Dec.10, 2015 Essex Reporter by Essex Reporter

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DeCeMBeR 10, 2015

Vol. 35, No. 49

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All aboard for this year’s Train Hop Seventh annual event gets locals in the holiday spirit

By COLIN FLANDERS The Essex Reporter The seventh annual Essex Junction Train Hop and Tree Lighting kicks off at 6 p.m. Friday evening, welcoming two new community partners to the event — the Essex Junction Lions Club and Excelerate Essex. The Train Hop has grown since its inception in 2009, from three businesses and community partners to the 19 that are participating this year, according to Darby Mayville, the village's community relations assistant. Mayville said that while the event is free, attendees should bring their wallets as there will be “farmers' market vendors peppered throughout the event as well.” Each business and community partner will host a model train display, or another

train/holiday-related activity. Maps for participating “Hop stations” are provided at each location, where two volunteer “conductors” will mark off attendees “tickets to ride,” explained Mayville. She also lauded the efforts of “train coordinator” John Gaworecki, who volunteers to ensure each location has a model train. “Some people get really excited about getting all their stops in. It’s free, fun and we have something for all ages,” Mayville said. The tree lighting will occur at 6:15 p.m. on the front lawn of Lincoln Hall. Parking will be available at the First Congregational Church and Summit Street School, as well as overflow parking at the Essex Junction Recreation and Parks parking lot. A free trolley will be available to transport attendees, in addition to the Essex Senior Bus for seniors.

The Hornets' Nest will be offering a “Loose Caboose” drink special and The Essex Grill will be offering 15 percent off a bill for anyone who shows their ticket to ride. Mayville also highlighted the Roaming Railroad, which is a little train that will be giving rides in the Lincoln Hall parking lot, as one of the event's most popular offerings. “There’s a little bit of everything,” said community volunteer Jaye O'Connell, who was involved in “dreaming up” the Train Hop and has participated in the event each year since. She said the Train Hop's most rewarding aspect is its ability to unite the community. “Not just the businesses, but our municipal government and services, the town, the people and the children. That’s a real strength when all those stakeholders come together.”

Families ride the Roaming Railroad during last year's Tree Lighting and Train Hop in Essex Junction. FILE PHOTO

For more information, including a full list of participating businesses and community partners, visit www.facebook. com/downtownej and click on the Train Hop event.

Debate over ‘leveled’ courses at EHS continues

Santa’s first stop

Public invited to comment at Dec.14 board meeting By JESS WISLOSKI For The Essex Reporter

Benjamin Cahill, 6, of Essex Junction, ponders his Christmas wish list during his visit with Santa during an open house at the Essex Junction Fire Department on Saturday morning. OLIVER PARINI PHOTOGRAPHY

anta Claus kicked off the holiday season in Essex Junction on Saturday with an appearance at the Essex Junction Fire Department. The free event featured cookies, snacks and a drawing for toy store gift certificates. And, of course, the chance to discuss your Christmas wishes with the Big Guy.

Parents will have a chance to weigh in next week on Essex High School administrators’ proposal to do away with tracking — or “leveled”— science courses for some ninthand 10th-graders next year. A “community conversation” on the issue is scheduled for 6 p.m. Dec. 14 in the Essex High School library, before the regular U46 board meeting. The plan came under fire last month as rumors swirled about the school getting rid of its AP and honors courses. Doing away with leveled courses, however, is an idea that is not unique to Essex. Rather, it is part of a nationwide movement in the wake of research that shows that tracking does not serve all students, particularly those in the lowerlevel courses. When EHS Principal Rob Reardon presented the idea of compressing level 100 and 200 courses to make more heterogeneous classes, he believed the school community was ready for such a change, according to the district’s curriculum director, Amy Cole. "A principal came to his teacher leaders, made an assumption — I think justifiably — and laid out a plan that would change two science courses in ninth and 10thgraders,” Cole said. “The reaction to it was so strong that as the leader of the school, he was taking pause. As a leader of a school you can only move as fast as the school can… .” Chittenden Central Supervisory Union Superintendent Judith DeNova echoed the idea that the school might not yet be ready for such a change. "I don’t think there’s any plan at this moment in time. We need to make sure our teachers are prepared to make those changes. I think we need to have a better understanding, and I think Rob’s intention is to slow that goal down until there is a readiness," she said. With or without the leveling plan, school administrators will still have to address ways to close the “achievement gap” between lower- and higher-income students, something that is often blamed — at least in part — on tracking.

State initiatives vs. leveling

The 2013 state education law, Act 77, or Flexible Pathways Initiative, aims to provide choices to students to help build his or her “individual pathway” as it may be shaped by “individual goals, learning styles, interests, and abilities,” according to the state Agency of Education’s website. Flexible pathways, along with the state’s push for proficiency-based graduation requirements for the class of 2020 — locally decided-upon content knowledge that all high-schoolers must demonstrate proficiency in before they can graduate — enforce the idea that “learning happens any time, any place, at any pace,” education official Tom Alderman said.

Essex Junction Fire Department’s Steve Trenholm serves popcorn during the holiday event at the fire station.

– See EHS on page 8a

Keurig Green Mountain sold to investment firm By STANLEY BLOW III Waterbury Record Keurig Green Mountain, one of Vermont’s largest private employers with facilities in Essex and Waterbury, is being sold to a group led by JAB Holding Co., a Luxembourg-based investing group. JAB is buying the company, formerly Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, for $13.9 billion — $92 per share, about 78 percent more than the stock’s closing price on Dec. 4. Company operations will stay in Waterbury and Essex, management is staying on, and no layoffs are planned, according to the announcement. The company makes coffee makers and instant flavor pods. It employs about 6,000 people worldwide — about 2,000 in Vermont. Many analysts thought the company was ripe for a sale. It has a strong business base, but after years of meteoric growth, has

Uglier the better for Karen’s Kloset sweaters By COLIN FLANDERS The Essex Reporter

foundered in the past year. Keurig Green Mountain’s stock price had slumped from $158 in November 2014 to the $50 range, but shot up 72 percent on Monday, when the sale was announced, and closed at $88.89. Stockholders will have a limited time to sell their roughly 150 million shares to the new owner. Keurig had already been moving to repurchase its stock, and had acquired 4 percent of its shares— about $350 million worth — in recent months. The company’s difficulties, in part, come from the problematic rollout of Keurig’s second-generation hot brewer. Consumers were irritated that the new machine didn’t work with other single-serve coffee brands. The company is also facing pressures related to Keurig Kold, its cold-beverage system; critics say the new machine is too

A white sweater hangs in the window of Karen’s Kloset, the face of a watchful reindeer jutting from the garment as it looks out the Park Street storefront. From inside the shop, the backside of the sweater dons a similarly placed adornment — Santa’s bright red trousers — an apropos example of one of the store’s most popular offerings: ugly Christmas sweaters. Karen Alderman, who opened the store in May 2012, said the demand for the unsightly garb has motivated her to stock the sweaters in bulk, scouring online shopping sites along with the help of some friends who will collect and send them to her. “The first year I missed it; I didn’t realize it was a craze. So people came in and said, ‘Do you have any ugly sweaters?’ and I said ‘No, why would I have ugly sweaters? I don’t sell ugly sweaters,’” Alderman recalled.

– See KEURIG on page 8a

– See KAREN'S on page 8a

Karen Alderman, owner of Karen’s Kloset in Essex Junction, poses with some of the ugly Christmas garb the store has for sale. PHOTO | COLIN FLANDERS

The Essex Reporter • December 10, 2015

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The Essex Reporter • December 10, 2015

Holiday treat The Essex Rotary and Essex Knights of Columbus hosted their annual Senior Banquet on Dec. 2 at the Champlain Valley Exposition. The event has been held for more than 20 years and features food by Sodexo from St. Michael’s College and the space is donated by the Expo. More than 200 seniors attended this year.

The Albert D. Lawton School chorus, led by Director Gary Moreau, provided entertainment at the event. PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Obituary Benjamin E. Kershner Jr.

Benjamin E. Kershner, Jr. passed away peacefully on Nov. 30, 2015, surrounded by loved ones. Ben had battled ALS for more than two years and bravely endured until the end. He was born Sept. 1, 1943 at Eglin Field, Fla. He was raised in Canaan, Vt. and upon graduation from high school, joined the Navy. He proudly served his country aboard the USS Conway (DD507) as a radioman from 1961 through 1966. He returned home to Vermont and began his 38-year career with IBM. He married the love of his life, Kathryn Zehnacker on Nov. 29, 1969 and together they raised two sons, Jeffrey and Danny. The family spent most of its summers on the boat cruising Lake Champlain and sometimes just relaxing on the docks sipping boat drinks with fellow members of the DPYC. His winters were spent snowmobiling, and he loved few things more than a trip to Canaan with his sons to ride some trails and meet up with old friends at the Northland and the American Legion. Later in life, the snowmobiles were replaced by ATVs, which were later replaced by his Commander “Big Red,” as he called it. He and Kathy rode all over Vermont and New Hampshire, and even explored the Hatfield-McCoy Trails in West Virginia. He especially enjoyed the “Ride the Wilds” trails and the Tall Timber Lodge in Pittsburg, N.H. Getting out on the trails was Ben’s passion and riding with him was always an adventure. Ben was a life member and strong supporter of his local VFW in Essex Junction. He served as a trustee and was

well known to everyone there. He gave his time to handyman projects, fundraising, cooking, and even did a little bartending. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 47 in Canaan, and saw Benjamin E. Kershner Jr. this as another opportunity to stay connected with and support his fellow veterans. Ben is survived by his wife of 46 years, Kathy; his two sons, Jeffrey (Renee) of Essex Junction and Danny (Laura) of Sugarland, Texas; and grandchildren Samantha, Zachary, Shelby, and Cameron. Ben is also survived by his brother Ronnie (Eileen) of Kaneohe, Hawaii and his sister Vickie (Alfred) of Bristol, R.I.; as well his motherin-law Mildred and many nieces, nephews, and brothers- and sisters-in-law. Special thanks go to John Stansbury of PVA, the staffs of the VA Spinal Cord Clinic in White River Junction, the ALS Clinic at the UVM Medical Center, nurses of the VNA, and Dr. Tania Bertsch, MD. Ben’s life will be celebrated in a private graveside service per Ben’s wishes. In lieu of flowers, Ben would appreciate a gift donation in his honor to the ALS Association. Gifts can be offered through ALSA.org or mailed directly to the ALS Association, in memory of Ben Kershner, Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 6051, Albert Lea, MN 56007. ◊

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Weddings

Ray-Weiland wedding Laura Ray and Zachary Weiland were married on Oct. 17 at The Essex Resort and Spa. Laura is the daughter of Michael and Mary Ann Ray of Essex Junction. She is a graduate of Essex High School add Daemen College and works as a physician’s assistant at Albany GI. Zachary is the son of Ken and Judith Weiland of North Tonawanda, N.Y. He is a graduate of North Tonawanda High School and attended Buffalo State College. He is employed as an operations manager at Avis Budget Group. Attendants at the ceremony were Best Man Nate Welka, groomsmen Mac Weiland and Steve Ray, Maid of Honor Mary Krug, bridesmaids Ariel Handy and Lindsey Barany, flower girls Anya Reis and Brooklyn Grabski and ring bearer Lucas Reis. The couple honeymooned in Jamaica and reside in Albany. N.Y. Miller-Fortuna wedding Jim Miller and Pat Bannerman of Essex Junction announce the marriage of their daughter, Allison Bannerman Miller, to Pete Charles Fortuna, son of Michael and Kathleen Fortuna of Scituate, Mass. Allison graduated from Essex High School in 2006 and UVM in 2010. She continued her education in nursing and is now an R.N. working in the Children’s Specialty Center at the UVM medical center in Burlington. Pete graduated from Scituate High School and received an associate’s degree from the culinary program at Massosoit Communtiy College. He is a cook at Bluebird Barbecue and a seasonal chef for two local farms. Allison and Pete were married on Sept. 13, 2015 at Sleepy Hollow Inn in Huntington. The couple work and live in Burlington with their dog Sammy.

Laura Ray and Zachary Weiland

Allison Bannerman Miller and Pete Charles Fortuna

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The Essex Reporter • December 10, 2015

O pinion Perspective

Grinch and giving

D A Vermont

r. Seuss’ character The Grinch visited Phoenix Books locations in Rutland, Essex and Burlington last weekend to kick off the book store’s annual holiday food drive. The food drive will continue through the end of December at all three Phoenix Books locations. Owner Mike DeSanto pledged a cash donation equal to the value of the food collected at the stores. The food drive will benefit the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf and the Essex-Jericho-Underhill Ecumenical Food Shelf.

governor in Paris? An open letter to Gov. Shumlin,

I write today on behalf of Vermonters who are working harder often at multiple jobs for longer hours simply to make a wage that allows them to pay their rent or mortgage, fill their gas tanks, pay their bills and taxes, and put food on their table. As you know and as the most recent workforce report clearly shows, many Vermonters are frustrated and leaving the workforce, or moving out of state. In fact, there are 14,300 fewer Vermonters in our state’s workforce than when you first took office and your Democrats took total control of state government just five years ago. The number of employed Vermonters has dropped by 6,100 in that same period. Your administration also recently announced that just five months into the new fiscal year, Vermont is facing another $40 million budget deficit. Your team also informed legislators that they will confront an astounding $58 million deficit for next year. We think both numbers will continue to balloon. And now, just days after once again promising Vermonters that the healthcare exchange – Vermont Health Connect – was fully functional, it was revealed that Vermonters are still being randomly dropped from the program at no fault of their own and that it takes your program days, and sometimes weeks, to get them reenrolled. In light of the many problems your administration has created, many Vermonters are puzzled, even angered, by your attendance at a global climate change conference in Paris, France. While we can appreciate why you would want to leave your many problems behind for a few days, that’s not leadership. And it’s certainly not the job you were narrowly reelected to do. It is not necessary for you to attend this meeting. It would be far more economical and far more environmentally responsible to send your thoughts in writing or attend by video conference. You’ve frequently touted the state’s telecommunication advances. You should be taking advantage of them now. If, however, you insist that this international conference requires the presence of Vermont’s governor, Vermonters deserve to know the answers to the following: — How much carbon pollution will be created from your flights to and from Paris? Do you have plans to personally offset this carbon pollution? — Who is paying for all elements of your trip to Paris? In light of the state’s fiscal challenges and the struggles of working families, you owe it to Vermonters to itemize the cost of this trip and note who is paying. That itemization should include automobile travel, airfare, lodging, meals, security, entertainment, etc. for you and any traveling companions. How large is your entourage? — Are you bringing any personal friends or relatives? If so, how can this be fairly characterized as an “official” trip? — Will you disclose discussions you may have about future employment with any federal agencies associated with this trip? — Finally, we also understand that in addition to yourself and any of your traveling companions, that Secretary of Natural Resources Deb Markowitz will also be personally attending the conference in Paris to educate world leaders about bicycles and other nonmotorized transportation in Vermont. Please also answer each of the questions above for her travel. In this holiday season, we urge you to give Vermonters the gift of leadership and elect to have both you and Secretary Markowitz participate in the Paris conference using economically and environmentally responsible alternatives that do not waste depleted taxpayer resources. In the spirit of transparency and Vermont’s legal requirement for disclosure of public records, we look forward to your prompt reply. Sincerely, David Sunderland Vermont Republican Party chairman

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Letters to the Editor

Rotarians step up for food pantry

I’m writing this letter as a thank you to the Essex Rotary organization. Nearly every month for the past year or more, members of Rotary have given many hours of community service to the Heavenly Food Pantry at the First Congregational Church of Essex Junction. Over a year ago the volunteer pantry staff, most of whom are over 70 years of age, put out a call for help on the day of food distribution. The Essex Rotary asked its members to help with the distribution, which takes an entire afternoon once a month. And Rotary members have responded generously. The need for food assistance for residents of Essex and Westford has gone up, not down, in the past year, as housing costs continue to take a larger percentage of income. The people using the pantry are working families, students, retirees and the disabled. The work is not light — it requires a great deal of heavy lifting. The week before Thanksgiving, six Rotary members, three men and three women, showed up to volunteer. And they were badly needed. In November the pantry served around 70 families over a four-hour period. It was a long and tiring afternoon. Of those six people, I knew only one personally. I want to thank all six of them, but especially Max Levy. As an Essex voter, it means a great deal to me to see the chairman of the Essex Selectboard giving his time to serve his neighbors this way. He may not appreciate such a public thank you, but he’s getting one anyway! The Rotary motto is “Service Above Self.” And

General Manager Suzanne Lynn

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

Paula DeMichele Essex

Nuclear meddling As a former legislator, I am concerned about ongoing state meddling at the now-closed Vermont Yankee nuclear plant. You might wonder why anyone living in the opposite corner of the state should care about a closed business four freeway hours away. For better or worse, nowhere in Vermont is an island, in terms of quality of life. Prosperity and a clean environment anywhere are a boon everywhere. They mean more taxes in the state kitty, and a better image of Vermont as a home for business. For the same reasons, economic or environmental failure anywhere hurt us all. After Vermont Yankee announced its shutdown, its owners agreed to pay millions for economic redevelopment, submitted detailed decommissioning plans ahead of schedule, and took out a $145 million line of credit to move spent fuel into ultra-safe dry casks. They’ve made a good start on safe, prompt, goodneighbor decommissioning. The Town of Vernon is even proposing siting another large (non-nuclear) power plant nearby. Unfortunately, the State of Vermont, trying to carve out more authority for itself, has fought almost every major Nuclear Regulatory

By Sue Minter

Three dead and nine wounded at a Planned Parenthood clinic in Colorado Springs. Fourteen dead and more than 20 wounded in San Bernardino, Calif. In less than one week. Gun violence is a crisis in our country. It’s happening in our schools, our movie theaters, our workplaces, our community health centers, our places of worship. It is just common sense that we need to do something. Vermont is not immune from gun violence. The tragic mass shooting in Barre this summer, where a state employee who works for Vermont’s most vulnerable children was shot and killed, along with three members of a family in Berlin, demonstrates this fact. I do not accept that gun violence is inevitable. As Vermonters, we should be part of the solution to this national crisis. To continue the same policies and assume something will change is the most dangerous form of denial. To do nothing is irresponsible. I support the right of Vermonters to own guns, as guaranteed by the Second Amendment. I have deep respect for Vermont’s

Essex

News Editor Jason Starr jason@essexreporter.com

Sports Editor Colin Flanders sports@essexreporter.com

Commission decision, big or small. This makes little safety sense: The well-staffed NRC has an excellent safety record, while the state has no record and little expertise or manpower. Also, prolonged legal and regulatory wars are terribly expensive, and if history repeats itself, will be borne by Entergy and potentially the monies set aside for decommissioning Vermont Yankee. I wish our state officials would do their job — roads, schools, promoting employment, etc. — and let the federal government do its job.

Linda Kirker Georgia

Policy fixes for phosphorous pollution The health of Lake Champlain is extremely fragile, and we may soon reach a tipping point that causes our lake to reach a point of no return. Phosphorus runoff is dangerous for the health of Lake Champlain, and this pollution is increasing steadily. An over abundance of phosphorous can lead to over growth of blue-green algae, which kills off plant life and makes water hazardous for humans. While there are a number of things that contribute to phosphorus runoff, like stream bank erosion, loss of forests, and household pollution, studies have shown that 60 percent of the phosphorous in Lake Champlain comes from farm runoff, specifically fertilizers and cow manure. Luckily there are solutions that can be mutually beneficial. One is implementing a cap-and-trade policy

for the importation and manufacturing of phosphorus. A cap-and-trade policy gives out tradeable permits that have a set quota on pollution, and in this case, the quota would be on the amount of phosphorus able to be imported and used in Vermont. The second solution would be taxing non-farm phosphorus-containing products, like lawn fertilizer, pet foods, and even some soaps. This has already been shown to work through a similar Danish tax on phosphorus, where after the tax, phosphorus emissions dropped significantly. The money made from this tax can then be used for environmental restoration to reduce natural causes of phosphorus pollution. The last policy to put in place would be a subsidy on non-phosphorus-based products and research on technologies that can decrease the amount of phosphorus runoff. Subsidies are money given by the government to make the cost of something lower in order to encourage good behavior. There are alternate types of fertilizer made from things like liquefied fish, as well as crops that are able to grow without phosphorus, and crops that better absorb phosphorus from cow manure. If these things are subsidized, it would benefit farmers as well as the environment. Phosphorus runoff is not only a great threat to our lake, but it can and will have a negative impact on those who live near it. If not stopped now, the impacts may become nonreversible. Lake Champlain is worth the work, and with effort, it can be saved.

Olivia Oldach University of Vermont junior

Time for common sense gun safety

Reporter The

these people really believe it. Another person who deserves special thanks is Curt Echo, manager at the Essex Hannaford store. Hannaford continues its long support of the Heavenly Food Pantry by donating an enormous amount of food and fresh produce each month. That food goes to families who really need it.

Advertising Manager Wendy Ewing ewing@essexreporter.com Advertising Sales Steve Ploof steve@essexreporter.com Michael Snook snook@essexreporter.com

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Mailing Address: 42 Severance Green Unit #108 Colchester, VT 05446 Phone: 802-878-5282 Fax: 802-651-9635

The Essex Reporter is family owned and operated; it is published by Angelo Lynn and Emerson Lynn of Lynn Publications, Inc. and is a member of the Champlain Valley Newspaper Group. The Essex Reporter makes every effort to be accurate. If you notice an error, please contact us at 878-5282, or by e-mail at news@essexreporter. com. Note “correction” in the subject line.

hunting heritage. I am proud of our state’s rich traditions. Responsible gun ownership is one of our traditions. It is time to strengthen this. To help keep Vermonters safe, I want to expand our effort to keep guns out of the hands of known criminals and people deemed dangerously ill. I am committed to requiring universal background checks for gun sales – including those that occur at gun shows, flea markets and private sales. Background checks are currently required for all gun sales at Vermont’s federally registered firearms dealers. The same standard should apply to all gun sales. And 85 percent of gun owners approve of universal background checks, according to the New York Times. Background checks can save lives — especially of women. Guns play a tragic role in Vermont’s domestic violence epidemic. In September, the Violence Policy Center released data showing that Vermont has the eighth-highest rate of women murdered by men in the United States. Two-thirds of these women were shot to death. And more than half of domestic violence homicides in Vermont involve a gun. In states that require a background check for private sales of handguns, 46 percent fewer women are shot to death by their intimate partners. Keeping guns out of the hands of those who should not have them is a common sense step to addressing the gun violence that we face in our state, and in this country. As President Ronald Reagan wrote in 1991 about the rising number of gun deaths, if tighter gun safety measures “were to result in a 10 or 15 percent reduction in those numbers (and it could be a good deal greater), it would be well worth making it the law of the land.” All the candidates for governor agree that strengthening Vermont’s economy will be our number one priority. But we will be called on to act on other pressing issues as we work to build Vermont’s economy. The horrific events in Colorado and California — and all the other places that we don’t hear about — remind us of this. Vermonters can trust that I will work with them to grow jobs and improve their lives, and that includes supporting common sense gun safety measures. Sue Minter is a Democratic candidate for governor of Vermont.

The Essex Reporter • December 10, 2015

COME TO TRAIN HOP 2015 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 6-8PM

CELEBRATE OUR COMMUNITY Darkroom Gallery is a proud to support Train Hop 12 Main Street Essex Junction 05452 802-777-3686

LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED

Domino’s

Proud to Support Train Hop

The Train Hop is a free community event! How it works: Businesses and community partners throughout Downtown Essex Junction host model train displays or train/ holiday related activities. Maps are provided to visitors identifying Hop Stations - the participating locations. Wander around the Village enjoying all it has to offer and mark locations visited on your map.

The tree lighting will be at 6:15 PM. There is no cost to hop around the Village, but you'll want to bring your wallet! Five Corners Farmers' Market vendors will be selling stocking stuffers, food and more. Grab dinner or a drink downtown and support our local economy!

802- 878-8111 19 Park St., Essex Jct.

Welcome to Train Hop!

Parking is available at the First Congregational Church and the Summit Street School, as well as overflow parking at the EJRP lot. A free trolley is available to transport event-goers.

Quality coverage at competitive rates with superior service 2 Railroad St., Essex Junction 878-5334 ...we maintain the highest standards of quality for all our clients. Auto • Home • Commercial and Innovative • Competitive Workers Comp.

The Essex Community Players invite you to preview “The Last Five Years” at Train Hop The cast will perform “The Schmuel Song” a humorous Jewish number. Between performances bePUTNAM DAVIDChristmas HOLTON JOHN HANDY SHELBY KING JEFF LYON they’ll RODNEY singing favorite Christmas carols. Representing several companies including: Call us for a prompt quote

THE

2 Railroad Advanced sale ticketsSt., to Essex “TheJunction Last 4 Bouton St., Concord, NH 03301

CONCORD GROUP INSURANCE COMPANIES

Five Years” and gift878-5334 certificates for tickets will be available great stocking stuffers!

www.concordgroupinsurance.com 1-800-852.3380

Come park in our lot during Train Hop

Celebrate the joy of Christmas with us! Healing Service 12/13/15, 7pm Christmas Pageant Sunday 12/20/15, 8:30 & 10:15 Christmas Eve Services 12/24/15 5pm - Family Service, 9pm - Lessons & Carols, 11pm - Carols & Communion

First Congregational Church of Essex Junction, UCC

A welcoming community, accepting and serving all in the Spirit of Christ 1 Church Street, Essex Junction, VT 05452 (802) 878-5745

Proud Supporter of Train Hop 2015!

Trains! Trains! Trains!

PROUD SUPPORTER OF

TRAIN HOP 2015!

Proud supporter of Train Hop 26 Railroad Ave. / Essex Jct., VT (802) 879-7133 / unsworthlaw.net

West Meadow Farm Bakery is proud to support the 2015 Train Hop Come in and taste the magic of gluten free done right!

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

Hours: M-F 8-5; Sat 8-3

34 Park St • Essex Junction • 802.878.1646 www.westmeadowfarmbakery.com

Workers in Wood is proud to support the 2015 Train Hop Antique Restoration, Furniture Repair, Chair Caning Custom Services Free Consultation and Estimate 37 Lincoln Street, Essex Junction, VT 05452

Phone: 802 • 879 • 1595 Email: Info@WorkersInWood.com wwww.WorkersInWood.com

The Essex Reporter • December 10, 2015

Essex Area Religious Directory

C ALEnDAR 10 Thursday Community Dinner. American Legion Post 91

will be hosting a community dinner. The menu will include boiled dinner, salad and desert. American Legion 91, Colchester, 5:30-7 p.m. $10. Information: 872-7622.

M.A.G.I.C.: Masculinity and Gender Identity Conversation. Participants of any

CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH- (Fundamental-independent.) 61 Main St., Essex Junction, 878-8341. Pastor James Gangwer. Sunday School 10 a.m. Worship Service 11 a.m. Sunday evening worship 6:30 p.m. Wednesday evening youth groups; Awana, Pro-Teens and Prayer meeting 7 p.m. CHRIST MEMORIAL CHURCH- Route 2A, Williston, just north of Industrial Ave. Wes Pastor, Senior Minister, 8787107, Proclaiming Christ and Him crucified Sundays at 9:30 a.m. www.cmcvermont.org. THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - 73 Essex Way, Essex Junction - All Welcome! Sacrament Meeting - Sundays at 10 a.m. Come learn about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. It’s awesome! Family History Center - Sundays 1 - 3 p.m., Thursday 7 - 9 p.m. Come find your ancestry! The FHC has website resources (such as www. familysearch.org), including free access to ancestry.com, microfiche and microfilm readers, and a staff of capable genealogists. For more info, call 802-879-9142, email essexwardvt@gmail.com, or check out www.mormon.org. DAYBREAK COMMUNITY CHURCH - 67 Creek Farm Plaza, Colchester VT. 05446 802-338-9118 www. daybreakvermont.org or brentdaybreak@gmail.com Sunday Service at 10:30 a.m. Lead Pastor, Brent Devenney. ESSEX ALLIANCE CHURCH - 37 Old Stage Road in Essex Junction. Sunday Services: 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Phone: 878-8213. www.essexalliance.org. ESSEX CENTER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH - Please join us for worship that combines the best of traditional and contemporary music and spirituality. We are a safe and welcoming space for all people to celebrate, worship, ask questions, and put down spiritual roots. Adult Bible Study at 8:30 a.m. Service at 10:00 a.m. with Sunday School and childcare provided. We offer a variety of small groups for prayer, Bible study, hands-on ministry, and studying contemporary faith issues. 119 Center Rd (Route 15) Essex Center. Rev. Mitchell Hay, pastor. 878-8304. FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF ESSEX JUNCTION, UCC, an Open and Affirming Congregation, embracing diversity and affirming the dignity and worth of every person, because we are all created by a loving God. 1 Church Street, Essex Junction, VT 05452. Telephone (802) 878-5745; Website: www.fccej.org ; Email: welcome@ fccej.org Senior Pastor, Rev. Mark Mendes. Associate Pastor, Rev. Ryan Gackenheimer. Sunday Worship Services: 8:30 and 10:15 a.m. Communion: first Sunday of every month. Sunday School meets weekly at 10:15 a.m. Jr. High Youth Group, Sundays 11:30 -1 p.m. Sr. High Youth Group, Sundays 5 - 7 p.m. 5th/6th Grade Youth Group, 1st Sunday of the month 11:30 - 1 p.m. Heavenly Food Pantry – fourth Thursday of the month, 2 - 6 p.m., except for Nov & Dec when it is the third Thursday. Essex Eats Out Community Dinner – 1st Friday of the month, 5:30 - 7 p.m. Music includes Senior Choir, Praise Band, Junior Choir, Cherub Choir, Handbell Choir, Men’s Acapella and Ladies’ Acapella groups. GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH - 130 Maple Street, Essex Junction. 878-8071. 1 mile south of the Five Corners on Maple Street / VT. Route 117. Worship Sundays at 9:30 a.m. with concurrent Church School Pre-K to High School. Handicapped-accessible facility. Adult Study Group Sundays at 11:00 a.m. Adult Choir / Praise Band / Women’s Fellowship / Missionally active. Korean U.M.C. Worship Sundays at 12:30 p.m. Come explore what God might be offering you! HOLY FAMILY - ST. LAWRENCE PARISH - Essex Junction, - Mass Schedule, Saturday Vigil: 4:00pm - St. Lawrence, Sunday Morning: 8:00am - St. Lawrence, 11:00am - Holy Family, 7:30pm - Holy Family. For more information visit our web page http://www.hfslvt.org. LIVING HOPE CHRISTIAN CHURCH - 1037 South Brownell Road, Williston ,VT 05495. A Living Hope.... a Loving God. 862-2108 | Livinghope@aol.com | www.livinghopevt.org 9:00 a.m. Children and Adult Sunday School. 10:00 a.m. Worship and Service. MT. MANSFIELD UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP - Visit www.mmuuf.org. Services are held at 9:30 a.m. on the second and fourth Sunday of each month from September through June. 195 Vermont Route 15, Jericho (the red barn across from Packard Road). 899-2558. ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH - 4 St. James Place (off Rt. 2A at the Fairgrounds Gate F) 802-878-4014 www. stjamesvt.org The Rev. Ken Hitch v office@stjamesvt.org 8:15am Holy Eucharist Rite II (no music) 10:30am Holy Eucharist Rite II (with music) 9:20am Adult Ed: Bible Study 10:15 am Godly Play. ST. PIUS X CHURCH - 20 Jericho Road, Essex, 878-5997 - Administrator: Rev. Charles Ranges. Masses: Saturday 4:30 pm and Sunday 9:30 am. Confessions: Saturday 3:30pm - 4:00 pm or please call 878-5331 for an appointment. ST. THOMAS CATHOLIC CHURCH - 6 Green St., Underhill Center. Father Charles R. Danielson, Parish Priest. Weekend Masses: Saturday-4:30 p.m., Sunday-8:30. Daily Masses: Check with www.stthomasvt.com or call 899-4632.

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

DEC. 11

Friday THE 7TH ANNUAL ESSEX JUNCTION TRAIN HOP AND TREE LIGHTING. Friday, Dec. 11, from 6 to 8 p.m. The tree lighting is at 6:15 p.m. There will be carolers, model trains, food vendors, artisan crafts for sale, a trolley, a small train for children to ride, and more! Parking downtown, or at EJRP Maple Street Park — the trolley will be shuttling people back and forth to the Five Corners.

The 7th Annual Essex Junction Train Hop and Tree Lighting. 6 to 8 p.m. The tree

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

Yuletide Concert and Carol Sing-a-Long. Holiday music and favorite carols of the season performed by Green Mountain Pipers, Shimmering Flutes and Good Shepherd Contemporary Praise Band. Admission free. Donations of cash and/ or food beneﬁts local food shelf. Good Shepherd Church, Jericho, 7-8:30 p.m. Information: 434-3233.

Contra Dance. Queen City Contras will

hold its regular dance. Music will be provided by Atlantic Crossing. Lausanne Allen will be the caller. All are welcome, all dances taught, no partner or experience necessary. Please bring clean, soft-soled shoes for dancing. Shelburne Town Hall, Shelburne. Beginners’ session 7:45 p.m. Dance begins 8 p.m. Admission: $9 adults. Under 12 free. Information: www.queencitycontras.org or 371-9492.

Saturday

The Holiday Bazaar. The Westford Elemen-

tary School will be hosting its Holiday Bazaar. The children’s Craft Center is back. For $15 children can make and wrap ﬁve gifts while parents shop. Westford Elementary School, Westford, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission is free. Information: 662-1042.

Christmas Cookie Extravaganza. Come to

the Community Center in Jericho Center and ﬁll a box with your favorite Christmas cookies. Pay based on weight. Proceeds to beneﬁt Jericho Community Center and Jericho Town Library. Kids come and decorate a free sugar cookie. Community Center, Jericho Center, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Information: 899-3315

Very Merry Madrigal Feast. Twelve minstrels,

jugglers and players will entertain guests as they enjoy a delectable renaissance feast. Music Director, Carol Reichard leads the bell choir, adult and children’s choirs. The premier performance of “If You Can’t Join Them, There’s Always Superglue” will entertain. Reservations are required. Tickets: $30. St. James Episcopal Church, Essex Junction, 6-8 p.m. For a seat at the table, contact Mary: 879-5258 or madrigaltickets15@gmail.com.

Sunday

Community Breakfast. Menu consists of eggs

to order, breakfast meats, pancakes, toast, home fries, toast, coffee and orange juice. American Legion Post 91, Colchester, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. $8. Information: 8727622.

Sancta Lucia Celebration. The Covenant

Community Church invites the community to share in the twenty-seventh annual celebration of the Sancta Lucia tradition during the regular worship service. The service will include traditional Swedish hymns, and at the conclusion, a retelling of the Saint Lucia story and presentation of Lucia entering the sanctuary wearing her lighted crown. A potluck meal, which will include some traditional Swedish foods, will follow the service. Covenant Community Church, Essex, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Information: 879-4313.

Sunday Coffee Mix and Mingle. Members

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

Monday

Vermont Health Connect Enrollment Event. Get free in-person information and support enrolling in health insurance coverage from an experienced Navigator. Most

Vermonters are eligible for reductions to premium and out of pocket costs when they apply. The deadline to enroll or renew coverage for Jan. 1 is Dec. 15. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 5-8 p.m. Free. Information: navigator@ cvoeo.org or 860-1417 x115.

Trivia Night. Trivia buffs gather for a meeting

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

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

Creative Tuesdays. Artists exercise their

Tuesday

Movies at Main Street Landing: “Edward Scissorhands.” The Movies at Main

Street Landing series presents the Tim Burton directed, 1990, fantasy-romance, “Edward Scissorhands,” starring modern ﬁlm legends Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder as well as Dianne Wiest. Main Street Landing Film House, Burlington, 7 p.m. Donations beneﬁt a local charity. Contact: 540-3018 or www.mainstreetlanding. com/movies.

Wednesday

Rotary Club Meeting. The Rotary Club of

Essex will be hosting its weekly meeting, which is open to the public. The meeting includes a superb lunch and local speakers. Speaking at this week’s meeting is Nickolas Stokes, the new Essex High School Choral Director. Stokes along with the Essex High School Chamber Choir will present a holiday concert. The Essex Resort and Spa, Essex, 12-1:15 p.m. Information: http://portal.clubrunner. ca/1437/

Thursday

Community Dinner. American Legion Post

91 will be hosting a community dinner. The menu will include meatloaf, potato, vegetable, salad and desert. American Legion 91, Colchester, 5:30-7 p.m. $10. Information: 872-7622.

imaginations with recycled crafts. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 3:15-5 p.m. Contact: 865-7216.

Burlington Writers Workshop. A free writing

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

Cell Phones For Soldiers. Local residents can

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

Champlain Echoes. A women’s four-part

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

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

English As A Second Language Classes. Improve your English conversation skills and meet new people. Wednesdays. Administrative Conference Room: intermediate/advanced. Pickering Room, 2nd Floor: beginners. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Contact: 865-7211.

Family Support Group. Outright Vermont

holds support group meetings for family members of youth going through the process of coming out. One Sunday evening and one Wednesday morning each month at Outright Vermont. Contact: 865-9677.

Italian Conversation Group. Open to all

Ongoing Essex Art League Meetings. Meetings hap-

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

Craft Connection. Come to the Essex Alliance

Church community as women gather for a time of crafts and fellowship. Twice a month, Wednesday evenings. Essex Alliance Church, Essex. Contact Deb: 2382291.

Essex Eats Out Community Meals. Essex

Eats Out seeks to build community connections by providing healthy, free meals in a warm, safe and inclusive atmosphere. Meals will be served: ﬁrst Friday at First Congregational Church; second Friday at Holy Family/St. Lawrence Parish Center; third Friday at St. James Church; fourth Friday at Essex United Methodist Church; and ﬁfth Friday when applicable at St. Pius X Church. 5:30-7 p.m. each week. Transportation is available. Call Dawn Thursday by 9 a.m. to schedule Friday transit: 8787622. Information: essexeatsout@gmail. com or www.essexeatsout.org.

Champlain Valley Prostate Cancer Support Group. Mary L. Guyette RN, MS, ACNSBC will answer questions about prostate cancer surgical procedures. Plus, general discussion and sharing among survivors and those beginning or rejoining the battle. Second Tuesday of each month. Hope Lodge, 237 East Ave, Burlington, 6-8 p.m. Contact: 274-4990.

Interstitial Cystitis Support Group. Inter-

interested in learning/hearing the Italian language. Room 101, St. Edmunds Hall, St. Michael’s College, Colchester. Every second and fourth Wednesday of the month, 7-9 p.m. Contact: 654-2536.

Toy Library Playgroup. Fridays. Ages birth

through 5 years. Memorial Hall, Essex, 9:30-11 a.m. Contact Essex Parks and Rec: 878-1342.

VCAM Access Orientation. Free. Vermont

Community Access Media, 208 Flynn Ave. 2-G, Burlington. Monday-Friday 10 a.m.10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Contact: 651-9692 or www.vermontcam.org.

Essex Rotary Meeting. Essex Rotary Meetings

are held on Wednesdays at 12:10 p.m. at The Essex. Serving the communities of Essex, Essex Junction, Jericho and Underhill.

Colchester-Milton Rotary meeting. Thursdays.

Serving the communities of Colchester, Milton and the Champlain Islands. Hampton Inn, Colchester, 12 p.m.

Duplicate Bridge. Wednesdays. Essex Junction Senior Center, Essex, 1 p.m. Information: 876-5087.

Celebrate Recovery. Thursdays. This conﬁden-

tial 12-step recovery program puts faith in Jesus Christ at the heart of healing. We offer multiple support groups for both men and women, such as chemical dependency, co-dependency, sexual addiction and pornography, food issues and overcoming abuse. All those 18 and older are welcome. Sorry, no childcare. Essex Alliance Church, Essex. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., sessions begin at 7 p.m. Information: recovery@essexalliance.org or 310-9062.

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

The Essex Reporter • December 10, 2015

C ALEnDAR

Wise Buys! Women’s Resale Clothing

THURSDAY, DEC. 10 Mac Photo App Program with Clif. Organizing your digital photographs using the new Apple Photos application with iCloud Photo Library for iPhone, iPad and Mac OS. Clif will explain “when, why and how” to use the Photos app. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 1-3 p.m.

FRIDAY, DEC. 11 Train Hop. Come check out the trains and Essex Players at Brownell as part of this community-wide event. Visit local businesses and organizations to see their trains as well. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6-8 p.m.

SATURDAY, DEC. 12 Special Pete the Cat Story Time. Pete the Cat joins us for some stories and songs. Essex Free Library, Essex Center, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

MONDAY, DEC. 14 Must Read Mondays! “A Girl Named Zippy: Growing Up Small in Mooreland Indiana” by Haven Kimmel. Laced with fine storytelling, sharp wit, dead-on observations, and moments of sheer joy, Haven Kimmel’s straight-shooting portrait of her childhood gives us a heroine who is wonderfully sweet and sly as she navigates the quirky adult world that surrounds Zippy. Pick up a copy of the book at the main desk. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, DEC. 15 Library Trustees Meeting. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 7-8:30 p.m.

Winter Solstice, Christmas and Kwanzaa. For kids in Grades 1-5. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-4:15 p.m. Mayhem of the Month Dine and Discuss Series: “Crocodile on the Sandbank” by Elizabeth Peters. Discussion leader Ed Cashman. At 32, strongwilled Amelia Peabody, a self-proclaimed spinster, decides to use her ample inheritance to indulge her passion, Egyptology. On her way to Egypt, she encounters a young woman named Evelyn BartonForbes. The two become fast friends and travel on together, encountering mysteries, missing mummies, and Radcliffe Emerson, a dashing and opinionated archaeologist who doesn’t need a woman’s help- or so he thinks. Copies available at the Adult Circ. desk. Potluck fare: Let the book inspire you. Library provides tableware, decaf coffee and water. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6:30-9 p.m. Christmas Carols and Cookie Swap. Bake and bring your favorite cookies to share, and join us for an evening of caroling and holiday joy. An all ages event. Essex Free Library, Essex Junction, 6:307:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, DEC. 18 Songs and Stories with Matthew. Matthew Witten performs songs about our world and tells adventurous tales. For all ages. Funded by the Friends of Brownell Library. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10-10:45 a.m. Crafternoon. Come and make a book bag for yourself or to give away. We’ll be sewing them with machines. Adult help needed! For students Grades 4 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:154:15 p.m. Axis and Allies. Play a WW II game of strategy using battleships, air fleets, and submarines to decide the fate of the World. Gr. 6 up. Check out a sped up version of the game here: https://youtu.be/ KW1J-An_icU. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-5 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 16 Holiday Stories with Linda Costello. Storyteller Linda Costello shares stories from Hanukkah,

Family Movie. Free popcorn and drinks. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Events at your

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

Local Libraries BROWNELL 6 Lincoln Street LIBRARY Essex Junction 878-6956

ESSEX FREE 2 Jericho Road LIBRARY Essex 879-0313 essexfreelibrary@essex.org.

NATURAL GAS SAFETY

WHaT you Need To KNoW

Whether you are at home, at work, or in a public place, it’s likely you are in an area served by natural gas pipelines. Like all forms of energy, natural gas must be handled properly. Despite an excellent safety record, a gas leak caused by damage to a pipeline may pose a hazard and has the potential to ignite. Natural gas pipelines are sometimes identified by signs that indicate their approximate location — but these signs should not be relied upon to indicate the exact position. As such, and because not all lines have signs, it is critical that you call Dig Safe™ at 811 prior to any excavation.

USe yoUr SenSeS to Detect a gaS leak

What yoU ShoUlD Do if yoU SUSpect a leak

• Smell: Natural gas is colorless and odorless.

• moVe immediately to a safe location. • call Vermont Gas at 1-800-639-8081 immediately,

A distinctive, pungent odor, similar to rotten eggs, is added so that you will recognize it quickly.

• Sight: You may see a white cloud, mist, fog,

bubbles in standing water or blowing dust. You may also see vegetation that appears to be dead or dying for no apparent reason.

• SoUnD: You may hear an unusual noise like

Here’s Your Chance To Celebrate

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A SALE!

February 28th - March 3rd

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Pet of the Week Zeus

2 year old Neutered Male Reason Here: I was a stray Summary:

Handsome Zeus fancies himself a god of the dogs! This active fellow is counting the days until his new family ﬁnds him - he can’t wait to get out of here and on with his life! He would enjoy lots of hiking and a home with plenty of stuffed toys for him to play with. Zeus is a sweet guy who may try to convince you with his puppy dog eyes to give you a piece of your lunch maybe you two can enjoy a picnic and share? Come meet your new sidekick today! My thoughts on: Dogs: I am selective of my dog friends and need to be the only dog in my new home. Cats: I seem to have a high prey drive (squirrels are fast!) so cats may be too much fun for me and I might chase them. Children: My history with children is unknown. I have been friendly with people at HSCC but sometimes I get a little nervous.

Humane Society of Chittenden County 802-862-0135

with the exact location.

• Do not smoke or operate electrical switches or

appliances. These items may produce a spark that might ignite the gas or cause an explosion.

• Do not assume someone else will report the condition.

a roaring, hissing or whistling.

Call before you dig — it’S the laW! • The greatest risk to underground natural gas pipelines is accidental damage during excavation. Even minor damage such as a gouge, scrape or dent to a pipeline or its coating could cause a leak or failure. Digging into a pipeline is the largest single cause of pipeline failures. • To protect pipelines and other underground facilities, the law requires that before starting to dig for any excavation, landscaping, construction

Dial

or demolition project, on public or private property, the excavator must call Dig Safe™ at 811 at least 48 hours in advance (excluding weekends and holidays) to notify them of the work. • Dig Safe™ will contact member utilities so they can mark the location of their underground facilities prior to any excavation. This service is provided at no cost to you.

85 Swift Street, South Burlington Vt 800-639-8081 customerservice@vermontgas.com vermontgas.com

cleaner energy. cleaner air.

Vermont gas Wishes you a Safe and Happy Holiday Season

802.989.5593 / oliver.parini@gmail.com / oliverparini.com 802.989.5593 / oliver.parini@gmail.com / oliverparini.com

The Essex Reporter • December 10, 2015

EHS

Aiming for equality

from page 1a “...Leveling, and students going in a prescribed sequence at a prescribed pace, would not make sense,” said Alderman, the outgoing director of the secondary and adult division at the state Agency of Education. The old system of tracking and the new efforts just don’t jibe, in other words. “They’re in conflict. An unleveling would recognize that some students are coming in at a different entry point,” he added. Thirty-five of the 156 classes at EHS are leveled, administrators said. The majority — 97 classes, are unleveled — and another 24 classes are honors and AP courses.

In Essex, as well as Westford, which will soon be incorporated into the high school district, less than 7 percent of the student population is impoverished, according to 2013 U.S. Census data mapped on edbuild. org. Nonetheless, administrators say they’d like for students of all income levels to be served well. That’s, to some degree, the genesis of the new efforts. “All along it’s about equity for us,” said DeNova. “I think Essex High School is wellpositioned in ensuring that. And the great hope is that all students have equal access to an education.” “The problem with leveling has been discussed for the past three years,” said DeNova, and after a recent self-assessment

as part of the district’s accreditation in the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), leaders realized that EHS students in the lowest-tracked classes were just not performing well in state assessments. “The question is whether or not our structure is closing the gap for those students or continuing the gap?

Income disparity in classes

According to annual science assessments from 2010 to 2014 using the New England Common Assessment Program, or NECAP (which has since been replaced with a new test, called the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium,) the high school has indeed seen an achievement gap between students who

KEURIG

receive free and reduced-price lunches and those who do not. In 2014, for example, 30 percent of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunches — an indicator of a lower income level — were performing “substantially below proficient,” whereas only 12 percent of the overall student population tested at that level. DeNova acknowledged that removing leveled courses at the high school is going to require a lot of work with teachers and parents. “It’s not easy work that we’re doing, and we want to ensure that our community stays supportive of our work, so they’ll have a basic understanding of our forward movement as we change,” DeNova said.

KAREN'S

from page 1a

bulky, expensive and slow. Keurig’s sales dropped 4 percent in the past 12 months, to $4.52 billion, and profits fell 16 percent to $498 million. The slump prompted layoffs throughout the company in August. The company laid off 330 people, about 5 percent of its total workforce — including 200 in Vermont, and most of them at the Waterbury plant. Still, even in a bad year, Keurig sold about 10.5 billion coffee pods. The Coca-Cola Co., Keurig’s largest shareholder, says it is backing the sale, and the Keurig Green Mountain board of directors has voted unanimously to approve the deal, which is likely to be completed early next year. Keurig is a publicly traded company; JAB will take it private. JAB has focused on long-term investments in companies with premium brands. It owns a majority of Peet’s Coffee and Tea, a specialty

coffee and tea company; Caribou Coffee Co., another specialty coffee retailer; Einstein Noah Restaurant Group, a chain of restaurants; Espresso House, a large Scandinavian coffee shop chain; and Baresso Coffee A/S, the largest chain of branded coffee shops in Denmark. Keurig Green Mountain will continue “to operate as an independent entity to ensure it will further build on its coffee and technology strength and continue to serve all its partners to the best of its abilities,” JAB Chairman Bart Brecht said. Keurig will join JAB’s other specialty coffee brands in forming a global coffee platform, something Keurig President and CEO Brian Kelley said “offers an exciting new chapter for our customers, partners and employees.” “JAB fully supports Keurig Green Mountain’s culture and values as we continue to pursue our commitment to

deliver innovative beverage solutions for consumers at the touch of a button,” Kelley said in a written statement. When a major Vermont employer is bought out, there is always apprehension, Gov. Peter Shumlin said after the sale was announced Monday. However, after speaking with Kelley, he said he is confident the sale is good news. As a privately held company, “it will now be easier for the company to avoid the whims of Wall Street and focus on long-term growth, which will be good for the company, the employees and Vermont,” Shumlin said. “Today’s news represents a new chapter in the incredible success story of Green Mountain Coffee in Vermont. It is a chapter that I believe will help the company continue to grow, thrive and make the world’s best coffee right here in Vermont,” Shumlin said.

SOME OF

After recognizing the opportunity, Alderman bought 100 sweaters in 2013, selling each one. She purchased even more last year, yet the demand again surpassed her supply, selling out a week before Christmas came — people were still calling to check on her inventory well into January. So what’s the appeal? What inspires people to actively seek out such cringe-worthy apparel? “It’s like dressing for Halloween; it’s a costume. People at work dress up just for fun, or they have office parties that give out days off or money. Some people do house parties and give out prizes for the best, or ugliest, or the most unique,” Alderman said. All shapes and sizes appear in Alderman’s oddly endearing collection of unfortunate-looking sweaters. From one hangs an angelic doll, its green hair covered by a shamrock-patterned cap (and dress to match). As if that’s not enough, the sweater’s collar sports a handful of googly eyes, completing a look likely to incite the envious glares of partygoers. “Everybody laughs. They pick them up and some people think they’re cute, some people think they’re ugly, so it’s fun to watch,” Alderman said. Alderman said some of the more conservative sweaters will soon undergo an uglification process in hopes of appealing to those in search of the most homely of threads. “I’ll get out my glue gun and I’ll start making them uglier and tackier, with jingle bells, garland, ornaments and whatever else,” Alderman said. Although Alderman’s a little behind her anticipated schedule — a water pipe broke in the store on Nov. 25, forcing her to close down until VISIT Nov. 30, thus missing out on Black Friday and DiscoverMVP.com/lowest Small Business Saturday — she anticipates the ugly OR CALL 1-888-995-6077 sweaters will be gone by season’s end. She has over • Get rates and plan details 200 in stock. • Enroll directly Alderman’s store also has a breadth of other, • See if you qualify for free or more conventional clothing low cost health insurance!* options — from sizes 0 to 3X — including discounted offerings of the most popular name brands, allowing for a shopping experience that can bridge any generational gap, she said. Karen’s Kloset is located at 34 Park St. in Essex Junction. Call 802-8781166 or visit www.facebook. com/karensklosetvt for more information.

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SPORTS

B Section The Essex Reporter December 10, 2015

Hornets survive last-second shot

It came down to the final seconds for the boys’ basketball team during its opening game of the season, pulling out a tight 57-55 victory over St. Johnsbury last Thursday. Senior Eli DiGrande led the way for Essex, scoring a game-high 19 points. The Hornets’ youth also provided a spark as freshman Riley Smith added 13 points in his first game at the varsity level. The Hornets got off to a slow start, turning over the ball seconds into the game which led to a St. Johnsbury layup. Essex would settle in, however, fighting back to take a 15-6 lead after DiGrande picked off a pass and slammed it down on the break. As the second quarter came to a close, DiGrande found an Eli Baez open under the basket, beating the buzzer with a layup to send the Hornets into half with a 29-20 advantage. Things would get dicey late after a St. Johnsbury full court press resulted in a layup with 22 seconds left, bringing the Hilltoppers within one, 56-55. After a foul shot put the Hornets up 2, St. Johnsbury had one final chance to steal the game, but Alex Carlisle’s last second three rimmed out, giving Essex its first win of season. The Hornets (1-0) traveled to South Burlington on Tuesday in a game that concluded after The Essex Reporter went to print. They’ll then travel to Rutland to take on Mt. Anthony on Saturday at 3 p.m.

ALSO IN THIS SECTION: • Legal Notices

• Schools

• Classifieds

• Food

SPORTS SHORTS Joe Gonillo

ports are in full swing as is December. Games and matches kicked off last week and continue this week with home and away contests. Inching closer to Christmas and the holidays. Make sure all homework gets done as well all your Christmas shopping. Take a look at the rest of the fall all-star teams below. Soccer awards: Jess Poratti, senior, MF – BFP Honorable Mention, 2nd Team Metro; Mychaela Harton, senior, BK - BFP Honorable Mention, 2nd Team Metro, All-State; Victoria Bean, senior, BK - BFP Honorable Mention, 2nd Team Metro, All-State; Annie Bovie, senior, GK – HM Metro; and Megan Macfarlane HM Metro. Football awards: Cole Picard, senior, OL – BFP 1st Team, OL and DL AllState; Eli DiGrande, senior, LB – BFP Honorable Mention, All-State; QB 2nd Team All-State; Liam Colter, junior, RB – 2nd Team All-State; Marshall Murphy, senior, OL – HM All-State; Tommy Kourebanas, junior, OL – HM All-State; Danyeh Gutema, junior, OL – HM All-State; Nate Ballif, senior, DL – HM All-State; Elliott Boutin, senior, LB - HM All-State; and Peter Barrows, senior, DB - HM All-State.

The boys’ basketball team opened the season with a 57-55 win over St. J. Senior Eli DiGrande led the Hornets with 19 points. Frosh point guard Riley Smith scored 13. Essex travels to SB and then Rutland to play MAU over the weekend. The JVs fell 55-48 to the Hilltoppers to start 0-1 for new coach and ex-Hornet Jason Weischedel.

Essex senior captain Eli DiGrande leaps toward the rim during a game against St. Johnsbury Academy last Thursday at Essex High School. OLIVER PARINI PHOTOGRAPHY

Essex youth hockey gets tips from the pros

The girls’ basketball team defeated NCUHS 46-38 in game 1 of the 2015-16 season. Hannah Couture dropped 10 points. Taylor Truax and Kylie Acker each added 8. The JVs, with Coach Jessie Hammond back on the bench, won 45-37 behind Kelly Lyon’s 13 points. The teams hosted MMU Monday. The varsity played MAU in Rutland Saturday in the first phase of the annual North/South Tourney. The wrestlers competed last Saturday. The varsity wrestled in the Saranac Invitational. Individually, Ben Stewart was 2nd at 99 pounds, Jack Carney was 3rd at 160 pounds, Alex Rizvanov placed 3rd at 182 pounds, and Brendan McCormack finished 3rd at 195 pounds. The JVs hosted their own tourney. Eleven teams entered. Here are the quick results: 1 CVU - 146 points; 2 Peru, NY - 94 points; 3 Essex - 72 points. Essex Individual Champions include Noah Bonning and Elias Brinker. This week the team hosts Randolph and Mt. Abe Tuesday and travels to Springfield, Mass. for the Putnam Vocational Academy Duals. The girls’ hockey team was victorious Saturday. They defeated Rutland 2-1. Avery McGillivray and Piper Desorcie (from Olivia Miller-Johnson) score for the Hornets. Vicka Simons was in net for the win. Wednesday they are home vs. BFA an early big game. The bowlers earned the No. 4 seed in their weekend tournament. They fell in the semi-finals to the No. 1 seed Springfield. Scores: Mike Prim - 176, 183; Austin Howard - 166, 212; Tre Nichols - 133, 194; Alex Prim - 112, 151; Sabrina Liguori - 149, 109; Brian Cookingham - 103, 156; Reese Meunier - 105, 153; and Reid Kamhi - 139, 125. This week they bowl and Champlain Lanes in a four-team match. The gymnastic team opens up in their annual SB Invite Saturday.

Former Boston Bruins player Tom Songin leads a hockey clinic for Essex Youth Hockey at the Essex Skating Facility on Thursday evening. OLIVER PARINI PHOTOGRAPHY

Two Boston Bruins affiliates hosted a hockey clinic for the Essex Youth Hockey Association last Thursday at the Essex Skating Facility. Tom Songin, a former Bruins player, and Mike Dargin, manager of the Bruins' youth hockey development, ran the event, which focused on individual skill development. The clinic is part of a community outreach program in which TD Bank and the Bruins host free

hockey clinics for 50 youth hockey players ages 9 to 12. Essex was one of only 10 youth organizations in New England to be selected. Each of the participants received a TD Bank jersey, gift bag and two tickets to an upcoming Bruins home game. Additionally, TD Bank presented a $1,000 donation to the Essex Youth Hockey Association.

The track teams compete in their first meet of the winter Saturday in Norwich. Bright, early 7:30 start. Way too many restrictions at the University’s field house, but teams need a track so... . The Nordic skiers may be in action in Craftsbury Friday. Small loop but a ring of snow on the ground now. Webcams are awesome. The freshman boys’ and girls’ JVB hoop teams both fell to CVU in their openers. The boys are in St. Albans this week while the gals travel to Enosburg and Chelsea. The Essex HS Scholars’ Bowl team had a fantastic night in the PreHoliday Academic Tournament at South Burlington High School on Friday as they competed with four separate teams in a field of 70 teams representing 32 schools. In the qualifying matches, the varsity teams amassed at 14-1 record while the novice team went 4-1. The EHS A team of Peter Feehan (grade 12), Matt Davis (12), Gita Krishna (12), and Omkar Borse (12) finished fourth overall in the Varsity Division of 48 teams, while the C team of Sam Feehan (10), Nick Norton (10), Alex He (10) and Jeremy Brennan (9) finished sixth. The B team of Reid Kamhi (12), Shanti Boyle (11), Eric Dewitt (11) and Jonathan Campo (12) finished eleventh. By finishing in the top 15% of the overall teams, all 3 squads qualified for national competition. The Novice team of Sam Evans (9), Samson Shultz (9), Sam Buell (9) and Zach (but-I-wish-my–name-was Sam) Preston (10) finished fifth in the 22-team division. Overall, the Essex teams went an impressive 23-9 on the night. All the team and individual results can be found at scholarsbowl.org. If you are interested in doing a low-key fun activity, try the climbing club. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! The club climbs Tuesdays from 3-4:30 p.m.. See Coach Corkum in PE for details.

Essex’s Ben Stewart pins his opponent in the 99-pound weight class during the Nate Wood Memorial Wrestling Tournament on Saturday. Essex placed sixth overall in the tournament, which was held in Saranac, N.Y. PHOTO COURTESY OF KEVIN MACY

Sports schedules Boys' basketball

Bowling

12/12 EHS vs. Mt. Anthony (@ Rutland) – 3 p.m. 12/15 EHS @ Colchester – 7 p.m.

12/12 EHS @ South Burlington – 10 a.m.

Girls' basketball 12/12 EHS vs. Mt. Anthony (@ Rutland) – 1 p.m. 12/15 EHS vs. Colchester – 7:30 p.m.

Gymnastics 12/12 EHS @ South Burlington Holiday Invitational – 12 p.m.

Girls' hockey

12/12 EHS vs. Messena (@ St. Albans) – 11:30 a.m. 12/16 EHS vs. South Burlington – 6:15 p.m.

Boys' indoor track 12/12 EHS @ Norwich – TBA

Nordic Skiing 12/12 EHS vs. SBHS/BHS (@ Craftsbury) – 10 a.m.

Wrestling 12/12 EHS vs. Putnam Vocational (@ Springfield, Mass) – TBA

The Alumni Basketball game raised almost $600 raised for boys’ hoop program. Results of the two games were as follows: The Blue beat Grey 84 to 58. Here are the rosters and double figure scorers. For the Blues - Ben Ferris -24; Joey Picard -16; Taylor Rock-Chris Bogue-21; James Olsen-20; Matt Wu; Matt Mulcahy; Tyler Warren; and Nate Miles. In the elders’ game the older grads Grey won 61-48. They were led by present EHS Coach Jesse Coutrayer -16; John Willey -15; Dennis Barcomb-12; Steve Vonsitas -10; Shawn “Clyde Frazier” Montague; Brad Luck, and Rick Norton. The Blue Team - Zach Smith-15; Nick Hendry- 12; Bruce Gepfert; Dan Mclean; Marc Reyome; Matt Chase; and Shawn Quinn. Special thanks to Jeremey Hammond for his work on the PA, officials Jim Francis and Issa Konare, and organizer Dennis Barcomb. Worcester State University won the 2015 Ed Hockenbury Men’s BB Classic with a 71-50 win over host Norwich University on Sunday afternoon. The University of Maine-Augusta defeated Rivier University, 85-79 to finish third in the tournament. The tourney is named in honor of former NU athletic director Ed Hockenbury, SR father of SB AD and former longtime Essex AD Ed Hockenbury. PATS lose again? To the Eagles?? It only proves that even Tom Terrific Brady needs a supporting cast. NYG are in some trouble. They have their starting QB and are 5-7! Congrats to Tom and Lynn Varley and their brand new baby Adelaide Rouen (pronounced row-on) who was born 11/14 @ 1:40 PM; weight 7 pounds, 13 ounces; height 20.5” stretched out. Happy Birthday to former Hornet soccer player and TF Hurdler Emily Burke Dousevicz and my Uncle Jim in CT. Family coming up this weekend for an early Christmas. Grammy might have gone overboard on Gianna presents, but as I have heard and am growing fond of saying, grandparents have free will when it comes to presents. Christmas Wish List…is coming

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The Essex Reporter • December 10, 2015

B USinESS Financial Focus

Maximize the benefits of your charitable giving

It’s certainly the season for giving — and when you make charitable gifts, you can both give and receive. To get the most out of your gifts, your first step is to make sure you are giving to a worthy charity. That means you’ll need to ask some questions. How does a group measure its effectiveness? And does it use its money wisely? Is it devoting as much of its contributions as possible to the actual work of the organization, or is it spending too much money on administrative costs? Generally, a worthwhile charity should spend at least 75% of its income on programs. You may be able to find this type of information in a charitable group’s annual report and on its website. But if you want to dig deeper, and get information from an independent source, you may want to go to the website of one of the agencies that evaluates charitable groups. On these sites, you can get a lot of information dealing with a charity’s effectiveness, income, spending,

Submitted by HEIDI BROSSEAU

mission, governance, transparency, executive salaries and other topics. Once you’ve chosen a charity, or charities, you can decide how much you want to give. And your generosity will be rewarded, because your gift to a qualified charitable organization may entitle you to a deduction against your income tax, as long as you itemize deductions. A “qualified” charitable group is one that the government has classified as a tax-exempt organization. Ask your intended charity for information on its tax status. Reputable nonprofits will be more than happy to offer proof. But what if you’d rather not simply give cash to the charitable group? What if you’ve

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Did you know you can recycle your used compact fluorescent bulbs and fluorescent tubes? Not only is it a good idea, it’s the law. In addition to helping keep our environment clean, you’re saving energy too. Because fluorescent bulbs use less—and we think that’s a very bright idea. To find the recycling location near you, go to lamprecycle.org/vermont

owned some stocks for several years, and the stocks no longer fit your investment needs? Should you sell the stocks and then donate the proceeds to the charitable group? You could – but you’ll likely be better off, from a tax standpoint, by simply donating the appreciated stocks. If you were to sell these stocks, you’d have to pay capital gains taxes. Consequently, your gift to a charity would end up costing you more than just the loss of the asset. But if you directly donate the appreciated stocks to the charity, you’ll get an immediate tax deduction, which is normally worth the property’s fair market value. And, perhaps even more importantly, you’ll avoid any capital gains taxes on the donated stocks’ appreciation. If you’ve held the stocks for a long time, and they’ve increased in value substantially, these capital gains taxes could be significant. Once you’ve donated the appreciated stocks to the charity, it can decide whether

to hold them for a while or sell them immediately. In either case, though, you’ll have no capital gains tax obligation. However you choose to make your gift, be sure to document it. Typically, no deduction is allowed for a contribution of $250 or more unless you have a written confirmation from the charity. Consult with your tax advisor on the specifics of the deductibility of your gifts. Finally, whether you give cash or appreciated assets, you’ll need to make your gift by Dec. 31 if you’re going to deduct it on your 2015 taxes. Charitable giving can benefit everyone. Your gift can help a group whose work you support, while at the same time providing you with potential tax advantages. That’s a win-win situation. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by local Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Heidi Brosseau, who has an office in Essex Junction. Email: heidi.brosseau@edwardjones.com

VNA honors staff and volunteers at annual dinner COLCHESTER — Sixty-three staff and volunteers were recognized for anniversaries ranging from 5 to 35 years at the Visiting Nurse Association of Chittenden and Grand Isle Counties’ Annual Staff and Volunteer Recognition Dinner on Nov. 12. Over 200 staff, volunteers and friends of the VNA gathered to honor their colleagues and friends at the celebration, which was held at the Hampton Inn in Colchester. Two staff members were honored for a remarkable 35 years of service: Patricia McGarry, R.N., of the Adult Home Care team and Lisette Baxter, R.N., of the Community Hospice team. Six staff joined the prestigious Quarter Century Club and were celebrated for 25 years of dedicated service: Allison Mercure, manager of Accounts Receivable; Donna LaFromboise-Perretta, site manager for the Prim Road Adult Day Program; Toki Eley, Director of Family and Children Services; Diane Bacon, R.N., a pediatric high-tech nurse; Mae-Gene Zimmer, a Personal Care Attendant in the Long Term Care division; and Linda Alderman, for 25 years working with families at the Family Room Parent Child Center. The VNA Richard H. Wadhams Award, the VNA’s highest honor, was presented to Bobby and Holly Miller. The Wadhams Award is given to individuals who generously provide outstanding support to VNA programs and participate in efforts to increase public awareness of home care and related services to our community. VNA President and CEO Judy Peterson, R.N., applauded the Millers for their decades of dedication to quality endof-life care. The couple was among the group of visionary community leaders who, in 1991, founded the J. Warren and Lois McClure Vermont Respite House as a home-away-fromhome to care for people with terminal illness. The Millers also played an instrumental role in helping the Respite House become a program of the VNA in 1997. This year,

the Millers have taken the lead on a project to build an expanded Respite House, which will increase the capacity of Vermont’s only Medicare-certified hospice home from 13 to 21 rooms, with the potential for more growth to meet future demand. The J. Churchill Hindes Community Service Award, created Kane (left), presents to acknowledge a person Ellen photographer Daria Bishop with or group who exhibits exemplary community the J. Churchill Hindes Community Award, created to service and support of Service the VNA, was presented acknowledge a person or group to photographer Daria who exhibits exemplary community Bishop, of Williston. service and support of the VNA. PHOTO | HEIDI BRODTMAN Bishop has been taking photos for the VNA for nearly 10 years; her images communicate the meaning of the VNA’s work caring for individuals and families across the lifespan, adding vibrancy to annual reports, newsletters, the website and so much more. “Daria is so much more than a photographer. She takes the extra time to get to know our staff, our volunteers and our clients. She doesn’t just make us look good; she understands who we are and what we do,” said Ellen Kane, VNA vice president of development and community relations.

Business Briefs Danform Shoes donates to Dress for Success

Family-owned and Colchester-based Danform Shoes teamed up with Naot footwear to donate nearly $10,000 in footwear to Dress for Success Burlington. In addition to the footwear from Naot, Danform held a handbag exchange during November and collected

nearly 75 bags and wallets to donate the cause. Dress for Success Burlington is a local non-profit that helps women prepare for successful reentry into the workforce. “Each year at Danform we try to find an opportunity to give back to the Vermont community by partnering with our top brands. This is the second year we have partnered with Naot, one of the leading comfort footwear brands in the market,”

said Dave Bailey, owner of Danform Shoes. “As a locally owned business since 1978, Danform has always believed that Vermont is about community. Anything we can do to help, we try to do,” Bailey added. “Last year was the first year of our handbag exchange, it was such a success we decided to try it again. Our wonderful customers went above and beyond this year by giving beautiful wallets

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and purses for donation. It makes all of us at Danform Shoes proud to be part of this great community,” said Stephanie Bertoni, Danform Shoes marketing director. “Between Naot donating shoes and our successful handbag exchange drive, we know all of these donations will help our friends at Dress for Success Burlington,” Bertoni said.

Optometrist takes part in World Sight Day

Dr. Randy Fitzgerald, Colchester resident and optometrist at Advanced Vision Care in Burlington, took part in the World Sight Day Challenge from Oct. 1 through Nov. 30 — an effort to help the estimated 600 million people who are blind or vision impaired simply because they do not have access to an eye exam or glasses. The donation from Advanced Vision Care will help provide eye exams and eyeglasses for approximately 160 people. The World Sight Day Challenge is the largest annual global fundraising campaign to address avoidable blindness caused by uncorrected refractive error — and is supported by eye care professionals around the world. The campaign is run by global charity Optometry Giving Sight. To learn more about Advanced Vision Care visit www. AdvancedVision.biz. To learn more and donate to Optometry Giving Sight visit: www.givingsight.org

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The Essex Reporter • December 10, 2015

S CHOOLS The icy climb

On the tractor during an early snowstorm

This Week: Winter Tales

Young Writers Project is an independent nonprofit that engages Vermont students to write, helps them improve and connects them with authentic audiences. Each month, in this newspaper, YWP presents a selection of the best local writing. This week’s writing was selected to be presented by the Vermont Stage Company as part of Winter Tales at FlynnSpace in Burlington. For info and tickets, go to vtstage.org/winter-tales. Read more at youngwritersproject.org.

By anna Pringle-corcoran, Thomas Fleming school (FlynnSpace, Sun. Dec. 13 @ 2 p.m.)

I try to grip the trees, glazed with ice, with my mittens. I hang on to the branch, stepping my feet up the trunk, one by one, and down I go onto the ice-covered snow, thump hard... so hard. I do not break through... so cold... My tailbone does not like me for this, but I try again and this time I get closer than I was – then fall once again.

Pulling, pulling By eden hoWorT, Thomas Fleming school (FlynnSpace, Sat. Dec. 12 @ 2 p.m.)

Pulling, pulling, pulling, as I trudge up the hill in my large, clumsy boots. I look up to the top. Determined. I hoist the wood up the hill in the sled for Nana because she fell off the ladder and hurt her knee. I keep looking, pulling, pulling, pulling. The ice on the trees clanks together as the wind blows, howling. Pulling, pulling, pulling, feeling as if my fingers will fall off, I drag the pile of wood through the snow. Wood in the sled, pulling, pulling, pulling. I stop, out of breath, and sink onto the ground. The woods behind me glimmer with ice. I take deep, heavy breaths and watch them

By olivia Brunelle, Thomas Fleming school (FlynnSpace, Sat. Dec. 12 @ 7:30 p.m.)

blow away in the cold, winter air. I get up and brush the snow off my back and legs. The frigid snow crunches under my numb feet. Pulling, pulling, pulling, I hike to the top in my saggy, wet snowpants, and pant as if I were a dog. I reach it. The joy overwhelms me as I race into the cool, musty garage and plop the rough wood onto the big pile. I run back out and hop on the snowy sled. I push myself down the steep hill, flying, flying, flying. The snow flies into my red face and melts on contact, but I don’t care. Flying, flying, flying, a big smile invades my face! The wind catches the hair sticking out from my fluffy hat. Flying, flying, flying, I reach the bottom and remember that I have to go up again. But the smile stays.

I steer so we don’t crash while my dad is controlling the gears beside me and I watch snowflakes falling and the pattern of beautiful prints in the snow from the tractor. Smiling, I look at the cows in the pasture with steam coming out of their noses, huddling their black and white bodies together to keep warm as the snow falls faster and faster until it swirls up into a blizzard, sneaking into the tractor cab, making my cheeks cold and my neck shiver all the way back to the barn.

EMS

FMS

The mission of the Essex Athletic Leadership Council is to offer the opportunity for students to explore and develop leadership traits and skills within the framework of their athletic participation. PHOTO | CHRIS DUMOUCHEL

Students start Athletic Leadership Council at EMS The Essex Athletic Leadership Council (EALC) has started at Essex Middle School this fall. It is a select group of individuals who were nominated by their coaches, teachers and peers. The group consists of: Liam Chisholm, Kevin Lyon, Emma Whitney, Liam Redmond, Rachel Yandow, Sam Bowen, Chris Davis, Anthony Decarvalho, Allison Lyon, Caitlin McGeary, Morgan McCuin, Katie Bruyns, Noelle Lyon, Izzy Mager, Brendyn Byrne, Jessie Rose, Parker Whitney, and Cindy Sheeran. The mission of EALC is to offer the opportunity for students to explore and develop leadership traits and skills within the framework of their athletic participation. EALC is part of the school’s mission

to prepare students for lifelong success through a diverse set of educational opportunities. Specifically, it will prepare athletes/ students for participation in the Essex High School Athletic Leadership Council, which will be available to them in their sophomore year. The first meeting was on Oct. 29. Students had the opportunity to meet with Sheila Stawinski, local trainer and sports psychologist who will be assisting Athletic Director Christopher Dumouchel in supervising the group and teaching the kids about leadership. The kids learned about the importance of the influence of being a leader and set personal relationship goals as athletic competitors. They had to accomplish those goals by the next meeting. The EALC students have brainstormed other

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activities they will engage in over the year, and currently are undertaking a variety of projects that range from repainting

a wall mural of “Ozzy,” the school mascot, to organizing intramural sports activities. They planned and hosted the first intramural tournament of a new sport called “Ga-Gaball”. This special group of leaders will also be participating in fundraisers for their school such as running concessions at basketball games and dances. They will also contribute to their community and school by participating in several community services and service learning opportunities. These students will learn lifelong skills by improving their leadership ability. The goal is that they will not only have a positive impact on their teams and teammates, but will also contribute to the overall culture at Essex Middle School by leading in their classrooms as well.

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Essex Middle School grade eight students on the Nova Team celebrate “STEAM on their team” with a day of piano DEMOlition, the science behind pianos! This day was brought to them by «Create It Labs» and the Vermont chapter of the Piano Guild. PHOTO | SHAWN WILLIS

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At Founders Memorial School’s music class, we have begun our wonderful recorder unit. This unit allows our students grades 3-5 to learn all about how to read notated music and apply those music theory skills to an instrument they can hold and play. The students will be playing their recorders until the holiday break. Shown is fifth-grader Juna Thornton playing her recorder.

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The Essex Reporter • December 10, 2015

S CHOOLS Hiawatha Highlights

ADL Agenda Dear families, By now you should have received an email with the link to view your student’s progress report for the first trimester. My apologies for having sent the email multiple times until the link worked properly. While the report gives overall mastery information, to see more details about assessments and comments, please go into the Jumprope portal and click on the small gray triangles next to each standard in a course. Please don’t hesitate to call or email your child’s teachers if you would like more information or need to set up a meeting. Also occurring at the beginning of our second trimester was our first school-wide celebration for this year’s wellness theme. Dec. 4 became Drop Everything and Be Happy Day. Students were grouped with two other homerooms, dressed in the same colored shirts, wore crazy hair, participated in activities, and then were treated to a magician’s performance. Judging from the smiley faces leaving ADL at the end of the day, Drop Everything and Be Happy day was a success. Laurie Singer Principal Yearbook Club News: A friendly reminder that we must stop taking yearbook orders on March 2. The date has been extended. Order forms are available in the front office, or you can order your yearbook online at: www.ccsuvt.org/ adl/. If you have any questions please call Barb Edwards at 878-1388. ADL Holiday Concert: The ADL Music Department is proud to announce the Annual Holiday Concert to be presented Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. in the school gymnasium. This year’s program will again feature the ADL String Orchestra directed by Asiat Ali and the Chorus, Select Chorus, and Handbells directed by Gary Moreau. Students have been preparing for many weeks, and the evening promises to be very exciting. It will include holiday favorites like “The Hallelujah Chorus,” “The Nutcracker in Three Minutes” and many other seasonal classics. We are hopeful that you will set aside a little time on Dec. 17 to join us as we celebrate this festive season of the year. A reception will follow in the ADL cafeteria.

Fleming Flyer

Brandon Bessette, Sapan Pradhan and Kaimal Gumlaw Supreme give a puppet show on The Three Little Pigs for the Third Grade Talent Show.

Third Grade Talent Show: The annual Third Grade Talent Show was held Nov. 20. There were many different acts including magic, a piano performance, a circus, a puppet show, singing, dancing and acting, just to name a few. What a talented third grade class. Thank you to everyone who participated in making the show such a success. PTO: The next PTO meeting is scheduled for Dec. 15 at 6:30 p.m. in the music room. Child-care is provided. There are several parent efforts underway from a playground enhancement to a winter carnival. Everyone is welcome to attend and participate. We would love to see you there. Hand To Hand sale: It’s time for the annual first grade Hand to Hand sale that will take place all day Dec. 17 in the lobby near the gym. This is an opportunity for children to participate in purchasing little items for their families and friends. The first-graders will be practicing many skills during this event, including math, writing, social skills and business, as they are in charge of sorting, listing and selling the items. More on this event will be coming soon. A request for donated items has been sent home. Thank you in advance for your generosity. Reminders: December break is from Dec. 23 through Jan. 4. For more information on school news, please visit our school website at www. ccsuvt.org/hiawatha or contact Amanda Stevens at 878-1384 or Tom Bochanski at tbochanski@ccsuvt.org.

The ADL Select Chorus, directed by Gary Moreau, performed last Wednesday at the Senior Holiday Luncheon at the Champlain Valley Exposition. There were over 200 local seniors in attendance. The group will perform again as part of the ADL Annual Holiday Concert on Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. in the school gymnasium.

Chef’s Cafe

EHS

ETSD Events DISTRICT WIDE

Dec. 21 — ETSD School Board meeting, Founders Memorial School library, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Dec. 23 through Jan. 1 — School recess PreK-8. Classes resume on Jan. 4

EMS

Team Alchemy students at ADL participated in “Smiles for Soldiers” as a way to celebrate Veterans Day this year. Many students made cards for family members who are veterans, thanking them for their service to our country. Students also made cards for “unknown soldiers and heroes” currently stationed overseas as a way to express their gratitude and appreciation.

A new trimester has started: It is hard to believe that one-third of the school year is over. Nov. 30 marked the first day of the second trimester for our students at Fleming School. The first trimester ended on Nov. 20 before Thanksgiving break, and progress report cards were sent home with students on Dec. 4. Our students are off to a great start this year, and we look forward to their continued hard work and success. Second trimester student council: The students of the second trimester Student Council had their first meeting Dec. 4. This new group of student council students will look ahead over the next 16 weeks to find new ways to improve our school and to unite the student body in school pride. Leadership, service and spirit are areas of focus for our Fleming Student Council. Fleming Geo Bee semi-finals: The top 10 students in both fourth and fifth grade are preparing for the Geo Bee semifinals. All students were invited to test their geographical knowledge in November by taking the Geo Bee quiz, and the top 10 students in each grade moved onto the semifinal competition. The fifth-grade semifinalists will compete Dec. 16 at 1:45 p.m., and the fourth-grade semifinalists will compete Dec. 17 at 10:15 a.m. The Fleming School Geo Bee finals are planned for Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. Congratulations Winter Tales writers: Congratulations to three of our student writers: Eden Howort, Olivia Brunelle and Anna Pringle-Corcoran. Their written works have been selected by the Young Writers Project to be performed by the Vermont Stage Company in Winter Tales at the Flynn Space in Burlington in December. “Pulling, Pulling, Pulling,” by Eden Howort, will be performed on Saturday, Dec. 12 at 2 p.m. “On the Tractor During an Early Snowstorm,” by Olivia Brunelle, will be performed on Saturday Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. “The Icy Climb,” by Anna Pringle-Corcoran, will be performed on Sunday Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. We are very proud of these students and this great community opportunity to celebrate the creative words and our young authors. The selection of these Fleming student authors continues a four year honor of having Fleming students’ written work chosen for this special onstage performance. Fleming students continually submit their written work through the Vermont Young Writers Project, and many have had their work published in local newspapers. For more information about the Winter Tales performances, visit the Flynn website (www.flynntix.org). For more information about the Young Writers Project, visit the YWP website (http://youngwritersproject.org/).

Dec. 10 — Chorus Concert, 7-8 p.m. Dec. 17 — ETSD Arts Night and Band/Orchestra/Chorus concerts, 5-8 p.m. Concerts will start at 6 p.m.

FMS

Dec. 11 — FMS Fun Night, 6-8 p.m., cafeteria and gym

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Holiday Concert: The EHS Holiday Concert will take place Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. in the EHS auditorium. There will be seasonal music and songs for everyone. The dark ages are over — school counselors join the 21st Century: The Essex High School Counseling Department is launching three social media accounts. In an effort to make information more available to students and parents, we’ve created Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook accounts. We invite students, parents, school faculty, and EES community members to “like” and “follow” our social media pages for information on upcoming events, happenings Dec. 11 — All K Math Family in the school and resources related to personal, social, Event, 7:45-9 a.m. academic, and career counseling. Please keep in mind that Dec. 18 — Peace and EHS social media accounts are not an appropriate way to Friendship Assembly, 1:45communicate a need for help. EHS school counselors can be 2:15 p.m. Karen Rotach, Kitty reached at 879-5515. If there is a mental health emergency, Tracy, Jenky Snedeker and contact First Call at 488-7777, and if safety is an immediate Julia Seligman class rooms, concern, call 911. entire school sing along. EHS On Demand Writing Assessment: EHS took Parents are invited. part in the On Demand Writing Assessment on Dec. 3. The purpose was to provide students an opportunity to practice skills important to college/career readiness and those that will be assessed by SBAC tests. Two of the four claims for the English Language Arts/Literacy Summative Assessment are as follows: No. 1 — Reading: Students can read closely and analytically to comprehend a range of increasingly complex A Basic Skills Program at the literary and informational texts. Essex Skating Facility No. 2 — Writing: Students can produce effective and well-grounded writing for a range of purposes and audiences. This writing assessment results in several outcomes to better evaluate local data and analyze patterns of strength and areas for growth in regard to evidence based writing. This will also provoke critical thinking, inquiry and problem solving as related to literacy and give students the opportunity to showcase strong habits of learning. Annual preschool for Child Psychology students: Children between the ages of 2 and 5 are welcome to join our Child Psychology students Dec. 14 and 18 from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. A fun experience for the kiddos, a valuable asset to the Child Psychology curriculum, and time off for parents to shop, have coffee with a friend or just put their feet up and relax for a couple of hours. First come first served, as spaces Jillian Geiss Frascoia, Skating Director are limited. Please direct any questions to Kelly Green (Kgreen@ccsuvt.org).

Dec. 18 — Chris Gorman/ Darlene Ford Open House, 8:45-9:45 a.m. Dec. 18 — The EMS Orchestra students and Submarine Band will perform at FMS, 8:50–9:50 a.m.

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The Essex Reporter • December 10, 2015

SERVICES

HOMESHARE

A burst of color can do wonders for your home this winter. The professionals at Lafayette Painting have been transforming the homes and businesses of Chittenden County since 1977. Call 8635397 and visit LafayettePaintingInc. com

SO. BURLINGTON: Share a home with a retired educator, active with volunteering, sports and gardening. Seeking a housemate to share some conversation and evening meals together. $350/month. Sorry, no pets. 863-5625 or www.HomeShareVermont. orgfor more info and application. Interview, refs, background checks req. EHO.

DAYCARE SPACE DAYCARE SPACE AVAILABLE HOLY CROSS CHURCH. Cloarec Hall at Holy Cross Church, in the Malletts Bay section of Colchester is available to lease for daycare use. Recently renovated, approximately 1300 sq. ft. If interested, please call the church office during business hours 8am5pm at 802-8633002.

FOR SALE 42” TWO STAGE SNOW BLOWER tractor attachment, tractor cab, tire chains, Brand new. Original price $1600 asking $1090. Contact Mike at 802-8626759.

Cornell jacket, medium. All for $40. OBO. Call 802-4858266.

gig hard drive, 2 gig memory and Windows 7. $150. 802868-7613

cord. Can deliver. Call: 802-3937728 or 802-3930272

LOUNGER, BODY GARMENT, adult, garment by day, comforter by night. 64” x 78”. New. $35. OBO. Call 802485-8266.

LAPTOP, DELL, INSPERION, $50. 802582-8992

PANTS, MEN’S, LAMPS, KEROSENE, (2), Columbia, new, (4), antique, $25 for size 38. $30 each, OBO. Call for deall. Call 802-524tails. 802-524-1139. 5070.

CAR SEATS, (2), infants to toddlers. $25. each. 802-7825000

COFFEE/END TABLES, ROUND,(3), cherry finish, two are 24” diameter, one is 37” diameter. Very good condition. $45. for all. Call 802-752-8133.

running condition. $150. Call 802-7528133. SLOW COOKER, BELLA, 5 quart, programmable, like new, never used. $40. firm. Call 802524-3815. WASHER, PORTABLE, DANDY, $125. Call 802-309-6431.

DANIELLE STEEL BOOKS, (10), hardcover books. Very clean, excellent condition. $2. each. 802-848-3761 BOOTS, WOMAN’S, BLACK, all leather, by Current, with tassels. Size 11, never worn. $40. OBO. 802-4858266.

DOLL, VINTAGE, BRIDAL, 1960’s, never out of original box. Queen of dolls, two feet. $80. Call 802-485-8266 HORSE, BYERS’ CHOICE, collectable, black horse with pack, never on display. $100. OBO. Call 802-485-8266.

VICTORIAN VILBOOTS, WOMEN’S, LAGE, 2002 edition. Ten piece, hand WINTER, Sporto, painted porceREFRIGERATOR, GE, size 10, never worn. lain. All light up. $30. OBO. Call 80213 cu.ft. with freez$75. 802-524-3815 485-8266. er on bottom and LAPTOP COMPUTDRESSES, DRESSY, ice maker. Clean SIZE 5, and April and in excellent ER, COMPAQ, 120

BED RAIL, SESAME Street, never used. $25. 802-5277891

CHRISTMAS TREE, ARTIFICIAL, 5’ tall, used one season. All put together, with plastic cover. $25. Call 802-8687067. TV’S, 19”, (2), RCA color, $20. for both TV›s. 802-582-8992 EXERCISE MACHINE, BUNN Roller. Very good condition. $75. 802-5277891

DESK, BRAND NEW, doors on bottom, shelves on top. $85. Call 802868-4471. DESK, WOODEN, FREE, good condition. Call 802-5245070. LOVESEAT $25. 802-582-8992 RECLINER, VERY GOOD condition. $60. Call 802-8687975. ROCKING CHAIRS, (2), with cushions. $20. each. 802-5240788

SMALL STEP EXERCISER. Very good condition. $20. 802- TABLE, PLASTIC 527-7891 TOP, steel legs, 6’, folds in half. $30. FIREWOOD, HARD, DRY, $325./ Call 802-485-8266

CLUES DOWN 1. Race of Norse gods 2. Large pebbles 3. Latin line dances 4. The inner sole of a shoe 5. A French abbot 6. Moves stealthily 7. An alternative 8. 39th state 9. Lotus sports car model 10. River fill 13. Of I 14. Many noises 18. Ghana monetary units 20. Actor Hughley 21. The Cowboy State 22. Jests at 23. America 27. Surprise attack 29. Daddy 30. Extinct flightless bird of New Zealand 31. Express pleasure 32. Cellist Yo-Yo 33. Bronx cheer 34. A more firm substance 35. Essential oil obtained from flowers 36. Company that rings receipts 37. Largest church in Christianity 38. Capital of Wallonia

that 86 MILLION Americans read community newspapers every week? Vermont is home to 60 of the best community newspapers in the country! Vermont Press Association c/o St. Michael’s College Journalism Department (802) 654-2442

TREE, ARTIFICIAL, 6’ high, in basket, dark green leaves. For home of office. $10. Call 802-8483336. CHRISTMAS TREE STAND, vintage 1920’s, Poloron Coloramic, beautiful, 20” base. $50. 802485-8266 GLASS BOWLS, BEAUTIFUL, with glass Christmas balls, miniature lights for centerpiece or hostess gift. $25. - $30. Call 802-485-8266 LIGHTS AND SOUNDS of Christmas. 20 carols in 3 modes, indoor/ outdoor, makes a

neighborhood joyful. New in box. $100. OBO. 802485-8266

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NUTCRACKER, VINTAGE STEINBACH, 9”, original box, never on display. $100. Call 802485-8266.

SNOWBLOWER,

MULCH HAY, 40 bales, $3. per bale. 802-782-5000

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STEAM CLEANER, MCCULLOCH, heavy duty, 18 accessories, used once on tile. Cleans grime, cars/trucks/boats, garage/workshop. No chemicals, just water. $150. 802485-8266.

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20” FOR sidewalks. $65. Call 802-8684471. VACUUM, PROPELLED, with all attachments. condition. Great buy. $150. 802-8682003 WOODSTOVE, ENAMEL, CENTER pipe in back of the top. Side or Call 802-868-3507.

Home Care Job Fair

C RO S S WO R D CLUES ACROSS 1. Plural of ascus 5. Repents 11. British School 12. Adhesive to catch birds 15. Male children 16. Oil company 17. Intestinal 19. Money slogan 24. 2nd tone 25. In actual truth 26. Belgian-French River 27. Rural Free Delivery 28. Point midway between S and SE 29. Texas armadillo 30. 2nd largest Hawaiian island 31. Pile up 33. Changes liquid to vapor 34. Yemen capital 37. Byways 38. V-shaped cut 39. Painting on dry plaster 42. Daminozide 43. Papa’s partner 44. __ -fi: fiction/movie genre 47. 1st Soviet space station 48. Latvian capital 49. Come into view 52. Blue Hen school 53. Maine water company 55. Picture & word puzzle 57. Atomic #18 58. Xiamen dialect 59. Being overzealous 62. One who did it (slang) 63. Night breathing noises 64. A minute amount (Scott)

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Shared Living Provider: Support an individual in your home or in their home. A generous stipend, paid time off (respite) and comprehensive training & supports are available for providing residential support to an individual. We are currently offering variety of exciting opportunities. For more information contact Jennifer Wolcott, jwolcott@ccs-vt.org or 655-0511 ext. 118 Community Inclusion Facilitators: Provide one on one inclusion supports to help individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities lead fulfilling lives, reach their goals and be productive members of their community. We currently have several positions with comprehensive benefit and training packages. Send your resume and cover letter to staff@ccs-vt.org These are great opportunities to join a distinctive developmental service provider during a time of growth.

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The Essex Reporter • December 10, 2015

Friday at 5 p.m. for display ads

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

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

C RO S S WO R D S O LU T I O N S

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

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Nov. 30 – Dec.6, 2015 Monday 0821 Directed Patrol on Main St 1009 Assisted Rescue on Cascade St 1101 Welfare Check on Brickyard Rd 1148 Animal Problem on Sydney Dr 1238 911 Hang-up on Colchester Rd 1248 Motor Vehicle Complaint on West St 1310 Suspicious Circumstance on Drury Dr 1442 Accident on Lost Nation Rd 1454 Motor Veh Complaint on Lamore Rd 1517 Agency Assist on Silver Bow Ter 1524 Accident on Fort Parkway 1535 Disabled Vehicle on Pearl St

1612 Accident on Susie Wilson Rd 1621 Accident on I 289 1740 Suspicious Circumstance on Carmichael St Tuesday 0728 Directed Patrol on Main St 0815 Agency Assist on Corporate Dr 0822 Alarm on Park St 1101 Suspicious Circumstance on Pinecrest Dr 1207 VIN Verification on Maple St 1316 Animal Problem on Wenonah Ave 1336 Alarm on Lost Nation Rd 1532 Arrest for Retail Theft on Essex Way

1539 Family Fight on South St 1544 Welfare Check on Saybrook Rd 1627 Theft on Essex Way 1701 Animal Problem on Countryside Dr 1725 Agency Assist on Maple St 2129 Alarm on Sand Hill Rd 2158 Suspicious Circumstance on Kiln Rd 2237 Citizens Assist on South St 2313 Phone Problem on Thompson Dr Wednesday 0314 Alarm on Market Pl 0721 Accident on Sand Hill Rd 0959 Alarm on Ewing Pl

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1037 Welfare Check on West St 1241 Citizens Assist on Maple St 1242 Accident on Essex Way 1442 VIN Verification on Maple St 1500 Agency Assist on Saybrook Rd 1814 Disabled Vehicle on I 289 1906 Disabled Vehicle on Pearl St 1933 Accident on Susie Wilson Rd 1939 Accident on Susie Wilson Rd Thursday 0809 Vandalism on Jericho Rd 0912 Suspicious Circumstance on West St 1026 Animal Problem on Main St 1201 Suspicious Circumstance on Carmichael St 1414 Agency Assist on Foster Rd 1438 Animal Problem on Rustic Dr 1441 Citizens Assist on Karsynreece Ln 1448 Found Property on Sand Hill Rd 1510 Accident on Pearl St 1518 Juvenile Problem on S Summit St 1647 Motor Vehicle Complaint on Brigham Hill Rd 1910 Agency Assist on Skyline Dr 2158 Citizens Assist on Central St

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2355 Medical on West St Friday 0704 Alarm on Lincoln St 0745 Directed Patrol on Main St 0757 Animal Problem on Chapin Rd 0911 Citizens Assist on Carmichael St 1110 Agency Assist on Maple St 1134 VIN Verification on Maple St 1232 Citizens Assist on Grant St 1322 Found Property on Main St 1441 Accident on Pearl St 1530 Welfare Check on Brickyard Rd 1706 Phone Problem on Butternut Ct 1741 Intoxicated Person on Morse Dr 1839 Alarm on Corporate Dr 2244 Suspicious Circumstance on Oak St 2345 Family Fight on Colchester Rd Saturday 0250 Suspicious Circumstance on Pearl St 0443 Alarm on Saxon Hill Rd 0820 Theft of Motorcycle on McGregor St 0926 Vandalism on Gauthier Dr 0951 Theft on Brickyard Rd 1058 Motor Veh Complaint on Essex

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Way 1111 Suspicious Circumstance on West St 1152 Accident on Susie Wilson Rd 1219 Suspicious Circumstance on Leclerc Woods 1225 Theft on Brickyard Rd 1544 Accident on Pearl St 1557 Alarm on Educational Dr 1631 Theft on Pearl St 1712 Accident on I 289 1746 Alarm on Educational Dr 1840 Citizens Assist on Pearl St 2111 Theft on Park St 2342 Family Fight on Pearl St Sunday 0152 Citizens Assist on Essex Way 0244 Noise Complaint on Pearl St 0355 Agency Assist on Claire Dr 1059 Susp Circumstance on Essex Way 1610 Theft on Susie Wilson Rd 1802 Juvenile Problem on Main St 1856 Burglary on Railroad Ave Warnings Issued: 219 Tickets Issued: 15 Fire/EMS Calls Dispatched: 35

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The Essex Reporter • December 10, 2015

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Westford boy stars in Winnie-the-Pooh holiday production Colchester-based puppetry company stages story from the Hundred Acre Wood

By LIZ CANTRELL For The Essex Reporter

he classic children’s story of the lovable “bear of no brain,” Winniethe-Pooh, will be presented for the holiday season by Colchester puppetry company Saints and Poets. “A Winnie-thePooh Christmas Tail” will feature human actors and puppeteers who will bring the cherished story of “friends helping friends” to life. The holiday adaptation is set on Christmas Eve in the Hundred-AcreWood, the fictional setting of the Winniethe-Pooh stories that is based on the real five hundred acre woods of Ashdown Forest in England. In “A Christmas Tail,” Eeyore, the old gray donkey, is feeling low and hopeless because he has lost his tail. However, his friends Winnie-the-Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, Christopher Robin, and others join together to find the tail and help Eeoyre have a Merry Christmas. The themes of friendship and caring make this a suitable production for the holiday season, said co-producer Jess Wilson. “There’s nothing like a Christmas musical featuring beloved characters and a great vocal cast to put you in the holiday spirit,” said Wilson. “We hope young audiences will enjoy the antics of

Sam Dewey as Christopher Robin poses with his friends from the Hundred Acre Wood — Winniethe-Pooh (Kevin Christopher, puppeteer), Piglet (Jessica Bernard, puppeteer) and Eeyore (Meghan Dewald, puppeteer). PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Pooh, Tigger and the other inhabitants of Hundred-Acre Wood, all while connecting with the sweet message of friendship during the holiday season.”

English author Alan Alexander “A.A.” Milne first published the story of Pooh and friends in 1926. Several animal toys owned by Milne’s son Christopher— for

whom the human character Christopher Robin is named— served as the inspiration for the series. “The Christmas Tail” is not one of A.A. Milne’s original works, however. James W. Rogers of the Dramatic Publishing Company composed the music and lyrics in 1977. Twelve-year old Westford resident Sam Dewey will make his Saint and Poets debut as Christopher Robin. The vocal cast includes Saints and Poets company members Chris Caswell, G. Richard Ames, Marianne DiMascio, Patrick Clow, Rick Homan, Patricia Julien and Seth Jarvis as Winnie-the-Pooh, Rabbit, Piglet, Tigger, Eeyore, Kanga and Owl, respectively. Puppeteers will include Kevin Christopher as Winnie-the-Pooh, Jessica Bernard as Piglet, and Meghan Dewald as Eeyore. Founded in 2010, the Colchester-based Saints and Poets Production Company is a non-profit corporation that promotes puppetry arts through theatre and film. Previous shows have included “Peter Pan” and “Charlotte’s Web.” A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail runs through Dec. 13 at the Off Center for the Dramatic Arts in Burlington. Saturdays: 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.; Sundays: 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Adults $15, $10 for children 12 and under. Tickets available at 86-FLYNN, online at www.flynntix.org or at the door.

Spotted Pup productions presents ‘Into the Woods’ Cast features three Colchester residents

Spotted Pup Productions will present its fifth production, Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods,” Dec. 11-13 at Main Street Landing’s Black Box Theater. The production, which benefits Make-a-Wish Vermont, features three Colchester residents — Timothy Lewis, Sam Dicken and Jonathan Barden. “Into the Woods,” directed by Nate Venet, consists of a cast of nine Vermont high school and college-age actors, and one adult. Venet, well known in the Vermont theater community, has directed the music for St. Michael’s Playhouse, Lyric Theatre, Stowe Theatre Guild, and many area schools. He recently directed the music for Lyric Theatre’s “White Christmas.” Venet made his directorial debut in 2014 with Spotted Pup’s production of “The Spidey Project.” “This is a scaled-down but vibrant setting of “Into The Woods,” forgoing the traditional slew of fairytale backdrops in lieu of a more focused aesthetic; the themes are brought vibrantly alive through the text and the characters, inviting the audience to experience more fully the real and human stories of “Into The Woods” than they might if it were cloaked in picturesque and fantastic ballgowns, beanstalks, and glass slippers,” said Venet. “Working with Spotted Pup for five seasons now, I am continually impressed with the fresh and creative takes that this troupe of actors (some having been with Spotted Pup from its inaugural production) bring to the stage. This show is more ambitious than we have taken on in the past, but I feel that this is, in a way, a culmination of the hard work and dedication that all the members of Spotted Pup have put in over the years,” Venet added. Show dates and times are Friday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec.13 at 6 p.m. There is no charge for tickets but space is limited and advance reservations are strongly advised. Tickets can be reserved by visiting www.intothewoodsvt.eventbrite. com. There is no charge for reservations but donations are appreciated. All profits will benefit Make-A-Wish Vermont. For more information please visit spottedpupproductions. com.

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100% USA made and printed Colchester residents, from left, Sam Dicken, Timothy Lewis and Jonathan Barden are among the nine high school and college actors in the case of the Spotted Pup’s production of Sondheim’s “Into the Woods.” PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

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The Essex Reporter • December 10, 2015

F OOD

Bake a batch of sweet

Gifts for the family cook spread holiday cheer all year Top 10 Under $50

For the gift that keeps on giving long after the holidays, consider well-crafted kitchen tools and equipment that will inspire cooks to create delicious meals and treats all year round. To get started, here’s a short list of ten affordable culinary gifts under $50, including many that are new for this season: • New BonJour Salad Chef — Emulsify oil, vinegar and other salad dressing ingredients instantly with this battery powered mixing tool. Measurement marks and recipes are cleverly etched on the carafe, and an airtight stopper lets you easily store extra dressing in the fridge ($19.99). • New Anolon Advanced Umber 12-Inch Covered Deep Skillet — A versatile heavy-duty pan with generous proportions, snug-fitting lid and flared sides to prevent messy drips, this skillet is beautifully crafted with a rich bronze nonstick finish inside and out ($49.99). • New Circulon Momentum 18-inch by 10-inch Double Burner Griddle — Flip pancakes, grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers and more, just like a short order cook. This spacious griddle features a durable, metal-utensil-safe nonstick cooking surface, plus a corner pour spout to easily drain fats and other liquids ($49.99). • New Farberware PURECOOK 5-Quart Jumbo Cooker with Helper Handle — Cook a big batch of chili, soup, stew, and other one-pot comfort foods in this colorful pot featuring a PTFE and PFOA-free white ceramic nonstick cooking surface. Offered in Blue and Aqua ($39.99). • New Circulon Symmetry Chocolate 5-Piece Bakeware Set — Whether for sweet or savory baking, this comprehensive set of carbon steel nonstick bakeware includes a 10-inch by 15-inch Cookie Pan, two 9-inch Round Cake Pans, a

sugar cookies Holiday baking is a tradition that stretches through time. What person doesn’t look forward to the treats the season brings? Cookies are often gifted to friends and family members, and they usually help complete the dessert offerings after the holiday meal. To make successful sugar cookies, try this triple-tested recipe courtesy of Monica Buck and Good Housekeeping.

SUGAR COOKIES Yields: 5 dozen cookies

Anolon Universal Steamer, Rachael Ray 2-Piece, Crisper Pan Set, Cake Boss “Mini Cakes” Cake Carrier, SilverStone Ceramic 9-inch by 13-inch Covered Cake Pan, BonJour Salad Chef

9-inch by 5-inch Loaf Pan, and a 9-inch by 13-inch Rectangular Cake Pan — all enrobed inside and out in a decadently rich brown hue ($39.99). • New Anolon 4-Piece Steak Knife Set — Meat lovers will appreciate the sleek styling and razor-sharp serrated blades of this well-priced cutlery set, which is made of high quality Japanese stainless steel. The dual-riveted black handles are molded for exceptional comfort ($39.99). • New Rachael Ray 2-Piece Crisper Pan Set — Use the 10-inch by 15-inch Cookie Pan on its own to bake cookies or roast vegetables, then add the perforated metal insert to prepare crispy bacon, oven fries, chicken wings, and more. The pan’s wide rims with silicone inserts make it much easier to lift out of a hot oven ($19.99). • New SilverStone Ceramic 9-inch by 13inch Covered Cake Pan — Perfect for potlucks, bake sales, reunions, and other festivities, the translucent plastic lid snaps tightly on

the cake pan. Available in Chili Red and Marine Blue, the pan is crafted from solid carbon steel and has an advanced nonstick surface made of PTFE-free and PFOA-free ceramic ($19.99). • Cake Boss “Mini Cakes” Cake Carrier — Avid bakers and dessert lovers won’t be able to resist this vintage-style carrier made of durable yet lightweight tin-plated steel. The tall lid locks on both sides of the base for secure transport of cakes, pies, tarts, and other sweets ($39.99). • Anolon Universal Steamer — Designed to work with multiple size pots, including 2-, 3- and 4-quart sizes, this space-saving, stainless steel steamer is extra deep to hold a generous amount of vegetables, fish, and other ingredients. Comes with a snugfitting glass lid ($29.99).

1 cup (2 sticks) butter (no substitutions), softened 1/2 cup sugar 1 large egg 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 3 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt Frosting (optional) Coarse sugar crystals, silver dragees, holiday decors (optional decorations) 1. Preheat oven to 350 F. In large bowl, with mixer on low speed, beat butter and sugar until blended. Increase speed to high; beat until light and creamy. On low speed, beat in egg and vanilla. Beat in flour, baking powder and salt until blended. 2. Divide dough into 4 equal pieces; flatten each piece into a disk. Wrap each disk with plastic wrap and refrigerate 1 hour or until dough is firm enough to roll. (Or place dough in freezer 30 minutes.) 3. On a lightly floured surface with a floured rolling pin, roll 1 piece of dough 1/8 inch thick. With floured 3-inch to 4-inch cookie cutters, cut dough into as many cookies as possible; wrap and refrigerate trimmings. Place cookies, 1 inch apart, on ungreased large cookie sheet. 4. Bake cookies 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Transfer cookies to wire rack to cool. Repeat with remaining dough and trimmings. 5. When cookies are cool, decorate with frosting if you like; use along with sugars and candies to decorate cookies. Set cookies aside to allow frosting to dry completely, about 1 hour. Store in tightly covered container (with waxed paper between layers if decorated) at room temperature up to 2 weeks, or in freezer up to 3 months.

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