December 28, 2017 • The Essex Reporter • 1
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{ Thursday, December 28, 2017 }
2017
A year in review
By COLIN FLANDERS
It's a strange feeling, looking back, a reflection of time we rarely indulge. We here at the The Reporter understand well: After all, news rarely does sleep. But how many words to sum up a year? How many photos to capture a place? How can the two weave a story worth telling? We juggle questions like these as we strive to report the world around us fairly and honestly, week in and week out, because we believe we're all better off for it. This year filled our pages with experiences, both good and bad. We met new people, went new places, told new stories and learned a bit about ourselves along the way. Each is a small reminder of what fills our communities with so much life. And while newsprint fades and bylines change, our focus remains on you, our readers. So take a minute to look back with us, on all the stories that defined 2017. We'll try to be brief. We know there's so much ahead.
Inside Our top 10 stories
The Reporter recaps some of the biggest issues from 2017. 2
People we met
We look back at some of our favorite interviews. 11
What you said
A brief digest of some of the year's most notable quotes. 14
Got books?
Hunker down with the Brownell Library's most popular reads. 14
A civic duty (and a grade to go with it) ADL eighth-graders theorize a new governing structure for the town and village By COLIN FLANDERS Local officials may have some electoral competition from a group of civic-minded individuals in the coming years — once they’re of age, that is. For now, they can simply take note of the advice from students in Amanda Eldridge’s eighth-grade classes who dug into an ongoing question between Essex’s two legislative boards: What would it look like if one governing board covered both the town and village? The project, as part of a civics unit on local government, prompted a three-week long investigation that forced students to consider how governance structures best serve a community, the purpose of government and the princi-
ples required for doing it well. Among the popular: accountability, transparency and equity, plus a desire to spark more participation from constituents. It’s a way for students to engage in “authentic” learning, Eldridge said, connecting lessons in the classroom to the outside world. “They're very excited about the idea that what they're saying matters to the adults they're talking to, and it's not theoretical,” she said. “There’s a different sense of seriousness to it when they know that it's a discussion that's happening with grown-ups.” Her classes started out by learning about the history of Essex, the structures of local governments and the current scenario in the town and village.
They each explored one of six Vermont towns — Barre, Bennington, Burlington, Colchester, Montpelier or Rutland — in which they spoke with local officials about the pros and cons of their varied forms of government. That included city councils, managers, mayors and a mix of all three. Students also had to interview a few other adults, including parents, to learn more about how citizens navigate different governing structures. They then created a town profile that identified a form of government, election system, number of representatives on the legislative board and how long they would serve. The most common form during one session last Thursday was the council/manager system — surely welcome See CIVICS, page 2
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The Essex Reporter • December 28, 2017
year in review
Top stories from 2017
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(In no particular order)
Essex High School swatting incident At 9:58 a.m. on April 12, an anonymous caller informed Essex police he intended to use weapons and explosives to harm students at Essex High School, sending all Essex Jct. schools into an hours-long lockdown. The call was later deemed a fictitious report, its purpose only to prompt a massive police response. And massive it was: Nine law enforcement agencies, including the Vermont State Police Bomb Squad and the Federal Bureau of Investigations, set up a perimeter around the campus.
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LaRose's retirement
It’s been an eventful year for Essex police chief Brad LaRose, who’s still waiting to hear back about his application to become Vermont’s next U.S. Marshal while prepping for his own retirement next month. While the two moves neatly coincide — he announced plans to retire three months after The Reporter broke news of his application— LaRose says his deciWILLS–TRUSTS–ESTATE PLANNING–MEDICAID–ELDER LAW–PROBATE
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Choosing a PT Specialist is YOUR Best First Choice Happy New Year to You! What better way to kick off the new year than to launch a new column dedicated to YOUR orthopedic health and movement. This may fall right in line with your resolutions as we explore the good, the bad, and the misunderstood of staying orthopedically healthy, moving, being fit, and pain-free in this coming year. The main concept that I want to start off with is one that unifies most body work therapies and movement training, and yet is one of the most neglected and misunderstood concepts, it is the concept of human structural integrity. You would not buy a house before you had it inspected as you would want to understand the condition of the structure, the “bones of the house,” it’s stability, the mechanicals, the electrical, and various other systems. If a house inspection revealed that the second-floor windows and doors get jammed it
Officers armed with assault rifles combed through the parking lot while tactical vehicles were waved past makeshift roadblocks that kept anxious parents, who, by noon had lined the roads leading into the high school, from advancing into a potentially dangerous situation. Students trickled out from the building four hours into the ordeal. A few parents cried as they welcomed their child into their open arms. Ten weeks later, police announced they charged two juveniles, including one 14-year-old Vermont boy, in connection with the incident. Chittenden County state’s attorney Sarah George said she couldn’t share what charges the juveniles will face but thanked EPD and the FBI for “creating some level of closure” for Essex families. “This has been a very tough year for our students and our school personnel,” George said at the time. “I hope everyone can feel some sense of relief going into their summer vacations, because I can imagine it could not have come soon enough for them.”
would most likely lead you to take a closer look at the foundation, settling, and other contributing factors. It might make sense to lube the windows, perhaps shave the doors, or replace them all together, but you would be ignoring a sure sign that some of the structural integrity may be compromised. Your body shouldn’t be any different. Sprains, strains, and pain are sure signs that your structural integrity has been compromised. Human Structural Integrity is comprised of three major components: Bio-mechanics, Neuromechanics, and Spatialmechanics. We will explore these concepts and how they apply to you and your structural integrity in the upcoming months. Please feel free to contact us or visit our website for more information at transitionspt.com.
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sion to hand off the chief role is independent from his pursuit for the federal position. “I certainly am very fond of the community and all the members at the department,” he said last month. ““But I’m looking to do something else, and it’s a very good timing.” Gov. Phil Scott and Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) are collaborating on the appointment for the U.S. Marshal position. They plan to, at some point, recommend a candidate to President Donald Trump, whose nominee will then need senate approval. Meanwhile, a familiar face taking is over as EPD chief after municipal manager Pat Scheidel announced Cpt. Rick Garey, a 27-year department veteran, will begin his tenure at top cop January 13. “He came up A-plus on all of the review points, and I’m very confident in my decision,” Scheidel said.
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Reviving the Essex Outlets
Peter Edelmann has watched as the Essex Outlets, which he purchased 25 years ago with a dozen other partners, slowly fell victim to the shifting tides of the retail industry. Vacancies mar his shopping center, and turnover is headlined by the departure of once cherished destinations — Ralph Lauren, Coach, Under Armour — inspiring many locals to write off the outlets as a tanking enterprise. Ask Edelmann, however, and the solution is clear: an ambitious redevelopment project that shifts focus to entertainment and experience, values local boutiques and services over national retailers and stacks residential units in the heart of the outlets. In August, he gave the public a first glimpse at conceptual plans that he says will do just that. Like what’s there now, both plans detail about 165,000 square feet of commercial space. They highlight three construction phases, one showing eight new buildings, 420 residential units and 1,324 parking spaces; the other showing 586 units, nine buildings and 1,511 parking spaces. Both boast three six-story buildings.
At that August planning commission meeting, most residents agreed with the belief that the Essex Outlets need a serious facelift. Less ubiquitous was Edelmann’s notion that six-story buildings are the answer, however. A few worried how the housing influx would add to traffic issues. Others questioned if Essex schools could handle so many new students. And nearly all prescribed the building heights as out of context. For now, Edelmann’s plans don’t conform to t own building codes, though that may change next year thanks to the Essex Town Center Next project, which will recommend changes for the mixeduse planned unit development zone that covers the outlets. He later said he understands their concerns but thought many residents had a “kneejerk reaction.” Yet the meeting didn’t change his overall plan. He green-lit work on a formal sketch plan and is planning to meet with community leaders who have taken interest in the project. “I’m encouraged enough to move forward and start spending some real money,” he said.
Farmers' market postponed (for now) Food lovers and localvores were saddened to learn the Five Corners Farmers’ Market would be postponing its 2017 season. The news came after several market board members resigned their posts and no new volunteers arrived to take their place. “There’s a lot more involved in organizing a market than people realize there is,” market manager Julie Miller-Johnson said at the time. Residents took to Facebook in the weeks after the announcement voicing shock and frustration with the decision, though market leaders asked those who were most concerned to share any ideas they may have. The market hoped to use 2017 to address issues cur-
rently plaguing the market, questions like if a new, bigger location is required for a more sit-and-stay environment, or if the village’s growing restaurant scene means Friday nights are no longer the best option. Some onus fell on organizers, who need to mix up vendors to create a sense of novelty the market is currently lacking, Miller-Johnson said at the time. It’s also on the community, however, “not just to visit, but also to buy,” she said. In an email to The Reporter last week, Miller-Johnson shared a few updates including a notable announcement: The Market is back on next year. “During the time off, we listened deeply to the things people loved and missed most and believe we will be able to deliver these in a new market,” Miller-Johnson
wrote. Among the changes will be a new day — Wednesday — and a new location in the village that organizers are currently negotiating. Miller-Johnson said they believe a mid-week market will serve as a “pleasant break in the work week.” She added the market hopes to bring in some new and different vendors, while several previous vendors have already voiced a desire to return. She expected more details to be available next month.
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year in review
December 28, 2017 • The Essex Reporter • 3
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Searching for a new manager
Pat Scheidel, after years of crying wolf, has finally set a date for his last day as municipal manager of the town and village. In August, Scheidel, who was previously town manager before assuming the joint manager role in 2013, informed the boards of his plans to retire April 2018. “Everybody tells you that you know when it is time to retire. I’ve reached that point,” he said at the time. “It’s not because I’ve fallen out of love; I’m still madly in love with the place and the people … that’s why it’s been so hard for me to actually come up with a day and say goodbye, but you know what? It’s time.” The announcement came amid the selectboard’s and trustees’ months-long search for Scheidel’s re-
Essex Westford district kicks off first year The Essex Westford School District, Vermont’s first to form under the landmark education law Act 46, kicked off its first year in existence this July, though notable changes hit the district well before its inaugural day. In January, the EWSD school board named Beth Cobb the district’s newest superintendent. She began July 1, taking over the helm of retiring superintendents Mark Andrews and Judy DeNova. April saw Essex, Essex Jct. and Westford voters passed a $75.2 million budget 893 to 331. The budget represented a $1.77 million or 2.41 percent increase over the combined budgets of the two former districts, though residents were projected to savings on their taxes thanks to Act 46’s taxbreak incentives. And in a remarkably close race for two three-year Essex Jct. seats on the EWSD board, incumbent Keeley Schell led all vote-getters with 272, while challenger Patrick Murray defeated incumbent Wes McClellan by a single vote, 254 to 253. While working with administrators to create a vision for the new district, school board members also dealt with a healthy dose of challenges this year. They declared impasse with teachers in July amid a stalemate over salary and health benefits, all taking place while the legislature and Gov. Phil Scott debated whether to move health care negotiations to the state level. A subsequent deal between the sparring parties set an
placement. They hired a recruiter to lead the search and once extended their deadline due to a shallow pool of applicants. Their eventual six-week recruitment yielded 37 applicants, 13 with prior experience in a manager role. There were also 13 total applicants from Vermont, a dozen more than when the boards extended the deadline. A five-hour private session earlier this month saw three candidates file in and out the village offices before the boards selected their finalist. Twenty days later (as of Friday), they’ve yet to name that person, citing unresolved issues in the contract and a pending background check. Village president George Tyler explained the boards’ delay in releasing the name is an attempt to protect the finalist’s privacy. It’s the latest attempt to maintain some confidentiality in the hiring process, highlighted by varied levels of transparency in several recent decisions related to the recruitment search: a list of people for their recruiter to speak with, and a list of essay questions, which officials discussed behind closed doors as to not give any candidates a head start.
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80/20 split on healthcare premiums, which the Vt. Agency of Education used to determine that EWSD needs to save $800k over the next two years. The board nearly hit the share target in a finalized contract with teachers released in October. That agreement offers 3 percent “new dollar” salary increases in each year of the two-year contract and bumps faculty’s share of health care premium payments to 19 percent starting January 1. Six months later, the share increases to 20 percent. Meanwhile, they’re still at impasse with support staff. Work on the fiscal year 2019 budget, in its early stages, is also progressing under uncertain clouds borne from Montpelier. The Scott administration has projected the state will need to raise the education property tax rate by nine cents next year, meaning EWSD, which is due an eight-cent reduction per Act 46, may be starting the budget process behind the eight ball.
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Town preps for firearms forums
The latest development in the ongoing discussion over Essex’s firearm regulations saw the selectboard planning, then delaying, a series of forums to address safe shooting in town. Billed as a time to plan the forum, a March selectboard meeting instead showcased the ongoing debate between individual rights and public safety. Essex Police Chief Brad LaRose briefed the selectboard on lessons he learned from speaking with officials in Colchester and Williston, which both revamped their firearms ordinances in recent years. He said compromises helped push through the changes in both towns, though he expected a lengthy process regardless of the town’s route and advocated a series of public forums. Five months later, the selectboard narrowly agreed to delay its search for a facilitator after a concerned property owner urged members to wait until after deer hunting season. Selectman Michael Plageman strongly favored pushing back the timeline. Failure to do so would “marginalize hunters” and be “begging for a fight,” he said at the time. Yet selectwoman Sue Cook was unsure why the board would single out one group when there’s “a whole series” of reasons one might miss a meeting. She and Irene Wrenner voted against the schedule shift. The postponement passed 3-2. In a September letter to the editor, former resident and Essex Firearms Discharge Ordinance Task Force chairman Peter Gagliardi outlined his committee’s 2009 report to the selectboard and called the selectboard’s inaction to date “most unfortunate.” He expected the matter to warrant even more attention as the town continues to grow and said the best solution is one that protects the rights of both the public and the sportsman. “It would not serve the citizens of Essex well to wait until there is another tragic shooting incident before finalizing this matter,” he wrote.
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Busing fails to launch in Essex Jct. Patience was the main takeaway during a public forum in April that informed parents in the Essex Westford School District’s plans to expand transportation this school year. What wasn’t clear was just how much patience would be required. But three months of recruitment yielded exactly zero drivers to lead this new fleet, and two months later, after a district-led push that included 6,000 flyers, emails to more than 4,000 parents, the school board cut its losses and postponed the expansion for another year. Tasked with figuring out what to do, administrators returned in November with a plan: create a hybrid model that couples contracted services with a new in-house operation. In doing so, they hope to capitalize on the district’s scale — saving money on overhead costs for accounting and human resources
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The Essex Reporter • December 28, 2017
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YEaR IN REVIEW
Handy proposes four-story project
The pains of growth flared up during a handful of Essex Jct. Planning Commission meetings after local developer Gabe Handy unveiled site plans for his proposed senior housing complex near the heart of the village center. The plans show a four-story building with 43 one-bedroom units and 31 parking spaces at 9 and 11 Park St., right next door to Vermont’s first brick school house. It’s part of his master plan to construct
two multi-story buildings on his 1.3 acres on Park Street. Phase II involves demolishing two buildings on his property, one of which is the Pho Dang restaurant, before constructing another four-story building for mixed use, like 4 Pearl St. Commissioners first tabled the senior housing site plans in May, and did so again in October, stating while they liked the idea, they needed a better understanding of how the building fit in with the neighborhood. Those who live there say it doesn’t. They call the building ugly, too big for the lot, out of touch with the village’s historic identity. They say it will lord over their backyards and infringe on their privacy. One resident openly questioned whether she should sell her house and retain what value she could before
it’s too late. They aren’t against growth, they emphasize, in theory or practice. The village center is the smart place for density. It’s just not the right place for this building. Handy, meanwhile, believes he’s done his best to assuage the trepidation thrown his way. He’s requesting no waivers, and his lot coverage conforms to code. It could even be more. And the need for senior housing will only grow. The back-and-forth has played out in meetings throughout the year and will likely rear its head during the Jan. 4 meeting that will again entertain Handy’s proposal. And while residents’ concerns are not unique to Essex nor Vermont, they have underlined a growing distrust with the planning process — one that may provide difficult to remedy in the coming years.
Airmen return home A little over a year ago, 311 airmen boarded a massive plane and took off for a mission in the Middle East called Operation Inherent Resolve in what’s known as a short-notice deployment. They departed shortly after Thanksgiving, just less than 30 days after learning of the mission. They provided precision air-toground attacks against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, or ISIS, flying over 600 combat missions and deploying over 800 weapons, according to the VTANG. In March, they returned home to cheering crowd at the Vermont Air National Guard base in South Burlington, where a brilliant sunset mirrored one that lit the sky during their send-off three months prior. Among the joyous scene were parents Jennifer and Lonny Grathwohl, who live in South Dakota and had embarked on a three-day, 2,050-mile road
trip to welcome home senior airman Marissa Van Zee — their only daughter. Essex resident Jen Tumilowicz stood by as her two children — Luke, 6, and Sloane, 4 — clutched a poster from the latter’s preschool classmates filled with drawings and well wishes for their dad, deputy commander Col. Christopher Tumilowicz. And the welcoming committee for Essex Jct.’s Lt. Col. Brian Lepine included wife, Tricia; daughter, Grace; and son, Mason, who used apps like FaceTime to stay in touch despite struggling to find common downtime during weekdays. “It makes me really, really, really happy,” Grace said outside the hangar, just minutes after Lepine departed the bus. “And I cry, but it’s happy tears.” “We’re just glad to have him home,” Tricia Lepine added.
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news for Essex’s incoming manager. Most preferred a seven-councilor board with a mix of at-large candidates and those elected on a district/ward scenario. And Annual Year’s nearly allNew agreed on the government’s purpose: to make Denim Sale! life better for its citizens. Buy 1, Get 1 50% Off! On hand to offer feedFriday Monday back forDec the29thpresentations was shifting panel of local Jan.a 1st officials. During one morning session, that included village president George Tyler, selectboard chairman Max Levy and municipal manager Pat Scheidel. Eldridge says the topic could have easily taken up another month of class, though she feels students greatly benefit from even a limited exposure to such a dense topic. Many students started to understand change is
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nothing to fear, though it does requires patience and commitment. And they began recognizing themes in the news to make connections to current events beyond their own community boundaries. “So they're getting a little indignant about issues, and it's really cool to have those conversations with them,” Eldridge said. The local government study precedes Eldridge’s citizenship project, where students are required to perform 10 hours of community service to inspire civic engagement at an early age. The project allows students to experience what it’s like to express ideas they expect will be heard and respected, Eldridge said. And it helps reach some students who have become disengaged at some point in the school year. Eldridge said kids often underestimate themselves because American culture dismisses the voice of youth on serious issues, including politics. She finds that by empowering instead of sheltering students, they will grow up to embrace the civic process and see that “dismissing them is not an option.” She finds that by empowering students in-
PHOTO BY COLIN FLANDERS
Kaito Esselstrom speaks during a group presentation in Amanda Eldridge's eighth-grade class last Thursday. Students shared the findings of their civics unit on local government before a panel of Essex officials. stead, they will grow up to embrace the civic process and see that “dismissing them is not an option.” “If I can do that,” Eldridge said, “if I can open
the eyes and ears of adults to see their kids in a different way — as resources — and empower the kids in that process, then that's why I feel like it's important.”
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December 28, 2017 • The Essex Reporter • 5
opinion & community lETTERS To ThE EdIToR regarding the $1M town budget increase and proposal for 5 more employees
Essex grows, so do our property taxes. Property taxes have tripled since 1997. Water and sewer fees have doubled since 2006. We do not have enough sewer capacity to accommodate much of the town. However, we continue to assign sewer capacity to new projects. our sewer system is aging and will need expensive repairs. Adding new users will not help. We have not updated our sewer capacity study in over a decade and have never calculated the cost to the town for various types of devel-
Decades of sizable development projects and the resulting increased population and infrastructure require more town staff. The expected 1 percent increase in the grand list will not reduce property taxes. Residential and business development bring in property taxes, but the cost of services is more than the tax revenue brought in, a net tax increase and a large one. As
opment. Traffic and school children are not the only variables in the cost of development. There is a need for staff, road maintenance, infrastructure, storm water remediation, police, senior services and rescue and more. There are the nonmonetary costs of quality of life and town character. i don’t think we should approve any building project without knowing how much it will cost existing taxpayers using all these variables. i hope that others will
stress to the board and the planning commission that it is time to know and calculate these costs as part of development approval (or denial!) Bigger isn’t better. The evidence is in this budget increase. More buildings and businesses aren’t what we need. We need to foster, help and improve what is here already. Remember the size of your property tax invoice and your water/sewer bill when Essex was small. sharon Zukowski Essex Town
What do you think? Email your letter (450 words or fewer) to news@essexreporter.com. Please include your full name, address and phone number for verification, or give us a call at 893-2028 as soon as you email it to confirm submission. Deadline: Fridays at 5 p.m.
PERSPECTIVES
Clean power for clean water
T By JuliE MooRE
here’s been a lot of conversation lately around how to fund long-term clean water efforts in Vermont. Having personally worked on waterway clean-up in Vermont for 15 years, i am deeply aware of the long-term nature of the challenges we’re facing. We are a small state with a big task ahead of us and while this work is not insurmountable, finding solutions that have broad-based support won’t always be easy. There is one piece of this puzzle that just makes sense: TDi’s New England Clean Power link project. if the Clean Power link project is selected by Massachusetts, it would bring 1,000 MW of clean, renewable hydroelectric power from Northern Quebec to Massachusetts. The line would pass through Vermont via an entirely-underground 154-mile transmission line. Among other benefits,
this project would provide $6 million annually to fund water quality improvement projects in Vermont for the next 40 years. in total, the Clean Power link would invest $240 million in Vermont’s Clean Water Fund to help restore Vermont’s waterways. The commitment includes $6 million annually to investment in agricultural stewardship and stormwater management practices to better handle runoff from our homes, businesses, roads and parking lots when it rains. There will also be an additional $1.5 million each year going into a newly formed trust fund called the lake Champlain Enhancement and Restoration Fund. This trust fund will provide habitat restoration and recreational opportunities in the lake Champlain watershed. The money from the Clean Power link project would make visible water quality improvements to the lake Champlain watershed over the next 40 years. Better still, the project would have almost no impact on the visual or cultural character of Vermont’s landscapes and communities. When we picture transmission lines, naturally we picture large towers and cleared strips
negatively impacting Vermont’s natural beauty and downtown centers, but that’s not what’s planned and permitted here. The Clean Power link project will be buried entirely underground and underwater. The transmission line will run for a total of 154 miles stretching from Quebec to ludlow, Vermont, where a large converter station will be built. 97 miles of line will be buried beneath lake Champlain and 57 miles will be buried underground. The entire length of the transmission line will utilize existing public rights of way. This project has passed a series of strenuous environmental reviews and has been fully permitted and approved at the local, state, and federal levels. Beyond providing $240 million in clean water funding, this project will supply $110 million for renewable energy projects. This money will go directly to Vermont’s Clean Energy Development Fund over the 40year life of the project, advancing renewable generation statewide. There are also notable benefits throughout New England. Greater use of clean power translates to clearer skies and cleaner air, helping to ad-
vance regional climate goals and decrease global greenhouse gas emissions. The Clean Power link project is very close to becoming a reality. Construction on the project could begin as soon as next year, with the goal of transmitting power by 2019. This project would provide economic and environmental benefits to Vermont and the region. This project represents a critical funding mechanism to help Vermont secure consistent, lasting revenue to restore water quality and it is an ambitious step forward to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Clean Power link project embodies the kind of creative approach that we need to continue to pursue as we work toward identifying long-term solutions to fund clean water initiatives in our state. Julie Moore is secretary of the Vt. Agency of Natural Resources, which is charged with protecting and sustaining Vermont’s environment, natural resources, wildlife and forests, and for maintaining state parks.
Life readiness for all By HEATHER BouCHEY & JEss DECARolis
M
ore than ever, today’s students must prepare for a variety of opportunities after high school, including further education and training, as well as entry into the workforce. our rapidly transforming and technology-driven society demands that students know more than academic content. They must learn to do the creative and non-routine work that machines can’t do. They must demonstrate knowledge of how to learn and solve problems, continually build upon their developing knowledge and skills, and adapt to an everchanging and hard-to-predict future. students must also develop effective communication skills, and learn how to work both collaboratively and competitively, depending on the context, in order to find success. in essence, students can no longer afford to prepare for college or the workplace. Every student must prepare for both work and life-long learning, including earning industry recognized credentials or postsecondary education. instead of asking, “Where are you going to college?” we should ask every child, “How will you continue your education and training?” We might consider the modern charge of public education as preparation for “life readiness.” in Vermont, we value equitable student access to both college and career readiness opportunities. With help from Gov. scott and the General Assembly, the Agency of Education recently created a new position that will work with both education and employer stakeholders to build a statewide system of training and educational opportunities
in high-demand industries. Based in the state’s Comprehensive Economic Development strategy, these industries include health science, construction and green building design, advanced manufacturing, agriculture and natural resources, information technology/sTEM, and hospitality and tourism. A robust, state-endorsed system of articulated Career Pathways will link our students to well-paying jobs in Vermont’s highest priority economic sectors, and the pathways will make clear how our students can take advantage of programs in middle and high school that develop essential skills and direction for career readiness. These career pathways will initially map onto programs in Career Technical Education (CTE) and work-based learning through their high schools. Next, the pathways will outline how adult learners and individuals looking to re-boot their career trajectories can jump back on the pathways to prepare for better opportunities. As early as seventh grade, students can benefit from a number of opportunities made possible through the passage of Act 77 (Flexible Pathways to secondary school Completion). Career exposure in early years introduces students to options they can pursue in high school and beyond. Now, students throughout the state can access multiple, affordable opportunities to expand their learning both inside and beyond the classroom. These opportunities include dual enrollment and early college, work-based learning, online and hybrid learning, CTE, the High school Completion Program and expanded learning opportunities, like after school programs and targeted mentoring programs. These strategic investments illustrate Vermont’s commitment to
obITuaRIES
both college and career readiness. one such Act 77 opportunity is work-based learning – supervised, credit-bearing experiences that involve student interactions with industry and community professionals. Work-based learning exposes students to specific postsecondary options, provides practice in necessary skill development, and allows students to reinforce and deepen their learning in an applied setting. For example, one student who was not quite sure of his interests recently participated in a site-based learning experience on a local farm. Through a supervised work-based learning program, this student gained the much-needed experience, confidence and preparation for even more careerfocused opportunities, involving less direct guidance and more autonomy. The following year, this student enrolled in a CTE program, where he continues to thrive. Experiences like these can particularly help students make the connection between academic learning and real world situations. Across the state, our schools are working hard to guide our students as they take advantage of opportunities like work-based learning, CTE programs that lead to industryrecognized credentials, and post-secondary opportunities like dual enrollment and early college to achieve their goals. Through this work, we are not only investing in the future and success of our children, but in the future and success of our state, our economy, and ourselves. Heather Bouchey is the deputy secretary for the Vt. Dept. of Education, and Jess DeCarolis is the division director for Personalization and Flexible Pathways.
THE ESSEX
BarBara JacoBs EssEx JCT. – Barbara Claire Jacobs, 80, died peacefully with her loving
family by her side, Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2017, at the McClure Miller VNA Respite House in Colchester. Barbara was born July 4, 1937 in lake Placid, N.Y., the daughter of Milbert and Myrtle (Clark) Myers. she graduated from the Albany Business College with a degree in English. on Feb. 7, 1959, she married Joseph Jacobs at st. luke’s Episcopal Church in saranac lake, N.Y. Barbara taught English and worked for many years as assistant librarian at the Essex Jct. Educational
Center. she was a very talented knitter and quilter and loved doing crafts and sewing. she was also a very gifted pianist. in addition to her husband, Joseph, of Essex Jct., she is survived by her children scott Jacobs and his wife, Karen, of Essex; stephen Jacobs and his wife, Mary Ellen, of Winter Haven, Fla.; and Kathy Bushey and her husband, Dale, of Williston; by her grandchildren Amber, Amanda, Heather, Michael, Matt and Anthony and by nine greatgrandchildren.
she was predeceased by her grandson Justin Bushey in 2003. Memorial contributions in Barb’s memory may be made to the VT Respite House, 3113 Roosevelt Highway, Colchester, VT 05446. Visiting hours were held on Friday, Dec. 22 at Minor Funeral and Cremation Center in Milton. Funeral services were held saturday, Dec. 23, also at the funeral home. online condolences may be made to minorfh. com.
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Colin Flanders | Michaela Halnon Kaylee Sullivan | Neel Tandan 42 Severance Green Unit #108, Colchester, VT 05446 Phone: 878-5282 Fax: 651-9635
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Deadlines: News & advertising – Fridays at 5 p.m. Circulation: 8,800 The Essex Reporter is owned by Vermont Publishing Corp Inc. and is a member of the Champlain Valley Newspaper Group
6•
The Essex Reporter • December 28, 2017
EssEx ArEA
Religious Directory
calendar Jan. 5
CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH - 61 Main St., Essex Jct., 878-8341. James Gangwer, pastor. Sunday School: 10 a.m., Worship Service: 11 a.m., Sunday evening worship: 6 p.m., Wednesday evening youth groups, Adult Bible study and prayer: 7 p.m.; FundamentalIndependent. CHRIST MEMORIAL CHURCH - Route 2A, Williston, just north of Industrial Ave. 878-7107. Wes Pastor, lead pastor, proclaiming Christ and Him crucified, Sundays: 8:15 a.m. and 10:15 a.m., www.cmcvermont.org. DAYBREAk COMMUnITY CHURCH - 67 Creek Farm Plaza, Colchester. 338-9118. Brent Devenney, lead pastor. Sunday service: 10:30 a.m., AWANA:
courTesy PhoTo
brentdaybreak@gmail.com
The Northern Bell Handbell Ensemble presents "Songs of Good Cheer," a concert experience designed to bring hope and joy to the beginning of the new year. The Bells of St. James of Essex Junction will also be part of the performances happening Friday, Jan. 5 - Sunday, Jan. 7. See listings for complete details.
ESSEX ALLIAnCE CHURCH - 37 Old Stage Road,
28 Thursday
Thursdays twice a month, www.daybreakvermont.org;
Essex Jct. 878-8213. Sunday services: 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. & 11:30 a.m., www.essexalliance.org. ESSEX CEnTER UnITED METHODIST CHURCH - 119 Center Rd (Route 15), Essex. 878-8304. Rev. Mitchell Hay, pastor. Service 10:00 a.m. with Sunday School and childcare provided. We offer a variety of small groups for prayer, Bible study, hands-on ministry, and studying contemporary faith issues. Please join us for worship that combines the best of traditional and contemporary music and spirituality. We are a safe and welcoming space for all people to celebrate, worship, ask questions and plant spiritual roots. FIRST COngREgATIOnAL CHURCH OF ESSEX JUnCTIOn - 1 Church Street, Essex Jct. 878-5745. Rev. Mark Mendes, senior pastor. Sunday Worship Services: 8:30 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. Communion: first Sunday of every month. Sunday School: weekly at 10:15 a.m. 5th/6th Grade youth group: first Sunday of month. Jr. & Sr. high youth groups: every Sunday. Heavenly Food Pantry: second Monday of the month, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. and fourth Thursday, 2 – 6 p.m., except for Nov. & Dec. when it is the third Thursday. Essex Eats Out community dinner: 1st Friday of the month, 5:30 – 7 p.m. Music includes Sanctuary Choir, Praise Band, Junior Choir, Cherub Choir, Handbell Choir, Men’s Acapella & Ladies’ Acapella groups. UCC, an Open and Affirming Congregation, embracing diversity and affirming the dignity and worth of every person, because we are all created by a loving God. www.fccej.org; welcome@fccej. org gRACE UnITED METHODIST CHURCH - 130 Maple Street, Essex Jct., 1 mile south of the Five Corners on Maple Street / Route 117. 878-8071. Worship Sundays: 9:30 a.m., with concurrent church school pre-K to grade
reindeer Games
10:30 - 11:30 a.m. & 1 - 2 p.m., Essex Free Library. Come join in on our Reindeer Games! Pin the nose on Rudolph, play ring toss on the antlers and enjoy other reindeer-themed activities.
sTick and Puck
11:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m., Essex Skating Facility, 2 Educational Dr., Essex Jct. Come enjoy skating open to the public that is dedicated to practicing hockey drills. Helmet and gloves required; $5.
Public skaTinG
1 - 3 p.m., Essex Skating Facility, 2 Educational Dr., Essex Jct. Come enjoy skating open to the public at our stateof-the-art community center. $3 students; $4 adults. Skate rentals available.
school break movie
1:30 - 4 p.m., Brownell Library. Come watch our screening of "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." Four kids travel through a wardrobe to the land of Narnia and learn of their destiny to free it with the guidance of a mystical lion. Rated PG.
6. Handicapped-accessible facility. Adult choir, praise band, women’s fellowship, missionally active. Korean U.M.C. worship Sundays: 12 p.m., come explore what God might be offering you! HOLY FAMILY - ST. LAwREnCE PARISH - St. Lawrence: 158 West St., Essex Jct. 878.5331. Saturday Vigil: 4:00 p.m.; Sunday Morning: 8:00 a.m. Holy Family: 36 Lincoln St., Essex Jct., Sundays: 11 a.m. & 7:30 p.m. For more information visit www.hfslvt.org. MT. MAnSFIELD UnITARIAn UnIVERSALIST FELLOwSHIP - 195 Vermont Route 15, Jericho, the red barn across from Packard Road. 899-2558. Services are held 9:30 a.m. on the second and fourth Sunday of each month from September through June. Visit www.mmuuf. org. ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH - 4 St. James Place, Essex Jct., off Rt. 2A at the Fairgrounds Gate F. 8784014. Rev. Kim Hardy. Holy Eucharist, Sundays: 10 a.m. Visit www.stjamesvt.org; office@stjamesvt.com. ST. PIUS X CHURCH - 20 Jericho Road, Essex. 878-5997. Rev. Charles Ranges, pastor. Masses: Saturday, 4:30 p.m. & Sunday, 9:30 a.m. Confessions: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. or please call 878-5331 for an appointment.
29 Friday music WiTh raPh 10 - 10:30 a.m., Brownell Library. Come sing and play with Raph. All ages.
sToryTime
10 - 10:30 a.m., Brownell Library. Children are welcome to come listen to picture book stories and have fun with finger plays and action rhymes. No registration required. For children up to 6 years old.
musical sToryTime
10:30 - 11:30 a.m., Essex Free Library.
Rock out and read every Friday morning with books, songs and instruments. All ages.
sTick and Puck
11:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m., Essex Skating Facility, 2 Educational Dr., Essex Jct. Come enjoy skating open to the public that is dedicated to practicing hockey drills. Helmet and gloves required; $5.
TaroT card readinGs
Noon - 1:30 p.m. Phoenix Books Burlington, 191 Bank St., Burlington. Visit Phoenix Books for a Jungian-inspired tarot reading with Rachel, who has been reading tarot for six years and whose approach draws from the concept that we can access collective symbols and archetypes from our unconscious that can assist in guiding our intuition. Rachel has an MA in clinical mental health counseling from Antioch University New England and has a private psychotherapy practice. Readings are first come, first served and are for entertainment purposes only. Suggested donation is $5-10.
Public skaTinG
1 - 3 p.m., Essex Skating Facility, 2 Educational Dr., Essex Jct. Come enjoy skating open to the public at our stateof-the-art community center. $3 students; $4 adults. Skate rentals available.
comics and cocoa
2 - 3 p.m., Brownell Library. Come out and enjoy hot cocoa and cookies while discussing discussing graphic novel for children "Ghosts" by Raina Telgemeier.
30 saTurday Weekend sToryTime
10:30 - 11:30 a.m., Essex Free Library. Start off your weekend
with books, rhymes and songs every Saturday morning!
$4 adults. Skate rentals available.
beeThoven’s ninTh symPhony
1 monday
7 p.m., Spruce Peak Performing Arts Ctr., 122 Hourglass Dr., Stowe. The Green Mountain Mahler Festival presents its eighth annual performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. This concers will feature vocal soloists Stefanie Weigand, Erin Grainger, Kevin Ginter and Erik Kroncke, along with the Green Mountain Mahler Festival Orchestra and Chorus under the direction of conductor Daniel Bruce with chorusmaster Steven Klimowski. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.vtmahler.org.
31 sunday FirsT niGhT burlinGTon
11 a.m. - midnight, multiple locations, downtown Burlington. With a multitude of different activities and entertainment venues, First Night is the ideal family-friendly event in Chittenden County. Highlights include the Dancing Dragons parade at 6 p.m., followed by the family fireworks at 6:45 p.m. and the final fireworks at midnight to bring in the new year. Free parking at UVM's Gutterson parking lot (next to Patrick Gym), and free shuttles will run from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 a.m. Some events do need specific tickets, but many events allow admission with a First Night button. Buttons are $18 adults, $10 students, $5 children; tickets for specific shows are $5. Go to www. firstnightburlington.org
Public skaTinG
1 - 5:30 p.m., Essex Skating Facility, 2 Educational Dr., Essex Jct. Come enjoy skating open to the public at our state-of-the-art community center. $3 students;
ToWn and villaGe oFFices, senior cenTer, broWnell library and essex Free library closed For neW year's day. beeThoven’s ninTh symPhony
3 p.m., Elley-Long Music Ctr., 223 Ethan Allen Ave., Colchester. The Green Mountain Mahler Festival presents its eighth annual performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. This concert will feature vocal soloists Stefanie Weigand, Erin Grainger,Linda Radtke and Erik Kroncke, along with the Green Mountain Mahler Festival Orchestra and Chorus under the direction of conductor Daniel Bruce with chorusmaster Steven Klimowski. Proceeds from the concert will benefit the Vermont Performing Arts League, which is based in Burlington’s Old North End, where it promotes and supports community centered performing arts activities with a focus on the folk arts and international exchanges. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.vtmahler.org.
2 Tuesday sTory Time For babies and Toddlers
9:10 - 9:30 a.m., Brownell Library. Picture books, sign language, songs, rhymes and puppets for babies and toddlers with an adult.
sTory Time For Preschoolers
10 - 10:45 a.m, Brownell Library. Picture books, sign language, songs, rhymes, flannel stories and math activities for preschoolers.
Calendar deadline every Friday at 5 p.m.
December 28, 2017 • The Essex Reporter • 7
calendar LoCaL mEEtIngs tuEsDay, Jan. 2
6:30 p.m., School Board, Essex High School Library, 2 Educational Dr., Essex Jct. 7 p.m., town selectboard, Town offices, 81 Main St., Essex Jct.
LEEP
3:30 - 4:30 p.m, Brownell Library.Library Elementary Event Planners welcome in the New Year and plan future events for elementary students. All 6-7- 8 graders welcome!
DroP-In KnIttIng CLub 6:30 - 8 p.m., Essex Free Library. Bring in your current knitting project or start a new one in the company of fellow knitters!
3 WEDnEsDay story tImE for PrEsChooLErs
10 - 10:45 a.m, Brownell Library. Picture books, sign language, songs, rhymes, flannel stories, and early math activities for preschoolers.
story tImE
10 a.m., Phoenix Books Essex, 2 Carmichael St., Essex Jct. Enjoy timeless tales and new adventures with your little ones. Each week, we'll choose a new picture book, a classic or a staff favorite to read aloud together. Free and open to all ages.
tECh tImE WIth traCI
10 - 11 a.m., Essex Free Library. Need some tech help? Drop in with your device and your questions.
tECh hELP WIth CLIf
Noon and 1 p.m., Brownell Library. Offering one on one technology help. Bring in your new gadget or gizmo and Clif will sit with you to help you learn its ways! Reservation required. Please call 878-6955 at least 24 hours in advance.
rEaD to DaIsy
3 - 4 p.m., Brownell Library. Daisy loves to listen to kids read. She is certified by Therapy Dogs of Vermont. Daisy’s owner is Maddie Nash, retired school counselor. For all ages. Please register online.
4 thursDay rEaD to arChIE
3:15 - 4:15 p.m., Brownell Library. Archie loves to listen to kids read. He is certified by Therapy Dogs of Vermont. Archie’s owner is Christine Packard, Chair of Brownell Library Trustees.
aDuLt CoLorIng
thursDay, Jan. 4
6 p.m., Village Planning Commission, Lincoln Hall, 2 Lincoln St., Essex Jct. 6 p.m., town Zoning board, Town offices, 81 Main St., Essex Jct. 7 p.m., town selectboard, Town offices, 81 Main St., Essex Jct.
6:30 - 7:30 p.m., Essex Free Library. Come join the fun of adult coloring! Bring your own books or choose from a variety of printed pictures supplied by the library.
5 frIDay PrEsChooL yoga 10 - 10:45 a.m., Brownell Library. Come sing songs, hear stories and do yoga with Danielle. Ages 2 and up.
musICaL story tImE
10:30 - 11:30 a.m., Essex Free Library. Rock out and read with books, songs and instruments. All ages.
tab
3 - 4:30 p.m., Brownell Library. Final pre-filming rehearsal of Teen Advisory Board summer video entry. Plus bring in the New Year with the celebration of chocolate! All 9-12 graders welcome.
magIC: thE gathErIng
6 - 8 p.m., Brownell Library. Whether you know the game or are curious to find out more, come have tons of gaming fun!
KnIt nIght
6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Brownell Library. Adult knitters and crocheters are invited to settle in front of the fireplace in the main reading room to knit, share projects and patterns and engage in conversation.
hanDbELL ConCErt
7 p.m., Ascension Lutheran Church, 95 Allen Rd., South Burlington. Northern Bronze Handbell Ensemble presents "Songs of Good Cheer" to bring hope and joy to the season, and to make your feet want to dance in the New year. "Dance of the Reed Flutes," "Blue Tango," "City of Stars," and "Wizards in Winter" are just a few of the featured arrangements. Celebrating its 15th year, Northern Bronze is pleased to collaborate with the Bells of St. James of Essex Junction and with the Austin Chimers of First Congregational Church of Burlington. Tickets at the door; $12 adults, $8 children under 12 and seniors.
6 saturDay WEEKEnD story tImE
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.,
Essex Free Library. Start off your weekend with books, rhymes and songs!
story tImE
11 a.m., Phoenix Books Essex, 2 Carmichael St., Essex Jct. Enjoy timeless tales and new adventures with your little ones. Each week, we'll choose a new picture book, a classic or a staff favorite to read aloud together. Free and open to all ages.
hanDbELL ConCErt
7 p.m., St. James Episcopal Church, 4 St. James Pl., Essex Jct. Northern Bronze Handbell Ensemble presents "Songs of Good Cheer" to bring hope and joy to the season, and to make your feet want to dance in the new year. "Dance of the Reed Flutes," "Blue Tango," "City of Stars," and "Wizards in Winter" are just a few of the featured arrangements. Celebrating its 15th year, Northern Bronze is pleased to collaborate with the Bells of St. James of Essex Junction and with the Austin Chimers of First Congregational Church of Burlington. Tickets at the door; $12 adults, $8 children under 12 and seniors.
7 sunDay PubLIC sKatIng
2 - 5 p.m., Essex Skating Facility, 2 Educational Dr., Essex Jct. (See, Sunday, Dec. 31.)
baLKan foLK DanCIng
3 - 6 p.m., Ohavi Zedek Synagogue, 188 N. Prospect St., Burlington. Taught by Louise Brill, and others. Easier line and circle dances are taught the first hour, then intermediate dances, reviews and open request dancing. Beginners are welcome and no partner is needed. Wear informal, comfortable clothing. Lots of parking, come in the back door. Suggested $6 donation for snacks during the break; free the first time. For more information call 802 540-1020 or email dance@together.net.
hanDbELL ConCErt
3 p.m., First Congregational Church, 38 South Winooski Ave., Burlington. Northern Bronze Handbell Ensemble presents "Songs of Good Cheer" to bring hope and joy to the season, and to make your feet want to dance in the New year. "Dance of the Reed Flutes," "Blue Tango," "City of Stars," and "Wizards in Winter" are just a few of the featured arrangements. Celebrating its 15th year, Northern Bronze is pleased to collaborate with the Bells of St. James of Essex Junction and with the Austin Chimers of First Congregational Church of Burlington. Tickets at
BE Ready All WINTER Season the door; $12 adults, $8 children under 12 and seniors.
GMF Rock Salt
IrIsh musIC ConCErt
Rock Salt Plus
4 - 5 p.m., UCW White Church, Route 128, Westford Common. Westford Music Series collaborating with Young Tradition Vermont, will feature Andrea Beaton, award-winning fiddler, tune composer and recording artist from Ireland. Andrea comes from a long line of Irish musicians, composers and dancers and is known for her powerful bow and driving style. She will be sharing her culture, music, dance and comical stories sure to delight any audience. Accompanying Andrea will be Eric Wright, a cello player and member of the popular, award-winning Canadian band, “The Fretless”. Free admission. Refreshments following concert.
ongoIng EVEnts
50 lb bags $5.75
50 lb bags
environmentally friendly - use 30% less
sLEDDIng, sKIIng, snoWboarDIng & snoWshoEIng Sharp Park, 204 Cobble Hill Rd., Milton. Sharp Park is open on weekends and holidays during the winter season, weather permitting. Please visit sharppark. com or call 891-6225 regarding snow tube rentals and parking fees.
ICE sKatIng
Community Ice Rink at Bombardier Park, 1 Park Pl., Milton. Ice skate in Milton for fresh air and exercise! The outdoor community skating rink at Bombardier Park West is open to the public for recreational skating as weather conditions allow.
smuggs 55+ CLub
Now - March 21, Smuggler’s Notch, 4323 Route 108 S., Jeffersonville. If you are a senior who prefers being on the hill (not over it!), come join our outdoor activities group for the season. We meet Wednesdays at Morse Base Lodge for coffee and pastries at 9 a.m., and then disperse for alpine skiing, nordic skiing, or snowshoeing. Membership $30/year. Email smuggs55plus@ gmail.com to join.
Send event listings to calendar@essexreporter.com
h
6.99
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Pet Safe Ice Melter 20lb. $9.99
Shovels and Roof Rakes in stock
L.D. Oliver Seed Company, Inc. Green Mountain Fertilizer Co. 26 Sunset Ave., Milton, VT • 802 893-4628 www.ldoliverseed.com
M, T, & F 7:30-5:30 W & Th 7:30-6:00 Sat. 8-4
Donate your car…
and help build homes!
802-857-5296
onE-on- onE tutorIng
Burnham Memorial Library. 781 Blakely Rd., Colchester. Tutoring will return in January! Students from the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (Colchester campus) tutor students in reading, math and science at the library. The program is focused on grades 1-6, but tutoring is available in other grades for certain subjects. There is no fee for this service. Call us at 264-5660 to sign up.
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Pets of the Week DIESEL 4 year old Spayed female Arrival Date: 10/10/2017 Breed: Mixed breed Energy Level: Medium Size/Weight: Extra-large/ 95 lbs. Reason here: Diesel was not doing well with a dog in her home.
SUMMARY: Meet Diesel! Diesel is a special girl looking for a special home. Her size may be intimidating but in reality, she is a gentle giant who is nervous of new people and situations. Life is scary when you are 100lbs! Diesel needs a home with patience and love that can allow her to settle and get comfortable. She will need to get to know you on her own terms and her own time. Diesel is a gal whose affection you will have to work for, but once you get, it you’ll never want to let her go. Her wish is to find a home for this Holiday Season! Can you grant her wish? My thoughts on: Dogs: Diesel needs to be the only dog in her new home Cats: She has not been around cats Children: She has lived with children ages 8 and 10 years old and did well
Humane Society of Chittenden County 802-862-0135
Lumber
Superior Quality Great Prices
Mill Direct
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As projects move indoors.... HARDWOOD FLOORING 3/4” finished thickness. Random length 4’ - 12’ (some longer)tongue and groove, recessed back (not end matched). MAPLE, CHERRY, OAK, BIRCH Price & availability can vary. Call ahead to confirm.
HARDWOODS ROUGH Hard & Soft MAPLE, CHERRY, Red & White OAK, ASH, BASSWOOD MAHOGANY, WALNUT & YELLOW POPLAR. No quantity too small.
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December 28, 2017 • The Essex Reporter • 9
business directory & police log CARPENTRY H.S.
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Bethany K. Fitzgerald D.D.S
Serving the community for over 33 years with the best dental care. Schedule a dental check-up today to maintain that beautiful smile!
24/7 ON CALL • Free Estimates • Fully Insured (802) 355-8193 Matt Levee • highstandards802@gmail.com
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Tom Carroll 802-881-7733 Essex Junction
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FITNESS
Most insurance plans accepted. Accepting new patients. miltonfamilydentistryvermont.com 157 River St., Milton • 893-4734
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PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
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RESTAURANT
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It’s time to tune your skis! Nordic, alpine, tele & board
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Friday at 5 p.m. for the following Thursday's paper
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casey.toof@samessenger.com
CROSSWORD CLUES ACROSS 3 "...in a Manger" 4 canine of Colchester's K9 6 ore given with frankincense 7 traveling wise guys 10 a tall glass left out with 18 down 13 four-sided top 14 bah successor 17 they put up with your garbage 18 nourishment for St. Nick with 10 across 21 hockey classic played on Malletts Bay 23 Kris Kringle transport 26 tree topper 30 current address of Colchester Sun, Essex Reporter and Milton Independent; 69 ______,Milton 32 Festival of Lights 33 Peary's destination 34 classic ornament shape 39 all I want is two of these for the front 40 what you plant kisses under 41 sugary shepherd's crook 43 Bombardier Park dilly racquet game 45 Home ice for CHS 47 Bruce Willis thriller set at a Christmas party 50 singing cowboy 51 partridges received on day one 55 reporter Twitter handle with @ 56 Scrooge's partner, dead these 7 years 57 local anchor 59 Colchester's memorial library 60 cross country ski venue in Essex 64 weather induced school cancellation
66 famous miser 69 donut-shaped door decoration 70 crooner Crosby 73 nine branch holiday candelabrum 75 with 2 down; each little hoofbeat in Clement Moore poem 76 MHS illness with more cowbell cure? 78 Junction weekly journal 81 Essex fir vendor 82 holiday hosiery 84 overfull establishments in Bethlehem 86 EHS mascot's home? 88 "A Christmas Gift for you from Phil Spector" artist 89 Essex wiffleball park 90 first Christmas gift DOWN 1 yuletide tune 2 see 75 across 5 ideal geometry for a christmas conifer 8 Sharp Park, Milton activity 9 Essex holiday celebration in need of conductors? 11 Dec. 26 - Jan. 1 holiday 12 Festival of Lights (alt. spelling) 15 ski and shoot 16 St. Nick nose look-a-like 19 "O Come, O Come,_____" 20 "Christmas in Hollis" group 22 reporter Twitter handle with @ 24 archangel and collegiate namesake 25 elementary across from EMS 26 blade you hitch to the front 27 Burlington celebration on Dec. 31 28 Thunder Road racer turned top republican
29 permission for precipitation in carol 31 Essex Cinema's largest screen 35 missing the twelfth letter of the alphabet? 36 sweetener made in the spring 37 four Sundays leading up to Christmas 38 reporter Twitter handle with @ 42 treat from a bog 44 Laketown weekly 46 nose-nipper of song 47 verb to apply to halls in carol 48 purveyors of the printed word in the Essex Outlets 49 BHS/CHS athletic hybrid 52 where the ball drops 53 spelunking sidekick of Rudolph 54 house-building material 58 George Bailey portrayer 61 CHS West Coast franchise? 62 famous ice crystal photographer 63 quinquangular intersection in Essex Jct. 65 "how merry" cheek depressions 67 local monster 68 decorated cement truck company 71 rubber headed hammer’s reddish-brown horse? 72 oft debated road project 74 invisible, slippery road coating 77 night before a holiday 79 downhill or nordic 80 Village Scoop staple 83 Suessian holiday stealer 85 of all the trees, the one that bears the crown 87 mustard amount to offset Scrooge's stomach Answers available online at www.essexreporter.com/holiday-crossword-solution
Got a news tip? Email our editor at news@essexreporter. com
10 •
The Essex Reporter • December 28, 2017
SportS
Essex High School nordic skiiers dress for success at Colchester Relays
PHOTO BY BEN CHIAPPINELLI Members of the Essex High School nordic ski team poses before racing in relays hosted by Colchester High School last Thursday. The race encourages athletes to dress in costumes for this fun start to the ski season. L to R: Nolan Boerger, Sam Schultz, Nick Norton, Alex Wehr, Sam Feehan, Jacob Horwort, Nathan Wu, Nick Mendes, Caleb Brott, Riley Fitzgerald, Emma Chadwick and Bridget Maher.
SPORTSHORTS
reffing soccer; Nick Hendry, Sean Diminick, and Dr. Visker – return to play in EHS Alumni BB game; Jessie Coutrayer – continued steps forward with EHS hoop squad; Bri Joy - crossfit shoes; Nate Crete – auto business thriving; Bruce Murdough – backing and funds to build a turf field at MSP or the high school; Les and Nancy Johnson – scratch handicaps and an Enosburg club championship; Bushey’s – continued great service at affordable prices. Mario and Sherri Ross – blessings and many more wonderful years together; Deb and Steve Schonberg – more time on Sanibel Island; 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 and Katie Conlon, Casey Dubie, Bailey Farrell, Shannon Heath, Angela Henry, Hillary Keithcart, Officer David Bowers, Simone Mendes, Lindsay Norris, Kyla Ward, Mike and Olivia Dimambro, Sarah Flaherty, Melissa, Josh, Olivia, and Ben Fontaine, Claire Murphy, Paige Wood, Kim and Tom Dvorak, Chinelo and Chike Asanya, Rosy Gallo, Lucy Lincoln, Isey Esposito, Nikki Braceras, Alexa Pius, Rachael Pinto, Paige Hathaway, Emma Sopchak, Olivia Fontaine, Isabelle and Nate Federico, Bobby and Abigail Evans, Kevin Conchieri, Tom Carton, Mariah Neverett, Katherine Furland, Kira and Kevin Hancock, Ashley Douglas, Courtney Gleason, Tim Yandow, Jack Mechler, Erik, Sean, and Katie James, Amanda Sinkewicz, Kyle Baker, Madison Stephenson, Mychaela Harton, Sade Hankey, Chike Asanya and others thank you so very much for the fond TF memories including countless state championships and success in life;
Christmas wish list edition, pt 2.
Nicole Dvorak – success in business; Mark Barry – clean and safe CT Rec beaches; Adam Peterson – VSOA soccer referee certification; Kenny Burnett – more summer staff to work with; Dave Foster – hockey scholarship for your goalie; Our VT National Guard – a huge thank you for your service and always safe returns home; Jerome Monachino – fishing trip with a record trout catch; Amy Phillippo - new running shoes and faster times; Kathy Cinder – happiness and comfort
NEW YEAR, NEW LOOK!
A fresh start, infinite possibilities, and a chance to stand out.
By Joe Gonillo in your new home; Cecilia Golnazarian – a happy and relaxing life; Bob and Mary Anne Chaffee – so much fun on the Cape; Sandy Willey – relaxing duties in retirement; Bob Willey – ditto; John Willey – inching closer to retirement; Chris MacFarlane – new training shoes; Ace Ali – Flynn season tickets; EWSD IT Crew – high tech, top-of-the-line computers, less glitches and of course our endless thanks; Alex Abrami – sports column for the New York Daily News covering the Yankees this season; Linnea Willey – coaching high schoolers; Doc Maddalena – constant EHS girls’ hockey success; Jerry Frank – massive amounts of relaxation; Deb Maddalena – happiness in life; Shaun MacArdle – coaching your daughter in XC at CHS; Molly Edwards – a great teaching partner; the MacArdle kids – more running shoes, baseball gloves, soccer cleats, star wars stuff and chocolates; Duncan Harvey – yet another successful EJ business venture; Diane and Russ Auger – daily tee times in sunny weather; Emily Scott – happiness in Conn.; Teresa Fleming – an engaged daughter and new son-in-law; Natalie Fleming – congrats on the engagement and future wedding; Mac and Stick McAllister – a full-time sports’ contract at CBS Sports; Kara Bissonnette – fifth starter in the Bronx; Ashley Neary – more tropical vacations; Eric and Leslie Langevin – lots of time with your kids; the EHS, Brownell, and Essex Free Libraries – collaboration of assets to benefit readers; Emily Danis – grants for college-aged and med school daughters; Dave Barra, Craig Iverson, Steve Lunna, Roland Noel, Jay Vallieres – MLS games next season; Spencer Noble and Jeff Taft – tiki bar in Key West; Andy Gingras – yet another outstanding season
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Emily Goodrich – Dean’s List at UVM; Sand Hill pool lifeguards and staff – a ton of sun, calm camp kids and windows for the back room; Saint Ambroise (Azzie) Azagoh-Kouadio – a soccer job in VT; Thomas Dvorak - success in business; Antonia ArmstrongLaird – success in Milton SPED; LJ Harris – success in life after college; Nate Bradbury – full time teaching at SB; Emily Zelko – a great life-after-college job; the EHS maintenance and grounds staff – green grass to cut and less dirt and garbage around; Alan Feeley – Giancarlo Stanton baby; DJ Johnson – continued success in Calif. soccer coaching and a NYY World Series title. John and Shelly Summerville – more grandkid time in and out of Vt.; Michelle Robitaille Campbell – Vt. visit and dinner soon; Andy and Jeanne Cole and the Kevin Laverty family – kids as future track stars at EHS; Blaine Isham – a coaching job for all seasons @ EHS in your retirement; Ira Isham – another talented wrestling team this winter; Barb Isham – time and $$ for any DYI project; Martone's Market – an new sandwich/grinder as anything you make is delicious; Kevin and Suzie Kearns – good health and double retirement soon; Bill O’Neil – anything you want to do from June moving forward as you have earned it brother; Essex Cinemas – great movies, coupons deals, more delicious popcorn; Matt Conti – great job with locker room renovations, maybe a track upgrade this year @ SFE; Ramunto’s, Vespas, Mimmo’s, Hoagies, Pappa Franks, Rocky's, and Juniors – delicious Italian food; Josh Santerre – baseball coaching job; Mike Goodrich – snow all winter long; Sports and Fitness Edge – expansion for weight room and parking; David Coggio – more golf in VT and continued thriving business in CA; Dan Shepardson – an NCAA basketball Final Four playoff game; Editor's note: Don't see your name? Don't worry, there's more! We'll be posting Joe's wish list online in its entirity, which includes part 1, 2 and the remainder. He's a generous guy, huh?
River Road Beverage Redemption Bottle Drives by Reservation only Ad required for discount. Can’t be combined w/ other offers.
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December 28, 2017 • The Essex Reporter • 11
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK ESSEx HIgH SCHOOL'S
ATHLETES
WEEK
OF THE REpORTER PrESEnTEd by
THE EssEx
MYA
DUSABLON
The school year is a busy time for everyone — including us here at The Reporter — and with each sports season only running so many weeks, we thought it was time to highlight some of Essex's top student-athletes in addition to our weekly team coverage. Our new Athlete of the Week segment will include a male and female athlete from both the Essex High School Hornets and their younger counterparts from Essex Middle School and Albert D. Lawton. Check back next week and see who has earned their spot in our athlete of the week spotlight!
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Senior Mya Dusablon led the way during the Hornets' resounding victory over South Burlington on December 14 by earning all-around win. She then placed third in the floor event to help Essex keep pace in its eventual Dec. 20 loss to Champlain Valley Union.
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BEN
STEWART JUNIOR | CAPTAIN
Junior Ben Stewart was named the most outsanding wrestler during an undefeated campaign at the Tiger Duels, held in Cohoes, N.Y. on December 15 and 16. Stewart is a three-year varsity wrestler and was named co-captain for the 2017-18 season.
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FILE PHOTO BY BOB LOCICERO
12 •
The Essex Reporter • December 28, 2017
Happy Holidays!
year in review
People we met
from
An elated Annie Cooper reacts to Keenan Weischedel’s progress after he swims freestyle the length of the Essex Resort and Spa pool this Feburary. When The Reporter met the two earlier this year, Cooper was teaching Keenan Weischedel how to swim for the second time in their lives after Weischedel, who broke his neck and shattered his C7 vertebrae during a skiiing accident last year, set out to regain his active lifestyle. Cooper said working with someone who's "this excited to do things" has been a "lifealtering experience, while Weischedel said hoped to one day return to the slopes.
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Marian Bickford and Bricky Duquette, pictured from left, may look like your average grandmothers, but don’t let the lemon chiffon cake or maternal hand squeeze fool you: They’re fierce competitors. In June, The Reporter spoke with the two of the original member of the Essex Ladies’ Bridge Club, which is sitll active after 44 years. Over that time, the group has donated more than $17,000 to local causes, co-chair and treasurer Donna Harnish calculated from meticulous recordkeeping. Though the formal charge of the club is card play, friendship is the central theme. Of the original 20 teams, six women remain active in the group: Duquette, Bickford, Sherry Marcoux, June Silverman, Anne Hewett and Joyce Stone.
physical therapy athletic training gym memberships group classes
p 2017 highlights
williston
p colchester
&
Kismet Place
The rehabgym moved into the beautiful new kismet place in May 2017, alongside pingala cafe, pulse cycling, benjamin physical medicine, and more!
New PrehabGYM Space
We expanded into a new section of the building and launched a PRehabGYM concept: a space designed to keep your body healthy, balanced, and injury-free!
overall
barre
UITLI loses 55 lbs!
Our Use It to Lose It class lost a combined total of 55 pounds! We are impressed with their dedication to fitness and inspired by their lifestyle changes!
2,156
The loud rumbling of Peter Carreiro’s delivery truck came to a slow halt one Thursday evening this January. He quickly jumped out, sending a boisterous “hello!” across the yard to one of his many 2 CORPORATE ESSEX,milkman, VT loyal customers. See, Carreiro is anDRIVE old-fashioned the only one in the area. His company, Rise ‘N Shine, is based on the premise of developing customer relationships and delivering fresh, locally based products directly to doorsteps for 12 years now, including in Essex. He started as a milkman in Rhode Island in 1990 but sold his business to move to the Green Mountain State. “It’s been in my blood ever since,” 2heCORPORATE told The Reporter earlier this year. DRIVE ESSEX, VT He now puts in a 12-hour shift, starting at 5 a.m. and finishing around 5 or 6 p.m. He makes between 40 and 85 stops depending on the day, collecting as many as 200 bottles to refill.
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“I think it’s fun,” said 10-year-old Newt Bowker to explain why he likes photography when The Reporter met him this September. Indeed, it's fitting to describe a passion like photography so succintly: A thousand words takes a lot longer than a shutter's snap. And despite his age, Bowker is no stranger to being behind the lens. Four years after receiving his first camera, Bowker has stacked up a pretty impressive résumé. He’s placed second in the fair's youth category single-handedly sparked Thomas Fleming’s photography club and even earned his first professional gig, serving as the lone staffer on his parents’ crosscountry trek visiting national parks. He said one of the most rewarding aspects of photography is turning everyday life into art. And, he offered some quick tips with aspiring photographers. At the top of the list: Be still, and take a lot of pictures.
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Like many people with disabilities, 22-year-old Essex resident Thomas Caswell struggled through his teenage years. His difficulties, though, propelled him into a life of self-advocacy that’s had a lasting effect on both him and his peers. As a young man with autism, Caswell cultivated his passion to fight for his rights, as well as others with disabilities, during his high school years. Part of this activism was through the bridging program at the Champlain Community Services, which The Reporter documented through a five-part series this year. Caswell recounted his two-year experience in the bridging program with vast excitement, listing off his various projects and, most importantly, his inaugural presidency in the program-based activist group, Bridging Advocates Together.
Joan Janzen has led a somewhat unconventional life. At 16, she dropped out of high school, got married and found a job in the business office of a telephone company. At 40, she enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserves, following up on a flier mailed to her son who wasn’t interested because he couldn’t swim and had seen too many John Wayne movies. And now, she’s one of only a few dozen senior citizens enrolled at Vermont State Colleges. We met Janzen in September, just as the semester was beginning, and while a heavy load of homework awaited her in the coming months, Janzen welcomed the challenge. “ You can’t just sit around and do nothing,” the 78-year-old said. “I could read all day, but you have to do something or your brain doesn’t keep up.” Geraldine Villeneuve, a Vermont native, has practiced reflexology in her cozy home office on Saxon Hill Road for the last five years and sees about 12 people a week. Recently, she decided to put that expertise down on paper and published “Put Your Best Feet Forward,” a book explaining the “causes and cures of foot pain” written for the layperson. “Your feet together represent your entire body,” Villeneuve said at the time. “When I look at someone’s feet I can see exactly what’s happening in their body — where their stress is, where their chronic ligament problems are — based on what their feet look like.” Among her success stories: an 80-year-old man who came to Villeneuve suffering from chronic back pain. Assessing his feet with the traditional metal device seen in many shoe stores, Villeneuve told the man he measured a size 15. With great exclaim, he reported he’d worn a size 12 shoe to the appointment without pain. After the appointment, he looked down at his shoes with astonishment and told Villeneuve he couldn’t bear put them on. He walked out barefoot.
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The Essex Reporter • December 28, 2017
Quotables As soon as I start hearing something, I’ll run in there. They can arrest me if they want, but our kid’s in there. It’s hard for a parent to [just] stand there.
YEAR IN REVIEW At least this time he was being kind enough to warn us before he slapped us. Diane Clemens
EWSD board member, responding to Gov. Phil Scott's recent call for level funding
He has a very difficult job. A very difficult job. I think everyone knew stepping into it was going to be difficult job. I think he’s doing a pretty good job given the circumstances that he has to work with, and I think in the end he’ll do fine. He’ll be fine.
I just want to signal that this is not normal. Peter Sanford
Parent, during the April lockdown incident at Essex High School
Deb Billado
Essex resident and Vermont Republican Party chair, assessing President Donald Trump's first 10 months in office
Kelly Adams
Member of Essex Resists, describing Donald Trump's presidency during a September protest at Five Corners
The Brownell Library's most checked out books Girl Dreaming 1) Brown by Jacqueline Woodson
It’s like asking for dates at last call. If you ask enough, maybe you’ll get it.
Anne Whyte
School St. resident, referring to Gabe Handy's attempt to build a 4-story senior housing complex in the village
By Two 2) Two by Nicholas Sparks Great Things 3) Small by Jodi Picoult Whistler 4) The by John Grisham of Guilt 5) Presumption by Archie Mayor Man's Land 6) No by David Baldacci of a Wimpy Kid 7) Diary by Jeff Kinney Invited To A Party 8) Iby Am Mo Williams Never 9) Never by James Patterson
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Celebrating 125 Years Est. 1892