December 29, 2016 The Essex Reporter by Essex Reporter

Reporter

December 29, 2016 • The Essex Reporter •1

THE ESSEX

2 16 December 29, 2016

Vol. 36, No. 52

By THE REPORTER STAFF

nother year is in the books, and what a year it was. Forcing 2016 into a compact, easy-to-digest summary is tough to do considering dictionary behemoth Merriam-Webster’s single word to describe the 366 days was “surreal.” Yet here we are, sifting through Essex’s most notable stories from all the news that was fit to print.

[Biggest headlines]

Undoubtedly, the biggest headline in Essex was the proposal to consolidate recreation services in the town and the village. After countless hours discussing the plan, the Recreation Governance Study Committee saw Essex voters nix the recommendation earlier this month. The saga inspired a host of debates, digital and otherwise; the formation of a political action committee; the penning

of one suggestive limerick; a contraceptive acronym and latex gimmicks to boot. December’s vote ended a polarizing campaign between supporters and critics leaving some on both sides concerned about the road ahead. For those seeking comparisons, the mind drifts to another heated campaign in which Essex found itself offering haven for hopeful Vermonters. Back in March, when now Presidentelect Donald Trump’s odds seemed more

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punchline than probability, the Green Mountain’s own Sen. Bernie Sanders drew thousands to the Champlain Valley Expo. “It is good to be home,” Sanders told the thunderous crowd that Super Tuesday, thanking them for their prolonged support. “You have sustained me.” Followers proclaimed their eternal “bern” as Sanders stoked a sea of bright blue campaign signs with populist refrains they’d heard for decades.

YEAR IN REVIEW See REVIEW, page 2

Supt. community forum slots finalized By COLIN FLANDERS

he three candidates vying to become the first superintendent of the new Essex Westford Unified Union School District are participating in community forums and final interviews with the school board next week, according to a news release from board chairwoman Martha Heath. The community forum featuring candidate Ned Kirsch will be at 6:30

p.m. on January 4, the forum with Beth Cobb will be at 7:40 p.m. on January 4 and the forum with Jay Badams is set for 6:30 p.m. on January 5. All forums will take place at the Essex High School Library. Kirsch is in his seventh year as superintendent in the Franklin West Supervisory Union, Cobb is in her fifth year as superintendent of the Orange East Supervisory Union and Badams is in his seventh year as superintendent of schools in

Erie, Penn. The board will also be conducting budget workshops every Tuesday evening throughout January. On January 3 and January 17, the workshops will be placed within the regular monthly meeting agenda. The January 10 and 24 meetings will be focused solely on budget discussions. All meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Essex High School library.

File photo Sen. Patrick Leahy speaks during a press conference at the Essex Jct. train station last March.

Leahy travel bill passed in Senate By COLIN FLANDERS

en. Patrick Leahy’s bill aimed at expediting travel between the U.S. and Canada unanimously passed in the Senate earlier this month, a news release said. The bill will expand current pre-clearance facilities, which accelerate customs and immigration for U.S.-bound travelers. The legislation will now go to President Barack Obama’s desk to be signed into law. “This process has been a true bipartisan effort, at every level of govern-

ment in both the United States and Canada have been fully supportive and engaged,” Leahy said in a press release. The U.S. currently runs nine pre-clearance stations in various Canadian airports. The facilities allow travelers to pass through customs inspections prior to traveling, expediting their arrival in the United States and protecting national security, Leahy said. An agreement signed in March 2015 between the U.S. and Canada now See BILL, page 14

Merry & bright Photo by MICHAELA HALNON Troy Austin's Essex Jct. home took home the prize for most colorful lights in town in a contest hosted by Essex Parks and Recreation department earlier this month.

Austin house wins best lights in town By MICHAELA HALNON Twenty-year-old Troy Austin sat inside his well-decorated Essex Jct. home earlier this month, anxiously awaiting the arrival of two vans full of local senior citizens.

The seniors, recruited by the Essex Parks and Recreation department to judge 19 area Christmas light displays, were just around the corner from Troy Austin’s house when disaster struck: A prominent strand of lights blew a fuse.

He donned a pair of flip-flops and ran through the snow banks in a panic. He tore a working string from a less visible section, tied them over the broken bulbs and ducked back inside just in time. See LIGHTS, page 14

2• The Essex Reporter • December 29, 2016

local REVIEW from page 1

[Local economy]

} IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE PROFOUND. IT'S FUN.

El SchnEpo thE clown

Despite a few snags early on, the Brownell Library got a $40,000 facelift in May that included new subflooring, carpet and a fresh coat of paint. The project marked the building’s first renovation since 2000. Meanwhile, the Essex Village Board of Trustees decided it was best if buildings in the village center didn’t expand past four floors. With plenty of support from community members, trustees tossed out a waiver introduced in 2007 that would allow building up to six floors in the village. Opposition to the waiver centered on preserving Essex’s image as a scenic New England town. The trustees did uphold waivers permitting up to six floors in the light industrial zone, which includes GlobalFoundries. With all this talk about new buildings, we would be remiss if we didn’t reflect on Spring Village, an assisted living home that opened this month with a focus on caring for those with dementia. Located next to the Inn at Essex, the center has 56 suites and can house up to 60 residents at a time with services tailored to each resident’s unique needs. The facility features two identical residential quarters aptly named “The Town” and “The Junction,” which were designed to bring a sense of comfort and familiarity to patients. On the other end of the spectrum, 2016 ushered in notable developments in childcare. A new set of statewide requirements enacted in September – the first update since 1996 – forced many homecare providers to spend more of their own time and money in order to comply with stricter standards. Rules on cleanliness and safety were among some of the most heavily expanded, including more detailed documentation for pick-up and drop-off times as well as evacuation plans and injury reports. Merry Ann Gilbert, who has run a home-based childcare program for nearly three decades, estimated she would have to spend an extra $7,000 to $10,000 and two additional hours each day to be in compliance.

[Education]

I'M JUST TIRED OF SITTING AT HOME, BEING BORED. WHY NOT GO TRAVEL, SEE THE COUNTRY AND MAKE MONEY DOING IT?

}

Thirty-five states remained up for grabs that day. Four months later, Sanders endorsed Clinton from a New Hampshire stage. And as they say, the rest is history. Long after supporters filed out of the Expo that evening, one man remained outside the fairground's front gates. For nearly nine months, that’s where homeless veteran Michael Barney lived until the village completed a months-long process to remove him. Barney was banned from a number of local businesses, and police issued formal trespass notices on behalf of three others. Police tried connecting him with various services for the homeless, which he declined. Reluctant to vacate, Barney faced a lawsuit from the village in June. He lost on a default judgment, allotting him 10 days to leave before he could be arrested for trespassing. When the sheriff arrived, Barney was already gone. Weeks later, Barney was seen living under a tree near Exit 13 in Burlington. It’s unclear where he is now. The fairgrounds were back in the headlines later that month after a fatal stabbing occurred in the last hour of the Champlain Valley Fair’s final night. Jacob St. Amour, 21, of Williston pleaded not guilty to a second-degree murder charge after police say he fatally stabbed 22-year-old Ryan Durkin of South Burlington. It’s the second fatal incident to happen in the fair’s nearly 100-year history, Expo communications director Chris Ashby said. The other was in the 1960s, when a body was found in one of the barns. St. Amour is currently being held without bail and awaits trial. If convicted, his charge carries a sentence of 20 years to life in prison. The end of a different prison sentence spurred much concern from those who filled the cafeteria at Albert D. Lawton one August evening. There, residents discussed the release of 51-yearold Sean Guillette, who moved back to Essex Jct. after serving 17 years for multiple convictions of lewd and lascivious conduct with a child in 1999. The Chittenden Unit for Special Investigations considered him a high-risk offender since he didn’t complete treatment in prison. Essex police Chief Brad LaRose connected Guillette with Jill Evans, director of the Essex Community Justice Center, a yearlong program that helps those fresh out of prison reintegrate into the community. Guillette has continued to meet with volunteers since his release, according to re-entry coordinator Karen Holmes. The start of high school hockey last month ushered in the return of head coach Bill O’Neil, who rejoins the boys team after being placed on paid administrative leave at the end of last year’s season during an investigation into hazing allegations between two of his players. The school’s attorney, Pietro Lynn, said the school took “appropriate disciplinary action against the accused student,” but didn’t specify the nature, citing federal student privacy laws. The case was forwarded to family court. In a statement earlier this month, principal Rob Reardon commended O’Neil’s commitment and cleared him and his staff of any wrongdoing. Perhaps the most touching story to come out of Essex this year was born from one of the town’s greatest tragedies — the death of beloved teacher Alicia Shanks ten years ago. Prior to Essex High School’s graduation day, four seniors from Shanks’ last second-grade class remembered their late teacher, recalling a kind, caring woman whose hands-on approach sparked the imagination of her young students. Two months later, Shanks’ husband, Stephen, gathered friends and family for a celebration of her life. Lively recounts created a soundtrack to more than 100 photos on display, tracking Shanks’ smile through the decades. “I miss her, think about her and love her,” Stephen Shanks said, raising his glass in a toast. As the community looked back, winds of change struck the Chittenden Central Supervisory Union. During an August board meeting, concerned parents voiced displeasure with the announcement that students can now use the bathroom of their gender identity instead of their assigned sex. CCSU’s decision fell in line with both state and national guidance, yet nearly all parents who spoke shared concerns for safety and emotional strife. One suggested students obtain a doctor’s note confirming they are transgender. CCSU remained firm in its stance as superintendent Judith DeNova referenced motivation from both state guidelines and personal beliefs. “I’m also following my moral compass to do what’s right for all students,” she said at the meeting.

KEVIn KInG

This year marked the start of the final school year for the Essex Town School District and the Chittenden Central Supervisory Union. Both are set to begin as the Essex Westford School District in July. Since February, the EWSD school board has met over 20 times to help guide the transition efforts, sorting into four task forces focusing on communications, negotiations, policy and the superintendent search. After vetting 28 applicants, the unified district’s search committee narrowed the field to three. Community forums are set for next week. The Center for Technology in Essex received welcome news in August after the Vermont Board of Education denied a request to reassign students from the Franklin West Supervisory Union to a different service region. CTE director Bob Travers said the proposal would have meant losing $640,000 in revenue for the state’s largest tech center if passed — just under 8 percent of its operating budget. This would have inevitably led to teacher layoffs, he said at the time.

[Budgets and elections]

In March, voters approved a $13.2 million town budget in a nearly unanimous voice vote at Essex High School. The measure increased spending by 4.7 percent and brought an estimated increase of $36 and $17 on the annual property tax bill of the average Essex Town and Village homeowner, respectively. It was the first time both town and village paving services were funded under the town budget, prompting a $200,000 spending increase for the town. The consolidation is part of ongoing efforts to even out property tax rates throughout the two overlapping municipalities. On the same ballot, voters decisively picked Sue Cook over Varpilah Chase to fill a vacant two-year seat on the selectboard and approved an amendment to the Town Plan. At the Annual Village Meeting in April, village voters approved a $3.95 million general fund budget, a 4 percent increase from the previous year. The same day, town and village voters approved school budgets for ETSD, Essex Junction School District and Union #46 School District. Next year, voters will decide on a unified school budget to serve Essex Town, Essex Jct. and Westford. On Election Day in November, voters in Chittenden District 8-1 gave seats to Democrat Betsy Dunn and Republican Linda Myers. Myers was later chosen as the state’s GOP nominee for speaker of the house. In the 8-2 district, residents sent Democratic duo Lori Houghton and Dylan Giambatista to Montpelier. Essex voters in district 8-3 picked Democrat John C. Churchman, but incumbent Republican Bob Bancroft was declared the winner after Westford See REVIEW, page 3

PHOTOS: 1. Stephen Schneps shows off his clown atire at his Wolcott home last summer. Photo by Courtney Lamdin. 2. Kevin King takes a break from set-up at the Champlain Valley Fair in August. Photo by Michaela Halnon. 3. Luana and William McCormick, whose engagement announcement appeared in the first-ever Essex Reporter, display their wedding album at their Williston home in July. Photo by Kaylee Sullivan.

December 29, 2016 • The Essex Reporter •3

local REVIEW from page 2

ballots were factored in. Essex voters crossed party lines at the top of the ticket, picking Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton for president and sending Republican Gov.-elect Phil Scott to Montpelier. Just days before the presidential election, an Essex man made headlines when police arrested him for ripping down a handful of Trump campaign signs in Williston.

work for a police department, rescue or military organization and many told us it helps them cope with their highly stressful jobs. Longtime Essex resident Allie Harris also used physical activity to cope with trauma. A victim of the October car crash that killed five Harwood teenagers, Harris hosted a yoga and meditation event earlier this month to raise money for a memorial fund. “You start to realize what actually matters,” she said. Readers might remember El Schnepo the Clown, also known as Stephen Schneps. An advertisement for the Wolcott man’s traveling show was featured in the first ever Essex Reporter back in 1981. When we caught up with him this summer, we were delighted to learn the 71-year-old is still clowning after all these years. “It doesn’t have to be profound,” Schneps told us in July. “It’s fun.” We also met our fair share of four-legged friends. There was Meadow, a rescue service dog who stood alongside Essex resident Misha Pemble-Belkin. After a deployment in Afghanistan, Pemble-Belkin suffered from sleeplessness and anxiety. With Meadow by his side, he said he can relax. “She needed a home just as much as I needed her,” Pemble-Belkin said of his K9 companion. Another character was Chuck the iguana, a classroom pet making his home in Essex Middle School. Though he’s surely back inside to escape the snowfall, we’re happy to report Chuck spent his summer days in the school’s courtyard.

[Hellos and goodbyes]

[People we met and things we did]

The Reporter climbed aboard the 8th Annual Essex Jct. Train Hop & Village Tree Lighting for the first time this year, helping 35 kids (and even a few grownups) write letters to Santa. Long before Christmas carols began to play, we launched a series called “Try-Town,” providing firsthand accounts of activities available throughout the region. One endeavor took us to Browns River in Underhill on a sunny day in August. Sadly, we didn’t catch any fish on our fly rod, but the experience was certainly one to remember. As summer temperatures dropped, our staff took a trip to the Champlain Valley Expo, photographing and chatting with the traveling carnival operators who made the popular fair function. “I’m just tired of sitting at home, being bored,” employee Kevin King told us. “Why not go travel, see the country and make money doing it?” We also caught up with Vermont’s oldest veteran, Harold Bergeron, at his home in Essex Jct. The 101-year-old credited his longevity to a fateful trip to the Fountain of Youth – a landmark in St. Augustine, Fla. In April, we met Holocaust survivor Michael Bukanc. The 77-year-old South Burlington resident spoke to students at ADL, using a personal narrative to supplement the school’s book and film studies. Then there was Sara Franco and Tarken Chase, married co-owners of Essex’s 802 Crossfit. They invited us to a competition at the gym back in May, raising money for police officers and their families who experienced catastrophic incidents. Nearly a third of the gym’s members

} It's good to be home.

You Have sustaiNed me.

SEN. BERNIE SANDERS

sHe Needed a Home, JUst As mUCh As I Needed heR.

MISHA PEMBLE-BELKIN

}

The Essex Reporter underwent a lot of change in 2016, welcoming several new staff members. The paper is now under the helm of executive editor Courtney Lamdin and associate editor Abby Ledoux, who have been with Lynn Publications for seven and three years, respectively. The duo previously ran the Milton Independent, The Reporter’s sister paper, and are thrilled to be in a new community. We also welcomed three new reporters: Michaela Halnon, Kaylee Sullivan and Tom Marble. All three are recent college grads excited to start their journalism careers in Chittenden County. A Milton native, Halnon graduated from Emerson College in Boston. Sullivan grew up in Rhode Island and called St. Michael’s College her home for the previous four years. Marble is from upstate New York and holds a degree from SUNY Plattsburgh. Now, The Reporter, Independent and Colchester Sun are all produced out of our Severance Corners office. Stop in and say hello. Earlier this year, ADL welcomed new principal Jennifer Wood. But first, we said goodbye to 10-year leader Laurie Singer. Named Vermont’s middle school principal of the year in 2011, Singer often used to greet students as they arrived at school in the morning. “I, for one, will sorely miss her professionalism and the time and energy she has dedicated to the entire Essex community,” DeNova said in November 2015. In the search for a new principal, ADL parents said they wanted someone who would take the time to get to know the school’s students and parents. DeNova said Wood stood out from other applicants because of her belief in a positive climate and the importance of parent engagement. Another wave goodbye went to 10-year executive director of finance for CCSU, Grant Geisler, who’s now serving as the business manager of Montpelier public schools. Katherine “Deac” Decarreau stepped into Geisler’s role August 1 after a sevenyear stint as Winooski city manager. Decarreau has the unique opportunity of developing the Essex-Westford unified school district’s inaugural budget, as well as recommending staffing for food and IT services, safety and security, property services and the payroll and finance offices. When September rolled around, it was time to say farewell to Essex Jct.’s HammerFit Zumba instructor Kate Barash-Engel. After a decade long struggle with addiction, Barash-Engel found solace in Zumba, attracting people to the activity and creating an inclusive community. Mary Graf, another community member known for valued relationships, said goodbye to Essex in October, ending her 23-year legacy at Brownell Library. “Her love of literature speaks volumes,” Graf’s coworker Erna Deutsch said in October, noting the pun. “Connecting people with a book is just something she’s really good at. It’s going to be hard to follow her act.”

[Notables]

Essex High School sported a trio of state championships this year. The Essex gymnastics team took home its 11thstraight state title in late-February. In June, the Essex softball team ended a historic season with a 4-2 win over Mount Anthony to secure its first state title since 2012. The victory marked the team’s 19th-straight win of the season. And the girl’s hockey team brought home its third consecutive state title after pulling off a 2-0 victory over BFA-St. Albans in March.Goalkeeper Vika Simmons recorded 23 saves, making her the second D1 women’s goalie to hold on to a shutout in a state championship game. Outside of sports, Essex saw the formation of another successful team in December. Green Mountain Power and GlobalFoundries joined forces on a new solar project with the aim of providing cost-effective, low-carbon and reliable energy. Housed on land leased to GMP on the GlobalFoundries campus, the project will produce over 8 million kilowatt-hours, powering GlobalFoundries and around 1,100 homes in Williston, according to GMP CEO Mary Powell. At about half the cost of other solar ventures, the 20,000-panel project is the largest in Vermont. “We’re thrilled to have this project in our community,” said Williston town manager Rick McGuire. We also saw another Essex business reach a lofty milestone in 2016. Garry Montague, owner of Garry’s Barbershop in Essex Jct., celebrated his 50th year as a barber. Montague began his career in 1966 as a 19-yearold, working and saving for six years before buying the barbershop. Regarded affectionately by his regulars as Garry the Barber, Montague is known to greet his customers by name as they enter his shop. After 50 years behind the chair, Montague said the key to his success is simply being nice. Plus, he isn’t shy when it comes to offering a few words of wisdom, or an off-the-cuff joke. “It beats working for a living,” he joked. The Essex Reporter also celebrated its own accomplishment this year, commemorating our 35th anniversary in July. We took a look back at the first issue of The Reporter, printed on July 17, 1981 under the guidance of Kit Wright, the paper’s first editor, and publisher Tim Callahan. In that issue, an engagement announcement for Luana and William McCormick appeared. We caught up with them this summer just in time for their 35th wedding anniversary. When Wright and Callahan first teamed up, their goal was to sell enough ads to cover the cost of printing the eight-page paper for at least six weeks. Today, The Reporter has seven fulltime employees and prints around 16 pages per week – a big step since the duo joined forces three decades ago. Callahan, then 23-years-old, and Wright met at the Suburban List, an Essex Jct. paper that folded just weeks before The Reporter was formed. They dedicated 60-70 hours a week to reporting and producing the paper, with the help of a temporary advertising rep. “I’m really proud to see it’s still going after 35 years,” Callahan said of The Reporter. “To me, it’s something to be proud of.”

PHOTOS: 1. Sen. Bernie Sanders greets a supporter during a rally at the Champlain Valley Expo in March. Photo by Oliver Parini. 2. Misha Pemble-Belkin is pictured with his daughter in the backyard of his Essex home last month. Photo by Colin Flanders. 3. Emma Cross shows off a patriotic tattoo at Essex's Independence Day festivities on July 4 at Maple Street Park. Photo by Kaylee Sullivan.

4• The Essex Reporter • December 29, 2016

ovations Essex High School 1st Quarter Honor Roll Grade 12: Christopher Abajian, Jordan Appenzeller, David Aube, James Austin Jr, Geraughty Badger, Julianna Battig, Nicholas Benevento, Christopher Bird Jr., Stephan Bishop-Mercier, Lucas Blondin, Shanti Boyle, Beverly Briley, Scott Cameron, Benjamin Centracchio, Megan Charland, Tyhe Cooper, Logan Couture, Hannah Danis, Audrey Dawson, Eric DeWitt, Marley Doubleday, Caleb Dudley, Carl Durfee, Lauren Echelberger, James Emery, Nicholas Fagnant, Emma Farrington, Zoe Filan, Keegan Fitzgerald, Parker Franz, Abigail Gehsmann, Amber Giroux, Lindsey Gleason, Danyeh Gutema, Cicely Haggerty, Kayley Haggerty, Hamza Halilovic, Lindsay Hallowell, Mariah Hart, Elise Hatoum, Desiree Holmes, Katherine James, Chloie Janaro, Chloe Jensen, Tyler Kaminski, Leah Kelleher, Will Klinck, Noah Kormanyos, Thomas Kourebanas, Katarina Krizanac, Sydney LaPlant, Daniel Laskarzewski, Connor LeBlanc, Carter Leo, Sabrina Liguori, Ian Lyle, Jason Maher, Jason Mailman, Abigail Malle, Annemarie Martell, James Mashrick, Nihad Medar, Marisa Minadeo, Caroline Moino, Brittany Moore, Maggie O'Brien, Kirsten Patch, Alexander Pearce, Emma Pearson, Alyssa Perkins, Claire Peterson, Thomas Reed, Zoe Sheppard, Anna Singer, Alexis Smith, John Stawinski IV, Jessica Stowe, Kylie Svarczkopf, Katrina Tang, Haley Thon, Emily Tupaj, Kristyn Van Allen, Talia Verro, Olivia Villemaire, Jonah Vroegop, Alexis Walker, Courtnee Ward-Arnold, Lauren Watson, Caleb Weis, Henry Weith, Lauren Whitehouse, Aidan Whitney, Louden Yandow, Adna Zulcic Grade 11: Waylon Almeida, Megan Ardren, Noah Beckage, Grace Bellino, Nicholas Bleau, Ethan Brueckner, Lucas Buell, Mya Burghardt, Kaitlyn Butkus, Justin Carlson, Michaela Compo, Rachel Conner, Andrew Cooledge, Jack Cronin, Regan Day, Nicholas DiLello,

Benjamin Dorfman, Molly Douglas, Isaac Downs, Olivia Duncan, Mya Dusablon, Anna Eekraw, Pien Engbers, Megan Forbes, Haley Fox, Nicole Frank, Adam Friedman, Emily Friedman, Charlotte Frivoll, Nicholas Hanna, Samantha Hemphill, Jordan Hines, Lauren House, Tigran Ionnisian, Isaac Johnson, Aaron Kedzierski, Molly Kenny, Liam Kinney, Sarah Knickerbocker, Kevin Kunker, Linna Lahmadi, Benjamin LaPlant, Amy Laskarzewski, Jacob Lemieux, Kelly Lyon, Jenna Mangan, Kyle Menosky, Nicholas Norton, Sandy Ong, Sosenna Palmer, Justin Poulin, Stephen Richer, Alexey Rizvanov, Addison Scanlon, Steven Seaver, Emily Singer, Josephine Sumner, Eric Wakim, Morgan Whitney, Ryan Young Grade 10: Riley Allen, Jason Angelos, Grace Asoera, Emir Bajrovic, Jackson Baker, Jessica Beliveau, Jeremy Brennan, Grace Brouillette, Lily Bulger, Calvin Burnett, Lindsey Centracchio, Olivia Chan, Daniel Chaulk, Patrick Cooper, Grady Corkum, Sarah Coulter, Abigail Couture, Nolan Davis, Margaret Donahue, Alexis Donna, Olivia Doty, Evan Dyke, Kaitlyn Farrar, Madeline Folsom, Samuel Foster, Hailey Freeman, Abigael Gleason, Alexandra Gordon, Nicolas Hall, Megane Hamel, Tess Hastings, Alex Hill, Trevor Kaminski, Tia Kane, Avery Kupferer, Cole Logan, Grace Lu, Isabelle Lupariello, Francesca Martin, Caitlin McClellan, Jake McIntyre, Aubrey McKenna, Dominic Minadeo, Abigail Monahan, Brennan Moreau, Jamie Morin, Isaak Olson, Noah Palker, Isabelle Petrucci, Kristen Potter, Madeline Reed, Maya Reilly, Madeleine Rose, Hannah Rouleau, Kimberly Savage, Connor Schultz, Samson Schultz, Jaylin Seaman, Munroe Shearer, Olivia Smith, Benjamin Stewart, Macy Stubbs, Hunter Tether, Bailey Tetrault, Jacob Veilleux, Brandon Walker Grade 9: Aki Aboukhalil, David

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Amouretti, Kirsten Appenzeller, Grace Arcovitch, Maya Asher, Oliver Austin, Livia Ball, Flynn Barcomb, Matthew Barrett, Willem Barwin, Maegan Beckage, Pranesh Bhandari, Nolan Boerger, Derek Boisvert, Emily Booker, Madison Borch, Nicholas Bosley, Rachel Botala, Ella Bradley, Aiden Bradshaw, Brendyn Byrne, Cassidy Carlson, Seth Carney, Emma Chadwick, Avery Charron, Liam Chisholm, Moses Cleveland, Jacob Crock, Jaron Cummings, Jihan Dahanayaka, Chloe Daniels, Lillian Davis, Anthony DeCarvalho, Nathan Deming, Alice Dorfman, Ashel Dowling, Kayla Dowling, Claire Emery, Ethan Evans, Catherine Farmer, Kathryn Field, Riley Fitzgerald, Althea Foster, Samuel Frenette, Ella Frisbie, Phoebe Gammal, Cory Giannelli, Ryann Giummo, Tessa Goodrich, Paul Gordon, Liam Haggerty, Alexandra Harnish, Dawson Hemenway, Burke Hoover, Grace Hsiang, Sasha Hunt, Keelin Irish, Dylan Jenot, Sathvik Kanuparthi, Kiara Keenan, Matthew Kolar, Emma Legg, Michael Lemieux, Calvin Leo, Ella Lesny, Cassandra Libby, Emily Lubas, Noelle Lyon, Trystan Maddalena, Isabel Mager, Celia McClintock, Morgan McCuin, John McMahon, Lillian Merchant, Luke Meunier, Alessandra Michaelides, Trinity Miner, Kaylee Moody, Hannah Moss, Bozica Nedeljkovic, Sophia Newman, Adrienne Noyes, Lily O'Connell, Regan Parent, Jackson Parker, Chloe Pay, Samuel Phillippo, Laura Printon, Matthew Rainville, Nicholas Reardon, Drew Riester, Carly Riggen, Caitlin Salmon, Melayna Sells, Emily Shortsleeve, Madison Spina, Peyton Stephenson, William Suratt, Destina Suren, Sidney Thompson, Corinne Weimer, Emma Whitney, Parker Whitney, Luke Williams, Elizabeth Wilson, Henry Wu, Nathan Wu, Rachel Yandow, Skye Yates

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Houle-Williams Dennis and Gretchen Williams of Essex Jct. announce the marriage of their son Bradley Williams to Alyssa Houle. Houle is the daughter of Carol Houle, of Childwold, N.Y., and holds degrees from St. Lawrence University and Indiana University – Bloomington. She is the director of health services with the national Baby & Me tobacco free program. Williams, a St. Lawrence University and Clarkson University graduate, works as a technical energy analyst. The couple wed on May 14 at The Ponds at Bolton Valley. They currently reside in Williston.

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December 29, 2016 • The Essex Reporter •5

opinion & COMMUNITY PERSPECTIVE

To Phil Scott: Ignore this plan By EMERSON LYNN

hen something seems too simple, it most often is. That applies to a Vermont group calling on Gov.-elect Phil Scott to flip all the state’s conventional dairy farms to organic. The group, led by Roger Allbee, Vermont's former Secretary of Agriculture, and Michael Colby, cofounder of Regeneration Vermont, sent an open letter to the governorelect earlier this week [which was printed in Tuesday’s St. Albans Messenger] that labels our conventional farmers as mired in a doomed business model, and the ones responsible for key environmental and social issues bedeviling the state. They say the only way forward is to have all our milk produced organically. They would depend on those who use our milk – like Ben & Jerry’s and Cabot – to pay much higher prices, and they would capitalize on the Vermont brand to justify them. The group’s logic flows like this: Because organic milk commands a much higher price than conventional milk, the profession would become profitable; there would be no GMO products, which would promote better health; the phosphorus spilling into our waterways would end and the humanitarian concerns of forced migrant labor would disappear. It’s a quadruple win. If it were that easy, or that sure, it would have been done long ago. And it’s annoying to see the group falsely charge many of our farmers with sins they don’t commit or for practices for which they are not guilty. As the scientific community has proven time and time again, GMO products are as healthy as non-GMO products. Period. It’s incredible that this group contends otherwise. And suggesting that conventional farmers are guilty of “social and worker

justice issues” is such a broad and unfair overstatement that it has the effect of creating division where none need exist. And blithely suggesting that the burden for this conversion should be borne by Ben & Jerry’s, Cabot and other producers is deeply ignorant of the market and consumers. If all Vermont’s dairy farms produce the same product in the same way, how is it that this group can forever guarantee a profitable market? Is Vermont’s milk really so special that consumers will willingly pay double the price for organic? And if the group’s logic applies to Vermont, it applies elsewhere, which invites the obvious conclusion: As the supply of organic milk expands, the price eventually declines, and we’re right back where we were – except much less diversified. It’s also wrong at a fundamental level to conclude that conventional dairy farming in Vermont is without hope, that it can’t find its way forward. It’s an industry like many others where economies of scale have to be found and one that new technologies need to be applied. And that is happening. There are a number of tech-enabled practices that are changing the face of the business and making the process more efficient, less dependent on labor and healthier for the animals. It’s wrong to claim there is only one way to do anything, and that applies to the dairy industry as well. It’s also wrong to mislead the public and the industry into believing that organic dairy farming is an easy, highly profitable business. It isn’t. The organic milk business is still a very small percentage of what Vermont produces, and many of our organic farmers are also financially stressed. The ones that are doing well are usually those who have the largest herds. It’s not typically something that is financially rewarding for those with small herds,

and it’s just as hard for them to pass the operation on to the next generation as it is for conventional farms. And, yes, there will always be bad actors, those whose practices do not meet acceptable standards. But that applies to organic dairy farming as it does to conventional. Suggesting that one has a moral superiority to the other is not only wrong, but misguided and divisive. No one suggests challenges don’t exist, and king among them – aside from a low-priced market – is the continual effort to reduce the farmproduced phosphorus that pollutes our waters. That challenge needs to be met, which includes the strict regulation of runoff. But to pretend that the answer to our polluted waters depends on switching from conventional farming to organic farming is essentially ignoring the issue, which only makes things worse. That’s ridiculous. Dairy farming in Vermont is a $2 billion a year industry. For anyone who saw the St. Albans Co-op Creamery’s Tractor Parade last Friday, it was easy to see the investments farmers make in their businesses. From a cost perspective, it was like watching a trail of homes being wheeled down Main Street. And that’s only a fraction of what they spend. Organic farming is a small and growing percentage of this total. That’s wonderful. May their tribe increase. But let’s not pretend that organic dairy farming in Vermont is the only way forward, or that it even needs to be. Contrary to the authors’ claims, that’s not a bold plan. No singleminded plan can be. It’s important to push the industry forward and to support what they do. This isn’t the plan. Emerson Lynn is co-publisher of The Essex Reporter.

ESSEX PolICE REPoRTS Emergency: 911 • non-emergency: 878-8331 81 Main St., Essex Jct., VT 05452 • www.epdvt.org

December 19-25 Monday

7:57 a.m., Citizens Assist on Rosewood Ln. 8:09 a.m., Accident on Summit St. 8:32 a.m., Suspicious on Baker St. 9:17 a.m., Accident on Sand Hill Rd. 9:40 a.m., Citizens Assist on Ethan Allen Ave. 1:08 p.m., Citizens Dispute on Church St. 1:33 p.m., Citizens Assist on Maple St. 2:36 p.m., Citizens Assist on Rustic Dr. 7:39 p.m., Theft on Gauthier Dr. 7:42 p.m., Citizens Dispute on Pearl St. 10:18 p.m., Noise Complaint on Abnaki Ave.

TuESday

6:27 a.m., Theft on Baker St. 9:58 a.m., Accident on Lincoln St. 12:39 p.m., Abandoned Vehicle on Main St. 2:02 p.m., Theft on Bobolink

Cir. 6:16 p.m., Citizens Assist on Church St. 6:22 p.m., Theft on Center Rd. 6:51 p.m., Citizens Assist on Maple St. 8:50 p.m., Trespassing on Pearl St.

WEdnESday

5:52 a.m., Accident on Browns River Rd. 7:44 a.m., Citizens Assist on Osgood Hill Rd. 8:27 a.m., Citizens Assist on Steeplebush Rd. 10:28 a.m., Suspicious on Old Stage Rd. 12:07 p.m., Citizens Assist on Juniper Ridge Rd. 12:58 p.m., Accident on Center Rd. 2:21 p.m., Suspicious on Old Stage Rd. 4:23 p.m., Suspicious on Park St. 4:40 p.m., Citizens Assist on Main St. 5:52 p.m., Juvenile Problem on Susie Wilson Rd. 6:06 p.m., Traffic Offense on I 289 7:21 p.m., Motor Vehicle Complaint on Park St. 7:49 p.m., Motor Vehicle Complaint on Browns

River Rd. 8:40 p.m., Untimely on Brickyard Rd. 10:51 p.m., Juvenile Problem on Ketcham Dr.

ThuRSday

5:59 a.m., Parking Problem on Thompson Dr. 9:13 a.m., Traffic Hazard on Browns River Rd. 10:16 a.m., Accident on I 289 10:57 a.m., Citizens Assist on Pearl St. 11:09 a.m., Suspicious on Educational Dr. 1:34 p.m., Citizens Assist on Morse Dr. 4:22 p.m., Fraud on Partridge Dr. 6:20 p.m., Arrest for DLS on Sand Hill Rd. 6:31 p.m., Accident on Upper Main St. 9:05 p.m., Citizens Assist on Pearl St. 10:22 p.m., Fraud on Essex Way

FRIday

10:23 a.m., Animal Problem on Skyline Dr. 11:59 a.m., Suspicious on Hawthorn Cir. 12:06 p.m., Lost Property on Colchester Rd. 12:15 p.m., Found Property

on Railroad Ave. 12:27 p.m., Accident on Center Rd. 12:47 p.m., Accident on Pearl St. 5:41 p.m., Disabled Vehicle on Fort Parkway 6:00 p.m., Citizens Dispute on Pinecrest Dr. 6:14 p.m., Accident on Center Rd. 8:29 p.m., Citizens Assist on Central St. 10:08 p.m., Intoxicated Person on Park St. 10:24 p.m., Family Fight on Center Rd. 10:42 p.m., Citizens Assist on Maple St.

SaTuRday

2:25 a.m., Property Damage on Gauthier Dr. 3:45 a.m., Motor Vehicle Complaint on I 289 8:16 a.m., Citizens Assist on Main St. 8:47 a.m., Animal Problem on I 289 10:42 a.m., Animal Problem on Susie Wilson Rd. 11:08 a.m., Suspicious on Clover Dr. 11:30 a.m., Accident on Steeplebush Rd. 12:39 p.m., Suspicious on Old Stage Rd.

12:44 p.m., Utility Problem on Fort Parkway 1:20 p.m., Found Property on Kellogg Rd. 3:09 p.m., Disabled Vehicle on Fort Parkway 3:19 p.m., Parking Problem on Park St. 6:05 p.m., Accident on Upper Main St. 6:41 p.m., Accident on I 289 7:20 p.m., Accident on I 289 7:48 p.m., DUI on West St. 9:55 p.m., Intoxicated Person on Jackson St. 10:22 p.m., Suspicious on Sugartree Ln. 10:33 p.m., Suspicious on Blackberry Rd. 11:59 p.m., Suspicious on Woods End Dr.

Sunday

1:46 p.m., Animal Problem on River Rd. 1:50 p.m., Suspicious on West St. 2:52 p.m., Suspicious on I 289 7:29 p.m., Fire on Upland Rd. 8:11 p.m., Citizens Assist on Central St. TICkETS ISSuEd: 9 WaRnIngS ISSuEd: 38 FIRE/EMS CallS dISPaTChEd: 50

Creating holiday traditions throughout generations By ELLEN DROLETTE Growing Kids, Essex Jct.

sk a person about their favorite holiday traditions, regardless of what their celebration or festival is, and chances are it revolves around baking. Growing up, my home was filled with the smell of peanut butter blossoms during the holiday season. My job for each batch was to peel all the Hershey kisses to then put on the warm cookies when they came out of the oven. I would push them down gently but quickly so they melted on before too much cooling took place. Another job involved making my thumbprint in the Thumbprint Jam cookies. Lastly, and my absolute favorite, was decorating the gingerbread people before they went in the oven with cinnamon red-hot candies and other delectable goodies. I was also given the grand task of decorating the sugar cookies before baking with colored sugar. My parents were always prepared for a mess; it was always a production and all family members were included. Best of all, we would make so much overflow that there was too much for the freezer, so my parents would put excess in the gas grill to keep frozen on our back deck. A few years, we forgot about those and found them in the spring. Regardless, this was a memory made and never forgotten. Those recipes that my mom and dad used with me are the same ones that I have shared in a cookbook for my daughter and will someday share with my son. Beyond the social and emotional connection families have when doing an activity like baking together, children are also learning in the process. They are in a hands-on environment with measuring cups, measuring spoons, rolling pins, dough, colors, cookies cutters, spatulas, aprons and more. We have an extraordinary opportunity to use new vocabulary that centers on baking as well as number concepts present in recipes and cookware. Talk about the ingredients, use big words, count out loud, point out the numbers, and let kids try the gadgets. Let children experience smells, textures and tastes as they navigate this educational activity. Before you add the vanilla or almond extract, take a sniff and compare other items that smell similar. Shapes of cookie cutters make for fabulous conversation and story starters. “Have you ever heard about the story of “The Gingerbread Girl” by Lisa Ernhardt Dunst? When the old man and woman went to their oven to check on the gingerbread girl, she hopped out of the oven, ran and yelled, “I’ll run and I’ll run with a leap and a twirl. You can’t catch me, I’m the gingerbread girl.” Asking questions like this allows a chance for more dialogue to happen and yet another opportunity to intertwine cross learning sectors into one activity. Speaking of gingerbread boys and girls, there are so many different versions of this story. Check out your local libraries for “The Runaway Rice Cake” by Ying Compestine, “The Runaway Latkes” by Leslie Kimmelman, “The Musubi Man: the Hawaii’s Gingerbread Man” by Sandy Takayama and “The Cajun Cornbread Boy" by Dianne De Las Casas. There are countless others that follow the same themes and, of course, don’t leave out the Jan Brett versions.

Have sometHing to say?

submit your letter to the editor (450 words or fewer) to news@essexreporter.com

Reporter THE ESSEX

ExEcutivE Editor Courtney A. Lamdin

AssociAtE Editor Abby Ledoux

sports Editor Colin Flanders

rEportErs

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

co-publishErs

Emerson & Suzanne Lynn

gEnErAl mAnAgEr Suzanne Lynn

AdvErtising mAnAgEr Wendy Ewing

AdvErtising sAlEs Michael Snook

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

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

6• The Essex Reporter • December 29, 2016

EssEx ArEA

Religious Directory

calendar Jan. 7

CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH - 61 Main St., Essex Jct., 878-8341. James Gangwer, pastor. Sunday School: 10 a.m., Worship Service: 11 a.m., Sunday evening worship: 7 p.m., Wednesday evening youth groups, Adult Bible study and prayer: 7 p.m.; FundamentalIndependent. CITYREACH CHURCH - 159 Pearl St., Essex Jct. Behind Subway, on the back side of the building. Pastor Brent Collins. Sunday worship service: 10 a.m. & 5 p.m. A casual, family-focused and friendly Christian Church with practical teaching, great music, a safe kids program (Nursery-5th grade) and an exciting and empowering church experience, www.essexjunction.cityreachnetwork. org; bcollins@cityreachnetwork.org; facebook: CityReach Church - Essex Junction. CHRIST MEMORIAL CHURCH - Route 2A, Williston, just north of Industrial Ave. 878-7107. Wes Pastor, senior minister, proclaiming Christ and Him crucified, Sundays: 9:30 a.m., www.cmcvermont.org. DAYBREAk COMMUnITY CHURCH - 67 Creek Farm Plaza, Colchester. 338-9118. Brent Devenney, lead pastor. Sunday service: 10:30 a.m., AWANA: Thursdays twice a month, www.daybreakvermont.org; brentdaybreak@gmail.com ESSEX ALLIAnCE CHURCH - 37 Old Stage Road, Essex Jct. 878-8213. Sunday services: 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. & 11:30 a.m., www.essexalliance.org. ESSEX CEnTER UnITED METHODIST CHURCH - 119 Center Rd (Route 15), Essex. 878-8304. Rev. Mitchell Hay, pastor. Service 10:00 a.m. with Sunday School and childcare provided. We offer a variety of small groups for prayer, Bible study, hands-on ministry, and studying contemporary faith issues. Please join us for worship that combines the best of traditional and contemporary music and spirituality. We are a safe and welcoming space for all people to celebrate, worship, ask questions and plant spiritual roots. FIRST COngREgATIOnAL CHURCH OF ESSEX JUnCTIOn - 1 Church Street, Essex Jct. 878-5745. Rev. Mark Mendes, senior pastor. Sunday Worship Services: 8:30 and 10:15 a.m. Communion: first Sunday of every month. Sunday School: 5th/6th Grade - 1st Sunday of the month, Jr. & Sr. high youth groups - every Sunday. Heavenly Food Pantry: fourth Thursday of the month, 2-6 p.m. except for Nov. & Dec. when it is the third Thursday. Essex Eats Out community dinner: 1st Friday of the month, 5:30 – 7 p.m. Music includes Sanctuary Choir, Praise Band, Junior Choir, Cherub Choir, Handbell Choir, Men’s Acapella & Ladies’ Acapella groups. UCC, an Open and Affirming Congregation, embracing diversity and affirming the dignity and worth of every person, because we are all created by a loving God. www.fccej.org; welcome@fccej.org gRACE UnITED METHODIST CHURCH - 130 Maple Street, Essex Jct., 1 mile south of the Five Corners on Maple Street / Route 117. 878-8071. Worship Sundays: 9:30 a.m., with concurrent church school pre-K to high school. Handicapped-accessible facility. Adult study group Sundays: 11:00 a.m; adult choir, praise band, women’s fellowship, missionally active. Korean U.M.C. worship Sundays: 12:30 p.m., come explore what God might be offering you! HOLY FAMILY - ST. LAwREnCE PARISH - St. Lawrence: 158 West St., Essex Jct. 878.5331. Saturday Vigil: 4:00 p.m.; Sunday Morning: 8:00 a.m. Holy Family: 36 Lincoln St., Essex Jct., Sundays: 11 a.m. & 7:30 p.m. For more information visit www.hfslvt.org. MT. MAnSFIELD UnITARIAn UnIVERSALIST FELLOwSHIP - 195 Vermont Route 15, Jericho, the red barn across from Packard Road. 899-2558. Services are held 9:30 a.m. on the second and fourth Sunday of each month from September through June. Visit www.mmuuf. org. ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH - 4 St. James Place, Essex Jct., off Rt. 2A at the Fairgrounds Gate F. 8784014. Rev. Kim Hardy. Holy Eucharist: 8:15 & 10:30 a.m. Adult study: 9:15 a.m. Visit www.stjamesvt.org; stjamesvtoffice@yahoo.com. ST. PIUS X CHURCH - 20 Jericho Road, Essex. 878-5997. Rev. Charles Ranges, pastor. Masses: Saturday, 4:30 p.m. & Sunday, 9:30 a.m. Confessions: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. or please call 878-5331 for an appointment.

file photo by oliver parini

The Essex Children's Choir presents the 30th Annual Twelfth Night Celebration on Sat., Jan. 7 at 6:30 p.m. The performance offers a unique collaboration of musical artistry, bringing to close the Twelve Days of Christmas with song, dance, instruments and prose. See listing for more information.

29 ThurSdaY

For all ages.

KidS Movie MaTinee

vacaTion Movie

1 p.m., Essex Free Library. Kick back, relax and enjoy this animated film about a terrier named Max whose life is turned upside down when his owner takes in a new pet. Popcorn will be served! Rated PG.

cheSS club

3 – 4 p.m., Brownell Library. Come play! Teen chess players help you discover new moves. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Kids 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Chess sets funded by the Brownell Library Foundation.

Tech TuTor

4 – 6 p.m., Dorothy Alling Memorial Library; 21 Library Ln., Williston. Stop by anytime during tech hours for one-onone technology help from a teen. Guarantee a time by making a 30 minute appointment by calling 878-4918. Free.

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

KniTTing and More

6 - 8 p.m., Burnham Memorial Library. Knitters and needle-workers of all skill levels meet at the library or next door at the Colchester Meeting House. Beginners welcome! This month, learn to make broomstick lace.

30 fridaY MuSical STorYTiMe

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

2:30 – 4:30 p.m., Brownell Library. Free popcorn and drink. For all ages.

31 SaTurdaY new Year'S eve whole booK approach

11 a.m., Phoenix Books; 21 Essex Way, Essex. Calling all kids! Join us for our weekly Whole Book Approach story time. The approach explores the ways that words, pictures and book design work together to tell a complete story. The adult leads the children through the book, rather than reading the book at/to them. We’ll hold story time just about every week. Want to double check on a particular date? Call us at 872-7111.

adulT coloring

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Dorothy Alling Memorial Library; 21 Library Ln., Williston. Take time to recharge your emotional self with an adult coloring session. Books and colored pencils are provided. Free.

firST nighT burlingTon

11 a.m. - midnight, downtown Burlington. Now in its 33rd year, this is the longeststanding, private New Year’s Eve celebration of its kind anywhere in the United States. First Night Burlington is Vermont’s largest single-day arts festival, providing a healthy, accessible and affordable New Year’s Eve celebration to thousands of people throughout the day and evening. This year's events include live performances, Circus Smirkus, face

painting, a Cartoon Fest, the annual Dancing Dragons Parade down Church Street at 6 p.m. and family fireworks at 6:45 p.m. For more information including a full schedule, visit www. firstnightburlington.com.

2 MondaY

FiRST NiGhT BURLiNGToN PRESENTS

11 a.m., 12:30 & 2 p.m., ECho Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, 1 College St., Burlington. Vermont Reindeer Farm will be at ECho with live reindeer for a special one-day event. Come get an up-close look at these incredible animals and learn more about them and what makes them so well-suited for cold, snowy weather. For all ages; free with ECho admission.

a celTic celebraTion

7 p.m., Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, 153 Main St., Burlignton. A stellar step-dancing troupe teams up with bagpipe-driven folk-rockers, an awardwinning pipe band and a crack irish traditional and contemporary outfit to ring in the New Year – Celtic-style! $5 for ages 3 and up. Tickets available in-person only at the FlynnTix Box Office; both ticket and First Night button required for entry – no exceptions.

1 SundaY happY new Year! green MounTain Mahler feSTival beeThoven’S ninTh SYMphonY

3 p.m., Elley-Long Music Center, Colchester. This concert, now in its seventh year, will feature vocal soloists Stefanie Weigand, Linda Radtke, Kevin Ginter and Erik Kroncke, along with more than 120 members of the Green Mountain Mahler Festival orchestra and Chorus, all under the direction of conductor Daniel Bruce with chorus master Matthew LaRocca. Proceeds from the concert will benefit the Vermont Refugee Resettlement Program. For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit the www.vtmahler. org.

brownell librarY cloSed. eSSex free librarY cloSed. reindeer up cloSe

3 TueSdaY verMonT genealogY librarY

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

read To daiSY

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

Middle School helperS & plannerS

3:30 – 4:30 p.m., Brownell Library. MPh meets over snacks to celebrate the start of winter and Lunar New Year. Brainstorm the next activity to offer at the library. For middle school students.

KniTTing group

6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Essex

December 29, 2016 • The Essex Reporter •7

calendar local meetings mon., Jan. 2

town and villages offices closed for the New Year. 7:30 p.m., town selectboard, Town offices; 81 Main St., Essex Jct.

Free Library. Do you have a knitting project you are working on? Come join us and knit in the company of others.

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

essex rotary club meeting

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

tutoring

3:30 – 4:30 p.m., Brownell Library. A high school student is offering after-school tutoring at the library. Math is the preferred subject, but others are available.

reading buddies

3:30 p.m., Burnham Memorial Library. We’ll have volunteer mentors on the purple couch downstairs, waiting to read with a child. Mentors might also talk about favorite books or enjoy a quick game in addition to reading. Intended for children in kindergarten and up. You can sign up to reserve a slot at the youth desk, or just drop in and visit.

wednesday evening book club

6:45 p.m., Burnham Memorial Library. The group meets the first Wednesday of every month. This month, we read A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman.

5 thursday essex art league monthly meeting 9 – 11 a.m., Essex Jct. Congregational Church; Route 15. One of the most helpful and interesting meetings of the year: The EAL small group critique. Bring a few pieces of art for

tues., Jan. 3

6 - 7 p.m., Capital program committee, Lincoln Hall; 2 Lincoln St., Essex Jct.

wed., Jan. 4

7:30 p.m., town selectboard, Town offices; 81 Main St., Essex Jct.

gentle help from other members in your small group. The art can be in different stages of doneness – midway with help needed, finished with help needed or a satisfied finish for compliments! After the critique, there will be enough time to admire all the works of art in a pop up art gallery.

read to archie

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

food for thought teen group

4 p.m., Dorothy Alling Memorial Library; 21 Library Ln., Williston. Teens meet for pizza, discussion, book/DVD selection and plan special events at the library. Community service opportunity. For grades 7 – 12. New members welcome! For more information, call 878-4918 or visit www. williston.lib.vt.us.

children's story time

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

box brown & James kochalka

6:30 p.m., Phoenix Books Burlington; 191 Bank St., Burlington. Join Box Brown and James Kochalka for a talk on their new books, Tetris and Elf Cat in Love! Brown is an Ignatz Award-winning cartoonist, illustrator, and comic publisher from Philadelphia. His book Andre the Giant: Life and Legend released in 2014 and spent three weeks on the New York Times bestsellers list. Kochalka was the first Cartoonist Laureate of Vermont. He created the long-running American Elf daily comic, and won the Eisner Award in 2012. Tickets are $3 per person, and include a coupon for $5 off the featured book. Coupons expire at closing the evening of the event. Seating is limited. Visit www.phoenixbooks.biz for more information.

adult coloring

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. Light refreshments will be served.

tell it at twiggs

7 p.m., Twiggs American Gastropub; 28 N Main St, St Albans City. Come hear first person stories told on stage in 6 – 8 minutes. Hosted by Bill Torrey. $5 cover charge benefits The Burrow Project through the St. Albans Community Arts.

6 friday all ages storytime

celebration

6:30 p.m., The Chapel of St. Michael the Archangel; St. Michael’s College, Colchester. A unique collaboration of musical artistry bringing to close the Twelve Days of Christmas with song, dance, instruments and prose. By donation, no ticket sales. For more information, call 863-9161 or visit www. essexchildrenschoirofvermont.org.

Have you been holding onto broken or non-fitting Jewelry for too long? Waiting for a jeweler you can trust who does not outsource work? Waiting for reasonable pricing?

COME SEE YOUR LOCALLY-OWNED FAMILY JEWELER! 10 – 10:30 a.m., Brownell Library. Come 8 sunday listen to picture book Shannonsofvermont.com stories and have fun info@shannonsofvermont.com NORTHERN BRONzE with puppets, finger HANDBELL ENSEMBLE plays and rhymes. For bells merrily a’ringing ages birth to 5. 3 p.m., St. James Episcomusical pal Church; 4 St. James Your new family jeweler, Shannon’s Fine Jewelry, Essex Junction Shopping Center storytime Pl., Essex Jct. This group Shannonsofvermont.com • (802)878-3774 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., of 14 talented musicians Essex Free Library. Rock offers handbell music out and read on Friday of the season to warm mornings with books, hearts during the cold songs and instruments. winter month of January. For all ages. Familiar tunes such as Carol of the Bells, Feliz teen advisory 97 Pearl Navidad, Deck the Halls Street, Essex Junction, VT 05452 802-‐878-‐3774 Pet Safe GMF Rock Salt board and Parade of the Tin Ice Melter 3 – 4:30 p.m., Brownell Soldiers will delight 50 lb bags $5.75 Library. Teens from high young and old alike. 20lb. $9.99 Also available in Bulk. school plan programs, Tickets are available at hang out and give the door. $12 for adults, advice. Come play $8 for children under Buy your games and welcome 12. back TAB alumni home Christmas Trees on vacation. For high here. school students. ongoing

A Gift For You

GET READY FOR WINTER

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! For grades 6 and up.

7 saturday whole book approach

the sleepwalker book tour kick-off

4 p.m. VIP, 5 p.m. general admission. Contois Auditorium, Burlington. Join Chris Bohjalian and Phoenix Books to celebrate the launch of The Sleepwalker! From the New York Times bestselling author of The Guest Room comes the mesmerizing story of a wife and mother who vanishes from her bed late one night. Vermont’s Chris Bohjalian is the author of 19 books, most of which were New York Times bestsellers. This event is ticketed, and the proceeds of the VIP reception will go to the Vermont Foodbank. Visit www.phoenixbooks. biz for more information. THE ESSEx CHILDREN’S CHOIR

30th twelfth night

winter lights in the park

Dec. 29 - Jan. 1, 4:30 - 8 p.m., Maple Street Park. Take a walk through Maple Street Park and enjoy the bright lights and winter tunes. Can you find all of the hidden ornaments in the trees? Pick up a scavenger hunt list on your way into the park! Free.

horse-drawn rides

Dec. 29 - 31, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Shelburne Farms. Giddy up, giddy up on these 20-minute rides from the Shelburne Farms Welcome Center departing every half hour. Horse-drawn sleighs will be used if there's enough snow; if not, a horse-drawn wagon will be used. Both are festive and fun! $10/adults, $8/children, free for children 2 and under. No reservations required; seats are first-come, first-served.

free christmas tree pickup

Jan. 4 – 6, 7:30 a.m., Essex Town and Village. Residential Christmas trees will be picked up at the curbside, weather permitting, by Village and Town public works crews and subcontractors. The Chittenden Solid Waste District will make arrangements to have the trees chipped for use as mulch or wood fuel. There will be no charge for this service. f you miss the curbside pickup, or would like to recycle your tree earlier or later, CSWD will accept the trees at their dropoff facility off Route 2A during their normal operating hours. There will not be a charge for the drop-off of up to three Christmas Trees from residential customers. See www.essex.org for guidelines.

All proceeds go to the Milton Youth Hockey.

L.D. Oliver Seed Company, Inc. Green Mountain Fertilizer Co. 26 Sunset Ave., Milton, VT • 802 893-4628 www.ldoliverseed.com

Mon-Fri 8am-5:30pm; Sat 8am-2pm; Sun: Closed

8• The Essex Reporter • December 29, 2016

SCHOOL essex town school district

essex high school

Courtesy photo Essex High School juniors and seniors of the Little-Big program showcase the homemade gifts they made for their Littles, who attend the Essex Town and Jct. elementary schools.

Big-Little Program: On December 13, Essex High School's Big friends of the Big-Little program celebrated the holidays together during flex time. They made homemade gifts for their Little friends who attend the Essex Jct. and Essex Town elementary schools. These dedicated students are incredibly generous with their time, visit with their Little

friends on a weekly basis and assist them with academics, friendships and more. A big thanks to them for this very important work! The group is still in need of Big friends (juniors and seniors) for second semester. If you know someone who might be interested, please contact Lauren Kirby at EHS (lkirby@ccsuvt.org).

December career talks: On December 14, many students enjoyed listening and participating in the Career Talks series. We welcomed Ben Powers from Vital Leadership Coaching located in Essex Jct. to discuss his career path. His job is to help both individuals and teams of people become more competitive. On January 11, two engineers from Engineering Ventures, PC are presenting about Green Design during flex block (10:50 - 11:20 a.m.). All EHS/CTE students are encouraged to sign-up to attend.

Photo by Bonnie SzarkowSki Founders Memorial School students Jack Schimoler and Elaina McKinstry help prepare the apples for distribution to the district on the first annual An Apple a Day event.

he ETSD Child Nutrition Program and the Farm to School Program hosted the first annual “An Apple A Day” event on December 20. A short, sweet and simple event to celebrate local fall produce, promote a healthy school environment and encourage healthy nutrition for all. To celebrate the event, students, teachers and staff enjoyed an apple from VT Farm Direct and savored the healthy taste

of Vermont. Students and parents volunteered to wash, slice and distribute the apples last Tuesday afternoon with other staff members. Schools have an extraordinary influence on the development of lifelong eating habits and other healthy lifestyle patterns. Occasions where students can practice making healthy food choices at school serve as opportunities to reinforce nutrition knowledge learned in the

classroom. A few known facts about healthy eating: • Good nutrition is linked to better behavior and academic performance. • It promotes a healthy school environment. • Apples are very nutritious and and may help promote weight management, lower the risk of heart disease, lower the risk of certain cancers and promote healthy gums.

Courtesy photo Left, Ben Powers from Vital Leadership Coaching speaks to EHS students about his career path on December 14 as part of EHS' Career Talk series.

essex Has Talent: This year, the EHS Red Cross Club and Essex Jct. Recreation and Parks department will cohost “Essex Has Talent” on Saturday, Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium. Students must sign up to perform by January 13. Registration forms are available at Recreation and Parks, in the EHS counseling office and in the elementary and middle school main offices. We will contact those who sign up, or their families, by email soon after receiving registrations so that we can schedule auditions. We welcome students from

grades K-12 who sing, dance, play an instrument, tell jokes, recite poetry, perform magic tricks, ventriloquism or have any other special talent. We will also begin pre-selling tickets for audience members soon. Stay tuned for details on ticket sales and more information about the night’s events. Thank you for your support with this very fun annual Essex event. School Calendar note: Classes resume after the holiday break on Tuesday, January 3 with an "A" day class schedule.

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December 29, 2016 • The Essex Reporter •9

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Private Sale of Storage Unit Contents Christine Arena, last known address of PO BOX 1485, Burlington, VT 05402 has a past due balance of $580.00 owed to Champlain Valley Self Storage, LLC since October 31, 2016. To cover this debt, per our leases dated 10/30/14 and 7/1/13, the contents of unit #134 & #137 will be sold at private silent auction on January 14, 2017. Auction pre-registration required. Call 802-871-5787 for auction information.

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Private Sale of Storage Unit Contents Amy Russell, last known address of 437 Route #7 Apt#101, Milton, VT 05468 has a past due balance of $135.00 owed to Champlain Valley Self Storage, LLC since October 31, 2016. To cover this debt, per our lease dated 07/4/13, the contents of unit #083 will be sold at private silent auction on January 14, 2017. Auction preregistration required. Call 802-871-5787 for auction information.

Champlain Community Services is a progressive, intimate, developmental services provider agency with a strong emphasis on self-determination values and employee & consumer satisfaction. The following positions are excellent opportunities to join a distinctive developmental service provider during a time of growth. Shared Living Providers: Provide residential supports to an individual in your home. Generous stipend, paid time off (respite), comprehensive training and supports are provided. We are currently hiring for a variety of situations. For more information, contact Jennifer Wolcott, jwolcott@ccs-vt.org or 655-0511 ext. 118 Community Inclusion Facilitators: Provide one on one inclusion supports to an individual with an intellectual disability or autism. Help folks lead fulfilling lives, reach their goals and be productive members of their community. We are currently hiring for several positions with comprehensive benefit packages. Send your resume and cover letter to staff@ccs-vt.org

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Shea Robbins, last known address of 158 Woods Road, Northfield, VT 05663 has a past due balance of $245.00 owed to Champlain Valley Self Storage, LLC since October 31, 2016. To cover this debt, per our lease dated 8/31/16, the contents of unit #226 will be sold at private silent auction on January 14, 2017. Auction pre-registration required. Call 802-8715787 for auction information.

Northstar Fireworks will be conducting a private fireworks display at the Essex Resort and Spa on December 31, 2016 beginning between 6:30 p.m. and 6:45 p.m.

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Opportunities for ambitious, goal-oriented people are always available at Mac’s Market. Apply today for a full-time Produce Manager position at our Essex Junction location. Responsibilities include ordering inventory, verifying deliveries and maintaining margins. Candidates must have solid knowledge of fresh fruits and vegetables, retail/grocery experience and ability to frequently lift 50 pounds. Send resume: Sherman V. Allen, Inc./Mac’s Market PO Box 609 Rutland, VT 05702 Email: jobs@svallen.com Fax: (802) 786-1241 Or stop in the store: 101 Pearl St, Essex Junction, VT 05452

10• The Essex Reporter • December 29, 2016

SportS

Dressed to impress Nordic kicks off season with costume race Essex Nordic skiing kicked off its season in style last week, traveling to Sleepy Hollow for the annual Costume Race. The boys and girls teams returned to action at Sleepy Hollow on Wednesday. They'll return for the third time Jan. 2 before traveling to Craftsbury for the Medley Relay at 10 a.m. Courtesy of THODD VAN ALLEN

From left, Kristyn Van Allen, Emma Pearson and Emma Farrington post before the annual Costume Race at Sleepy Hollow on Dec. 22.

HOLIDAY WISH LIST

by JOE GONILLO

hristmas is my favorite season of the year as there is nothing like it. This column is long and a lot of fun, and the Christmas Wish List is my favorite column unless the Yankees happen to win the World Series or the Cowboys win the Super Bowl. The list gets longer and longer every year, and I annually give credit to Andy Gardner and Pat Garrity for motivating me to write it. I hope you enjoy reading names or looking for yours. Sorry if a name is missing. People constantly remind me I'm not perfect. Have a very Happy New Year! Lucille McClure – a high and solid draft choice for your Arizona Cardinals; main and guidance office staff – everything done by computer; Rob Reardon – the smoothest of sailing at EHS; Judy DeNova – a new challenge; English Department – great books, smaller classes and big budget; Mike Deweese – great Bills' draft choice; Armando Vileseca – educational cabinet position for President Donald Trump; EHS assistant principals – less issues and more education; Ben Johnson – enjoyment in your new job; Jenn Letourneau – the best novels under the tree; Heather Garrow – Final Four appearance for field hockey team and more time to watch your daughter grow; RJ Garrow – camp renovations; Shawn Montague – tickets to the NCAA Men’s Final Four; Kenena Montague – new grill for husband to use from spring to fall; Breya Montague – soccer cleats, basketball and lax stick; Tori Couture – more hours for fitness; Pam Hemingway – a family vacation during the April break; Travis and Sarah Desilets – unlimited grocery budget; Stacey Anthony – rebound season for the youthful Yanks; Adam Weiss – no more collegiate debt; JJ Palker – raise and wedding bells; Mike Soules – relaxation; Nicola Anderson – one more summer at SHP; Becky Anderson – Fifth-grade teaching job in Virgnia; Wayne Davis – addition on home in the Villages; the BFP – room for high school basketball box scores; the Essex Reporter staff – continued success with quality paper; Greg Bird, Adam Judge, Mason Williams and Glibber Torres – a spot in the NYY lineup; Starlin Castro – all-star season in the Bronx; Sue Pratt, Chef Dowman and others – new tech center cafe and bakery; Yvonne Wolfer and the CTE cosmetology staff – expansion one floor up; Jim Dirmaier, Todd Mackenzie, Connie Esmay, Linda Dulleba and Bob Travers – all-star students; Christine Chase - warm, tropical family vacation; Mike Gilbert – Tigers catch the Indians in the Central; Jake Orr – a win in the finals next fall; Brian and Penny Dubie – retirement home; Katie White and Ryan Robitaille – a wonderful marriage and cross-country; ET and EJ Planners – might have missed this

last couple of columns so expand the street light system, please tax the Fair Ground, take out the sidewalks on the odd number side of Briar Lane, fix the rec departments and let logic be your guide in all matters; Scott Milne – don't ever give up politics; Carol Cooke – wicked deal at Couples Swept Away in Jamaica; Gov. Phil Scott – remember all campaign promises, especially those related to education; Jill Shumway – patent on notes; Ryan Gates – dream job; Mike McCaffrey – step up to college soccer games; Ed Hockenbury, Jr. – undefeated hoop team at SB; Ryan Hockenbury - full-time WSI/LG job this summer. Ed Hockenbury – massive success at UVM athletics and family time; Rich Celia – NHL assistant coaching job; Mike Picard and Jeff Greene – the ‘Boys in the Bowl; Pete Picard – Florida whenever, wherever; Pete Picard Jr. – a summer coaching job; Art Pellerin, Bob Clifford, Steve Ferreira and Steve Malgeri – a mediocre Chris Sale; Joe Girardi – five solid starters; Bill and Judi Galdi – more grandkids; Jill Galdi Mulhurn – a teaching job in Chittenden County; Paul Hamel – another Super Bowl security assignment; Dave Rich – no problems on the night shift; Chris Polakowski – continued success coaching and strength training; Carol Polakowski – annual warm weather vacation; Alyssa and Josh Jacobs – congrats on baby Jacobs; Dave Gomez – annual Vt. visit for the Essex Invitational, States NE’s, and/or Vt. Decathlon; Jeremy Hammond – a new and interesting track and field challenge this spring at CHS; Jessie Hammond – really nice neighbors; Bob Ward – a new time clock in the press box; Lyle and Barbie Newell – answers to all prayers; Jackie Wheel and Prescott Stanton – awesomely quiet neighbors; Bill Peters – more time with family; Gus Charbonneau – weeks of vacation; Remzo Smailhodzic – closing in on retirement; Tom Preska – bowling championship; Sherri Allard, Bob Hickey and John Scherer – tax returns with no extensions; Jim and Erin Murphy – college tennis coaching job; Brian Cummings – a youth movement in the Bronx and a new team in Jersey; Charley Ranges – tax free standing for church property; John Woodley – a solid rotation in the House that Ruth Built; Jean Robinson – another high lottery pick for Boston; Peggy Economou – warm vacations any time of the winter; Steve Emery – the Steelers win the division and play the Cowboys in the Super Bowl; Mike Donoghue – a Super Bowl gig; Dean Corkum – new skates and lax stick; Grady Corkum – new skis; Lucy Corkum – triathlon championship; Madison Corkum – dean’s list and solid lacrosse season with the Cats; Steve Roberts – the smell of retirement in the near future; Mike Baker – never-ending supply of golf balls; Leighton Walker – sale cruises prices; Mary-Louise Digiovanni, Tom Jiamachello and Marilee Taft – trips to Florida, Europe and the D.R. in retirement; Deb Stark – warm February vacation; Ellen Emery – standing room only in the TAP intern business; Jane Goodman – citizenship in St. Johns; Kate McDonald – successful youth movement in the Bronx; Jamie Young – new office; Colleen Birner – future assistant principal; Mae Mayville – discovering a rare breed of birds; Nate Sheppard – a return to EHS; Owen Charron – tickets to see the Boss in 2017; Jenn and Brad Luck – wonderful family; Tim Albertson – a solid fourth and fifth NYY starter; Windy and Mike Kelley – jobs in Chittenden

County; Bill Mayville – 10 game ticket package to the stadium; John and Sue Burroughs – annual trip to Disney; Carol Willey – free Kindle books; Ruby and Jim McIntyre – all kids in same house for two days; Joe Mackey – keep up the good work; Courtney Brooks – Jet Blue advancement; Joe Johnston and Gene Nelson –Brian Dozier in pinstripes; Maria Sciancalepore – Italian Villa; Jason Polakowski – follow in your dad’s footsteps, coaching and training track and field athletes here at EHS; Katie Polakowski – an M.D. next to your name in the near future; Dave Zehnacker – the return of IBM’s Wednesday night summer soccer league; Bill Duval – expansion for the ever-popular women’s summer league from the NE Kingdom down to Northfield; Barb Duval – a handful or chickens to add to the coop; Robin Noble – a belated Happy Birthday, a few days to sub and some warm Florida weather; Frank Martel – more able-bodied soccer referees next fall; Don Fillion – a fishing trip to the Great Lakes; Annah and Dr. Chris Sullivan – a return to coaching and a Carolina/Virginia private practice; Tiffany Gilbert – hurdle coaching consultant; Joe O’Brien and Dennis Fillion – more vacation time and soccer games respectively; Allison Duffy – coaching your kids; Bill Hennessey – businessman job. Mike and Tammi Gilbert and family – JD Martinez trade (haul), newest James Patterson book and free swimming lessons at Sand Hill Pool; Kevin Barber – Le'Veon Bell as your keeper; the Bandits – world record number of trades in Fantasy Football; Sue Barber – plentiful mulch pile; Molly and Kate Barber – free college tuition; Libby Smith – coaching or admin job at UVM; Kate Cioffi – a sports administration job at a local high school or university; Meghan and Zach Smith – Sox tickets; Leo Labonte – expansion of his profitable decoy business; Lynne Labonte – vacation package; Toria Lajoie – a highly successful teaching career; Jason and Amy Stannard – a house in Essex (I found the house – 2 Elm Street – check it out); Derek Jeter, Andy Pettitte and Mariano Rivera – a first ballot Hall of Famers; Bernie Williams – No. 51 retired; Josh Becker – Arizona Diamondback tickets; Greg Walsh – no traffic issues Sunday; Mike Wells – continued success on the bench; Noel Boutin – best Zamboni in the state; Joe and Sandy Moore – happiness in Texas; Levi Smith, Mike James and Ron Myer – success in ministry and an big EAC move to Williston; Ally Vile, Andrea Leo, Adrianne Martin, Lily Schulz, Sam Crocker and Lou Ann Pioli – Essex Recreation Department carry on its fine programs and offerings to Town and Jct. residents; Charlie Burnett – the imagination and innovation nature that makes you one of the best football coaches in Vermont; Randy Burnett – the offensive coordinator’s job in Dallas; Mark Ginsburg – CSC head coach; Kerry LeClair – WRs for the Eagles; Ryan McLaren – comeback in the Turkey Bowl; Dr. Ramsay – the cure for cancer; Brad Smith – a full slate of soccer games next fall; Nicole Dvorak – using your business degree for the best; Mark Barry – Ct. Rec under control; Adam Peterson – soccer referee certification and jump in pay; Kenny Burnett – return from the IR this summer; Our VT National Guard – a huge thank you for your service and always safe returns home; Jerome Monachino – many more fun and successful years at the SMC Chapel; Amy Phillippo – new running gear and warmer weather to run; Dave Foster – back at the park this spring and sum-

mer; Kathy Cinder – happiness and comfort in your EJ home; Cecilia Golnazarian – a happy and relaxing life; Bob and Mary Anne Chaffee – so much fun in on the Cape; Sandy Willey – relaxing duties in retirement; Bob Willey – ditto; John Willey – inching closer to retirement; Chris MacFarlane – Cross Fit competition; Ace Ali – Flynn season tickets; the IT Crew – new computers of course, extra bodies, less glitches,and our endless thanks; Alex Abrami – sports column for the New York Times; Linnea Willey – some soccer or lax coaching in the future; Dr. Maddalena – repeat, repeat; Jerry Frank – fishing on a lake wherever you are; Deb Maddalena – dream job; Shaun MacArdle – coaching your daughter at CHS; the MacArdle kids – running shoes, baseball glove, soccer cleats, star wars and chocolate; Duncan Harvey – pizza, pizza, pizza and more; Diane and Russ Auger – congrats and both kids married; Emily Scott – head of guidance in CT; Timony Norris – a return to SAT testing; Teresa Fleming – interesting job at MMU; Mac and Stick McAllister – a full-time sports contract from FOX Sports; Kara Bissonnette – right field in Bronx; Ashley Neary – keep the streak alive; Eric and Leslie Langevin – enjoy your kids; the EHS, Brownell and Essex Free Libraries – collaboration of assets to benefit readers; Emily Danis – grants for collegeaged daughters; Dave Barra, Craig Iverson, Steve Lunna, Roland Noel and Jay Vallieres – MLS games next season; Spencer Noble and Jeff Taft – surf and turf place that will make your mouth water and BBQ Rib place that will explode on your taste buds; Andy Gingras – yet another outstanding season reffing soccer; Nick Hendry, Sean Diminick, and Dr. Visker – reunion on the baskebtall court; Jessie Coutrayer – continued improvement with EHS hoop squad; Nate Crete – auto business thriving; Bruce Murdough – the funds to build a turf field at MSP the high school; Bushey’s – continued great service at affordable prices. Mario and Sherri Ross – more wonderful years together; 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, Officer David Bowers, Simone Mendes, Lindsay Norris, Kyla Ward, Mike and Olivia 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, Amanda Sinkewicz, Kyle Baker, Madison Stephenson, Mychaela Harton and others – open invitations to return to the Hornet track and field team in the spring and a wonderful life after high school and/ See WISHLIST, page 12

December 29, 2016 • The Essex Reporter •11

local

What's your New Year's resolution?

indergarteners' New Year's resolutions aren't quite the same as your typical adult's.

So when reporter Kaylee Sullivan asked Beth Dall's Kindergarten class at Summit Street School what they hoped for in 2017, or wanted to get better at or learn, they jumped at the idea – literally.

“I hope I'm a teacher when I grow up. I hope I can count to 100 when I grow bigger.” “I want to get my ears pierced,” she added later.

“I wanna go to Disney World. 'Cause my baby brother loves Mickey Mouse.”

– Ryan adhikaRi

– natalie Mackenzie

“I hope I learn how to do tricks on my skateboard – make my skateboard do flips in the wind then I jump right back on it.”

“I hope for a baby [brother or sister.]”

– eva haRton

– Jack Sollace

“I wish my birthday's coming up. It's in February, I don't know what day. I wish to get Quick Soles for Christmas. They're little things you can build with. There's green and pink ones. I hope my birthday is gonna be all my toys.”

“To play. I like basketball and soccer.”

– Riley RichaRd

– connoR towle-hilt

“I wanna go somewhere. To the American Girl doll store!”

“When I grow up I want to make my room into a museum and collect cool stuff."

– ella lacouRSe

– tully haMMack

“I want to go on plane. To...I don't know.”

– vincent cotto

“My New Year's resolution is to read more.”

– claiRe BRotheRS

“I want to go to Boston. I like to go to Legoland.”

– Shea Riehl

“I want new toys.”

“I have birthday. It's June 30. I just want it to come sooner.”

“I wish I had my birthday. It's June 9 but it won't happen because mine is on time.”

– aRRon taMang

– iSaBel kahn

– chaSe Beane

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM THE ESSEX REPORTER! Wishing you all the best in 2017.

12• The Essex Reporter • December 29, 2016

SPORTS WISHLIST from page 11

or college filled with success and smiles; Sade Hankey, Chike Asanya, Marissa Minadeo, Lindsey Gleason and others – a highly successful spring season; Ken Goodnow – more years as javelin coach; Emily Goodrich – success at UVM; Sand Hill Pool lifeguards and staff – a ton of sun, calm camp kids, a window for the back room and some new equipment; Saint Ambroise (Azzie) Azagoh-Kouadio – a soccer job in Vt.; Thomas Dvorak – success in business; Antonia Armstrong Laird – 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, less dirt and garbage around; Dr. Feeley’s and Dr. Summerville’s offices – what about TVs for waiting room patients; Michelle Robitaille Campbell – Vt. visit and dinner soon; Andy and Jeanne Cole – kids as future track stars at EHS; Blaine Isham – sharing his knowledge and wisdom to young wrestlers; Ira Isham – a talented wrestling team to take a run at MAU this winter; Barb Isham – a couple more SA jobs; Martone's Market – give my wife a job so I can use the employee discount for grinders and your high quality, delicious sandwiches; Kevin and Suzie Kearns – warm the fire; Bill O’Neil – another hockey state title; Essex Cinemas – great movies,

better deals, delicious popcorn; Barb Isham – the recycle and energy awareness award; the Essex – incredible spa conditions; the Links – a golden Hole-In-One board; Don Tynan – continued success making profits for your clients and friends at Paine Webber. Matt Conti – maybe an expansion of your great facilities at Sports and Fitness Edge and soccer reffing certification; Ramunto’s, Vespas, Mimmo’s, Hoagies, Pappa Franks, Rocky's and Juniors – tasty Italian food and pizza; Josh Santerre – an Essex teaching and coaching job; Mike Goodrich – snow in January, February and March; The Sports and Fitness Edge – an extra lane for the running track; David Coggio – more time for golf in Vt. and a thriving business in CA; Dan Shepardson – an NCAA basketball playoff game; John and Colleen McAuliffe – a warm winter vacation; Ryan McAuliffe – Knicks’ tickets; Matt McAuliffe –Yankees tickets; Kevin McAuliffe – front office job with the Bruins; Matt Stratford – top draft choice in the all Boston over-30 league; Tim Stratford – a run at the masters 800m; Steve Hennessey – front office job in major league baseball; Tony Romo – a solid stretch and playoff run; Zeke Elliott and Dak Prescott – a run through the playoffs to the Super Bowl; Gary Sanchez – 35/110; Aroldis Chapman and Dellin Betances – a powerful end of the NYY bullpen; Stan Williams, Eric Barker, Jeff Paul, Scott Bliss, Bill Eschholz, Tim Rice, Geoff Bennett, Dave Martin, Jeff Evans, Dan

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Hagen and Catherine Riley – continue your positive work with our youngsters in school and on sports teams in Chittenden County; Sheila Stawinski – good work with the EHS captains; Tom Schaeffer – sub-varsity soccer reffing next fall; Brad Parker – total enjoyment in retirement; T.J. Meade – a return to the soccer field; Jim Smith – a return to fastpitch softball; Andrew Lucier – completion of TAP program, a PE job and another Celtic excursion; Ashley Besaw and Jeff Barry – congrats on the wedding; Rich Haskell – spring training in Fort Myers and opening the air to guest broadcaster; Dennis Barcomb – a turf field at Winooski; Direct TV – no weather interference and low prices; Comcast, Fairpoint, and Verizon – lower internet and cell prices; Judy Foregger – the fondest of memories; Dick and Jane Kehaya – relaxation in the Villages; Sarah Newman – huge raise at work; Zaf Bludevich – lots of golf in retirement; Jerry Flanagan – a winter vacation spot in Florida. Robin and Deb Hollwedell – the best in Minnesota; Ben Hollwedell – continued success and safety with the police force; the Riell family – phenomenal memories of your father and husband; John and Liz Tobin – golf, golf and more golf in Fort Myers; Syd and Kathy Banfield – a few more Christmas lights; the Langs – grandkids; Hal Getty – a ferry job down south; Brian Chandler – new challenge of little league coaching; Pete Shill – at least one new employee in the spring; Jan Lee – best of wishes for good health; Josh Lee – Duke season basketball tickets; Janet and Phil Lucier – retirement, finally; Dave Neil –

the offensive coordinator’s job at Penn State; the ladies at the Credit Union – shorter hours and lots of money to lend and lot and lots of money; Dan Marlow – a countdown to retirement in St. Albans; Paul Lamontagne – continued sharp photography for Chittenden County and the rest of Vt.; Joyce’s Noodle House – the best Egg-Drop soup in the area; China Gardens – standing room only business; Jack and Nancy Chalmers – double retirement (I hear it's great); Jeff Chalmers – time for watching your kids in sports; Jaime and Kristen Chalmers – free concert tickets for your daughters with expensive taste; Steve and Dana Line – free college tuition when the kids are ready to go; Nicole and Joe Colantoni – huge success with Milton hoops and fun with kids; Joel Kynoch – PA job at SMC; Jason and Dawn Heminway – family vacation to a warm climate and dinner soon; Dan Couture – trade Zeke to the Jammers for a ton of players; the Champlain Valley Fair – lower food prices and the Eagles, Jordan Smith, Jimmy Buffet and Chris Tomlin in concert; Rich Graham – a return to coaching at EHS; Ken Fontaine – the speediest of recoveries so you are back with us in track and field; Linda McNulty – side job selling baked goods; McKinley McNulty – everything on your Christmas list. Essex PD – solid officer to replace retired Det. Hollwedell; Essex FD – a full force of firemen; Essex Rescue – massive thanks you for all you do, generally and personally, and all the supplies and upgrades you need; Marissa Wells – great job in the real world: Ali Wells – big-time job in NJ; Sal Bannerman – a calm quiet empty nest; Mike Smith – a

hockey coaching job at a higher level; Amy Smith – more training time and new running shoes; Jason Smith – a bulls-eye slapshot; Abby Smith – new hockey stick; Chelsea Zelko – a Canadian graduation; Lorette Sousie – Dan Hagan as a neighbor again; Mike and Jackie Landsberg – have the new baby, so gobs of babysitters; Caleb and Elijah – toys, toys and toys. Scott Slocum – Gary Sanchez shirt; Diane Slocum – Starbuck’s gift card; Adam Slocum – achievement of all your goals with Eva Morel – your most cherished gift under the tree and congrats on your Christmas Eve engagement; Willie and Sarah McNulty – lots of venison and a return to youth ministry; Kyran McNulty – new kicks; Wakely McNulty – DVDs; Calder McNulty – bandanas; Dayna and Ryan Davis – best of time with your daughter growing up; Isla Davis – grocery cart full of food; David Kathy and David Converse – time with grandkids on the lake; Randy-Kay Lavalley – more time with your mom; Dale Lavalley – a Dallas NFC East title and more; Nick Lavalley – new skis; Cariann Zandell – ski passes to your favorite mountain; Sonny and Trevor Rushford – Florida vacation; Chloe Rushford –more pool time in the summer and skiing in t he wint er; G a v i n Rushford – wrestling title this season; Derek Kearns – Eli Manning jersey; Liz Chouinard – cookie ingredients; Michael – Amazon gift card; Uncle Vince Martinelli – Bravo restaurant gift certificate in Ft. Lauderdale; Don and Carol Hathaway – Six months in FLA and six months on the lake; Henry and Sandy Bechtel – possible Big Pappi replacement and grandkids; Eric and Holly

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BRIGHTEN YOUR SMILE FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

Hathaway – vacation time during the winter; Derek Hathaway – college graduate, inching closer to your goal; Cullen Hathaway – a collection of basketball jerseys; congrats on the internship; Sarah and Josh Stark – total enjoyment of your new Westford house; Owen, Wyatt and Hudson Stark – mad ballhandling skills, iTunes gift card for movies and games on iPad, respectively; Charlie and Kristin Peet – awesome garden, new batch of Christmas trees and possibly some chickens; Sydney and Madison Peet – Florida trip in February, short hunter boots, new IPHONES, new field hockey sticks and a trip to a Fort Lauderdale outlet; Nate Bechtel – Giants in the playoffs (1 and done); Amelia Coleman – new Eli jersey; Ethan and Stacey Bechtel – New Year’s Eve in Miami; Josh and Karen Gonillo – happiest of lives together; Gianna Gonillo – Jay Peak Waterpark this summer with Grammy and Pappa Joe; my mom, Rosemary Gonillo – health and happiness in life, a short stay at Burlington Health and Rehab, more visitors and time with your granddaughters and great granddaughter; Vince and Karen Gonillo – easier school district unification and an actual vacation for some time away to simply relax; Jenna Gonillo and Nick Davis – a beautiful November wedding in Antigua; Stacey Gonillo – a great job in Atlanta working for Marvel and the new movie; my wife Tina – tons of free time in retirement, naps on your comfortable couch, babysitting little ones, HGTV, trips to Ct. to granddaughter, early Jamaican vacation, and fun in Florida. As I end this column, boy do I miss Boves. I would like 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. I miss them all very much. The memories are special and help so much especially over the holidays. Now we create memories. Have a very blessed Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous Happy New Year!

Submit your sports photos and story ideas to

sports@ essex reporter. com

December 29, 2016 • The Essex Reporter •13

Dressing up drab desserts

D Luscious créme BrûLée

he following recipe for "Luscious Créme Brûlée" from Lori Longbotham's "Luscious Creamy Desserts" is a decadent, restaurant-quality dessert that's simple to prepare and sure to wow holiday guests. Ingredients 2 c. heavy whipping cream 1 c. half-and-half 6 large egg yolks 3/4 c. sugar Pinch of salt 2 tsp. vanilla extract Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Have ready a flameproof 1-quart shallow baking or gratin dish and a roasting pan. Put on a kettle of water to boil for the water bath. 2. Heat the cream and halfand-half in a medium saucepan over medium heat until hot. Remove from the heat. 3. Whisk together the yolks, 1/2 c. sugar and the salt in a medium bowl. Slowly add the cream mixture, whisking constantly until blended and smooth. Add the vanilla. Pour the mixture through a fine strainer set over a medium glass measuring cup or bowl. 4. Pour custard into baking dish and skim any foam from the top. Transfer to roasting pan, place in oven and pour enough boiling water into the pan to reach halfway up the sides of the baking dish. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until

the custard is set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center. Do not overbake – the custard will set further as it cools. Remove the baking dish from the water bath and let cool completely on a wire rack. 5. Refrigerate the créme brûlée, loosely covered, for at least 4 hours until thoroughly chilled and set, or for up to one day. 6. Preheat broiler. Have the roasting pan ready, and fill a bowl with ice water. Gently blot surface of custard with the edge of a paper towel to remove any condensation. Sift remaining 1/4 c. sugar evenly over the custard. Place the baking dish in the roasting pan and carefully pour enough ice water into the pan to come halfway up the sides of the baking dish. 7. Broil the custard about 3 inches from the heat for 2 to 3 minutes until sugar has melted and turned a dark amber color; carefully move or rotate the dish if necessary so sugar caramelizes evenly. Remove from broiler and cool custard in the ice water for 5 minutes. 8. Carefully remove baking dish from baking pan. Serve right away or refrigerate uncovered for no longer than one hour before serving, otherwise the topping will soften. Serves 8.

ecadent desserts are often the culmination of family meals or meaningful social occasions. Dessert signals the end of special events and lets guests know it is now acceptable for them to plan their exits. Party hosts should not feel pressured to bake or create elaborate desserts. Some guests may even bring their own homemade desserts as tokens of appreciation to offer their hosts. However, for those who want to ensure there is dessert available in the event company does not bring a cake or box of cookies, the following are some ways to dress up storebought treats to make them look like impressive desserts. Gourmet icecream sandwiches: Purchase readymade cookies in your favorite varieties as well as a flavor of ice cream that coordinates with the cookies (chocolate and mint works well). Allow the ice cream to soften slightly, then spoon a bit onto one cookie and sandwich the ice cream with another cookie. Place the sandwiches back into the freezer to harden and set before serving.

food

Decadent drizzle: Any dessert can look like a professionally concocted confection with a creative display. Drizzle chocolate or raspberry syrup on the plate before placing your slice of cake or pastry. Top with a dusting of confectioner’s sugar. Shaved chocolate: Turn an ordinary brownie or sundae into something stunning with shaved chocolate. Run a vegetable peeler along the side of a favorite bar of chocolate to create a garnish. Warmed up: Heat any store-bought pie before serving and top with fresh whipped cream. Your guests will swear it’s homemade.

3 4

Have a recipe to share? Let us know!

news@ essexreporter.com

Stock photo Using whipped cream to decorate store-bought desserts can provide a homemade feel to party offerings.

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14• The Essex Reporter • December 29, 2016

LOCAL lights from page 1

“We peeked our heads out,” Troy Austin said from his kitchen table last week, wearing a Santa hat and glowing necklace. He chuckled as he recalled the way he ran from window to window as the vans rolled by, hoping to gauge the seniors’ reaction. Much to his delight, the traveling judges declared his home the best presentation of colorful lights in the contest. The victory meant a lot: The Christmas-enthusiast entered and lost the town’s contest last year, vowing to do better in 2016. The day after Thanksgiving he was out on the lawn, coffee cup and strands of lights in hand with Christmas music blaring. With his mother Debbie Austin, Troy Austin made frequent trips to

Costco and Big Lots in the following month to purchase heaps of the festive bulbs. Family friends even donated extras, Debbie Austin said, the supply piling up in their house. “He would spend all his money on lights, that’s the problem,” Debbie Austin said with a smile. While he has help collecting the décor, Troy Austin is wholly responsible for the design and installation. Lights dot every side of the suburban home, any gaps filled in by a new laser projector. In some parts, the colored strands change from blue to white and back again without an apparent rhyme or reason. It’s not uncommon for a passing car to slow to a crawl, soaking in the whimsical display. “It gets attention,” Troy Austin said, beaming. “I like it a lot.” But as he plugged in more and more lights, his

mother says there were a few comical hiccups. “I try to turn on my blow-dryer or close the garage door and we blow a circuit,” Debbie Austin said, laughing. “I have to run outside and unplug the lights so I can dry my hair.” Still, she doesn’t mind. Her son has always loved Christmas, she said, and loves to make people happy. She once worried neighbors would be put off by the extreme display, but says reactions are nothing but positive when they figure out Troy Austin is behind the set-up. “I think Troy just puts his heart into it,” Debbie Austin said. “He’s a real people person.” For the second year in a row, Troy Austin hosted a Toys for Kids drive in the neighborhood, collecting more than 120 gifts. This time, lighted trucks from SD Ireland and TDI Towing joined the party,

along with a DJ and a hefty supply of hot cocoa and marshmallows. “I like to help kids out, see the lighted trucks and just seeing a bunch of community people come together and have a good time together,” Troy Austin said. When he’s not stringing lights, Troy Austin

takes classes at Essex High School and the University of Vermont and works as a security guard. He loves attending concerts and hopes to work in event planning someday. In the meantime, he’s already plotting his light strategy for next Christmas. Renting a cherry picker tops the wish list.

With lights on the roof, Troy Austin said he’s sure to win again next year. But he’s not ready to take down these lights just yet. “I’m hoping for February or maybe March,” he said. “Until my dad tells me I have to.”

Below photo by MICHAELA HALNON, Right photo courtesy of DEBBIE AUSTIN

Below, 20-year-old Troy Austin decorated nearly every inch of his Essex Jct. home with Christmas lights in preparation for a townwide contest hosted by the Essex Parks and Recreation department. At right, Austin stands with an SD Ireland truck during a Toys for Kids drive he organized early this month.

Bill

from page 1

Communication your path to personal & professional success

allows for pre-clearance to expand to marine, land and rail. Leahy’s legislation, introduced in March, gives the U.S. the ability to prosecute American personnel stationed in Canada for wrongdoing while shielding American citizens from prosecution by a foreign government — deemed a prerequisite for implementing the agreement with Canada. Pre-clearance is viewed as a major domino in the fight to bring back rail service to Montreal. The bill’s passage comes nearly a

year after the Essex Jct. Village Board of Trustees approved $1.1 million of structural improvements to the village’s train station. Most passengers traveling to the greater Burlington area disembark in Essex Jct., spurring what Village Board of Trustees President George Tyler believes could provide a healthy boost to the town and village economy. Restoring service to Montreal carries added significance for Leahy, whose wife’s parents emigrated from Canada. “Now, at last, we can confidently move to the next stages of getting passenger service to Montreal up and running,” Leahy said in a press release. “Many of us can’t wait to hear those first whistles blow.”

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