Dec. 24, 2015 by Essex Reporter

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DeCeMBeR 24, 2015

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Thomas Fleming physical education teacher surprised with $5,000 award By ColIN FlaNDerS The Essex Reporter

When Kelly McClintock entered the Thomas Fleming School gymnasium Friday afternoon, she knew something was up; while the annual winter solstice sing-along may be popular among students, this year’s event had an unusual pair of guests — her parents. Moments later, Kelly was announced as the recipient of the 2016 Excellence in Education Foundation Award. The award, presented by fund trustee Miles Heller, came with a $5,000 grant to be used however Kelly wants. She had no idea it was coming. “It’s a big honor. I think it represents all the teachers in Essex Junction. We work really hard and it’s not always an easy job, so it’s really exciting to see that people do notice your hard work and passion for teaching,” said Kelly. She’s in her eighth

year with the school, teaching fourth- and fifth-graders in what she calls the “greatest job ever.” Kelly received a standing ovation from both students and faculty before meeting her parents, Lynn and Mike McClintock, for a congratulatory hug. Lynn McClintock, a physical education teacher at Williston Central School, said being on hand for the ceremony was “incredible.” “I’ve just seen how hard she’s worked through everything. She doesn’t do it for recognition, she does it because of these kids right here,” Lynn McClintock said, her eyes welling with tears. “She just pours everything into her work. I’m so proud of her always; we both are. It’s very well deserved.” Lynn McClintock added that she and her daughter often collaborate, sharing equipment and ideas (admitting most of the latter come from Kelly). “It’s really neat. She’s so much

better than me,” Lynn McClintock said proudly. “I kind of followed in her footsteps,” Kelly said of her mother. “And [my parents] provided me with a great education that helped me get here.” Kelly graduated from Rice in 2004 and from the University of Vermont in 2008. She was named the Chittenden Central Supervisory Uunion District and Essex Junction School District Teacher of the Year in 2010, and has twice been celebrated as the Vermont field hockey coach of the year for her role with Rice Memorial High School. “Miss McClintock teaches like she coaches; she fully engages her students in the learning intention of the lesson and finds ways to include everyone in the lesson regardless of skill level or initial interest in the content,” wrote Thomas Fleming School Principal

– See AWArD on page 2a

Group recommends joint planning commission By ColIN FlaNDerS The Essex Reporter Members of Thoughtful Growth in Action working group are recommending that Essex town and village form a joint planning commission for better long-range planning. The group — which was made up officials, board members and residents — also is calling for the town and village to create separate review boards to handle the development applications that the planning commissions currently receive. The decision came via straw poll during the group’s fourth and final meeting, which was held on Dec. 9. Thoughtful Growth in Action is a continuation of the Heart and Soul of Essex, a two-year project that sought to engage residents to identify shared values and a vision for the community’s future. The working group’s main focus was to consider whether the current planning structure — two planning commissions and two zoning boards — was the best option for all of Essex moving forward. Currently, most long-range planning and development review is done by the planning commissions in the town and the village. When many development applications are sent in for review, it limits the ability of the planning commissions to focus on long-range planning, explained Town Planner Greg Duggan. The working group believes the planning commissions would be able to dedicate more time to long-range planning if developmental review was shifted to a separate board. The group highlighted some motives for creating a joint planning commission as well, such as a “merging of visions” and a more “efficient use of resources.” Under the recommendation, the two development review boards would take on all functions of the current zoning boards as well as the development review functions that had been overseen by the

planning commissions, according to Duggan. The next step will be a community wrap-up event on Jan. 13, which will be held at Essex High School, allowing for consultants and working group members to present the ideas and answer questions regarding their recommendation. Consultants will outline the recommendations in a final report to be presented to the Selectboard and trustees for their review, set for a tentative date in mid-March. The elected boards will then decide how to act on the recommendation. This includes establishing an appointment process for the newly created boards. The Heart and Soul of Essex’s findings also indicated that residents wished to participate more in the planning process, inspiring a conversation among the working group on how to improve communication and community engagement regarding planning issues. Suggestions included developing and formalizing partnerships with local organizations in addition to discovering new ways to communicate with residents. The group recommended ways to make meetings easier to digest for the average citizen. “Not everyone is going to go and read a primer on how planning works; people are going to come into a meeting because they heard about it next door,” said Arian McBride, one of the working group’s facilitators, at the meeting. “We have to figure out some different ways for those people to walk into that meeting, understand where they are in the process and make them feel welcome.” This included the possible distribution of handouts explaining the purpose of the meeting along with “roadmaps” which could help update residents on where the board is in its decision-making process. Greg Duggan, the town planner, lauded the group’s efforts at the meeting’s close and thanked the members for their time — a sentiment shared by Max Levy, chairman of the selectboard.

Essex fifth-graders create toys and games for kids in need

oLIVEr PArINI PHoToGrAPHy

Brad Luck resigns from Essex Selectboard By ColIN FlaNDerS The Essex Reporter Brad Luck, a member of the Essex Selectboard, is resigning effective Jan. 26. Luck, who also heads the Essex Junction Recreation and Parks department, emailed a letter Monday evening informing the selectboard and the Essex community of his decision. He also read the letter at Monday’s selectboard meeting. “While I fully intended to serve my threeyear term when I ran earlier this year, the impending conversation about the future of the delivery of recreation services in our community has presented a conflict of interest for me,” Luck wrote, adding that he can’t properly serve in both roles. The decision by Essex, Essex Junction and Westford residents to form a unified school district has raised questions about who will oversee the Essex Junction Recreation and Parks Department once a new school board takes over. During a joint meeting of the village trustees and the town selectboard on Nov. Brad Luck will be resigning 17, trustees President George Tyler gained from his position on the the two boards’ consent to move forward with Essex Selectboard on FILE PHoTo conversations about the rec department’s Jan. 26. future, including the possibility of creating a “recreation district” with the village and town departments. During that meeting, Luck alluded to the fact that while he “wears two hats,” a possible conflict of interest may arise during this process. “Brad was a productive and respected member of the board for his tenure and we’ll miss his input and insight,” selectboard president Max Levy said. While the town charter states the selectboard can appoint someone to Luck’s position, Levy explained that by the time the board interviewed candidates and chose an appointee, it would be near Town Meeting Day. Therefore, the position will remain open from Jan. 26 until March 1, when residents will then decide who will serve the remaining two years of Luck’s term. Luck wrote that while he would consider seeking a selectboard seat in the future, he believes it’s currently in the town’s best interest for someone else to serve in this “important capacity.” “I look forward to participating in these important discussions about the future of the recreation department in our community, but just on the other side of the table,” Luck wrote.

St. Michael’s, adjunct faculty reach first union contract agreement

By ColIN FlaNDerS The Essex Reporter The holiday spirit was in full swing Friday afternoon at Thomas Fleming School, as games and toys created by fifth-graders in Jeff Guilmette’s class were on display — bouncing balls, cardboard discs and laughter filled the air. The students presented their creations to Lori Goldman, a community outreach and volunteer specialist from the Burlington’s Committee on Temporary Shelter. “We are just so appreciative,” Goldman said. “It is so inspiring to see kids that are standing up for their peers who are in need, and having a good time while helping others is what the holiday season is truly about.” Guilmette explained that the students came up with the idea after principal Dan Ryan had them watch a video called “The Butterfly Effect,” created by Chris Rosati, a man with ALS who encourages students to spread random acts of kindness throughout the world.

Thomas Fleming School’s physical education teacher Kelly McClintock reacts after learning that she won a grant for $5,000 from the Excellence in Education Foundation on Friday afternoon at a school assembly.

By JaSoN STarr The Essex Reporter

to bring about a positive change during the holidays, the students decided to create toys and games to give to local children in need. Along with a chance to do

Adjunct professors at St. Michael’s College — freelance educators teaching no more than two courses a semester — who voted to unionize last December have reached a two-year employment contract with the college. According to the Service Employees International Union, under which the adjuncts organized last year, the contract includes up to a 15 percent wage increase, job training opportunities and job security assurances. It also brings adjuncts the same academic freedom assurances enjoyed by tenured faculty and an ability to participate in departmental meetings and campus events. According to St. Michael’s Vice President of Human Resources Michael New, the college employs 80 to 100 adjuncts each semester. About 20 percent of the college’s course offerings are taught by adjuncts. Administrators are budgeting in the increased cost of the contract to their plans for the upcoming fiscal year, New said.

– See toYs on page 2a

– See st.MIChAEL's on page 3a

Thomas Fleming School students Eden Howort, 11, left, and Jabari Broomfield, 10, right, play “Plinko” in Jeff Guilmette’s class on Friday. The fifth-grade class gave the toys and games they developed to the Committee on Temporary Shelter for local kids in need. oLIVEr PArINI PHoToGrAPHy

“Our theme for our whole team this year was the Butterfly Effect, and how can we effect our community,” Guilmette said. After brainstorming ways in which the class might be able

The Essex Reporter • December 24, 2015

awarD from page 1a

Daniel Ryan, while adding that her students refer to her as “‘Miss McAwesome.’” “Our hope for our children’s future and the world is made much brighter when there are dedicated educators such as Kelly McClintock teaching in our schools,” Ryan wrote. When asked what she plans to do with the $5,000, Kelly said the grant will help her fund a trip to Zambia, Africa planned for the summer, where she will be teaching physical education to the surrounding communities. It will be her third trip to Africa; five years ago, she traveled to Ghana to help start a sports program for girls, while three years ago she went to Tanzania to work in an orphanage and establish a basketball program. “Fleming actually sponsors one of the orphans I worked with. We raise money every year to send him to school there, otherwise he wouldn’t be able to go. We exchange pictures throughout the year with him; it’s a lot of fun,” Kelly said. As her colleagues took turns congratulating her after the ceremony, the students were led in a sing-along, “Jingle Bells,” providing a soundtrack for Kelly to explain her favorite part of teaching. “The kids,” she said without pause. “Definitely the kids, and how each one is so different.”

The Excellence in Education Foundation’s Miles Heller surprises Thomas Fleming School’s physical education teacher Kelly McClintock with a “no strings attached” grant for $5,000 during a school assembly on Friday afternoon. oLIVEr PArINI PHoToGrAPHy

ToYS

from page 1a good, Guilmette said the project allowed for students to employ their creativity, as it can often be lost in the push for increased math and science proficiency. “That is the biggest message to these kids: using their creativity to do something to help people in our community. That’s such

a powerful thing,” Guilmette said, while adding that the toys and games still allowed the students to hone some of their science and math skills. A good example is “Plinko,” created by Jocelyn Dunn, Jabari Broomfield and Eden Howort, where players drop a bouncy ball into a pinball-inspired structure,

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ricocheting off wooden pegs before landing on a colorcoded scoring system. Or “Cup Ball,” presented by Cassidy Wimble and Kate Jewell, which requires a carefully aimed bouncy ball to be thrown into numbered cups laid out in a random order, like a cylinder-filled dart board. The pair suggested a spotter to chase the missed shots (luckily, Chittenden Central Supervisory Union Superintendent Judith Denova was on hand, displaying quick reflexes after this reporter’s failed attempts). For other games, such as Gavin Blondin and Adnan Medar’s mini-basketball structure — which had yet to be named — practice was key. Players had to bounce a ball up into a cardboard hoop while paper cutouts of cheering fans looked on from the bleachers. Blondin said his best streak was four in a row. As the students moved from station to station, crowding around whichever

Thomas Fleming School fifth-graders show Lori Goldman of the Committee on Temporary Shelter a game that they created. oLIVEr PArINI PHoToGrAPHy

game was currently on display, shrieks of excitement accompanied each successful try. They hoped such enjoyment would carry over to those children who will be receiving the gifts, and shared a collective sense of fulfillment at the

thought. “Knowing that something you made goes to good use feels really nice,” said Howort, as one student tried “Plinko.” Wimble and Dunn agreed, adding that the project made them both feel

“helpful.” For Guilmette, watching the project unfold was “unbelievable.” “They aren’t going to remember a fractions lesson I taught, but they are going to remember this,” Guilmette said.

Essex Reporter honored The Essex Reporter was honored last week for supporting the Marine Corps League and its Toys for Kids program through several articles promoting the Toys for Kids campaign this year. Toys for Kids collects toys for needy children every year. Herb Drew Jr., Senior Vice Commander of the Marine Corps League Donald. G. Cook Detachment #608, presents a certificate of appreciation to Essex reporter Editor and Co-publisher Maria Archangelo.

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The Essex Reporter • December 24, 2015

ST.MICHael'S from page 1a

The Service Employees International Union is also negotiating with administrators at Burlington College and Champlain College for separate adjunct professor contracts. St. Michael’s first-year seminar professor Sharyn Layfield said the contract will make adjuncts feel like a more accepted group of the college community and provide backing when employment disputes arise. “Many adjuncts have never felt really connected or supported or involved in the college communities where we worked,” she said. “It’s a lonely life. It feels different to have the college say in a contract, that ‘yes, we acknowledge you have an important role to play and we support you.’

“We don’t feel as isolated. Having a union means you are not alone.” After St. Michael’s adjuncts voted to join the union by a roughly 80 percent majority, negotiations began in the spring on a contract agreement. Administrators and members of the adjunct negotiating team met about 20 times over the course of nine months to hammer out the deal. According to New, it was a compromise where neither side got everything it wanted. The adjuncts had hoped to secure employer-sponsored health insurance, Union Organizing Director Chris Machanoff said. That remains a priority for future contract negotiations. New said the college relies on standards in the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA) to determine whether professors are offered health insurance. Because St. Mike’s limits adjuncts to no more than two courses

per semester, none are eligible for health coverage under the ACA, he said. The contract includes job security provisions including “reasonable assurances” that adjuncts who have taught a class in prior years will be rehired to teach that class. There is also a course cancellation fee of $1,000 should the college decide to cancel a class after hiring the professor (in the case of low enrollment, for example). Machanoff said the contract will set a standard for the ongoing negotiations at Burlington College and Champlain College. Several of the adjunct professors in the area teach at all three of the colleges, he noted. Negotiations at Champlain College are the next furthest along, while talks at Burlington College have proven more difficult, he said. He expects an agreement to be finalized at Champlain College in the spring.

“Both adjunct and administrative negotiating teams have worked long and hard to reach this agreement,” St. Michael’s adjunct profession Pat La Rose said in a press release, “and it is to everyone’s credit that we came out of this with dignity and good will intact. We want to thank students who held rallies, gathered signatures and show up during cold weather and during exams to show their support.” Adjunct professor Katie Powell added: “It’s been a rewarding experience working together with my adjunct colleagues and the St. Michael’s administration to secure improvements that will benefit adjuncts and students alike. It is my hope that this contract will become the foundation for a bright future for all of us here at St. Michael’s.”

Glad tidings at Rotary

• •

Obituary

Dana Gordon Kennison

Dana Gordon Kennison of Waitsfield, passed away quietly in his sleep Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015. His unexpected loss is deeply mourned by his family, friends and coworkers. Dana was born July 2, 1982 in Burlington to Nancy C. Coombs and Bradley J. Kennison. Many birthdays were celebrated with July 4 fireworks at his mother’s parents summer home in Oquossoc, Maine. Born into a ski racing family, Dana demonstrated incredible skiing skills at a very early age, but was fascinated with the freedom of snowboarding. He quickly mastered the board and was the envy of many who watched him sail by as if floating on air. In his teens, driven by the influence of his late and beloved uncle Doug Coombs, he would adventure out for long hikes in summer and winter on the Long

CorreCTIoN An article in the Dec. 17 edition of The Essex Reporter about the grand opening of SPECTAC, a new Colchester fitness facility, incorrectly spelled the name of coowner Sam Orfanidis.

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whole house, he’d spend his in Waterbury. To send day helping you... as long online condolences please www.perkinsparker. as there’s a sharing of beer visit com the funeral home afterwards. He would 159 Pearl Street Essexnever Junction, VTand 05452 let a friend down. Facebook page. ◊ 1-802-879-4485 Dana is survived or by1-800-408-6800 his mother, Nancy Coombs, and husband Jim Hildebrand of Waitsfield; father Bradley Kennison and wife Jill of Essex Center; brother Scott Kennison and wife Lindsay We welcome and their son Syzer of submitted obituaries. Bradford, N.H.; uncle Steve Send obituaries of 300 Coombs and wife Karen of words or less to news@ Londonderry and cousins Whitney Coombs of Crested essexreporter.com. Butte, Colo., and Brent Photos are encouraged. Coombs and wife Jill of Obituaries are subject Londonderry; grandmother to editing. Please Anne Kennison of Essex submit obituaries no Center; great-aunt Barbara later than Thursday at Tripp of Libby, Mont.; 5 p.m. for publication aunt Emily Coombs and cousin David Coombs of in the following week’s Jackson, Wyo.; stepbrother edition. Kyle Hildebrand and We also offer the family of Riverside, Conn., option of paid space if and stepsister Meghan you prefer a longer or Hildebrand Barnes and unedited obituary. Paid family of South Burlington. obituaries are marked A memorial service is being planned to honor by ◊. Contact snook@ and remember Dana’s life. essexreporter.com or Details of time and place are 878-5282 x 207 for in process. In lieu of flowers, more information. contributions in Dana’s name can be made to the

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The Essex Reporter • December 24, 2015

O pinion Perspective

Letters to the Editor

Fighting for the magic of Christmas By Maria Archangelo My mother grew up in a Philadelphia rowhouse where men were irrelevant. The shooting death of her father — a rookie policeman killed in the line of duty in 1933 — left her mother alone to raise three girls. To help them survive, two maiden aunts moved in. Fanny and Ella were tough and stern. In a tintype, Aunt Ella looks like the mean neighbor who turns into the Wicked Witch of the West in “The Wizard of Oz.” Already old when they moved in, these ladies took care of the girls while my grandmother went out to work. For my grandmother, the transition was stressful but also positive. Bright and social, she thrived at work in a large insurance company, though she never made a lot of money. The three ladies pooled their money, but it was always tight. There were brothers, male cousins, and uncles around, but they weren’t always helpful. There was an unfortunate abundance of men who drank too much, including the cousin who died after drinking a bad bottle of hooch and was literally found in the gutter. So these tough women soldiered on, accidentally teaching my mother and her two younger sisters that if you wanted to accomplish something, you could do it yourself; you didn’t need a man to do it for you. Fairly revolutionary for the 1930s and ‘40s.

Other than God (my mother and her sisters were raised and schooled as strict Catholics), there was, however, one man my mother always knew she could count on: Santa Claus.

Other than God (my mother and her sisters were raised and schooled as strict Catholics), there was, however, one man my mother always knew she could count on: Santa Claus. In my mother’s Depression-era world, Christmas morning was always magical. There were dollies and toys and blackboards and clothes under the tree. For one day a year, I think my mom felt like a regular little girl, not “that poor Dolan girl whose father was killed.” It was a tremendous gift. It was a gift, however, that would cause her some trouble in her teens. My mother resolutely repeated her devotion to St. Nick to anyone who would listen. Which is why she was angry and devastated when, at 14 years old, someone at school tried to tell her that Santa Claus was a myth. My mother, who was never in trouble, got into a fistfight over Santa. As she tearfully told the nuns, “Santa has to be real, because there is no way that my mother would have ever been able to afford the presents we get on Christmas morning.” I think of my mother as her awkward 14-year-old self, skinny, plain, and with her hands balled into fists, and I get a lump in my throat. I love that my grandmother was able to give my mother and her sisters that magical holiday. I love that strangers likely helped make that magic possible. And I love that my mother was willing to fight to keep that magic intact. Now that my children are older, I retell this story every year. It serves to remind them how lucky they are, and to be mindful of helping others who are less fortunate. And it reminds me of the gift of coming from a line of strong, independent women. Maria Archangelo is the editor and co-publisher of The Essex Reporter and The Colchester Sun. She grew up in Philadelphia.

Grateful for generosity We want to thank all those who donated to the St. Pius X Church food drive. The generosity of the Essex community is truly astounding. Know that it will warm the hearts of the recipients of your kindness well beyond Christmas. Again, thank you and Merry Christmas from the St. Pius X faith community.

Andrew Coulter Essex

Students need advocates I would like to correct a previous letter to the editor regarding leveled courses at Essex High School that referred to students who are not in honors courses as lazy. There are many variables why students

General Manager Suzanne Lynn

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

applications. You need to ask what the district is doing to change this for your child NOW. If you suspect a learning disability, ask the district to test your child. If you don’t agree with their assessment, ask that an assessment be conducted outside the district at their expense. This is your right. Do not sit back and let your child float through school. Start advocating for them now so that the sky is never off limits.

Kandy Schmidt Essex

EHS student performance clarified Essex High School juniors every year score at the top, or very near the top, of all juniors in Vermont high schools

taking the SBAC and NECAP assessments. The overall results for our EHS juniors on the 2015 SBAC and NECAP assessments are: SBAC English Language Arts — 71 percent of EHS juniors are proficient (Vermont average 58 percent); SBAC mathematics — 56 percent of EHS juniors are proficient (Vermont average 37 percent); NECAP science — 50 percent of EHS juniors are proficient (Vermont average 32 percent). The EHS proficiency numbers referenced in the Dec. 17 article (“Parents, students, teachers turn out to protest class consolidation”) were for students that were enrolled in 100 level classes.

Rob Reardon Essex High School principal

Leveling with the EHS community By Joel S. Lagrow As a chemistry teacher at Essex High School who also serves as co-president of the Essex Junction Westford Education Association, I have watched the situation at Essex High School closely as the administration announced a decision to the faculty to eliminate 100- and 200-levelled courses and go to heterogeneous grouping for these classes. The administration later backed away from that decision when the memo that teachers received was leaked publicly and members of the community demanded a conversation on the topic. From my conversations with people and the press coverage of the matter, it is apparent that some misconceptions exist. From the onset, there was never any discussion of eliminating honors or AP classes. It does appear that honors courses may have eventually been combined into other courses, but that was not imminent. The reassurance from the administration that these courses were not being cut diverted attention away from the real issues, and it is time to address those here. Essex High School does not “track” its students. It is not unusual for students who love the humanities to take 200-level courses in English while taking 100-level classes in math and science. This actually allows students to personalize their learning according to their interests and career goals, which is a mandated goal by law. Students with a strong interest in a particular field can challenge themselves in a 200-level course, then possibly take an AP course while getting the important basics of other content areas in 100-level courses. We see students accepted into a wide variety of colleges and universities with such a mixture of courses on their transcripts. In other words, all of our courses are “college-prep.” What is being missed here is the fact that many of our 100-level classes are smaller, and students can get much more personal attention from their teachers in such a setting. If these students were in heterogeneous classes, they would be competing with more classmates for the limited attention that any teacher can give an individual student. If there are deficiencies in the rigor or content of a course, address those specific issues at that level, with those teaching it. There are undoubtedly some curriculum areas where leveling is not important, and the majority of courses at EHS are not leveled. In the core curriculum areas, levels assure that students are appropriately challenged while not overwhelming them. This is very apparent in science, where the math skills of the student are often the main factor determining the extent of study. Chemistry 100 assures that students develop an awareness of basic chemistry and how it applies to daily life, while Chemistry 200 students are building a foundation for further, more intensive study later on. It is doubtful that some students in my AP Chemistry course would be successful without the experience and rigor of our 200 course to prepare them. The Essex Junction Westford Education Association recently surveyed the teaching staff at the high school about their feelings about heterogeneous grouping in all courses. About 87 percent of those responding (about 70 percent of teachers) were not convinced that this is a good idea. Even those who support the idea in theory were appalled at how it was presented to the faculty without discussion. When the teachers who are in classrooms with students on a daily basis are not convinced this move is a sound one, it requires one to consider why. About 11 or 12 years ago, our social studies department went to heterogeneous grouping, and the classroom teachers did not make that decision. It has produced

Reporter The

are in remedial courses, none of which has to do with being lazy. Everyone inherently has a desire to be successful in life, and these students are no different. As Essex High School goes into discussion about whether to drop leveled courses, it is important to remind parents of students in the lower level courses that they need to pay attention to the process and advocate for their children’s future. The conversation was initiated for these students, and it’s important to keep the focus on how to elevate them. Test scores show that these kids are grossly under-proficient in several core subjects. Additionally, they are not being provided challenging college prep material or the choices that will allow them a desirable profile on college

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less than ideal results, and all of the teachers in that curriculum area now want to return to leveled classes. We should learn from these experiences within our own building before moving toward a broader application of that approach. In my opinion, there is a great potential to lose both ends of the ability spectrum in heterogeneous classrooms. No matter how skillful and dedicated I may be as a teacher, it is going to be very difficult to teach chemistry to a single class where students range from struggling with basic arithmetic to being proficient in calculus. I will either overwhelm some students and they will shut down, or some students will be bored and under-challenged. While the theory is that students with a more advanced understanding of the subject will help others, I would submit that a student’s job is to learn and not to teach. Having students help each other certainly has its place in a classroom, but it shouldn’t be relied on as a regular strategy for teaching on a daily basis. As teachers, we didn’t come to this profession because the work is easy, but there is a limit to what one can expect from a teacher. We already are addressing the needs of a diverse range of students with various needs as it is. As our students come to us with more behavioral, social and emotional challenges each year, the job is more demanding than ever. The research on heterogeneous grouping is mixed at best. I have reviewed the literature to some extent, and it is rarely promoted by people who are classroom teachers but mainly by academics and administrators. It can be successful if combined with small class sizes. However, none of us expect class sizes to be reduced at EHS, and getting rid of leveling might actually reduce the number of teachers needed as average class sizes would be increasing with the elimination of the smaller 100-level classes. Most of the schools locally that have been referenced are considerably smaller than EHS; Rivendell, for instance, has only 250 or so students in total. I believe the philosophy behind heterogeneous grouping is the idea that we can better overcome the socioeconomic inequalities of our students, and allow them to be successful in their education despite those circumstances. While a noble goal, it remains for a student to take advantage of the education they are offered and make something of it; we do currently offer every student the opportunity to challenge themselves through our course offerings. We have no course prerequisites, and our course recommendations to students are advisory in nature. Students and their parents make the final decision about course selection. There is no doubt that there is an “achievement gap” among our students. There probably always has been and may always be one, due to circumstances beyond our control. Parental involvement, attendance, behavioral and emotional issues, and many other factors play a role in student success. One of the main drivers of change in recent years at EHS has been following trends at other schools without really studying how those changes are implemented or whether they have been successful. Education is a field obsessed by fads, as people writing Ph.D. theses use their local schools as test cases for their latest ideas. What gets forgotten in the process is that we are dealing with real students who we are preparing for real futures and real lives. Let’s look for once at what EHS does well, and seek ways to improve what we do while retaining our good practices. I challenge the administration to persuade the students, faculty and community members of our school of the necessity for this change. Making a decision without including input from all parties will insure that the change will be unsuccessful in the long run. This latest situation where a major decision was made without any discussion with students, faculty or community members must simply not be allowed to happen again in the future. It doesn’t matter that the decision was retracted; the damage to trust from the lack of transparency has been done. Consider all the alternatives. Get truly innovative and creative instead of borrowing someone else’s tired ideas. Allow your students, faculty and community members to generate ideas, and support them in doing so. Include them in decision making of this magnitude instead of excluding them. We all want EHS to be the best high school it can be for all students, and one that everyone can be proud of. Joel S. Lagrow is a teacher of chemistry at Essex High School and co-president of the Essex Junction Westford Education Association.

The Essex Reporter • December 24, 2015

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Local historian’s new book recounts life and times of a Vermont Civil War veteran and inventor By lIZ CaNTrell For The Essex Reporter

n collaboration with the Chittenden County Historical Society, retired schoolteacher and local historian Richard Allen has recently published his sixth book, “Ambition and Grit: The Life of Truman Naramore, Civil War Veteran and Entrepreneur.” The book recounts the life and times of Truman Naramore, a Charlotte-born Union soldier who survived the Civil War and returned to Vermont, where he raised his family, invented numerous agricultural implements, and founded several Grange chapters, among other pursuits. While Vermont history enthusiasts, or those interested in the Civil War and 19th century agriculture, may be especially drawn to Naramore’s life, casual readers will also find reasons to enjoy the book. In addition to Naramore’s compelling and colorful personal narrative, Naramore’s life parallels some of the major events in 19th century American history. Naramore participated in the Civil War, the mechanization of agriculture, and westward migration, all hallmarks of the 19th century. Additionally, his chronic health problems and search for stability attest to the issues facing many veterans as they attempted to reintegrate into post-war society. “Here was the impact of our history on one man and his family,” Allen said. “The story also mirrors what some veterans are going through today, suffering from their wounds or poor health, and concern for raising a family and employment.” Naramore was born in Charlotte in 1838. He joined the Vermont Calvary in the Civil War and was captured in Virginia in 1864. Naramore spent four months in the infamous Andersonville prison in Georgia, which is now a National Historic Site. According to the National Park Service, over 13,000 Union prisoners of war died there during the fourteen months the prison existed. Naramore survived, returned to Vermont, married a Williston woman, and began a family. Settling in Williston, Naramore acquired a farm and began inventing and improving upon various farm tools. It was one such tool, called the “stump puller” that first led Allen to discover who Naramore was. Allen, who has lived in Vermont since 1973, taught elementary school for 40 years and often incorporated local history into his lessons. Allen’s search for Naramore began at 2003 at the Vermont History Expo at the Tunbridge fairgrounds. “I met a man there [Paul Wood] who had a display of farm implements patented by a Williston resident. … I tucked it in the back of my head,” Allen recalled. Several years later, Allen thought of his brief conversation with the equipment collector at the fair. Allen tracked Wood down and learned from a stamp on the stump puller that the Williston inventor was someone named T.C. Naramore. Once Allen discerned that Naramore

was a Civil War veteran, a “whole avenue of research” opened. “He wasn’t someone who made headlines but he left a very public trail,” Allen said. “If you have a solider that survived the Civil War and continued to apply for pensions, you’ll receive reams of supporting material through archives in Washington.”

richard Allen with book poster.

Vermont property records and newspaper archives, including articles written by Naramore for The Vermont Farmer, also supplemented Allen’s research. In addition to visits to the Special Collections Library at the University of Vermont and the Vermont Historical Society in Montpelier, Allen traveled to the Andersonville historic site in Georgia, went to Worchester, Mass. to read through family records, and also communicated with a doctoral student at the University of Michigan who had conducted research on Naramore’s family. Allen learned that Naramore was instrumental in The Grange Movement. Officially referred to as The National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, “The Grange” is the oldest American

agricultural advocacy group. It was founded in 1867 to promote education and advance the economic and social needs of farmers. Naramore helped establish local Grange chapters in Vermont. The Naramore family remained in Williston for 19 years before moving to the Los Angeles area in 1884. Naramore had some connections there and quickly seized on the land boom occurring in Southern California at the time. He became real estate agent, though he still continued with patents and inventions. The move was also motivated by Naramore’s poor health. Naramore always suffered from many ailments from his time as a POW. One of the major attractions to the California area was the warmer weather and relief from the cold, damp winters of Vermont. Nevertheless, Naramore died in 1895 at the age of 57. Despite his physical setbacks and wartime experiences, Allen’s book demonstrates that Naramore led a remarkably productive life. In fact, the book’s title is drawn from a description of Naramore given by a fellow prisoner named Walter J. Hilton, who was from Essex. In an affidavit given in July 1881 as part of Naramore’s pension records, Hilton testified: “His ambition and grit was all that saved his life, and the wonder is that he is still alive.” For Allen, those words appropriately described the life and times of a relatively unknown Vermont farmer whose life reflects a larger piece of American history. “’Ambition’ covers the business angle, and grit just reminds me of what he must have dealt with,” Allen said.

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For more information about “Ambition and Grit: The Life of Truman Naramore, Civil War Veteran and Entrepreneur,” visit the Vermont Digital Newspaper Project website at library. uvm.edu/vtnp/?p=3293, and the Chittenden County Historical Society Facebook page and web page at http:// www.cchsvt.org.

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• • • • • • •

A broadside advertising the Naramore rock and stump puller stated, besides the intended purposes of the removal of rocks, stumps, brush, and logs, it could also be “useful to handle slaughtered animals, or to raise a disabled horse or ox onto his feet.” Left: The drawing of Naramore’s cart hay press from his patent application. IMAGES | UNITED STATES PATENT oFFICE

Essex Automotive Services RUbbER MATCH

If you have ever thought about how many tires there are everywhere, you may wonder how there is enough raw material from rubber plants to make them all. Well, there isn’t. Currently, the tire industry must rely on synthetic rubber, made from petroleum, to keep the tires rolling off the production line. In hopes of reducing their reliance on oil to make new tires, industry researchers are looking for other sources of rubber, and it seems they have found one. The Russian dandelion, unlike the rubber tree, can be grown in areas other than tropical regions. By creating rubber from this plant, which can be farmed sustainably and globally, the tire industry hopes to wean itself off oil. Do you have questions about tires? At ESSEX AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES, we can inspect your car for any issues. You should seek the help of our professional auto mechanics who can run the proper tests and come to a real conclusion as to what could be happening to your vehicle. We are located at 141-147 Pearl St, Essex Jct. Please call 802.879.1966. We are open for Business!

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The Essex Reporter • December 24, 2015

Essex Area Religious Directory

C ALEnDAR 24 Thursday M.A.G.I.C.: Masculinity and Gender Identity Conversation. Participants of any

DEC. 31

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

Family Candlelight Christmas Eve Service.

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

The Grace United Methodist Church will be hosting this Christmas service ﬁlled with special music, a choir and the Christmas story retold. Grace United Methodist Church, Essex Junction, 7 p.m. Free. Information: 878-8071.

PHoTo | EMILyMACKENZIE.CoM

NEW YEAR’S EVE CONCERT. The Richmond Old Round Church will be hosting its annual New Year’s Eve concert. This year the concert will feature the songs and instrumentals of recording artist duo Patti Casey and Tom MacKenzie; blues guitarist Bill Ellis; Vermont Young Tradition graduates Hannah Beth Crary; and the Zeichners. Prior to the concert, a delicious meal consisting of soups, stews and chili, bread and desserts will be available by separate donation. All proceeds from the concert will be donated to support the Old Round Church. Donations for the meal will go to Our Community Cares Camp Richmond Congregational Church, Richmond. Dinner: 5-7 p.m. and concert at 7:30 p.m. $10 suggested donation per person. Contact Tim: whiteford@gmavt.net or 434-4565.

Friday

Essex Eats Out Community Meals. Essex

Eats Out seeks to build community connections by providing healthy, free meals in a warm, safe and inclusive atmosphere. The menu will include scrambled eggs, French toast, sausage, cookies, milk and coffee. Grace United Methodist Church, Essex Junction, 5:30-7 p.m. Transportation is available. Call Dawn Thursday by 9 a.m. to schedule Friday transit: 878-7622. Information: essexeatsout@gmail.com or www.essexeatsout.org.

Christmas services ST. ANDREW’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

1063 Prim Road, Colchester

Christmas Eve Services: Thursday, Dec. 24 5 p.m. Family Service 7 p.m. Christmas Carols 7:15 p.m. Holy Eucharist

Christmas Day Service: Friday, Dec. 25 9 a.m. Holy Eucharist

Sunday after Christmas: Sunday, December 27 9 a.m. Christmas Lessons and Carols with Holy Communion

HOLY FAMILY- ST. LAWRENCE 4 Prospect St., Essex Junction

Christmas Eve Mass: Thursday, Dec. 24 Children’s Mass at 4 p.m., St. Michael’s Chapel in Colchester Christmas Vigil Mass at 6 p.m., St. Lawrence Church in Essex Junction Christmas Vigil Mass at 9 p.m., Holy Family Church in Essex Junction

Christmas Day Mass: Friday, Dec. 25 Christmas Day Mass at 9:30 a.m., Holy Family Church in Essex Junction

ASCENSION LUTHERAN CHURCH

95 Allen Road, South Burlington

Christmas Eve: Thursday, Dec. 24 Candlelight service with lessons and carols and blessing of the crèche at 6 p.m.

Saturday

Reindeer at ECHO. As part of the ECHO’s

Wild Lights winter festival, join the Vermont Reindeer Farm to get up-close with their incredible creatures. Meet, greet, pet, and learn all about reindeer. Discover their connection to other wildlife in our region. Hear about their history and how they became connected to the holidays. Admission price may apply. ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington’s Waterfront, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Information: http://www.echovermont.org/

Sunday

Community Breakfast. Menu consists of

eggs to order, breakfast meats, pancakes, toast, home fries, toast, coffee and orange juice. American Legion Post 91, Colchester, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. $8. Information: 872-7622.

Sunday Coffee Mix and Mingle. Members

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

Monday

concert by the Young Tradition Touring Group. The 2015/2016 Young Tradition Touring Group includes 20 auditioned members ranging in age from 12 to 20. Though most are from Vermont, the group also includes members from Maine, Massachusetts and Quebec. This performance is one of several the group will be performing at festivals, concerts, schools and dances prior to a performance tour on the West Coast of Ireland in April. Doors open at 30 minutes prior to performance for general admission seating. Lake Champlain Waldorf School, Shelburne, 7-8:30 p.m. Suggested donation is $10. Information: mark.sustic@gmail.com or www.youngtraditionvermont.org.

Trivia Night. Trivia buffs gather for a meeting

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

Christmas Day: Friday, Dec. 25

CHRIST MEMORIAL CHURCH

Lake Brite Launch. ECHO, Leahy Center for

Christmas Eve Service on Thursday, Dec. 24 at 7 p.m.

OUR LADY OF GRACE CHURCH 784 Main St., Colchester

Christmas Eve: Thursday, Dec. 24 4:30 p.m. Christmas Pageant Mass; 7:30 p.m. Mass with caroling at 7:15 p.m.

Christmas Day: Friday, Dec. 25 Christmas morning Mass at 9 a.m.

Tuesday

Lake Champlain will hit the switch, bringing its Lake Brite data visualization project to light on the Burlington Waterfront. More than 7,500 LED lights, in a 12-feet by 12-feet by 6-feet cube, are individually programmed to create this visual interpretation of Lake Champlain data, including temperature, animal life, and more. Located in ECHO’s massive windows, Lake Brite will allow science center guests and passersby alike the opportunity to learn and participate. ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington’s Waterfront.

Movies at Main Street Landing: “The Sound of Music.” The Movies at Main Street

Landing series presents the Robert Wisedirected, 1965, iconic movie musical, “The Sound of Music,” starring ﬁlm icons Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer and Eleanor Parker. Main Street Landing Film House, Burlington, 7 p.m. Donations beneﬁt a local charity. Contact: 540-3018 or www. mainstreetlanding.com/movies.

Thursday

Horse Traders New Year’s Eve Dance. The

Town Hall Theater invites revelers to say goodbye to 2015 as Middlebury’s upbeat rock/ pop band The Horse Traders take the stage. The Horse Traders are a Weybridge-based band that cover a wide range of music from modern pop and oldies to classic rock, soul and country. The event will feature a cash bar as well as a free champagne toast at midnight. Town Hall Theater, Middlebury, 8 p.m.-1 a.m. $15. Information: http://www.townhalltheater.org/calendar-and-tickets/

Looking ahead First Wednesdays: Middlebury Professor

Looks at Shakespeare’s 400-Year CareerMiddlebury College professor Timothy Billings will examine the craft and enduring inﬂuence of William Shakespeare in a talk at Brownell Library in Essex Junction on Jan. 6 at 7 p.m. Part of the Vermont Humanities Council’s First Wednesdays lecture series and is free and open to the public. This talk replaces the previously scheduled First Wednesdays talk, “Shakespeare at the Cusp of Old and New” with UVM professor Helen Scott.

Contra Dance. Queen City Contras will

Concert. Young Tradition Vermont presents a

Worship service with Holy Communion and sermon at 10 a.m.

1033 Essex Road, Williston

poetry, “Roll Deep.” College Hall Chapel, Vermont College of Fine Arts, Montpelier, 7 p.m. Free. Information: 828-8600.

Wednesday

Poetry Reading. Join University of Vermont professor Major Jackson as he shares passages from his latest collection of

hold its regular dance on Friday, Jan. 8, 2016 at 8 p.m. at Shelburne Town Hall, 5376 Shelburne Road, Shelburne. Music will be provided by Pete’s Posse (Pete Sutherland, Tristan Henderson and Oliver Scanlon). Luke Donforth will be the caller. All are welcome, all dances taught, no partner or experience necessary. Beginners’ session at 7:45. Admission is $9 adults. Under 12 free. Please bring clean, soft-soled shoes for dancing. Dance Info: 802-371-9492 or 802-343-7166 Website: www.queencitycontras.org

Annual Twelfth Night Celebration. The Es-

sex Children’s Choir presents the annual Twelfth Night Celebration Saturday, Jan. 9, 6:30 p.m., at the Chapel of Saint Michael the Archangel at Saint Michael’s College in Colchester. Twelfth Night Celebration brings to close the traditional celebration of Christmas in song, dance, instruments, and prose. A collaboration of Vermont artistry joins the choir: Heidi Soons, harp; Wayne Hobbs, tenor; Full Circle Consort; Wheeler Trombone Quartet; and the Adirondack Ballet Ensemble from Plattsburgh, NY. Joyful sounds of Christmas by Anthony Holborne, Michael Praetorius, Bach-Gounod, Roland Hayes, Harry T. Burleigh, Benjamin Britten, John Rutter, and carols to welcome the New Year. Special feature: Bella Voce Women’s Chorus of Vermont and the children’s choir will perform “Lullaby” from HODIE by Ralph Vaughn Williams, Dormi, Dormi, O Bel Bambin, arr. by Robert De Cormier, and Sussex Carol arr. by the late David Willcocks. Suggested donation: $10. In the event of inclement weather, the program will be held on Sunday, Jan. 10, 4:30 p.m. For more info: www.essexchildrenschoirofvermont.org (802) 863-9161.

The Green Mountain Chapter of the Em-

broiderers’ Guild of America will meet on Wednesday, Jan. 13 at 9:30 a.m. in the Living Room/Dinning Room at The Pines, 5 Aspen Drive, South Burlington. All abilities welcome. We will be having an open sew so bring a project to work on. First meeting is complimentary. Bring a bag lunch. Car-pooling is available from many areas. Contact number 372-4255 or e-mail at: gmc.vt.ega@gmail.com

Ongoing Essex Art League Meetings. Meetings hap-

pen on the ﬁrst Thursday of the month. The meeting agenda includes a business and social time, and features a guest artist

The Essex Reporter • December 24, 2015

C ALEnDAR presentation. Essex Junction Congregational Church, Essex Junction, 9-11 a.m. Information: www.essexartleague.com.

burlingtonwritersworkshop.com.

Cell Phones For Soldiers. Local residents can

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

Craft Connection. Come to the Essex Alliance

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

Essex Eats Out Community Meals. Essex

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

Champlain Valley Prostate Cancer Support Group. Mary L. Guyette RN, MS, ACNS-

BC will answer questions about prostate cancer surgical procedures. Plus, general discussion and sharing among survivors and those beginning or rejoining the battle. Second Tuesday of each month. Hope Lodge, 237 East Ave, Burlington, 6-8 p.m. Contact: 274-4990.

Champlain Echoes. A women’s four-part

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

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

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

Family Support Group. Outright Vermont

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

Interstitial Cystitis Support Group. Interstitial

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

Italian Conversation Group. Open to all

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

Toy Library Playgroup. Fridays. Ages birth through 5 years. Memorial Hall, Essex, 9:30-11 a.m. Contact Essex Parks and Rec: 878-1342.

Creative Tuesdays. Artists exercise their

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

VCAM Access Orientation. Free. Vermont

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

Burlington Writers Workshop. A free writing

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

Colchester-Milton Rotary meeting. Thursdays. Serving the communities of Col-

chester, Milton and the Champlain Islands. Hampton Inn, Colchester, 12 p.m.

Essex Rotary Meeting. Essex Rotary Meet-

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

Duplicate Bridge. Wednesdays. Essex Junction

Special event coming up? Tell Michael! calendar@essexreporter.com

Senior Center, Essex, 1 p.m. Information: 876-5087.

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

Mah Jongg. Join other Mah Jongg enthusiasts

ages 50 and over at the Essex Junction Senior Center at 10 a.m. on Mondays and Fridays. New players are always welcome. Free to members of EJSC, others pay $1 per day. Membership at EJSC is open to anyone 50 years of age and older and is $12 per year. Contact: 8765087 or Lpioli@essex.org.

Movie Matinees. Colchester Parks and Recre-

ation offers movie matinees on the second and fourth Fridays of each month. Popcorn and coffee will be provided. Movies begin at 1 p.m. Free. 781 Blakely Road, Colchester. Information: 264-5640.

Senior Strength. HammerFit Gym in Essex of-

fers a 50-minute guided exercise class for anyone over the age of 50. The session begins with a warm up, stretching exercises, then strength training using Hammer Strength equipment with guidance. The class ends with a relaxing stretch and cool down, and participants are welcome to use the cardio machines before or after if they wish. HammerFit Gym, Essex, Mondays and Thursdays 9:30 a.m. $5. Information: 878-0444.

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

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THURSDAY, DEC. 24 Library Closed for the Holidays. Brownell Library, Essex Junction.

FRIDAY, DEC. 25 Library Closed for the Holidays. Brownell Library, Essex Junction.

MONDAY, DEC. 28 Wii Games for Kids. Come play Wii Sports Resort, MarioKart, and others. For all ages. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 2-3:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, DEC. 29 Knitting for Kids. Knit a hat with our looms. You can check them out and take them home to finish. We have yarn, or bring your own favorite colors and knitting needles. For all skill levels. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 30 The Traveling Storyteller performs: ”The Three Billy Goats Gruff.” They better watch out for the Troll under the bridge. A puppet show for all ages. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 2-3 p.m. Minecraft Club. Come show off your world-building and survival skills on our Xbox 360. Play and discuss with fellow minecrafters. Snacks will be provided. Essex Free Library, Essex Center, 1-2:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, JAN. 1 Library Closed for New Years Day

ONGOING Read to Daisy and Archie, Therapy Dogs. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Daisy and Archie love to listen to kids read. They are certified by Therapy Dogs of Vermont. Daisy’s owner is Maddie Nash, retired

Events at your

school counselor. For all ages. Archie’s owner is Christine Packard, Chair of Brownell Library Trustees. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:304:30 p.m. Story Time for Babies and Toddlers. Tuesdays. Picture books, songs, rhymes and puppets for babies and toddlers with an adult. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 9:10-9:30 a.m. Story Time for 3-5 Year Olds. Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Picture books, songs, rhymes, puppets, flannel stories, and early math activities for preschoolers. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10-10:45 a.m. Tech Help with Clif. Offering one on one technology help. Bring in your new electronic devices and Clif will sit with you to help you learn more about them. Please call to make an appointment. Brownell Library, Mondays and Wednesdays, 12-1 p.m. Drop-in Story Time. Mondays. Reading, rhyming and crafts each week. All ages welcome. No registration required. Essex Free Library, 10:30 a.m. Lego Club. Mondays. We have thousands of Legos for you to build awesome creations. Essex Free Library, 3:30-5 p.m. Drop-in Knitting Group. Connect with other knitters and tackle new knitting projects. Both beginner and advanced knitters are welcome. Essex Free Library, Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m.

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Creative Writing Club. First Wednesday of each month, for ages 9 and older. Let your imagination soar as you write your own stories and poems using prompts, games and other writing exercises. Essex Free Library, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Musical Story Time. Fridays. Rock out and read with books, songs and instruments. All ages. Essex Free Library, 10:30 a.m. Drop-in Story Time for Kids of All Ages. Twice a month on Fridays. Babies, toddlers and preschoolers are welcome to come listen to picture book stories and have fun with finger plays and action rhymes. No registration required. Brownell Library, 10-10:45 a.m.

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

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

May you have a beautiful holiday season wrapped in warmth, touched with wonder and filled with love. Happy Holidays from The Carol Audette Team Carol & Gary Audette, Susan Mathieu, Peter Audette, Kathy Hale, Patti Jasmin, Jill Vespa, Dawn Harvey and Kim Corey

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The Essex Reporter • December 24, 2015

F OOD

How to cut costs when hosting at home

osting guests at home can be expensive. Whether they’re hosting family and friends during the holiday season or throwing a backyard barbecue under the summer sun, hosts should know that such gatherings can be costly. Some hosts may find that hosting guests at home is beyond their means. Fortunately, there are many ways for budgetconscious hosts to save money when entertaining at home.

• Keep the menu simple. While you might be

guests you invite, the bigger your budget will need to be. If your budget does not have much wiggle room, revisit your initial guest list and pare it down to something you can manage financially. Smaller gatherings tend to be more intimate, and hosts won’t have as much work to do as they would when hosting larger get-togethers, which should allow them more time to mingle with guests.

encouraging guests to contribute to the festivities. Guests typically want to pitch in as a way of showing their appreciation for hosts, so don’t hesitate to ask them to bring some beverages or desserts with them. Let guests know which foods you plan to serve so they can find the right wine to pair with dinner and bring a dessert that will complement the meal perfectly.

tempted to dazzle guests with your culinary skills, a more elaborate menu might stretch your budget. When hosting on a budget, choose foods that won’t break the bank. Hot dogs and hamburgers can be bought in bulk at the height of barbecue season. When hosting indoors, serve more affordable fare like fish or salad in lieu of costly prime rib.

• Encourage guests • Keep the guest list to contribute. You also manageable. The more can save money when hosting by

• Borrow items when necessary. If you’re hosting

for the first time or if your serving dishes have seen better days, save money by borrowing serving dishes, wine glasses and extra seating. The cost of such items can quickly add up, but borrowing is free and your guests will no doubt be happy to contribute something to the festivities.

• Use reusable dinnerware. Come the

end of the night, disposable dinnerware might seem like a godsend, saving you the trouble of washing all of those dishes and utensils. But such items cost money, and those costs can quickly add up depending on the size of your guest list. Reusable

dinnerware saves you money and can benefit the environment by reducing the carbon footprint of your party. Hosting a get-together for

family and friends is a big financial commitment. But hosts working on a budget can cut costs in various ways and still ensure their guests have a great time.

Creative ways to ring in the new year Counting down the hours until the new year can be exciting, as the world anxiously anticipates the adventures in store for the months ahead. Celebrating the new year dates back thousands of years to the ancient Babylonians, who celebrated a new year come the first full moon after the spring equinox. The new year is now commemorated in various ways across the globe. According to History.com, one million people gather in New York City’s Time Square to watch the famed crystal ball drop each year. Across the pond in London, celebrants watch thousands of individual fireworks launch over the Thames River. In Sydney, Australia, roughly one million people line the shoreline each year to watch a fireworks show over the famed harbor. To match the excitement of New Year’s festivities, each year party hosts and hostesses are on the lookout for innovative ways to entertain and ensure everyone has

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a blast. The following are a few ways to do just that as you and your guests prepare to close the book on 2015 and usher in 2016. • Go bowling. New Year’s Eve probably isn’t a big league night, so it’s likely you can reserve a number of lanes. Book in advance to take advantage of affordable food and drink packages. Some alleys now offer more than just bowling, with live music or deejay entertainment as well. You do not have to be a professional bowler, either, as the goal of bowling with friends is to simply have some fun and make some lasting memories. • Try a “first”. There is a first time for everything, and why not try something you have been thinking about doing for some time on the first day of the new year? Maybe you’re ready to tap into your adventurous side and try skydiving. Or, you may be looking to travel abroad to experience something you have longed to see, such as the Egyptian pyramids or the city lights in the romantic city of Paris. • Cheer for every time zone. Thanks to the various time zones across the globe, “Happy New Year” is shouted multiple times throughout the night on New Year’s Eve. TimeandDate.com notes that, depending on how you define the time zone and if you include the International Date Line, there are 24 or 25 standard time zones. That gives revelers 25 opportunities to usher in the new year. Choose a country in each time zone, and then employ that country’s cultural traditions to celebrate the new year. • Design a scavenger hunt. A fun activity for both adults and children, scavenger hunts can send guests in search of clues and answers based on things that happened over the previous 12 months. Include photos and other mementos when preparing clues. — MetroCreative

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B Section The Essex Reporter December 24, 2015

Sports

ALSO IN THIS SECTION: Legal Notices • Classifieds • Schools

Girls' hockey wins behind strong second period

he girls' hockey team pulled away from BurlingtonColchester on Saturday, scoring three of its five goals in the second period for a 5-1 victory. Maddy Young led the Hornets with two goals and an assist, while Olivia Miller-Johnson had a goal and an assist as well. Kaitlyn Butkus and Amanda Sinkewicz added a goal each, and Lindsay Hallowell had six saves. Dakota Bilodeau provided the lone bright spot for the SeaLakers, while Jenna Blondin had a busy night in goal, stopping 45 shots total. The Hornets (5-1) will have the holiday weekend off before traveling to Hanover, N.H. for a tournament on Monday and Tuesday.

SPORTS SHORTS Joe Gonillo

Christmas Wish List 2015

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

hristmas, as many of you know, is my favorite season of the year. Yes, summer vacation comes really close, and it’s longer…but there is nothing like the Christmas season. Writing this column is a lot of fun, and The Christmas Wish List is my favorite column to type. An exception could be made when the Yanks win the World Series or if the Cowboys ever get back to the Super Bowl. The List is over 20 years old and hopefully is still going strong. I credit former Burlington Free Press gurus Andy Gardiner and/or Pat Garrity with the idea. I honestly had no idea if it would be read, accepted, or well received. I know people read it when they ask me where their name is or hey, nice list! Hopefully you enjoy reading names or looking for yours. Sorry if a name or two is missing. Have a great Christmas and a very Happy New Year! If you are looking for a Christmassy read, try “25 Days, 26 Ways to Make This Your Best Christmas Ever” by Ace Collins. Lucille McClure – an NFC championship for the Arizona Cardinals; main and guidance office staff – no lines shorter, no daily announcements; Rob Reardon – a very smooth 2016; Judy DeNova – a smooth school year in 2016-17 with the new district alignment; English Department – great books, students, and curriculum to teach and a solid new teacher; Mike Deweese – Florida retirement; Armando Vileseca – ESPN in Dubai; EHS assistant principals – less issues and more education; Jenn Letourneau – warm vacation spots; Heather Garrow – continued strong field hockey teams and great work in your school leadership role; Shawn Montague – tickets to the NCAA Men’s Final Four; Kenena Montague – more family visits; Breya Montague – yes, new soccer cleats and basketball shoes again; Tori Couture – body building title; Pam Hemingway – a family vacation during the February break; Travis and Sarah Desilets – warms hockey seats; Stacey Anthony – youth and playoffs for the Yanks; Adam Weiss – college scholarships for daughters; Scott Mosher – success in NH; JJ Palker – advancement in your social work field; Mike Soules – fun on the lake; Nicola Anderson – promotion; Jim Anderson – success in life no matter the state; Wayne Davis – gas card for the RV; the BFP – room for high school basketball

box scores; the Essex Reporter staff – all the best in 2016; Greg Bird – a spot in the NYY line– up; Starlin Castro – all-star season in the Bronx; Sue Pratt, Chefs Dowman, John Barton, and Mat Zimmerman – new oven for the Cafe and Bakery at CTE; Yvonne Wolfer and the CTE cosmetology staff – fabulous young hair cutters/stylists to educate; Jim Dirmaier, Todd Mackenzie, Connie Esmay, Linda Dulleba, Christine Chase, and Bob Travers – relaxing vacation with family; Mike Gilbert – upgrades for Tigers and Dolphins; Jake Orr – a run to the finals next fall and a job at EHS soon; Brian and Penny Dubie – retirement relaxation; Katie White and Ryan Robitaille – a fantastic engagement and a beautiful wedding; ET and EJ Planners – might have missed this last winter so… expand the street light system, tax the Fairground a little, and let logic be your guide in all matters; Scott Milne – another run for governor in 2016; Carol Cooke – all the perks a great travel agent should receive; Governor Shumlin – a very happy honeymoon; Jill Shumway – pay raise and free pool treatments; EHS Christmas Carolers – good tidings and cheer; Kate Mitchell – a return to the field hockey sidelines… Ryan Gates – let’s see, you reffed the Twin State Lion Cup game and a high school soccer final – in the middle...maybe college certification; Dr. Jessica Lunardini – a very large stable of satisfied patients; Mike McCaffery – full recovery from last year’s injury for a full slate of soccer games in the fall; Gus Charbonneau – MLB package and NFL Sunday Ticket Ed Hockenbury, Jr. – college scholarship; Ryan Hockenbury – fulltime LG job this summer; Ed Hockenbury – indoor fieldhouse ... think of the $$ you can make renting it out; Jason Webster – return to EHS in your future; Rich Celia – NHL goalie coaching job; Mike Picard and Jeff Greene – a very healthy Tony Romo next season; Pete Picard – Florida whenever, wherever; Pete Picard Jr. – a summer off; Art Pellerin, Bob Clifford, Steve Ferreira, Steve Malgeri – a mediocre David Price; Joe Girardi – Giancarlo Stanton and Jose Fernandez; Bill and Judi Galdi – more grandkids; Jill Galdi – a teaching job in Chittenden County; Paul Hamel – a World Series security assignment; Dave Rich – no problems on the night shirt and a Martone’s gift

card; Chris Polakowski – continued success in coaching and training EHS athletes; Carol Polakowski – annual FLA Keys vacation in February/March; Jason Polakowski – head athletic trainer at the university of Miami; Alyssa and Josh Jacobs – another dog or family addition; Dave Gomez – annual VT visit for the Essex Invitational, States, NEs, and VT Decathlon; Jeremy Hammond – a stable of strong, quick, talented throwers to coach this spring; and a UVM announcing job; Jessie Hammond – all-star jvg basketball team; Will “the Thrill” Hammond – all the blocks, legos, and presents on your list; Bob Ward – a new timer for the press box; Bill Peters – a reliable 2B– man; Vickie Toppings, Kristin Kany, Mickey Bonges, Peggy Spaulding – all student slots filled for work; Amy Fillipo – new running shoes and pretty outfit; Jackie Wheel & Prescott Stanton – more ingredients for your extremely delicious cookies; Lyle and Barbie Newell – all the best in 2016… . Remzo Smailhodzic – closer to retirement so you can spend more time with your family; Gus Charbonneau – MLB and NFL Sunday Ticket; John Ferris and Justin Norris – Yoenis Cespedes; Tom Preska – new bowling ball; Sherri Allard, Bob Hickey, and John Scherer – tax returns without extensions; Jim and Erin Murphy – family cross country summer vacation trek; Brian Cummings – a mixture of youth and vets in the Bronx; Charley Ranges – tax-free standing for church property; John Woodley – another run at the AL East for the Yanks; Jean Robinson – a Yankee prospect panning out big– time; Jay Kiley – rebuilding in Detroit; Peggy Economou – FLA second home; Mike Donoghue – smooth sailing in retirement; the New York football Giants – try to protect a 4th quarter lead; Dean Corkum – another lax championship appearance this spring; Grady Corkum – successful winter of indoor track; Madison Corkum – the college of your choice; Lucy Corkum – a college scholarship for Madison; Steve Roberts – new glasses for hallway inspections if you don’t retire; Mike Baker – never- ending supply of wrestling mat materials; Leighton Walker – endless supply of running shoes;; Marie– Louise Digiovanni, Tom Jiamachello, and Marilee Taft – endless retirement adventures; Deb Stark – warm

Essex's Sara Manley fires a shot toward goal during the first period of Saturday's game. Left: Essex players celebrate their goahead goal late in the first period of Saturday's game against BurlingtonColchester. The Hornets won 5-1. Photos | Kyle St. Peter

February vacations; Ellen Emery – standingroom only in the TAP intern business; Jane Goodman – an island relocation; Leo Labonte – state-of-art train room facility; Lynne Labonte – cross-fit competitions; Nick Labonte – more hours at SHP next summer; Chris Labonte – successful winter of indoor track; Kate McDonald – a return trip to the finals; Jamie Young – an office with a view; Colleen Birner – more baby time; Mae Mayville – a great year in the library Nate Sheppard – a job back at EHS; Owen Charron – Bruce Springsteen tickets; Jenn and Brad McKenzie – enjoy the baby; Tim Albertson – a solid NYY starter; Windy and Mike Kelley – a home in the Burlington area; Bill Mayville – season tickets to the Yanks upon retirement; John and Sue Burroughs – family trips; Carol Willey – year-round seasonable temperatures; Ruby and Jim McIntyre – a return to VT soon; Joe Mackey – Teachers’ Retirement Watchdog; Courtney Brooks – congrats on the Jet Blue promotion; Joe Johnston and Gene Nelson – an even better Yankee bullpen this summer; Maria Sciancalepore – a beach, some sun, and a hut; – a buck or two during deer season; Bill Duval – more teams for the best women’s summer league ever; Barb Duval – any farmhouse restoration you’d like; Robin Noble – a new grandbaby and tickets to a Sox-Yankee series in the Bronx; Frank Martel – an unlimited supply of varsity soccer refs to use in the fall and summer; Don Fillion – a fishing trip to the Florida Keys; Annah and Chris Sullivan – congrats on the move to a warmer climate – enjoy; Tiffany Gilbert – maybe one more season of coaching talented hurdlers at EHS; Joe O’Brien and Dennis Fillion – independent retirement consulting business; Allison Duffy – kids on OUR track team; Bill Hennessey – real world, big– $$ job; Mike and Tammi Gilbert and family – new James Patterson books, swimming lessons at Sand Hill Pool, and some noise in Detroit; Kevin Barber – good luck in the playoffs; the Bandits – a trade involving a draft pick next year in the Beyond Incompetent Fantasy Football League; Sue Barber – Curb Appeal backyard; Molly and Kate Barber – success in life; Libby Smith and Kate Cioffi – a sports administration job at a national university; Meghan and Zach Smith – all sports for your kids; Toria Lajoie – a highly successful business; Jason and Amy Stannard – more food to feed quickly growing family; Derek Jeter – buy the Yanks; Andy Pettitte and Mariano Rivera – total relaxation in retirement and a calming sense of accomplishment; Bernie Williams – #51 retired in Monument Park; Josh Becker – Arizona Diamondback tickets; Mike Wells – the Final Four; Noel Boutin – upper level addition to rink with turf field; Mike James – continued success with the EHS xc and indoor track distance runners ; Greg Walsh, Joe Moore, Bob Magie, Levi Smith, and Ron Myer – success in ministry and an EAC move, sooner than later, to its new home in Williston….

– See shorts on page 2b

2a 2b SHorTS from page 1b

Ally Vile, Andrea Leo, and Samantha Crocker – got your new offices for the Town of Essex Recreation Department, so let’s go with a logical decision re: Town and Junction Rec Department future. Let’s make this happen people; Charlie Burnett – a 1,000-yard RB; Randy Burnett – the offensive coordinator’s job at Ohio St.; Mark Ginsburg – promotion; Kerry LeClair – Demarco Murray back with the Cowboys; Ryan McLaren – a close, local private practice; Dr. Ramsay – Success in your field of research; Brad Smith – another last place season for the Red Sox; Nicole Dvorak – climbing the corporate ladder; Mario Ross – stock in Hershey’s; Sherri Ross – another Princess Cruise; Mark Berry – booming Rec Dept in CT; Adam Peterson – full-time soccer ref schedule next fall; Kenny Burnett – hardworking staff, new toys, and nice weather; VT National Guard – thank you for your service and safe returns home; Jerome Monichino – many, many more years at the SMC Chapel; Kathy Wells – happiness and comfort in your EJ home; Cecilia Golnazarian – a joyful life; Bob and Mary Anne Chaffee – always a sunny day on the Cape; Sandy Willey – relaxing duties as the matriarch of the Willy plantation; Bob Willey – MVP of the over 55 rec hoop league; John Willey and Chris MacFarlane – Cross Fit Competition; Ace Ali – another Turkey Bowl MVP trophy; Our IT Crew – our endless thanks and a hasslefree year; Alex Abrami – sports column for the New York Post; Linnea Willey – some soccer coaching in the future; Dr. Maddalena – another outstanding winter with the girls’ hockey team; Jerry Frank – a final season with Essex soccer; Deb Maddalena – 8 week vacation; Shaun MacArdle – coaching XC skiing at CHS; Molly Edwards – the best teamteaching partner ever, a phenomenal teaching partner next year; the MacArdle kids – Star Wars movie premier, family vacation and hikes, fantastic birthday parties; Duncan Harvey – thriving pizza and creamiest creamies at Rockies; Diane and Russ Auger – the best weather on the east coast of Carolina; Emily Scott – a VT visit soon; Timony Norris – a return to the rigors of SAT testing; Teresa Fleming – lifetime contract for SATS, ACTS, PRAXIS tests; Mac and Stick McAllister – full-time sports’ contract with FOX Sports; Kara Bissonnette – solid NYY OF; Ashley Godin – keep the streak alive; Eric and Leslie Langevin – enjoyment as parents as memories happen; The EHS, Brownell, and Essex Free Libraries – collaboration of assets to benefit our town; Dave Barra, Steve Lunna, Roland Noel, Jay Vallieres, Bill Edwards – MLS games next season; Spencer Noble – FLA whenever; Jeff Taft – speedy recovery with your new bionic knees; Andy Gingras – another outstanding season reffing soccer; Nick Hendry, Dr. Mike Visker, Sean Diminick – a return to the basketball courts; Jessie Coutrayer – continued success in boys’ hoops; Nate Crete – expansion for your thriving business on River Road; Bruce Murdough – the funds to build a new on-campus fieldhouse; the men’s PE department – pro-style lockers and hot showers; Janet Boyden – the freedom to travel and spend time by your pool this summer; Kelly and Chris Ahrens – a long, happy life together; Julian and Brittany Cresta and their triplets Bryce, Becham, and Jacoby – everything in 3s; Pavel Dvorak – more business that you can possibly handle for 802 timing and hosting another New England Track and Field Championship meet; Lida Dvorak – retirement very, very soon; Curt Maglinas, Todd McCabe, Brad LaRose, and Bill LaWare – jobs with Homeland; Tim Emery – VT high school principalship soon; Tom and Sandy Emery – free college tuition for kids; Deb Robbins Anderson – shorter work day; Peter and Karen Albright – more frequent and longer Vermont visits; Scott Pennington – robotics club national championship; Ken Goodnow – continues success coaching Hornet javelin throwers; Erica LeClair – continued interaction with students; Jay Brady – monster seats at Fenway; Jim and Polly Larkin – multi-vacations when needed wherever you like and more knitting materials......

The Essex Reporter • December 24, 2015 Natalie LeClair, Elaina Coutrayer, Troy Coutrayer, Kara McNamara, Leah Murdock, Shannon and Bridget Hennessey, Ashley Wilson, Kathryn Kearns, Kristin Kowalski, Erin Oliver, Khanh Nguyen, Erica Boyce, Katherine Ramsey, Alexis Purdy, Sam O’Sullivan, Lauren Goodnow, Jamie Kida, Scott Cayea, Beau Cameron, Mary Krug, Kimmy Dirmaier Brandon Keift, Kristin McNamara, Charlie Kline, Anna Guthrie, Leah Conchieri, Lexie O’Sullivan, Sarah Sherman, Katie Polakowski, Lindsey Judge, Julie Conlon, Casey Dubie, Bailey Farrell, Shannon Heath, Angela Henry, Hillary Keithcart, David Bowers, Simone Mendes, Lindsay Norris, Kyla Ward, Mike DiMambro, Sarah Flaherty, Melissa Fontaine, Claire Murphy, Paige Wood, Kim Dvorak, Chinelo Asanya, Rosy Gallo, Lucy Lincoln, Isey Esposito, Nikki Braceras, Alexa Pius, Rachael Pinto, Paige Hathaway, Emma Sopchak, Olivia Fontaine, Isabelle Federico, Bobby Evans, Kevin Conchieri, Tom Carton, Mariah Neverett, Katherine Furland, Kira Hancock, Ashley Douglas, Courtney Gleason, Tim Yandow, Jack Mechler, Erik James, Charlotte Murphy, Connor Knowles, Bryant and Brad Williams, Jason Polakowski, and others – open invitations to return to the Hornet track and field team in the spring and a wonderful life after high school and/or college filled with success and smiles; Amanda Sinkewicz, Madison Stephenson, Jessica Stowe, Marissa Minadeo, Lindsey Gleason, Omkar Borse, Chieke Asanya, Anel Peco, Hollie Parks, Jenna Puleo, newcomers, and others – a highly successful spring season; Olivia DiMambro – much success in college; Connor LeBlanc – academic success at EHS as well as on the indoor track circuit and in lacrosse; Luke LeBlanc – success at UVM in lax and in the classrooms; Emily Goodrich – Hornet athletic success and a new sport in the spring; Lizzy Goodrich – success on the court; Sand Hill Pool lifeguards and staff – a ton of sun, hardly any clouds and thunder, calm camp kids, a window for the back room, and our new Wish List equipment; Saint Ambroise (Azzie) Azagoh-Kouadio – a college soccer job in VT; Thomas Dvorak – MBA and lots of $$ in the world of business; Antonia Armstrong-Laird – full-time teaching job in Essex or Chittenden County; LJ Harris – success in college; Markie Palermo – a return to health and running; Nate Bradbury – full-time teaching at SB; Emily Zelko – success in life; the EHS maintenance and grounds staff – students who respect equipment, green grass to cut, and garbage that finds its way into trash cans; Dr. Feeley’s and Dr. Summerville’s offices –TVs on ceiling for patients in your chairs; Michelle Robitaille Campbell – teaching and coaching success; Kevin Laverty and family – continued growth in education and PE; Andy and Jeanne Cole – kids as future track stars at EHS; Blaine Isham – welcome back; Ira Isham – talented wrestling crew at the high school; Martone’s Market – simply put, the best grinders and sandwiches in the state...keep up the great work; A-Rod – 30/100/.270; Kevin Kearns – sell the Westford Market as you have done your time; Suzie Kearns – many grandkids to play with; Mark Teixeira – 35/100/.275; Dellin Betances – the NYY closer; Bill O’Neil – another hockey state title; Essex Cinemas – comfy seats, great movies, extra good deals; Barb Isham – success with the jvg field hockey team; The Essex – incredible spa treatments Don Tynan – continued success making profits for your clients and friends @ Paine Webber, a soccer scholarship for Fiona, and much thanks.... Matt Conti – maybe an expansion of your great facilities at Sports and Fitness Edge and soccer reffing certification; Ramunto’s, Boves, Mimmo’s, Hoagies, Pappa Franks, Rocky’s, and Juniors, – YUM more delicious Italian food and pizza; Loretta – success in your new local venture; Jim Whitehead – golden voice on the mic; Hal Getty – a FLA ferry; Josh Santerre – baseball coaching job; Mike Goodrich – snow in January, February, and March; The Sports and Fitness Edge – one more lane for the track upstairs; David Coggio – bring back the Sirloin Saloon; Dan Shepardson – an NCAA Final Four playoff game if time allows; John and Colleen McAuliffe – a

Florida winter vacation; Ryan McAuliffe – Celtics seats courtside; Matt McAuliffe – NY Knicks tickets behind the bench; Kevin McAuliffe – front office job with the Bruins; Matt Stratford – the legs to continue playing hoop; Tim Stratford – winner of the masters’ 400m; Steve Hennessey – front office job as Yanks’ assistant GM; Tony Romo – a healthy 2016; DeMarco Murray – never should have left Dallas; Stan Williams, Eric Barker, Jeff Paul, Scott Bliss, Bill Eschholz, Tim Rice, Geoff Bennett, Dave Martin, and Catherine Riley – continued fine job with your sports teams; Jeff Goodrich – success in your newest role and a VP job in the future; John and Sheila Stawinski – continued success with Fit To Excel; Tom Schaefer – a full slate of sub-varsity soccer reffing in the fall; Michelle and Glenn Cioffi – season passes to ANY hoop game; Brad Parker – total enjoyment in coaching retirement; T.J. Meade – a return to soccer coaching at any level; Jim Smith – Master’s softball championship; Andrew Lucier – a first class Celtic excursion; Ashley Besaw and Jeff Barry – congrats on the engagement; Rich Haskell – once again, spring training in Fort Myers and opening the air to a certain guest broadcaster; Dennis Barcomb – complete reconstruction of your athletic fields; The Langs – grandkids; Direct TV – fine service, tons of sporting selections, no weather interference, low prices, and some nice specials every now and then; Comcast, Fairpoint, and Version – lower internet and cell prices; Judy Foregger – the fondest of memories; Dick and Jane Kehaya – total relaxation in The Villages; Sarah Newman – more free time with kids; Zaf Bludevich – total enjoyment in retirement and college all paid up; Jerry Flanagan – a place in Naples, FLA; Robin and Deb Hollwedel – a happy and long life together; Ben Hollwedel – continued advancement and safety in your line of work; The Riell family – a blessed New Year; Syd and Kathy Banfield – a new riding lawn over/ leaf collector for you immaculate yard; Jen Stephenson – more mouth-watering stuffed pizza from Hoagies; Jeff Paul – more mouthwatering calzones from Ramunto’s….. John and Liz Tobin – some time with old friends in VT; Mark Bombard – Redskins the NFC Eastern Division champs; Mike Getty – Spiderman Comic illustrations; Brian Chandler – more kids and some future coaching; Pete Shill – landscape business explosion and maybe an extra hand at the Tree Farm; Eric Senn – new parking lot at Tree Farm; Blake Shill – soccer coaching in future; Jan Lee – the best of wishes for good health; Josh Lee – Duke basketball tickets; Janet and Phil Lucier – immediate retirement and move to VT; Dave Neil – the offensive coordinator’s job with the Steelers; the ladies at the Credit Union – appreciative customers low interest rates; Dan Marlow – retirement in the near future; Paul Lamontagne – best photographer in the state, loads of athletes to shoot; Joyce’s Noodle House – the best Won Ton soup around; Naru and the Asian Bistro – excellent job as well and thanks for honoring the coupons; Jack and Nancy Chalmers – a warm vacation in the winter; Jeff Chalmers – enjoying watching your rapidly growing boys grow up with sports; Jaime and Kristen Chalmers – enjoying watching your rapidly growing girls in sports; Steve and Dana Line – enjoying watching your kids grow up; Nicole and Joe Colantoni – family trip to NYC ; Joel Kynoch – announcing gig at SMC; Jason and Dawn Heminway – enjoying watching your kids grow up, coaching track in the future, and dinner soon; Dan Couture – the 1st pick in the BI Fantasy Football League draft next September; the Champlain Valley Fair – lower prices all– around and the Eagles, Jimmy Buffet, and Chris Tomlin in concert; Rich Graham – a return to coaching; Ken Fontaine – to continue your exemplary job as a volunteer coach and superior shot put/weight throw official– Denise too; Linda McNulty – Yankee Peddler success; McKinley McNulty – all the Christmas presents you want; Essex PD – right at home in new home; Essex FD – any new equipment you need; Essex Rescue – huge thank you for all you do; Marissa Wells – happiness and success in your life; Ali Wells – internship with post– college connections; Sophia Liscio – congrats on the wedding; Sal Bannerman – a few more hours of free time each week; Mary and Galen Jacques – total

family Christmas and VNG jobs in US; Bob and Shirley Smith – new piano and Tony Dungy’s book; Sandy Moore – FF miles to Texas; Kent and Lee Morrett – Tommy the Clown and a statue of St. Joseph… Steve Emery – a big playoff run for the Steelers behind Big Ben; Carolyn Emery – warm memories of Christmas past and an enjoyable 2016 with family; Steve Dowd – lifelong connection to Essex track and field as you were the architect; Adam Lacross – long-term contract to coach Essex throwers; Mike Smith – a Burton promotion and an endless supply of pucks; Amy Smith – more training time and new running shoes; Jason Smith – Martin St. Louis hockey speed; Abby Smith –Dick’s gift certificate; Chelsea Zelko – good luck with life; Lorette Soucy – buyers for your antiques and comfort at Pillsbury Manor with friends and visitors; Mike and Jackie Landsberg –Yankee tickets; Caleb Landsberg – since you are growing so fast...4T/5T clothes; Scott Slocum – Yankee tickets, new white tornado; Diane Slocum – Nutcracker tickets for next year; Adam Slocum – Viking run in the playoffs and a new condo; Willie and Sarah McNulty – enjoy life on the new homestead; Kyran McNulty – new ballerina shoes; Wakely McNulty – Nutcracker try– out next November; Dayna and Ryan Davis – enjoy life with the baby; Isla Davis – more baby clothes; Kathy and David Converse – another island vacation; Randy– Kay Lavalley – free ski pass and many more clients; Dale Lavalley – a top-notch RB for the Cowboys in the draft and a talented, young back– up QB; Dr. Nick Lavalley – congrats on the PHD job and a job in NH; Sonny and Trevor Rushford – Chip Kelley to the Titans and sunny summer days at the pool; Chloe Rushford – an Otter Box IPhone cover Gavin Rushford – bionicals; Derek Kearns – Hoagies gift certificate; Liz Chouinard – more vacation time; Michael – Amazon gift card; Uncle Vince – tennis three days a week in Ft. Lauderdale; Don and Carol Hathaway – quick sale of home on Elm St when it hits the market and fun in Port Charlotte; Henry and Sandy Bechtel – RB for the NYG and big bike trip; Eric and Holly Hathaway – booming business at the Lake Dunmore store and vacation time; Derek Hathaway – graduation and Amazon gift card; Cullen Hathaway – track at UVM and Toronto Raptors’ jersey; Sarah and Josh Stark – another family vacation; Owen, Wyatt, and Hudson Stark – Puzzles, hidden picture books, Highlights; Charlie and Kristin Peet – new chickens, family cruise, less hours to work; Sydney and Madison Peet – CT trip to see your cousin this summer, new lax sticks, Longchamps bag, LULU Lemon GC, time with your uncle and aunt even though you are growing so fast; and cruise; Nate Bechtel and Amelia Coleman – congratulations on the engagement and NYG tickets vs the Cowboys; Ethan Bechtel and Stacey Davis – A beautiful summer wedding and fantastic life together; Josh and Karen Gonillo – sell the condo, buy a new home, success in your jobs ; Gianna Gonillo – two weeks in VT this summer with Grammy and Pappa Joe and another trip to Jay Peak Water Park; my mom, Rosemary Gonillo – health, happiness, and success in life, time with your grandkids and great granddaughter; Vince and Karen Gonillo – an actual vacation and time away to simply RELAX; Jenna Gonillo – congrats on the nursing degree and your engagement to Nick; Stacey Gonillo – a ton of your favorite comics to read, a raise, and one less part time job; my wife Tina – relaxing vacation on a beach in Jamaica, tons of free time, naps on your comfortable couch, babysitting little ones, shows on HGTV, trips to CT to see son, daughter, and grandbaby, family cruise, house paid up, and maybe not-so-fulltime work in the near future.

Bove’s – so sad to say good-bye, as I have been eating there since 1977, and I will miss everything about the iconic Italian restaurant: the spaghetti, the lasagna, the sauce, the people, and the building... As I end this column, my tradition has become to remember my mother-in-law Terry Bechtel, my father– law, Ed Bechtel, and my dad, Don Gonillo, as well as friends who have passed away this year. I miss them all very much The memories we have help so much, especially over the holidays, as they made it so special for all of us. Essex Youth Wrestling “The Warriors” We are creating the memoWarriors” ries. Have a very blessed, JOIN “The THE TEAM! JOIN THE FUN! JOIN THE TEAM! JOIN THE FUN! Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous Happy SIGN UP/REGISTRATION New Year! Tuesday, January 5th, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

ESSEX YOUTH WRESTLING EYW is open to any boy or girl from 2nd through 8th grade…. No experience needed!

Registration For Essex Youth Wrestling: Tuesday, November 10th and Wednesday November, 11th 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Essex High School

at Essex High School $75.00 for the season includes a T-shirt! EYW is open to boys & girls Grade K-8. No experience needed!

$65.00 for the season… includes a T-shirt!

For questions or more information contact

Paul Ravelin @ 363-6227 or Shawn Barber @ 316-2369

For questions or more information contact Cheryl Arpey @ 363-1142

Give The Gift of Fitness Day Passes make great Stocking Stuffers

Other membership, personal training and class pass specials

Family visiting? Kids home from college? Get them a one month pass to the gym for $28! Visit us online at www.hammerfit.com for a complete listing of classes

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The Essex Reporter • December 24, 2015

SERVICES A burst of color can do wonders for your home this winter. The professionals at Lafayette Painting have been transforming the homes and businesses of Chittenden County since 1977. Call 8635397 and visit LafayettePaintingInc.com BUSINESS ENTREPRENEURS WANTED! Property and Casualty Insurance Agency for Sale.

SCENT, WHITE SHOULDERS, 4.5 ounce. New, $40. Asking $15. Call 802-849-2218. BICYCLE, BOYS, 18 speed, 24». Excellent condition. $30. or best offer. 802-868-5606 BIKES, GIRLS, TOURING, (2) ten speed, Shimano derailleurs, excellent condition. $25. each. Call 802868-7067.

thru 16. Velvet, excellent condition $10. each. Call 802891-6140. LAPTOP, TOSHIBA, WINDOWS 7, web cam, CD Burner. Asking $100. Call 802-752-9143. CAR SEATS, (2), infants to toddlers. $25. each. 802-7825000 CHRISTMAS TREE, ARTIFICIAL, 6.5’ high. Used twice, like new. $50. 802848-3336

BOOTS, WOMEN’S, CAROLINA, size 8. New, $129. Asking HAND HELD RA$75. OBRO. Call 802DIO set, 2-way, 849-2218. Midland, 32 chanAffiliated with maDRESS, HOLIDAY, nels, 30 mile range. jor national carrier. VINTAGE, ladies size Several accessories. Great business op10, red long sleeved New, never used. portunity! with white lace col- $15. 802-524-5070 Please Text or Call lar and cuffs. Fitted TV, FLAT SCREEN, Maureen Wholey waist, tea length, 32”, with remote, (603) 566-3827 worn only once. works excellent, $35. 802-891-6140. $125. Call 802-752FOR SALE DRESS,HOLIDAY, 9143. MINI REFRIGERALITTLE girls. Black TOR, OFFICIAL Coors velvet, long sleeved, EXERCISE MACHINE, BUNN Roller. Very Lite NFL. $60. 802white lace collar. good condition. 868-9795 Rosebuds and white $75. 802-527-7891 lace on hem. Size SAP BUCKETS 6X, excellent condi- SMALL STEP EXERAND covers (25), CISER. Very good tion. $5. 802-891for your holiday condition. $20. 8026140. decorating, or use for 527-7891 sugaring. $4.50 each. DRESSES, GIRLS, FIREWOOD, Call 802-933-6840. HOLIDAY,-Sizes 10

HARD, DRY, $325./ cord. Can deliver. Call: 802-3937728 or 802-3930272 FIREWOOD, SEASONED, ALL hardwood, cut, split, delivered. Highgate, Swanton. $250./ cord, 2.5 cord loads. Call for price in other areas. Wood lots wanted. 802868-9225 CHAIR, OVERSTUFFED, GREEN, $15. Call 802-524-2714. DESK, BRAND NEW, doors on bottom, shelves on top. $85. Call 802-8684471. ROCKER, GREEN, FREE. Call 802-5242714. ROCKING CHAIR AND ottoman, flowered. $25 total for both. Call 802-5242714. ROCKING CHAIRS, (2), with cushions. $20. each. 802-5240788 SOFA, TAN, OPENS to a double bed. Good condition. $150. Call

802-524-2714. CLOTHES RACK, WOODEN, large, in very good shape. Asking $25. Call 802-933-6840. TREES, ARTIFICIAL, (2), one is 6’ high, in basket, dark green leaves. The other is 6’ and has green and white leaves. For home or office. Both for $25. Call 802-848-3336. PALM TREE, LIGHTED, 6 1/2 foot. Brand new, just in time for the holidays. Asking $35. OBO. Call 802-9336840. MULCH HAY, 40 bales, $3. per bale. 802-782-5000 WINE BOTTLES, CLEAN, for home brewing and 2 racks for storage. $60. 802-8492424 BIRD SET-UP, WHOLE, includes two baby finches. Cage has bottom sliding tray. Must sell immediately. $60. complete. Call 802-582-6973. TONGUE PICKLES,

C RO S S WO R D CLUES ACROSS 1. Teletype (Computers) 4. Loose-fitting sleeveless garment 7. They __ 8. Extinct Turkish caucasian language 10. Tall N Zealand timber tree 12. Piedmont city on the River Gesso 13. Burl __, storyteller 14. Made up of 50 states 16. Not or 17. Given a monetary penalty 19. Unnilpentium 20. ISU town 21. Equality for everyone 25. A lyric poem with complex stanza forms 26. Actress Farrow 27. Scottish caps 29. Gobblers 30. __ Lilly, drug company 31. Process an animal hide 32. Describe in perfect detail 39. 1000 calories 41. American National Bank (abbr.) 42. MN 55121 43. Everyone 44. Substitute 45. Rubber, marching or head 46. Dance Latin rhythm 48. Inside of 49. A way to let know 50. Morning moisture 51. Point midway between S and SE 52. Sales messages CLUES DOWN 1. Duty 2. Whatchamacallit 3. A citizen of Yemen 4. __ Dhabi, Arabian capital 5. Nickname 6. One seeded fruit (alt. sp.) 8. Fiddler crabs 9. Troughs of bricks 11. Exploiter 14. Atomic #104 15. Italian ice-cream 18. Algerian dinar 19. Consume 20. Macaws 22. Insignificantly small 23. Tooth caregiver 24. Direct toward 27. Bluish green 28. Caliph 29. Faucet 31. The bill in a restaurant 32. Capital of Tocantins, Brazil

HOMEMADE, (24), pints, $6. per pint. They would make a nice holiday gift. 802-782-4125 SNOWBLOWER, 20” FOR sidewalks. $65. Call 802-8684471. DRILL AND 6” saw, DeWalt, 18 bolt, 2 batteries, charger in hard case. $125. or best offer. 802524-1329 UPRIGHT VACUUM, EUREKA, Boss. $25. 802-849-2424 VACUUM, KIRBY, SELFPROPELLED, with all attachments. Good working condition. Great buy. $150. 802-868-2003.

he Essex Reporter and The Colchester Sun seek a highly motivated individual interested in advertising sales for print and web. Successful sales representative will generate significant sales growth by establishing relationships with prospective clients in achieving their goals and objectives. Looking for a self-starter and a go-getter with the following qualities. • Strong interpersonal skills and professional demeanor. • Solid verbal and written communication skills. • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables. • High degree of comfort with technology, social media and online concepts.

Email resumé and cover letter to maria@essexreporter.com

The ColChesTer sun

REQUEST FOR BIDS Regional Refrigerated Trucking Services The Franklin County Industrial Development Corporation (FCIDC) in partnership with the Northwest Vermont Healthy Roots Collaborative is seeking refrigerated trucking services for one day a week, for one year starting in March 2016. The service will pick up food product from farmers and producers in Franklin and Grand Isle County at three planned locations and deliver to 10 stores, mainly in Chittenden County. The Healthy Roots Collaborative is an emerging regional food system supporting the growers and producers in Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. The Collaborative provides programs and services for both consumers and producers in the Northwest Corner of Vermont including market and network development, consumer education and access, and infrastructure improvements. For a complete bid packet contact Kristen Hughes at khughes@nmcinc.org (802.524.1219) or refer to the Coming News section, under the News and Events tab, at www.fcidc.com

Is seeking a highly motivated person for the position of a:

Heavy Truck/Trailer Mechanic Swanton Mill Location

This full-time position offers excellent pay, health insurance, vacation, 401K, and profit sharing for the appropriate candidate. Must be willing to work flexible hours. Please send letter of application and resume to: Poulin Grain Inc. ATTN: John Robillard 24 Depot Street Swanton, VT 05488 Or apply in person at: 24 Depot Street, Swanton Poulin Grain is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Marketing/Sales Representative

OPERATIONS MANAGER

CARDINAL LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT COMPANY SWANTON, VT Essential duties of the position include, but are not limited to planning and directing the driver safety programs, customer service and solutions, driver management, and on-time dispatch, This position will have full P&L and budget responsibility. Proficient skills in Microsoft office along with other general computer programs is a strong requirement. This candidate must have strong communications skills at all levels, and have the ability to flex their schedule as needed. College degree preferred, high school diploma required. Prior experience in the transportation business is needed, 3pl, LTL, TL.

Please submit resumes to: mmaxwell@cardlog.com

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

www.ccs-vt.org 33. Explosive 34. The most abundant of the rare-earth group 35. Japanese sock 36. Kampala is the capital 37. Raged 38. Provides with property 39. Miniature racing vehicle 40. Signs 44. Express pleasure 47. Bridge-building degree SOLUTIONS ACROSS 1. TTY 4. Aba 7. Are 8. Ubykh 10. Rimu 12. Cuneo 13. Ives 14. USA 16. And 17. Fined 19. UNP 20. Ames 21. Fair and square 25. Ode 26. Mia 27. Tams 29. Toms 30. Eli 31. Tan 32. Paint a picture 39. KCAL 41. ANB 42. Eagan 43. All

44. Alt 45. Band 46. Rumba 48. Into 49. Teach 50. Dew 51. SSE 52. Ads SOLUTIONS DOWN 1. Tariff 2. Trivia 3. Yemeni 4. Abu 5. Byname 6. Akene 8. Uca 9. Hods 11. User 14. UNQ 15. Spumoni 18. Da 19. Use 20. Aras 22. Nominal 23. DDS 24. Aim 27. Teal 28. Ali 29. Tap 31. Tab 32. Palmas 33. TNT 34. CE 35. Tabi 36. Uganda 37. Ranted 38. Endows 39. Kart 40. Clues 44. Aah 47. BCE

TOWN OF ESSEX PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA January 14, 2016 - 6:30 P.M. POLICE COMMUNITY ROOM, 145 MAPLE ST., ESSEX JCT., VT

distributor of petroleum products

s u n o B n O n g i S 0 0 . 0 $200

Public Comments

Site Plan-Public Hearing: Roland & Clairette Berard & Chris DiStefano Proposed change of use & site improvements to accommodate a Contractor’s Yard located at 302 Colchester Road in the Industrial (I1) Zoning District. Tax Map 76, Parcel 20.

Sketch Plan-Public Hearing: Linwood Bushey & Ken & Scott Pidgeon d/b/a K & S Properties - Proposal to create one additional lot from a previous simple parcel subdivision approval granted in 2007. A 74.6acre parcel will be subdivided and result in a 62.3-acre industrial lot and a 12.3-acre residential lot located at 289 River Road in the AgriculturalResidential (AR) & Industrial (I1) Zoning Districts. Tax Map 3, Parcel 3-3.

Minutes (December 10, 2015)

Other Business

Shop Foreman/ Mechanic

Immediate opening for a dependable individual who is experienced with diesel and gasoline engines on large and small vehicles and will manage the company fleet and equipment. Duties to include but not limited to controlling cost, overseeing shop personnel, scheduling maintenance of fleet vehicles and the day to day operation of repair facility. Wages will be compensated based on experience. A benefit package which includes health and life insurance, 401K plan, paid holidays and vacation time. The $2000.00 sign on bonus details will be discussed at time of interview. Please send resumes or stop by to fill out an applications. No phone calls please.

SB Collins, Inc. Attn.: Cherie Geddes 54 Lower Welden Street St. Albans, VT 05478 Email: cgeddes@sbcjolley.com

Note: Proposed agendas, site plans, staff reports and draft & approved minutes can be viewed online at www.essex.org or stop into our temporary office located at 42 Allen Martin Drive between 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. to view application materials. Staff is available to discuss development proposals. Members of the public are encouraged to speak during the public to be heard agenda item, during a public hearing, or, when recognized by the chair, during consideration of a specific agenda item. The public will not be permitted to participate when a motion is being discussed, except when specifically requested by the chair. (24 VSA Section 4464(a) (1) (c))

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The Essex Reporter • December 24, 2015

Friday at 5 p.m. for display ads

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

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

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

BUSINESS DIRECTORY BOOKKEEPING

AUTOMOTIVE

DJ MUSIC SERVICES

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Dec. 14 –20, 2015 Monday 0349 Alarm on Rustic Dr 0726 Directed Patrol on Main St 0904 Traffic Offense on Maple St 0955 Agency Assist on Chapin Rd 0956 Citizens Assist on Old Stage Rd 1020 Fraud on Perry Dr 1034 Susp Circumstance on School St 1042 Juvenile Problem on Pinecrest Dr 1159 Citizens Dispute on Indian Brook Rd 1244 Citizens Assist on Browns River Rd 1424 Agency Assist on Seneca Ave 1545 Suspicious on Park St 1954 Welfare Check on Fuller Pl 2007 Agency Assist in Williston 2013 Accident on Kimberly Dr 2035 Citizens Assist on Frederick St

Tuesday 0430 Property Damage on Cascade St 0724 Susp Circumstance on Franklin St 0725 Directed Patrol on Main St 0849 Citizens Assist on Grove St 0919 Motor Veh Complaint on Jericho Rd 0922 Accident on Upper Main St 1117 Welfare Check on Pearl St 1253 Suspicious on Skyline Dr 1501 Citizens Assist on Greenbriar Dr 1507 Citizens Assist on Pioneer St 1520 Citizens Assist on Pearl St 1828 Suspicious on Bobolink Cir 1838 Accident on Craftsbury Ct Wednesday 0345 Alarm on Sand Hill Rd 0732 Directed Patrol on Main St 0841 VIN Verification on Colchester Rd 1100 Alarm on Peacham Ln

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1132 Citizens Dispute on Main St 1137 Accident on Pearl St 1152 Juvenile Problem on Educational Dr 1206 Accident on Maple St 1501 Accident on Park St 1502 VIN Verification on Maple St 1533 Citizens Assist on Kellogg Rd 1709 Accident on Center Rd 1717 Accident on Center Rd 1848 Citizens Assist on Maple St 1906 Citizens Dispute on Pinecrest Dr 1956 Suspicious on Indian Brook Rd 2010 Alarm on Kellogg Rd Thursday 0027 Agency Assist on North St 0600 Agency Assist on Saxonhollow Dr 0707 Suspicious Vehicles on I 289 0725 Directed Patrol on Main St 0832 Agency Assist on Lincoln St 0955 Suspicious on Maple St

85 PRIM ROAD, Suite 204 Colchester, VT 05446 mbombardier@budgetblinds.com www.budgetblinds.com

1131 Citizens Assist on Jericho Rd 1141 Found Property on Corduroy Rd 1321 Theft of Veh on Susie Wilson Rd 1326 Motor Veh Complaint on River Rd 1334 Noise Complaint on Fuller Pl 1417 Juvenile Problem on Educational Dr 1530 Family Fight on Pearl St 1622 Untimely on Browns River Rd 1632 Theft on Jericho Rd 1930 Wanted Person on Maple St 2008 Motor Vehicle Complaint on Park St 2045 Welfare Check on Carmichael St 2216 Citizens Dispute on Pearl St 2229 Accident on Essex Way 2336 Suspicious on Pearl St Friday 0017 Traffic Offense on I 289 0135 Intoxicated Person in South Burlington 0800 Juvenile Problem on Maple St 0815 Alarm on Vale Dr 0926 Agency Assist on Maple St 1045 Agency Assist on Mohawk Ave 1231 911 Hang-up on Railroad St 1335 Assault on Woodside Dr 1355 DUI on Park St

1441 Alarm on New England Dr 1445 VIN Verification on Maple St 1620 911 Hang-up on River Rd 1625 Accident on Main St 1628 Citizens Assist on Market Pl 1711 Suspicious on Corduroy Rd 1719 Suspicious on Pinecrest Dr 1836 Motor Veh Complaint on River Rd 1850 Welfare Check on West St 1929 Phone Problem on Sand Hill Rd 2109 Animal Prob on Autumn Pond Wy Saturday 0110 Suspicious on Hampshire Ct 0536 Suspicious on Susie Wilson Rd 0735 Untimely on Chapin Rd 0840 Citizens Assist on Spruce Ln 0851 Found Property on Pearl St 0949 Susp on Whitcomb Meadows Ln 1220 Citizens Assist on Brickyard Rd 1239 Welfare Check on Lincoln St 1347 Theft on Grandview Ave 1450 Assisted the Fire Department on Baker St 1458 Citizens Assist on Rustic Dr 1518 DUI on Pearl St 1536 Juvenile Problem on West St 1548 Citizens Assist on Mohawk Ave

1642 Alarm on Educational Dr 1713 Phone Problem on Maple St 1715 Suspicious on Gauthier Dr 1952 Suspicious on South St 1958 Suspicious on Deer Crossing Ln 2058 Suspicious on Railroad Ave 2204 Agency Assist on I289 2245 Motorist Assist on Center Rd 2259 Accident on Pearl St 2327 Noise Complaint on Oak St Sunday 0054 Accident on I 289 0123 Suspicious on Park St 0206 Agency Assist on Saybrook Rd 0333 Alarm on Pearl St 1017 Theft on Pearl St 1019 Agency Assist on Lincoln St 1044 Found Property on Main St 1349 Alarm on Prospect St 1351 Accident on Essex Way 1405 Suspicious on Saybrook Rd 1418 Theft on Alderbrook Rd 1743 Alarm on Maplewood Ln 1816 Alarm on Founders Rd 1850 Agency Assist on Skyline Dr 1904 Theft on Pearl St 2042 Burglary on Abare Ave 2331 Noise Complaint on Main St Tickets Issued: 7 warnings Issued: 59 Fire/eMS Calls Dispatched: 45

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The Essex Reporter • December 24, 2015

S CHOOLS ADL

ADL students knit dish clothes to be donated to the Heavenly Food Shelf for the holidays. Students are, back row from left, Ava Leahey, Avery Charron, Ella Skinner-Sloan and Phoebe Gammal; front row from left, Elizabeth Messier, Lily o’Connell, and Claire Emery.

Dear Families, 2016 promises to be an exciting year. The recent unification vote will prompt continued efforts for the Lawton, Essex Middle, and Westford staffs to work together around professional development with standardsbased learning, refining our personal learning plan (PLP) templates and expectations around PLPs, and talking with Essex High School to improve our transition planning from eighth to ninth grade. The opportunity for integrated units of study around the upcoming Olympics will no doubt provide our students with activities to highlight the spirit of the games. And of course, we have our presidential election in the fall, which also allows for instructional opportunities that will be relevant and of great interest to students. It will be a busy year. All of us at ADL wish all of our families and the Essex Junction community a safe and restful holiday season and a very happy New Year. We look forward to welcoming our students back to school on Jan. 4, 2016. — Laurie Singer, Principal aDl Blood Drive: Give the gift of life … ADL Peer Leadership is proud to host ADL’s third annual Blood Drive. Under the direction of the American Red Cross, ADL will have a blood drive on Jan. 7. The drive will be from 2-7 p.m. in the ADL cafeteria. We are looking for over 50 donors on that day, so please consider donating. To set up an appointment, you can go to the Red Cross website, or contact Kevin Barber at ADL at kbarber@ccsuvt.org. Team alchemy update: Team Alchemy students took their third walking field trip to tour the new Essex Police Station. Officer Kurt Maglinas showed us the new facility, explained the various safety features and upgrades in the building and how the new facility allows the law enforcement officers to be more efficient. Students are kicking off their Community Gifts unit with the second-graders from Hiawatha and are examining ways they can give back to their community. We are also identifying things the community gives to us that make Essex so wonderful. We would like to extend a thank you to Officer Kurt for his participation and time, and we look forward to seeing him in our classroom soon.

Fleming Flyer

FMS

Excellence in Education Foundation Award: The Excellence in Education Foundation (EEF) is a group of civic-minded leaders who believe in the power of teachers to change lives. The EEF gives out annual awards to outstanding teachers who have fully demonstrated teaching excellence and exceptional “make-a-difference” service to students, colleagues and the community. Last Friday afternoon at a special school assembly, Miles Heller presented an EEF award to Kelly McClintock, Fleming School’s physical education and health educator. Teachers who are recommended, and who meet the criteria established by the foundation, receive an “EE” pin, a framed award certificate and a $5,000 honorarium. This award recognized this outstanding educator, who is referred to as “Miss McAwesome” by her students. Congratulations Kelly. Thomas Fleming School is one of Berlin City auto’s “Drive for education” grant winners: Thomas Fleming School was one of nine Vermont schools to be awarded a grant from Berlin City Auto’s “Drive for Education” initiative. Hiawatha School was also a grant winner. Our ambitious PTO applied for this grant last year, and our school will be using the funds to go toward the Essex Community Stream of Light Project. On Dec. 10, Principal Daniel Ryan and art teacher Lisa Foley brought a group of students to the award ceremony to represent Fleming, talk about our community project and accept the grant. Students returned to school with a check for $1,500 and exuberant smiles on their faces. Thank you to our PTO for their successful application to this grant; your efforts will have a huge impact on our community project. Thank you to Berlin City Auto for making these funds available to local schools. Fleming geo Bee Semi-Finals: The top 10 students in both fourth and fifth grade have competed in the Geo Bee semi-finals. All students were invited to test their geographical knowledge in November by taking the Geo Bee quiz, and the top 10 students in each grade moved onto the semi-final competition. The winners of this round of competitions will move onto the school-wide Geo Bee Finals. The Fleming School Geo Bee Finals are planned for Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. December break: Even though it feels as if we just returned from Thanksgiving break, we are approaching our next vacation: December break. From Wednesday, Dec. 23 through Friday, Jan. 1, school will not be in session. Students will return to school on Monday, Jan. 4.

Derin Suren and Vivianna Fisher work on a design model of a magnetic levitation train. PHoTo | SArAH KITCHEN

Designing maglev systems

Sarah Kitchen and Emily Bacon’s third-grade students have been learning about forces and interactions this year and are applying this learning by creating a workable model of a maglev (magnetic levitation) transportation system. Maglev trains don’t have wheels or engines. These trains use magnetic levitation to move vehicles without touching the ground, which allows these trains to travel at ultra fast speeds. Students have been engaged with science and engineering as they use both scientific inquiry and the engineering design process to design, test and improve a model of the maglev train. Given a set of materials, students made a detailed plan using their knowledge of the properties of magnets and the interaction of forces. This design required students to use like poles of magnets, thereby allowing the train to levitate on a track. After testing their designs, students devised ways to improve the models. The NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards) create a platform for learning that integrates scientific inquiry and engineering design. Students enjoyed this authentic experience of being a transportation engineer. — Sarah Kitchen

EHS On Dec. 12, the EHS Model U.N. Club participated in its first-ever Model U.N. Conference at Middlebury Union High School. The students each represented a different country as they debated topics such as water rights in the Middle East, the right to land and navigation in the South China Sea, and the merits of a one-state or two-state solution in the city of Jerusalem. The participants from EHS included Brandon Cote representing Jordan, Mehdi Daoudi representing Australia, Ben Johnson representing India, and Birch Synnott representing Syria. The students had been researching and preparing for the conference for about a month, and each wrote a position paper stating their country’s views on their debate topic. Their hard work paid off, as two of our students won awards at the end of the conference. Cote was recognized for Outstanding Delegate and Daoudi received an Honorable Mention. The EHS Model U.N. Club was formed this fall and is still accepting members. We will begin meeting again after winter break to prepare for another conference in April. We hope to see more students join us as we debate and research current global events. The EHS U.N. Model Club competed in a model U.N. conference in Middlebury on Dec. 12. The club is a first for EHS, launched in the fall. lampRecycle-Vermont-PrintAD-b&w-3.38x7.ai 1PHoTo 9/8/2014 CoNTrIBUTED 2:19:35 PM

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Pet of the Week Milo

7 year old Neutered Male Reason Here: My previous owner developed allergies Summary:

Do you have a lot of room in your heart for a whole lotta cat? Well then meet Milo! While Milo’s one of our largest feline friends here at HSCC, his personality is just as big! In the past, Milo had the opportunity to frolic and explore the great outdoors, which he would still love to do in his new forever home! While he’s not adventuring in the grass, Milo would love some snuggles and pets with his human friends. If you’re looking for a social, outgoing, and sweet hunk of love, come on by and meet Milo today! My thoughts on: Cats: I tolerated a cat in my previous home and do pretty well with them here. Dogs: I have no history with dogs.

Humane Society of Chittenden County 802-862-0135

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The Essex Reporter • December 24, 2015

S CHOOLS EMS

CTE

Members of the Essex Middle School Flying Submarine Band rehearse for the Essex Town School District’s fine arts night last Thursday. PHoTo | BoB SToNE

Students in the CTE’s residential Building Technology Program are working on a net-zero home on Taft Street. PHoTo CoNTrIBUTED

EES Essex Elementary School students have been learning about peace this month and how it is connected to friendship and being an upstander. Through the books “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein and “The Peace Book” by Todd Parr, the students have been having great conversations about what peace means to them! Students pictured, from left to right: Anastasya Hardy, Morgan Erdelyi, Ava Conti, Henry Dimitroff, Joseph Tuffley and Evelyn Johnson

ETSD

Dec. 24-Jan. 1 – No School Jan. 11 – School board meeting, FMS library, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Jan. 29 – Half day; grades K-5 students will board buses at 12:15 p.m. Grades 6-8

students will board buses at 11:30 a.m. Jan. 15 – International Night, FMS 6-8 p.m.: A fun and inclusive potluck night with international food and West African drumming for Essex Town students and families. To find out how you can help, please contact Leonora Dodge

at vtlatina@gmail.com or 324-3828.

EMS

Jan. 15 – Seventh- and eighthgrade dance, 7-9 p.m.

FMS

Jan. 14 – EMS Chorus Concert presented at FMS, 7-9 p.m.

Photo of the week

Pictured left to right are students Amelia Frisbee and Leah Frisbie

PHoTo | ANNE PIUS

From Dec. 7 to 11, all classes in the Essex Town School Distrcict participated in the Hour of Code. The Hour of Code is an online introduction to computer science, designed to demystify code and show that anybody can learn the basics. The nonprofit Code.org leads the online event and is dedicated to expanding participation in computer science in schools. The Hour of Code is a global movement reaching tens of millions of students in 180-plus countries. So far this year, there have been 198,982 Hour of Code events around the world.

The CTE Residential Building Technology Program broke ground in September on the first student-built net-zero home in the state. The home is located on 25 Taft Street in Essex Junction. As residential building energy standards continue to get more rigorous, CTE is taking a leap and training their students to build homes for the future. High-performance homes are here to stay, and the energy concerns of the future will be addressed with resilient and sustainable net-zero homes. A net-zero home is one that generates the power that it will need to heat, cool and provide electricity for the home. The total amount of energy used by the home on an annual basis is roughly equal to the amount of renewable energy created on the site. CTE is working with Efficiency Vermont to ensure the house meets the high performance level that the organization has established. To achieve this level, the house needs to be super insulated, extremely airtight, and must utilize the latest heating, cooling and air ventilation products available. Some of the building’s energy saving specifics include: • 12-inch thick walls (two 2x4 walls spaced 5-inches apart, with minimal thermal bridging and an R-value of > 40) • Triple pane windows, U value <.21, with specific solar heat gain coefficients • Basement under slab insulation > R20 • Basement wall insulation > R30 • Above grade wall insulation > R40 • Attic insulation > R60 • Critical air sealing techniques to pass blower door tests of 1 ACH @ 50 pascal • Whole house Energy Recovery Ventilation system • Mini-split heat pumps for central heating and cooling • Heat pump water heater • Solar PV array with potential battery backup system This new home is a 1,900-square-foot hillside ranch with a full walk-out basement and an attached two-car garage. The site has excellent southern exposure for the solar panel array that will be mounted on the south-facing, sloped roof. The wide open floor plan includes living, dining and kitchen areas with large windows on the southern wall that will provide ample passive solar heat. There are three bedrooms and two and one-half baths. The master bedroom suite has a private bath and walk-in closet. The large basement is wide open for future expansion. From the start of the school year, the students studied and worked on the following topics: • Construction safety • How to lay a house out on a building site • Basic new house construction and excavation practices • Building concrete footing forms and installing concrete wall forms • How to frame and build basement walkout walls • Constructing an engineered floor system

designed by Trus Joist • Installing ¾-inch Advantech sub-flooring • Laying out and constructing double 2x4 exterior walls • Installing Zip System wall sheathing and taping seams • Framing windows and doors • Building interior walls with door and closet rough openings • Constructing the attached 24x24 garage One of the great things about the program is that students learn theory and building specifics in the classroom then perform hands-on activities on the house site. We are very fortunate to be able to walk directly from the classroom to the house site in less than five minutes. On average, students spend approximately one hour per day in the classroom and 2.5 hours per day on the house site. This program is particularly attractive because it is never boring for the students, they are always learning and building new parts of the house, and we are building a top-quality product that will last a lifetime. When we return from the holiday break, students will learn how to install windows and doors then move on to installation of drywall on both the ceilings and walls. They will also learn a great deal about insulation and air sealing. The home completed by CTE students last June achieved a “5 Stars Plus Confirmed” rating from Efficiency Vermont, the highest rating achievable. The home sold soon after completion for very close to the asking price. The Residential Building Program at the Center for Technology, Essex has been designing and building custom homes in Essex Junction for over 40 years. Students are literally building their future. They learn the complexities of carpentry in a truly authentic classroom environment and a real world setting. The high-quality end product will last a lifetime. Many of our graduates are some of the most skilled tradesmen in Vermont, and many have their own successful businesses. This year’s students (along with future students) will learn a vast amount about solar PV systems and renewable energy. Growth in Vermont clean energy jobs is projected to double in the next six to 12 months after a year of outperforming other job sectors, according to a new state report. The second annual Vermont Clean Energy Industry Report shows that clean energy jobs grew by more than six percent, to 16,231 jobs, in the past year. Half of those jobs are in energy efficiency. Vermont is No. 1 in the nation per capita for clean energy jobs, according to the commissioner of the State Public Service Department. CTE students who complete the Residential Building Program should have ample career opportunities awaiting them in either the construction industry or the clean energy job sector. They will be well prepared for the future job market. Please contact Building Instructor Jim Gilmartin at jgilmartin@ccsuvt.org for more information.

From our family to yours

WISHING YOU A

healthy, happy holiday season.

Essex Elementary has received a $500.00 grant from ExxonMobil Educational Alliance program to support the schools Math and Science programs. Jessica Beaupre of Maplefields Essex, worked with school officials to ensure the grant, which is one of 2,400 available to schools across the country served by Exxon or Mobil stations. The grants were made possible by funding from the ExxonMobil Corporation.

MAPLEFIELDS ESSEX JCT. 70 UPPER MAIN STREET ESSEX JCT. VT 05452 802-872-1660

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ETSD Events

PHoTo | BrEA HEASLIP

Residential Building Technology Program constructs net-zero home

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