The Essex Reporter: December 20, 2018

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{ Thursday, December 20, 2018 }

Two longtime EPD officers accept buyouts

By COLIN FLANDERS The town of Essex has reached buyout agreements with two veteran officers in a move that officials say will help free up money for the department to add an additional patrol officer.

Cpl. Ed Piro and Cpl. Kurt Miglinas accepted the agreements last month that effectively mark their retirement from the Essex Police Department. Miglinas, now a school resource officer, finishes this Sunday, while Piro’s last day is January 6, though he will stay on part time.

The town will pay out the corporals’ accrued vacation time, per state law, and is contractually obliged to pay out a percentage of sick time. Per the buyout agreements, the officers will receive a week’s pay for every two years they’ve worked at EPD. Employees at least 60 years old who have served EPD for 20 years or more were eligible for See BUYOUTS, page 9

Village applies for recreation grant

FILE PHOTO BY COLIN FLANDERS

The Five Corners Farmers’ Market debuts its new time and location earlier this year. Market organizers confirmed last week that the beloved market has set up shop for the last time after struggling this summer to attract enough business to keep the operation viable.

Farmers’ market closes for good

By COLIN FLANDERS The village will apply for a state grant to convert two underused tennis courts into six pickleball courts and install new indoor bathrooms at Cascade Park.

Staff estimates put the project at around $146,000, with the hope of securing $100,000 in funding from the Vt. Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation, which rolled out the Vermont Outdoor Recreation Communities pilot grant program this year after the passage of Act 194. The program’s goal is to help Vermont communities “fully leverage their local outdoor recreation assets,” according to the department’s website.

See PICKLEBALL, page 5

essexreporter.com

By COLIN FLANDERS The Five Corners Farmers’ Market is no more.

Market organizers confirmed last week that their volunteer board will dissolve and donate its remaining funds to local charities, marking an official end to a weekly event that’s held a presence in the village for the better half of the last decade.

The news marks a disappointing close to the 2018 season, which organizers hoped would revitalize the market after it took off last year to regroup in light of a leadership void.

But a string of inclement weather, headlined by this summer’s blistering heat wave, found the market struggling to attract the foot traffic needed to bring enough business to the vendors, some

“It’s sad, but at the same time, I think we can all hold our heads high, and it was a success and we really helped the community.”

Julie Miller-Johnson Market manager

of whom spend much of their day prepping and attending the event, according to the market’s manager, Julie MillerJohnson.

“It’s just too much work for not

enough lift to the community to keep it going,” Miller-Johnson said.

When trustee Lori Houghton, who helped kickstart the market and served as its president, shared the news with the village board earlier this month, she focused less on the market’s recent struggles and more on what it achieved during its seven years in operation.

“We did it at a time where we had a lot of empty storefronts and no one was coming downtown and there was a lot of crime, and so it was to revitalize the community as much as it was to offer a farmers’ market,” Houghton said. “We met that goal.”

Residents expressed disappointment last year at news of the market’s 2017 postponement, which organizers hoped would give them a chance to

EssEx REpoRtER | THURSDAY, DECEMbER 20, 2018

See MARKET, page 9

Vol. 17 No. 51

2 | The Essex Reporter | Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018

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Proposed license plates would Champ-ion water quality

By COLIN FLANDERS A bill proposed by Rep. Dylan Giambatista could soon give Vermont drivers the chance to show support for clean waterways with the help of the state’s most elusive aquatic dweller: Champ.

Giambatista’s bill would allow Vermonters to purchase “Be a Water Champ” license plates showcasing the fabled creature. A mockup of the plates created by the local lawmaker shows Champ, thought by some to be America’s version of the Loch Ness monster, in its realistic form instead of the cartoony mascot found cheering on baseball games in Burlington.

Giambatista’s proposal is an attempt to both raise money and awareness for Vermont’s ongoing struggle to address water pollution, seen by many as an existential threat to the state’s tourism economy.

Giambatista, who expects the 2019 legislative session will include robust debate over how to devise a permanent funding solution, explained the plates are a “tangible way to show to lawmakers and state policy makers that Vermonters support cleaning up our waterways.”

Using license plates to generate revenue is not new in Vermont. In the months fol-

COURTESY PHOTO

A mockup by Rep. Dylan Giambatista shows the beloved lake monster, Champ. Giambatista has proposed a bill that would allow Vermonters to purchase special license plates featuring the mystic creature. The proceeds would go into the state’s clean water fund. lowing Tropical Storm Irene, the Vt. Department of Motor Vehicles sold 42,000 plates bearing the mantra “Vermont Strong” which raised over $1 million for relief efforts, according to a 2016 Bennington

Banner report.

The legislature planned to allow the plates to be displayed for two years, but thanks to several extensions, including an indefinite pause from former Gov. Peter Shumlin,

the plates can still be found on vehicles all across the state.

While those plates served to show Vermont’s unity in the wake of disaster, Giambatista’s proposal is a prelude to what’s expected to be a robust

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debate about how the state should permanently fund its water cleanup.

A 2015 Vermont law and 2016 directive from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency tasked Vermont with coming up with a way to pay for clean water by the end of last year. That plan never came to fruition. Instead, Giambatista said the legislature made progress by bonding or moving around capital financing.

But he said the state now must identify permanent funding sources.

“If we don’t do a plan the Vermont way, the EPA will step in and be doing it the Washington D.C. way,” he said.

Giambatista, who was elected last month to his second term, said a handful of residents have come to him and fellow legislators asking for decisive action on water cleanup.

One of those constituents is Rob Evans. The Essex Jct. resident owns a camp on Lake Carmi, where the ill effect of water pollution has reared its head in recent years, most notably in 2016 when a blue algae bloom closed down the Franklin recreational spot for most of the summer.

As president of the Franklin Watershed Committee and vice president of the Lake Carmi Campers’ Association, Evans said his organizations have pushed “an all hands on deck type of methodology” spanning from residents and farmers to businesses and legislators.

Evans called Giambatista’s idea an “outstanding” chance to publicize clean water initiatives in a way that’s not punitive, and he likes how the initiative promotes a community approach instead of relying on one sector of the economy. Evans added that his organizations appreciate elected officials who are willing to take on the challenge and said his family will purchase the plates for all their vehicles if they become available.

Giambatista has shared the draft proposal with the two key agencies – transportation and natural resources – that would be in charge of implementing the law. He said he’s looking forward to a “full conversation” with them about his idea.

See CHAMP, page 8

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The Essex Reporter | Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018 | 3

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PHOTO BY AMANDA BROOKS

TOP: Katie Coolidge, a prospective Scout, tries out a knot-tying demonstration at Monday’s open house. She said she wants to join the new Scouts BSA troop because Girl Scouts was “too girly” for her. BELOW: Girls at the Scouts BSA open house could try out tying knots at the rope station, a past Eagle Scout project.

Boy Scouts of America to become Scouts BSA, will include girls Local troop forming for greater Chittenden County

By AMANDA BROOKS Next year, the Boy Scouts of America will rebrand itself as Scouts BSA, officially allowing girls to join its ranks. In response to the change, local scout leaders are forming a new Troop 3752 for girls from Chittenden County.

At the beginning of this year, BSA expanded its programs to allow girls into Cub Scout packs, which serve kids aged 7 to 10, according to the organization. Next February, girls aged 11 to 17 can create their own Scouts BSA troops.

While Troop 3752 is meant to mostly serve girls from Essex and Colchester, it will act as a “magnet troop” in the beginning to attract girls from all over the county as it grows, said Kevin Eschelbach, senior district executive for the Scouts’ Three Rivers District. Once the program gains more interest, local troops may split off, he said.

Eschelbach said BSA became more inclusive when families with sons and daughters asked if girls to join to make commuting to meetings easier.

“That way they’re not trying to bring the son to Cub Scouts and the daughter to Girl Scouts, which Murphy’s Law demands will be on the other side of town and one would See SCOUTS, page 16

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4 | The Essex Reporter | Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018

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PICKLEBALL

from page 1 Darby Mayville, the village’s economic development and community relations assistant, said the project is a response to the growing popularity of pickleball, especially among local seniors.

She called Cascade Park “the hub” of pickleball in the village, an assessment confirmed by trustee Elaine Sopchak, who said she knows of people who play at the Cascade Park courts for hours every day.

“It’s a big deal,” she said.

(Other trustees were a bit less knowledgeable about the sport, like president George Tyler, who admitted he had no idea what it was, prompting Mayville to suggest he “check it out on YouTube.”)

Indeed, it’s not rare to find a group of pickleballers at Cascade Park seven days a week, often including Joyce Stannard, a senior who’s played locally for the last eight years and reached out to Essex Jct. Recreation and Parks immediately after learning of the grant.

Stannard and her group started playing the sport at Pearl Street Park but eventually migrated to Cascade because of the three tennis courts there—the more courts the better, she explained, because pickleballers are “notoriously impatient.”

“They want to get back on the court as soon as possible,” she said on a phone call from Florida, a state that regularly hosts major pickleball tournaments.

At 20 feet wide and 44 feet long, pickleball courts

are smaller than their tennis counterparts and require less movement. With few dedicated courts around the state, most games are played on a tennis court with boundary lines for both sports. The new project here would create six courts dedicated to pickleball, however, a prospect Stannard called “fantastic.”

Stannard had a few ideas about why the sport has taken off over the last decade. She pointed to its low learning curve and the social nature of playing alongside teammates.

“You’re talking and you’re laughing,” she said. “And if the wind is blowing and it takes that Wiffle Ball away from you, you’re going to laugh even more.”

In addition to the courts and bathrooms, the project would provide new fencing, storage sheds and other miscellaneous park amenities. Trustees authorized staff last week to pursue the grant’s full funding. The EJRP capital budget would cover the remaining cost. Mayville said the village hopes to encourage some volunteer help from local pickleball players and Little League.

If the village misses out on the grant, some aspects of the project would still be completed: EJRP has already committed $23,000 from its capital budget to Cascade Park this year, according to Harlan Smith, the department’s grounds and facilities director.

Smith said the bathrooms

FILE PHOTO

Pickleball players rally at the annual tournament at Airport Park in Colchester. Enthusiasts in both that town and Essex are pushing for improvements to local pickleball courts to keep pace with the sport’s surging popularity. would take first priority, noting the park’s increased use is outpacing the single portable toilet that’s typically there each summer.

The village isn’t the only local municipality trying to keep up with pickleball’s surging popularity. A grassroots movement in Colchester this year among a group of enthusiasts succeeded in convincing the selectboard to expedite plans to convert tennis courts for pickleball at Airport Park, though the players have to fundraise most of the $140,000 cost. (The town of Colchester kicked in $15,000 from its recreation impact funds.)

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6 | The Essex Reporter | Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018

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TO THE RESCUE

Winter safety

By Tessa Roy Essex Rescue It’s early in the season, but we’ve already seen an impressive amount of snowfall as well as some icy conditions. In the last article we talked a bit about shoveling safely, especially when shoveling heavy, wet snow. Several fellow volunteers mentioned that I should talk about snow blower safety as well.

Snow blowers can be heavy and hard to push, as I mentioned briefly last month, but they also have some moving parts and gears that people should keep their hands away from.

If the auger on your snowblower gets impacted with snow, please turn your snow blower off before attempting to clear the auger. If you leave the snowblower running and you clear the blockage, the auger will resume motion with your hand still inside, and we

have seen these injuries before. When you do clear the auger try to use a tool instead of your hand, as the auger may be under pressure and move once the snow is cleared, potentially injuring any fingers or hands in its path.

Also keep an eye on the surface you’re clearing, whether it’s a driveway or a sidewalk, because it may be icy underneath the snow. Remember that when you walk on ice it’s best to move slowly, keep your knees slightly bent and keep your weight centered over whichever leg is in front of you.

Think of how a penguin walks, and you’ll be less likely to slip and fall.

If you do fall, try not to throw your hands out in front of you or behind you to catch yourself. This can be a hard instinct to fight, especially in the split second it takes to fall, but this is an easy way to break your wrist or arm.

We’d also urge you to keep an eye on

your neighbors, especially those who may be elderly or ill. Stop by every now and again to make sure they’re doing well or stop by before a big storm to make sure they’re stocked up with food. If you have the time and energy it’s always nice to help a neighbor clear their steps or walkway of snow.

I wrote quite a bit about heart attacks and the symptoms of a heart attack in the last article, and I realized I never mentioned the importance of learning CPR. If you have a free afternoon some weekend try and sign up for a CPR class. Hopefully you’ll never need to use the knowledge you’ll gain in the class, but it’s always comforting to know that you’ll be able to help someone in their moment of critical need.

Essex Rescue is running our annual subscription drive right now!

Our subscription plan is $50 a year

and if anyone in your household is transported by Essex Rescue, you won’t owe any money. We do still bill your insurance company, but if there is any part of our service that your insurance doesn’t cover, or if you have any copays or deductibles, those will be covered under the subscription plan. You can even subscribe if you don’t have health insurance. It is important to note though, this subscription only covers you for the cost of Essex Rescue transporting you. If you are transported by any of our mutual aid ambulances (Richmond, Colchester, St. Michael’s College, Milton, Williston, etc) those would not be covered by the subscription plan.

As always if you’re interested in joining Essex Rescue please contact Colleen Nesto at 847-4859 ext 4.

PERSPECTIVE

How to fight back against fake news

By EMERSON LYNN As the investigation of Russia’s interference in the 2016 election continues what we are learning is that there are a lot of bad actors and that false news spreads faster and carries further than news that is accurate.

Here is the studied observation from Sinan Aral of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology: “Falsehood diffused significantly farther, faster, deeper, and more broadly than the truth in all categories of information, and the effects were more pronounced for false political news than for false news about terrorism, natural disasters, science, urban legends, or financial information.”

The MIT report examined 126,000 stories tweeted by roughly three million people more than 4.5 million times.

That’s a sizable data base. What the report found was that stories that were not true were 70 percent more likely to be pushed forward than were stores that were true.

The researchers had no idea as to why people would push something that was not true over something that was, except that people have a tendency to push something that’s “novel” something that is on sensationalism’s western slope. It appeals, evidently, to

our more salacious side.

The Russians know this. So do the Chinese. So do special interest groups within our own country. They all know that we’re not motivated to do the hard work of verifying the accuracy of “news” pushed their way by others.

The Chinese government is handling this by making sure no one else is in the social media or informational space. They have cameras on every corner. They monitor every call, every post. Any false news would be rooted out before it took hold. Such is the authoritarian’s way.

The Russian’s aren’t much further behind. Or North Korea. Or Iran, etc.

Technology has become the weapon of the world’s strongmen. All of its obvious advantages aside, it has marginalized the importance of democracy.

So how does a nation like ours combat such rampant levels of disinformation?

Here’s what doesn’t work: Any sort of organized campaign against technology itself. We can’t pretend that the technology doesn’t exist. We can’t ask people to switch to flip phones. We can’t divorce ourselves from the technology that allows us to share information.

What we can do is to hold the technology companies involved to a higher

standard, and ultimately, depending on the damage done, or the threats faced, regulate them to the point of being responsible.

We need the same sort of behaviors from the social media giants that, for example, exist with newspapers.

Newspapers can be sued for defamation- tech giants cannot. Newspapers have editors; more or less the sieve that separates the chaff from the grain.

Tech giants do not, particularly at the granular level required.

That lack of regulation, or editorial oversight began because the tech businesses were organized around the need to scale their operations. Regulation is an impediment. There was also great appeal in having something be completely open to all users, no restrictions.

But the lack of restrictions, and the unrelenting goal of size and profitability has given us what we have, which is a tiny handful of companies that control a huge percentage of the audience and what they read, see and hear.

How’s that working?

Marvelously, if the goal is an easy way to share pictures of your children with the rest of the family. Miserably, if the goal is to tell people the truth about what is happening about them.

What needs to be required of the social media giants is a means by which their users are identified as reputable or not. That can be done with the algorithms that exist. The companies can easily identify the information that is disputable; what they need to do is to identify those who have a tendency to share the information with others.

An idea being pushed is identifying those who share information by an easily recognized code. You get the number one if you don’t share disputed information. You get the number two if you do so occasionally. And you get a three if you push all disputed information to all your friends all the time.

Instead of numbers it could be colors.

Or a good emoji, a sorta good emoji, or something that looks like the Tasmanian devil.

Pick your poison. But when we know that it’s more appealing to spread disinformation than information that’s true, then it behooves us to do what’s necessary to restore truth’s primacy.

That outweighs, one would hope, a marketplace that places a value on profitability alone.

Emerson Lynn is co-publisher of The Essex Reporter.

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The Essex Reporter | Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018 | 7

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Thrift shop gives back

Heavenly Cents Thrift Shop, 37 Main St., Essex Jct., is pleased to be giving back to the community with donations to the following local organizations: Essex Senior Center, Essex Community Justice Center, Katie Currier tScholarship Fund, Steps to End Domestic

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Doing business at Heavenly Cents, whether making donations or purchasing goods, strengthens our connections with each other and is good for your wallet, the environment and our community.

Heavenly Cents Thrift Shop accepts

new and gently used clothing, jewelry, table linens, bedding and household items.

Clothing and linens should be clean and free of stains and tears and household items should be safe, in good working condition, and contain all pieces and parts.

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REPORTER 281 North Main St. St. Albans, Vt. 05468 EDITORIAL: 893-2028 ADVERTISING: 524-9771 news@essexreporter.com www.essexreporter.com facebook.com/essexreporter twitter: @essexreporter

THE WOODS

Northern red oak: A profile

By ETHAN TAPPER On my property in Bolton, I am engaged in a long-term management regime to regenerate and encourage northern red oak (Quercus rubra; henceforth called “red oak”). My thin-soiled, south-facing land provides what a forester or logger might call “oak ground,” an area wellsuited to the growth of this species. About 20 years ago, loggers removed most of the red oaks on my land, leaving only massive stumps and tops, so now I’m forced to consider how to manage my remaining red oaks and regenerate more. I’ve become so red oak-obsessed that I often refer to them wistfully as “the ultimate tree.”

Northern red oak behaves differently throughout its range, so let’s talk about it within the context of Vermont.

Here, red oak is our most common oak species; white oak (Quercus alba) is scattered throughout river valleys and warm sites, bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa) and swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor) are found in clayplain forests, and there are a couple of other oddball oaks around, but these species are comparatively uncommon; generally, when people in Vermont talk about oak, they mean red oak. Red oak is somewhat common in warmer portions of the state (southern and western Vermont) and increasingly uncommon as you head into the Northeast Kingdom.

Here, red oak is generally most competitive on south-facing slopes and sites with thin or droughty soil. Driving on I-89 along the Winooski River in the late fall, once the leaves of most species

of trees have dropped, the rusty foliage of red oaks blankets south-facing slopes.

These warm, dry sites often feature red oak as a dominant tree species along with American beech, red maple and eastern hemlock. Red oak can also thrive on lower slopes in the Champlain Valley, co-existing with species like sugar maple and white ash, but is generally less competitive as soils become wetter, cooler and more enriched.

Red oak acorns are an important source of food for deer, black bear, squirrels, turkeys and other wildlife species.

These energy-packed nuts help animals build up their reserves going into winter, and good “acorn years” (also called “mast years”) are linked to population increases in many different wildlife species. Red oak is also a valuable resource for humans, providing high-quality firewood and beautiful lumber.

Regenerating red oak is extremely challenging. The easiest method is to harness red oak’s ability to sprout prolifically from freshly cut stumps; many of our red oaks were established this way, and so are actually much older than they seem.

Regenerating from seed is more difficult, as acorns are subject to intense predation.

Red oak acorns take two years to develop, and only about 50 percent of them reach the forest floor as viable nuts. Once they fall, up to 98 percent of them are eaten or destroyed. Oak trees limit the populations of acorn predators by coordinating “mast years” across regions, producing a glut of seed every 2-3 years with few produced in the interim. In the heavy mast year of

2017 I buried thousands of acorns on my land, covering those lying on the ground with an 1-2 inches of soil. “Planting” acorns in this way can lower predation rates to about 50 percent.

For the lucky ones that sprout, energy-packed acorns enable young oaks to establish deep taproots. Red oak seedings are extremely shade-tolerant, able to remain in the forest’s understory with little to no direct sunlight for as long as 20 years, waiting for an opening in the canopy. During that time, they are vulnerable to deer browsing (they are one of deer’s favorites), and to being outcompeted by beech root-sprouts and invasive exotic plants. Their taproot helps them re-sprout if they are browsed, damaged or burned, but if they are repeatedly damaged they will eventually die.

Foresters and landowners, like me, who want to grow red oak must be patient and persistent. Taking a long view, working hard to recruit new red oak seedlings at every turn and timing forest management to occur on mast years is key. Steps must also be taken to protect vulnerable seedlings, limit deer browse, control invasive species and possibly control beech sprouts.

While red oak is at times challenging to manage, I still think of it as “the ultimate tree.” Its value for wildlife, its role in unique natural communities and its beautiful wood make it worth the trouble.

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

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8 | The Essex Reporter | Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018

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PLATES

To engage, inspire and empower our youth!

from page 1 Discussing the bill, Giambatista jokes that while some think lake monsters are scary, what’s more frightening is the $2.5 billion in tourism revenue jeopardized by letting water pollution worsen (He admits it’s not the catchiest tagline.)

But his goal is to use the plates, which he sees as an important part of one’s civic identity, to kickstart the funding conversation in a lighthearted way. “It’s hard to have those types of discussions in the political arena,” he said.

Plus, how many people get to say they’ve made a license plate? “The great thing about being a citizen legislature is you never know what you’ll work on next,” he said.

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By DAVID VOEGELE This week I had the pleasure of interviewing Marcino Ambris, a 13 year-old Essex student in the 8th grade at the Albert D. Lawton School. He is a thoughtful young man, who is very enthused about his school and community.

His friends call him Cino.

When I asked him about school, Cino had this to say. “I really enjoy being in their little school community. Everyone is so kind and I always feel positive…Some of my favorite classes are Science, Math, Humanities, and Language Arts…Some of my favorite school activities are Art, Music, Chorus, and Needle Felting…I really like doing select chorus. I also like doing the school musical when the time rolls around.”

Regarding community activities he said, “One of my favorite things to do after school is go to Teen Center. When I go there, I always feel like I’m at my second home. Everyone there is so generous and so positive and it just feels like I don’t have a care in the world… I also love what Eliza (Kuchuk), does for all of us teens…

She’s such a bright soul and honestly when I talk to her, there’s never a dull moment.”

I asked Cino if there are ways the community could better support youth. He responded, “I feel like the Essex Community cares a lot about the youth…Honestly, there is always room for improvement. However, I think we’re doing just fine the way it is.”

Marcino is already thinking about the

future, for himself and others. In terms of a career, he said, “I really want to focus on music and maybe clothing design. These are two things that have always caught my eye”. In regards to the role of youth he commented, “I believe that the youth can help people in lots of ways. We are the new generation…We have the power to make things that humanity has never even thought of doing. All we need to do is put our minds to it and get working, because we’re the new era. We can do anything!”

It is very cool when youth inspire adults.

Marcino’s comments were certainly inspiring to me. I was curious if he impresses others in the way he has impressed me. I asked Eliza Kuchuk (CHIPS Director of Youth Engagement) for her thoughts. “Cino is everyone’s best friend…He appreciates others’ differences, and unconditionally accepts others as they present themselves…Cino is a kind and strong leader…

I believe he will continue to make a positive difference in other people’s lives just by being himself.”

The events of the past year in particular have demonstrated time after time the powerful impact that the youth voice can wield. We saw this in the Parkland students, in the March for Our Lives participants and speakers across the nation, and in youth voices right here in the Essex community. Marcino Ambris’s voice is one that I anticipate we will hear more of in the years ahead.

News tip? Email us at news@essexreporter.com

The Essex Reporter | Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018 | 9

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BUYOUTS

MARKET

from page 1 the buyouts if those two numbers – age and experience – totaled 85. Municipal manager Evan Teich said that represents a high threshold met by only a handful of senior employees.

The two buyouts will cost the town a onetime payment of $133,000, according to a memo from assistant finance director Sarah Macy.

Half of that total comes from the retirement incentive, while the rest is accumulated leave time. The town has assigned about $50,000 of fund balance toward the buyouts and staff hope to cover the remainder with EPD’s FY18 budget surplus, which sits at about $180,000 due to positional vacancies, Macy wrote.

The savings from the buyouts, meanwhile, will be around $76,000, enough to cover much of the $100,000 or so needed to fund a new position (salary and benefits).

Teich said the buyouts are a response to voters’ Town Meeting Day decision to add about $45,000 into the general fund budget and move up the start date for a new police officer. The manager said he’s heard residents complain about not seeing officers on patrol, a sentiment he said translates into, “‘We’d like to see more police officers.’”

In February, EPD Chief Rick Garey described a “critical” staffing shortage that undermines proactive policing and negatively impacts morale. At the time, he said he was 18 positions short of the ideal staffing based on Essex’s population and size: EPD officers per capita were 1.2 compared to an average of two for similarly-sized Vermont towns, including

from page 1 Burlington (2.2), Rutland (2.1), South Burlington (2.1) and Colchester (1.5), according to 2016 data provided to the FBI. “We’ve tightened our belts as much as we can,” he said at the time.

“Our police union was fantastic to work with, and they were very supportive,” Teich said. He added the two sides agreed the buyouts were not a standing offer nor were they precedent-setting; if officials decide buyouts are in the town’s best interest, they can offer another round, Teich said.

At 63, Miglinas said he’s pondered his swan song on and off for a while and felt the buyout a good offer that will help him “bridge the gap” into retirement. He leaves with 41 years in law enforcement experience, including the last 35 with EPD, much of which has been spent working with the school system.

“It’s been a great place to work,” Miglinas said. “What I’m going to miss the most are the people.”

Piro could not be reached for comment before The Reporter’s deadline.

Garey said the buyouts are the department’s latest attempt to pinch pennies while still bringing staff levels closer to where he needs them. Like any business with turnover at the senior levels, Garey is concerned about brain drain, or a loss of institutional knowledge, but Piro working part time will help train new recruits.

“We see this as a huge win-win,” Garey said.

drum up new leadership for the board of directors after several vacancies went unfilled. New volunteers joined and helped usher in several changes unveiled this past summer, including a new day and location.

But the market’s biggest obstacles remained: More restaurants and other places to spend money in the village center, and a growing availability of local food through CSAs or in grocery stores, presented fierce competition for the three-hour weekly event.

“If we don’t have the people coming because they’re off doing other things – because there’s other places to spend money – it’s really difficult to keep it going,” she said.

“It’s sad,” she added, “but at the same time, I think we can all hold our heads high, and it was a success and we really helped the community.” Miller-Johnson struck a similar tone when reflecting on her run with the market,

which she joined in 2016 after attending as a customer in prior years.

“When the market brought people into the downtown corridor, people came, they ate, they visited. We created community,” MillerJohnson said. “Those are the things that people really loved about the market.”

She saw the job as an opportunity to contribute to her town, especially through the lens of economic development, and said she’s disappointed she couldn’t help it thrive. Miller-Johnson said while she still believes people here want to gather socially, they seem bored with the farmers’ market.

“But I’m not upset at all,” she said. “I feel really confident that my board and the market and my management, we did everything we could to make it success, so there’s no regrets.

“The community is ripe for something new, exciting and vibrant,” she added.

“Let’s see what happens.”

10 | The Essex Reporter | Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018

LOCA L

Dear Santa “I hope you like my cookies and milk. I hope you like my Christmas tree.” - Eva “Please let me pass my finals for Christmas. I need a good chemistry grade. Merry Christmas! Thank you, Santa.”

- Lily “For Christmas I would like a Patriots jersey of Edelman and a necklace with a cross on it. Also a PlayStation gift card and Luke or Bud bud to move into our basement. I hope your rosy cheeks don’t get any more red because they’re red as a tomato (seriously).” - Brody Coppins “This year for X-mas I would like … some fuzzy socks, a pet rat that comes with a little rat.” - Lizzie M. “I am a good boy. Please

Each year, The Reporter collects letters at the village train hop and sends them along to a friend who lives at 1 North Pole for safe keeping. But first, we make sure to write down every wish for the record. Here’s what Essex kids (and a few adults) are asking for Christmas this year (First names are included for all we could read.)

give me Airstrike the Skylander.” - Titus

And that’s all the things I want for Christmas.” - Elijah

“Puppy. And I was nice.” Scarlett

“I have been good and I’m hoping for good things like world peace and kindness. Wishlist: Robot books, action figure, Mario Kart, remote control motorcycle. Merry Xmas. I hope you enjoy winter, Santa.”

“I would like a mining Lego set. I love you.” - Michael “For Christmas we will be at our new house. We moved so we will be in Vermont, in Essex Jct. Can I please have a baby doll, Chromebook, and mog moges? What do you want for a drink? What kinds of cookies do you like? Do Rudolph and the other reindeer like carrots? Do you want fruits or vegetables or cookies?

I was good, so were Mom, Dad, Iris and Axel and April. P.S. Thanks.” - Oona “Please bring Lego Batman, car-Lighting McQueen, book, puppy toy for my puppy.

“I want a new Ipad for Christmas, a MacBook Air and a new Ipod.” - Ariana “I would like L.O.L. Surprise. How many cookies would you like?” - Jazmine “How are you, Santa? How are your reindeer? Do you like my Christmas tree, yes or no?

Can you say, ‘ho ho ho,’ for me?

Have a good trip on Christmas Eve.” - Vivienne “I have been good this

year. I like Christmas and your elves. Thank you for giving presents.” - Chelsea “I really want a bubble toy.

And I want a balloon for the cat.”

“I have tried hard to be good this year. For Christmas I want a remote control dinosaur and a Greedy Grandma Game. Merry Christmas. I also want a book on how to golf, a Rubix Cube, I also want you to know had fun seeing you at Ace Hardware.” - Grayden “I have been good I would like V bucks =) and I would like world peace. For now.” Christian “Car. Dimo. Book. Hat. Bug. Elf. Motorcycle.” - Cam “I want 5 L.O.L. dolls and

a bug and 10 stuffed cats. Love, Alivia” “I want a dog and slime stuff and art aka drawing stuff ” - Lily

“Thank you for keeping the magic of Christmas alive.

This year, I ask for love and kindness throughout humanity. I’ll do my best to contribute on my end” - Ashley Michelle “This Christmas I want happiness, peace, joy and love for my daughter and I and our friends and family. I wouldn’t mind my future husband and additional children, too.” Sara “I want Call of Duty 4 and the custom scout trooper and a hockey puck and a hockey stick” - Eric

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Your Local Family Jeweler

Merry Christmas, Santa. Ho ho ho!” - Kiley

“I love Santa!!!” - Alessandra “Santa, please hook my grandchildren up with anything they really need in life and keep them safe. Also keep my sons safe. “- Tammy “I don’t have a lot of thing I want but something I want is a sewing kit” - Annabel “Minecraft toys” - Memphis “Hello Kitty” - Lucy “I have been good this year! You are the best guy ever! (Picture of eye, heart and u). I want for Christmas … poopsie paton slime bag, poopsie paton slime unicorn, lol big surprise, surprise presents! :)

“I have been very good this year. I would like a computer, ipod, xbox games and that’s it. Sincerely, Gregory. P.S. I would also like 1,000,000,000,000,000,000 v bucks.” - Gregory “For Christmas I would like LOL stuff, or an American girl doll. I think I’ve been good this year.” - Kathleen “I want the second book of Pheobe and her unicorn.

But if you can’t give me that I would like a big pink stuffy.

By the way, I’ve been really good in school and I have been really nice.” - Kaia “I am a good boy. Please give me RonBon the skylander.

Thanks” - Asa “I have been very good I’m not very good in school but otherwise I haven’t been hurting Kaia much and I’ve been very good to mom and dad.

What I want for Christmas is either a rubix cube, tumble stix or a 2x2 rubix cube” Elias Moore “For Christmas I would like a hoverboard for my mom to let me play Fornite more a Josh Gordon jersey a Phillip Dorset Jersey either one would be nice how have you been I hope good I will make the best cookies for you at least I hope and for my mom not to be late every where it is so annoying.

Lol” - Luke

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12 | The Essex Reporter | Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018

Essex Area Religious Directory CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH - 61 Main St., Essex Jct., 878-8341.

James Gangwer, pastor. Sunday School: 10 a.m., Worship Service: 11 a.m., Sunday evening worship: 6 p.m., Wednesday evening youth groups, Adult Bible study and prayer: 7 p.m.; Fundamental-Independent.

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

COVENANT COMMUNITY CHURCH - 1 Whitcomb Meadows Lane, Essex Jct. 879-4313. Rev. Jeannette Conver, pastor. Adult bible class: 9 a.m., Sunday service: 10 a.m. with fellowship following. Infant through pre-K childcare provided, cccpastorjeannette@gmail.com; Facebook page: bit.ly/2rDz4NE DAYBREAk COMMUNITY CHURCH - 67 Creek Farm Plaza, Colchester. 338-9118. Jesse Mark, lead pastor. Sunday service: 10:30 a.m., www.daybreakvermont.org; brentdaybreak@gmail.com ESSEX ALLIANCE CHURCH - 37 Old Stage Road, Essex Jct. 8788213. Sunday services: 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. & 11:30 a.m., www.essexalliance.org.

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

FIRST CONgREgATIONAL CHURCH OF ESSEX JUNCTION - UCC, an Open and Affirming Congregation, embracing diversity and affirming the dignity and worth of every person, because we are all created by a loving God. 1 Church Street, Essex Junction, VT 05452. Telephone (802) 878-5745; Website: www.fccej.org Email: welcome@fccej.org Senior Pastor, Rev. Mark Mendes, Assoc. Pastor, Rev. Josh Simon. Sunday Worship Services: 8:30 and 10:15 am. Communion: first Sunday of every month. Faith Formation meets weekly at 10:15 am. Jr. & High School Youth Groups on Sundays. Heavenly Food Pantry – second Monday, 5:30-7:30pm; fourth Thursday, 2-6pm, except for Nov & Dec when it is the third Thursday. Essex Eats Out Community Dinner – 1st Friday of the month, 5:30 – 7pm. Music includes Sanctuary Choir, Finally @ First Band, Joyful Noise, Cherub Music, Handbell Choir, Men’s Acapella and Ladies’ Acapella groups. gRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH - 130 Maple Street, Essex Jct., 1 mile south of the Five Corners on Maple Street / Route 117. 8788071. Worship Sundays: 9:30 a.m., with concurrent church school pre-K to grade 6. Handicapped-accessible facility. Adult choir, praise band, women’s fellowship, missionally active. Korean U.M.C. worship Sundays: 12 p.m., come explore what God might be offering you!

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

MT. MANSFIELD UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOwSHIP - 195 Vermont Route 15, Jericho, the red barn across from Packard Road.

899-2558. Services are held 9:30 a.m. on the second and fourth Sunday of each month from September through June. Visit www.mmuuf.org.

ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH - 4 St. James Place, Essex Jct., off Rt. 2A at the Fairgrounds Gate F. 878-4014. Rev. Kim Hardy. Holy Eucharist, Sundays: 10 a.m. Visit www.stjamesvt.org; office@stjamesvt. com.

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

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

DEC 20 20 Thursday Food shelF

9 - 11 a.m. Thursdays and Saturdays, 6 - 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Aunt Dot’s Place, 51 Center Rd. Essex Jct. Serving the communities of Essex, Westford, Jericho and Underhill. Visit auntdotsplace.com for more information.

Preschool PlaygrouP

9:30 - 11 a.m., Maple Street Recreation Center, 75 Maple St., Essex Jct. Join other caregivers and children for play time.

We ask that you bring a drink and indoor shoes.

seaTed yoga

10 - 10:30 a.m., Essex Area Senior Center.

Want to try a new form of exercise? How about trying Seated Yoga? Led by dedicated member and volunteer, Sandi McGowan, this exercise class is open to all seniors. Seated yoga is a gentle form of exercise, designed to increase flexibility and balance and help reduce stress.

Class is free for EASC members, $2/session for non-members. Please call 867-5087 to register.

cheer Packages

10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Essex Area Senior Center. Please sign-up to assemble and/or deliver holiday cheer packages.

Call 876-5087 to volunteer.

Teen cenTer

2:30 - 5:45 p.m., Essex CHIPS, 2 Lincoln St., Essex Jct. Open to students attending ADL and EMS. Free; open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

kniTTing club

3:30 - 4:30 p.m., Brownell Library. Come learn to knit. For all skill levels ages 7 and up.

eMs band concerT

7 - 8 p.m., Essex High School, 2 Educational Dr., Essex Jct. Come enjoy the Essex Middle School band play holiday classics.

Modern WesTern sTyle square dance

7:30 - 9 p.m., Maple Street Park. Email Wayne

Community

or Susan Pierce at sewpie@aol.com.

21 Friday baby TiMe

9:30 - 10 a.m., Brownell Library. Meet other families, read a board book, learn some sign language and play.

Mah Jongg

10 a.m. - noon, Essex Area Senior Ctr. Members play for free. Nonmembers pay $1/visit.

Preschool yoga 10 a.m. - noon, Brownell Library. Best for children 2 to 5 years old. No registration required.

Musical sTory TiMe

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

kniTTing and crocheTing

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

sTeaM Fridays

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

VFW Wing nighT

5:30 - 7 p.m., VFW Post 6689, 73 Pearl St., Essex Jct. Open to the public.

essex eaTs ouT

5:30 - 7 p.m., St. James Episcopal Church, St. James Pl., Essex Jct. Free community dinners for all!

If you need a ride, please email essexeatsout@ gmail.com.

FaMily MoVie: “Percy Jackson and The sea oF MonsTers”

6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Brownell Library. In order to restore their dying safe haven, the son of Poseidon and his friends embark on a quest to the Sea of Monsters, to find the mythical Golden Fleece, all the while trying to stop an ancient evil from rising. Rated PG, 20th Century Fox. Free popcorn & drinks!

22 saTurday Weekend sTory TiMe

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

oPen Music JaM session WiTh The nerbak bros.

7 - 10 p.m., Land Farm Garden Barn, Essex Jct. Come enjoy local music, Mediterranean food and a cash bar. $5 donation for entry.

23 sunday hog breakFasT

9 - 10 a.m., JP’s Diner and Deli, 39 River Rd., Essex Jct. Join the local Champlain Valley Harley Owner Group for a hot breakfast at the best breakfast places around.

Visit greenmountainharley.com for details.

24 Monday Village and ToWn oFFices, essex area senior cenTer, broWnell and essex Free libraries closed For chrisTMas eVe. The essex WesTFord school disTricT Will noT haVe classes Through Tuesday, Jan. 1 For holiday break

25 Tuesday Village and ToWn oFFices, essex area senior cenTer, broWnell and essex Free libraries closed For chrisTMas.

26 Wednesday Tech TiMe

10 - 11 a.m., Essex Free Library. Drop in with your device and your questions!

Preschool sTory TiMe

10 - 10:45 a.m., Brownell Library.

blood driVe

11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Holy Family Church, 4 Prospect St., Essex Jct. The need for blood is constant and only volunteer donors can fulfill that need for patients in our community.

Nationwide, someone needs a unit of blood every 2 to 3 seconds and most of us will need blood in our lifetime.

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

duPlicaTe bridge 1 - 3 p.m., Essex Area Senior Center.

Duplicate Bridge is a variation of contract bridge where the same bridge deal is played at each table. Led by dedicated member Dick Ross. Members play for free, non-members are $1/session. New players welcomed.

larP

3 - 5 p.m., Brownell Library. Live Action Role Play is open to all middle and high school students.

27 Thursday broWnell library closed For in-serVice FroM 9 a.M. - 1 P.M. Preschool PlaygrouP

9:30 - 11 a.m., Maple Street Recreation Center, 75 Maple St., Essex Jct.

seaTed yoga

10 - 10:30 a.m., Essex Area Senior Center.

heaVenly PanTry

2 - 6 p.m., First Congregational Church, 39 Main St., Essex Jct. The Food Pantry is open to residents of Essex Junction, Essex Town and Westford.

Clients will need an ID for each member of the household and a utility bill. Clients may only visit the Pantry once in each calendar month.

WinTer sTories WiTh linda cosTello

3:30 - 4:30 p.m., Brownell Library. Come hear a collection of winter folk tales from story teller Linda Costello!

Modern WesTern sTyle square dance

Send event listings to calendar@essexreporter.com

yCalendar 7:30 - 9 p.m., Maple Street Park. “If you can walk to music you can learn to square dance.”

Email Wayne or Susan Pierce at sewpie@aol. com.

28 FriDAY MuSic WiTh rAPh

9:30 - 10 a.m., Brownell Library. Come sing, dance and play with Raph. All ages.

PreSchooL oPen gYM

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

30 SunDAY

MuSicAL STorY TiMe

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

KniTTing AnD crocheTing

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

coLLAge ArT

3 - 4:30 p.m., Brownell Library. Create with us: cut our magazine pictures and make a collage.

eSSex eATS ouT

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

DungeonS & DrAgonS

6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Brownell Library. Embark upon imaginary adventures.

Dungeon Master serves as this role playing game’s referee and storyteller.

For grades 6 and up.

29 SATurDAY WeeKenD STorY TiMe

your weekend with books, rhymes and songs!

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

hog BreAKFAST

9 - 10 a.m., JP’s Diner and Deli, 39 River Rd., Essex Jct. Join the local Champlain Valley Harley Owner Group for a hot breakfast at the best breakfast places around.

Visit greenmountainharley.com for details.

VFW FooTBALL riVALrY AnD chiLi cooKoFF

DEC 30 LocAL MeeTingS

The Essex Reporter | Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018 | 13

eSSex, eSSex JcT. & Jericho reLigiouS chriSTMAS ScheDuLe

ThurSDAY, DeceMBer 20 6 p.m., Village Planning commission, Lincoln Hall, 2 Lincoln St., Essex Jct.

FriDAY, DeceMBer 28 6 p.m., Town Selectboard - Budget Work Session, Town offices, 81 Main St., Essex Jct.

The PArK

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

PuBLic SKATing

Essex Skating Facility,

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

Admission is $3 for students, $4 for adults, and no registration is necessary. Skate rentals are available. Call 857-7300 for more information.

1 - 6 p.m., VFW Post 6689, 73 Pearl St., Essex Jct. Open to the public.

BALKAn Line DAncing

3:30 - 6:30 p.m., Ohavi Zedek Synagogue, 188 N. Prospect St., Burlington. Easier line and circle dances are taught the first hour, then intermediate dances, reviews and open request dancing. Beginners are welcome and no partner is needed. $6 donation and snacks for the break, if you can. Free the first time. Wear informal, comfortable clothing.

Lots of parking, come in the back door. For more information, please call 802 540-1020, or email dance@together.net

ongoing eVenTS WinTer LighTS in

SunDAY, Dec. 23 Please note that this schedule does not reflect regular Sunday worship service.

8:30 and 10:30 a.m., The Wonder of christmas, Christ Memorial Church, 1033 Essex Rd., Williston.

11 a.m., “Song of the Angels” christmas cantata, Calvary Baptist Church, 61 Main St., Essex Jct. (no Sunday school classes) 4 p.m., carol Sing Service, First Congregational Church, 1 Church St., Essex Jct. MonDAY, Dec. 24 Noon, 1:30, 3, 4:30 and 6 p.m., christmas eve Services, Essex Alliance Service, 37 Old Stage Rd., Essex Jct. 4:30 p.m., children’s Mass & choir with Pageant, St. Pius X, 20 Jericho Rd., Essex Jct. 4:30 and 8 p.m., christmas eve Service, Essex Center United Methodist Church, 119 Center Rd., Essex Jct. 5 and 8 p.m., Festive eucharist, St. James Episcopal Church, 4 St. James Pl., Essex Jct. 5 p.m., Family Service, First Congregational Church, 1 Church St., Essex Jct. 6 p.m., Lessons and carols, Christ Memorial Church, 1033 Essex Rd., Williston.

6 p.m., christmas Vigil Mass, St. Lawrence Church, 158 West St., Essex Jct. 6 p.m., Joint christmas eve candlelight service with the Korean church and with music, Grace United Methodist Church; 130 Maple St., Essex Jct. 6:30 p.m., candlelight christmas eve Service, Calvary Baptist Church, 61 Main St., Essex Jct. 7 p.m., christmas Vigil Mass, St. Pius X, 20 Jericho Rd., Essex Jct. 7 p.m., christmas eve candlelight Service, Covenant Community Church, 1 Whitcomb Meadows Ln., Essex Jct. 9 p.m., christmas Vigil Mass, Holy Family Church, 36 Lincoln St., Essex Jct. 9 p.m., Lessons and carols, First Congregational Church, 1 Church St., Essex Jct. 11 p.m., carols and communion, First Congregational Church, 1 Church St., Essex Jct. TueSDAY, Dec. 25 9:30 a.m., christmas Day Mass, St. Pius X, 20 Jericho Rd., Essex Jct.

Calendar deadline every Friday at 5 p.m.

9:30 a.m., christmas Day Mass, Holy Family Church, 36 Lincoln St., 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.

Visit EssexReporter.com for a more complete list of services in the area.

14 | The Essex Reporter | Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018

Center for Technology

Understanding Opioid Addiction Workshop at SkillTech: In response to the impact of the opiate crisis on families and communities across Vermont, SkillTech at the Center for Technology, Essex seeks to offer a proactive course on the topic that supports and empowers people to make a difference.

The course is called: Understanding Opiate Addiction. Collaborating with the Vermont Department of Health, which has a great deal of knowledge concerning the opiate crisis, we jointly developed this course.

By the end of this workshop series, you will have: 1. Recognized how the opioid crisis evolved; what it looks like now, and its effect on you and your community 2. Illustrated and analyzed the stages of use and addiction 3. Identified key signs and symptoms of opioid use and what to look for 4. Observed how opioid addiction affects individuals and families 5. Generated examples of what we can do, both as a community and as individuals, to help address the issue of opioid addiction 6. Assessed the next steps beyond this series This three-class workshop series is recommended for anyone who wants to learn more about the opiate crisis and how to make a difference in their community – parents, grandparents,

SCHOOL

educators, healthcare professionals, social workers, people in recovery and anyone who has felt sad, scared, or frustrated by the use of opiates in our communities. The series is participatory in nature - in addition to learning new information, you will be invited to share your ideas and experiences and listen to those of your classmates.

The workshop meets on three Wednesdays (January 16, 23, and 30) from 6-8:15 p.m. (light dinner at 5:30 p.m.).

Visit www.skilltech.org to learn more or register. Limited seating.

Essex High School

Essex High School Winter Break: Essex High School will be on break from December 24 through January 1.

Classes will resume after the New Year on Wednesday, January 2. It will be an A day.

Winter Concert: EHS will host a Winter Concert on Wednesday, December 19 at 7 p.m. in the EHS Auditorium.

The concert is free and open to the public. The concert will include: Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, Kaleidoscope, Pitch Pipes, Essex Jazz Orchestra, Symphonic Band, and the Wind Ensemble.

Fatima Khan Takes First Place at Speech & Debate Meet: Congratulations to Fatima Khan for taking first place in the Original Oratory category at the South Burlington High School Speech Meet on Saturday, December 8.

It’s not too late to join the Essex Chips & EHS Speech and Debate Club - there are three meets remaining.

Free Tutor and Study Sessions for Exam Week: Peer tutor and study sessions will be available for EHS students on Tuesdays after school and Thursdays during flex block in the back of the library. Tutoring is available in: math, science, languages, and social science. For Tuesdays in the library, no sign up is needed, just go to the library. For Thursdays, flex sign up is needed for Mr. Ferris. Tutoring brought to you by Destina Suren, Lily Davis, Ella Lesney, Alessandra Michaelides, and Grace Hsiang.

EHS Yearbook for Sale: Buy an EHS yearbook before January 1 to receive $10 off (the original price is $65).

This is less than a month away, so buy one now. Did you know the yearbook staff manages the Essex High School Instagram? Follow ehs_vt for school happenings and turn on post notifications to participate in our pop-up scavenger hunts with real prizes. Email the yearbook club at yearbook@ewsd.org with questions and photo submissions.

EHS World Cultures Class Visits VT International Festival: Ms. Edward’s World Cultures class took a trip to the Vermont International Festival.

They walked to the Miller Center in the snow and had a fantastic time eating food, listening to music, and talking with vendors.

EHS Band Gear is For Sale: The

band program is selling band gear through the Graphic Edge online now through December 26. You can show support of our awesome band students by wearing this gear around school, to concerts, or to pep band events. All orders will be delivered to the school.

Order online here: https://essexband2018.itemorder.com/sale

EWSD

Community Comes Together to Discuss Equity and Belonging: Voices for Education held a community forum on equity and belonging on December 1 at Essex Middle School. With nearly 80 participants in attendance, the group shared different experiences and perspectives about the community that they live in.

The event featured a series of group discussions that helped promote an understanding regarding the numerous unique viewpoints throughout the community. These conversations were also informed by a brief presentation about changing demographics and other local trends both locally and at the state level.

VFE will now theme the perspectives that were received with the goal of developing plans for a better, more welcoming community in the future.

Please be on the lookout for an upcoming community celebration in January to share what was heard and possible next steps.

Come Home for Christmas

To our 37 Old Stage Road campus in Essex: Monday, December 24 at 12:00pm | 1:30pm | 3:00pm | 4:30pm | 6:00pm *We will NOT have any services at this campus on Sunday, December 23.

Please join us the following Sunday, December 30 at our regular times of 8:00am, 9:30am, and 11:00am*

Additional services at North Avenue Alliance in Burlington: Sunday, December 23 at 10:30am & Monday, December 24 at 6:00pm

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The Essex Reporter | Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018 | 15

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16 | The Essex Reporter | Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018

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PHOTOS BY AMANDA BROOKS

ABOVE: Volunteers set up a mock campsite with tents, sleeping bags, a fire pit and all the gear necessary for a successful campout for girls to check out at the Scouts BSA open house Monday night. RIGHT: Current Cub Scouts lead their first flag ceremony at the open house. The girls will become Scouts next year and will be Troop 3752’s first members.

SCOUTS from page 1 be late every single week,” he said.

Many families seemed to agree with Eschelbach’s explanation, saying their daughters saw the activities their sons were doing and wanted in.

Suzanne Blanchard, the troop’s Scoutmaster, said her daughter Sarah has participated in Scout activities for years because of her older brother. This year, she could finally earn merit badges and officially be called a Scout.

“All these girls that are part of scouting families have been doing this for years; they just couldn’t get the advancement,” she said.

Once girls can join BSA, they’ll earn Scout merit badges and progress through the program to the highest attainable rank of Eagle Scout.

They’ll do all this apart from boy Scouts, however, as the BSA concluded the genders should essentially remain separate but equal.

Eschelbach said the decision stemmed from research with educators and developmental psychologists who said there are benefits to keeping the genders separate as they mature at much different rates.

“When we examined the co-ed scouting programs in Europe and Canada, when you get to the upper grades of high school, the girls are in charge and all the boys are gone,” he explained. “Naturally, we wish to serve boys as much as we can in addition to girls, so having them all quit is contrary to that mission.”

By keeping girls and boys separate, each can have more of an opportunity for leadership positions in their respective troops.

“All the youth leadership positions would be equally accessible to both boys and girls, because we’ll need one of each,” he said. “Everyone will get an equal shot at making sure that they can serve in those leadership roles.”

Sarah Blanchard, the Scoutmaster’s daughter, could barely contain her excitement when asked why she wants to join BSA. “My favorite parts about the Scouts is the teamwork, the fun, and the whittling chip!” she exclaimed.

Troop 3752 held an open house Monday night at the Colchester meeting house for prospective Scouts. BSA volunteers set up different stations to show girls some typical activities they could look forward to after joining.

Some activities included

knot-tying, campfire cooking and orienteering, and even an entire campsite – tent and sleeping bag and all – was set up for girls to explore. Local Cub Scout girls, soon to be a part of Troop 3572, performed their first flag ceremony during the open house as well.

Prospective Scout Katie Coolidge said her attraction to the new troop began years ago since her father and brother have been involved in BSA. The activities, like hiking and camping, enticed her.

“I was in the Girl Scouts, but it wasn’t the right thing for me,” she explained. “It was

too girly.”

Like all BSA troops, Troop 3752 will be chartered by a local community organization to “build bonds” between the Scouts and the community, Eschelbach explained. The group hasn’t chosen one, but both the Essex Jct. and Colchester Lions Clubs are in the running.

Essex Jct. Lions Club charter organization representative Mark Johnson said his family has a “vested interest” in chartering the troop because his granddaughter, Evelyn, is going to join.

She’s currently a Cub Scout, and said being around

her Scout brothers piqued her interest. She’ll be able to join in a year and a half, when she turns 11, but is already looking forward to the opportunity.

“I want to be able to plan a hike or a campout,” she said.

Her father will serve as the new troop’s advancement chairman.

“I don’t know much about the Girl Scouts … and our family is invested in the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts,” Johnson said. “My daughter wanted to do what her brother was doing, and that works for us just fine.”

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The Essex Reporter | Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018 | 17

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The Essex Reporter | Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018 | 19

SPORTS

PHOTOS BY JOSH KAUFMANN

Essex High School girls hockey picked up two wins over the weekend at the annual Christie Corrigan Blitz at Collins-Perley in St. Albans, winning 8-1 and 2-0 over Massena, N.Y. and Hingham, Mass. respectively. ABOVE: Senior Madeline Young pushes the puck up the ice. BELOW: Junior Grace Wiggett and Sophomore Hannah Himes celebrate after a goal.

Girls hockey off to quick start

Essex High School all-league accolades GIRLS VOLLEYBALL First Team Amelia Duffy Jessie Rose Maddie Folsom Rachel Yandow Valerie Bessette Second Team Grace Asoera Honorable Mention Lizzie Goodrich BOYS VOLLEYBALL Second Team Jackson Baker GIRLS SOCCER Metro Division Coach of the Year Kevin Barber, Essex First Team Emma Whitney Hunter Poulin Second Team Abby Robbins Maddy Young

Honorable Mention Souma Mitra Natalie McMahon BOYS SOCCER Metro Division First Team Adam Lyon Peter Osiecki Spencer Towle Second Team Gordon Schmalz Honorable Mention Dominic Minadeo BOYS SOCCER ALL-StAtE Adam Lyon Peter Osiecki Spencer Towle GIRLS SOCCER ALL-StAtE Emma Whitney FIELD HOCKEY Metro Division first team Sarah Coulter

Jamie Morin Second Team Kaylan Ferreira Hannah Neddo Honorable Mention Ellie Reed Maddie Reed twIn StAtE SEnIOR FIELD HOCKEY tEAm Sarah Coulter Hannah Neddo FOOtBALL Division I first team Seth Cannell Grady Corkum Tyler Millette Second Team Cory Gianelli James Danis Chris Labonte Honorable Mention Matt Russell Luke Meunier

ILB DB DB P ILB OLB OL DB

20 | The Essex Reporter | Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018

J O E ’ s A nnuA l Chr i stm A s l i st (PA rt 1 )

SPORT SHORTS By JOE GONILLO Christmas is my favorite season of the year.

Nothing that compares. I appreciate the ER for giving me space for my Christmas Wish List. As it seems to grow erver-so-slightly every year, and I always give credit to former BFP sports writers Andy Gardner and Pat Garrity for giving me the idea. Enjoy reading.

If your name is missing, let me know. Have a wonderful Christmas and a safe, Happy New Year!

Lucille McClure – Youth movement for Arizona Cardinals; Mark Bombard – QB for the ‘Skins; main and guidance/counseling office staff – rule-following and deadline-hitting students; Rob Reardon – great teachers, staff, administration, and students; Beth Cobb – solid year 1 and many more to come; English Department – wonderful students, great books, and a solid budget; Mike Deweese – got your QB, now a young RB for Bills; Armando Vilaseca – Bryce Harper; Ben Johnson - extra family time and more disciplined students; Louise Strong – a great retirement; Jenn Letourneau – dogwalking coupons; Heather Garrow – Continued success in classroom and on athletic field; RJ Garrow – camp renovations complete; Shawn Montague – tickets to the NCAA Men’s Final Four; Kenena Montague – European vacation; Breya Montague – soccer, basketball, and lax camp; Tori Couture – nice running shoes; Pam Hemingway – a family vacation during the February; Travis and Sarah Desilets – all sorts of hockey stuff; Stacey Anthony – New Baby Bomber added to the roster; Adam Weiss – vacation escapades with wife…and family; JJ Palker and Josh Thibodeau – many happy years together; Mike Soules – full-time retirement; Nicola Anderson – work promotion; Becky Anderson – another fine year teaching in VA; Wayne Davis – pickle ball pro tour; Becky Davis – new golf clubs for FLA; the BFP – the return of high school basketball box scores; the Essex Reporter staff – continued success with quality paper; Miguel Andujar, Adam Judge,

Gary Sanchez, Glibber Torres, Giancarlo Stanton – Bryce Harper or Manny Machado; Didi Gregorius – get well soon; Sue Pratt, Chef Dowman, and others – upgrade to Colonial Room dining room; Yvonne Wolfer and the CTE cosmetology staff – 2nd floor expansion; Jim Dirmaier, Todd Mackenzie, Connie Esmay, Linda Dulleba, and Bob Travers – steady increase in enrollment; Christine Chase – happiness in life; Jake Orr – a trip back to the finals next fall; Brian and Penny Dubie – a retirement home on a lake; Katie White and Ryan Robitaille – the best in coaching talented distance runners; ET and EJ Planners – let logic be your guide in all town matters like nice street lights, taxing the Fair Grounds, sidewalk removal on upper Briar Lane, combine our rec departments; Scott Milne – need you in politics; Carol Cooke – great deals at Couples Swept Away in Jamaica; Jim and Erin Murphy – family summer vacation; Leo Labonte – massive Ducks Unlimited decoy contract; Lynne Labonte – FF miles to Texas; Governor Scott – education campaign promises kept; Jill Shumway – a raise; Ryan Gates – kids go to UVM for free; Mike McCaffrey – more soccer games to ref; Bob Ward – luxury press box seating; Aaron Boone - 5 solid starters, keep Andujar at 3B, a championship in the Bronx, and thanks for the 2003 ALCS game-winning HR vs Boston; Alyssa and Josh Jacobs – another little one and some free babysitting nights; Dave Rich – congrats my friend; Nancy Russin – non-eventful 8 hours 5 days a week; Bill and Judi Galdi – wonderfully warm retirement; Jill Galdi Mulhurn – more babies and a VT reunion; Paul Hamel – lake house serenity and good thoughts.

Ed Hockenbury – American East championship for men’s hoop team so you can accompany them on road trips to the NCAA playoffs; Ed Hockenbury, Jr – a full-time athletic job; Ryan Hockenbury – another summer at SHP; Jessica (Folden) and Stephen Sanders – a wonderful life together; Brett, Corey, Lennie, and the Crew at the Links at Lang Farm – sunny days next golf season with rain only at night, the smoothest greens, and more than enough golfers on the course; Rich Celia

and Brent Farnham – college hockey assistant coaching job; Mike Picard and Jeff Greene – the ‘Boys in the playoffs, deep into playoffs; Pete Picard – Florida whenever, wherever; Pete Picard Jr, Elizabeth and Jim Austin – TEST summer swim championship; Art Pellerin, Bob Clifford, Steve Ferreira, Steve Malgeri – Nathan Evoldi; Chris Polakowski – inching toward Delaware shores retirement; Carol Polakowski – FLA island vacation this winter; Dave Gomez – the best in all you do in Europe; Jeremy Hammond– a great job with CHS TF; Jessie Hammond – out with a bang; Lyle and Barbie Newell – best running shoes on the market; Jackie Wheel and Prescott Stanton – congrats and many happy years together; Bill Peters – happiness and babysitting gigs; Gus Charbonneau – new motorcycle; the Smailhodzic’s – more love than ever this Christmas; Tom Preska – high-tech audio/ video equipment; Sherri Allard, Bob Hickey, and John Scherer – no extension tax returns; Brian Cummings – a youth movement championship in the Bronx;; Charley Ranges – tax free standing for church property; John Woodley – Harper or Machado; Jean Robinson – Celtics and Yankees in finals; Peggy Economou – warm weather vacations;; Steve Emery – Steelers late-season turnaround; Mike Donoghue – spring training press pass; Dean Corkum new skis and crutches just in case; Grady Corkum – new lax everything; Lucy Corkum – running shoes of your choice; Madison Corkum – dean’s list (again) and another solid UVM lax season; Steve Roberts – free Links membership; Mike Baker – golf balls that avoid lakes, woods, and gators; Leighton Walker – more running shoes; Mary-Louise DiGiovanni, Tom Jiamachello, and Marilee Taft – trips to Florida, Europe, Martha’s Vineyard, and the DR; Deb Stark – warm winter vacations; Ellen Emery – standing room only in the TAP intern business; Jane Goodman – low MA property tax; Kate McDonald – only intelligent NYY trades; Jamie Young – comfortable office; Colleen Birner – future administrator’s job; Mae Mayville – bird tracking devices; Nate Sheppard – a return to EHS; Owen Charron – tickets to see Eric Clapton in 2018; Jenn and Brad Luck – tons of kid time; Tim Albertson – Happ’s return to NYY; Windy and Mike Kelley – jobs in Chittenden County;

Bill Mayville – QB in NFL draft for Giants; John and Sue Burroughs – SUV with great gas mileage; Carol Willey – another summer trip to VT; Ruby and Jim McIntyre – summer trip to VT; Joe Mackey – relaxation; Allison Duffy – coaching your kids in TF; Courtney Brooks – JetBlue promotion; Joe Johnston and Gene Nelson – Thor or Degrom; Shawn and Heather at the Light – an even bigger radio listening audience; Danielle Tkach – a flourishing pastry business; Donna K and Gary G – buyer for FLA home; Maria Sciancalepore – Villa in Italy; Jason Polakowski – continued success as strength trainer for Phillies; MLB; Katie Polakowski – the choice of hospitals after med school;

Kevin Barber – Tyreek Hill as your keeper; Sue Barber – new workout shoes; Molly and Kate Barber – best in ‘19; Mike and Tammi Gilbert and family – smart trades for the Tigers, a heck of a drive, newest James Patterson books, and incredible swimming lessons at Sand Hill Pool; Dave Zehnacker – the return of IBM’s Wednesday nights’ summer soccer league to Towers Rd; Bill Duval – more teams for ever-popular women’s summer league from the NE Kingdom down to Montpelier and Morrisville; Barb Duval – animals and plants of your choice; Robin Noble – more time in FLA and with grandkids….

Editor’s note: Check back next week for part 2 of Joe’s annual (lengthy) wish list.

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The Essex Reporter | Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018 | 21

STEpHAN ASToR Basketball: Senior

T

he Hornet seniors’ bid for their first winning season got off to a solid start behind Astor’s 35 points in the North/ South Classic, where Essex played a solid opener against two-time defending champion Rutland (losing 61-53) and then beat Mt. Anthony 71-56. The Red Raiders’ 20 wins in each of the past two winters matched Essex’s combined 3-year total. Astor was one of three Hornets in double figures with 11 points while RHS won its 41st in a row, but in the second tourney game Dec. 15, Astor led Essex to a 15-point win with 24, starting off the night with 11 in the opening period.

SARAH CoulTER Basketball: Senior

E

ssex jumped into the season with three games in eight days, going 2-1 with Coulter leading the attack each time. The senior guard racked up a team-high 15 points in the opener (a tense 47-46 loss) against host Rutland in the North/South Classic on Dec. 8. Coulter paced the offense with 16 three nights later in a 76-43 rout of Milton, and finished off the stretch with 16 to lead Essex past Mt. Anthony in the second round of the North/South, 40-35. In the trio of games, Coulter scored more than a fourth of the Hornets’ 162 points.

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

Our community of faith seeks God with inquisitive minds, warm hearts and a desire to help our community. We are an Open & Affirming Congregation. Everyone really is welcome!

We have inspiring worship services with Faith Formation, several youth and music ministries, and many opportunities for adult fellowship.

Missions include our Heavenly Food Pantry, Heavenly Cents Thrift Shop, and many local & global outreach opportunities.

Sunday Worship 8:30am Traditional Worship 10:15am Family Friendly Worship With Faith Formation & Nursery Care

Special Holiday Services 12/23 10am One Service: Lessons & Carols 12/24 5pm: Family Service (kid friendly) 9pm: Lessons & Carols (8:30 concert prelude) 11pm: Carols & Communion (candlelight & communion) Senior Pastor: Mark Mendes Associate Pastor: Josh Simon

22 | The Essex Reporter | Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018

Holi day

SEE THE LIGHTS

PHOTOS BY COLIN FLANDERS

During the Essex Recreation and Parks annual holiday lights tour, local seniors picked their favorites across three categories. Here are the results:

• • •

Colors: 124 Center Rd. (left) Most Creative: 355 River Rd. (right) Classic: 25 Greenbriar Dr. (bottom)

159 Pearl Street Essex Junction, VT 05452 802-879-4485 jonsdarkroom.com

Season's Greetings From Jon's Darkroom

We want to thank everyone for a great 2018!

GARRY'S

Local and nationwide delivery

BARBER SHOP

MerryLogics Christmas $8 & Happy New Year 3 products

Flowers for all your holiday needs:

to all our friends and

customers, wishing all theBlo Shampoo best to our Local Police & Conditioner Fire Fighters and MilitaryDe friends. Thank you for Shine serum Co keeping us all safe!

Gel cream Scu Essex Jct. Shopping Center Root lifter 802-878-4010

Fresh Balsam Christmas Wreaths Fresh Balsam Kissing Balls Holiday Plants and More!

Your neighborhood florist since 1943

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

wepause pauseto to reflect reflect on AsAs we onour ourmany many As we pause to reflect on our many blessings this year we count Asblessings we pause to reflect ourour many this year weon count our blessings this year we count our association with you, our customers As we pause to reflect on our many blessings this our association withyear you,we ourcount customers association with you, our customers and our community, among them. blessings this count our association withyear you,we our customers and our community, among them. and our community, among them. association with you, our customers and our community, among them.

LipkinAudette.com | 802.846-8800 and our community, |among them.

LipkinAudette.com 802.846-8800 LipkinAudette.com | 802.846-8800

M-F. 7:30am – 6pm Sat. 7:30am – 2pm

HFREE andicapPARKING. Accessible GOOD W

CASH OR GOOD CHECK

NOwhile LIMIT ON YOU Free parking. Good supplies last.WHAT Cash or good check. CA No rainchecks. No limits on what you can spend. In stock only.

Happy holidays from our staff!

The Essex Reporter | Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018 | 23

Holi day Page s

A guide to (free) holiday entertainment

By BEN CHIAPPINELLI With so many random cable stations stealing Christmas specials from network television, it can be hard to find free holiday entertainment in this day and age. But if you have internet access, a visit to websites like YouTube, Dailymotion or Vimeo can provide hours of free entertainment—both nostalgic and new.

Variety Shows. Cher, Julie Andrews, John Denver, Johnny Cash: All of them at one point or another found themselves gracing prime time television in a holiday special variety show. Guest comedians, duets with other singers and sometimes vintage advertising still intact, these shows are windows into topical humor, fashion and celebrity from nearly any decade. This year, my favorite finds have been some Disney specials from the 1960s and ’70s. It is still pretty magical to see Walt in his prime, gracing the screen under a flurry of fake snowflakes leading into vintage clips of visitors to the park; and Disneyphiles will get a kick out of seeing what attractions the park offered 50 years ago and which ones still exist today. Disney searches can also lead to great selections for holiday background music. Try using keywords: Disney Christmas music loops, Holiday time SNL on Youtube: The NBC sketch comedy staple “Saturday Night Live” has amassed so many Christmas skits in its 40-plus seasons, that even a dedicated 90-minute special leaves hours of worthy entertainment without a holiday home. Thankfully, SNL has flooded their social media accounts with a slew of laughs from the past; Steve Martin delivering the most thorough “Christmas Wish,” Kristin Wiig’s “Dooneese” haunting the Lawrence Welk show, “Season’s Greetings” from Tonto, Tarzan and Frankenstein—all the classics you remember and more you’ve forgotten. Plus, you can already access the 2018 shows that just ran over the past two weeks. I especially recommend anything with multiple celebrity impressions and rapid fire jokes. Try using keywords:

SNL Christmas albums, SNL Hallmark channel, TV funhouse Christmas.

Boston Pops: Nothing accelerates the arrival of the holiday season like the flood of yuletide tunes. Star 92.9 becomes “Your Christmas Music Station” before your Halloween candy is finished.

This year Eric Clapton, John Legend and William Shatner were among the many artists to cut new albums for Advent, but this season I have returned to the classical sounds of the Boston Pops under the baton of Arthur Fiedler. The album “Christmas Party” is one half 19th century holiday pieces and one half orchestral arrangements of contemporary (for 1959) favorites, but I have always found the real gems to be the wildly popular “Sleigh Ride” and the champion of Christmas medleys, “A Christmas Festival” (the full, nineminute original!) Both pieces were written Leroy Anderson and originally performed by the Boston Pops with Fiedler conducting, so I am not sure that there could be more true renditions than the ones found here.

As a bonus, this year I also

found the recordings from the 2012 season that make up “A Boston Pops Christmas - Live from Symphony Hall” with conductor Keith Lockhart.

These performances have the accompaniment of the voices of the Tanglewood Festival Chorus on many selections, and there are two particular pieces that shine. “The 12 Days of Christmas” is a lengthy carol that does not always hold my full attention, but I have found myself listening to this interpretation of the outrageous gift list over and over this season. This arrangement weaves in musical cues from Handel, Beethoven, Broadway musicals and even Queen as it adds a unique musical flare to each item in the itinerary. The other highlight is a medley of the music from the 1966 classic cartoon by Dr. Seuss, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” that is accompanied by a lively narration. I recommend a search of: Boston Pops Christmas. Note: When published online, this article will have links to the media reviewed, but all media can be found using keywords to search on Youtube. com, Vimeo.com or Dailymotion.com.

JOYOUS HOLIDAY WISHES TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY...

Kent Booraem Ins Agcy Inc Kent Booraem, Agent 85 Prim Road Colchester, VT 05446 (802) 862-5880

From your good Neighbor.

May all your holiday wishes come true this wondrous season.

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® CALL ME TODAY.

1101450.1

State Farm, Home Office, Bloomington, IL

Happy Holidays! from

LIGHT TRUCK & AUTO REPAIR

TRUCKING & EXCAVATING FUEL OIL & KEROSENE DELIVERY

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145 Jericho Rd. Route 15, Essex Center

802-399-2068

dirttechvt.com

24 | The Essex Reporter | Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018

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Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Internet: Compares fastest available download speed for Xfinity and Consolidated Communications. Actual speeds vary. Xfinity WiFi hotspots included with Performance Internet and above.

Performance Starter and below not eligible. Available in select areas. Voice: If there is a power outage or network issue, calling, including calls to 911, may be unavailable. Starz® and related channels and service marks are the property of Starz Entertainment, LLC. Visit starz.com for airdates/times. Starz® subscription required. Outlander © 2018 Sony Pictures Television, Inc. All Rights Reserved. HBO® requires a subscription. HBO® and related channels and service marks are the property of Home Box Office, Inc. © 2018 Comcast. All rights reserved.

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