Reporter
December 22, 2016 • The Essex Reporter •1
THE ESSEX
December 22, 2016
Vol. 36, No. 51
Prsrt Std ECRWSS U.S. Postage Paid Permit No. 266 Burlington, VT 05401 Postal Patron-Residential
Elector Tim Jerman casts vote for Clinton Longtime Democrat reflects on political system By ABBY LEDOUX
A
Photo by ABBY LEDOUX Essex Rep. Tim Jerman cast one of Vermont's three Electoral College votes at the State House on Monday morning.
few hundred protestors watched Vermont’s three electoral votes go to Hillary Clinton in a crowded State House meeting room Monday morning. Elsewhere across the country, Republican candidate Donald Trump handily clinched more than the 270 needed to officially secure the presidency. In Montpelier, the meeting room and downstairs hallway overflowed with demonstrators pleading with electors to “save us from Trump,” “honor the majority vote” and
“do your job.” The crowd was preaching to the choir when it came to retiring Essex Rep. Tim Jerman, Vermont Democratic Party vicechairman and one-third of the state’s Electoral College presence. “I am a huge opponent of the Electoral College,” Jerman told The Reporter ahead of Monday’s vote. In fact, Jerman was the lead sponsor of the National Popular Vote Bill, which seeks to guarantee the presidency to the winner of the popular vote; in 2011, Vermont became the eighth state nationwide to pass the initiative with tripartisan support.
Now law in 11 states with 165 total electoral votes, the bill would take effect when passed by states with 105 more electoral votes to reach the necessary 270 to essentially bypass the Electoral College. “The idea is that we would stop having people lose the election and be awarded the presidency,” Jerman said. That happened this year for the fifth time in American history and the second time in just 16 years. Despite losing the popular vote to Clinton by nearly 3 million ballots, Trump will ascend to the See COLLEGE, page 9
Officials recommend schools provide condoms By COLIN FLANDERS
V
ermont’s top health and education leaders are recommending districts around the state adopt condom distribution programs to address growing rates of sexually transmitted diseases, according to a memo released last month. Penned by secretary of education Rebecca Holcombe and health commissioner Harry Chen, the recommendations cite statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that show people ages 15 to 24 account for nearly two-thirds of chla-
mydia and half of all gonorrhea diagnoses in the U.S. Cases of those sexually-transmitted diseases and syphilis all reached their highest number ever in 2015, the CDC says. Those trends are present in Vermont, where over 80 percent of chlamydia cases diagnosed over the last 15 years represent that demographic. “The data is startling,” said Tom Alosi, who serves on the state’s health and learning team. Locally, schools are just starting to See CONDOMS, page 9
Signed, Sealed, delivered Kids hopped on board with The Essex Reporter at Train Hop this year and wrote letters to Santa. Below is Gregory M.'s letter and drawing. Take a look at other wish lists and holiday illustrations for the jolly old man on page 14.
Photo by KAYLEE SULLIVAN Jaelyn Huckins, 10, tells Santa what she wants for Christmas last Thursday at the University of Vermont Medical Center during the Operation Fire Cuffs toy drive.
EJFD and EFD complete Operation Fire Cuffs By KAYLEE SULLIVAN Smiles abounded last Thursday at the University of Vermont Medical Center as children gathered with police officers, firefighters, rescue members, Champ and the big man himself – Santa. Representatives from Essex
See OPERATION, page 2
UPS delivers during busiest time of the year
BUSY BODIES The first installment of a series exploring a professional's busiest time or day of the year.
Town and Essex Jct. fire departments were among 15 agencies from around the state that helped collect toys and gifts from the community for the children’s hospital as part of Operation Fire Cuffs. Last Thursday notched the sixth annual event, initially started by
By KAYLEE SULLIVAN
A Photo by KAYLEE SULLIVAN Two UPS customers wait to find out the total weight and price of a package last Friday evening at the Essex Jct. store.
teenager wearing a Santa hat stood with her mom, quietly chatting at the register of Essex Jct.’s UPS store last Friday evening. “That’ll be $41.48,” associate Mary Gentes said. The two looked at each other, wide-eyed and surprised. After asking a few
clarifying questions and coming to terms with the price, the mother sighed and gave in. “All right, let’s do it,” she said. Escalated prices are common the week or so before Christmas, Gentes explained. As December 25 draws closer, prices grow – and so do the number of customers walking through the store’s doors. See UPS, page 3
2• The Essex Reporter • December 22, 2016
local OPERATION from page 1
Burlington firefighter Phil Edgerley and Vermont State Police Trooper Christian Hunt to collect toys for the Vermont Children’s Hospital. BFD, VSP and Morristown police were the first teams to come together and kick off the event six years ago. During this year’s go-around, a joint effort of 15 departments collected over 2,000 gifts. EJFD said they provided three large boxes of donations, amounting to about $400. Many of these toys were hand picked by firefighter Hayley Leo at Toys R Us. In its second year participating, EJFD sets aside a budgeted amount of money to buy Transformers, Barbies and other fun gifts for the hospitalized kids. “It's a great experience and a good way to give back to the community,” they said. Leo was one of a select group of personnel who got to make the journey up to the children's wing to deliver the gifts in person. A sizable crew from EFD also stood in the hospital's lobby, among the 200 or so gifts they collected on behalf of the
operation. “It's a rewarding thing to put smiles on these kids faces,” EFD firefighter David Fey said. In its fourth year participating, the crew usually arrives at the hospital with about four representatives from the department. This year, they rolled in nine people deep. “It’s actually incredible just to see the amount of people who want to take part in it,” Edgerley said, noting he already has a few verbal commitments for next year. EJFD firefighter Richard Smith encourages others to join in the operation. “There's plenty other organizations that aren't involved that should jump on as well,” he said, naming off a slew of other emergency departments in the town. As for the hospital, senior administrative coordinator Sue Victory said she was thrilled to see children and officers smiling in the lobby before heading up to the children’s wing to deliver the gifts. “They have done this now for many years, and every year it just gets bigger and bigger,” she said. “We are so appreciative to have the partnership and that they’re thinking of the children this time of year.”
Photos by KAYLEE SULLIVAN Above, representatives from the Essex Jct. Fire Department are pictured after delivering gifts to children at the University of Vermont Medical Center last Thursday. L to R: Lt. Keith Rivers, firefighter Hayley Leo and firefighter Richard Smith (not pictured – Eng. Steve Harnois). Below, the Essex Town Fire Department shows off some of the approximate 2,000 toys gifted to kids last week.
December 22, 2016 • The Essex Reporter •3
local upS
from page 1
Courtesy photo The Nordic Soccer Club received a "local champion award" for its annual Nordic Cup.
Nordic Soccer receives award for Nordic Cup Annual event brings in over $3 million to Vermont By COLIN FLANDERS The Nordic Soccer Club has received a “local champion award” from the Vermont Convention Bureau in recognition of its annual Nordic Cup, held over Father’s Day weekend. The award recognizes local organizations that contribute to the Vermont economy. Last year, 220 teams participated in the tournament, drawing teams from all over New England as well as New York and Canada. “You go to any hotel in Chittenden County, and they’re pretty much full,” director of coaching Jim Goudie said. After establishing a partnership with the Vermont Convention Bureau, the program learned just how impactful the weekend is. Over the tournament’s two-day span, the cup brings in over $3 million to Vermont, Goudie said.
“We knew we it was a big impact for us, but we didn’t realize it was as big impact for the local business. It’s pretty amazing,” Goudie said. The Nordic Soccer Club began in 1986 and has grown to 25 boys and girls teams. Based out of Essex Jct., it operates three six-week indoor soccer sessions at the Champlain Valley Exposition as well as a slew of tournaments, including the highly competitive Nordic Cup. Nordic’s impact extends to include the Tree Farm Recreational Facility, which the club’s co-founder, Trevor Squirrell, was integral in bringing to Essex. Now, all teams call the facility home, practicing there from May to November. Goudie wished to thank parents of the program’s 360 players, who volunteer up to four hours over the weekend. Next year’s event will be the 20th annual Nordic Cup.
Behind the motherdaughter duo, a woman stood juggling a small dog in one arm and a large package in the other. A couple walked in soon after, setting three packages down to make a second trip to the car for more. “I debated which would be easier, after work or at lunch today,” a customer commented in line. By 5 p.m., the store helped 767 clients. While the day was busy, it didn’t quite compare to the non-stop line of 1,200 customers, many with packages in tow, the previous Monday. Among Friday’s crowd were two loyal UPS patrons, Colby and Connie Carpenter. Each year, the pair sends gifts to family in Virginia. “I might be in trouble with my daughter,” Connie Carpenter joked. “We were supposed to send less this year.” Ten days before Christmas, the woman said they made it to the store earlier than usual. Year after year, though, they choose UPS because the company is dependable and has shorter lines and lower fees than the U.S. Postal Service, they said. With Christmas on a Sunday, Gentes said people forget they’re losing a couple essential delivery days. When associates ring up the total price or the estimated ship and arrival dates, Gentes said customers are usually surprised. “Sometimes, they’ll just laugh,” UPS worker Katie Faure said.
Photo by KAYLEE SULLIVAN L to R: UPS associates Mary Gentes, Katie Faure and Sergio Mendes pose in front of a pile of packages waiting to be picked up from the Essex Jct. store last Friday evening. The packages were a part of the day's second pick-up.
Lightheartedness is common with workers too, who also try and make light of delivering the bad news. “I remember years ago, I did one [transaction] and the guy said, ‘I wanna make it there by Christmas,’ and I said, ‘Do you wanna leave me next week’s paycheck?’” Gentes reminisced with a grin. Staying positive was essential for the UPS staff earlier Friday when their computers crashed. When a scale didn’t connect to the computer correctly, a line of customers were left waiting. “It pretty much slows it down by like two to four times,” associate Sergio Mendes said. The lull wasn’t something the associates are used to: They couldn’t recall a similar situation occurring in the past. Gentes, who started at UPS about 20 years ago, recognized how technology has changed her position. After taking some time off, she returned to the store in April
and underwent training for the new computer system. Before, customers filled out their own mailing slips. Now, it’s all computerized and performed by associates, saving time by having customer information saved and by not having to deal with poor penmanship, Gentes said. Also new to UPS is the store’s pick-up policy. If a recipient won’t be home during delivery hours, they can have a package held at the Essex Jct. store. This helps with the rising levels of doorstep thefts, Gentes noted. Behind a towering pile of cardboard boxes, a UPS driver lamented about the two falls he endured that day. At the front of the store, a bell jingled as another customer trudged through the door, struggling to keep it open with two sizable packages spanning across his chest. “Christmas is like the season for UPS,” Faure said, nodding behind the counter and extending a helping hand to the store’s newest customer.
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4• The Essex Reporter • December 22, 2016
local obituary
Raymond Stanley Cota ESSEX – Raymond Stanley Cota passed away peacefully Dec. 15, 2016, in Jacksonville, Fla. Ray was born in St. Albans on July 2, 1944 to Stanley and Juliette Cota. Ray married his beloved wife, Shirley Flanagan Cota, in 1973. They lived in Essex for over 40 years, where they raised two sons, Gregory Cota (Alexandria, Va.) and Stephen Cota (Woodbridge, Va.) In retirement, Ray and Shirley split their
time between Vermont and Florida. They loved to travel and took many cruises to see places all over the world. Ray was a certified public accountant and a retired captain in the Vermont National Guard. He worked closely with clients throughout the region and was given special recognition for helping Vermont Guard members with their taxes while they were serving overseas. Ray was an active member in Holy FamilySt. Lawrence Catholic Church in Essex Jct. He also was active with the Essex Rotary Club, Vermont State Guard, Vermont Society of CPAs and many other professional societies. Ray was predeceased by his parents and cherished aunts, Evelyn and Elsie. He is survived by his wife, Shirley, and their sons and wives, Greg (Liz) and Steve (Michelle). Ray proudly wore the tile of “Grand Dad” to his three
grandchildren: Abigail, Eleanor and Wyatt. Ray was the oldest of six children and is survived by his five siblings: Loraine Manley (Jim), Donald Cota (Diane), Doris Bergeron (George), Robert Cota (Rebecca) and Judy Willis (Mark), as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Ray leaves a legacy of generosity, kindness and the importance of serving others and his community. His family will try to honor that legacy as best as possible. He spent the past year and a half trying to recover from a massive heart attack, and while his family will miss him dearly, they take comfort that he is finally at peace. His family plans to hold a memorial service in his honor next spring in Vermont. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Vermont National Guard Charitable Foundation, the Rotary Foundation and the American Heart Association of Vermont.
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Courtesy photo Smart shopper Lauren Morlino (left), program manager for Efficiency Vermont, talks to Bibens ACE customer Sharon Illenye about Button Up Day and the various energy efficiency steps she can take to save money this winter.
Area residents ‘button up’ for winter Essex-area residents got a helping hand from Bibens Ace Hardware and Efficiency Vermont on Saturday, Nov. 12 in taking steps to save money by preparing their homes for winter. ACE offered discounts on weatherization items and high-efficiency LED bulbs, as part of “Button Up Day,” a statewide day of action to encourage Vermonters to take steps to save energy as winter approaches. Efficiency Vermont’s Lauren Morlino, program manager, encouraged ACE customers to invest in energy efficiency and answered questions they had about how best to get ready for winter. Similar events were held in commu-
nities around Vermont in celebration of Button Up Day. Even though Button Up Day has passed, there are still tools and resources available to help save money this winter, including a do-it-yourself check list people can generate when they visit www. buttonupvermont.org. The website also features instructional how-to videos. Button Up Vermont is supported by a partnership of organizations including Capstone, Energy Action Network, Efficiency Vermont, Vermont Energy & Climate Action Network, Green Mountain Power, and Burlington Electric Department.
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Pet of the Week LEXI
8 Year Old Spayed Female
Reason here: Her owner moved to housing that doesn’t allow pets
Staff favorite Lexi has become a fixture at HSCC, and while we love her a good thing.CORRECTIONS In and out of our care since 2011, Lexi can’t O.K. WITH BY:_____________________________ seem to catch a break. Through no fault of her own, Lexi has lost home after PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE home and finds herself homeless yet again for the holidays. is a 2:27 lover ADVERTISER: WOODBINE SENIOR LIVING PROOF CREATED AT:Lexi 8/29/2016 PMof many things: stuffed animals (she carries them), peanut SALES PERSON: FP0009 PROOF DUE: RUN butter KongsNEXT (she’s anDATE: expert09/25/16 at licking them clean), walks (she’s slowFP-000040 moving PUBLICATION: FP-GLOSSY MODULAR SIZE: 4 col X 10.25 in with great leash manners), and princess beds (she’s a good sleeper and even respects weekend schedules). Lexi doesn’t ask much of her new family- except to have all of the above (of course!) and she hopes her love is enough to fill the whole house (we promise it is!). Miss Lexi will do best as the only animal in her new home and that’s just the way she likes it. This doesn’t mean Lexi can’t go for walks with other dogs, heck, she’s even lived with them before! But she is particular of the type of four-legged friends she lets into her inner circle. Please help us find Lexi the home we’ve been promising her. Shelter life is supposed to be temporary, not forever. This is HSCC’s holiday wish. dearly, this isn’t PROOF O.K. BY: __________________________________________________
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December 22, 2016 • The Essex Reporter •5
opinion PERSPECTIVE
Looking beyond the recreation district vote By MICHAEL SMITH and GEORGE TYLER We would like to thank the Recreation Governance Study Committee for its hard work, professionalism and perseverance on behalf of this community in preparing us for last week’s vote. They enthusiastically engaged in many hours of lively public meetings and graciously endured unfair and, at times, withering criticism. Although we're disappointed with the result, we want to assure village (and town) families that Essex Jct. Recreation and Parks will continue providing the outstanding programs and services they depend on. The prudential committee and village trustees have already begun to set the groundwork for a seamless transition of governance of EJRP from the village school district to the village municipal government. Our two boards understand how much well-designed recreation services add to our quality of life, particularly for young, busy families in the village community. During community discussions about forming a unified recreation district, many asked why the village didn't simply transfer governance of EJRP to the town as part of ongoing consolidation efforts. Our response, then and now, is EJRP belongs to village residents. The prudential committee and trustees are its caretakers. Our recent consolidation efforts with the town have been administrative or, as with public works, allowed the village to keep a degree of control. None have involved a wholesale transfer of an entire village department to the town. Nei-
ther the trustees nor the prudential committee have a right to transfer ownership of EJRP without voter approval. The trustees and selectboard, with the support of the prudential committee, created the Recreation Governance Study Committee. The PC and Trustees vetted their recreation district proposal. We were able to give village voters reasonable assurance that the new, unified district would continue funding and offering services, staffing and programs at about the same level as EJRP. In considering moving EJRP's governance under the town, the trustees and prudential committee couldn't give village voters similar assurance. We don't know what the new, consolidated department would look like. Would town outside the village voters tolerate a 100 percent increase in the town recreation budget? EJRP provides many childcare services and other programs the town doesn't offer. Would they continue or be cut? Answering those and other questions would require a deliberative process similar to the recreation governance study that lead up to last week's divisive vote. Does it make sense to jump right back into the recreation maelstrom? We don't think so. For now we must focus on finalizing school district unification and transferring EJRP governance to the village. Both boards remain concerned however, about the acrimony generated by the recreation district debate and the willingness of some to resuscitate the rancor that poisoned past consolidation efforts. In recent years the trustees and selectboard have together authored a new, positive chapter in the history of the
Essex community. We've achieved many good things and set the stage for sustainable collaboration. But the recreation district debate revealed, not surprisingly, that differences remain about what consolidation means and how governance of municipal departments should evolve. We must resolve those differences through open-minded dialogue, as Heart & Soul of Essex has shown us. We must not allow those differences to divide us or undo all the good, collaborative work that's been done. Now would be a good time for the village trustees and village community to talk about where we're headed. Let's assess the consolidations we've accomplished so far. Are the trustees and selectboard going too fast, or not fast enough? What are the village's priorities in this process? A shared recreation district would have relieved village taxpayers of the unfair burden of supporting two community recreation departments. We will continue working to find fair solutions to that problem. Meanwhile, our village and town recreation departments will continue to provide the excellent services they've provided for many years. It's time for our school boards and administrators to take center stage with their unification project. They need our support and our unity. Let’s all move forward together. Michael Smith is chairman of the Essex Jct. Prudential Committee. George Tyler is president of the Essex Jct. Board of Trustees.
I want to thank the residents of Essex who went to the polls last week to vote on the proposed recreation department consolidation. Having a democracy in which we have the ability and the right to vote is fundamental to who we are as Americans.
With that said, feelings have been running high, and so I want to remind us all of the successful consolidation efforts we've accomplished over the past few years in the Village of Essex Junction and the Town of Essex. We now successfully share a municipal manager and have consolidated tax billing, tax collecting, stormwater management,
Join us in planning Essex’s future Over the next year, the Essex Planning Commission and Community Development Department will be undertaking a project to update the Town Center Master Plan, created more than 25 years ago. An updated master plan will guide future development in the town center area and influence how Essex looks and grows in coming years. Public input will be a crucial piece of the Town Center Master Plan, and our office is seeking one or two residents to serve on the steering committee for the project. The steering committee will act as a sounding board during the development of the plan and will deal with a wide range of topics or issues that come up during the TCMP process. The committee is likely to also include representatives from the planning commission, conservation commission, public works and other stakeholders. The steering committee will meet approximately eight times in the coming year. If you’re interested in joining the committee, please send an email or letter of interest to community development director Dana Hanley at dhanley@essex.org or town planner Greg Duggan at gduggan@essex.org or 81 Main St., Essex, VT 05452. Letters must be received by Monday, Dec. 26. Residents will also be invited to provide input at workshops and focus groups. For more information, please contact me at 878-1343 or dhanley@essex.org. Dana Hanley Town of Essex
Busy year in 2016 and big agenda for 2017
D
ue to the efforts of a full and active committee, the Essex Conservation Committee was quite busy in 2016. Working in collaboration with the trails committee and the selectboard, our accomplishments included the following: • Ongoing joint reviews with the Essex Trails Committee of development proposals, offering suggestions to improve development trends in Essex; • Hosting the inaugural Spring Invasive Species Removal Day at Indian Brook Park; • Hosting the 3rd Annual Fall Clean-Up Day with the trails committee, removing invasive species and cleaning drainage ditches at Indian Brook Park; • Partnering with the VT Urban and Community Forestry Program and a group of concerned volunteers to inventory every tree in the public right-of-way in the town outside the village; • Reviewing the town’s farm and open lands program and ensuring the town’s right of first refusal is honored; • Working with the selectboard to respond to residents’ concerns about herbicide use along power lines by researching herbicide safety and risk and understanding utilities’ landowner notification process and residents’ right to opt out of spraying; and • Reviewing recommended siting for solar and wind power generation as part of the development of the Chittenden County Regional Energy Plan. • •
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Despite vote, we’ve made progress
ESSEX CONSERVATION COMMITTEE NEWS
highway departments, public works administration, paving, finance and administrative services. We are on the path to consolidate planning with one planning commission with two development review boards. The result of the latest vote regarding recreation consolidation reminds us that finding the path forward is not always easy.
Thanks to all who studied rec issue Although I am disappointed that the recreation district measure did not pass in both the village and the town on Tuesday, I want to pause to thank all who served this year in a volunteer capacity to study the possibilities and carry forth their recommendation. I doubt any of us could have accurately predicted how contentious this issue would become. I am grateful to live in a village and a town with such incredibly strong recreation services and thank Brad Luck and Ally Vile for their leadership. I know that other citizens have raised concerns about how Mr. Luck and Ms. Vile expressed their opinions, and I
As chairman of the selectboard, I pledge to continue working closely with the village trustees and the rest of the selectboard to keep us moving forward on the consolidation path for the betterment of the whole Essex community. Max Levy Chairman, Essex Selectboard
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•
• • •
hope we can pause at this busy time of year to ask whether they and anyone who served on the committee really had malevolent intent or perhaps, like me, underestimated the contentiousness of the issue. I hope we can all move forward with gratitude for the strength of our community and the services that are available to us through our shared taxpaying. If you were opposed to the recommended path then I hope you will be a part of finding other solutions to maintain the strength of our shared resources. Wishing all my neighbors happy holidays and a happy, healthy New Year. Kelly Adams Essex Jct.
We have an ambitious agenda for 2017 including: Incorporating data from the street tree survey into an invasive forest pests management plan as an update to the 2002 Street Tree Survey; Partnering with the Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District to encourage riparian buffer plantings along rivers and streams to reduce erosion, prevent phosphorus runoff and improve wildlife habitat; Working with Chittenden County forester Ethan Tapper to develop management plans for townowned recreation lands, including Mathieu Town Forest and the publicly-owned land in Saxon Hill Forest; Collaborating with the selectboard and trails committee to establish priorities and funding guidelines for the use of a proposed conservation fund; Continuing to work with Vermont Land Trust to encourage landowners to pursue permanent conservation easements; Hosting a use value appraisal (aka current use) site visit; and Hosting the 4th Fall Clean-Up Day and the 2nd Spring Invasive Species Removal Day at Indian Brook Park.
For more information on the Conservation Committee and what it does, please attend one of the meetings held on the second Tuesday each month at 7 p.m. at the town offices, 81 Main St. The meetings are always open to the public, and we welcome your ideas and thoughts on conservation issues.
Reporter THE ESSEX
ExEcutivE Editor Courtney A. Lamdin
AssociAtE Editor Abby Ledoux
sports Editor Colin Flanders
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6• The Essex Reporter • December 22, 2016
EssEx ArEA
Religious Directory
calendar dec. 23
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 - 159 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.
File photo by kaylee Sullivan
Treat yourself and your loved ones to an amazing Viking feast with traditional fare at Colchester's Mead Hall on Fri., Dec. 23! Ricky the Meadmaker is making a complete Hanukkah meal with all Viking-era ingredients. See listing for more information.
22 ThurSdaY Fill The Truck For The Food ShelF
9 a.m. – noon, RE/MAX North Professionals; 875 Roosevelt Highway Suite 210, Colchester. Help fill the RE/MAX moving truck with food for Colchester families that need your support to make this holiday season hunger free. Drop off your non-perishable food items and checks and we will load and transport all donations to the Colchester Community Food Shelf this afternoon. Items most needed include pasta sauce, peanut butter, bottled juice, hearty soups, dry pasta and monetary donations – the food shelf’s purchasing power is 2 – 3 times more than yours! We will pick up large business donations. For more information, call John at 861-3278 or email john@802agent. com.
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.
23 FridaY Brownell liBrarY and eSSex Free liBrarY cloSed. viking hanukkah dinner
5 - 8 p.m., Groennfell Meadery, 856 Hercules Dr., Colchester. Treat yourself and your loved ones to an amazing Viking feast with traditional fare at Colchester's Mead Hall! Ricky is making a complete Hanukkah meal with all Viking-era ingredients. Reservations recommended; call 497-2345.
24 SaTurdaY Brownell liBrarY and eSSex Free liBrarY cloSed. whole Book approach
11 a.m., Phoenix Books; 21 Essex Way, Essex. Calling all kids! Join us for our weekly Whole
Book Approach story time. The approach explores the ways that words, pictures and book design work together to tell a complete story. The adult leads the children through the book, rather than reading the book at/to them. We’ll hold story time just about every week. Want to double check on a particular date? Call us at 872-7111.
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.
26 MondaY Brownell liBrarY and eSSex Free liBrarY cloSed. reindeer up cloSe
11 a.m., 12:30 & 2 p.m., ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, 1 College St., Burlington. Vermont Reindeer Farm will be at ECHO with live reindeer for a special one-day event. Come get an up-close look at these incredible animals and learn more about them and what makes them so well-suited for cold, snowy weather. For all ages; free with ECHO admission.
27 TueSdaY caSTle Building Fun
10:30 – 11:30 a.m., Brownell Library. Build a castle out of paper tubes. For all ages.
JewelrY Making
1 – 2 p.m., Essex Free Library. Design your own bracelets and necklaces from our awesome collection of strings, beads and more!
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 information, visit www. vtgenlib.org.
December 22, 2016 • The Essex Reporter •7
calendar local meetings 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 Christmas.
mon., dec. 26
Town and villages offices closed for Christmas.
read to Willy Wonka the Volunteer therapy dog
4 p.m., Burnham Memorial Library. Sign up to read to our new volunteer certified therapy dog. If you’re not yet reading, an adult will read to you while you and Willy Wonka sit back and enjoy the stories. Call 264-5660 to sign up!
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.
28 Wednesday tech time With traci
10 - 11 a.m., Essex Free Library. Need some tech help? Drop in with your device and your questions.
the traVeling storyteller
10 a.m., Milton Public Library. Bring children to enjoy a puppet show by the Traveling Storyteller! No sign-up required.
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.
Wacky Wednesday
1 – 2 p.m., Essex Free Library. Are you an aspiring juggler? Learn how to defy gravity and make your own juggling balls to take home!
lego fun
3 – 4:30 p.m., Brownell Library. Participate in fun and friendly building with Legos. For kids entering kindergarten and up. Kids under 5 are welcome to participate with parental supervision.
29 thursday kids moVie matinee
1 p.m., Essex Free Library. Kick back, relax
and enjoy this animated film about a terrier named Max whose life is turned upside down when his owner takes in a new pet. Popcorn will be served! Rated PG.
chess club
3 – 4 p.m., Brownell Library. Come play! Teen chess players help you discover new moves. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Kids 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Chess sets funded by the Brownell Library Foundation.
tech tutor
4 – 6 p.m., Dorothy Alling Memorial Library; 21 Library Ln., Williston. Stop by anytime during tech hours for one-onone technology help from a teen. Guarantee a time by making a 30 minute appointment by calling 878-4918. Free.
children's story time
6 p.m., Rocky's Pizza, 39 Park St., Essex Jct. Mother Goose stories and Aesop's Fables.
knitting and more
6 - 8 p.m., Burnham Memorial Library. Knitters and needle-workers of all skill levels meet at the library or next door at the Colchester Meeting House. Beginners welcome! This month, learn to make broomstick lace.
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Dorothy Alling Memorial Library; 21 Library Ln., Williston. Take time to recharge your emotional self with an adult coloring session. Books and colored pencils are provided. Free.
green mountain mahler festiVal beethoVen’s ninth symphony
3 p.m., Elley-Long Music Center, Colchester. This concert, now in its seventh year, will feature vocal soloists Stefanie Weigand, first night Linda Radtke, Kevin burlington Ginter and Erik Kroncke, 11 a.m. - midnight, along with more than downtown Burlington. 120 members of the Now in its 33rd year, Green Mountain Mahler this is the longestFestival Orchestra and standing, private New Chorus, all under the Year’s Eve celebration direction of conducof its kind anywhere tor Daniel Bruce with in the United States. chorus master Matthew Don’t want to fight the traffic at the mall First Night Burlington LaRocca. Proceeds from or downtown Burlington? is Vermont’s largest the concert will benefit single-day arts festival, BEAUTIFUL SELECTION, A VARIETY OF PRICE POINTS, the Vermont Refugee CLASSIC AND UNIQUE IDEAS, CUSTOM WORK providing a healthy, acResettlement Program. cessible and affordable For more information, New Year’s Eve celebra- and to purchase tickets, tion to thousands of Shannonsofvermont.com visit the www.vtmahler. people throughout the info@shannonsofvermont.com org. day and evening. This year's events include live performances, ongoing Circus Smirkus, face Your new family jeweler, Shannon’s Fine Jewelry, Essex Junction Shopping Center painting, a Cartoon Winter lights in Shannonsofvermont.com • (802)878-3774 Fest, the annual Dancing the park Dragons Parade down Nov. 25 - Jan. 1, Church Street at 6 p.m. 4:30 - 8 p.m., Maple and family fireworks Street Park. Take a walk at 6:45 p.m. For more through Maple Street information including a Park and enjoy the full schedule, visit www. bright lights and winter firstnightburlington.com. tunes. Can you find all 97 Pearl Junction, ornaments VT 05452 802-‐878-‐3774 ofStreet, theEssex hidden FIRST NIGHT BURLINGTON in the trees? Pick up a PRESENTS scavenger hunt list on a celtic your way into the park! celebration Free. 7 p.m., Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, 153 horse-draWn Main St., Burlignton. rides A stellar step-dancing Dec. 24 - 31 (except troupe teams up Christmas Day), 11 with bagpipe-driven a.m. - 2 p.m., Shelburne folk-rockers, an awardFarms. Giddy up, giddy winning pipe band and up on these 20-minute a crack Irish traditional rides from the Shelburne and contemporary outfit Farms Welcome Center to ring in the New Year departing every half – Celtic-style! $5 for hour. Horse-drawn ages 3 and up. Tickets sleighs will be used if available in-person there's enough snow; only at the FlynnTix if not, a horse-drawn Box Office; both ticket wagon will be used. and First Night button Both are festive and fun! required for entry – no $10/adults, $8/chilexceptions. dren, free for children 2 and under. No reservations required; seats are 1 sunday first-come, first-served.
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30 friday 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.
Vacation moVie
2:30 – 4:30 p.m., Brownell Library. Free popcorn and drink. For all ages.
31 saturday Whole book approach
11 a.m., Phoenix Books; 21 Essex Way, Essex. Calling all kids! Join us for our weekly Whole Book Approach story time. The approach explores the ways that words, pictures and book design work together to tell a complete story. The adult leads the children through the book, rather than reading the book at/to them. We’ll hold story time just about every week. Want to double check on a particular date? Call us at 872-7111.
adult coloring
Submit your calendar events to michaela@essexreporter.com
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. 6 & 8 p.m., Christmas Eve candlelight worship services, Grace United Methodist Church; 130 Maple St., 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. Noon, Christmas Day worship with the VT Korean American UMC, Grace United Methodist Church; 130 Maple 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.
Let me help you navigate
Estate Planning, Wills, Trusts, Elder Law, Special Needs Planning and Probate Matters
Holly K. Lemieux, Esq., PLLC Attorney at Law 802-871-5410 21 Carmichael St., Ste. 201 Essex Jct., VT Holly@Lemieux-Law.com www.plantogetherlaw.com
8• The Essex Reporter • December 22, 2016
school ALBERT D. LAWTON
ESSEX MIDDLE SCHOOL
Photos by BOB STONE
Courtesy photo
From top to bottom: 1) The EMS Orchestra gets ready to perform at the annual holiday concert on Thursday, Dec. 15. 2) EMS student Isabella Bazan prepares for the orchestra concert. 3) The EMS trumpet players get ready to go for the EMS band holiday concert. L to R: Jillian Del Trecco, Josie Smith, Abbie Smith, Ellie Weimer and Elliott Riggen.
The ADL Select Chorus performed for local seniors on December 7.
A
lchemy Team students organized fundraisers supporting the Humane Society and the Vermont Children’s Hospital to honor teacher Amanda Eldridge. A small group of eighth-grade students volunteered at a classroom at Essex Elementary School and taught lessons on collaboration and problem solving. Our select chorus performed for local seniors at the annual Rotary Club/ Knights of Columbus Holiday Luncheon at the fairgrounds on December 7. Two eighth-grade students organized a winter clothing drive to support the COTS organization. To bring more awareness about homelessness to the whole school, on December 16 students hosted the "Coolest Lunch" event. This event is similar to the event at restaurants in Burlington, but adapted so we could host it at ADL. Empty Bowls Night: The ALPHA Team is once again planning its Empty Bowls night for January 19 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Students are preparing food, music and ceramic bowls to be sold in support of the Heavenly Food Shelf. For a donation of $10, you may take a bowl of your choice and enjoy a modest meal of soup and bread, similar to a soup kitchen meal. If you have a family, we would ask for a donation of $25 for two bowls and
soup/bread for the family. We are hopeful to raise $600 or more to give to the Heavenly Food Shelf. ADL Blood Drive: Give the gift of life. ADL Peer Leadership is proud to host ADL’s fourth annual blood drive. Under the direction of the American Red Cross, ADL will have a blood drive on January 26. The drive will be from 2-7 p.m. in the ADL cafeteria. We are looking for over 50 donors, so please consider donating. To schedule an appointment, you can go to the Red Cross website at redcrossblood.org, or contact Kevin Barber at ADL at kbarber@ccsuvt.org or 8781388. Yearbook Club News: This year we have 12 sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students working on creating our yearbook. The students have been working hard taking pictures at all school events and sporting events. Our club would be very happy to receive any pictures taken by parents at our events. Pictures may be emailed to Barb Edwards at bedwards@ ccsuvt.org. Don’t forget – we stop taking yearbook orders February 20. Order forms are available in the front office, or you can order your yearbook online at: www. ccsuvt.org/adl. If you have any questions, please call Barb at 878-1388.
WESTFORD NEWS
O
n December 11, a group of 12 Westford students ages 9-12 competed at the Vermont First Lego League competition at Norwich University. This is a great program that helps build engineering and math skills, as well as promoting the values of teamwork and discovery in learning. Teams compete on many levels, including in-depth research proj-
ects, engineering values and robot programming challenges. The Westford team won the innovation trophy for their project on preserving and maintaining native bee habitats. Their prototype design used free assets (satellite maps, soil surveys, water maps) and research on native bees to help translate the data into an easy-toread map that homeowners can use to identify and
maintain ideal bee habitat in their yards. Even more exciting, the judges awarded the Westford students the Global Innovation Award, allowing them to enter their project for consideration in the international competition this spring. As the only team representing Vermont, this is a huge honor for these students. Congrats to the team, the Periodic Pandas.
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December 22, 2016 • The Essex Reporter •9
local coLLEGE from page 1
nation’s highest office next month. For Jerman and protestors alike, that fact doesn’t sit well. “A lot of people are saying, ‘Wait a minute, there’s something wrong if every vote doesn’t count,’” Jerman said last week. Indeed, the legislator was met by chants of “one person, one vote” at the State House on Monday. The state’s other electors, Gov. Peter Shumlin and Martha Allen, president of the Vermont-NEA teacher’s union, joined him. While many contend the Electoral College – a constitutional system that grants electors based on their congressional representation – exists to balance the electing power of large and small states, the prevalence of a winner-takeall system leaves the campaign season and Election Day focused on a handful of battleground states. Jerman contends that unfairly disadvantages the rest of the nation, relegating some swaths of the country to “flyover states” and bystander status. That’s true here in Vermont – a foregone conclusion this region will go blue, Republican candidates traditionally waive any serious campaign efforts. In a Dec. 11 editorial on VTDigger, Jerman wondered “why we cling to an antiquated system designed over 200 years ago for a 13-state union for reasons totally absent today. “As every Democrat in Kentucky [the 15th state] and every Republican in Vermont [the 14th state] knows, your vote for president does not count under the winner-take-all system,” he continued.
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review the recommendations. Colchester doesn’t have a condom distribution program, but administrators plan to “start a conversation,” communications specialist Meghan Baule said, though she wasn’t sure about a timeline. She added the district wouldn’t draft a plan without first consulting both the school board and the community. In Milton, an independent committee is preparing a recommended wellness policy for the school board’s consideration, superintendent Ann Bradshaw said. She expects the committee will take into account the AOE's advice. It’s unclear if the policy will reference condoms, Bradshaw said, adding the final decision will be up to the board. “I will be interested to see what the committee comes up with and then
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The National Popular Vote Bill would remedy that, he said, ensuring every vote counts when a consortium of states agrees to cast their electoral ballots for the candidate who wins the nation’s popular vote. Jerman admits it’s hard to reform the system with the loss of momentum that typically occurs a few weeks after an election. If there’s any silver lining to a Trump presidency, he said, it’s that inflamed passions may last long enough to actually spur change. After Jerman, Shumlin and Allen cast their votes for Clinton on Monday, onlookers broke into applause. “This is what democracy looks like,” they chanted. Jerman knew that would be the case – despite his opposition to the system, he was confident casting his electoral vote in Vermont would also reflect the will of the state’s people – over 61 percent of voters chose Clinton in the general election here. That’s why when he was nominated to be one of Vermont’s three electors at a state party platform meeting in Rutland last summer, he didn’t anticipate the controversy that would come to surround the traditionally ceremonial role. “No one’s ever cared or can remember who the electors were,” Jerman said, noting he found the role an appropriate way to cap his 12 years representing Essex in the House and longtime service to the Democratic Party. “You meet one time for 10 minutes and then it’s over,” he continued. “I was proud first to support Bernie Sanders and then Hillary Clinton, so I knew I would have no problem being a faithful elector.”
make a judgment,” she said. Essex High School principal Rob Reardon said the school has no program in place. He called condom distribution programs a “great suggestion,” but noted there’s no such thing as free. “If we were to bill Dr. Chen for 5,000 for condoms, I'm not sure we're going to get a check back,” he said. “So therefore, should the taxpayers of Essex be expected to pay?” Reardon said the district has no plans to implement any such program, yet noted the memo is still new. Holcombe and Chen’s recommendation also calls for comprehensive sexual education curriculum, which all three schools already use. At EHS, this includes an abstinence-based approach that asserts the longer students wait to engage in sexual activity, the safer they are. Health teacher Leo
LaBonte said the program neither tells students they’re wrong for having sex, nor does it suggest a specific time to start. Rather, it provides information to help kids make healthy decisions, he said. One-third of Vermont youth reported sexual activity in the past three months, according to the 2015 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which surveyed 40,000 students in grades K-12. Among those sexually active, only 58 percent reported using a condom. The data suggests students are engaging in sexual activity at increasingly younger ages, LaBonte said. That’s why he’s in favor of starting sexual education before high school. He believes middle school students access birth control and contraceptives less often because they’re more likely to be embarrassed. They could still be having sex, and without the necessary precautions, he said. Though he’s not op-
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Photo by ABBY LEDOUX About 200 protestors watched Vermont's Electoral College proceedings on Monday, Dec. 19.
Then, November 8 happened. Trump’s victory shocked pundits and pollsters everywhere, plunging the nation into a political tailspin that’s only accelerated as more details of Russia’s role in the election emerge. Just last week, FBI Director James Comey and Director of National Intelligence James Clapper announced their agencies’ agreement with the CIA’s recent assessment concluding Russian hackers backed by the Kremlin stole documents from the Democratic National Committee and interfered in the U.S. election in part to help Trump win – a claim Russian President Vladimir Putin
posed to distributing condoms in schools, LaBonte said any such program would likely come through the nurse’s office. In his 20 years in education, he’s heard parents express conflicting opinions on the issue. LaBonte said he views the discussion through an old adage: If it’s not broke, don’t fix it. By teaching students where to find contraceptives, LaBonte believes educators can address the problem without providing them on campus. He’s just one of many
denies. In anticipation of Monday’s Electoral College meeting, one in four Democratic electors – including Vermont’s Allen – signed a letter to Clapper demanding a briefing on the extent of Russia’s interference in the general election. While largely symbolic in Montpelier, protestors’ presence at the meeting also reflected mounting pressure on electors to defect from Trump, particularly those bound to him in Republican strongholds. To Jerman, that wasn’t the answer, either. “At this point, I think to try and basically negate the election on a technicality of the electors is not good public policy,” he said last Friday. “Millions of people are very, very, very anxious about this election and what’s coming … There’s just a lot of wishful thinking right now.” While unlikely, Jerman said compelling Republican electors to change their ballots would also be ineffective: In the case of a deadlock or no majority winner, the Republican-controlled House of Representatives would hold a contingent election for president. “It would just feel like another stolen election that was rigged or manipulated … It doesn’t feel very good to me,” Jerman said. “I would hope that a lot more people would have paid a lot more attention when the actual vote was going on.” Last summer, Russian election tampering, nationwide protests and a lightning-rod real estate magnate heading to the Oval Office weren’t even blips on Jerman’s radar. “It’s beyond my wildest imagination, how the whole thing played out,” he mused. “I thought it would be a very festive occasion to ratify the new president. It didn’t quite work out that way.”
health teachers around the state tasked with the unique challenge of adapting their curriculum to keep pace with societal change. Similarly, rising obesity and diabetes rates mean instead of just covering the six nutrient groups, EHS students now learn about food marketing, smart shopping and the difference between organic and non-organic food. Sexual education is no different, LaBonte said. To illustrate, he referenced EHS’ consent training.
LaBonte used to walk students through consent laws, but he created a more comprehensive lesson plan after seeing “scary” numbers in the YRBS, he said. In 2015 alone, 7 percent of the 40,000 students reported being forced to have sexual intercourse. Of CCSU’s 460 female students who took the survey, about 40 reported such instances. Now, students learn consent is an ongoing conversation, one that can be opted out of at any time, LaBonte said.
10• The Essex Reporter • December 22, 2016
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Boundary Line Adjustment: Philip & Louise Kolvoord and Steve & Robert Kolvoord are proposing a Boundary line adjustment between 15 & 21 Upper Main Street. The adjustment will convey +/- 1.25 acres to Parcel 6, located in the Mixed Use Development–Planned Unit Development (MXD-PUD R2 Subzone) District and Business-Design Control (B-DC) Overlay District. Tax Map 90, Parcel 1 & 6. 3. Final Plan - Public Hearing: Philip & Louise Kolvoord and Brad Dousevicz are proposing a Planned Unit Development-Residential (PUD-R) to include 17 single family homes, 14 carriage homes and 1 existing single family home on property located at 15 Upper Main Street in the Mixed Use Development– Planned Unit Development (MXD-PUD R2 Subzone) District and BusinessDesign Control (B-DC) Overlay District. Tax Map 90, Parcel 6. 4. Sketch Plan - Public Hearing: Daniel & Allison Morse are proposing a 4-lot residential subdivision for property located at 12 Old Pump Road in the Conservation (C1) Zoning District. Tax Map 12, Parcel 16-1. 5. Minutes: December 8, 2016 6. Other Business: • Discussion with Village Planning Commission Chair re: collaboration Note: Please visit our website at www.essex.org to view agendas, application materials, and minutes. You may visit the office to review materials or discuss any proposal with staff. We are located at 81 Main Street; second floor (7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.). Members of the public are encouraged to speak at the meeting when recognized by the chair. This meeting will be taped by Channel 17.
Champlain Community Services is a progressive, intimate, developmental services provider agency with a strong emphasis on self-determination values and employee & consumer satisfaction. The following positions are excellent opportunities to join a distinctive developmental service provider during a time of growth. Shared Living Providers: Provide residential supports to an individual in your home. Generous stipend, paid time off (respite), comprehensive training and supports are provided. We are currently hiring for a variety of situations. For more information, contact Jennifer Wolcott, jwolcott@ccs-vt.org or 655-0511 ext. 118 Community Inclusion Facilitators: Provide one on one inclusion supports to an individual with an intellectual disability or autism. Help folks lead fulfilling lives, reach their goals and be productive members of their community. We are currently hiring for several positions with comprehensive benefit packages. Send your resume and cover letter to staff@ccs-vt.org
www.ccs-vt.org
December 22, 2016 • The Essex Reporter •11
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December 12-18 MOnDay
12:49 a.m., Citizens Assist on Railroad Ave. 4:22 a.m., Citizen Assist on Gardenside Ln. 12:37 p.m., Threatening on East St. 3:23 p.m., Fraud on Tyler Dr. 7:03 p.m., Juvenile Problem on Maple St. 11:04 p.m., Threatening on Grove St. 11:50 p.m., Juvenile Problem on Maple St.
tUeSDay
6:01 a.m., Juvenile Problem on Hawthorn Cir
9:24 a.m., Citizens Assist on North St. 10:26 a.m., Trespassing on Lincoln St. 11:35 a.m., Threatening on Freeman Woods 11:57 a.m., Citizens Assist on Susie Wilson Rd. 4:40 p.m., Fraud on Pearl St. 5:49 p.m., Family Fight on Maple St. 6:32 p.m., Trespassing on Susie Wilson Rd. 7:19 p.m., Welfare Check on Pearl St. WeDneSDay 9:39 a.m., Animal Problem on Valleyview Dr. 9:51 a.m., Animal Noise on Rustic Dr. 10:27 a.m., Citizen Assist on Maple St. 10:55 a.m., Message Delivery on Gauthier Dr.
1:16 p.m., Juvenile Problem on Maple St. 6:24 p.m., Suspicious on Pearl St. 9:07 p.m., Juvenile Problem on Maple St. 11:55 p.m., Suspicious On Carmichael St.
tHUrSDay
2:26 a.m., Citizens Assist on Park St. 9:33 a.m., Theft on Colchester Rd. 1:13 p.m., Vicious Animal on Pearl St. 4:15 p.m., Fraud on Center Rd. 7:36 p.m., Suspicious on Pinecrest Dr. 8:11 p.m., Traffic Hazard on Old Stage Rd. 11:11 p.m., Animal Problem on Foster Rd.
FrIDay
9:41 a.m., Citizen Assist on Loubier Dr. 11:12 a.m., Fraud on Jackson St. 12:09 p.m., Fraud on Main St. 7:13 p.m., Suspicious on Tanglewood Dr. 8:24 p.m., Animal Noise on Logwood Cir. 10:49 p.m., Citizen Assist on Main St.
SatUrDay
10:51 a.m., Assault on Kellogg Rd. 1:21 p.m., Citizen Assist on Cascade Ct. 3:37 p.m., Citizen Assist on Autumn Pond Way 5:05 p.m., Suspicious on Pearl St. 6:34 p.m., Intoxication of Pearl St.
8:06 p.m., Citizen Dispute on Center Rd. 11:59 p.m., Noise Disturbance on Carmichael St.
SUnDay
12:44 a.m., Suspicious on Briar Ln. 2:15 a.m., Citizen Assist on Baker St. 6:49 a.m., Disorderly on Main St. 8:47 p.m., Citizen Dispute on Susie Wilson Rd. 9:58 p.m., DUI with arrest on Main St.
tickets Issued: 10 Warnings Issued: 51 Fire/eMS calls Dispatched: 59
12• The Essex Reporter • December 22, 2016
SPORT SHORTS
SPORTS
by JOE GONILLO
M
Indoor track off to fast start By COLIN FLANDERS The Essex indoor track team cruised in its first meet of the season at the University of Vermont last Friday, with the girls taking first place with 151 points and the boys taking second with 94. Individual first place finishers included Katie James (1000), Jenna Puleo (high jump and long jump), the boys and girls 4x200m relay, Hannah Neddo (high jump), Kris-
ten Potter (pole vault), Jamaal Hankey (high hurdles) and Breyer Sinor (weight throw). The Hornets next three events will be at UVM, beginning with a post-holiday meet on Dec. 28 at 9 a.m. Photos by COLIN FLANDERS Top: Sade Hankey skies over the bar during the high jump event last Friday at the University of Vermont. Right: Kristen Potter takes off during the pole vault event, in which she took first place.
CHRISTMAS TREE PICKUP 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
erry Christmas to all! Christmas is right around the corner. It’s the most joyous holiday of the year and one of my favorites. Christmas lights, trees, carols, smiling faces, a little shopping, special cookies, some snow, good will, presents and Christmas vacation are so enjoyable. Sports in full swing this week. Lots of action next week as well. Check the Hornet athletic website for specifics. Christmas Wish List will be coming, too. Girls hockey upped its record to 3-1 with a 3-2 win over BHS/CHS. Maddy Young scored the game winning goal as the Hornet came from behind in the third period. Grace Wiggett and Molly Bruyns lit the lamp while Cicely Haggerty, Skye Yates, Hannah Palmer and Kaitlyn Butkus notched assists. John Maddalena returns with Kim Martin, Brent Farnham, Rich Celia and Kim Fadeen as assistants. They host MMU/CVU this week. The boys hockey team grabbed win No. 1 last Saturday 2-1 in overtime over Canton, N.Y. Ryan Young and Willem Barwin scored, the latter coming as the gamewinner in the Doc Tulip Holiday Classic. They play BFA this week. So glad Bill O’Neil is back on the bench to lead the Hornets this winter. Dean Corkum, Tyler Peckham and Rich Celia notched assists. The Ishams are back to coach the wrestling team this season. Head coach Ira and dad Blaine make a great 1-2 combination. The team went 3-0 in dual matches before the weekend invites. The Hornets easily handled Mt. Abraham 6018, Randolph 58-6 and Harwood 48-6. The JVswere in Vergennes. No team scores, but Michael Barnett finished in second place. The varsity was in Cohoes, N.Y. where day two was cancelled due to weather. Other highlights include seniors John Stawinski and Danyeh Gutema being accepted at Cornell University, and senior Matt Turner is now an Eagle Scout. Justin Norris and Tom Preska return to lead the bowlers who opened the winter with wins over Hartford and LI. They battled SB, FH and Enosburg and are off until December 31 at Rutland. Jon Ignatowski is the new Nordic skiing coach. Their first race is Thursday. Mike Goodrich and Ty Lyman coach the Alpine team. There is snow on the mountains and in the fields. Boys varsity and JV basketball coaches are Jessie Coutrayer and Jason Weischedel. The boys beat MAU 76-60 as Jackson Dwyer dropped 25 points, followed by Hunter Smith’s 18 and TJ Reed’s 16. The team hosts SB and Rice, then plays CHS and St. J during vacation. The JVs beat the Pats 69-26 to move to 2-0. The boys’ frosh Basketball team fell 4643 in their opener last week. Shane Levine is the head coach. They were back in action hosting SB and SHS this week. Girls hoop coaches include Shawn Montague, Kate Cioffi and Lauren Miles. They are 1-1 after a 60-57 overtime loss to MAU Saturday. Emmalee Smith led the Hornets with 18 points. They battle CHS on the road this week, then MMU and SHS. Same with the JVs coached by Jessie Hammond, whose team is 2-0 after a recent thrilling 27-25 win on basket by Abby Couture in the last 30 seconds. Alissa Giroux and the JV B girls hoop squad started the season with a 33-29 win over RUHS. CVU and WIN are up next. Chris Polakowski takes over as the head coach for indoor track and field. Adam Lacross (throwing) and Mike James (distance) return as well. Their first meet was last Friday at UVM and they are back in action December 28. Highlights include first-place finishes from Katie James 1000, Jenna Puleo (high jump and long jump), the boys and girls 4x200m relay, Hannah Neddo (high jump), Kristen Potter (pole vault), Jamaal Hankey (high hurdles) and Breyer Sinor (weight throw). Ashley Neary, Mary Krug and Lucy Lincoln are the gymnastic coaches. The girls crushed St. J to start the year 133.2 - 116.7 in the NE Kingdom host RUHS Thursday and U-32 next week. Kaitlyn Farrah won the vault, Abby Gehsmann took the bars and Lindsey Gleason won beam. Brittany Picard will be coaching the cheerleaders. Want to thank nieces Kristin, Madison and Sydney Peet, daughter and granddaughter Karen and Gianna and Janet Boyden for helping out with my wife's surprise retirement party right after Thanksgiving. The girls got Tina out of the house to Christmas shop. Kristin and Janet came over to help organize. Ramunto's Cal-Mungo, some pizza and snacks did the trick. Surprised the heck out of her as she had stated she did not want a retirement party! Happy December birthday wishes going out to former SHP swim queen Becky Anderson, Vt. National Guard vet Galen Jaques, nephew Cullen Hathaway, his mom Holly, sisters-in-law Carol Hathaway and RandyKay Lavalley, former sprinter Jake Galbreath, Hoagies' Jenn Stephenson, former javelin thrower Cheryl Wilder Devault, Alice Plomitallo, gymnastics’ Ashely Neary, Kate Mitchell, former wrestler Keith Lamell and former runner Brian Shelden. Thank you Jim Adams and Essex Rescue for all you do!
December 22, 2016 • The Essex Reporter •13
sports
Hornets win three straight By COLIN FLANDERS
T
he girls hockey team clawed back from a third period defecit to steal one against Burlington/Colchester last Saturday. The SeaLakers streaked ahead behind goals from Brooke Barrows and Elise Scoresom, who propelled the squad into the third period with a 2-1 lead. The Hornets wouldn't relent, however, pouncing back for two goals in the final frame, capped by Maddy Young's game winner with just under 10 minutes remaning. Isabelle Seguin had 13 saves.
The win capped off a three-game streak for the Hornets, who moved to 3-1 on the season. On December 10, the Hornets downed Massena, N.Y. 4-2 during the Christie Corrigan Blitz tournament in St. Albans. Young's two goals led the Hornets. Olivia MillerJohnson and Hannah Palmer also scored. Four days later, Essex shutout Northfield 3-0. The Hornets faced off against MMU/CVU on Wednesday after the Reporter went to print. They'll then have a lengthy layover to prepare for a showdown against BFA-St. Albans on January 4.
Photos by KYLE ST. PETER Top: Madeline Young races on a breakaway against Burlington/Colchester last Saturday. Above: Sydney LaPlant fires a shot from the point.
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The Essex Warriors traveled to Vergennes and Fitchburg, Mass. this past weekend, with nine wrestlers taking on some of New England’s top competition. First-year Warriors Liam Mack and Aiden Ferriera wrestled well above their level of experience, and Gill Stawinski went a flawless 7-0 on the weekend. The Warriors have a break for the holiday before returning to the mat next weekend. Essex Warrior youth wrestling begins the first week of January, and sign-ups are ongoing. Contact Cheryl Arpey at Cheryl.Arpey@Gmail.com for more details.
Photo courtesy of JIM ARPEY Gill Stawinski grapples with an opponent during the Essex Warriors match last weekend. Stawinski went a flawless 7-0 during the events.
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14• The Essex Reporter • December 22, 2016
Letters to Santa
From Essex children to the North Pole, c/o The Essex Reporter I would like a dolly for Christmas. Say hi to Mrs. Claus & Rudolph for me. Fly safe! From,
A
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Bailey
, a t n a ear S
B
Dear Santa,
D
oy
na t s Lu s e c in - Pr guin toy n e - P kers c t S - i tumes s - Co ,
From
Eva
% , a t n a S Dear
ttle ut a li b r a c ng ers l drivi aform a n e g r a a m t I wan also I want mas I hope t ist b e on u ait for Chr w I can’t e. m you co , From
Dear Santa,
I don’t want a lot for Christmas. I mostly want clothes but my mom said you don’t bring people that or money or gift cards or phones even though you brought me a hamster one year. So I guess I want to figure everything out with my friend but I understand if that’s too hard then I guess I want a new biniboo for my collection or a train track that’s mechanical. Thank you in advance for what you get me. From,
Sadie
Dear Santa,
Malina
r
e a train fo
ng m Can you bri Christmas? From,
Dear
Santa ,
I wa n mag t some neti mas c h card s an s and so ers and been d so m me b e Pok some emo to m a good ath n b t y From house. oy. Plea oys. I’ve s e co , me
Mario
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Malachi
D
Dear Santa,
I would like a hamper hoop a wireless microphone a fit bit and craft stuff how are the reindeer whos your head elf From,
Zoe
Dear Santa,
- Remote control boat - Remote control crane From,
Patrick
Dear Santa,
I want a Sara Baby Alive car seat for my Baby Alive. From,
Larabella
&
Dear Santa,
Lucas
Dear Santa, - Frosty toy - Wonder Woman - Santa socks - Santa head - New markers - Santa stickers - Penguin toy From,
Ryan
, a t n a S Dear
t for ized I wan t a h motor a W s i p!! mas Christ hat lights u t r e scoot From,
Laney
Dear Santa,
I wish I get a present that is good and for my brother I want a baby toy. From,
Nishtsa
B
I would like a Dino charge megazoid From,
Dear Santa,
Dear
Santa ,
I wo u freig ld like a blu ht tr brot her ain. My e Lego J ball . Th ulian w baby a ould From nk y like ou! , a
Henry
I would like some 300 piece puzzles and a invisable pen also some more Breyer stuff for my collection and maybe the whole series of Amulet except the 3rd. From,
Kaylee Dear Santa,
Could I please have a Jeep for Mommy’s house, some new clothes and a new toothbrush. Thank you! From,
Ryann
,
a t n a S ar De
d like I woul e, ! s a m a cran Christ Merry e truck and into a ag s a garb k that open . c u n r a t S ta fire nk you a h T . city From,
Maddox
December 22, 2016 • The Essex Reporter •15
food
Eat right and stay active while traveling By STACY SIMON, American Cancer Society
D Photo courtesy of NANCY MOCK This holiday recipe is a play on the dish portrayed in "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas."
ecember brings travel plans for many of us, whether we’re visiting family this season or vacationing during time off from work. But with a little planning and organization, you don’t have to take a vacation from eating right and exercising. Pack healthy snacks. Take a cooler on family car trips and include healthy snacks such as hummus and carrots, sliced apples and peanut butter, and string cheese with whole-grain crackers. If a cooler is not an option, stock pretzels, nuts and home-made trail mix. Lighten up fast food. You can eat at convenient fast-food restaurants without blowing your diet. Skip fried foods, bacon, cheese and heavy sauces. Choose grilled chicken, vegetables and salads, but without lots of cheese and dressing. Exercise. On long car trips, use rest-stop breaks to take walks, run laps, play tag or do stretches or push-ups. Explore the airport terminal during a long flight layover. At your destination, take advantage of hotel pools and gyms, exercise in your room each day or explore your new surroundings on foot.
1
Who Hash! 2 By NANCY MOCK, HungryEnoughToEatSix. com
O
ne of the best parts of the holiday season is getting to watch all the treasured movies and TV specials. For the past few years, my friend Chris and I took our glee for these classics one step further: by making dishes inspired by our personal film favorites. We created Cheese Pizza and Gourmet Macaroni & Cheese to honor "Home Alone," and Chris made a savory “Ain’t Yo Momma’s Meatloaf” in homage to "A Christmas Story." I created the following recipe to honor another of my favorites: The 1966 cherished TV special, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Fans will remember that at the table, the Grinch gets to carve the “roast beast.” While I briefly considered trying to make my own version of
“roast beast,” in the end, I thought it would be more fun to make Who Hash! As you may recall, the nasty old Grinch took the very last can of Who Hash from the Whos. Unlike the Grinch, I prefer a hash that’s a cut-above the canned variety. This easy and savory recipe calls for freshly diced potatoes, onions and roast beef (or roast beast, if you happen to have some on hand!) This is wonderful for breakfast or brunch, or served with hot buttered rolls for a main dish. Invite your favorite Grinch to try this homemade Who Hash!
I
ngredients:
• 3 c. diced potatoes • ½-pound leftover or deli roast beef, diced • 1 medium onion, diced • ½ c. milk • 1 tsp. salt • ½ tsp. hot sauce • 2 Tbs. canola oil • Salt and pepper to taste
D
irections:
1. In a large bowl, combine the diced potatoes, diced roast beef and diced onion. 2. Add in the milk, salt and hot sauce. Stir to coat and thoroughly combine. 3. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat until it’s hot, so that a piece of onion dropped in will begin to sizzle. Spread the diced mixture over the bottom of the skillet in an even layer. 4. Cook the layer for about 10 minutes, pressing down occasionally with a spatula, until a brown crust forms on the bottom. Then, stir the contents and continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the hash is cooked and browned throughout. 5. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve it hot.
Makes 4 servings (the equivalent of 2 cans of Who Hash!)
3
Put more Feliz in your Navidad Wednesdays
$
4
Take control. Don’t be afraid to ask for food to be prepared the way you want it in a restaurant. Order dressings and sauces on the side, ask for half portions or share a full one. Make smart substitutions like vegetables or salad for fries. Also, shop at the supermarket for some of your meals. Many supermarkets have prepared low-fat meal options such as boxed salads and rotisserie chickens. Party with a plan. If your plans involve holiday parties or family celebrations, snack on healthy foods beforehand, so you’re not starving when you get to the event. When you do arrive, drink a glass of water and mingle with the other guests before heading for the food. Fill most of your plate with fruits and vegetables, leaving just a small space for that special treat. Then, turn your back to the buffet table and focus on having fun, not having food. Don’t forget to go easy on the alcohol. Not only are alcoholic drinks loaded with calories, they also tend to weaken your resolve to eat better.
5
Eating well and remaining active can lower the risk for conditions like obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer. Read the complete American Cancer Society Guidelines on Nutrition and Physical Activity for Cancer Prevention at cancer.org.
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16• The Essex Reporter • December 22, 2016
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Varies
Dining (Daily Meal in a Dining Room) Weekly Housekeeping Local Shuttle Transportation Wellness Clinics 24/7 Maintenance/Emergency Staff On-Site Assigned Parking Spaces Exercise Classes, Group Outings, Entertainment
Call Erin Knox Today and Schedule a Personal Visit: 802-861-3750. Take a look at our website: pillsburyseniorcommunities.com. 16 Harborview Road | South Burlington, VT 05403
HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS