The Essex Reporter: November 22, 2018

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November 22, 2018 • The Essex Reporter • 1

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Players raise curtain on 60th season

By BEN CHIAPPINELLI In 1958, New York City was host to what was only the 12th Tony awards ceremony, crowning “Sunrise at Campobello” outstanding play and “The Music Man” outstanding musical. Nearly 300 miles north during that same year, the curtains would raise on a more modest production by the newly formed Essex Players theater company. One name change and 60 years later, the Essex Community Players is celebrating a diamond anniversary by nodding to the past and investing in the future.

“We give you the chance to dab-

ble in all areas of theater,” former ECP board president Billie Hall said.

“Many of us work our regular 9 to 5 jobs and then come to build or design a set, act and practice our lines or run the box office.”

ECP is a dedicated collection of volunteers from Essex and the surrounding communities; their experience ranges from years of professional stage work to inaugural thespians. The troupe boasts a reputation for being a welcoming family, and community is more than just its middle name.

The community is also a direct beneficiary of the productions

through the Essex Gives Back program. The longstanding tradition asks the play directors to pick a nonprofit or charity to receive proceeds from the show, resulting in some large contributions to programs like Meals on Wheels and Camp Ta-KumTa, Hall said.

“Something about that is so uniquely Vermont,” agreed Kat Redniss, the current ECP board president. “Essex never says ‘I’m too busy to give back,’ and instead I see everyone doing things to make it a better place. Essex Gives Back is an embodiment of that. It is a way to demSee PLAYERS, page 3

COURTESY PHOTO

Director Adam Cunningham (far left) smiles alongside the cast of his production of Neil Simon’s “Barefoot in the Park.” The production launched the 60th anniversary season for the Essex Community Players in October.

Marking the end of an era Planet Fitness relocating to space held by Aubuchon Hardware, which closes this week after five decades in Essex Jct. PHOTO BY COLIN FLANDERS

Signs warn of Aubuchon Hardware's impending closure on Sunday afternoon. The hardware store planned to lock its doors for good Tuesday.

By COLIN FLANDERS

J

immie Keel watched a handful of customers wander around Aubuchon Hardware last Sunday, plucking what they could from the now-barren shelves that line the Essex Jct. store.

The scene might have resembled a disaster movie or prep for an incoming storm, were it not for the bargains promised by a yellow banner above the entrance, or the signs taped to the windows, warning the end to an era.

The stream of customers remained steady through the weekend,

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and though Keel managed the store for less than a year, many of those who stopped in knew him by name.

“It hurts to see ‘em,” Keel said, looking at the ground. “I feel like I'm letting ‘em down.”

Aubuchon officially ended a 50-plus-year run at the Essex Jct. shopping center at 5 p.m. this Tuesday, when Keel locked up the store for the very last time. In its place will go Planet Fitness, which plans to bid farewell to its River Rd. gym after more than 10 years there.

Aubuchon’s departure comes after a prolonged period of flagging sales at the store that decades ago was

one the chain’s most profitable stores, according to Bernard Aubuchon, the company’s executive vice president. But he said the proliferation of so-called box stores has brought the store to a point where “the growth stopped and started going backward.”

“We’ve tried remodeling the store.

We put some good effort into trying to stay here, but it’s just not working,” said Aubuchon, whose grandfather started the chain of stores in Pittsburgh, Mass. 110 years ago.

Planet Fitness, meanwhile, is expected to move in after work to outfit the space wraps up sometime See CLOSING, page 2

Local fundraiser helps pay off N.H. school debts

By COLIN FLANDERS “From Essex to Claremont with love.” If Annie Cooper was a newspaper editor, that’s how she’d title a story about her effort to raise money for a school district more than 100 miles away.

Cooper was one of several people to host fundraisers aimed at paying down a $32,000 school lunch and breakfast program debt in Claremont, N.H., where the school board briefly mentioned hiring a debt collector or bringing delinquent families to small claims court.

The local paper, the Valley News, reported the measures were never seriously considered, but after hearing news of

the situation, Cooper started a GoFundMe page on October 9. She set an admittedly ambitious goal of raising all $32,000 to clear the debts.

Over the course of several weeks, she raised more than $2,000 from 74 individual donors, but the momentum eventually slowed, prompting Cooper to consider the best way to present the funds and get her point across: No family should have to fear getting a bill in the mail for lunch money.

“My heart went right to my throat,” Cooper said of hearing mention of a debt collector.

“I know the pain of being the person who owes the money,” she continued. “I

wanted to help the school district there have a deeper conversation, so they weren’t just sending the bill to the families – they were creating a new way forward.”

Cooper shared memories of shaking a piggy bank to cover her kids’ school lunches and said when the Essex community started to notice her need, it quietly began pitching in – leaving groceries in her car while she was at work or donating clothes. Now in a better place, Cooper said she uses her experience as fuel to help others.

In mid-October, news broke an anonymous donor agreed to pay off $29,000 of See DEBTS, page 2

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The Essex Reporter • November 22, 2018

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CLOSING from page 1 between next summer and fall, according to the Pearl St. shopping center’s owner, David Hauke. He said he will miss having Aubuchon as a tenant but acknowledged turnover is a part of owning any retail space.

A manager at Planet Fitness in Essex declined to confirm the move, calling it “confidential,” and referred The Reporter to the company’s regional headquarters, where an official who declined to share his name said the location on River Road would relocate in late 2019. He wouldn’t say if the gym’s members had been informed.

According to Brian Marcotte, president of Pinewood Manors Inc., which owns the River Rd. complex, the gym’s move comes out of necessity. Marcotte said he declined to extend the gym’s lease because he needed to free up space for his other tenants, who have been in the complex longer and are on the verge of expansion.

“It’s tough,” Marcotte said. “I’d like to have everyone here, but I only have so much room.” He added it’s too early to say which ones may move into the space.

Across town at the gym’s soon-to-be home, Hauke is working on relocating some of his tenants, too, but also declined to share specifics. One of those tenants is Garry Montague, who runs his barbershop out of a retail space next door.

Montague wasn’t too surprised by Aubuchon’s announcement. He said he knew the store was look-

PHOTO BY COLIN FLANDERS

A row of shelves at Aubuchon Hardware in Essex Jct. sits empty Sunday afternoon during a liquidation sale. The store plans to close its doors on Tuesday due to flagging sales after more than five decades in the shopping center on Pearl Street. ing to move for a few years now, and citing the impact of Lowe’s, summarized the change matter-of-factly.

“Everybody gets squeezed out by someone,” he said. (It should be noted Lowe’s has also struggled as of late: The company announced earlier this month it planned to close 51 stores across the U.S. and Canada, though the two in Chitten-

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Reached on the phone mid-haircut, Montague wasn’t sure exactly where his shop would be next year but said he planned to stay within the shopping center.

News of the shakeup quickly spread on social media, with rumblings that other shopping center businesses were closing to make room for the gym. But like Garry’s, several businesses on either side of Aubuchon – Clay’s and Quality Bake Shop – confirmed they will remain within the center.

Still, Aubuchon’s departure alone was enough to sadden some, like Karen Alderman, who had stopped in the store just last week.

She noted the location’s convenience ¬– just a short drive from her business in the village – and said she valued shopping in a place where the staff could always find what she was looking for.

“I could even hand them my whole list,” she said, and unlike seeking help in box stores, “I never had to look for anybody.”

Indeed, despite one link in a chain of more than 100

stores nationwide, Aubuchon felt like a local store to some, the type of place you grew up with, or as Alderman put it, where “you felt

“It’s a lack of sales.

Lack of profits,” he said.

“That’s the way it goes.”

The sting still felt fresh to some of his employees,

“They cry, because we've been a fixture in Essex for a long, long time."

Jimmie Keel Manager at Aubuchon Hardware

like you mattered when you walked in the door.”

A third-generation family businessman, Aubuchon acknowledged closing a store is never ideal.

He stressed the change is not a sign of a company in straights, but a move to trim some dead weight.

however, who spent the last several weeks saying goodbye.

“We've even had them cry on us,” Keel said of his customers.

“Ah, don't even go there,” replied Nann Stenson, his assistant manager.

“Because they do.”

“They do,” Keel echoed.

“They cry, because we've been a fixture in Essex for a long, long time.”

Keel and Stenson seem to have come to terms with the move. Keel suspected the store might close when he took over this April and said he could have gone elsewhere, but he enjoyed working for a family-oriented company. Plus, he liked his co-workers.

“To me, the employees are what makes you or breaks you,” the manager said. He’s thankful his employees still have jobs and has no hard feelings for Aubuchon, even if he now must make a 70-mile trek from St. Albans down to a store in Waterbury.

“It is what it is,” he said.

Stenson is relocating to a store in South Burlington.

She, too, shared sadness with the closure, explaining she’s been in Essex for more than four years, making her the store’s longest tenured employee.

“This was gonna be my forever home. But” she said, sighing with a shrug, “start new.”

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

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DEBTS from page 1 the outstanding balance, meaning Cooper’s haul and efforts from several other donors would well exceed the necessary amounts. She sent a check down Monday to the superintendent’s office.

Data from the New Hampshire Department of Education shows that half of all students who attend school in Claremont are eligible for free and reduced lunch.

According to the Valley News, the Claremont School

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Board says it’s taking steps – like hiring a part-time lunch program monitor to assist families in completing free or reduced lunch forms – to make sure such a debt doesn’t incur again.

Cooper hopes that conversation continues not just in Claremont, but everywhere.

“We have to feed our children and ensure we are not placing further stress on families already in emotional and financial distress,” she said.

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November 22, 2018 • The Essex Reporter • 3

COURTESY PHOTO

The length of the stage in Memorial Hall often creates unique challenges and opportunities for set designers. This panorama captures the set for “Barefoot in the Park,” which ran last month.

PLAYERS from page 1 onstrate we are the heart of that artistic community, and we want to make a larger impact. We are so grateful for our relationship with the town. It has really become a home for the players.”

This home is Memorial Hall, an extremely intimate space that seats around 100 patrons. Audience members have commented on the unique experiences borne of the close proximity they share with the actors, and the venue itself encourages creativity.

“Our designers have to work with a wide, shallow space which has inspired some mind-blowing genius,” Redniss said.

“Some of the best sets I have seen have come out of that. People thinking of the space in such a creative way.”

There is also a sense of history in the building, which has been the home to the ECP since 1965.

“There is a stairwell up to the second floor where the light and sound booth is, and the casts of different show have signed the wall for each production - sometimes embellishing their signatures with a line from the production,” Hall said. “That is where you can get a feel for history of the place.”

A history that has led to a 60th year with four shows on the docket, which represent both the past and future of the local theater group. In October, ECP regular Adam Cunningham launched the special season by directing Neil Simon’s “Barefoot in the Park.”

This piece was a return to a tried and true piece that has been performed several times in Memorial Hall.

“It was a poignant moment to start with ‘Barefoot,’” Redniss said. “What’s lovely about this season is that it is a real reflection of the past 60 years, starting with this classic piece being directed by Adam, who

has become a key member, followed by a mixture of new comedy and talent and then ending with ‘The Scottish Play.’”

The name refers to Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” and Redniss’ reluctance to use the play’s title is steeped in theatrical tradition and superstition, which claims the play is so unlucky that even uttering its name can curse a production. However, ECP is also making improvements to ensure it can continue to raise the curtain for years to come despite the threat of curses.

“Since I have been working with them, they have upgraded quite a bit,” Cunningham said. “They’ve added computer run lighting boards, a robust box office situation and they have spent some quality money on curtains and such.”

All investments meant to carry the Essex Community Players into another halfcentury of live entertainment and beyond.

As the Essex Community Players celebrates their sixth decade in the community, they continue to thrive thanks to a loyal audience, but ECP is always trying to reach those in the community who haven’t taken the time to enjoy this unique resource.

“I still run into people who ask me ‘Where is that?’ or say ‘I didn’t know we have a theater company,’” Hall lamented.

“It blows my mind to be around for 60 years, and still there are people that don’t know.”

To that end, Redniss wanted to extend a warm welcome to the community.

“We like things to be transformational and not transactional,” she said. “We want to know you and engage with you. It is all reciprocal, and we all are sharing that experience.”

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Put only paper, cardboard, and clean containers (like bottles, cans, jars & tubs) in your blue bin or cart.

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COURTESY PHOTO

Master Sgt. Jonathan Davis, (right), poses for a photograph with his team after winning the award for Load Crew of the Year.

Meet your Guard Name: Master Sgt. Jonathan Jacobs Military Specialty 2W171 Aircraft Armament Systems Technician Years of Service: 16+ Unit: 158th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 158th Maintenance Group, 158th Fighter Wing Hometown: Richford, VT Current Town: Essex Junction High School/Graduation Year: 1995 College/Graduation: 2001 Q. Why did you join the National Guard?

A. My main reason for joining was to help pay off college loans. My secondary reason, I had a Baccalaureate degree in Accounting, but I wasn’t using my degree, so I was hoping to learn something that would help me in the civilian world or get a fulltime job with the National Guard (which I later got).

Q. What do you do in the Vermont National Guard?

A. I am a Weapons Troop. I load/unload the aircraft, perform all scheduled maintenance on the weapons’ system and troubleshoot any problems associated with the weapons’ system and the suspension equipment that carry the weapons. I also teach and train people on how to load.

Q. What do you think is the greatest benefit of being in the National Guard?

A. Having the opportunity to help keep the country safe for everyone. If we are talking pure benefits, I think the new free in state tuition is a fantastic benefit for all people who are currently in or are considering joining the unit.

Q. How has being a National Guard member benefited you in your local community and job?

A. I’m not sure how to answer this one?

Q. What is your most memorable military moment?

A. I got an incentive flight in an F-16 for winning a Load Crew of the Year com-

petition. It was amazing!

Q. How long have you lived in Vermont?

A. My whole life.

Q. What is your favorite aspect of living or working where you do?

A. I like the fact that most of Vermont is rural. Chittenden County is still rural compared to many of the other bases that I have been to.

Q. What has surprised you about the Vermont National Guard?

A. It seems like no matter what obstacles lie in front of us, the great people of the unit overcome and tackle them with ease.

Q. What is your favorite part about serving in the Vermont National Guard?

A. Back to my previous answer. I love having the opportunity to volunteer for deployments which help keep everyone in the country safe.

Q. How many push-ups did you get on your last physical fitness test?

A. I don’t remember exactly. I maxed out for my age. It was over 50.

BONUS: Ask a question for the next Soldier or Airmen?

A. Would you recommend the Vermont Air National Guard to new graduates coming out of High School and why?

B. I definitely would and am currently trying to talk my daughter into it and her friends. The benefits are wonderful and the pride you get from serving your country is unmatched. It is a great way to start your life. I went to college first and started my life in the negative. Why not join the National Guard or active-duty military and start your adult life in the positive. It sure makes life a lot easier as a young adult entering the work force. And to top it all off, the military, whether National Guard or active duty, encourages and helps people to go to school!

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LEARN MORE: www.cswd.net/recycle (802) 872-8111

Follow us on twitter! @CFlandersVt | @AmandaBrooksVt | @EssexReporter

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The Essex Reporter • November 22, 2018

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To engage, inspire and empower our youth!

Youth on

"My very first impression of Vermont is how green and mountainous it is... I have to admit that maple-flavored anything is growing on me."

Board

By DaviD voegele, Executive Director, Essex CHIPS In prior columns, I have referenced the importance of community service by youth. It is a means by which young people develop a sharpened sense of responsibility to others. The volunteer experiences of youth increase the likelihood they will continue serving others throughout their lifetime. This can be through faith-based organizations, United Way volunteer opportunities, schools, or other community groups. One of the most impactful service agencies in this state is the Vermont Youth Development Corps (VYDC), based in Montpelier. VYDC has been a strong sup-

Safety tips for deep frying a turkey

porter of Essex youth programs for many years, through the placement of AmeriCorps/VISTA members here for 10-12 months of service.

Marc Allen is the most recent AmeriCorps member to join the CHIPS team. He is 20 years old, and took a year off from college to serve Essex area youth. I asked him why. “I joined AmeriCorps for a variety of reasons. My father always encouraged me to serve others in ways big and small.

I attended a university for a year but did not feel like it was the right fit for me…so I decided to apply for some AmeriCorps positions… Adolescent psychology is something I am considering for a career, and I get to serve youth and their needs here at CHIPS. I feel like I’ll be helping to make a

D

eep frying turkeys has become increasingly popular, and for those planning to cook their birds this way on Thanksgiving, the Propane Gas Association is offering the following safety tips: • Stay Away from The House – Set up the turkey fryer more than 10 feet away from your home and keep children and pets away. Never leave it unat-

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tangible difference in people’s lives.”

Marc is not a native Vermonter. He traveled here from Northern CA, at his own expense, to serve the youth in this community. I asked him about his impressions of the state thus far. “My very first impression of Vermont is how green and mountainous it is... I have to admit that maple-flavored anything is growing on me.

The fall leaves also live up to their reputation… I mistakenly believed that snowfall would hit Essex later in the year…but that notion fell flat on its face this week.”

In that Marc had only recently “graduated” from being a teen, I asked for his thoughts on the challenges facing youth today. He responded, “Being an adolescent means a host of things for the young body

tended.

Find Flat Ground – The oil must be even and steady at all times to ensure safety. Place the fryer on a flat, level surface and carefully gauge the amount of oil needed.

Use a Thawed and Dry Turkey – Make sure your Thanksgiving turkey is completely thawed and dry. Extra water

•

Marc Allen AmeriCorps member of CHIPS (who's new to Vermont)

and mind. Everything is changing, and things that once made so much sense don’t anymore…Conversely, there’s such a strong desire to “fit in” and be one of the “cool kids.” Looking back…it seems ridiculous that I let things like that affect me so much, but it is the way that your brain is wired as an adolescent.”

Marc Allen is a thoughtful and concerned young adult who now lives in Essex Junction. He is here for nearly a year to “support, engage, inspire, and empower” our local teens. Just as I know he will have a positive impact on them, I know our youth will have a positive impact on him.

Perhaps Marc, like so many others, may find it a bit hard to leave after “living the Vermont experienc."

will cause the oil to bubble furiously and spill over. If oil spills from the fryer onto the burner, it can cause a fire.

Monitor the Temp – Use caution when touching the turkey fryer. The lid and handle can become very hot and could cause burns. Also be sure to keep track of the oil's temperature as many fryers

do not have their own thermostats.

• Be Prepared – Have a fire extinguisher (multipurpose, dry-powder) ready at all times in the event that the oil ignites.

These simple measures can help to ensure that everyone can enjoy a safety holiday.

Sanders announces annual essay contest

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U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (IVt.) launched his ninth annual State of the Union essay contest on Friday.

Each January, the president of the United States delivers a “State of the Union” speech to a joint session of Congress, in which he outlines his priorities for the coming year. And each year, Sanders invites Vermont high school students to describe a major issue facing our country and what they would do to solve that problem.

The 250-500 word essays can be on any issue of national importance. A volunteer panel of Vermont teachers will judge the essays on the students’ ability to articulate an issue and propose a solution, without regard to the students’ political views.

Sanders will invite the 20 finalists to a roundtable discussion at the Vermont Statehouse, and will enter their essays in the Congressional Record – the official archive of the U.S. Congress.

“This essay contest is a great way to get our students thinking about solutions to the challenges facing our country,” said Sanders, who serves on the Senate education committee, in a news release. “We need our students to be actively engaged, no matter where they stand on the issues."

More than 3,500 students from high schools throughout Vermont have written essays in the past eight years, covering a wide range of important issues such as the declining middle class, climate change, health care, the national debt, gun safety, the rising cost of a college education, and many others. Last year’s winner, Maggie Parker from Woodstock Union High School, was selected from 585 essays. She wrote about the importance of protecting LGBTQ rights.

The deadline for student essay submissions is Jan. 9, 2019. More information can be found on Sanders’ Senate webpage at http://www.sanders.senate. gov/stateoftheunion/ , by calling (800) 339-9834 or by emailing katarina_lisaius@ sanders.senate.gov.

November 22, 2018 • The Essex Reporter • 5

opinion & community PERSPECTIVES

Conservation has always had a big tent

By JULIE MOORE One of my favorite parts about living in Vermont is our ability to defy description, particularly in a time where it has become acceptable in our country to separate and label entire groups of people, placing them in boxes based on beliefs, actions, or appearance.

I am proud to live in a brave little state full of hyphens. What do I mean by this? Simply that we don’t summarize our fellow citizens using one-word labels. To capture the complex character of my friends and neighbors, I often find myself assembling beautiful run-on sentences that would make my high school English teacher cringe. I introduce my neighbor as the hunterfarmer-outdoorsy-blacksmith-birder.

When describing my friend, I call him an artsy-mechanic-logger-dad-artisanquarry worker. I’m not the only one who introduces people like this. In Vermont, we understand that people are not monolithic and knowing this, we refuse to allow ourselves to be described as such. We are jacks and jills of many trades.

Last weekend, many Vermonters will be gearing up for the start of Vermont’s popular 16-day rifle deer season. It is a season as old as our state. Hunting and fishing have been a part of Vermont’s culture since its founding. It’s also a great time to witness our ability to go beyond predetermined categories. We are not simply hunters, bikers or hikers. So many of us are biking-hiking-hunting-foraging people who enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities. Better yet, we respect the variety of reasons that brings each one of us into the woods.

So, when it comes to our long list of hyphenated adjectives and descriptors, I would add a word: conservationist. Collectively, we know our local forests like the back of our hand. We walk in them every season, spend countless hours on trails, traverse ancient stone borders and learn the intricacies of the plant life. No matter the recreational activity we participate in, we have a deep shared knowledge and familiarity with Vermont’s woods.

Conservation is not, and should never

become, an exclusive club for an elite group of people. Just as we all enjoy Vermont’s outdoors, we each have a role in helping to care for Vermont’s woods, wildlife and waters.

In Vermont, we understand that people are not monolithic and knowing this, we refuse to allow ourselves to be described as such.

We are jacks and jills of many trades.

For conservation to be effective, it requires people with all kinds of interests, hobbies and backgrounds, to do right by the land. Every one of us has an important role to play in protecting Vermont’s woods, water and wildlife – in conservation – and it looks different for everyone: An Orange County resident buys her first hunting license and this money goes directly into funding state conservation programs.

A local birder advocates for conservation on his blog where he writes about the incredible array of species he saw on his trip to the Missisquoi Wildlife Refuge.

A mountain biking enthusiast in the Northeast Kingdom attends a local conservation commission meeting to brainstorm ways to expand a trail network for the biking community that is mindful of important wildlife habitat areas in her town.

In Vermont, I see examples of people-powered conservation every day.

There are countless stories of neighbors reaching across aisles, ideologies and geographical divides to protect and steward our lands and waters.

One example is the work being done

by Cold Hollow to Canada. More than two-thirds of Vermont’s forests are privately owned, meaning that it is essential to engage individual forestland owners in the collective work to maintain healthy forests across Vermont.

CHC works with groups of landowners from a town with contiguous or nearly contiguous forested properties, focusing their management activities on a landscape scale. The neighbor-to-neighbor collaboration results in a cumulative impact which is more significant compared to the effect one property owner can have on their own.

Landowners share experiences and receive support from CHC for practices that run the gamut from wildlife habitat development to water quality protection to invasive species control and even climate change resiliency.

As for me, I am a hiker-engineeroccasional angler-mom-paddler-conservationist. A lot of hats for certain, but no more (and quite possibly a few less) than most other Vermonters.

Being able to respect our differences while working alongside one another to maintain the health of our forest woodlands and waterways, while preserving public access, is one of our most important responsibilities. And one that is easiest to accomplish when we don’t let labels stand in the way of shared purpose and good work.

Julie Moore is the secretary of the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, the state agency with primary responsibility for protecting and sustaining Vermont’s environment, natural resources, wildlife and forests, and for maintaining Vermont’s beloved state parks.

Apprenticeships viewed a different way in Vermont

By LINDSAY HILL KURRIE In Vermont, and across the country, registered apprenticeship programs are quickly gaining popularity.

For employers, the registered apprenticeship model provides the opportunity to create customized training programs that fit their business and growth needs, while lowering recruitment costs and employee turnover.

Jobseekers appreciate this model because they are “earning while they learn” – receiving a paycheck from day one, receiving one-on-one mentoring, enjoying progressive pay raises, and gaining a nationally recognized credential at the completion of their program. In today’s tight labor market, it’s no wonder this centuries-old job training program is making a comeback.

A registered apprenticeship is a state approved, federally recognized training program where participants learn the technical and academic components of their occupation while working for a business sponsor. There are thousands of registered apprenticeships across the country – and over 300 active registered apprenticeship programs right here in Vermont. Opportunities range from the most commonly known plumbing and electrical apprenticeships, to ones that are less

familiar like police officer, medical assistant, insurance policy advisor, and pharmacy technician apprenticeships – and over 30 more!

The Department of Labor works with employers to create a structured on-the-job training program. The Department can facilitate partnerships with a related instruction provider like Vermont Technical College, Community College of Vermont, Vermont HITEC, or a local Career and Technical Education Center, and will help you establishes a reward system for participants skill gains. The Department will register, support, and monitor the progress of registered apprentices through the program to ensure that participants who complete the apprenticeship are awarded a national occupational credential. This credential is a 100 percent guarantee to employers that the individual has the skills and experience to do the job. While most apprentices remain employed with their sponsor employer at the completion of the program, the reward of a nationally recognized certificate provides a boost to initial recruitment and supports retention through the program.

In July of this year, Apprenticeships and the on-the-job training model received national attention when President Trump announced

the formation of the National Council for the American Worker. The Scott Administration and the Vermont Department of Labor, however, were one step ahead with the formation of an Apprenticeship Division team and the expansion of the Department’s statewide registered apprenticeship strategy. This team within the Department of Labor is tasked with creating more registered apprenticeship opportunities and ensuring that our local workforce has the correct training and skills to keep up with Vermont’s changing economy.

In Vermont we hear too often that businesses cannot find workers with the skills necessary to fill vacant positions. In an effort to expand registered apprenticeship opportunities, and to help recruit more individuals into our labor force, the Vermont Department of Labor is looking to work with interested employers to develop new programs that will fit your exact business and skills needs. If this sounds like a possible fit for you, call our Apprenticeship Division at (888) 807-7072 or visit VTJobs@vermont.gov to set up an appointment to speak with one of our specialists.

Lindsay Hill Kurrie is Vermont's Commissioner of labor.

Vermont GOP needs to review its leadership

By EMERSON LYNN

T

he normal course of business following a poor performance is a rethinking of the direction taken, or, if the failures are severe enough, a change in leadership.

It would seem obvious that the drubbing Vermont Republicans took in the general election would qualify as an event worthy of some serious introspection, and that includes a wholesale change in leadership.

Republicans lost 12 seats in the House and one in the Senate. The party does not have the numbers to sustain any veto from Gov. Phil Scott. Not even close.

They need 50 votes, they have 43.

The generalization is that Vermont is not hospitable to Republicans, thus, they will remain in the minority for the foreseeable future. That is true if the party’s leadership remains aligned with President Trump. The message hammered home in November is that Trump is strongest card the Democrats have.

Republicans who align themselves with Trump are at a severe disadvantage in Vermont.

The same can be said of the far right in general.

There is no appetite for their message in Vermont. The more the party insists on ideological purity, the more likely it is that the party will remain in the minority.

The model for Republicans is not only with the current governor - Phil Scott, but those Republicans who have served in elected office for the last 40 years.

Robert Stafford, James Jeffords, Richard Snelling, Jim Douglas and Phil Scott are the leading examples. Even if you dig down into the second tier offices, there are still no examples of Republicans in power who were uncompromising conservatives. Why would the current Republican Party leadership think there is any great appeal in Vermont for a Trump-like conservatism?

If that thinking is in place, then the leadership should step aside.

In fact, the party faithful should insist on the resignations if the leadership cannot show a willingness to change course and some energy to do so. The party’s future does not rest on finding candidates who will hue to the message, it rests on changing the message to one that is more centrist. Then, and only then, does the party have a chance of recruiting credible candidates.

It’s important that the effort be made. It’s never a good thing to have the opposition so weak that opposing thoughts have no chance to be heard. That need for dual voices is one of the reasons Vermonters often split their votes; they prefer a balance.

There is also a huge opportunity for the Republicans if they will seize it.

The political middle in Vermont is wide open.

If the Democrats continue their push to the left, and there is little evidence they will do otherwise, then moderate Republicans have the opportunity to pull the party more toward the center. And that’s where the bulk of the state’s voters prefer to be.

Republican Party elders can look at Mr. Scott’s success and figure out that far right causes don’t play well here. That includes gun control. And abortion.

And immigration. And most social issues.

What does play well is fiscal prudence, efficiency and leadership. What does play well is establishing a reputation for trying to get things done, and being civil, and inclusive.

None of these characteristics are on display in today’s presidency and there is no reason to believe the narrative will change anytime soon. In less than two years we will have another general election and it’s everyone’s guess that Mr. Trump will have tossed his hat in the ring for another term.

If the leadership of Vermont’s Republican Party doesn’t move away from Mr. Trump’s toxicity then there is no reason to believe its numbers will do anything other than decline.

That’s a choice the party and its faithful will need to make. And they need to make it now.

Emerson Lynn is co-publisher of The Essex Reporter and St. Albans Messenger, where this editorial first ran.

THE ESSEX

REPORTER EXECUTIVE EDITOR Courtney A. Lamdin

CO-PUBLISHERS Emerson & Suzanne Lynn

REPORTERS Colin Flanders Madeline Clark Amanda Brooks

GENERAL MANAGER Suzanne Lynn

NEWS & SPORTS CLERK Ben Chiappinelli

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893-2028 news@essexreporter.com www.essexreporter.com

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Deadlines: Fridays at 5 p.m. | Published Thursdays Circulation: 8,800 The Essex Reporter is owned by Vermont Publishing Corp Inc. and is a member of the Champlain Valley News Group

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The Essex Reporter • November 22, 2018

calendar

ESSEX AREA

Religious Directory

noV. 22

CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH - 61 Main St., Essex Jct., 878-8341. James Gangwer, pastor. Sunday School: 10 a.m., Worship Service: 11 a.m., Sunday evening worship: 6 p.m., Wednesday evening youth groups, Adult Bible study and prayer: 7 p.m.; FundamentalIndependent.

CHRIST MEMORIAL CHURCH - Route 2A, Williston, just north of Industrial Ave. 878-7107. Wes Pastor, lead pastor, proclaiming Christ and Him crucified, Sundays: 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., www.cmcvermont.org.

COVENANT COMMUNITY CHURCH - 1 Whitcomb Meadows Lane, Essex Jct. 879-4313. Rev. Jeannette Conver, pastor. Adult bible class: 9 a.m., Sunday service: 10 a.m. with fellowship following. Infant through pre-K childcare provided, cccpastorjeannette@gmail.com; Facebook page: bit.ly/2rDz4NE DAYBREAK COMMUNITY CHURCH - 67 Creek Farm Plaza, Colchester. 338-9118. Jesse Mark, lead pastor.

Sunday service: 10:30 a.m., AWANA: Thursdays twice a month, www.daybreakvermont.org; brentdaybreak@ gmail.com ESSEX ALLIANCE CHURCH - 37 Old Stage Road, Essex Jct. 878-8213. Sunday services: 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. & 11:30 a.m., www.essexalliance.org.

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

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF ESSEX JUNCTION - UCC, an Open and Affirming Congregation, embracing diversity and affirming the dignity and worth of every person, because we are all created by a loving God. 1 Church Street, Essex Junction, VT 05452. Telephone (802) 878-5745; Website: www.fccej.org Email: welcome@fccej.org Senior Pastor, Rev. Mark Mendes, Assoc. Pastor, Rev. Josh Simon. Sunday Worship Services: 8:30 and 10:15 am. Communion: first Sunday of every month. Faith Formation meets weekly at 10:15 am. Jr. & High School Youth Groups on Sundays. Heavenly Food Pantry – second Monday, 5:30-7:30pm; fourth Thursday, 2-6pm, except for Nov & Dec when it is the third Thursday.

Essex Eats Out Community Dinner – 1st Friday of the month, 5:30 – 7pm. Music includes Sanctuary Choir, Finally @ First Band, Joyful Noise, Cherub Music, Handbell Choir, Men’s Acapella and Ladies’ Acapella groups.

GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH - 130 Maple Street, Essex Jct., 1 mile south of the Five Corners on Maple Street / Route 117. 878-8071. Worship Sundays: 9:30 a.m., with concurrent church school pre-K to grade 6. Handicapped-accessible facility. Adult choir, praise band, women’s fellowship, missionally active. Korean U.M.C. worship Sundays: 12 p.m., come explore what God might be offering you!

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

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

ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH - 4 St. James Place, Essex Jct., off Rt. 2A at the Fairgrounds Gate F. 8784014. Rev. Kim Hardy. Holy Eucharist, Sundays: 10 a.m.

Visit www.stjamesvt.org; office@stjamesvt.com.

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

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

sTock PhoTo

Essex lights up the evenings in Maple Street Park throughout the holiday season. Listen to festive music as you enjoy the bright displays, and don't forget to pick up a scavenger hunt list as you enter the park. The trees will be lit nightly starting Thursday, Nov. 22 and running through Tuesday, Jan. 1.

22 Thursday

sandwich for lunch.

Village and Town offices, essex area senior cenTer, Brownell and essex free liBraries closed for ThanksgiVing

food shelf

winTer lighTs in The Park sTarT

diVorce care suPPorT grouP

5 - 8 p.m., Maple Street Park.

Take a walk through Maple Street Park and enjoy the bright lights accompanied by festive music. Pick up a scavenger hunt list on your way into the park to see if you can you find all the hidden ornaments in the trees. Lit nightly through Tuesday, Jan. 1.

23 friday Village and Town offices, essex area senior cenTer, Brownell and essex free liBraries closed for ThanksgiVing Blood driVe

11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Essex Cinema, 21 Essex Way, Essex Jct. The need for blood is constant and only volunteer donors can fulfill that need for patients in our community. Nationwide, someone needs a unit of blood every 2 to 3 seconds and most of us will need blood in our lifetime.

Thank you for supporting our community and the American Red Cross!

essex eaTs ouT

5:30 - 7 p.m., Essex Center United Methodist Church, 119 Center Rd., Essex Jct. Free community dinners for all! If you need a ride, please let us know with an email to essexeatsout@ gmail.com.

24 saTurday essex free liBrary closed

25 sunday 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., Bluewater Center, 145 Pine Haven Shores Rd., Shelburne. Divorce is a tough road. Feelings of separation, betrayal, confusion, anger and self doubt are common. But there is life after divorce. Led by people who have already walked down that road, this 13-week group for men and women offers a safe place and process to help make that journey easier. For more information and to register, contact Sandy at 425-7053.

Runs through December 2.

26 Monday Mah Jongg

10 a.m. - noon, Essex Area Senior Ctr. Members play for free. Non-members pay $1/ visit. Newcomers are always welcomed!

sTory TiMe wiTh deB

10:30 - 11:30 a.m., Essex Free Library. Drop in for stories, songs and a craft.

Tech helP wiTh clif

Noon - 1 p.m., Brownell Library.

Offering one-on-one technology help. Reservation required.

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

hand and fooT card gaMe 12:30 - 3:30 p.m., Essex Area Senior Center. Join friends who already know how to play, or come learn this fun game.

Bridge

12:30 - 3:30 p.m., Essex Area Senior Center. Join friends in this classic card game.

ascension Parish annual crafT fair

9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Georgia Elementary and Middle School, 4416 Ethan Allen Hwy., Georgia. Get a head start on your holiday shopping.

holiday crafT fair and luncheon

9 - 11 a.m., Aunt Dot's Place, 51 Center Rd. Essex Jct.

9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Grace United Methodist Church, 130 Maple St., Essex Jct. Crafters, vendors, baked goods, Granny's Attic and maple syrup will all be on display. If you are hungry, there will be a sale of coffee and donuts for breakfast, soup and

Tween cenTer

3 - 5:45 p.m., Essex CHIPS, 2 Lincoln St., Essex Jct. Throughout the school year, students attend to play, relax, visit with friends and receive homework help under the supervision of our lovely staff and volunteers.

Open to students attending Thomas Fleming School. Free.

checkMaTes square dancing

6 - 9 p.m., Maple Street Park.

Advanced and challenge level.

Participants must have com-

pleted the plus style of Western Style Square Dancing. Call Fred or Betty Smith at 891-9677 for more information.

27 Tuesday Toddler sTory TiMe

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

Building BrighT fuTures Preschool PlaygrouP

9:30 - 11 a.m., Maple Street Recreation Center, 75 Maple St., Essex Jct. Join other caregivers and children for play time. We ask that you bring a drink and indoor shoes. There will be craft, sensory, story time and songs.

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

Vfw Blood driVe

10 a.m. - 3 p.m., VFW Post 6689, 73 Pearl St., Essex Jct. (See Friday, Nov. 23 for details.)

Bingo

12:30 - 3:30 p.m., Essex Area Senior Ctr. Every card costs a penny, so if you play 10 cards, each game costs a dime. If 20 games are played in an afternoon, your total for the afternoon would be $3.

Teen cenTer

2:30 - 5:45 p.m., Essex CHIPS, 2 Lincoln St., Essex Jct. Throughout the school year, students attend to play, relax, visit with friends and receive homework help under the supervision of our lovely staff and volunteers.

Open to students attending ADL and EMS. Free; open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

wii Bowling

2:30 - 4 p.m., Brownell Library.

Try Wii Bowling for all ages.

Come form teams of young and old for an afternoon of fun.

yoga wiTh Jonah

happy to serve the communities of Essex, Westford, Jericho and Underhill. Visit auntdotsplace. com for more information.

droP-in kniTTing cluB 6:30 - 8 p.m., Essex Free Library. Bring in your current knitting project or start a new one in the company of fellow knitters!

28 wednesday Tech TiMe

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

Need some tech help? Drop in with your device and your questions!

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

senior luncheon

11:30 a.m. - 1:15 p.m., Essex Area Senior Center. Bring a dish to share in the potluck and help celebrate November birthdays.

roTary cluB of essex

Noon - 1:15 p.m., The Essex, 70 Essex Way, Essex Jct. The Rotary Club of Essex serves the communities of Essex, Essex Junction, Jericho, Underhill, and Westford.

We offer a superb lunch, with speakers on topics of interest to the community at large. Visitors are always welcome.

Tech helP wiTh clif

Noon - 1 p.m., Brownell Library.

Offering one-on-one technology help. Reservation required.

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

larP

3 - 5 p.m., Brownell Library. Live Action Role Play is open to all middle and high school students who want to have adventures in a mythical land.

read To daisy

3:15 - 4:15 p.m., Brownell Library. Daisy loves to listen to kids read. She is Certified

by Therapy Dogs of Vermont.

Daisy's owner is Maddie Nash, retired school counselor. For all ages.

5:30 - 6:30 p.m., First Congregational Church,1 Church St., Essex Jct. Wear comfortable, non-restrictive clothing. Bring a mat or borrow one at the event.

Donations welcome, but not required.

6:30 - 8 p.m., The Essex, Essex Way, Essex Jct. Guests are welcome to this dinner meeting.

food shelf

oPen sTage nighT

6 - 7:30 p.m., Aunt Dot's Place, 51 Center Rd. Essex Jct. 9 - 11 a.m., Aunt Dot's Place, 51 Center Rd. Essex Jct. Aunt Dot's Place is

lions cluB social MeeTing

7 - 10 p.m., Essex Experience, 21 Essex Way, Essex Jct. It could have been called an open mic night, but you don't

Calendar deadline every Friday at 5 p.m.

calendar local MeeTings Monday, noveMBer 26 Noon, Town economic development commission, Town offices, 81 Main St., Essex Jct.

Tuesday, noveMBer 27 6:30 p.m., village Trustees Meeting, Lincoln Hall, 2 Lincoln St., Essex Jct.

need to use the mic to hop on our open stage! Comedians, singers, musicians, jugglers, soap box-standers, magicians or storytellers - all are welcome!

Host Jeff Shelley will be keeping the night alive and movin'.

29 Thursday Food shelF

9 - 11 a.m., Aunt Dot's Place, 51 Center Rd. Essex Jct. (See Tuesday, Nov. 27 for details.)

Building BrighT FuTures Preschool PlaygrouP

9:30 - 11 a.m., Maple Street Recreation Center, 75 Maple St., Essex Jct. Join other caregivers and children for play time. We ask that you bring a drink and indoor shoes. There will be craft, sensory, story time and songs.

crocheTing

1 - 2 p.m., Essex Area Senior Ctr. For more information call Lou Ann Pioli at 876-5087.

greeTing card class

Food shelF

1 - 2:30 p.m., Essex Free Library. Send your sentiments from the heart with a handcrafted card. Learn several techniques and practice them during this class. All supplies will be provided.

sTeaM Fridays

3:30 - 4:30 p.m., Brownell Library. Create and explore with science, technology, engineering, art and math. For grades 1 and up.

vT. inTernaTional FesTival

10 - 10:30 a.m., Essex Area Senior Center. Led by dedicated member and volunteer, Sandi McGowan, this exercise class is open to all seniors. Class is free for EASC members, $2/session for non-members.

new canasTa

essex eaTs ouT

12:30 - 4 p.m., Essex Area Senior Center. Free.

wii Bowling

2:30 - 4 p.m., Essex Area Senior Center. Join the fun and see if you can beat your friends!

Maybe we’ll start a league. Can be played seated or standing.

gis day

2:30 - 3:30 p.m., Brownell Library. Join on GIS Day to celebrate the fun you can have with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), maps and the geography of Essex. GIS Day is celebrated each year from Essex Junction to the far corners of the globe. Learn how to tell a story with maps. For ages 5-10.

evening Book discussion

6:30 - 7:30 p.m., Essex Free Library. This session the group will discuss "Where’d You Go Bernadette" by Maria Semple.

eMs chorus concerT

7 - 8:30 p.m., Essex Middle School, 60 Founders Rd., Essex Jct.

Queer coMic and Zine reading ParTy 7 - 9 p.m., Words & Pictures, 14 Main St., Essex Jct. There will be a ton of comics and zines by LGBTQIA+ creators featuring queer stories and characters.

Read material provided by the hosts or bring along your collection. Ways to make sure everyone's books don't get mixed up will be provided.

Modern wesTern sTyle sQuare dance

7:30 - 9 p.m., Maple Street Park. You don't need to know how to dance - "If you can walk to music you can learn to square dance." Email Wayne or Susan Pierce at sewpie@aol.com.

30 Friday Music wiTh raPh

9:30 - 10 a.m., Brownell Library.

Come sing, dance and play with Raph. All ages.

Mah Jongg

10 a.m. - noon, Essex Area Senior Ctr. Members play for free. Non-members pay $1/ visit. Newcomers are always welcomed!

Musical sTory TiMe

10:30 - 11:30 a.m., Essex Free Library. Rock ‘n’ read with Caitlin on Friday mornings with books, songs and instruments.

All ages.

kniTTing and

heavenly cenTs ThriFT shoP

9 a.m. - 1 p.m., 39 Main St., Essex Jct. Come get a jump on your holiday shopping. Donations are always accepted; urgent needs are winter gloves and jackets for men and women, winter hats for men and winter boots for women.

5 - 8 p.m., Champlain Valley Expo, 105 Pearl St., Essex Jct. The Vermont Performing Arts League proudly presents an annual celebration of cultures from around the world, bringing their crafts, foods, music and dance to our doorstep. $5, children and seniors; $7, adult; $20, family of two adults and children. Visit vermontinternationalfestival.com for further details.

seaTed yoga

Rescue, 491 Industrial Ave., Williston. All proceeds from this event will be donated to rescuing adoptable dogs. Free poinsettia plants will also be given out while supplies last to those bringing non-perishable food items for the local food shelf. Hot drinks will be provided and you can even visit Santa from 2 - 4 p.m.

5:30 - 7 p.m., St. Pius X Parish, 20 Jericho Rd., Essex Jct. Free community dinners for all! If you need a ride, please let us know with an email to essexeatsout@ gmail.com.

vFw scholarshiP awards dinner

6 p.m., VFW Post 6689, 73 Pearl St., Essex Jct. Tickets are available at the post for this catered dinner. Open to the public.

dungeons & dragons 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Brownell Library. Embark upon imaginary adventures. Dungeon Master serves as this role playing game’s referee and storyteller.

For grades 6 and up.

FaMily Movie "The Polar exPress"

6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Founders Memorial School, 33 Founders Rd., Essex Jct. Enjoy this holiday classic and purchase pizza to snack on. Kids should bring a pillow or blanket to sit on, and adults should bring a lawn chair.

ecP PresenTs "The regiFTers"

7:30 p.m., Memorial Hall, 5 Towers Rd., Essex Jct. When a couple “regifts” a not-so-great Christmas present, then finds out it’s worth a fortune, they will stop at nothing to get it back.

But they’re not the only ones who rewrapped it - in the mad pursuit to reclaim the gift, everyone who gave it away learns about friendship, real wealth, and the value of a gift truly given. $16, seniors/students; $18, adults.

Visit EssexPlayers.com for more information and to purchase tickets.

1 saTurday Bird MoniToring walk

8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Colchester Pond. Join the Winooski Valley Park District for the monthly bird walk led by environmental educator Juli Tyson. This month will be a moderate hike around Colchester Pond where we will be looking for birds and making a list of all that we see, and also stopping to check out any other tracks or signs and things we find interesting. As always we have binoculars and field guides to borrow, as well as snowshoes if the snow sticks around! Layers, waterproof boots, hat, gloves, snacks and water are all recommended for this longer hike.

chariTy chrisTMas Tree sale

9 a.m. - 5 p.m., All Breed

9 - 11 a.m., Aunt Dot's Place, 51 Center Rd. Essex Jct. (See Tuesday, Nov. 27 for details.)

essex holiday Fair

10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Essex High School, 2 Educational Dr., Essex Jct. Come to the Relay for Life Team Sunflowers Essex Holiday Fair! We will have 100 to 125 vendors, food, and Santa.

vT. inTernaTional FesTival

10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Champlain Valley Expo, 105 Pearl St., Essex Jct. (See Friday, Nov. 30 for complete details.)

weekend sTory TiMe

10:30 - 11:30 a.m., Essex Free Library. Start off your weekend with books, rhymes and songs!

50 ways To Prove he's dead

10:30 a.m., Vermont Genealogy Library, Fort Ethan Allen, 377 Hegeman Ave., Colchester. Our staff members will show you more than 50 ways to locate a death date. These sources can range from formal documents to the truly bizarre. Cemeteries are an important source of information and they will be covered in detail. $10.

ecP PresenTs "The regiFTers"

2 and 7:30 p.m., Memorial Hall, 5 Towers Rd., Essex Jct. (See Friday, Nov. 30 for details.)

Building BrighT FuTures Preschool oPen gyM

3 - 4:30 p.m., Maple Street Park Recreation Center. Come run around inside during the cold winter months. There will be a bouncy house, balls, trikes, a play hut, a mini-slide and push toys for ages 5 years and younger.

verMonT Brass enseMBle

3 p.m., University of Vermont Recital Hall, Southwick Music Building, 384 S. Prospect St., Burlington. We are a student-run brass ensemble made up of majors, non majors, alumni and community members getting together to share our love for brass music. Free Admission.

Bella voce holiday concerT

7:30 p.m., McCarthy Arts Center, St. Michael's College, Colchester.

Enjoy the seasonal sounds of the winner of the 2018 Seven Daysies Award for Best Choral Ensemble. Visit flynntix.org for tickets pricing and information.

2 sunday chariTy chrisTMas Tree sale

9 a.m. - 5 p.m., All Breed Rescue, 491 Industrial Ave., Williston.

(See Saturday, Dec. 1 for details.)

hog BreakFasT

9 - 10 a.m., JP's Diner and Deli, 39 River Rd., Essex Jct. Join the local Champlain Valley Harley Owner Group for a hot breakfast at the best breakfast places in the region. Visit greenmountainharley.com for details.

vT. inTernaTional FesTival

10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Champlain Valley Expo, 105 Pearl St., Essex Jct. (See Friday, Nov. 30 for complete details.)

shriners' Bingo

12:30 - 4:30 p.m., Champlain Valley Expo, 105 Pearl St., Essex Jct. Come play Bingo! Win

November 22, 2018 • The Essex Reporter • 7

some cash and support the Mt. Sinai Shriners of Vermont. Visit facebook.com/mountsinaishrinersbingo for more information.

ecP PresenTs "The regiFTers"

2 p.m., Memorial Hall, 5 Towers Rd., Essex Jct. (See Friday, Nov. 30 for details.)

Bella voce holiday concerT

2 p.m., McCarthy Arts Center, St. Michael's College, Colchester.

(See Friday, Dec. 1 for details.)

FIRST HOME,

coMMuniTy singalong concerT

UPSIZING OR DOWNSIZING

3 p.m., St. Michael's College Chapel, Colchester. Enjoy and chime in on performances by organist and music director is William Tortolano, professor emeritus of fine arts and music at Saint Michael's College. Free and open to the public; donations welcome.

LAST HOME,

we will not rest until we help you find the home that 68 Randall St, fits just right!

South Burlington, VT 05403 donald@vtdwellings.com My Mobile: 802.238.7634 Office Phone: 802.654.8500 • www.VtDwellings.com

Balkan Folk dancing 3:30 - 6:30 p.m., Ohavi Zedek Synagogue, 188 N. Prospect St., Burlington. Easier line and circle dances are taught the first hour, then intermediate dances, reviews and open request dancing. Beginners are welcome and no partner is needed. Lots of parking, come in the back door. Wear informal, comfortable clothing. Free the first time; $6 donation and snacks for the break, if you can. For more information, please call 802 540-1020, or email dance@ together.net.

ongoing evenTs helP us Fill our wagon

GET READY FOR WINTER 50 lb bags

5.75

$

20lb.

Rock Salt Plus 50 lb bags

6.99

$

environmentally friendly - use 30% less

9.99

$

Sand h Tube6.99 $

Christmas Trees arrive late Nov!

Essex Free Library. During this time of Thanksgiving we are collecting donations of socks and adult hats and gloves. These items will be donated to C.O.T.S. (Committee on Temporary Shelter).

PuBlic skaTing

Safe d Pet Ice Melter

GMF Rock Salt

Shovels and Roof Rakes in stock

L.D. Oliver Seed Company, Inc. Green Mountain Fertilizer Co. 26 Sunset Ave., Milton, VT • 802 893-4628 www.ldoliverseed.com M, T, W 7:30 -5:30, Thanksgiving Closed, Fri & Sat 8:00-4:00

Essex Skating Facility, Educational Dr., Essex Jct. Public Skate is a drop-in time when the community may enjoy rink time for public ice skating. Times and availability are limited, and hours are posted on our calendar.

Admission is $3 for students, $4 for adults, and no registration is necessary. Skate rentals are available. Call 857-7300 or visit ewsd..org/domain/130 for more information.

sTick and Puck TiMe

Essex Skating Facility, Educational Dr., Essex Jct. Stick and puck time provides players the opportunity to practice things they cannot practice during public sessions and other hockey related ice times. A helmet and gloves are required to play. Stick and puck times may be divided into different age groupings with some rules that apply specifically to those age groups. Before joining a session, please read the complete Stick and Puck rules on our website, ewsd.org/domain/130 or call 857-7300 for skating rates, skate rental and sharpening rates and more information.

winTer lighTs in The Park

5 - 8 p.m. nightly, Maple Street Park. Take a walk through Maple Street Park and enjoy the bright lights accompanied by festive music. Pick up a scavenger hunt list on your way into the park to see if you can you find all the hidden ornaments in the trees. Lit nightly through Tuesday, Jan. 1.

holiday lighTs conTesT

Enrollment open Monday, Nov. 26 - Friday, Dec. 7. Vans full of Essex area seniors will take a tour of the holiday lights in our community. Register your home under one of our three categories (to be voted upon by the seniors): Classic Lights, Colored Lights and Most Creative. Winners will receive a prize donated from a local Essex business!

verMonT genealogy research

Tuesdays, 3 - 9:30 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Vermont Genealogy Library, Fort Ethan Allen, 377 Hegeman Ave., Colchester. The library will be open for research throughout the year. Please visit vtgenlib.org or call 310-9285 for more info and holiday hours.

Send event listings to calendar@essexreporter.com

Lumber

Superior Quality Great Prices

Mill Direct

Kiln Dried 6-8%

As projects move indoors....

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

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

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

E N PI

BEADED SHIPLAP FLOORING V-JOINT PIPWICK DRESSED 4 SIDE

Cash & Volume Discounts Great Specials • Friendly Service

The A . Johnson C o.

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All Pine is Kiln Dried Pitch set @ 170°

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

8•

The Essex Reporter • November 22, 2018

classifieds & jobseekers PAINTING SERVICES

FOR SALE Appliances ELECTRIC STOVE, GE Spectra, Ceramic glass cook top, four surface units, self clean oven, timed bake. Asking $150.

Call 802-582-4442 Antiques ANTIQUE GLASS CABINET, 7 feet high, in good shape. Asking $95. Call 802-8916133 Building Materials FLOOR REGISTER, WALL, registers, and heavy metal. Stove pipe frames from old farm house. $25 each or all 7 for $140. 802309-4062 Clothing & Accessories DRESS, LIKE NEW, Camo colors, size 5 large, still in packaging. Asking $30. Call 802-582-5557 JACKET, CAMO, IN great shape, size extra large. Asking $40. Call 802-582-5557

WORK BOOTS, Firearms,Bows, Etc WOMEN’S, Carolina, size 8, in excellent con- 10-22 TAKEDOWN dition. Asking $40. Call MODEL, new, still in 802-582-5557 case. Asking $300.

Call 802-238-9677 Computers/Supplies .22 SHELLS, 800 DELL DESKTOP, count, package deal.

COMES with Windows Asking $100 for all.

7. Asking $50. Call Call 802-238-9677 802-868-6231 MUZZLELOADER, .50 DELL LAPTOP, COMES with charger, windows 7, works great. Asking $75. Call 802-868-6231 Children’s Items & Toys AMERICAN GIRL DOLL items. American Girl doll horse, $20.

Suitcase, $12. American Girl Doll outfit with shoes, $14. Another outfit for $9. 802-8684194 CRIB, HONEY OAK, in great shape. Asking $90. Matching honey oak changing table with pad. Asking $60.

Call 802-999-6500 Electronics/ Cameras/Etc. CELL PHONE, AT&T, ZTE, in excellent condition, works great, no cracks. Asking $30.

Call 802-582-5557

SKI JACKET, BURTON, size medium, like new. Ski boots, Tecnica, size 27.0, (8), like new. $100. package DVD PLAYER, IN deal. Call for details. good shape, works 802-524-1139 great. Asking $25. Call 802-868-6231

Produce/Turkeys/ HomemadeFood H O M E M A D E TONGUE PICKLES, bread and butter pickles, and pickled beats.

Great holiday gifts! $6 per pint. Call 802-7824125 Pellet/Woodstoves/ Heating

WOOD STOVE, VERMONT Castin Encore, non catalytic, black, used a few times, stove pipe included.

REMINGTON .270 Paid $3,000, asking RIFLE, in great shape, $795. 802-891-6133 semiautomatic. Asking Wanted to Buy $500. Call 802-2389677 BUYING ANTIQUES Complete households, Furniture most anything old/of good quality. 45+ years CHEST OF buying! Fair prices DRAWERS, NICE, paid!

OLD. $60.

Call Ed Lambert 802-309-4062 802-528-5651 or Pets 802-782-1223 St. Albans FEMALE KITTENS (2), One Tiger and one FREON R12 WANTBlack/White. Not fixed, ED: CERTIFIED BUYlooking for a good ER will PAY CA$H for home only. Call 802- R12 cylinders or cases of cans. (312) 291868-6231 9169; KITTEN, (1), FREE, www.refrigerant 7 weeks old, female finders.com calico, mother is half WANTED, Maine coon. Liter box IPHONE trained, and eating on MODEL, doesn’t matits own. Call 802-527- ter. Looking for a reasonable price. Call 1998 802-524-1139

For 42 years, Lafayette Painting has provided top quality, fairly priced, painting services for Chittenden County.

This winter, schedule your free estimate and see why we were voted the Best Household Painting Company in Vermont.

Call 802-863-5397 or visit lafayettepaintinginc.com

CAL, Thompson New Englander.

Asking $140. Call 802-3700295

FIREARMS HUNTING

REMINGTON .270 RIFLE, in great shape, semiautomatic. Asking $500. Call 802-2389677 10-22 TAKEDOWN MODEL, new, still in case. Asking $300. Call 802-238-9677

GARAGE SALES

Antiques Market Sunday Nov.25, 2018 Canadian Club 414 East Montpelier Road (Rt. 14), Barre, VT 8:00am -1:00pm Vendors offering antique and vintage furniture, jewelry, paintings, tools, glassware, primitives, advertising, books, and much more.

Call Don Willis Antiques (802) 751-6138 www.montpelier antiquesmarket.com Early Buyers $5 (8am) General Public $2 (9am)

SNOW TIRES SNOW TIRES (SET of 4), 215-60-R15, on wheels with hubcaps.

Plenty of tread. $200.

Call 802-878-5902.

Looking to hire?

leGals

TOWN OF ESSEX PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA/PUBLIC HEARING DECEMBER 13, 2018 - 6:30 P.M. MUNICIPAL CONFERENCE ROOM, 81 MAIN ST., ESSEX JCT., VT

Classifieds

get the job done!

Call our sales staff to place your ad!

802-524-9771 ext. 117

1. Amendments to Agenda (if applicable)

CHRISTMAS TREES

Planning to buy a Christmas tree? Please consider supporting Essex Boy Scout Troop 635’s annual Christmas tree fundraiser at Essex Discount Beverage (Rt. 15 in Essex)! Trees are from Canaan, VT and are priced by size. Weekends (9am-8pm) and Mon-Fri (5pm-8pm) beginning November 24th and running through December while supplies last. Decorated wreaths also available.

FITNESS ELLIPTICAL, VISION FITNESS S7100, like new, low use. Suspension elliptical trainer.

Bought 2011. Paid $2,400, asking $850.

Call 802-238-2652, Pick up in Essex Junction, VT.

Showcase of Homes To advertise your listings contact your ad rep today!

802-524-9771

2. Public Comments: 3. Consent Agenda: • Simple Parcel – Walter Senn Revocable Trust: Proposal to subdivide an existing 103.32-acre lot by creating an 8.32-acre lot on property located at 258 Jericho Road in the Agriculture-Residential (AR) Zone, Map 8, Parcel 14.

John Kelley x 105 john.kelley@samessenger.com

• Boundary Line Adjustment: Linda Leclerc and Donald & Diane Weston: Proposal to convey 4.0-acres along the southerly boundary from 17 LeClerc Woods to 23 LeClerc Woods (Weston) in the Agricultural-Residential (AR) Zone. Tax Maps 73, Parcels 16 & 17.

4. Minutes: November 15, 2018 5. DISCUSSION: ZONING AMENDMENTS RELATING TO ESSEX TOWN CENTER (ETC|NEXT)

A LOVELY PLACE! To invite the family for holidays. Charming 1900 colonial offers custom molding, fireplaced family room, applianced kitchen with walk in pantry, 4 to 5 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, a claw foot tub, hardwood floors and great covered front porch to relax on. Essex Junction. Offered at $444,900.

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

Carol Audette, CRS, 802-846-8800, www.carolaudette.com carol@carolaudette.com

This meeting will be recorded by Channel 17 and live streamed (YouTube)

ESSEX POLICE REPORTS

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

November 12 - 18 Arrests

1 DUI

MondAy, noveMber 12

12:30 a.m., Suspicious event on Main St. 3 a.m., Animal problem on Upper Main St. 7:23 a.m., Accident with property damage on Gardenside Ln. 8:38 a.m., Welfare check on Fuller Pl. 8:46 a.m., Suspicious event on Maple St. 9:05 a.m., Threatening on Morse Dr. 12:56 p.m., Suspicious event on Franklin St. 1:24 p.m., Accident with property damage on Pearl St. 3:02 p.m., Illegal burning on West St. 3:38 p.m., Accident with property damage on Susie Wilson Rd. 4:37 p.m., Suspicious event Central St. 5:05 p.m., Intoxication on Pioneer St. 5:31 p.m., Citizen assist on Pearl St. 7:36 p.m., Medical; location withheld 7:40 p.m., Suspicious event on Maple St. 11:34 p.m., Juvenile problem; location withheld

tuesdAy, noveMber 13

5:56 a.m., Accident with personal injury on Brigham Hill Rd. 6:33 a.m., Accident with property damage on Essex Way 7:30 a.m., Fire on Brigham Hill Rd.

1:18 p.m., Citizen assist on Founders Rd. 2:27 p.m., Accident with property damage on Pearl St. 2:56 p.m., Found/lost property on Prospect St. 3:15 p.m., Motor vehicle complaint on I-289 4:45 p.m., Accident with property damage on Morse Dr. 6:55 p.m., Lost property on Prospect St. 9:28 p.m., Welfare check on Sawmill Rd. 9:55 p.m., Citizen assist on Pearl St.

WednesdAy, noveMber 14

9:30 a.m., Accident with property damage on Colchester Rd. 9:38 a.m., Citizen assist on Logwood Cir. 9:51 a.m., Motor vehicle complaint on Colchester Rd. 9:56 a.m., Weapons offense on New England Dr. 10:19 a.m., Juvenile problem; location withheld 11:42 a.m., Threatening on Carmichael St. 12:35 p.m., Accident with property damage on Park St. 3:22 p.m., Trespassing on Pearl St. 3:31 p.m., Intoxication on Central St. 3:35 p.m., Animal problem on Main St. 3:45 p.m., Domestic disturbance; location withheld 6:28 p.m., Suspicious event on Timberlane Dr. 7:09 p.m., Animal problem on Densmore Dr.

thursdAy, noveMber 15

6:26 a.m., Noise on Railroad Ave. 8:17 a.m., Welfare check on River Rd. 8:51 a.m., Noise on Park Terr.

3:39 p.m., Weapons offense on Main St. 4:06 p.m., Fraud on Main St. 4:48 p.m., Animal problem on Main St. 5:35 p.m., Accident with property damage on River St. 6:07 p.m., Citizen assist on Hill Dr. 6:17 p.m., Accident with property damage on Pinecrest Dr. 7:26 p.m., Suspicious event on Saybrook Rd. 8 p.m., Animal problem on Hubbells Falls Dr. 9:07 p.m., Suspicious event on Center Rd.

FridAy, noveMber 16

7:37 a.m., Citizen assist on Carmichael St. 8:22 a.m., Fire on Carmichael St. 8:52 a.m., Suspicious event on Partridge Dr. 10:03 a.m., Motor vehicle complaint on Old Stage Rd. 10:12 a.m., Accident with property damage on Pearl St. 11:34 a.m., Suspicious event on Lincoln St. 12:12 p.m., Theft on Susie Wilson Rd. 1:42 p.m., Theft on Essex Way 2:08 p.m., Animal problem on Rustic Dr. 2:21 p.m., Utility problem on Pearl St. 2:29 p.m., Accident with property damage on Colchester Rd. 3:33 p.m., Suspicious event on Greenfield Rd. 4:37 p.m., Citizen assist on Susie Wilson Bypass 4:51 p.m., Accident with property damage on Pinecrest Dr. 5:12 p.m., Disorderly on Carmichael St. 5:39 p.m., Property damage on Lavoie Dr.

sAturdAy, noveMber 17

8:29 a.m., Citizen assist on Carmichael St. 1:46 p.m., Theft on Lincoln St. 2:37 p.m., Animal problem on Brigham Hill Rd. 2:45 p.m., Citizen assist on Pearl St. 3:20 p.m., Accident with property damage on I-289 6:31 p.m., Medical; location withheld 7:25 p.m., Vandalism on South St. 7:37 p.m., Citizen assist on Upper Main St. 8:05 p.m., Citizen assist on Center Rd. 9:20 p.m., Domestic disturbance; location withheld

sundAy, noveMber 18

2:42 a.m., Noise on Carmichael St. 2:57 a.m., Suspicious event on Pearl St. 8:46 a.m., Citizen assist on Sage Cir. 10:55 a.m., Found/lost property on Maple St. 11:38 a.m., Animal problem on Dunbar Dr. 12:27 p.m., Medical; location withheld 2:43 p.m., Suspicious event on Marion Ave. 3:23 p.m., Accident with property damage on Center Rd. 3:41 p.m., Threatening on Pearl St. 3:42 p.m., Accident with property damage on Pinecrest Dr. 10:02 p.m., Citizen assist on Colchester Rd. 10:31 p.m., Citizen assist on Forest Rd. 11:22 p.m., Animal problem on Essex Way

totAl cAlls: 120

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

November 22, 2018 • The Essex Reporter • 9

business directory & police log BarBershop B AR B E R S H O P X- R AYS Monday through Friday 8 - 5

carpentry

Basement specialists H.S. Basement & Foundation Specialists

Saturday 8 - 12

FOUNDATION REPAIR

802-730-3647

FREE 866-622-8480

ESTIMATES

Drywall, Siding, Finish Work, Pressure Washing

24/7 ON CALL • Free Estimates • Fully Insured

(802) 355-8193

VTbasements.com

contractinG

Carpentry

Remodeling, Rot Repair, Decks, Windows and Doors

BASEMENT WATERPROOFING | CRAWL SPACE REPAIR

For our customers convenience we will have extra staffing for the holiday season.

High Standards, LLC

Matt Levee • highstandards802@gmail.com

dentist

estate pLanninG Wills–Trusts–Estate Planning–Medicaid–Elder Law–Probate

Over 22 Years of Satisfied Customers

Call Ryan at (802) 316-6658 For a Free Estimate!

• • • • • •

New Construction Remodeling Excavation Roofing Septic Systems Snow/ Ice Removal

(Residential & Commercial)

Handyman service NO JOB TOO BIG, NO JOB TOO SMALL

Over

Cedric C Pecor D.D.S

Serving the community for over 33 years with the best dental care.

Bethany K. Fitzgerald D.D.S

Edward R. Klingebiel D.D.S

Schedule a dental check-up today to maintain that beautiful smile!

Peace of mind for your family & loved ones

Most insurance plans accepted. Accepting new patients. miltonfamilydentistryvermont.com 157 River St., Milton • 893-4734

26 Railroad Ave. / Essex Jct., VT (802) 879-7133 / unsworthlaplante.com

LandscapinG

LauGHter Give the gift of Laughter this Holiday Season!

VERMONT WILD

Fully Insured

40 years of experience!

BOB’S HANDYMAN SERVICE

Call 802-355-2324

Funny, True Game Warden Stories Read & loved by ages 9-99!

Five volumes - Maine too!

Shop local at:

Condominium Associations Commercial Residential

Now Submitting Bids

Hedge Trimming / Landscape Projects Fall Clean Up / Winter Snow Services

Phoenix Books, Kinney Drugs, Guys Farm and Yard, Vermont Gift Barn, Hanley’s General Store and many other fine shops statewide.

Or visit VermontWild.com and we’ll mail your books!

Professional quality service at great rates

TV Series ahead for Vermont Wild??

LeGaL

pLumbinG

paintinG

HEHIR LAW OFFICE, PLLC Brian Hehir, Attorney

Adam’s Plumbing

FULL INTERIOR & EXTERIOR Residential & Commercial

S E R V I C E 878 - 1002

Serving the area for 22 years.

Real Estate, including: • Sales and Purchases • Landlord/Tenant • Boundary Disputes • Zoning • Subdivision.

Also: Wills, Probate, Injury and Business Matters.

• Custom Trim • Custom Carpentry/ Crown Moulding

• Cathedral Entries • Sheetrock/Taping • FULLY INSURED

The Reliable Local Pro!

239 South Union St., Burlington 802-862-2006 • www.hehirlaw.com

Living & Working in Essex Junction for over 40 years.

Call TJ for your FREE ESTIMATE $100 off any job of $1000.00 or more, $250 off of any job $2000.00 or more. EXCLUDES MATERIALS

For all your residential plumbing repairs and installations

reaL estate

restaurant

snowpLowinG

802-355-0392

Authentic Mexican Cuisine IN THE HEART OF ESSEX JUNCTION 4 Park Street, Essex 802.662.4334 www.ElGatoCantina.com

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS

HERE

CONTACT OUR SALES REP! John Kelley, 524-9771 ext. 105 john.kelley@samessenger.com

highstandards802@gmail.com

tree services

tree services

• Tree Removals • Tree Trimming • Ornamental/ fruit tree pruning • Cabling Cabling

Living Curiously ProPerty Maintenance Tree Services including stump grinding, chipping, trimming and complete tree removal • Property Cleanups • Foreclosure and Rental Cleanups • Landscaping

802-752-5850

Free Estimates • Fully Insured

Military, First Responders and Seniors receive a 10% discount Accepting all major credit cards

Maxwell Curtiss Certified Arborist

• Stump Grinding • Wood Chip Mulch • Shrub and Hedge Pruning • Tree Planting

(802) 879-4425

Heartwood Landscape and Tree Services LLC

maxheartwd@myfairpoint.net / Fully Insured

The sTory conTinues

online!

Don't forget to check our website weekly for: • • • • •

Photos from community events Bonus sports photos Breaking news essex Police reports Legals and Classifieds

it is all at the essexreporter.com!

10 •

SCHOOL

The Essex Reporter • November 22, 2018

Essex High School College Visits: On November 7 all EHS 10th graders went on a field trip to visit one of our local colleges - the University of Vermont, St. Michael’s College, Champlain College, and Vermont Technical College (Williston Campus). The purpose was to ensure all students had the opportunity to experience what a college campus is like and meet college students who discussed college life from their point of view.

Essex Nordic Ski Team Volunteers at Run Your Can Off: The Essex High School Nordic Ski Team volunteered at Run Your Can Off at Gilbrook Nature Center recently with Ski Rack and Fleet Feet in a community service run to raise food for a local food shelf. The student-athletes on the team helped race organizers with set-up and brought in food themselves before participating in the race as part of an effort by the team to give back to the local community.

Speech and Debate Students Earn Medals: Three EHS students competed for the first time in Forensics as part of the new EHS Speech and Debate Team, facilitated by Essex Chips.

Congratulations to Fatima Khan for finishing in second place and Iris Hsiang for a third place showing in Original Oratory, and Liam Dixon for placing third in Performance Poetry and Drama.

Call for Vendors - EHS Unified Sports Holiday Bazaar: The EHS Unified Sports team will be hosting a Holiday Bazaar on Fri-

day, December 14 from 3-7 p.m. to help raise funds for the team this year. We're inviting you to set up a table and sell your goods. By setting up a table, you are agreeing to donate some portion of your proceeds from the event to the EHS Unified Sports team (no matter how small, every bit helps).

Please contact Erin Schmidt at eschmitt@ewsd.org to fill out the form to participate.

EHS Annual Child DropOff Event: It's that time of year again, as EHS's Child Psychology and Child Development students are hosting the annual Child Drop off Event on December 10, 12, and 14 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. This morning enrichment program is free and open to all. The minimum child age is two and diapers are ok. The morning includes crafts, games, stories, music, blocks, puzzles, play dough, science experiments, and snack activities.

This is a great opportunity for you to take a break around this busy holiday season. If you are interested in the program for your son, daughter, grandchild, niece, nephew, or home schooled children, please call or email Marybeth Perilli (802-857-7518 or mperilli@ ewsd.org). There is a 15-child limit per day, so sign-up as soon as possible.

Job Seekers: If you have a job opening for ages 14+, please email Pam Hemingway at phemingway@ewsd.org with specific hiring information for your company.

COURTESY PHOTOS

Clockwise from top left: 1) EHS 10th graders pose for a photo on a college visit. 2&3) Fatima Khan and Liam Dixon pose with their awards from the forensics speech and debate tournament. Khan placed second in original oratory, and Dixon placed third in performance poetry and drama. 4) EHS 10th graders listen to a tour guide.

s...

Alchemis t pShreowsefornt all families… nearly New COMEDY & MUSIC

Rusty DeWees

THE LOGGER Patrick Ross

& THE fiddler EN FREE SHOWS ARE GLUT W/ZERO CBD

7:30 shows

thelogger.com h School De c. 7,8 ,9 South Burlington Hig om r.c ge log Shows info: the 802-888-8838 Stowe

Center for Technology

Learn to Skate at the

Essex Skating Facility In-Person Registration-

Wednesday, December 5, 2018 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Children’s LessonsWed., Thurs. and Fri.

Adult Lessons

Sundays For More information about our Basic-Skills Programwebsite: www.essexrink.com email: vsa@ewsd.org call: 857-7300

You know what would look great here? Your ad!

Contact our sales team:

John Kelley, 524-9771 ext. 105 john.kelley@samessenger.com

Community Appreciation Days: CTE held its annual Community Appreciation Days on November 1 and 2 (pictured above). This event is always well attended by local senior citizens who receive free services such as haircuts and manicures, health information and blood pressure checks, email/cell phone/computer assistance, photo restoration, and lunch.

Computer Animation and Web Design: The Computer Animation and Web Design program at the Center for Technology, Essex is designed for students interested in acquiring new media skills and entering the fast paced and rapidly changing areas of anima-

tion, game design, and web development. As a supporting role to our core focuses, we also cover graphic design, video production, and traditional art as it applies to our industries.

Our computer animation component takes advantage of state-of-the-art 2D and 3D digital computer hardware and software used in creating such Disney Films as Moana. Linear animation is created with Blender, Animate, After Effects, and Premiere – again industry standards you will find in design studios around the world.

Our game design component explores what it takes to build a video game.

Our students use Unreal En-

Pets of the Week LORELEI

~ 15 years old Spayed female ~ Breed: Domestic shorthair - brown & orange torbie Arrival Date: 10/11/2018

Reason here: My owner could no longer care for me “Lorelei, let’s live together/Brighter than the stars, forever” It’s not every day that your new pet already has a song written about her (so what if Styx penned the lyrics a few decades ago?)! Lorelei has a face and coat as beautiful as her name, and would you look at those green eyes! She’s used to being an only child but may be open to hanging with some friendly fur friends.

Lorelei wants nothing more than to lounge around with you for her golden years and would be the purrrfect snuggly addition to your home. We have a feeling you’ll be singin’ a tune for sweet miss Lorelei!

My thoughts on: Cats & Dogs: I have no history with cats or dogs

Humane Society of Chittenden County 802-862-0135

gine and Unity, two industry standard game development engines. Students will learn industry standard workflow and learn what it takes to bring your ideas to playable games.

During our web design and development focused curriculum, students will design websites with creative interfaces, strong layouts, functional site organization and logical navigation. Responsive design is a focus, where our students learn to design for all types of digital media, from computers, to tablets, to cell phones.

Students may apply to be accepted into our Cawd2 second year program. These students go on and look at the server side of web design, with MySQL databases and continued in-depth work with languages such as PHP and Javascript. Photography, special effects vid-

eo with After Effects, and Robotics Programing are all part of Cawd2.

Education after Cawd: Students that finish our program have the chance to continue their education at any number of institutions.

Whether you want a Bachelors degree, Associates degree, or Certificate of Study – our students have literally traveled around the world to follow their dreams.

Would you, or a high school aged student you know be interested in being creative with technology? If so please come and visit the Cawd program. While we are at capacity for this year, we are already taking applications for the 2019-2020 school year.

For more info please visit our class website (www. cawdvt.org), our Instagram (www.instagram.com/cawdvt), or email Matt Cronin (mcronin@ewsd.org).

EWSD

Size/Weight: Large/ 68 lbs.

It takes a village: Voices for Education (in partnership with community organizations, students, and school leaders) is hosting an opportunity for a diverse group to come together to share their experiences and challenges living and working in our community, and to generate ideas about how to create a more welcoming, equitable community where everyone has an opportunity to succeed.

When: Saturday, December 1, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Where: Essex Middle School Cafeteria. Please join us, add your voice, and help create an even better place to live, to learn, and to work—a community that “works for all.” If you are interested in attending, please RSVP online (www.ewsd. org) Nutrition Advisory Group: The EWSD welcomed nearly 60 parents and community members on November 8 to participate in the first Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child Nutrition Advisory group meeting. Participants were invited to partner with the District to achieve Child Nutrition Services/Farm to School goals and explore the future direction for EWSD in all aspects of nutrition environment and services.

Co-Teaching for English Learners: A team from EWSD took part in a "Co-Teaching for English Learners" workshop with instructor Andrea Honigsfeld recently. Honigsfeld used lots of great modeling, creative activities, inspiring videos, energizing movement and practical instruction. We can't wait to try some of the strategies we learned.

SportS

November 22, 2018 • The Essex Reporter • 11

PHOTOS BY JOSH KAUFMANN, Essex Reporter

Coulter and Neddo named to Twin State field hockey team

T

here will be a pair of Hornets representing Essex on the Twin State Field Hockey team. Senior back and co-captain Sarah Coulter was joined by fellow senior forward Hannah Neddo when the team was announced earlier this month. Both will be invited to travel to New Hampshire in June of 2019 as part of the Vermont All-Star team for an exhibition game.

The annual showcase of talent between the two states has been held since 1984, and even though the Granite State holds the

overall record, 22-9-3, Vermont is coming off a 4-1 victory in their last meeting.

Coulter (21) and Neddo (6) led the Hornets to an 11-4 record in the 2018 season, which earned them the No.4 seed going into the postseason. The Hornets fell in the quarterfinals to No.5 Rice Memorial after being edged by a single goal. Fortunately the duo will get a chance to play one more game before their high school careers come to an end.

SPORTSHORTS

By JOE GONILLO

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

O

ne of my favorite holidays, so I hope you enjoy the turkey, food, your family and friends, football, Turkey Bowl games and the relaxing weekend. Be careful on Black Friday. One more week of November until we hit the Christmas month.

There was yet another delicious Thanksgiving dinner at Essex Alliance Church Sunday evening. Thankful for roast beef, pie, all who attended and made the event happen.

Congratulations to Essex’s Les Johnson on his induction to the Vermont Soccer Association’s Hall of Fame last week. The longtime EHS physical education teacher and area soccer coach (youth, high school, club and college) was honored in the class of 2018.

Also on the list were coaches David Saward and John Werner, along with official/ organizer Del Romagnoli.

Their unselfish dedication and contribution to soccer in the state of Vermont made this a well deserving honor. Also Albert D. Lawton School’s Hector Tamayo of the Nordic Soccer Club was recognized as the Girls’ Competitive Coach of the Year. Congrats to all!

The North all-stars defeated the South all-stars last weekend 57-35 the annual high school football exhibition series in Dave Wolk Stadium at Castleton University. QB Jake Cady of St. Johnsbury led the way for northern squad by throwing for over 400 yards, 4 touchdowns, and ran for two more TDs. Tyler Millette and Keshon Peters represented the Hornets. Area players who scored included Harrison Leombruno-

Nicholson (MMU), Bailey Olsen (Colchester), Ryan Byrnes (Rice), John Rousseau (Rice) and Jehric Hackney (MMU). Here’s a look at the North’s roster - BFASt. Albans: Cooper Cioffi, Mark Howrigan, Noah Vincellette; Burlington-South Burlington: Sean Clarke, Manny Dodson, Robbie Mafuta; Champlain Valley: Bennett Cheer; Colchester: Mike Blair, Justin Datillio, Bailey Olson; Essex:Tyler Millette, Keshon Peters; Fairfax-Lamoille: Jared Salls; Lyndon: Kayden Lewis, Fred Thomas; Milton: Jake Laware, Colby Mason, Josh McQuinn, Brandan Tinker; Missisquoi: Payton Tardy; Mount Mansfield: Patrick Burke, Dylan Davis, Jehric Hackney, Mark Howland, Harrison Leombruno-Nicholson and David Seymour; Mount Abraham: Kevin Pearsall; North Country: Alex Haugwitz, Colby LeMay; Rice: Ryan Byrnes, Evan Eaton, Connor Ritchie, John Rousseau and Andrew Snell; St. Johnsbury: Jake Cady, Shawn Guckin, Lamin Latikka and Ren Smith; Spaulding: Sam Bigglestone, Casey Payette and Corey John and for U-32: Ryan Barr, Andrew Proteau, Logan Wedge and Gaige Williams.

UVM men’s basket-

ball lost games at Kansas and Louisville last week.

Though they came up as L’s, the experience the Cats gained will be vital to their season, conferences games and American East Tourney.

Turkey Bowls are happening this week. Hope to have updates for you next week.

Fantasy football leagues are closing in on the final weeks of the regular season.

The first day of winter sports practice/tryouts is this Monday, Nov. 26. Hope all your boxes are checked, papers/physicals up to date and online registration complete…or else!

Happy Birthday, as November turns to December, to former EHS English teacher Carol Willey, Lora Waldmen, Annah Sullivan, Becky Barrows, Frank Antonucci, Beth Leavitt and Eagles' fan Trevor Rushford.

Loved every second of our Conn. visit last weekend to celebrate granddaughter’s Gianna’s birthday with her and our daughter.

Well, the blizzard we drove through in parts of Mass. and Conn. was horrible; three hours on the Merritt Parkway to get to Stamford in what usually takes 50 minutes. Drive safe out there!

Remember that we love to publish user submitted photos in our paper and online at EssexReporter.com.

WILLS–TRUSTS–ESTATE PLANNING–MEDICAID–ELDER LAW–PROBATE

Peace of mind for your family & loved ones Register for one of our free seminars at www.unsworthlaplante.com

Please send your sports action photos to

26 Railroad Ave./ Essex Jct., VT (802) 879-7133 / unsworthlaplante.com

ben@ essexreporter.com.

COME ENJOY OUR

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SATURDAY, NOV. 24, THANKSGIVING WEEKEND in the T Rex Theater • 8:00 pm doors, 9:00 pm show Get tickets online at doubleevermont.com

COMING UP

CHRISTMAS AT THE SILENT MOVIES with music

FREE EVENTS IN THE LOUNGE & THEATER 10 NIGHTLY

performed by America’s Premiere Ragtime Orchestra December 9 • Doors 7:00 pm

Sports on the Big Screen - Sun & Mon Classic Rock Movies & Concert Videos - Tues & Thurs Live Local Music - Fri & Sat Burlington Songwriters - Wed. Nov. 21st

THE DOUBLE E PERFORMANCE CENTER: FEATURING THE MAD TACO - COME FOR THE TACOS, STAY FOR THE TUNES

12 •

FOOD

The Essex Reporter • November 22, 2018

Pumpkin cranberry hand pies

By NANCY MOCK, hungryenoughtoeatsix.com

Ingredients

1/2 c. granulated sugar plus extra for sprinkling 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves 16 ounces pure pumpkin purée 3/4 c. evaporated milk 1/3 c. cranberry sauce

3 c. all-purpose flour, unbleached, divided 1-1/2 teaspoons salt, divided 3 tablespoons confectioner's sugar 2 cups butter, cold Ice water 3 eggs

Instructions 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

In a large bowl, whisk together 2-1/2 cups of the flour with 1 teaspoon of the salt and the confectioner's sugar. Slice the cold butter into small cubes. Add them to the bowl and toss them in the flour mixture.

Use a pastry blender to cut the butter into the flour mixture, until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Add in 4 tablespoons of the ice water and use a large spoon to toss the mixture together with the water.

Continue to add in ice water 1 tablespoon at a time, stirring after each addition, until the dough is moist enough to hold together when you squeeze some with your hand.

Turn out the mixture onto a lightly floured surface, Knead the dough 4 or 5 times until it is smooth. Flatten the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours or overnight.

In a medium bowl whisk together the remaining 1/2 cup of flour, the granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt and the cloves.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 2 of the eggs, the pumpkin puree and evaporated milk. Add in the dry mixture in two or three additions until the batter comes together and is smooth.

Remove the dough from the fridge and divide it into 10 portions. Keep 5 portions in the fridge while you work on the first 5.

Have a small bowl of water with you at the

6.

7.

8.

9.

work area. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Roll out one portion into a 6" circle. Into the center of the circle place a 2-tablespoon scoop of pumpkin filling. Top this with 1 heaping teaspoon of cranberry sauce.

Moisten the edge of the dough with water.

Fold the far edge of the circle toward you to meet the other edge. Fold up the edge one time, moisten this with water, and then fold the edge up again. Crimp the edge firmly.

Place the pie on the prepared baking sheet.

Continue with four other dough portions you have out. Once done, place these in the fridge, and continue the process with the remaining 5 dough portions that are waiting. Once all 10 are done, cover them loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate the pies for 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 400° F. Place an oven rack in the position just below the middle of the oven.

Remove the sheet of pies from the fridge.

Crimp the edges once more firmly. Cut 1 or 2 slits in the tops of the pies to vent them.

Beat the remaining egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Brush the tops of the pies with this egg wash. Sprinkle some granulated sugar over the tops.

Bake the pies for 30 minutes, until the crust has nicely browned and a toothpick inserted into the filling comes out clean. Remove the pies to a cooling rack and allow them to cool for 10 minutes. Serve the pies warm or at room temperature.

LOCAL GUARD from page 1

Name: Senior Master Sgt. Jonathan Brownell Military Specialty: 2S000 Logistics Readiness Superintendent Years of Service: 27 Unit: 158th Fighter Wing Logistics Readiness Squadron Hometown: Bellows Falls, Vt. Current Town: Essex Junction, Vt. High School/Graduation Year: 1990 College/Graduation: Vermont Technical College 1999 A.S. Electrical Engineering, Champlain College 2011 BS Software Engineering and Champlain College 2018 MS Executive Leadership Q. Why did you join the Vermont National Guard?

A. I joined the Vermont Army National Guard in Westminster Vermont following in the footsteps of my two older brothers.

I later joined the Vermont Air National Guard after the September 11th attacks in 2001.

Q. What do you do in the Vermont National Guard?

A. I am currently the Logistics Readiness Superintendent for the 158th FW. Q. What do you do for civilian work?

A. I worked at IBM as a Senior IT Consultant for 16 years and joined the 158th FW fulltime in 2015 to assist with the base with its conversion to the F-35 airframe.

Q. What do you think is the greatest benefit of being in the National Guard?

A. In order to live life to the fullest, you must live with passion and serve a cause greater than yourself. I found that being a

COURTESY PHOTO

Senior Master Sgt. Jonathan Brownell, logistics readiness superintendent with the 158th Fighter Wing Logistics Readiness Squadron of the Vt. Air National Guard, is pictured in the cockpit of a jet. member of the Guard has afforded me the opportunity to serve my country and my fellow citizens. I am a servant to my neighbors, my family, and my fellow Airmen.

Q. How has being a National Guard member benefited you in your local community and job?

A. The Vermont National Guard has instilled a service before self-attitude that

I hold dear to this day. The Guard has consistently challenged me at every turn and pushed me to achieve objectives that I never dreamt possible.

Q. What is your most memorable military moment?

A. The day I graduated from military boot camp at Fort Dix, N.J.. After several weeks of structured education both physical and

mental, confidence in myself and my abilities came to life.

Q. How long have you lived in Vermont?

A. I am a graduate of Bellows Falls Union High School in Bellows Falls, VT. I have lived in Vermont my entire adult life, 39 years now.

Q. What is your favorite aspect of living or working where you do?

A. First and foremost I love Vermont. I have traveled to different parts of the county and abroad, but always look forward to coming home. As a squadron superintendent, I enjoy helping other Airmen realize their full potential and the amazing things they can accomplish. Watching our Airmen grow and achieve objectives never before imagined has been the most rewarding thing about my job.

Q. What has surprised you about the Vermont National Guard?

A. Having experienced tremendous loss in my life, the Guard was there to see me through. The sense of family and support was amazing, I never realized the impact the fantastic personnel would have on me.

Q. What is your favorite part about serving in the VT National Guard?

A. Service to the people of this great state is my favorite part of being in the guard.

Certainly money is not a driving factor here for me, but knowing that I represent the citizenry of this state is the driving of During the month force that keeps me coming back. give a turkey to ev Q. Howwe’ll many push-ups did you get purchases a vehicle, on your last physical fitness test?PLUS do A. 52 on their behalf to the local fo

Month of of Giving Giving Month All November, buy a vehicle, receive a turkey

PLUS PLUS BUY A CAR

we’ll donate a turkey to the local food shelf!

GET A TURKEY

GIVE A TURKEY

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we can’t forget our dedicate - we we’ll give them each a tu

Brought to you by the Essex Reporter and Colchester Sun

l a c o L p o Sh Holiday Gift Guide 2018

2

Holiday Gift Guide

Gifts that matter Colchester Food Shelf 245 Main St., Colchester

Needs: Pasta sauce, pasta, peanut butter, hearty soups, bottled juice, canned tuna and chicken, laundry detergent, dish soap

Age Well

76 Pearl St, #201, Essex Mission: To provide the support and guidance that inspires our community to embrace aging with confidence.

Needs: Warm lap throws, winter hats, warm socks, mittens/gloves, adult coloring books and adult incontinence supplies are always needed!

Essex CHIPS

2 Lincoln St., Essex Mission: Our organization serves youth and their families in these communities by providing direct service programs for youth and facilitating partnerships between organizations.

Needs: • Board or card games (new or gently used) • Silverware • PlayStation2 video games (rated “E” only please) • Wii video games (rated “E” only please) • Craft supplies • Movie DVDs (rated G, PG, or PG13 only please) • Gift cards to Costco or Hannaford for teen center snack items and related supplies. Kitchen supplies such as a blender • Of course, our long standing wish is for a van (in really good condition) to transport youth to events!

GET CARRIED AWAY! BLACK FRIDAY AND SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY SALE

Many nonprofits help the neediest residents in our community. We asked them what they need to better serve everyone in Essex and Colchester. Here are the items they’ve asked for.

Essex Community Historical Society 5 Towers Rd., Essex

Mission: The Essex Community Historical Society was established in 1991 to preserve the history of the Town of Essex, including the Village of Essex Junction, and to be an educational and research resource for the community.

Needs: • Fire proof 3-4 drawer steel file cabinet • Clear plastic bins — large • Archival boxes and supplies for storing documents, photos, and artifacts

Aunt Dot’s Place

assurance of being treated with dignity and respect.

Mission: To organize a community of volunteers who will provide a safe and welcoming place where the less fortunate can obtain help with basic needs such as food, clothing and community resources with the

Needs: Cereal, jelly, Ritz crackers or Saltines (in sleeves), granola bars, personal care items such as deodorant and shampoo, pasta sauce, toiler paper or paper towels, mac and cheese, canned pasta with meat, peanut butter.

51 Center Rd., Essex Jct.

Lucy’s House for the Prevention of Homeless Pets

20% OFF STOREWIDE! WITH A SPECIAL SALE

30% OFF

BLACK FRIDAY 8-11AM ONLY 81 Church St.• Burlington • 860.2220 • eccoclothesboutique.com

21 Foster Dr., Essex Mission: Lucy’s House’s mission is to keep pets in their homes by providing free pet food to people who have lost their jobs, need assistance during difficult financial times, seniors, and people with disabilities.

Needs: • Canned dog and cat food • Dry small bags of cat and dog food • Dog beds • Dog and cat treats • Dog bones • We have donation boxes at the town of Essex office, Price Chopper in Essex, Petit Brook Vet clinic and AT&T in Williston.

In-Store and Online at LennyShoe.com Sale Wednesday & Friday Day Before Thanksgiving & Black Friday Composite Toe Boots

199.99

$

MSRP $350.00 #25377

e l sa

2-day

November 21st & 23rd

Holiday Gift Guide 3

Sale in-store & LennyShoe.com. Styles vary by store. While supplies last.

There’s more on sale!

Shop In-Store or LennyShoe.com

Sale Hours: Wednesday & Friday 9am-8pm. Closed Thanksgiving.

295 Swanton Rd, St. Albans Highgate Commons Plaza (802) 527-0532

Workman Jacket

49.99

$

Men’s

8” Waterproof, EH, 400 Grams

MSRP $99.99 #101742

Available In-Store & Online at LennyShoe.com

12.99

Men’s

Lightweight, wind-resistant, water-repellent

MSRP $21.95

Select styles: SW0SW599-557, SW0SW725-759, SW0SW942-769

All Berne Workwear

Yaktrax Ice Grippers

6

$

MSRP $14.99 #10850

25% OFF

Select Camo Clothing

50% OFF Excludes accessories and Sitka

Only Available In-Store

Only Available In-Store

12.99 20% OFF

Nylon Dog Collar

Provides traction from heel to toe. Easy on, easy off.

$

MSRP $19.99 #102005-211

6’ Nylon Dog Lead

12.99

$

MSRP $19.99 #102008-211

Available In-Store & Online at LennyShoe.com

Relaxed Fit, Straight Leg

By Browning, Gamehide & Under Armour

Men’s & Women’s

.99

Men’s

Available In-Store & Online at LennyShoe.com

Only Available In-Store

Available In-Store & Online at LennyShoe.com

34

.99

$

#B155-DST

$

Medium cushion crew socks

B155 Jean MSRP $54.99

Select Smartwool Socks

Men’s & Women’s

ece

Fle

d!

e Lin

Available In-Store & Online at LennyShoe.com

ANY 2 REGULAR PRICED ITEMS In-Store Only Wednesday & Friday Nov. 21st & 23rd *BLACKFRIDAY*

Offer valid 11/21/18 and 11/23/18 on 2 regular priced in-store items only. Coupon must be presented at time of purchase and can’t be combined with other offers. Limit 1 coupon per customer. Coupon not valid at the Lenny’s Outlet Store or online. See store for details.

No cash value. Excludes Yeti products, gun safes and Darn Tough 802 Sasquatch Socks.

4

Holiday Gift Guide

This year’s best holiday toys Our friends at Turner Toys & Hobbies in Essex compiled their picks for the best toys to gift this holiday. Are any of them on your list?

Playmobile Fairies These sets are full of unicorns, fairies, mystic glens, and majestic boats! They’re an extremely popular item right now and hard to keep on the shelves. Pick between a purple dragon and her baby, a magical water-horse drawn carriage, a magical flower and so much more! $8.99-$55.99

Crazy Aaron’s Stretchable, bounce-able putty that comes in a multitude of fun colors.

Some glow in the dark, some are magnetic, some sparkle and some change color! $2.99-14.99

(-65&/ '3&& '00%4 t #",&3: 0/ 13&.*4&4 t %&-* t #3&",'"4 (-65&/ '3&& '00%4 t #",&3: 0/ 13&.*4&4 t %&-* t #3&",'"45 -6/$) $"'É t #6-, '00%4

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t 7*5".*/ %*4$06/5 130(3". t %"*-: 4&/*03 %*4$06/5

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'3&4) 130$6& t 75 .&"54 t /"563"- #"#: '00%4 t 75 $)&&4&4 t

Clack!

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329 Harvest Lane, W

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A fun game of speed for ages 5 and up—be the first to collect all the matching pictures by stacking up your magnetic chips as fast as you can. Whoever has the tallest stack at the end, wins! $18.99

Ribbon Ninja This active game requires a little more cleared space. Don Velcro bracelets, attach ribbons to them and try to grab your friend’s off before they get yours! $19.99

Holiday Gift Guide 5 Made in Middlebury, these cute little wooden trains and trucks make for a classic Christmas gift.

Pick from the alphabet train, or the orchard and maple syrup trucks. You could also assemble a classic Christmas train around the tree! $14.99-29.99

Montgomery Schoolhouse Wooden Trains Melisa and Doug’s On The Go Water Reveal Pads Reusable, portable, no mess! Water Reveal Pads are coloring books with a special water-pen that reveals the colors underneath. Let it dry and do it all again! $5.99-$9.99

Gravitrax

)RU WKH 3HUIHFW 7UHH DQG PRUH

The coolest marblerun out there! Use the app to plan the perfect marble setup and then watch the marbles fly across the tracks with the Gravity Cannon expansion! $9.99-$54.99

Bruder Trucks Made in Germany, these big trucks and construction vehicles are the best looking you’ll find anywhere. The trucks are amazingly realistic, and quite a hot item right now. Dig into the backhoe, the police car, the dump truck, the logging truck and so many more! $24.99-$119.99

$Q\ 1RQ 3UHPLXP WR )W

%$/6$0 75((6

:,7+ &28321 :+,/( 6833/,(6 /$67

6

Holiday Gift Guide Hey, Kiddo

How I Lost My Mother, Found My Father, and Dealt with Family Addiction

By Jarrett J. Krosoczka A deeply personal and poignant memoir, illustrated by the talented Krosoczka.

The themes of family, adolescence, and addiction are dealt with sensitively and profoundly. –Kristin B

Reading Recommendations from Phoenix Books in Essex

The Collected Stories of Lydia Davis

A Wild Swan and Other Tales

By Michael Cunningham

By Lydia Davis

Michael Cunningham has reimagined class tales, fleshing them out to provide the bits that were never told - humor and compassion which bring the tales to life as never before.

Brilliantly illustrated by Yako Shimizu. These are fairy tales for our times. -Phil

The 2013 Man Booker International Prize was awarded to Davis for good reason. She belongs in a class by herself. Manipulating language like a master poet, Davis constructs miniature works of art that defy classification. With deft precision, she explores the nature of language as much as that odd nature we call our own.

- Phil

JON’S DARKROOM New Custom Framing Prices at Jon’s Frameshop

Your Entire Order

50% OFF

(Custom Frame, Matting, Mounting, Glass and Labor)

40% OFF

(4 of the 5 above Services)

Your Entire Order

30% OFF

Your Entire Order

(3 of the 5 above Services)

Your Entire Order

20% OFF

(2 of the 5 above Services)

10% OFF

(1 of the 5 above Services)

In Stock Molding

the above discounts apply

Your Entire Order

159 Pearl Street, Essex Junction 1-802-879-4485 | www.jonsdarkroom.com

The Illustrated Herbiary Guidance and Rituals from 36 Bewitching Botanicals

By Maia Toll, Kate O’Hara (Illus.)

This gorgeous book is a gentle and insightful tool for anyone who would like to connect with plants on an intuitive level. Highly recommended for those working with tarot, for herbalists, and for anyone who feels most at peace in the garden, woods, or fields. The cards are an excellent complement to the book. The 36 plants chosen include many herbalists’ most beloved species and will be familiar to gardeners and nature lovers as well.

Kristen Eaton

Holiday Gift Guide 7

Protest Kitchen

Fight Injustice, Save the Planet, and Fuel Your Resistance One Meal at a Time

Heavy

By Kiese Laymon I’m a big fan of Laymon’s - He has a way with language and an honesty at once both self-deprecating and hopeful. This book hit me hard and hit me good.

- Kristin Richland

By Carol J. Adams and Virginia Messina In this accessible guide to plantbased cooking, Carol J. Adams and Virginia Messina connect our food choices to social and political movements, outlining practical ways we can make incremental - and delicious! - changes to our diets to affect positive change. Part cookbook, part manifesto, Protest Kitchen is our essential blueprint for the vegan revolution. Resistance has never tasted so good!

- Beth Wagner

ABCs Art from Nature

By Chris Gluck A beautiful children’s book of ABCs, ABCs Art from Nature was conceived by Chris Gluck, the founder and owner of Poker Hill Arts, an after school and summer day camp art program for kids in Underhill, Vt. The vibook is full of hand-crafted vi suals of animals found in nature for each letter, using leaves and other natural items. The book was initially backed by a Kickstarter fundraiser, and one percent of all book sales will go to the Jericho Underhill Land Trust.

- Kristin Richland

Monsters You Should Know

Prodigal Summer Barbara Kingsolver This novel ranks in my all-time top-10 favorites. I like to read it once a year.

This story tells of three different women of different ages and circumstances living in the same area and their different experiences of love, life and nature. A beautiful novel!! -Kristin B

Local and nationwide delivery

Flowers for all your holiday needs: Fresh Balsam Christmas Wreaths Fresh Balsam Kissing Balls • Holiday Plants and More!

Gift Certificates available Your neighborhood florist since 1943

By Emma Sancartier By one of my favorite artists. The cutest renditions of some really gnarly creatures.

-Kristin Richland

878-8113 • 10 Lincoln Street, Essex Junction next to Brownell Library www.maplehurstflorist.com

8

Holiday Gift Guide

Workplace gifting etiquette Get giving right this holiday season

G

ift giving in the workplace can be challenging territory to navigate. And as anyone who has received an inappropriate gift or something that really wasn’t useful can attest, he or she probably doesn’t want to face a situation in which a gift leads to office gossip.

According to a poll conducted by Harris, around half of workers plan to gift at least one business associate around the holidays but are confused about what to give. Too often it’s up to workers to navigate these etiquette minefields on their own, but the following tips can help the process go smoothly.

• Keep it impersonal. Impersonal doesn’t mean it’s acceptable to grab anything off the shelf. But the

VERMONT GROWN CHRISTMAS TREES & WREATHS

•

•

gift should not be something that would offend tastes or sentiments.

Avoid clothing, perfume, jewelry, or accessories. Lotions and other scented items are also ill-advised.

Skip your boss. Etiquette experts say that gifts should flow downward not upward in the realm of employment ranking. That means it’s best to stick with gifting colleagues who are on the same level as you. Buying a gift for the boss may look like you’re simply trying to score brownie points instead of offering a meaningful gift.

Give group gifts. Rather than gifting individuals, it can be safer to give a group gift from which many can benefit. This can include coffee and pastries from a nearby bakery, or a bouquet of flowers to brighten up the office environment.

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Keep prices modest. Office giving is not about illustrating who can afford the most expensive gift. Remember, some people will not be able to reciprocate, and they shouldn’t feel uncomfortable for being on the receiving end of a lavish gift.

Follow the rules. Gift exchanges should be cleared with supervisors or human resources professionals. It pays to check if there are rules in place for gifting others.

Avoid cash gifts. Giving cash or checks is not a good idea. Money should only come by way of bonuses from higher-ups. If you’re stuck on what to give, a gift card to a store that a coworker visits is acceptable.

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Holiday Gift Guide 9

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hanks to families being more spread out than ever before, today’s holiday shoppers must figure out ways to get holiday gifts to their destination on time. The holiday season tends to be the busiest time of year for many delivery services. The following tips should help shoppers ensure their loved ones’ gifts arrive on time.

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Ship directly. Adobe Analytics reported that online shopping hit a record high of $108.2 billion in the 2017 holiday shopping season, and all indicators suggest online shopping will only increase in the years to come. Holiday shoppers who want to ensure their loved ones will receive their gifts on time can rely on online shopping. When checking out, have gifts shipped directly to loved ones’ homes. Many online retailers will even wrap gifts for a nominal fee.

Research shipping options. In 2018, Christmas falls on a Tuesday. Shoppers who plan to rely on two-day or overnight shipping should keep that in mind. Some delivery services may be open throughout the weekend before Christmas, while others may only be open on Saturday. Last-minute shoppers, whether they’re shopping online or in-person, should confirm their shipping options well in advance of Christmas. Because Christmas is on a Tuesday this year, getting gifts to their destination on time may require shoppers to purchase and ship them earlier than they otherwise might.

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Purchase package insurance. Consumer Reports notes that UPS and FedEx shipments automatically come with declared-value coverage of up to $100. (Note: Declared value is the carrier’s maximum liability.) Purchasing additional insurance can ease shoppers’ concerns about lost or stolen packages. Just be sure to keep all invoices and receipts in case claims must be filed.

Shoppers also should ask for tracking numbers on all packages so they can confirm when packages are delivered.

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Properly secure the package. Many delivery services now have off-site drop-off boxes that can make it easy to send gifts. This is a convenient service, but shoppers who use them won’t be able to have a company employee provide in-person confirmation that their packages are secured to company standards.

Poorly packaged items may never be shipped.

Visit the shipping company’s website for packaging guidelines, and include a business card and duplicate label inside the package just in case it is damaged after being dropped off.

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Holiday Gift Guide

Gifts for the home cook

F

unctional and practical, culinary gifts are always welcomed by cooks, bakers and frequent entertainers.

Fortunately, for friends and family members who also covet great design

and fashion trends, there’s a plethora of quality kitchen products available today with beautiful styling that’s too fun and vibrant to hide away in cabinets. Here’s a short list of colorful gift options to consider this season.

BonJour Ami Matin 8-Cup French Press Sure to brighten up every coffee-lover’s morning, this classic, bistro-style coffee brewer is now offered in moodboosting Lavender and Aqua Blue. Constructed from unbreakable BPA-free Tritan plastic, this durable French Press boasts a patented shutoff control built into its plunger to lock in flavor and prevent over-brewing.

Rachael Ray Cucina Stoneware Ramekins 4-Piece Set For a softer color palette, this set of organically shaped, oven-to-table ramekins are glazed in four Tuscan-style hues: Cranberry Red, Agave Blue, Mushroom Brown, and Lavender. Offering endless possibilities for cooking, baking and serving, the oven-safe ramekins are also microwave-, dishwasher- and freezer-safe.

Paula Deen 3-Piece Striped Mixing Bowl Set This charming, red-striped set of small, medium and large mixing bowls, made of lightweight and durable melamine, instantly brightens up spirits when prepping breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Each bowl features a sturdy lip to ensure a secure grip and a rubberized base ring for stability.

Farberware Purecook Ceramic Nonstick Cookware 12-Piece Set Go stylish with Lavender and Aqua or classic with Gray and Blue with this well-designed, dishwasher safe collection offered in four attractive shades. The high-heat safe ceramic nonstick surface is white and contrasts beautifully with the glossy porcelain exterior.

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Circulon Symmetry Chocolate Bakeware 5-Piece Set Add a sophisticated pop of color when baking savory and sweet treats with durable steel bakeware enrobed in a decadently rich dark chocolate hue inside and out. The set includes a versatile cookie pan (can double as a sheet pan), two round cake pans, a loaf pan, and rectangular cake pan.

Tips and Tricks To guide your

Holiday Gift Guide 11

Gift wrappinG Much of the focus of each holiday season is on gift-giving, but all those gifts will eventually need to be wrapped. Stacks of presents just waiting to be covered with paper and ribbon can overwhelm gift givers, prompting them to put off wrapping gifts until the last minute. Hesitant wrappers with a pile of gifts to wrap can use these tricks to make the process go smoothly.

Find inspiration Instead of looking at wrapping as yet another chore, try to envision how the recipient will feel peeling open the paper and finding the gift inside. Wrapping can be the prelude to the gift itself, and intensify the anticipation. The wrapping paper or style also may draw on aspects of the gift itself. For example, a knit scarf can be placed in a crocheted stocking.

Handle oddly-shaped items Wrapping rectangular boxes can be a snap, but what about something that’s round or full of angles?

Think about placing oddly-shaped items inside another item to make the shape more uniform. Shoe boxes, coffee cans and even paper towel rolls can hold items. Then place the wrapping on these containers.

Cover prices To enable easy exchanges or returns, do not cut off the price tags of gifts. Instead, place a festive sticker over the dollar amount, but leave the scan bar visible. This way the gift recipient can return the gift with ease if necessary.

Keep supplies at the ready Devote a bin or bins to wrapping supplies and tools. Having scissors, paper, tape, ribbon, and more in a designated spot will cut down on having to hunt and peck when it comes time to wrap. Martha Stewart suggests getting a rotary cutter to cut long straight or decorative edges on wrapping paper.

Rotary cutters may be easier to use than scissors, especially when paired with a ruler.

Wrap on a firm surface Devote a table or counter to wrapping gifts. This will keep the paper taut and neat and make it easier to cut and position. You risk tearing the paper or puncturing it when working on carpeting or bedding.

Color- or pattern-code gifts It’s easy to visualize who gets what gift when each recipient has his or her own special wrapping paper.

This is also a handy idea when wrapping gifts from Santa, as it will differentiate the Santa gifts from the ones being given by Mom and Dad. With a few helpful pointers, wrapping gifts can be easy. And for those who prefer to skip the wrapping themselves, many malls and retailers offer complimentary wrapping for a small donation to charity.

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Holiday Gift Guide

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Holiday Gift Guide 13

How to buy safe toys this year

F

ew things compare to seeing the joy on a child’s face upon opening a holiday gift. Many adults remember holiday gifts they received as children, and holiday shoppers often try to look for gifts that will be just as memorable to the special youngsters in their lives.

Shoppers might have kids’ smiles on their minds when holiday shopping, but it’s just as important to focus on safety when buying gifts for children. Prevent Blindness®, an organization devoted to ensuring everyone enjoys healthy vision from infancy through adulthood, offers the following tips to toy buyers who want to make sure they give safe gifts to kids this holiday season.

• Read all warnings and instructions on the box. Before taking a toy to the check out line, give the packaging a thorough read-through, paying particular attention to product warnings and instructions. Such warnings are designed to keep kids safe. When buying toys online, only purchase toys that include the warnings within the product description.

• Purchase age-appropriate toys. Kids’ toys come with age recommendations, which are typically listed on the front of the packaging. Stick to these recommendations. Kids might not have the ability to use toys designed for older children, and such toys might not be safe for them to use, so it’s always best to stick to the age guidelines.

• Avoid certain toys. Toys with sharp or rigid points, spikes, rods, or dangerous edges can pose a threat to youngsters.

Avoid such toys, opting for toys with rounded and/or dull edges instead.

• Stick to sturdy toys. Kids do not often treat their toys delicately. Toys will be dropped or thrown, so choose sturdy toys that can withstand being dropped or thrown without breaking into tiny pieces. Tiny shards can pose a choking hazard to curious youngsters.

• Purchase toys with the ASTM designation. ASTM International is an international standards organization that develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical standards for a wide range of products, including toys. Prevent Blindness notes that toys with the letters ASTM on the packaging have been tested and met the toy standards set for by ASTM. • Avoid toys with parts that shoot or fly off. These types of toys can damage the eyes and lead to other accidents or injuries.

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Holiday Gift Guide

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Holiday Gift Guide 15

How to cut back on your holiday waste

T

he holiday season is a joyful time of year. But the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day also tend to be very wasteful. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that household waste increases by more than 25 percent during the holiday season.

Reducing waste come the holiday season does not mean celebrants have to forgo big family meals or beautifully wrapped gifts. In fact, there are several ways to reduce waste without spoiling the spirit of the season.

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Give eco-conscious gifts. The environment may not be the first thing that comes to mind when holiday shoppers are looking for gifts for their loved ones. But giving reusable gifts can have a positive, long-term impact on the planet. Reusable coffee mugs or water bottles can dramatically reduce waste over time, and such items make great stocking stuffers. Shoppers also can look for items made from recycled materials, which run the gamut from home furnishings to calendars to clothing, as eco-friendly alternatives to gifts produced without the environment in mind.

Reuse holiday-specific items. Many people only use gift wrap, gift boxes and gift bags during the holiday season. Such items are oftentimes discarded after Christmas morning. But these items can be reused to cut back on holiday waste. Reusing wrapping paper from year to year can be especially beneficial to the environment.

That’s because wrapping paper tends to be dyed or laminated, and many wrapping papers contain non-paper additives that

cannot be recycled. Reusing wrapping paper, purchasing only recyclable paper or wrapping gifts in old newspapers or magazines can help holiday celebrants reduce their carbon footprints.

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Prepare less food and donate any leftovers. The Worldwatch Institute notes that, during the holiday season, celebrants generate three times as much food waste as they do during other times of the year. Large family meals are a tradition of the holiday season, but hosts who routinely find themselves discarding leftovers can plan on preparing less food this year. Consider how much guests are likely to eat and plan meals accordingly instead of buying enough food to feed a small army. Donate leftovers to nearby shelters so nothing goes to waste.

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Recycle live Christmas trees. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, 25.9 million real trees were sold in the United States in 2015. Trees put out on the curb for collection after the holiday season has ended typically end up in landfills, but some communities recycle Christmas trees each year. Real tree enthusiasts can contact community officials to determine if they can recycle rather than discard their trees.

The holiday season is a wasteful time of year, but there are ways for celebrants to dramatically reduce their carbon footprints between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.

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Holiday Gift Guide

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In 2017, more than 174 million Americans shopped in stores and online between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday, while economists say sales increased more than 10 percent over the pervious year.

Holiday shopping facts & figures T he holidays are here, and that means millions of people will spend time decorating, making shopping lists, purchasing presents, and stocking up on entertaining essentials. Various groups and consumer watchdogs track trends in holiday spending and giving, and many facts and figures may surprise holiday enthusiasts.

• Economists with the National Retail Federation say online and retail sales in 2017 increased by 10.5 percent over the previous year. The combination of job and wage gains, modest inflation, and elevated consumer confidence has led to higher holiday spending.

• Between Thanksgiving Day and Cyber Monday 2017, more than 174 million Americans shopped in stores and

online, offers the NRF. Black Friday still reigns supreme, with 77 million consumers. However, Small Business Saturday was not far behind, with 55 million consumers.

• Data from Prosper Insights & Analytics says people planned to spend an average of $967.13 in 2017 on the holiday season. That was up 3.4 percent from the year prior.

• Tracking of spending on video games by The NPD Group reflects a growth of 15 percent when compared to a year ago. All categories have shown gains, including software, hardware, accessories, and game cards. Fortnite has been a significant software sales driver for 2018, ratcheting up legions of fans seemingly overnight.

• Many people pride themselves on

shopping early for gifts, but there are eleventh-hour consumers as well. NRF says around 15 percent of last-minute shoppers plan to buy gifts at supermarkets or grocery stores.

• Charitable giving tends to skyrocket at the end of the year, when the spirit of giving synonymous with the season inspires individuals to give back. According to PricewaterhouseCoopers, the average total cash contribution to charity by individuals is roughly $245.

• The NRF notes that, in 2017, only about 12 percent of consumers finished their holiday shopping by the second week of December.

• Research from Forbes found that gift cards will continue to reign supreme.

Gift cards are convenient for gift-givers, and PWC found that 42 percent of people prefer to receive gift cards for

the holidays.

• Sales are strong for both online and brick-and-mortar retailers. Accenture’s “10th Annual Accenture Holiday Shopping Survey” discovered 84 percent of consumers plan to go online, particularly to Amazon.com, to research and price-check gifts before looking or buying elsewhere.

• The Accenture survey also found that at least three-quarters of shoppers are enticed by coupons and other promotions to shop at stores they have not visited before.

• Don’t let the holiday buying season fool you. Shopping continues even after Santa has slid down the chimney.

The NRF states 48 percent of shoppers will take advantage of after-Christmas sales in stores.