McCarthy presented a check for $17,450 to Vermont Foodbank CEO John Sayles and presented a check for $5,340 to the JCEO Plattsburgh Foodshelf. “What an incredible donation!” said Sayles. “We are deeply grateful to Lenny’s and their loyal customers for their years of partnership. Together we are ensuring that our neighbors have the food they need during times of great need.” Lenny’s customers were encouraged to make a $10 donation to the Vermont Foodbank and JCEO Plattsburgh Foodshelf in exchange for 2016 Lenny’s Coupon Calendar. All of the proceeds from each calendar sold went directly to the nonprofit organizations. Lenny’s is continuing to collect $5 donations in exchange for the 2016 Coupon Calendar. “Our customers have astounded us once again with their generosity,” said McCarthy. “To date, we have now donated $73,945 to these organizations.”

National Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week

Lenny’s Shoe & Apparel has donated over $73,000 to the Vermont Foodbank and JCEo Plattsburgh Foodshelf since 2010. PhoTo CoNTRiBUTED

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