December 15, 2016 The Essex Reporter by Essex Reporter

Reporter

December 15, 2016 • The Essex Reporter •1

THE ESSEX

Don holid 't miss o u a insid y B-sec r tion e thi s iss ue!

December 15, 2016

Vol. 36, No. 50

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

REC DISTRICT PROPOSAL FAILS Rec directors’ letter causes stir

Measure passes in village, fails in town

By COLIN FLANDERS

he proposal to combine recreation services between Essex’s two departments failed on Tuesday due in large part to town residents who decisively shot down the measure, preliminary results show. Village voters passed the special ballot 701 to 420. Also considered Essex Town voters, village residents who cast ballots as town residents approved it, 688 to 412. Town residents, who would have seen a tax increase under the recreation district, failed the proposal 333 to 1,346, making the town’s combined vote 1,021 in favor and 1,758 against. Formed in February to

explore governance models, the Recreation Governance Study Committee chose to pursue the merger last June. From there, the committee met nearly 20 times, including for six public forums, while distributing three informational videos and a slew of FAQs on its website. The committee’s formation came three months after Essex and Westford approved the creation of a unified school district. Once the district begins operation on July 1, 2017, the prudential committee, which oversees both the village school district and Essex Jct. Recreation and Parks, will cease to exist. Citing this, village trustees passed a resolution in September to chart its path in case of a no vote. The agreement says they’ll work with the See REC, page 2

By COLIN FLANDERS

Photo by COLIN FLANDERS Al Bombardier stands outside the polls at Essex Middle School on Tuesday with a sign urging residents to vote against the recreation district proposal.

A letter from Essex’s two recreation directors has led to some residents alleging a violation of the town’s communications policy just days before voters hit the polls to judge a proposal to merge the departments. The letter, penned by Brad Luck, director of Essex Jct. Recreation and Parks, and Ally Vile, director of Essex Parks and Recreation, was emailed last week to all addresses on file with the two departments. "We support the formation of a recreation district between the town and village. It is time to become one,” the letter reads. Residents later learned their email addresses would be made public because residents made public records requests for the list used by Luck and Vile to distrib-

ute the letter. As a result, residents may receive emails from third parties, Vile wrote in a subsequent email to residents obtained by The Reporter. Essex resident RaMona Sheppard made one of the records requests. She said Tuesday, the day of the vote, she wanted to see why she and her husband, John, were on the list. Sheppard is one of a number of residents alleging Luck and Vile’s letter constituted a breach in the town’s communications policy. She was shocked to see the department heads use their position to advocate in an election, calling it “inappropriate.” Sheppard said she made formal complaints to both the town and the Chittenden Central Supervisory Union, which oversees EJRP. Reached Tuesday afternoon, joint municipal See LETTER, page 2

Supt. search narrowed to three By COLIN FLANDERS After vetting 28 applicants hoping to become the first superintendent of the Essex Westford School District, the unified district’s search committee has narrowed the field to three. The unified school board will interview Jay Badams, Beth Cobb and Ned Kirsch early next month, according to a press release board chairwoman Martha Heath sent Monday morning. Each candidate currently serves in a superintendent role, the latter two in Vermont schools. Reached Monday evening, Heath said she’s pleased at the progress and is grateful for the search committee’s effort. “I’m hopeful that we will be able to choose a new superintendent out of this pool,” she said. Badams is in his seventh year as superintendent of schools in Erie, Penn., which has about See SEARCH, page 12

Preschoolers visited clients of the Visiting Nurse Association’s Essex Adult Day program on Tuesday, singing Christmas carols and passing out handmade holiday greeting cards.

Photo by MICHAELA HALNON

Christmas carols delight young and old By MICHAELA HALNON

t was hard to tell who was more excited to sing Christmas carols in Essex Jct. on Tuesday: A group of preschoolers from Leaps & Bounds Child Development Center or clients at the Visiting

Nurse Association’s Adult Day program. “Can we please sing ‘Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer?’” a tiny voice repeatedly inquired. “We know that song,” an elderly woman answered. Around two-dozen kiddos burst into a joyful rendition of the carol, originally in-

tended to be a performance for their elder friends. The Adult Day clients couldn’t help but join in, it seemed, and the concert soon transformed into a group sing-a-long. “Ho ho ho!” a little one interjected heartily toward the end, and the room See CAROLS, page 11

O’Neil returns as boys hockey coach Longtime coach cleared of any wrongdoing, principal says By COLIN FLANDERS Bill O’Neil returns to the Essex High School boys hockey bench this season after being placed on paid administrative leave at the end of last year’s season, stemming from an investigation into hazing allegations between two of his players. In a statement issued last

week, principal Rob Reardon said O’Neil and his coaching staff conducted themselves “consistent with the guidelines and expectations” of the school and athletic department. O’Neil, who’s entering his 44th season with the team, was removed as a “non-disciplinary action to protect the integrity of the investigation,” Reardon

wrote. “We are very pleased to have Coach O’Neil on staff and commend his commitment, integrity and educational approach,” he added. See O'NEIL, page 13

Photo by KYLE ST. PETER Left: EHS hockey coach Bill O'Neil is pictured at last Saturday's game against Spaulding.

2• The Essex Reporter • December 15, 2016

local rec

from page 1

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prudential committee to transfer EJRP to the village’s purview before exploring finance and governance models to maintain EJRP’s “present entrepreneurial approach.” The arrangement would keep its budget separate from the village general fund, the resolution stated. The proposal’s failure ends a polarizing campaign between supporters and critics, who disagreed over the district’s potential oversight and transparency. Meetings grew contentious at times, the divide often visible, chairs sitting empty between members on both sides of the issue. Resident RaMona Sheppard, who said this atmosphere is why she stopped attending meetings, wondered if the ill feelings after the national election trickled into the recreation issue. In the same vein, many in Essex are facing a tough question after Tuesday’s vote: Where do they go from here? Standing outside Essex High School on Tuesday, selectboard vice-chairwoman Irene Wrenner – seen as the face of the district’s opposition – believes a challenge lies ahead. “People have gotten very personal in their at-

Photo by COLIN FLANDERS Michael Smith, left, and Betzi Bilodeau stand outside the polls at Essex Middle School on Tuesday.

tacks and have not stuck to the issues, and I think it’s unfortunate,” she said. Wrenner said Essex residents need to “look for what we do have in common with each other … instead of letting one issue temporarily, or longer, divide us.” Wrenner raised the first of many public critiques about the plan back in August. She also formed a political action committee, Plan B for Essex, which purchased signs urging a no vote. They were seen lining parts of Route 15 near Essex Middle School. There, three members of the study committee — Kim Maiberger, Michael Smith and Betzi Bilodeau — stood outside, greeting voters as they passed. Smith said there was little interaction beyond pleasantries, suggesting most people were informed

letter from page 1

manager Pat Scheidel said the matter was turned over to legal counsel to investigate whether there were any violations on the town’s side. Multiple attempts to reach Vile were unsuccessful. School employees can engage in political activity as long as it doesn’t affect their professional performance in a “demonstrably deleterious manner,” CCSU’s conflict of interest policy says. The policy adds any such employees “will make it clear they are speaking and acting as individuals” and don’t represent the school district. Luck, a CCSU employee, declined to comment on the matter. A handful of residents said they appreciated the directors’ efforts to inform the community, posting the praise in an Essex Facebook group. Some weren’t as impressed, however, taking to Front Porch Forum to air their frustrations. “I find it disturbing that my email address on file with them has been used to try to sway my vote,” Lynn Smith wrote. Brian Cuseo wrote he was disappointed to learn his email was now in the hands of an unknown entity because of

as they entered the polls. All three said the often-personal debate may have lingering effects. “Memories, especially in a town like this, can last a long time,” Bilodeau said. “My guess is that this whole process will have some outcome on future votes, whether people on boards or …” “People participating,” Smith said, an interjection the trio agreed on. Tuesday marked the fourth and fifth time town and village residents have voted this year, respectively. With 16,750 registered voters, the 2,801 ballots cast represent a 17 percent turnout. Though higher than April’s 5.35 percent turnout for school budget questions, the total paled in comparison to November’s general election turnout of 69 percent.

the recreation directors’ actions. He asked for whoever requested the emails to respect privacy and “destroy it without sending unsolicited political content.” “Your neighbors did not submit their emails to the town to get political information. Instead, we just wanted to be reminded when to pay $10 to renew our Indian Brook pass,” he wrote. After receiving the list, Sheppard admits she considered sending a massemail encouraging a no vote but decided against it. She has no plans to do anything further with the list, she said. Though Sheppard voiced her displeasure with the proposal at a handful of selectboard meetings throughout the summer, she stopped showing up in September. In a letter to the board, she explained why. “I am no longer comfortable going to meetings in such adversarial surroundings. Life is too short to fill so many evenings in such toxic environments,” her letter read. Sheppard’s opposition continued behind the scenes, however, including numerous posts on Front Porch Forum and letters sent to The Reporter. She can’t recall another issue as charged in her nearly 20 years in Essex, she said, and wasn’t quite sure what about recreation spurred the debate.

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local Former diplomat deciphers past, present and future America First Wednesday lecture at Brownell Library draws decent crowd By KAYLEE SULLIVAN Walled in by books, about 60 people gathered on December 7 at Brownell Library for a lecture on what a Donald Trump presidency may mean and where the United States might be headed in the future. George Jaeger, a former diplomat, presented the lecture “America in a New, More Dangerous World,” drawing on his experience in foreign affairs from the Cold War to present. The talk was part of the library’s First Wednesday lecture series. “I’ve been sweating this lecture for the past week,” Jaeger began, saying he accepted the opportunity thinking Hillary Clinton would be the president-elect. “[Trump’s win] poses some major challenges.” Jaeger had a storied career. He was staff director of the President’s Advisory Commission on Arms Control and Disarmament, a senior negotiator of the Helsinki Final Act in Geneva and deputy assistant secretary general of NATO. Heads shook and nodded in what seemed like both agreement and sighs of frustration throughout the almost two-hour event. Jaeger said he can agree with Trump’s for-

eign policy on a theoretical level, but whether it’s done right is the question. “Other things are petted with disaster,” he added. Boiled down, foreign policy amounts to the United States’ No. 1 purpose – to survive. Spreading democracy is secondary, Jaeger said. He suspects Trump is unlikely to follow through with many of his bigger plans, like building a wall at the U.S.-Mexico border. Trump has expressed a desire to end foreign alliances and replace them with an American centered foreign policy, which leaves world leaders worried, Jaeger said. Heading into what “is going to be a dramatically different America,” Jaeger centered on Trump’s talks with Russia, renegotiations of major trade agreements, making China pay for alleged commercial misdeeds, reopening the Iran nuclear agreement, moving the embassy in Israel to Jerusalem and stigmatizing Mexicans and Muslims. “What kind of world is this going to be?” Jaeger posed. The president-elect’s cabinet selections thus far are another cause for concern, the diplomat said. While the national security advisor and other influencers are normally

Photos by KAYLEE SULLIVAN Above: Former diplomat George Jaeger addresses a crowd of about 60 people for a First Wednesday lecture last week at Brownell library. Below: Jaeger shares his thoughts on foreign policy in a new, more dangerous America on December 7.

trained to make split moment decisions, Jaeger isn’t confident Trump’s line-up is qualified. “These are people going into a whole different job,” audience member Wendy Jenkins said. “It didn’t set my mind at ease.” Trump’s recent pick

of Exxon CEO Rex Tillerson for secretary of state is controversial due to his ties with Russian president Vladimir Putin and his leadership of the world’s most valuable oil company. Jaeger said today’s America is not the same. People used to strive to

be Americans, he said, but that trend has gone to rest. As Jaeger slowly went through different scenarios of what could come and their consequences, he also recalled how we got into a “hate Russia mode.” He dated it back to 2014 when Putin seized Crimea, which succeeded in drawing Ukraine closer to the West. The divisions between Europe and Russia are becoming very clear, he added. Trump’s wish to undo President Obama’s TransPacific Partnership was another topic of concern for Jaeger. A better approach, the diplomat said, would be proposing a new open-end Pacific trade agreement and let China join. As the diplomat went into deep detail about various topics, including conflict in Syria and nuclear policy management, he did not ease audience

members’ minds. Admitting his words sound a bit harsh, Jaeger said he wished he had a more positive message to share. Being a superpower, though, the U.S. cannot shed its skin. It must continue the “blood sport” of foreign policy and balance the world’s power system, he said. “[Trump’s] going against 40 to 50 years of American policy, and such changes could have enormous consequences,” he concluded. Jaeger’s lecture was part of the Vermont Humanities Council’s First Wednesdays series, held from October to May on the first Wednesday of each month in nine communities across the state. All lectures in Essex Jct. are held at Brownell Library unless otherwise noted. See the full lecture at http://bit. ly/2gwAK0E.

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4• The Essex Reporter • December 15, 2016

local Photo by COURTNEY LAMDIN Vermont Air National Guard airmen prepare to board a plane to an overseas deployment on Wednesday, Dec. 7.

EssEx airmEn dEploy ovErsEas hree hundred airmen and multiple F-16 Fighting Falcons from the Vermont Air National Guard arrived in an undisclosed destination on Saturday on a mission to combat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, or ISIL, a press release said.

According to VTANG Master Sgt. Benjamin Wilson, members of the 158th Fighter Wing will comprise the 134th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and will fly strike missions as part of the 407th Air Expeditionary Group. “The capability these total force airmen provide through the use of precision airstrikes will aid in denying ISIL safe haven and provide ground forces in Iraq and Syria the opportunity to conduct lo-

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calized counter attacks,” Col. David C. Lyons, 407th AEG commander said in the release. Deployment day was a lot of “hurry up and wait” for those 300 guardsmen, who said goodbye to family members last Wednesday before heading to a hangar at the South Burlington base. That afternoon, they boarded a commercial plane for Operation Inherent Resolve. The Guard considers this operation “short-notice,” a non-technical term generally meaning the assignment came less than 30-days before the send-off. Airmen from the 158th Fighter Wing should expect to be home in a few months, according to Maj. Gen. Steven Cray. Up until last Thursday morning, officials wouldn’t say where the group was headed, only that airmen would be in the United States Central Command area, which includes Northern Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. A press release then clarified the wing will be flying combat missions, including “precision air-to-ground attack capabilities” in Iraq and Syria. Officials would not specify the total number of local airmen deploying but confirmed at least one Essex resident would be sent on this mission. In 2014, 80 VTANG airmen called each Essex or Essex Jct. home – one of the highest totals

in any town in Vermont or New York. Gov.-elect Phil Scott bid the airmen goodbye last Wednesday and told the crowd all of Vermont was looking forward to their safe return. Cray framed the deployment as an opportunity to affect change in a region most Americans will never visit. “Be proud of that,” Cray said. “Be proud that you’re a Green Mountain Boy.” The mood inside the hangar was upbeat despite the hours of waiting. Several of the airmen packed snacks for the long plane ride ahead, all provided by Jolley convenience stores. Eventually, an alarm signaled it was time to go. Many quickly made phone calls before boarding. Several airmen exchanged high-fives and handshakes with high-ranking officials as they walked down the tarmac to an awaiting plane. It took time to load the few hundred men and women onto the aircraft, and the line snaked around buildings as the sun set overhead. In a nearby parking lot, a woman stood with two small children, their tiny hands pressed against a chain-link fence. They were, undoubtedly, saying goodbye from afar as a loved one prepared to fly away.

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December 15, 2016 • The Essex Reporter •5

opinion LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

YOUNG WRITERS PROJECT

Tree lighting was a success

The Essex Community Historical Society would like to thank everyone who helped make our 23rd Annual Tree Lighting and Sing-a-Long on Friday, Dec. 2 a success – to the Essex Girl Scouts for making cookies, Essex Parks and Rec for putting the lights on the tree, Dave Riley for his sound system, Essex Police Department for making sure we crossed Route 15 safely, Essex Elementary School for hosting the cookie and punch Town is improving gravel roads Over the past few years, the town public works department has been proactively working to improve the ditches and infrastructure on the backroads. Excess stormwater from strong storms moves quickly, causing erosion and picking up pollutants that run off directly into our waterways. Installing best management practices on the gravel roads, such as stone-lined ditches, can help reduce the amount of pollutants entering our waterways and reduces the risk of erosion. Over the past year, the town has replaced and upgraded culverts on a few of the gravel roads such as

reception after the tree lighting, Megan Beaucage and the Founders School Chorus for leading us in song, Essex Elementary School staff, Mike and Fay for their janitorial skills and, last but not least, to everyone who attended. It wouldn’t have been another successful launch to the holiday season without you. Ann Gray on behalf of the Essex Community Historical Society Board

Osgood Hill and Old Pump Road. In 2015, the town received a grant through the Better Backroads Program to improve the ditch line on Brigham Hill Road near the Essex-Westford boundary line. The Better Backroads Program is managed by the Vermont Agency of Transportation and provides technical support and grant funding to municipalities to promote the use of erosion control and maintenance techniques. The grant provided funds to stone line the ditch and a cross culvert that drains into the Mallets Creek watershed. This work was completed in summer 2015. With the passage of the Lake Champlain phosphorus total maximum daily load, the town

will be required to ensure that best management practices are used on all of the backroads. The use of these practices will help reduce the amount of phosphorus entering our waterways. The town will continue to look for grant funding opportunities, such as the Better Backroads Program, to help improve the state of the backroads and to do our part to protect and enhance water quality. To learn more, please visit: http://bit.ly/2hgl4T9. Annie Costandi Stormwater Coordinator/Staff Engineer Town of Essex

Have sometHing to say? submit your letter to the editor (450 words or fewer) to news@essexreporter.com by Friday at 5 p.m.

Rep-elects to hold meetings It is an honor to have been elected to represent the Village in the Vermont House of Representatives. The legislative session starts on Wednesday, Jan. 4, but both representative-elect Lori Houghton and I agree there's a lot of work to do before 2017 arrives. We have arranged to hold monthly community meetings on the third Monday of every month. The first will take place on Monday, Dec. 19 at the Brownell Library. Please feel free to join us starting at 6:30 p.m. The format is open discussion – meet us and let us know what's important to you. You are welcome to drop in, say hello or stay to hear what's on your neighbors' minds. The purpose of holding regular meetings is to honor the request of our neighbors, who asked us to make additional efforts to connect with community members. Come by and let us know what's important to you so we can bring your voices to Montpelier! We hope to see you December 19. In the meantime, you are always welcome to contact me at dylan@vtdylan.com. Dylan Giambatista Representative-elect Essex Jct.

Please include your name, address and phone number.

ESSEX FREE LibRaRY bOOK REViEWS

“Bertie and Blue” "Wish" By Barbara O’Connor Eleven-year-old Charlie makes the same secret wish every day. When her parents are no longer able to take care of her and she is sent to live with her estranged aunt and uncle in North Carolina, Charlie begins to doubt that her wish will ever come true. But when she sees Wishbone, a stray dog who roams around the town, she feels things begin to change. She is determined to catch Wishbone and to give him a loving home. In this hopeful and poignant story, Charlie learns much about friendship and family and finds that sometimes wishes come true in unexpected ways. Ages 9-12.

"The Wild Robot" By Peter Brown Modern technology and nature collide in Peter Brown’s chapter book debut. When Roz, a robot, finds herself shipwrecked on an island, she has no idea how she got there. All that she knows is she must adapt to her new world in order to survive. Meanwhile, the native animals of the island are suspicious of their new “monster” neighbor. Just as Roz and the animals learn to trust one another, information of Roz’s mysterious past is revealed that calls everything into question. Action-packed and heartwarming, this book touches upon many important topics: the environment, the role of technology in today’s world, and friendship. Ages 8-12.

“Groovy Joe: Ice By Kristyna Litten Cream and Bertie is your average orange giraffe. Each day Dinosaurs” he nibbles on leaves, sips By Eric Litwin Illustrated by Tom Lichtenfeld Groovy Joe is a hip dog who loves music, his guitar and ice cream. But he’s not the only one who loves ice cream! When three angry dinosaurs stomp into his house hungry for a cool treat, Groovy Joe knows exactly what to do to save the day: share! This entertaining, rhythmic read will have young readers and listeners singing and dancing along! Ages 3+.

cool water and snoozes with the other giraffes in his herd. One day he oversleeps and he wakes up lost and alone. Luckily he meets Blue, a giraffe who looks just like Bertie. The only difference is Blue is blue. Blue offers to show Bertie the way home, and as he does, he also offers Bertie a whole new view of the forest. With vibrant and expressive illustrations, this book is a sweet tale of friendship and acceptance that celebrates diversity, individuality and stresses the importance of seeing the world in new ways. Ages 3+.

Reviews by Caitlin M. Corless, youth services librarian

bout the project: Young Writers Project is an independent nonprofit based in Burlington that engages students to write, helps them improve and connects them with authentic audiences in newspapers, before live audiences and on websites, including youngwritersproject.org, vtdigger.org, vpr.net, medium.com, cowbird.com and more. Young Writers Project also publishes a digital magazine, The Voice, and an annual anthology of best writing and photography. YWP is supported by this newspaper and foundations, businesses and individuals who recognize the power and value of writing. If you would like to donate to YWP, please go to youngwritersproject. org/support. Contact us: Young Writers Project, 47 Maple St., Suite 106, Burlington, VT 05401. Email: sreid@youngwritersproject.org; phone: 324-9539.

Spread eagle

By LANDON SMITH, Essex Jct. Skating on my rink, the ice crunches as I shoot the puck. My dog scampers onto the ice and starts slipping immediately on her freshly trimmed paws. As she chases my puck I watch her slip to spread eagle on the ice. When she tries to stand up she slips again. I pick her up by the belly and neck and help her off the ice.

A Winter's Moon By FINN VERDON, Jericho

The moon is more beautiful in winter. The icicles drip tears when it leaves the sky. The moon is bigger in winter. The sky bends to fit its magnificence. The moon is brighter in winter. The snow glistens silently under its pristine light. The moon is purer in winter. The black night shies away from this beacon of hope. The moon is more graceful in winter. Heaven’s a stage; the moon the dancer. Whatever there is in summer is doubled when the snow falls. Winter brings the moon to life – the moon is the life of winter.

Ski Boots

By SOPHIA NISTICO, Essex Jct. I struggle. Pull as hard as I can. Try as hard as I can, but never succeed. I’m twisting and twisting. THUMP! Finally! My foot reaches the bottom. I try my other foot. Now my ankle really feels like it’s about to break! I keep twisting. THUMP! Finally my other foot reaches the bottom. I stumble over to my skis Clip! Clip! My skis are on! I’m ready to go! The Vermont Stage Company performed student work – including these pieces by Landon Smith, Sophia Nistico and Finn Verdon – at FlynnSpace in Burlington last weekend.

Upcoming prompts: Catch 22. Pick 22 random worlds or phrases you find on your phone or see around you. Include all 22 in your piece. Alternate: Day. You literally wake up on the wrong side of the bed (perhaps you also bump your head), and it just goes downhill from there. Describe this bad day. Due December 23.

Reporter THE ESSEX

ExEcutivE Editor Courtney A. Lamdin

AssociAtE Editor Abby Ledoux

sports Editor Colin Flanders

rEportErs

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

co-publishErs

Emerson & Suzanne Lynn

gEnErAl mAnAgEr Suzanne Lynn

AdvErtising mAnAgEr Wendy Ewing

AdvErtising sAlEs Michael Snook

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

Deadlines: News & Advertising – Friday at 5 p.m. Circulation: 8,800

6• The Essex Reporter • December 15, 2016

EssEx ArEA

Religious Directory

calendar dec. 17

CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH - 61 Main St., Essex Jct., 878-8341. James Gangwer, pastor. Sunday School: 10 a.m., Worship Service: 11 a.m., Sunday evening worship: 7 p.m., Wednesday evening youth groups, Adult Bible study and prayer: 7 p.m.; FundamentalIndependent. CITYREACH CHURCH - 169 Pearl St., Essex Jct. Behind Subway, on the back side of the building. Pastor Brent Collins. Sunday worship service: 10 a.m. & 5 p.m. A casual, family-focused and friendly Christian Church with practical teaching, great music, a safe kids program (Nursery-5th grade) and an exciting and empowering church experience, www.essexjunction.cityreachnetwork. org; bcollins@cityreachnetwork.org; facebook: CityReach Church - Essex Junction. CHRIST MEMORIAL CHURCH - Route 2A, Williston, just north of Industrial Ave. 878-7107. Wes Pastor, senior minister, proclaiming Christ and Him crucified, Sundays: 9:30 a.m., www.cmcvermont.org. DAYBREAk COMMUnITY CHURCH - 67 Creek Farm Plaza, Colchester. 338-9118. Brent Devenney, lead pastor. Sunday service: 10:30 a.m., AWANA: Thursdays twice a month, www.daybreakvermont.org; brentdaybreak@gmail.com ESSEX ALLIAnCE CHURCH - 37 Old Stage Road, Essex Jct. 878-8213. Sunday services: 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. & 11:30 a.m., www.essexalliance.org. ESSEX CEnTER UnITED METHODIST CHURCH - 119 Center Rd (Route 15), Essex. 878-8304. Rev. Mitchell Hay, pastor. Service 10:00 a.m. with Sunday School and childcare provided. We offer a variety of small groups for prayer, Bible study, hands-on ministry, and studying contemporary faith issues. Please join us for worship that combines the best of traditional and contemporary music and spirituality. We are a safe and welcoming space for all people to celebrate, worship, ask questions and plant spiritual roots. FIRST COngREgATIOnAL CHURCH OF ESSEX JUnCTIOn - 1 Church Street, Essex Jct. 878-5745. Rev. Mark Mendes, senior pastor. Sunday Worship Services: 8:30 and 10:15 a.m. Communion: first Sunday of every month. Sunday School: 5th/6th Grade - 1st Sunday of the month, Jr. & Sr. high youth groups - every Sunday. Heavenly Food Pantry: fourth Thursday of the month, 2-6 p.m. except for Nov. & Dec. when it is the third Thursday. Essex Eats Out community dinner: 1st Friday of the month, 5:30 – 7 p.m. Music includes Sanctuary Choir, Praise Band, Junior Choir, Cherub Choir, Handbell Choir, Men’s Acapella & Ladies’ Acapella groups. UCC, an Open and Affirming Congregation, embracing diversity and affirming the dignity and worth of every person, because we are all created by a loving God. www.fccej.org; welcome@fccej.org gRACE UnITED METHODIST CHURCH - 130 Maple Street, Essex Jct., 1 mile south of the Five Corners on Maple Street / Route 117. 878-8071. Worship Sundays: 9:30 a.m., with concurrent church school pre-K to high school. Handicapped-accessible facility. Adult study group Sundays: 11:00 a.m; adult choir, praise band, women’s fellowship, missionally active. Korean U.M.C. worship Sundays: 12:30 p.m., come explore what God might be offering you! HOLY FAMILY - ST. LAwREnCE PARISH - St. Lawrence: 158 West St., Essex Jct. 878.5331. Saturday Vigil: 4:00 p.m.; Sunday Morning: 8:00 a.m. Holy Family: 36 Lincoln St., Essex Jct., Sundays: 11 a.m. & 7:30 p.m. For more information visit www.hfslvt.org. MT. MAnSFIELD UnITARIAn UnIVERSALIST FELLOwSHIP - 195 Vermont Route 15, Jericho, the red barn across from Packard Road. 899-2558. Services are held 9:30 a.m. on the second and fourth Sunday of each month from September through June. Visit www.mmuuf. org. ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH - 4 St. James Place, Essex Jct., off Rt. 2A at the Fairgrounds Gate F. 8784014. Rev. Kim Hardy. Holy Eucharist: 8:15 & 10:30 a.m. Adult study: 9:15 a.m. Visit www.stjamesvt.org; stjamesvtoffice@yahoo.com. ST. PIUS X CHURCH - 20 Jericho Road, Essex. 878-5997. Rev. Charles Ranges, pastor. Masses: Saturday, 4:30 p.m. & Sunday, 9:30 a.m. Confessions: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. or please call 878-5331 for an appointment.

Photo by amanda Schroth

Come see SD Ireland's and TDI Towing's lighted Christmas trucks on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 6:30 p.m. at 16 Heatherbush Rd., Essex Jct. Drop off a new, unwrapped toy for a child in need this season. Enjoy hot chocolate and homemade cookies and enter to win movie passes to Essex Cinemas.

15 ThurSdaY Brownell liBrarY cloSed for STaff in-Service from 9 - 10 a.m. homeShare vermonT informaTional meeTing

10 - 10:30 a.m., HomeShare Vermont, 412 Farrell St., Suite 300, South Burlington. If you have room to spare, find out if home sharing is right for you! Join HomeShare Vermont for a free informational meeting to talk to staff who will explain the nonprofit's program and answer your questions. Please RSVP at 8635625 or home2@sover. net.

read To archie

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

read To mcKenzie The dog

3:30 p.m., Essex Free Library. Sign your young reader up for a 15-minute slot to read to our resident R.E.A.D. dog, McKenzie. McKenzie is a certified therapy and reading dog who loves to listen to stories. Reading to a dog is a wonderful way to work on reading skills in a comfortable atmosphere. To schedule a time, call us at 8790313 or email Caitlin at ccorless@essex.org.

children'S STorY Time 6 p.m., Rocky's Pizza, 39 Park St., Essex Jct. Mother Goose stories and Aesop's Fables.

16 fridaY all ageS STorYTime

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

listen to picture book stories and have fun with puppets, finger plays and rhymes. For ages birth to 5.

muSical STorYTime

10:30 - 11:30 a.m., Essex Free Library. Rock out and read on Friday mornings with books, songs and instruments. For all ages.

SongS and STorieS wiTh maTThew

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

vinTage movie maTinee

Noon, Bayside Activity Center, 2 West Lakeshore Dr., Colchester. Bring your lunch at noon to meet others or just come for the movie at 1 p.m. Beverages and popcorn provided. This week's movie is viewers' choice.

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

familY movie

6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Brownell Library. Free popcorn and drink. For all ages.

maggie’S fiBer fridaY for adulTS

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

BraSS & PercuSSion concerT

7:30 p.m., Southwick Music Building, 384 South Prospect St., Burlington. Join this student-run brass ensemble as they share their love of music.

17 SaTurdaY whole BooK aPProach

11 a.m., Phoenix Books, 21 Essex Way, Essex Jct. Calling all kids! Join us for our weekly "Whole Book Approach" story time to explore the ways words, pictures and book design work together to tell a complete story. Call us at 872-7111.

ToYS for ToTS

6:30 - 8:30 p.m., 16 Heatherbush Rd., Essex Jct. Come see SD Ireland's and TDI Towing's lighted Christmas trucks and drop off a new, unwrapped toy for a child in need this season. We will be serving hot chocolate and homemade cookies. Enter to win movie passes to Essex Cinemas.

18 SundaY vermonT'S own “nuTcracKer"

1 & 6 p.m., Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, 153 Main St., Burlington. Vermont Ballet Theater returns for its 12th season with a luxurious production of "The Nutcracker" ballet. Now performing exclusively at the Flynn, it has quickly become a Christmas tradition for Vermont families. All ages will be enthralled with VBT's "Nutcracker," from the spectacular start to the resounding conclusion. Tickets: $23$36; available at www. flynntix.org.

advenT organ reciTal

2 p.m., First Baptist Church, 81 St. Paul St., Burlington. George Matthew, now an organ-

ist and carilloneur in Middlebury and former console of two Burlington church organs, returns to First Baptist Church for a recital. George can always be counted on to mix the eclectic with the more familiar. This event offers a welcome interlude in the busy days prior to Christmas. Refreshments served; ample free parking near the church.

familY game daY

2 - 5 p.m., Turner Toys & Hobbies, 21 Essex Way, Essex Jct. Learn and play board games from our library. Someone will be on hand to demonstrate games throughout the afternoon. Games fo children under 6 from 2 - 3 p.m., cooperative games for the family from 3 - 4 p.m. and family party games from 4 - 5 p.m. SoLARIS VoCAL ENSEMBLE PRESENTS

here we come a-waSSailing

3 p.m., College Street Congregational Church, 265 College St., Burlington. Burlington-based chamber choir Solaris Vocal Ensemble presents a holiday-themed program including festive selections for mixed voices with brass, organ and four-hand piano. Tickets: $15-20; available at www.flynntix. org or at the door.

handel'S meSSiah

7 p.m., Elley-Long Music Center, Fort Ethan Allen, 223 Ethan Allen Ave., Colchester. Burlington Chamber orchestra with the BCO Messiah Festival Chorus presents the Messiah, Handel's most beloved piece of music. This special concert will be conducted by Maestro David Neiweem, UVM professor and director of choirs and vocal studies. A silent auction will benefit the BCo. Light refreshments served following the concert. Tickets: $25/ adults, $10/student age 18 and under; visit www.flynntix.org to purchase.

December 15, 2016 • The Essex Reporter •7

calendar local meetInGS mon., dec. 19 6:30 p.m., town selectboard, Town offices, 81 Main St., Essex Jct.

tueS., dec. 20

9 a.m. - 3 p.m., trustees fye 18 budget work Session, Lincoln Hall, 2 Lincoln St., Essex Jct.

19 monday drop-In Story tIme

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

tech help wIth clIf

Noon & 1 p.m., Brownell Library. Offering one-on-one technology help! Bring in your new gadget or gizmo and Clif will sit with you to help you learn its ways. Reservation required; please call 878-6955 at least 24 hours in advance.

leGo club

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

Star warS club

4:30 - 5:30 p.m., Brownell Library. Our library trustee Max Holzman leads the Star Wars Club. For all ages. Popcorn and drink provided!

wellneSS talk: InteGratIve paIn manaGement wIth dr. moreau

thurS., dec. 22 6:30 p.m., town planning commission, Town offices, 81 Main St., Essex Jct.

frI., dec. 23

town and villages offices closed for the holidays.

information, visit www. vtgenlib.org.

read to daISy

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

drop-In Gentle hatha yoGa

4:30 p.m., Burnham Memorial Library. Bring a mat and enjoy poses for mindful stretching and relaxation. A registered nurse of over 30 years, Betty Molnar is certified as a Hatha Yoga instructor from the Temple of Kriya Yoga in Chicago. Beginners and intermediates welcome. Sponsored by the Friends of the Burnham Library.

drop-In knIttInG club

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

chrIStmaS carolS & cookIe Swap

6 - 7:30 p.m., Brownell Library. Dr. Moreau explains how to manage injuries with a synergistic approach. A focus on injections, acupuncture, electric stimulation and pain management.

6:30 - 7:30 p.m., Brownell Library. Bake and bring your favorite cookies to share and join us for an evening of caroling and holiday joy! For all ages.

meet your new repreSentatIveS

21 wedneSday

6:30 - 7:30 p.m., Brownell Library. Come meet your new representatives Lori Houghton and Dylan Giambatista and tell us what's on your mind. We will pull up chairs in an open spot in the library.

tech tIme wIth tracI

20 tueSday

11 a.m., ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, 1 College St., Burlington. Many of our Vermont trees stand all sticks and bones in winter, but not evergreens. They provide us with color all season long. Join us for science and stories as we learn more about these majestic trees. Free with ECHO admission.

Story tIme for babIeS and toddlerS

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

Story tIme for preSchoolerS

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

vermont GenealoGy lIbrary

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

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

ScIence StorytIme: wInter treeS

current eventS converSatIon

11 a.m. - noon, Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, 21 Library Ln., Williston. Gather with others interested in informal discussion on current newsworthy topics. Free.

tech help wIth clIf

Noon & 1 p.m., Brownell Library. Offering one-on-one technology help! Bring in your new

gadget or gizmo and Clif will sit with you to help you learn its ways. Reservation required; please call 878-6955 at least 24 hours in advance.

eSSex rotary club meetInG

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

wInter SolStIce craft

3:30 - 4:30 p.m., Brownell Library. Bridget Meyer will help students create a winter solstice craft. For students in grades 1 and up.

tedx brownell lIbrary: ImaGIne that

7 - 8:30 p.m., Brownell Library. Brownell hosts TEDx events on the third Wednesday of each month through March. We will view and reflect upon Ted Talk videos around the theme of imagination. This is a great opportunity to connect with others!

22 thurSday read to archIe

read to mckenzIe the doG

chIldren'S Story tIme

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

23 frIday brownell lIbrary and eSSex free lIbrary cloSed.

24 Saturday brownell lIbrary and eSSex free lIbrary cloSed. whole book approach

lIve natIvIty for chrIStmaS eve

4 - 6 p.m., Daybreak Community Church, 67 Creek Farm Plaza, Colchester. Come join us as we celebrate Christmas Eve with a live nativity, fire-roasted s’mores, pony rides and refreshments followed by a candlelight service. Nursery provided. For more information, call 338-9118 or visit daybreakvermont.org.

25 Sunday merry chrIStmaS! brownell lIbrary and eSSex free lIbrary cloSed. Grand menorah lIGhtInG 4:30 p.m., University of Vermont green, corner of Main and South Prospect St., Burlington. Join the Chabad of Vermont as we celebrate 33 years of sharing the light of Chanukah in Burlington. Enjoy latkes, sufganiyot and Chanukah souvenirs for the kids.

eSSex, eSSex jct. & jerIcho relIGIouS chrIStmaS Schedule Saturday, dec. 24 4:30 p.m., Children’s Mass & Choir with pageant, St. Pius X, 20 Jericho Rd., Essex. 6 p.m., Christmas Vigil Mass, St. Lawrence Church, 158 West Street, Essex Jct. 7 p.m., Christmas Vigil Mass, St. Pius X, 20 Jericho Road, Essex. 9 p.m., Christmas Vigil Mass, Holy Family Church, 36 Lincoln Street, Essex Jct.

Sun., dec. 25 9:30 a.m., Christmas Day Mass, St. Pius X, 20 Jericho Road, Essex. 9:30 a.m., Christmas Day Mass, Holy Family Church, 36 Lincoln Street, Essex Jct. Editor's note: While not an exhaustive list of services in the area, this list reflects information from local churches sent directly to us. If you would like your church's information included, please email calendar@essexreporter.com.

Submit your calendar events to michaela@essexreporter.com

8• The Essex Reporter • December 15, 2016

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December 5-11 MOnDay

6:33 a.m., Accident on Colchester Rd. 7:04 a.m., Accident on River Rd. 7:05 a.m., Accident on Osgood Hill Rd. 7:20 a.m., Theft on Murray Rd. 7:23 a.m., Accident on Old Stage Rd. 8:00 a.m., Accident on Browns River Rd. 8:30 a.m., Suspicious on Villa Dr. 8:50 a.m., Citizens Assist on Londonderry Ln. 8:53 a.m., Accident on Essex Way 9:53 a.m., Disabled Vehicle on I 289 11:41 a.m., Abandoned Vehicle on Center Rd. 11:57 a.m., Accident on Colchester Rd. 12:37 p.m., Accident on Lost Nation Rd. 4:33 p.m., Citizens Dispute on Pinecrest Dr.

5:44 p.m., Property Damage on Lincoln St. 6:05 p.m., Accident on Essex Way 9:15 p.m., Suspicious on Lincoln St. 9:52 p.m., Citizen Assist on Maple St.

tUeSDay

7:04 a.m., Noise Complaint on South St. 9:07 a.m., Theft on Pearl St. 9:47 a.m., Citizens Assist on Maple St. 1:28 p.m., Accident on Pearl St. 2:40 p.m., Citizens Assist on Old Colchester Rd. 3:29 p.m., Citizens Assist on Pinecrest Dr. 3:47 p.m., Accident on Carmichael St. 4:08 p.m., Juvenile Problem on Carmichael St. 7:02 p.m., Accident on Pearl St. WeDneSDay 3:19 a.m., Family Fight/Wanted Person on

Church St. 6:32 a.m., Citizens Assist on Clover Dr. 7:04 a.m., Citizens Assist on Joseph Ln. 9:20 a.m., Citizens Assist on Carmichael St. 9:30 a.m., Suspicious on West St. 4:47 p.m., Accident on Educational Dr. 6:58 p.m., Citizens Assist on Church St. 8:54 p.m., Citizens Assist on Susie Wilson Rd. 9:49 p.m., Theft on Susie Wilson Rd.

tHUrSDay

7:39 a.m., Accident on River Rd. 8:06 a.m., Noise Complaint on Railroad Ave. 8:29 a.m., Family Fight on West St. 11:58 a.m., Accident on Weed Rd. 12:58 p.m., Accident on Old Stage Rd. 4:53 p.m., Accident on Colchester Rd. 5:55 p.m., Vandalism on Browns River Rd.

8:55 p.m., Noise Complaint on Susie Wilson Rd. 9:17 p.m., Accident on Colchester Rd. 10:15 p.m., Noise Complaint on Susie Wilson Rd.

FrIDay

12:31 a.m., Noise Complaint on Fuller Pl. 1:23 a.m., Suspicious on Franklin St. 4:14 a.m., Suspicious on South St. 8:24 a.m., Family Fight on Maple St. 11:55 a.m., Accident on Old Stage Rd. 7:18 p.m., Accident on Main St. 7:53 p.m., Citizens Assist on Carmichael St. 10:44 p.m., Animal Problem on Park St.

SatUrDay

1:31 a.m., Arrest for Aggravated Domestic & Unlawful Mischief on Center Rd.

8:45 a.m., Suspicious on Indian Brook Rd. 10:54 a.m., Fraud on Maple St. 11:33 a.m., Theft on Essex Way 12:25 p.m., Citizens Assist on Pearl St. 3:59 p.m., Citizens Assist on River Rd. 9:41 p.m., Conditions of Release on Gentes Rd.

SUnDay

8:41 a.m., Citizens Assist on River Rd. 10:55 a.m., Burglary on Pearl St. 4:05 p.m., Suspicious on Kellogg Rd. 7:27 p.m., Theft on Center Rd. 8:42 p.m., Accident on Saybrook Rd. tickets Issued: 3 Warnings Issued: 142 Fire/eMS calls Dispatched: 55

10• The Essex Reporter • December 15, 2016

Obituaries her struggle public, documented on mylifeline.org/ Jennifer929 and on her STAR 92.9 radio show. To view countless comments on Jen’s kindness and strength of character, click on her article on WCAX. com and the WCAX and STAR 92.9 Facebook pages. Jen was born in Holden, Mass., the daughter of Fred and Dorothy Bowles. She grew up in Barre, Mass., graduating from Quabbin High and Mount Wachusett College with a degree in communications. After that, it was on to a radio career, with stops throughout the Northeast, finally landing at her beloved STAR 92.9, where she eventually ascended (Hallelujah!) to the role of program director, along with having an air shift. JFO loved her radio family: Ken Barlow, Mike and Mary, Rich, Karen, Dave, Ed, Jamie and many more. She hosted a weekend show just weeks before she left us, racked with

pain, but still happy to be in “the chair.” Along with Brian and daughters, with whom she each had a special closeness, Jen leaves four wonderful siblings Tim (Beth), Floyd (Laura), Cindy (Rob) and Dale (Frank). She also leaves her very special mother-in-law, Sis McClintock; her sister-inlaw, Gail Moreau (Tom), and many cherished cousins, nieces and nephews; her stepdaughter, Emily; her close friends Barb, Tammy and a million more and her dog, Mocha Ruff, Ruff! JFO also blows a kiss to her listeners, many of whom have become friends. Hugs to her medical team, especially Amanda, Dr. Ades, and, of course, Janet Ely. Funeral services will be held at the First Congregational Church in Essex Jct. on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016 at 6 p.m. with a coffee reception afterward. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the

First Congregational Church in Jen’s name. JFO has left the building, but her spirit lives!

John Kunkel

John R. Kunkel, D.V.M. died November 21 at 76 years old in Mesa, Ariz. after a valiant battle with Alzheimer’s. He is survived by his loving Jennifer wife and best friend of 41 McClintock years, Donna, their six children and 10 grandchilESSEX JCT. – Jendren. John is survived by nifer McClintock, AKA five siblings, as well as by Jennifer Foxx, 50, passed many loving and supportaway Dec. 10, 2016 at ive friends. home, wrapped in the In 1963, John graduwarm love of her husated from the University band, Brian, and devoted of Minnesota as a doctor daughters Holly, Celia of veterinary medicine and Mary. As many know, and was in practice for her favorite role in life was 13 years in St. Michael, being Mommy. She waged Minn. His primary profesa brave and graceful battle sional interest was bovine against a formidable foe, vet medicine. In 1977, pancreatic cancer, with John joined the faculty at her head held high, purple the University of Vermont hair and all, despite hefty in the animal health lab, challenges and unfavorand later was the associable odds. She was inspirate extension professor of ing to many. Jen made animal science and taught animal health courses. John was appreciated for his initiative and enthusiasm for developing, researching and imparting his knowledge and experQuality coverage at competitive rates with superior service Quality coverage competitive Quality Quality rates coverage coverage with superior at at competitive competitive service rates rates with with superior superior service service tise to students, farmers Quality coverage at competitive rates superior service ...we maintain theathighest standards ofwith quality for all our clients. ...we maintain thethe highest ...we standards ...we maintain maintain of quality thethe highest highest for for all standards our standards clients. of of quality quality forfor allall our our clients. clients.and veterinarians as well ...we maintain highest standards of quality all our clients.

as to his associates. He was the first vet in Vermont to do embryo transfer in cows beginning with his own cow, Molly, and then later with UVM's herd. In 1992, John joined the faculty at West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Va. in the animal and vet science department. He developed programs in lambing and calving for farmers and taught animal and vet classes and did many hands-on demonstrations and assisted as the herd vet. After retirement, he assisted students and colleagues at Massey University in New Zealand for four years during our Vermont winters. John loved to meet new people, learn new things whether it was at the local farm, across the U.S. or around the world. He freely shared his knowledge and laughter with all. A walk in the woods with John quickly became an expert lesson in botany and bird song. His infectious laugh made people smile. He constructed massive and extensive rock walls around our house, and he willingly tackled any difficult proj-

ect as long as he could use one of his tractors. He shared his many dahlias and cannas with all and was thought of as a master gardener. He loved his land in Vermont, particularly the high meadow and the woods. John and Donna conserved their wooded land in Essex with the Vermont Land Trust, which will be conserved for others enjoyment forever. The land hosts wildlife of bears, coyotes, deer, moose and other species. John loved to be with children and with other adults; he truly loved life to the fullest. He loved to sing, joyfully and loudly, especially in church. Memorial services were held in Arizona and in Minnesota. A mass of Christian burial will occur at St. Thomas Church in Underhill on July 15, 2017 at 11 a.m. Memorial donations may be made to St. Thomas Church, the Alzheimer's Association of Vermont or to UVM Extension. Arrange with your funeral home to send remembrances to news@essexreporter. com by Fridays at 5 p.m of desired week's publication.

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December 15, 2016 • The Essex Reporter •11

local carols from page 1

Photos by MICHAELA HALNON Above: Lynn Chase-Denton, site supervisor at the Visiting Nurse Association’s Essex Adult Day program, helps a preschooler find a paper candy cane during a cross-generational activity at the program on Tuesday. Below: Kids from the Leaps & Bounds childcare program sang Christmas carols with clients of the Adult Day program. Bottom: Children come to the VNA’s site once a month to participate in themed programming.

enveloped in ringing laughter. The two programs share a building on Pinecrest Drive, making it easy to engage cross-generational activities like this each month. The interactions are usually themed, carefully planned under the direction of VNA activities assistant Joan Grundhauser. The VNA’s Adult Day program provides daytime care for adults on weekdays at sites in Essex, Colchester and South Burlington. The program sees a range of clients, according to Essex site supervisor Lynn Chase-Denton. Currently, the enrolled group falls somewhere between age 26 and 97. Adult Day’s services often allow clients to stay in their homes longer, Chase-Denton said, avoiding or delaying full time nursing home care. Many have memory loss but not all. Some have intense medical needs or cognitive delays, while others just need some time to socialize with their peers. It can be difficult to plan activities for such a wide range of clientele, but Grundhauser said cross-generational events always delight. She used to run a home daycare and began brainstorming programs with the youngsters even before the Essex Adult Day center opened its doors last year. “At its simplest, it was because they’re there,” Grundhauser said of the childcare center. “The elders just love seeing the kids.” At first, Grundhauser said the preschoolers were hesitant to engage with the elderly clients. Now, they move around the space with ease. “Kids who have had that experience were more comfortable approaching el-

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ders and being with them [in their own lives],” Grundhauser said. “The elders, in turn … have the opportunity in some activities to guide or mentor the kids.” On Tuesday, the kids hunted for paper candy canes taped to the stuffed reclining chairs the clients sat upon. They smiled as they peeled each one off, galloping back to the center of the room to deposit the item in a festive basket. The clients giggled at the abundant energy. For one woman, their presence seemed to evoke memories of children in her own life. “My grandchildren were angels in their nativity play,” she whispered to her neighbor. That’s not an uncommon reaction, Grundhauser said. Many of the interactions with the youngsters can prompt long-term memories – a calming feeling for the adults experiencing symptoms of dementia. Music in particular can be a powerful tool to access lost memories, she added. As the children began to sing that morning, the words came to nearly every client without hesitation. It’s an experience Grundhauser said the clients will talk about for weeks to come. “It just brings people to life,” Grundhauser said. “Even for people who might have memory problems, just the sight of the kids makes them really happy.” Before they left, the preschoolers delivered a handmade holiday greeting card to each client. The adults clutched the paper offerings tightly, thanking the little artists profusely. One child in particular was slow to leave that day, carefully shaking hands with each of her elderly friends on her way out the door.

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LocaL search from page 1

12,000 students. He began with the school system in 1997 and has served in roles such as a special educator, curriculum specialist and director of high schools. He earned his doctorate in educational leadership at the University of Pennsylvania, the release said. Cobb is in her fifth year as superintendent of the Orange East Supervisory Union, where she’s held positions of associate superintendent and curriculum director. As a former teacher, Cobb also coordinated staff development at the St. Johnsbury School District, Heath said. Kirsch is in his seventh year as superintendent in the Franklin West Supervisory Union. He’s no stranger to the area, having also served as Essex Middle School principal for 10 years beginning in 2000. He’s also served as co-principal of Edge Academy and has administrative experience in Milton, Peoples Academy and Washington Central Supervisory Union, the release said. Kirsch earned his law degree from Vermont Law School and a

certificate of advanced study from the University of Vermont in educational leadership. The School Superintendent Search Advisory Committee, a 12-person group comprised of parents, community members, faculty, principals, district level administration and administrative support staff, conducted two rounds of interviews after receiving more than 25 applications, including 11 Vermonters, before narrowing its scope. Over the next two weeks, candidates will visit each of ESWD’s schools. They’ll then attend meetings with faculty, staff, community members and each school system’s leadership teams prior to board interviews, set to begin the first week in January, Heath wrote. “I’m very much looking forward to that,” she said. Community forums are tentatively scheduled for 6:30 p.m. and 7:40 p.m. on January 4 and 6 p.m. the following evening. Once a more detailed schedule is finalized, the schedule will be disseminated, the board wrote.

@essexreporter

CHRISTMAS TREE PICKUP

essex PD installs drug take-back box By COLIN FLANDERS

dispatch to call officers in from off the streets to process medication into evidence. The new box, which cost just under $700, will help both residents and police, he said. “It just seemed like smart business,” he said. Essex joins more than 3,000 other law enforcement agencies to purchase a MedReturn collection box. Locally, Burlington and South Burlington departments have them as well. Garey said police hope to stop these drugs from getting into the wrong hands. He cited statistics from a 2011 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services survey that estimated more than 6 million Americans abuse prescription drugs. Among youth 12 to 17 years old, more than 7 percent reported non-medical use of prescription drugs within the past year. Additionally, 71 percent of youth who are abusing prescription pain relievers get them from friends or family, including via the home medicine cabinet, the survey shows. Drugs can be dropped off with

Essex residents looking to dispose prescription and over-the-counter medications no longer have to wait for a designated day, thanks to a new permanent drop-off location at the Essex Police Department, according to Capt. Rick Garey. The MedReturn drug collection box is located in the department’s lobby and will be open 24 hours, much like a bank drop-off, Garey said. The movement stems from a program started by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration to provide a safe and convenient way to dispose of prescription drugs. The first Drug Take-Back Day was held in 2010. The most recent event in October yielded about 3,900 pounds in Vermont, over 120 of which came from Essex’s two dropoff locations, according to DEA statistics. The only problem is there are only two events a year, Garey said, and the local demand exceeds that. He said the department gets requests all year long, often forcing

essex man found dead in south Burlington By COLIN FLANDERS South Burlington police say a 70-year-old Essex man was found dead near the Anchorage Inn in South Burlington last week, a news release said Monday afternoon. Police initially responded around 7:45 a.m. last Friday, where they found Don A. Daane in the grassy area on the north

side of the hotel’s parking lot. He was pronounced dead at the scene, the news release said. South Burlington Rescue transported Daane to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, which will determine the cause and manner of his death, the news release said. Police say his death isn’t considered suspicious at this time.

Residents of the Town and Village will again have the opportunity to recycle their Christmas trees after the holiday season. Residential Christmas trees will be picked up at the curbside starting at 7:30 AM Wednesday, January 4th, weather permitting by Village and Town Public Works crews and subcontractors. The Chittenden Solid Waste District will make arrangements to have the trees chipped for use as mulch or wood fuel. There will be no charge for this service. If the weather is inclement, requiring the crews to perform snow removal activities, the pickup will start later in the week. Some guidelines are: (1) All tinsel and other decorations must be taken off the tree or crews will not pick it up. Trees with nails or spikes driven into the trunk will not be picked up. The CSWD will only accept clean trees that will not damage their grinder. (2) Place the tree at the curbside, but not before Wednesday the 4th of January. If you place the tree out earlier, and the tree is buried in a snow bank, it will not be picked up. (3) Wreaths and other items will not be picked up and recycled because of the mixed product (metal & organic material). (4) Be patient regarding the pickup. It generally takes a number of days to collect all the trees. (5) Please make every attempt to leave trees at the curbside on Monday morning. With ongoing winter storms and the number of trees to be picked up, crews cannot go back in subsequent weeks to accommodate those who have forgotten to place their trees at the curb in a timely manner. (6) The tree pickup is planned to end on Friday, the 6th of January, unless delayed by weather. Each year calls are received because the pickup date is either too early or too late for some individuals. If you miss the curbside pickup, or would like to recycle your tree earlier or later, the Chittenden Solid Waste District will accept the trees at their drop-off facility off Rte. 2A during their normal operating hours. There will not be a charge for the drop-off of up to three Christmas Trees from residential customers, but any additional trees may incur a charge. Trees will not be accepted for drop-off at the Highway Garage or the Wastewater Treatment plant. PLEASE REMEMBER: The alternatives for disposal are curbside pickup starting on the 4th of January and ending on the 6th of January or direct delivery by the individual to the CSWD drop-off facility. It would be wise to alert your hauler to the service being provided by the Town and Village, so that the hauler does not accidentally pick up the tree and charge for its removal. Have a Safe and Happy Holiday Season Town of Essex and Village of Essex Junction Public Works Departments

Courtesy photo The Essex Police Department's MedReturn drug collection box is a new permanent drop-off location for anyone looking to safely dispose of medications.

no questions asked, Garey said. He noted the department won’t accept inhalers, aerosol cans, ointments/ lotions/liquids, thermometers, needles, medications from businesses/ clinics or hydrogen peroxide.

Police: essex man stabbed woman’s hand during dispute By COLIN FLANDERS A 38-year-old Essex man was arrested last Saturday after police say he stabbed a woman in the hand during a domestic dispute, a news release said Monday. Police say they responded to an apartment on Center Road in Essex Center just after 1:30 a.m. There, they learned James Bantly Weatherhill held a knife to his own throat after becoming upset at the woman. While trying to calm Weatherhill, the woman was stabbed in the hand, suffering non-life threatening injuries, the news

release said. Weatherhill also pushed the woman to the ground and hit her over the head with a blunt object, police said. He also kicked and damaged a screen door during the incident, the news release said. Police cited Weatherhill for first degree aggravated domestic assault and unlawful mischief. Weatherhill was lodged at Chittenden County Correctional Center for lack of $2,500 bail. He was scheduled to appear in Chittenden County Superior Court – Criminal Division on Monday.

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December 15, 2016 • The Essex Reporter •13

sports

SPORT SHORTS

by JOE GONILLO

Photos by KYLE ST. PETER

Hornets fall in home opener The Essex High School boys ice hockey team fell 4-7 to Spaulding in their home opener last Saturday. Avove: Goaltender Sam Foster sprawls out to stop a Spaulding scoring chance from in close Saturday afternoon. Below: Essex's Johan Janaro (center) reaches for a loose puck against Spaulding Saturday afternoon.

O'NEIL from page 1

The incident was initially reported to an assistant principal at the school last February, resulting in one player — sophomore Alexander Giummo — being suspended from the team. An investigation by the school confirmed the allegations. The criminal investigation was referred to family court, Chittenden County State’s Attorney T.J. Donovan said at the time. The school’s attorney, Pietro Lynn, had said the school took “appropriate disciplinary action against the accused student,” but didn’t specify the nature, citing federal student privacy laws. The team lost its final game of the season to BFA-St. Albans in the title game. Giummo, who scored the title-clinching goal in the 201415 state championship, isn’t listed

on the team’s roster this year. O’Neil was named the winner of the John Mariucci award by the American Hockey Coaches Association in January, a national honor given annually to the coach who best promotes the spirit of the game and growth of the sport in the United States. O’Neil declined an interview with The Reporter. “I would rather leave it as-is,” he wrote in an email. “I'm just glad to be back.” Photo by KYLE ST. PETER Head coach Bill O'Neil walks through the handshake line after last Saturday's game vs. Spaulding. O'Neil is back on the bench this season after being placed on paid administrative leave at the end of last season. He has since been cleared of any wrongdoing.

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fter a well rested and much needed Jamaican vacation, I'm back. Totally appreciated the texts and emails to check and see if I really retired! No, not just yet. Halfway through December, winter sports are up and running. Along with that, only one full week of school left until Christmas Eve, Christmas and Christmas vacation. The basketball teams started up play last week. The girls got by Rutland 41-33 with a 14-1 run to end the first half. Olivia Duncan led the Hornets with 12 points and Josina Munso had six in game one of the north-south tournament. The JVs opened with a 37-15 win. Caitlin McClellan scored with seven in a good, solid first game effort. The varsity boys lost 77-41 to Rutland. Riley Smith had 13 points for Essex. The first JV boys basketball game ended in style. Brendan Brooks, who led the Hornets with nine points, hit a game-winning three pointer at the buzzer to close off a 50-48 victory over a solid Rutland squad. Anthony DeCarvalho and Adin Peco both notched double-digit rebounds, helping the Hornets control the glass. The Hornets head back down to Rutland next Saturday for a game against Mount Anthony. The hockey teams dropped the puck on their 2016-17 seasons. The girls dropped a 4-1 decision to Beekmantown, N.Y. on the first day of the Christie Corrigan Blitz tournament at BFA-St. Albans. Kaitlin Butkus scored for Essex. Isabelle Seguin produced 23 saves. Their first home game is Saturday. The Hornet boys fell 7-4 to SHS on their opener. Ryan Young scored two goals. Jeff Truax had a goal and an assist, and Don Lessard also scored. Nick McGovern had three assists. Sam Foster made 37 saves. They play in the BFA tourney next Friday and Saturday. They played a couple of scrimmages last week vs. Glouster and Hanover and faired well. The wrestling team went 2-2 at Cybercat Duals at Putnam Academy in Springfield, Mass. Jack Carney, James Danis, Matt Turner and Ben Stewart each went 4-0 on the day. In the Otter Valley JV wrestling tourney, no team scores were kept, but Hornet Michael Barnett finished in second place. David Raymond and Oliver Macqillvray both notched third place spots. Track and field, gymnastics and bowling all open up this week as well as freshmen boys and JV girls hoop. Giants edged the Cowboys, but nothing – not even an in-my-face text from a certain NYG fan brother-in-law – can get me down on the warm, hot sandy beaches of Negril, Jamaica. I had to remind him that Dallas is in first place and two games up on the Giants, who have not qualified for the playoffs yet. But he never sees the whole picture! Birthday wishes to Jeremy Hammond, Steve Ferreira, Lucille McClure, Big Mark Nadeau, Chris Polakowski, Ryan Davis, Laura Dennison and Robin Noble.

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14• The Essex Reporter • December 15, 2016

school ESSEX ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Photo by ANNA MEEHAN Students in Anna Meehan’s class proudly display their nonfiction books.

Second graders at Essex Elementary School are motivated by nonfiction in both their reading and writing. “Why do readers read nonfiction?” This is a question students were asked at the start of the unit. After some discussion, they decided reading nonfiction helps you learn, wonder and make connections about our world. In class, they've been reading many different types of nonfiction books about a variety of topics. One favorite is about Benjamin Franklin. During reader’s workshop, students are learning and using nonfiction text features (title, table of contents, headings, pictures,

TODAY

captions, glossary, index) to help make sense of what they are reading. Children are also putting what they know about nonfiction into writing their own nonfiction texts. They are writing about a topic they feel they are already an “expert” in. We have a range of topics including being a big sister, flowers, hockey and math. During the next writing unit, students will be asked to research and write a nonfiction text. Parents out there, offer your child lots of nonfiction reading materials, from books and magazines to newspapers and atlases. I think you will find your child’s interest may very well be sparked.

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HiAWATHA HigHLigHTS The halls of Hiawatha are brimming with excitement as we approach the holiday season. Firstgraders are gearing up for the annual hand-tohand sale to benefit the Heavenly Pantry food shelf, and the arrival of our first significant snow makes these days extra fun. Second grade classes are reading classic tales in the library and preparing some "Reader’s Theater" to perform for each other, including the seasonal story of "The Baker’s Doz-

en." Also in the library, our older students are unwrapping 50 new chapter books in the weeks leading up to school break. Some of our students recently participated in the Hour of Code for National Computer Science Education Week. Kathy Lawrence shared Lightbot Jr., Scratch Jr. and Kodable with students in the library as a way of beginning some simple computer programming. Kindergarten classes have been enjoying learn-

ing about bears. They have researched three types of bears during science class and are learning center blocks. Groups completed projects to share what they have learned. A field trip to the Vermont Teddy Bear factory will enhance the unit as well. Other recent field trips include a first grade visit to the Montshire Museum and a school-wide trip to UVM for the season opener of the women’s basketball team. Our Dragon Book Club was held in No-

vember for three weeks (thanks to second-grader Eliza Lynch for the idea), and students had a great time with dragon-themed stories, crafts and snacks. A big shout-out to all of our Four Winds volunteers for another successful monthly theme of bird migration. A huge thankyou also goes to our own nurse, Reyna Maher, for a recent donation of LEGOs for our Learning Center makerspace. They are sure to be a hit with our students.

fLEMiNg ELEMENTARY Trimester transition: Wednesday, Nov. 30 marked the final day for the first trimester. First trimester progress reports were sent home with students December 9. The first trimester student council met for the final time December 2. Thank you to these dedicated student leaders for starting the year off with enthusiasm and creativity. The second trimester is underway, and the second trimester student council will meet for the first time on December 16. Looking ahead to the Fleming School Geo Bee semi-finals: On November 17, all students were invited to test their geographical knowledge by taking the Geo Bee screening quiz. The top students in each grade will move onto the Fleming Geo Bee semi-final competition. The winner of the final competition will have the opportunity to compete at the state finals for the National Geographic Geo Bee. Congratulations to our semi-finalists, and best of luck in the competition. 4th grade semi-finals: December 16 at 10:15 a.m. 5th grade semi-finals: Decem-

ber 21 at 1:15 p.m. Geo Bee finals: January 18 at 7 p.m. Chat with Sen. Leahy: Fifthgraders had a chance to "chat" with Sen. Patrick Leahy on December 7. Through a video link, we were able to see and talk with him while he was in his Washington, D.C. office. At the time, he was in between votes in the Senate, but he still made time in his busy schedule to answer 15 questions students prepared ahead of time. This was an amazing experience, and students learned a lot. Fleming poets featured in the FlynnSpace Winter Tales this month: Congratulations to fifth-graders Sophia Nistico and Landon Smith, as their poems were chosen from submissions across the state to be part of Winter Tales, performed by Vermont Stage Company actors at the FlynnSpace in Burlington. Sophia’s “Ski Boots” was performed on December 9, and Landon’s “Spread Eagle” was performed on December 10. See these pieces on page 5. Second place in the state spelling bee: Congratulations to

our spelling team for taking second place in the fifth-sixth grade Vermont VPA Spelling Bee competition on November 19. We are so very proud of this team, which is the only team of all fifth-graders in the state. The team was made up of Hazen Randall, Theo Herrin, Maya Vidrio, Joss Peirce, Cooper Williams and Jonathan Tupaj. A special congratulations goes out to spelling coach Amy Bigelow for her dedicated leadership and inspiration. Fleming families, join us for our community winter holiday lunch: Our annual community winter holiday lunch is on December 15. Family members may join students during their designated lunch time: fourth grade from 11:30 a.m. - noon and fifth grade from noon 12:30 p.m. If you plan to join your student, please RSVP to Fleming School by calling 857-7004 or emailing lwilder@ccsuvt.org. Winter break approaches: Happy Solstice season. School will not be in session from December 23 - January 2. Students will return to school on Tuesday, Jan. 3.

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December 15, 2016 • The Essex Reporter •15

season

Fun at train hop

Neighbors shared in holiday spirit last Friday night at the 8th Annual Essex Jct. Train Hop & Village Tree Lighting. Scenes from the night of revelry throughout downtown Essex Jct. are pictured here, including some of the 35 kids (and a few grown-ups) who wrote letters to Santa at The Essex Reporter's table in Brownell Library. We've shipped those to the North Pole, but check next week's paper to see if yours is published!

Photos by COLIN FLANDERS and KAYLEE SULLIVAN

16 B2••The Happy Essex Holidays Reporter from • December The Essex15, Reporter 2016 • December 15, 2016

local

Train of thought

Essex man’s life revolves around rail By MICHAELA HALNON

ohn Gaworecki’s fascination with trains was sparked even before his first birthday, when his father gifted him a model railway set. It was, Gaworecki speculates, his father’s thinly veiled excuse to purchase a luxurious toy he’d longed for as a child of the Great Depression. It soon became evident that father and son shared the interest in railways. At 2 years old, Gaworecki had already learned to rig up his electrified train set himself, according to tales told by his mother. By high school, Gaworecki said most of his peers had lost interest in their own model trains. As they gave them away or sold them cheap, he began to accumulate more and more sets. “Over the years I added to the trains, and it just became an obsession,” he said. “I [now] have a world class collection of toy trains.” Though he doesn’t keep an official tally, Gaworecki places his current collection somewhere in the hundreds. The miniature vehicles have overtaken his Essex basement, displayed on wallmounted shelves and elaborate tracks. His wife tolerates the collection, Gaworecki said, joking he could have picked up far worse hobbies. But it’s become far more than a hobby for Gaworecki. Indeed, trains of all sizes seem to permeate nearly every aspect of his life.

The 64-year-old works part time as a caretaker for the Amtrak station in Essex Jct. He accepted the job with a warning from his wife: Don’t bring any full-sized trains home for your collection. He shares the duties at the tiny building with two other employees, welcoming a train twice a day. Amtrak officially considers the station “unstaffed” because tickets can’t be sold onsite. However, the company relies on the contracted trio to provide passenger assistance and station maintenance. The latter task seemed a bit ominous after Monday’s winter storm. Gaworecki observed the fresh snow blanketing the platform quietly, sipping coffee from a blue cardboard cup with an Amtrak logo. He started at the station 10 years ago after retiring from a career in chip design at IBM. Some days are more exciting than others, but passengers always make the job worthwhile. “You never know what’s going to happen when you come in here in the morning,” he said. “[The passengers] are from all walks of life. Some of them a bit eccentric, some of them very eccentric. All sorts of strange things.” Passengers have attempted to board the train with three or four pets in tow or without a ticket in hand, Gaworecki said. He’s refereed battles between cabbies and witnessed more than one drug bust. “Between the two of us, we could definitely write a book on what’s happened here at the Am-

Give the

trak station,” Gaworecki said, nodding to his fellow caretaker and retired railroad worker Al Villa. Ridership is strong through the stop, he said, insisting trains are not a fading mode of transportation. It’s not unusual to wrangle more than 200 passengers a day during school vacations. “Not only students, but people of all ages who don’t want to drive, don’t want to take their shoes off at the airport,” he said. “If you’re not in a real hurry to get somewhere, it’s a much more comfortable way to travel.” When he’s not at the station, Gaworecki works at Tony’s Train Exchange in town. The company specializes in electronic handheld controls for model toys. In between the gigs, Gaworecki belongs to multiple train-centered clubs: He’s an officer for the Champlain Valley chapter of the National Railway Historical Society and has taken a few turns as the co-chair of the Train Collectors Association annual show. “I often wonder where I ever found time to go to work,” Gaworecki said, laughing. He’s also responsible for the model trains at the Essex Jct. Train Hop, an event that celebrated its 8th anniversary last weekend. In the event’s inaugural year, he donated and ran several of his personal train sets – an experience that was stressful, to say the least. “I was running around in a panic trying to get them all set up,” he said. “I had a bunch of volunteers, but it always ended

Photo by MICHAELA HALNON Part-time Amtrak station caretaker and full-time train fanatic John Gaworecki is pictured at the Essex Jct. station Monday morning.

up being me doing a lot of the work.” As the event grew in popularity, many participating businesses purchased their own model sets. Gaworecki also has several trusted contemporaries helping him now, making the operation a bit easier on him. “I tell myself afterward, ‘Boy, that was fun,’” he said of Train Hop. “But, my usual saying is, ‘Why is having fun so much work?’” To relax, Gaworecki takes frequent excursions to events around the country with his fellow train buffs. They always travel, of course, on the rails. He’s seen much of the country through the window of a train. His favorite journey? A stretch from Chicago to San Francisco

enveloped between the Rocky Mountains. His fellow Amtrak caretakers are usually happy to cover his shifts at the station when he takes such trips, Gaworecki said. There’s only one day a year when coverage becomes a concern: “There’s a train show in St. Albans that we all want to go to in March,” he said. With model trains crossing in and out of his life at nearly every point, Gaworecki said it’s tough to pick a favorite. But after a beat, he confidently settles on the toy from his father that started it all. “The cars are a little beat up from being played with,” he said. “But I still run it every once in a while.”

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Manage diabetes during the holiday season

he holiday season is synonymous with many things – chief among them, food. Family gatherings and holiday office parties wouldn't be the same without great

food. Food plays such a significant role during the holiday season that many people are worried about overindulging. Some celebrants can afford to overindulge, while others must resist temptation. Diabetics fall into the latter category, as the festive mood of the season does not mean people with diabetes can throw dietary caution to the wind. With the holiday season upon us, diabetics can heed the following tips from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help them stay on a healthy track.

Stick to your normal routine.

While the holiday season can be unpredictable, the CDC advises diabetics stick to their normal routines as closely as possible. Because holiday guests cannot control food served to them at family gatherings or parties, the CDC recommends diabetics offer to bring a healthy, diabetic-friendly dish along to any parties. In addition, don't

food Party fare sure to delight guests What would the holidays be without entertaining? Try these crowd-pleasing appetizers from “Southern Appetizers: 60 Delectables for Gracious Get-Togethers” by Denise Gee at your next gathering.

Cornbread Blinis

Divine Crab Spread

•

Stock photo

skip meals during the day in anticipation of a large holiday meal. Doing so makes it hard to control blood sugar levels.

Be extra careful with alcohol.

Alcohol is served or readily available at many holiday gatherings, and many people overindulge because of the festive mood of the season. Overindulging in alcohol is dangerous for anyone, but diabetics must be especially mindful of their alcohol consumption. Alcohol can lower blood sugar and interact with diabetes medications, so diabetics who want to enjoy a holiday libation should keep their alcohol consumption to a minimum. Eat slowly. Eating slowly can benefit anyone during the holiday season. Eating at a leisurely pace gives diners' brains ample time to signal that their bodies are full. By eating quickly, diners may be eating more calories than they hoped to eat, and that can lead to uncomfortable feelings of fullness after a meal. Diabetics who can slow down their eating

are less likely to overindulge in less healthy holiday foods that can affect their blood sugar levels. Remain active. The holiday season can be hectic, as adults often must juggle extraordinarily busy social schedules with the responsibilities of everyday life. Many people sacrifice time at the gym to ease the burden of hectic holiday schedules, but diabetics must resist that temptation. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases notes that routine physical activity helps diabetics keep their blood glucose levels in their target range. Physical activity also helps the hormone insulin absorb glucose into all of the body's cells for energy. That extra energy boost can help diabetics fend off holiday-related fatigue. Diabetics face a lot of temptation this time of year. But with the right plan of action in place, people with diabetes can enjoy a healthy holiday season.

1/2 c. good quality, stone-ground yellow cornmeal 1/2 c. all-purpose flour 3 Tbs. sugar 1 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 c. milk 1 egg, lightly beaten 4 Tbs. butter; 2 Tbs. melted 2-3 Tbs. finely chopped fresh chives or Italian flat-leaf parsley (optional)

• • • 8 oz. whipped cream cheese • • 1/4 c. heavy cream or half-and• half • • 1/4 c. freshly squeezed lemon • juice, 1/2-1 tsp. lemon zest, plus • thinly sliced lemon wedges for • garnish • 2 Tbs. chopped fresh chives or finely sliced green onions, plus Directions whole chives for garnish 1. In a medium bowl, whisk to • 1-2 Tbs. mayonnaise combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, bak• 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ing powder and salt. Whisk in the milk, • 1/4-1/2 tsp. salt beaten egg, melted butter and chives (if • 1/8 tsp. hot sauce using). Stir until just combined. • 1 lb. jumbo lump crabmeat, 2. Heat 1 Tbs. butter in a hot skilpicked over for shells let or griddle. When bubbling, add the Directions batter in tablsepoonfuls about 1 inch 1. In a medium bowl, combine the apart. cook the blinis until bubbles cream cheese, cream, lemon juice, lemform on top, about 2 minutes. Flip and on zest, chives, mayonnaise, Worcestercook another minute or so, until lightly shire, salt and hot sauce and stir until browned and golden. smooth. 3. Remove the blinis to a cooling 2. Gently add the crabmeat, using rack and, if desired, keep warm in an a rubber spatula to fold it into the cream oven heated to its lowest temperature. cheese mixture. Use paper towels to wipe away crust 3. Refrigerate the dip for at least giblets or darkened grease from the two hours or up to one day. To preserve pan. Repeat the process with more butthe freshest flavor, keep the dip in a ter and batter. well-sealed container surrounded by 4. Store in an airtight container in ice in a larger container. Serve it very the refrigerator up to three days or in the cold, garnished with lemon wedges and freezer for up to a month. whole chives. Makes 24. Makes about 3 cups.

Ingredients

Food is a large part of the holiday season, which leaves some people worrying about overindulging in sweets. Below are some tips on how to manage diabetes during this time of year.

Ingredients

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