Gazette 12-18-2014 complete
Transcription
Gazette 12-18-2014 complete
Mountain Gazette, December 18, 2014 [email protected] Vol. 14 No. 12 Serving Bolton, Cambridge, Jeffersonville, Jericho, Underhill and Westford, VT A grocery store for Jericho By Phyl Newbeck Special to the Mountain Gazette On April 24, the Jericho Development Review Board (DRB) got their first look at the proposed Jericho Market which may be coming to the Riverside area. David Villeneuve is the land owner and Mike Comeau, owner of the Richmond Market, Johnson’s Sterling Market, and the Village Market in Waterbury, is the proposed occupant for the existing building at 364 VT Rt. 15. The plan is for a 17,600 square foot general merchandise store with a deli and food service. The lot on which the building is proposed currently houses a 12,800 square foot garage and a park and ride for the Cambridge to Burlington commuter bus. The park and ride will be relocated to another parcel owned by Villeneuve and the building will be repurposed. The steel truss portion will be retained while the wood section will be removed. Trudell Engineering describes the new structure as “barn-like.” The project includes landscaping, storm water treatment, and energy efficient HVAC and lighting systems. What is described as a “civic green space” is proposed for the southwest corner of the lot and there will be a sidewalk along the edge of the green on the south side of the property. Initially the application included a total of 73 parking spaces including nine perpendicular and four parallel on-street spaces. A waiver is required for the parking on the south and west sides of the building due to the zoning regulations’ prohibition against front yard parking. After consultation with Jennifer Murray, Planning and Zoning Coordinator for the Town of Jericho, the developer removed the parallel parking and made the west side parking a single row. Last winter the Jericho Select Board hired the Town Planning and Urban Design Collaborative to create form-based code for the Riverside Village District which is the site of the proposed development. Since this proposal was submitted prior to the adoption of that code, it will be considered under the existing zoning regulations. Part of the form-based code is a master plan and developer Jerry Davis of PeakCM said his goal is to have the store fit the look of that plan. Davis was first approached about putting a grocery store in the commercial district but when those plans fizzled, it was suggested that the Villeneuve property in the Riverside area might be a better location. After Davis ran the budget numbers he contacted Comeau, who agreed that this would be a good location for a store. “There are three pieces to the puzzle,” said Davis. “The property owner, the developer/ contractor, and the end user. What attracted me to this plan is that Mike Comeau is great to work with and people really love his markets.” Davis said the structure will be slightly bigger than what Comeau wanted but otherwise meets his specifications. The metal building will be retained but a new floor will be put in, together with new siding and roofing. “I think the design we have fits,” said Davis. “It looks a lot like the master plan. I’m really hoping the town is happy with this because we are.” Comeau reports that the Jericho store will be similar to his other establishments and the second largest of what will be a quartet of stores. “We’re looking at this to be one of our best,” he said “because we’ve learned so much as we’ve done these and gotten better at it.” Comeau believes his current business model is one that works. “I could have ten stores if I plopped them down anywhere,” he said “but we’re looking for communities we can be part of and which will appreciate our mix of local, organic, and conventional goods.” Comeau noted that each of his current stores averages 7000 customers per week. Comeau said the new store will have a butcher and meat department as well as a deli, a full line of produce, a section with bulk items, and a salad bar. Eventually he would like to add a pharmacist and liquor sales but those are not part of the current plan. “We want people to be able to do all their shopping there,” he said. Comeau said he and Davis are each spending roughly $2 million on the project. “That’s a wicked amount of money to spend on a grocery store in a small town,” he said “so it has to be able to function.” It is for that reason that Comeau has requested parking all around the building instead of just in back which would require customers to wheel their full carts all around the store. Turning the building around would mean delivery trucks would be in full view, rather than an aesthetically pleasing façade. The DRB held a hearing on December 11 to review the plan with a full house of 27 audience members. Davis requested a preliminary review to give the applicants direction on any changes which might be requested. They are also awaiting the results of a traffic study. Murray said the major concerns dealt with parking, traffic issues, pedestrian connectivity, and a desire to make the building more compatible with the proposed form-based code. The latter concern is difficult to address because formbased code is designed for new construction whereas this application is for re-use of an existing structure. The DRB has yet to reach a decision on the preliminary review so the date for final plat review has not been set. For more information, go to http://www. jerichovt.gov/index.asp?SEC=A03E1E2DAB95-4CA8-AE4A-AEF683320E45&Type=B_ BASIC or to www.jerichovt.gov, then click Projects and Studies, then Riverside MASTER PLANNING & FBC Project, then Jericho Market Development Proposal. On the evening of Thursday, December 11, a large crowd gathered around a 30’ cedar and gasped at the beauty of the blue and white lights as they suddenly sparkled through the snowladen branches. The occasion was the first annual tree lighting ceremony in memory of two beloved Alumni – Emily Lyman, class of 2012, and Ryan Collins, class of 2004. Emily was a prolific writer and passed away in 2012 during her freshman year at Rice Memorial High School. She is the daughter of Gene and Monica Lyman and her brother is a current MCS student. Ryan was an enthusiastic student who loved science and passed away in 2000 during his 6th grade year at MCS. He is the son of Tim and Michelle Collins and his sister is a current MCS student. Mr. Anthony Fontana, principal of Mater Christi School, gave a brief explanation of the event and then Sr. Laura Della Santa, former principal of Mater Christi and the current Superintendent of Catholic Schools, led a prayer of dedication. After the group sang some Christmas hymns, they gathered in the school gym for a Christmas Choral Concert directed by Mr. Matthew O’Neil, MCS music teacher. The school plans to make the area around the tree into a memorial garden that will also honor the other Mater Christi School students who have died while attending the school or shortly afterwards. Sr. Laura mentioned these students by name in her dedication. The annual lighting of the tree will form the focal point of this special space. Mater Christi School begins new tradition M a t e r Christi student T y l e r Diemer reading as part of the first annual t r e e lighting ceremony at the Thursday, Dec.11 dedication of a new tradition in memory of Mater Christi School students who have died while attending the school, or shortly afterwards. Tyler is assisted by Kaitlyn Dorey, MCS Marketing/ Enrollment Director, and Glenda Bedard, grade 5 teacher. PHOTO CONTRIBUTED Page December 18, 2014 Westford Elementary School receives $500 grant John Olson, a representative of Midtown Mobil in Milton, presented Jill Rochford, a math and science teacher of Westford Elementary School, with a $500 grant recently. The Exxon Mobil Educational Alliance Grant will be used to support the school’s science and math programs. Westford may use funds from this grant to support the purchase of an additional EV3 Core Lego Kit so that the robotics equipment can be used during whole class instruction to support engineering and computer software coding projects throughout grades 3-8. PHOTO CONTRIBUTED Cambridge Rotary’s outdoor winter kids’ program Soon after its beginning in 2008, the founders of the Cambridge Area Rotary in northern Vermont began to think about a way to strengthen their community. Nestled at the foot of Mt. Mansfield, Cambridge is the home of Smugglers’ Notch Resort. It was thus natural to think about capitalizing on the area’s natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The club focused on bringing opportunities for outdoor adventures to the youth of the community in that most challenging of seasons – winter. And thus Winter Wellness was born. It has been a continuing collaboration between the Rotary, Height of Land Productions, headed by Rotary member Adam Howard, Smugglers’ Notch Resort (Smuggs), and the Cambridge Elementary School. Each winter for the past five years, students in the 4th, 5th, and 6th grades at Cambridge Elementary have been given the opportunity to experience Smuggs terrain three days during the winter season. They can choose to learn to ski, snowboard, cross-country ski, or snowshoe. Grade 5 teacher Colleen Legris, who has seen students grow and blossom as they learn new skills, camaraderie, and confidence, says that about half of the 4th graders entering the program have never before participated in these activities. She credits the 100% participation in those grades to the fact that the cost is wholly underwritten by Rotary and Height of Land funding activities. Smuggs is generous in the prices they charge for the program. On a typical 4th grade trip day, 60 nine- and ten-year-olds board the bus and head up to the mountain. Teachers and Rotary volunteers come along to help with equipment and encouragement. All the children choose their own activity, and can change from one to another during the season. They are given two hours of lessons and time to practice what they learn. Children with special needs are given one-on-one coaching through Smuggs’ Special Needs Adaptive Program (SNAP). As the students progress to 5th and 6th grades, they can attain many levels of proficiency. The Winter Wellness program has also created another winter opportunity for the community – a skating rink erected by Rotary members each winter on the soccer field of the elementary school. This rink is available to all. The fundraising events that support Winter Wellness are also grounded in encouraging outdoor activities. Over the years, the club has held Ski and Board Swaps, Bike and Boat Swaps, staffed the annual Barn Bash hosted by Height of Land, sponsored Pumpkin Chunkin’ contests, and held an annual Fun Run/Walk. The latest addition is a Bunco Night. The club’s efforts have raised over $20,000 to support the kids’ ski and board program over the past three years. The club worked with the Smugglers’ Notch Chamber of Commerce, Eagles Club, Cambridge Elementary School and PTSA, and the American Legion to raise $6000 to launch the skating rink and has contributed $2000 and many hours of service to maintain the rink for the community. New location for Jericho voting,Town Meeting By Jessica R. Alexander Jericho Town Clerk Jericho is moving its polling place from the Jericho Elementary School to Mount Mansfield Union High School at 211 Browns Trace. Jericho Town Meeting will be held at 9:00 AM in the MMU Auditorium. Jericho Town Meeting will be on Tuesday March 3, 2015, the first Tuesday in March. This move will bring a lot of new opportunities and solve some of the parking and traffic problems. The seating capacity will also be greater, and the chairs are already set up! Mr. David Marlow, Director of Student Activities, has been very helpful in planning this transition. There will be more room for Town committees and organizations to set up display tables. If you wish to set up a table, please contact Jessica at the Town Hall by Monday, February 23. The actual polling place will be in the Kiva. Where is the Kiva? This room is located on the left just after entering the main school entrance. All Jericho elections will now be taking place at Mount Mansfield Union High School. Merry Christmas & Happy Hanukkah [email protected] Page 2 NEWS BRIEFS UNDERHILL-JERICHO FIRE DEPARTNENT By Kitty Clark The Underhill-Jericho Fire Department has been very busy since the storm started late Tuesday night, December 9. As of Sunday night, December 14, we have responded to 27 stormrelated calls. We would like to thank the Underhill and the Jericho Highway Crews for all they have done this past week, making it safe to proceed on snow-covered roads. Also, thanks to Green Mountain Power and Vermont Electric crews for handling all the downed power lines and working so hard to restore power. At this time all of us on the Underhill-Jericho Fire Department would like to wish the residents of Underhill and Jericho a very Merry Fire Safe Christmas. Remember some safety facts, like: be careful if you are burning candles, make sure they are out before going out or going to bed; if you have a fresh Christmas tree, be sure to water it regularly and turn out the lights before going to bed; be sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have fresh batteries. Be safe, not sorry, and “Practice Fire Safety Every Day!” Mount Mansfield Scale Modelers to hold meeting Mount Mansfield Scale Modelers will hold informal gatherings on Thursdays, December 18, January 15, and February 19. The meeting will be held at the Brownell Library, Essex Junction, Kolvoord Community Room from 6:30 - 8:30 PM. For more information call 879-0765 after 6:00 PM. Jericho Library open house, tree lighting a success Sunday, December 7, Jericho Town Library celebrated its annual Open House and Christmas tree celebration. Children were entertained by Elizabeth Bernstein reading holiday stories, by Derek Burkins singing and playing holiday music, and by making Christmas tree crowns as a craft project. Everyone who attended enjoyed munching on cookies made by the library’s Board of Directors and by friends of the library and drinking Dennis Pearson’s “secret recipe” punch. At 5:00 PM, Santa was driven down Bolger Hill by Jim Adams on his decorated Kubota tractor, and he distributed candy canes donated by Patty Carroll. Santa presided over the tree lighting made possible by those who decorated the tree with the lights: Jim Adams, Matt Malmgren, Jake Loeffler, and Jim Carroll. Clark’s Trucking advertised the event on their sign to make our community aware of this yearly event. Donations for the electricity and lights to keep the tree illuminated can be put in the festive green jars in all of the local Jericho stores or can be mailed to the Jericho Center Preservation Association, Holiday Tree Fund, P.O. Box 1018, Jericho, VT 05465. Thank you to everyone who participated in these wonderful community events. On that note, Barb and Jim Adams have been organizing this event for close to ten years, and we are grateful for all that they have done, but now it is time for others to step up and coordinate this tree lighting occasion. Jim and Barb are happy to work with the new people/committee to train them next year, December 2015, and will then turn over the reins to these others, who will then continue the tradition in 2016. Let’s not let this fantastic community tradition die! LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Caregivers – our silent army To the Editor, Every day, a remarkable group of Vermonters performs a great labor of love: caring for aging parents, spouses, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, and friends so they can remain in their homes. They are on duty 24/7, and often cannot take a break. Yet they wouldn’t have it any other way. These caregivers are truly unsung heroes. To honor family caregivers, AARP launched a new initiative to focus attention on their stories called “I Heart Caregivers.” Every caregiver has a story and gathering these stories strengthens the caregiver community for everyone’s benefit. If you know someone with a story to share, encourage them to go www.aarp. org/iheartcaregivers. In addition to offering caregivers the opportunity to share stories with each other, the initiative also provides us with a powerful way to bring those voices to lawmakers and policymakers in Montpelier. Together with other organizations, AARP Vermont is gearing up to work for common-sense solutions in the next legislative session to support family caregivers and their loved ones. For example, we need to develop improved transitional care plans for patients returning home from the hospital, secure better workplace flexibility for caregivers, and ensure we are investing in the programs and services that caregivers and their loved ones need in their own communities. We know that there is a silent army of some 120,000 Vermonters who are caregivers each year. Let’s recognize these remarkable individuals who are working to help seniors live independently and who make it possible for them to stay in their homes where we know they want to be. Greg Marchildon State Director, AARP Vermont NATURAL GAS PIPELINE SAFETY WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Whether you are at home, at work, or in a public place, it’s likely you are in an area served by natural gas pipelines. Like all forms of energy, natural gas must be handled properly. Despite an excellent safety record, a gas leak caused by damage to a pipeline may pose a hazard and has the potential to ignite. Natural gas pipelines are sometimes identified by signs that indicate their approximate location — but these signs should not be relied upon to indicate the exact position. As such, and because not all lines have signs, it is critical that you call Dig Safe™ at 811 prior to any excavation. CALL BEFORE YOU DIG — IT’S THE LAW! • The greatest risk to underground natural gas pipelines is accidental damage during excavation. Even minor damage such as a gouge, scrape or dent to a pipeline or its coating could cause a leak or failure. Digging into a pipeline is the largest single cause of • pipeline failures. • To protect pipelines and other underground facilities, the law requires that before starting to dig for any excavation, landscaping, USE YOUR SENSES TO DETECT A GAS LEAK construction or demolition project, on public or private property, the excavator must call Dig Safe™ at 811 at least 48 hours in advance (excluding weekends and holidays) to notify them of the work. Dig Safe™ will contact member utilities so they can mark the location of their underground facilities prior to any excavation. This service is provided at no cost to you. WHAT YOU SHOULD DO IF YOU SUSPECT A LEAK • SMELL: Natural gas is colorless and • MOVE immediately to a safe location. • CALL Vermont Gas at 1-800-639-8081 • SIGHT: You may see a white cloud, • DO NOT smoke or operate electrical odorless. A distinctive, pungent odor, similar to rotten eggs, is added so that you will recognize it quickly. mist, fog, bubbles in standing water or blowing dust. You may also see vegetation that appears to be dead or dying for no apparent reason. • SOUND: You may hear an unusual immediately, with the exact location. switches or appliances. These items may produce a spark that might ignite the gas or cause an explosion. • DO NOT assume someone else will report the condition. noise like a roaring, hissing or whistling. Dial 85 Swift Street, South Burlington VT 802-863-4511 [email protected] vermontgas.com Cleaner Energy. Cleaner Air. Vermont Gas Wishes You a Safe and Happy Holiday Season Mountain Gazette, December 18, 2014 Owner to match food drive donations at Phoenix Books The owner of Phoenix Books has issued a challenge to the community to donate nonperishable food items for local community food shelves. Mike DeSanto has pledged to make a cash donation equal to the value of food donated to the bookstore’s food drive, up to $5000. The food drive at Phoenix Books Essex and Phoenix Books Burlington will run through Monday, December 22. Phoenix booksellers are ready to help anyone who would like to make a nonperishable food donation. DeSanto says, “Personally, I’ve become convinced that hunger has to be taken care of first, before people can succeed in raising themselves up in other areas.” He adds that hunger has become a core cause that he wants to address both personally and through Phoenix Books in coming years. “Phoenix Books is hosting the food drive, my staff is supporting this effort, and I’m going to make a personal donation to the food shelf to equal the value of the food brought in. I really hope that I have to write a check for $5000. I would feel really good if that happened.” Phoenix Books Burlington is located at 191 Bank St., Burlington; Phoenix Books Essex is located at 21 Essex Way #407, in Essex. For more information, please call 802-4483350 in Burlington, 802-872-7111 in Essex, or visit www. phoenixbooks.biz. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Politicians tax voters with expensive energy To the Editor, Paying more money my family doesn’t have for gas, electricity and heat isn’t “really” a tax, they say, but it might as well be. In fact if you already can’t afford more school taxes and health care it’s the cruelest tax of all, because not paying leaves you cold, stranded and or in the dark. You can only fix it by finding hundreds of new dollars from somewhere. Well, we do live in Vermont, it’s dark and cold and I knew that when I decided to make it my home. What I didn’t expect is that the people who beg us for their votes every two years would then turn around and vote on purpose for expensive energy. They vote against nuclear plants and for more expensive solar and wind. They tax gasoline more than necessary to maintain the roads (their job) because they spend state money to keep special interests happy (not their job). And now some in Montpelier want a “carbon tax:” heating oil, gasoline, propane, kerosene, the works. Is firewood carbon fuel too? The chimney soot says so. Thought: maybe I should have written this letter before the election. It might have warned Montpelier to stop yanking our leash, making heat and power and cars so expensive we will all ride the bus (that doesn’t come to my road) or buy a donkey or live in a yurt or at least a smaller home. And maybe those are good things for some but no one likes to be dragged like a dog. There’s no hope in that kind of change. Not a politician but I approved this message anyway! Heather Sheppard Cambridge Mountain Gazette, December 18, 2014 [email protected] COMING EVENTS PEOPLE IN THE NEWS OBITUARIES Colleen Jean Shanklin (Lieutenant Colonel, USAF Retired), age 82, died on Friday, December 5, 2014 at Air Force Village II in San Antonio, TX. Colleen was born on July 24, 1932 in Underhill, VT, the state where she spent all of her youth. Upon completion of nursing school, Colleen dutifully served her country for more than 20 years as an officer and a nurse in the U.S. Air Force. Colleen served in San Antonio, TX (where she met her husband Dr. Kenneth D. Shanklin), Frankfurt, Germany, and Fresno, CA, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel (and matching the rank of her husband) before being honorably discharged in 1984. Colleen spent much of her retirement in Fresno, CA with her husband Ken before moving back to San Antonio. She devoted her life to family, taking her grandchildren to Europe, Hawaii, Mexico, and most of the lower 48 states. She and her husband graciously provided to many charitable programs in her lifetime, including Valley Children’s Hospital in California, LIGA (Flying Doctors of Mercy), American Legion, Military Order of the World Wars, private schooling and college educations for her grandchildren, and countless other organizations and fortunate beneficiaries. Colleen was a scratch golfer, a guest of the White House, grand marshal of the Magic Kingdom Parade in Disney World, special guest of a Space Shuttle Endeavour launch, and an avid San Antonio Spurs fan. Colleen was the last survivor of the Harvey and Mercie Wheeler family. Colleen is survived by her husband of 36 years Dr. Kenneth D. Shanklin (Lieutenant Colonel, USAF Retired), her stepson Steven (Angie) Shanklin , her grandsons Michael Shanklin (and his son Bryson Shanklin), Daniel (Taylor) Shanklin (and his children Wyatt Shanklin and Colleen Ann Shanklin), Phillip Shanklin, Steven Shanklin, and Devin Shanklin, her daugthers-in-law JoAnne Shanklin and Mayuree Shanklin, her many nieces and nephews, and countless relatives and friends. A memorial service was held at on Tuesday, December 9 at the main chapel of Blue Skies of Texas West (formerly Air Force Village II), 5100 John D. Ryan Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78245. In lieu of flowers, Colleen asked that any donations in her memory be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to a charity of the donor’s choice. You are invited to sign the Guestbook at www.porterloring.com.Magic Kingdom Parade in Disney World, special guest of a Space Shuttle Endeavour launch, and an avid San Antonio Spurs fan. Colleen was the last survivor of the Harvey and Mercie Wheeler family. Colleen is survived by her husband of 36 years Dr. Kenneth D. Shanklin (Lieutenant Colonel, USAF Retired), her stepson Steven (Angie) Shanklin , her grandsons Michael Shanklin (and his son Bryson Shanklin), Daniel (Taylor) Shanklin (and his children Wyatt Shanklin and Colleen Ann Shanklin), Phillip Shanklin, Steven Shanklin, and Devin Shanklin, her daugthers-in-law JoAnne Shanklin and Mayuree Shanklin, her many nieces and nephews, and countless relatives and friends. A memorial service was held at on Tuesday, December 9 at the main chapel of Blue Skies of Texas West (formerly Air Force Village II), 5100 John D. Ryan Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78245. In lieu of flowers, Colleen asked that any donations in her memory be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to a charity of the donor’s choice. You are invited to sign the Guestbook at www.porterloring.com. Douglas Kallen makes 2014 New England Super Lawyers list The law firm of Bergeron, Paradis & Fitzpatrick is pleased to announce that Douglas Kallen, a partner since 1995, has been selected for inclusion on the 2014 New England Super Lawyers list in the practice area of Criminal Defense. Douglas has been practicing criminal law for over thirty years and has extensive defense experience. Attorneys selected as Super Lawyers have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The selection process includes independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations. Douglas has been a resident of Jericho since PHOTO CONTRIBUTRED 1994. WELCOME HOME Westford (Morgan) Catherine and Jason Morgan are proud to announce the birth of their son, Beckett Saunders Morgan, on Tuesday, November 18, 2014. Beckett was delivered at the University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, VT. HONOR ROLLS Rice HS honor roll Rev. Msgr. Bernard W. Bourgeois, principal at Rice Memorial High School in South Burlington, proudly announces the following Huntington, Jeffersonville, Jericho and Jericho Center, and Underhill residents who achieved Honor Roll Second Honors status for the first marking period in the 2014-2015 school year. Huntington – Austin Purinton Jeffersonville – Laura Dunn Jericho – Addison Culupa, Robert Hopwood, Sophia Rossi, Sarah Sem Jericho Center – Christopher Aselin Underhill – Allison Babbitt, Kyle DeCoster, Bradley Eldred, Mahntra Hennessey Burlington Technical Center honor roll These local students earned a place on the Burlington Technical Center honor roll for the first quarter of the 2014-2015 academic year: Rebecca Barwin, a student at Mount Mansfield Union High School – Honors Medical and Sports Sciences. Jeffrey Carter, a student at Mount Mansfield Union High School – Honors Medical and Sports Sciences. Ananda Corr, a student at Mount Mansfield Union High School – Electronic Recording Arts. Darius Jordan, a student at Mount Mansfield Union High School – Welding/Metal Fabrication. Audrey King, a student at Mount Mansfield Union High School – Design and Illustration. Lydia Stricker, a student at Mount Mansfield Union High School – Honors Medical and Sports Sciences. Emily Whitehill, a student at Mount Mansfield Union High School – Human Development and Education. United Way holiday volunteer opportunities Tis the Season to Volunteer – step up! Choose one of the options below or go to www.unitedwaycc.org/volunteer to check out more than 300 other volunteer options from local nonprofits, schools, and public partners, or call United Way at 860-1677. Tied with a Bow – Two groups are looking for volunteers to wrap gifts to be distributed to those who would otherwise go without: ReSOURCE: Gift wrapping for all shoppers with an optional cash donation in support of the Essential Goods Voucher Program, a poverty relief program. Saturday, December 20, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM, at the Household Goods Store, Pine St., Burlington. Contact Lizzy Fox, 223-6607 or lfox@resourcevt. org. Vermont CARES: Wrap gifts at the Burlington Town Center holiday table. Volunteers work in teams, so sign up with a friend. Through December 24, three-hour shifts between 11:00 AM and 8:00 PM. Contact Christian Pinillos, 863-2437 or christian@ vtcares.org. First Night Burlington is seeking office volunteers to help sell buttons, answer phones, assemble signboards, etc. Flexible schedules, three-hour shifts through the event on Wednesday, December 31. Volunteers can earn a free First Night button! They are also looking for a volunteer to help trouble-shoot and/ The Mountain Gazette 6558 VT Rt 116 Starksboro, VT 05487 (802) 453-6354 • [email protected] wwwmountaingazetteofvermont.com Deadline: January 2 Publication: January 8 Brenda Boutin publisher/ad sales /delivery News writer - Phyl Newbeck, Editing - Sara Riley Letters Policy: Maximum 450 words; one letter per writer, per calendar month. Must be signed for attribution with writer’s address and phone number. Coming in our January 8 issue: Our Schools Page 3 or fine tune their Microsoft Office and Windows 8.1 systems. For office staff email Pam Stewart at pam@firstnightburlington. com; for software position email Muffie Milens at muffie@ firstnightburlington.com or call Pam or Muffie at 863-6005. Holiday Feasts and Songs – Cathedral Square Corporation is seeking volunteers to bring good cheer and good food to seniors without family or funds to entertain. Prepare and serve a delicious homemade meal for about 15 residents early Christmas week. Musical groups could also provide entertainment (guitar, small ensemble, “family bands,” vocalists) to appreciative seniors. Background check required. Contact Beth Alpert, 8613297 or [email protected]. Gaining Strength – Ethan Allen Residence is seeking fitness volunteers to get residents moving through leading groups in Yoga, Tai-chi, or Strength Building exercises. References and background check required. Contact Carolyn Stevens, 658-1573 or [email protected]. WINTER TIRES Make your appointment now! • Foreign & Domestic Auto Repairs • Wrecker Service • Brakes • Exhaust • Shocks & Struts • Lifetime Muffler • Maintenance Service • Vermont State Inspection • Windshield Replacement Visa • Mastercard • American Express Village Service & Auto Repair Our Schools is an added publication contributed by Richard Mindell featuring the children of the CESU school district. Each issue will focus on art, music, awards, sports, camps, class projects and much more. Bridgestone and Nokian Hakkapeliitta Tires Ted & Jeff Alexander Route 15, Underhill The Mountain Gazette is not responsible for any photos or information contained in the Our Schools pages. Underhill’s Family Owned Locally Operated Automotive Center for 33 Years 899-2056 Friday-Saturday, December 19-20 Holiday Artist Market, 4:00 – 8:00 PM Friday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday, Contois Auditorium, City Hall, 149 Church St., Burlington. Free admission. Wednesday, December 31 New Year’s Eve concert, 7:30 PM, Richmond Congregational Church, Bridge St., Richmond. Music by Hannah Beth Crary, Hillary Stewart, the Fiddleheads, and the Highland Weavers will benefit the Gillett Pond Save the Dam fund. For information, contact Tim Whiteford, 434-4565 or [email protected]. Ring in the New Year with Jazz, 7:30 PM – 12:30 AM, Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center Ballroom, S. Burlington. Dance and dine to toast the New Year and benefit the Vermont Symphony Orchestra, and dance to the VT Jazz Ensemble. Proceeds benefit VSO’s artistic and educational music programs throughout the state. Reception with a VSO ensemble; elegant dinner, silent auction. For information including cost and tickets, contact Amy Caldwell, 800-VSO-9293 x.16, [email protected], or www.vso.org. Sunday, January 4 Community Breakfast, 9:00 – 11:00 AM, VFW Post 6689, 73 Pearl St., Essex Junction (across from Big Lots). Sponsored by the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars. All are invited, both members and non-members! Adults $7; children 10 and under $3. Call 878-0700 for more information. Saturday, January 10 7th Annual Ladies Nordic Ski Expo, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM, Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe. For women looking to learn and practice new ski skills, instructional sessions on classic and skate skiing, and backcountry and telemark techniques. Gear rental available (call ahead, 802-862-7000). Guest speakers Louise and Regina Limoge of Vermont Climbing and Adventure School. Lunch included in registration fee; après-ski social with wine, cheese, and chocolate tasting offered at the Lodge. For information including cost and to register, http://catamounttrail. org/events/ladies-nordic-ski-expo/ or gmaino@catamounttrail. org. Sunday, January 18 VT Respite House Memorial Tree Lighting and Remembrance Ceremony, 2:00 – 4:00 PM, Williston Federated Church, corner of US Rt. 2 and North Williston Rd., Williston. Tuesday, February 10 ‘Snowflake’ Bentley’s 150th birthday symposium, 7:00 PM, Jericho Elementary School auditorium, VT Rt. 15, Jericho. Moderator Mark Breen, Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium, and VPR’s original Eye Mountain High on the Sky. Panelists Dr. Bruce Berryman, Lyndon Pizza Pie State College, Lyndonville; Paul Sisson, National Monday - Wednesday Weather Service, Burlington International Airport; and 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM John Miller, Johnson State Tuesday-Saturday College. Following their 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM discussion, the audience is Sunday 4:00 - 8:00 PM invited to share Bentley’s birthday cake. John Dunlop, cellist, and Laura Markowitz, violinist, members of the VT Route 15, Jeri-Hill Plaza Symphony Orchestra and Jericho Jericho residents, will provide appropriate period music. 899-3718 Area Worship Services CALVARY EPISCOPAL CHURCH Calvary Episcopal Church is a welcoming, caring, Christian Community called to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ, grow our spiritual gifts, and serve our neighbors. 372 VT RT 15, Jericho Sunday Worship Service 9:30 AM Rev. Regina Christianson Rector Karen Floyd, Parish Administrator, 899-2326 www.calvarychurchvt.weebly.com GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH (ELCA) 273 VT RT15 - between Jericho and Underhill Rev. Phillip Roushey, Pastor. Sunday Worship 9:00 AM Nursery Provided Sunday School for all ages - 10:30 AM [email protected] www.GoodShepherdJericho.org JERICHO CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH “An Historic Church Proclaiming an Eternal Message” On the Green in Jericho Center, VT Interim Pastor Doug Walker and Youth Pastor Glenn Carter Sunday Services at 8:00 AM & 11:00 AM Nursery care provided Sunday School at 9:30 AM for all ages Fellowship at 10:30 AM Youth group 6:15 PM Sundays in Sunday school building Signing for the deaf upon request 899-4911; offi[email protected]; www.jccvt.org MOUNT MANSFIELD UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP A Liberal Spiritual Community 195 VT RT 15, Jericho, VT 05465 Phone: 899-2558 website www.mmuuf.org We gather at 9:30 AM at the newly renovated space at 195 VT RT 15, Jericho (red barn across from Packard Road) on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of September All are welcome. ST. THOMAS ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH “Worshiping God in Spirit and in Truth in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass” On Green Street in Underhill Center Weekend Masses: Saturday 4:30 PM Sunday 8:30 AM Pastor: Rev. Charles “Rick” Danielson Deacon: Peter Brooks Religious Ed. Coordinator: Laura Lynch Wells, 899-4770 Parish Secretary: Theresa Gingras Phone: 802-899-4632, email: [email protected], Website: www.stthomasvt.com UNITED CHURCH OF UNDERHILL “Welcoming, Worshipping, Working for God” At the Green on VT RT15 - Rev. Kevin Goldenbogen - 899-1722 www.unitedchurchofunderhill.com Worship and Sunday School 10:30 AM Local and Global Mission and Service Outreach Opportunities for families, men, women and youth Streaming audio sermons: www.becauseyoumay.com [email protected] Page 4 Remembering Christmas By Suzanne Kusserow Special to the Mountain Gazette It is here… again. Every year it seems to sneak up on me, and suddenly I am bombarded (vis-à-vis entertained) with Perry WATCH THE VIDEOS for Moment in Time interviews at www.mmctv.vimeo/album/2821251 This series is produced by The Mountain Gazette & MMCTV SERVING JERICHO, UNDERHILL & RICHMOND SINCE 1997 www.mmctv15.org, (802) 434-2550 BEAUTY COMMUNITY COLUMNS Como singing I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas while Costco is just taking down the fake turkeys. I have resolved, as in all years since adulthood, that I will honor the true spirit of the season, and give gifts to others: a flock of ducks, a sheep, half of a cow, and every year I end up sneaking something into a stocking. This year will be a pair of earrings for Ana and a sketch book for Will. Don’t worry about my telling; they never read this column. But I have started remembering about small gifts that I have been given in previous Christmases, and how they have formed my holly wreath of memories. I can still smell the wet mittens steaming on the huge open hole and ancient grille that formed the heating system for our old farmhouse. These congregated in a large pile after the first official snowball fight, when I found out just how bad a pitcher I was, and how good my kids were. Of course, my daughter was on my side back then, but you can’t expect much from a team of one lousy pitcher and a four year old… except fun. And I remember parents from the Parent Teachers Club of the Underhill Central School, helping the youngest ones learn from their elders, the fourth graders, how to make construction-paper garlands, precariously linked together with a paste of flour and water. Someone always donated a chubby balsam, spotted while wandering his woodlot during hunting season. There was the magnificence of the first lighting, with the whole school gathered in awe, the little ones giving a collective Aah, as the principal, crawling under the tree, found the right plug. I remember the warm wax collecting on my fingers, trying to balance the wavy paper cone that surrounded the tiny white candle as we all gathered for the evening church service. We sang Silent Night, while I silently mouthed the words Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht as I had learned it. The crunch of really cold snow takes me back to my first days in Vermont, when we all huddled over a hot cup of coffee at the local store and had a “can-youtop-this?” contest as we recited the falling temperatures of our various locations. We all will remember the rattle of quickly- Help Santa fear disappear this year By Lewis First Chief of Pediatrics at the UVM Children’s Hospital With the holiday season approaching, parents have been anything but fearful to ask me for tips so that their children are not scared of Santa when they go to visit him in a mall or other event in the weeks ahead. Let me try to put the ho-ho-hos in those fearful woe-woe-woes. Let’s face it, to a small child, Santa Claus can be overwhelming. Maybe it’s his size, his booming voice, his gloves, his bright red suit and big white beard. It may be that he is simply a stranger and sitting on a stranger’s lap is not something any child should be eager to do. But for a small child, visiting Santa might be K&R AUTOMOTIVE EYE CARE • Hunter 4W • Shocks Alignment Machine • Mufflers • State Inspections • Brakes • Transmission Power Flush • Front End Parts We do it all - mini to major jobs! Visa/Mastercard • Discover 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM • Monday - Friday Saturday by Appointment Located on Route 15 between Underhill & Cambridge 802-899-1043 Russell and Karen Bushey, owners/operators CHIROPRACTIC CARE • Gentle Head to Toe Care • Unhurried Appointments • Flexible Scheduling • Emergency Care • Practicing Since 1989 • Former Registered Nurse • Nutritional Counseling • High Quality Supplements • Orthotic/Foot Beds • Spinal Support Products Dr. Mary H. Kintner 397 VT Route 15, Jericho P.O. Box 63 Underhill, VT 05489 Phone (802) 899-5400 Fax (802) 899-5497 Email: [email protected] www.JerichoChiro.com Send your news to [email protected] or call Brenda at (802) 453-6354 Mountain Gazette, December 18, 2014 demolished paper wrappings as the gift emerged like a Phoenix from the fire. I still hate the canned music spilling loudly from the corners of every grocery, shop, drive-in coffee alley, accompanied by those wonderful freezing bell-ringers whose mittened hands keep going for a three-hour shift. I will not wish someone a Happy Holiday; it is still Christmas to me. I try, with my small group of kindergarten singers at Underhill Central School, to maintain some sort of story line that avoids any mistaken religious fervor. But I don’t understand why the adventures of one single man and his predecessors must be cloaked in a wavering apology to all those who feel that our personal and historical narratives are an attempt at conversion. So I narrate my favorite carol with simple visions of the animals who surrounded a new mother and helped her out: Mary and Joseph had to get to this city named Bethlehem to pay their taxes. They couldn’t just drop them at the Town Hall the way your parents do now. And poor Mary was going to have a baby, and she was about to pop! And then, when they got to Bethlehem, all the motels were full! There was one good motel clerk who told them they could stay in a small barn in back of the motel, which was quite nice he said, and out of the cold and the wind. Mary had her baby right there, and they named him Jesus, and that’s why we have Christmas right on his birth day, so we can give him lots of candles and maybe a cake... and try and make as many people happy as we can. The ancient donkey, all shaggy and brown, carried his mother to Bethlehem Town. The sheep with the curly horn, gave him wool to keep him warm. The cow all white and red, gave her hay to cradle his head. The dove and his wife in the rafters high, sang him to sleep so he would not cry. So all the animals were able to tell, of the gift they gave to Immanuel. MERRY CHRISTMAS! quite scary. Therefore the name of the game is to gradually help your child overcome the fear with practice, practice, and more practice. First, ask your child to talk about why they are afraid of Santa. That may help. Talk positively about Santa and the good things he does before you go to meet him. If you celebrate Christmas, have some toy Santas up for decoration so your child can get used to what he looks like. If your child is old enough to tell you what they want from Santa for Christmas, that can also give them better control and something to talk about when they meet the big guy. A good idea is to have your child watch other children their age and size meet Santa – and when they see those children smiling and enjoying their visit, your child may be ready to try as well. Another idea is for you as a parent to go first to get a picture with Santa – and shake his hand. That may be all it takes. If your child is just not ready, don’t force it. Instead, respect the fear, acknowledge that it is hard to meet someone new, and reassure your child they are safe around Santa – and that you are right there. It’s also not a good idea to do anything that would ruin the magic that is Santa at this young age, thinking it will make things easier in meeting him. If your child overcomes the fear and has a successful visit with Santa, praise them. If not, don’t add to the stress by criticizing them or denying the fear exists. Hopefully tips like this will not be scary ones to think about when it comes to helping your child not fear Santa. Mountain Gazette, December 18, 2014 [email protected] ART / MUSIC ART/PHOTOGRAPHY and tickets, contact Amy Caldwell, 800-VSO-9293 x.16, amy@ At the Emile A. Gruppe Gallery in Jericho, an exhibition of vso.org, or www.vso.org. watercolors by Gilbert Myers of Williston, through December Young Tradition Vermont will bring in the New Year with 31. Gill has retired form his practice of elder law but continues two concerts on January 2 and 3, 2015 at the FlynnSpace in his passion for art in painting and giving. In 1980, Gill helped to Burlington, Vermont. Friday, January 2 will feature some of build a church for the Yucatan Indians and supports the church the most creative and productive singers in the region who with the sale of his art work. For more information, contact the write their own material: Cricket Blue (Laura Heaberlin and gallery. Emile A Gruppe Gallery, 22 Barber Farm Rd., Jericho. Taylor Smith); Eric George, Addie Herbert; Chris Dorman; and Gallery owner Emilie Alexander. Gallery hours: Thursday- Hannah Fair. Saturday, January 3 will feature tune players who Sunday, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM or by appointment. Information, have won annual Young Tradition Vermont Contests including www.emilegruppegallery.com or 899-3211. The Irregular and Les Poules a Colin, with special guests Pria Jericho artist and gallery owner Dianne Shullenberger’s Schwall-Kearney and Kit Joyce from Australia, plus Anna work is on exhibit through Saturday, January 24 as part of the Lindblad from Sweden. $15 suggested donation to attend each show Preoccupied at Burlington City Arts, 135 Church St., concert. Reservations available by sending a message to mark. Burlington. Preoccupied features visually stunning work that [email protected]. Doors open at 6:30 pm. General admission. demands careful study. Each artist has accomplished incredibly Cathedral Arts presents free, informal noontime concerts on ornate scenes that are impressive at first glance and upon closer Tuesdays, 12:00 – 1:00 PM at the Episcopal Cathedral, 2 Cherry inspection illustrate tiny features diligently cut, sewn, hashed, St., Burlington. Bring a bag lunch; coffee and tea provided. and drawn with the utmost attention to detail. January 13, 2015: Young Artists Concert – This annual showcase Bryan Memorial Gallery, 180 Main St., Jeffersonville. Land recital presents gifted young Vermont musicians. January 27: and Light exhibition through Sunday, December 28. Call to Sharing Our Songs – Area singers and pianists present a program artists for GEMS to become members and submit to its annual of classical song, including art song, musical theater, and opera exhibition of artwork in a small format, exhibiting through arias. Sunday, December 28. Membership required. Specs, entry Choral Services at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, 2 Cherry form, and information available at www.bryangallery.org. For St., Burlington. Evening Prayer in the style of the Community of information, 802-644-5100. Taizé, 7:30 PM, Sunday, January 18; Monday, March 30; Sunday Celebrate Art from the Heart at City Hall Gallery, 149 Church June 7. Candlelight, chanted prayer, meditation, silence, in the St., Burlington, on exhibit through Friday, January 2 and manner of the French monastic community. featuring patient and volunteer art, information, and photos in Myra Flynn, a Vermonter from Randolph, and her longtime a friendly, supportive, and creative environment for hospitalized musical partner Paul Boffa will be at Shelburne Vineyard, 6308 children and their caregivers. Artistic improvisation with color, Shelburne Rd., Shelburne for a post-holiday house concert at imagery, writing, music, movement and metaphor invites 6:00 PM, Saturday, December 27, an intimate evening featuring feelings of relief, escape, inspiration, and hope. Since 1994, Art her unique and personal blend of soulful songwriting and ageless from the Heart has been supporting a wholehearted community covers. Admission is free and all are welcome. helping children, families, and caregivers feel better through art. To donate to Art from the Heart, go online to www.burlingtoncityarts.org/ donate-become-member. Helen Day Art Center has chosen this year’s recipient of the Giving Tree. The Waterbury Food Shelf has been picked to receive all non-perishable donations. The Giving Tree is a tradition of the Festival of Trees and Light. “We ask all our visitors to bring something for the Giving Tree whenever they come to the Art Center. Our goal is to fill the shelves and make sure that no one in our community goes hungry now and during the holidays”, said Nathan Suter, Executive Director of Helen Day Art Center. The Festival of Trees and Light runs concurrently with the Members’ Art Show & Sale. Helen Day Art Center, 90 Pond St., Stowe, 802-2538358, www.helenday.com. Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 12:00 – 5:00 PM, and by appointment. The work of artist Michelle Ennis Jackson of Essex Junction is featured at Shelburne Vineyard’s Tasting Room Gallery. The show, Capturing the Essence of Vermont ru through February 28. Shelburne Vineyard Wine Tasting Room,6308 Shelburne Rd. (US Rt. 7), open 11:00 AM every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. New exhibits by local artists change every four months. For more information, www. shelburnevineyard.com. MUSIC A New Year’s Eve concert featuring Hannah Beth Crary, Hillary Stewart, the Fiddleheads, and the Highland Weavers will benefit the Gillett Pond 5' x 10' Save the Dam fund. The 10' x 10' concert begins at 7:30 PM on Wednesday, December 31 10' x 15' at Richmond Congregational Church, Bridge St., 10' x 20' Richmond. For information, contact Tim Whiteford, 4344565 or whiteford@gmavt. net. Dance and dine to toast Call or e-mail us today. the New Year and benefit the Vermont Symphony Orchestra, Wednesday, We have great rates and a six month special. With the addition of December 31, 7:30 PM – four new buildings, we are ready to serve your self-storage needs. 12:30 AM, Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center From cars to household items, we have you covered. Ballroom, S. Burlington. Ring in the new year and dance to the VT Jazz Ensemble. 25 North Main Street, Jericho Proceeds benefit VSO’s artistic and educational music programs throughout the state. Reception with a VSO ensemble; elegant dinner, silent auction. For information including cost Unit Sizes: Thinking about winter storage? 802-899-2900 [email protected] Page 5 4H ends year with service projects, fun The Starry nights 4-H Club has had a lot of fun this fall. We have done games and crafts, but we also have participated in charity events. We decorated Thanksgiving bags for Meals on Wheels, and some of our members helped out at the breakfast with Santa. We also made jack-o-lanterns for the Cilley Hill Pumpkin Glow. The club is going to be supporting the community by adopting a local family in need during Christmas time. Starry Nights is planning to do a club art project this year. What are we going to do you ask? We are collecting bottle caps to make pictures. This year we are proud to announce that we have seven new members! They are going to have a great year with us. We have chosen new officers for this year. Our president will be Kira Clokey, co-vice presidents are Kaelyn Jenny and Alexis Walker, and our treasurer is Eva Joly. Kaelyn Jenny, Emma Pearson, and Alexis Walker represented Vermont by going to Kentucky for the Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup. They were all on the Quizbowl team and came in seventh place. Many of our members went to Achievement Night in October. Bella Joly and Morgan Sutliff were our speakers. Many of our members received awards for their hard work! Submitted by Bella Joly and Morgan Sutliff Send your news to [email protected] or call Brenda at (802) 453-6354 [email protected] Page 6 Mountain Gazette, December 18, 2014 SCHOOL NEWS CHMS Open House January 14 & 21 MMU After Dark is a community based education program designed to offer affordable and accessible classes for all community members. Where our community comes to teach and learn Monday • Yoga for Athletes • Intro to Investing • Image Book Making • Wildlife Tracking • Computer Audio Recording Tuesday • The Beautiful, Intriguing & Astonishing Birdlife of Vermont • Maple Sugaring for Beginners • Retirement Principles • Writing Short Poetry • Birding 101 for Teachers • Conversations about Short Stories • Conversational Spanish Wednesday • De-Stress Yoga • Yoga with Jean • Hand Printing Fabric • From Word to Google Docs... The Great Migration • 10 Model Driving Habits for Expert Driving • Alpine Ski Tuning • Chalk Paint Workshop • Whole Foods Cleanse • Cutting Carb Cravings for Children By Mark Carbone, Principal, Camel’s Hump Middle School The October Pumpkin Chuckin’ brought over 100 participant “chuckers” to Camel’s Hump Middle School for a day of fun hurling a variety of squashes via hand-made contraptions. Teams of CHMS students and local Boy Scouts brought great energy to the first of many such events. We hope to expand participant groups to parents and the local engineering community. The winning “chuck” was 140’ in length by a team of scouts. This year’s event raised awareness and support for the continuation of the PROSPER Program – a seven-week program for 6th grade students and their families to assist both through the challenges of adolescence. CHMS will host hundreds of middle-schoolers and their families over two nights in celebration of winter and the youths’ progress since September. The gatherings are planned for Wednesdays, January 14 and 21. Attendees will be treated to choral and band concerts as well as ice skating under the lights. Artwork from all grades will line the halls of the school. Student projects will be in abundance throughout classrooms and in display cases. Open house gives students an excellent opportunity to share their accomplishments with family and friends. We welcome any and all community members to our open house. We are excited that 70% of the funds needed to acquire Willis Hill have been raised – in part by the town’s Conservation Reserve Fund and the Richmond Land Trust – thank you to all who have worked so hard on this effort! The Land Trust plans to open the 20-acre parcel on US Rt. 2 to public and adjacent schools for recreational, educational, athletic, and other uses. The next CHMS/MMU school board meeting will be held on Thursday, January 8, 7:00 PM at MMUHS. The public is welcome, and encouraged, to attend. Thursday • Pottery • Acrylic Painting • Home Exchange • What’s Your Word: Creating Canvas Signs • Soldering 101: Pendants Registration for the Winter Session is OPEN at www.mmuafterdark,com BRMS Winter Reada-Thon Challenge Avid readers at Browns River Middle School started the Winter Read-A-Thon Challenge on December 1. Their goal is to read lots of great books during the cold days and long dark nights. “Our readers have set personal reading challenges for themselves and we’re here to encourage them,” said librarian Joyce Babbitt. Readers are asked to make the commitment to read for 12 weeks and record their weekly progress. “We want to give them an opportunity to find good books, have fun, and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate in our library,” said library assistant Nicole Thompson. As part of the Winter Read-A-Thon Challenge, 40 readers came to kick-off the Read-A-Thon and will come every Thursday to read after school without distractions. What a great time to hunker down with good books. “Our reading community challenges everyone to join in the fun by taking time to read and relax,” said Joyce Babbitt. Until February 20, readers will give themselves the gift of reading. Sustainable Christmas By Bernard Paquette The young boy of nearly twelve years of age reached into his pocket to count the savings from his day’s work. Nearly three dollars, not bad, he thought, for an afternoon of raking leaves, weeding a marigold bed, and listening to old man Jones talk endlessly about farming and the hard work entailed in working and sustaining the land. He wondered where the reminiscent neighbor had farmed given his city yard. The small lot hosted many wildflowers, as well as annuals, a hedge of lilacs as purple as his teenage sister’s bedroom walls, and a cherry tree which in spring offered tart yet Sustainable Christmas continued on page 7 Classes begin the week of January 12th Classes run from 1 to 6 weeks, starting at $15! All classes contingent upon sufficient enrolment: Register Today. For more information contact David Alofsin at MMUHS: 802-858.1661 or [email protected] Jeffersonville Cape with Views! Offered At $230,000 Cambridge ........................................... Enjoy spectacular mountain views from this well maintained 3 bedroom, 2 full bath Cape on 6+ acres. Newly refinished hardwood floors. Large bonus room, office and attached heated and insulated garage. Two covered porches and back deck. 45 minutes to Burlington and St. Albans. MLS# 4348239 Foreclosure: 3BR, 2BA on 8.75± Acres Thurs., Jan. 15 @ 11AM • 230 Robinson Rd., Jeffersonville, VT Your Right Choice in Any Market Call/text (802) 343-9980 JaneKileyRealEstate.com [email protected] A Basic Skills Program at the Essex Skating Facility Registration Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Children’s Lessons Wed., Thurs., and Fri. Adult Lessons Sundays Contact us at: Essex Skating Facility 878-1394 www.essexrink.com Jillian Frascoia, Skating Director [email protected] ADVERTISING INSERTION ORDER Thomas Hirchak Company FROM: Matt Chaney Phone: 800-634-7653 • Fax: 802-888-2211 COMPANY: Mountain Gazette TO: Brenda Boutin 1C=1.5; 2C=3.25; 3C=5; FOR SALE PHONE: Christmas Shop Local!!! Stop at Johnson Farm & Garden 1st!! Many don’t and say they wished they had – after wasting TODAY’S 12/9 and not finding it – And finding time and gas goingDATE: to Burlington NAMEFarm OF FILE: DempseyMtG2 it at Johnson & Garden on the way home!! Its amazing DATE(S) TOtoys, RUN:sports, 12/18 camping, pets, hardware, and clothing, footwear, more! 635-7282. Open2x4 Sunday December 21, 10-4. SIZE OF AD: HugeEMAILED ClearanceTO: room - up to 75% off clothing & footwear! [email protected] Winter jackets & boots for the entire family! Johnson Farm & Garden 635-7282. ESTATE StopSECTION: in and see REAL our new renovations at Johnson Farm & Garden, Hardware & Rental!! Beautiful dresses, skirts, & shirts!! Huge Carhartt pant 28’ wall, Patagonia, Columbia, Parna, Horney Toad, Carhartt, Dickies, Codet, Rocky, Prana Life Is Good and more! Just in “OR” jackets! Johnson Farm & Garden 635-7282. Scrubs, fire resistant & Hi Vis! Gloves and Mittens for the whole family! 36’ wall! Kinco, OR, Columbia, Gordiru, Carhartt, LBows! Also base layers: Columbia, Omni – reflective Dickies & Capilene, Johnson Farm & Garden 635-7282. BLUFF is now in! The original multifunctional headware – wear more than 12 ways! Also: wool and reversible ones! Great colors & prints!! Johnson Farm & Garden 635-7282. Moriarty Wool Ski Hats are back!! 3rd generation hats made in homes in Lamoille County! Anabel knit 1st one for her son Marvin to wear in the 1956 Olympics! Johnson Farm & Garden 635-7282. “Hat Headquarters” Skida (made in Vermont), Stormy Cromer, OR, Columbia, Pistil, Carhartt, and many more for the whole family! Also Turtle Fur on sale $6.99 and up! Johnson Farm & Garden 635-7282. “Footwear Headquarters” for the whole family, 120’ wall – 400 styles! Dansko, Keene, Bogs, Muck, Irish Setter, Merrell, Lacrosse, Rocky, Wolverine, Ranger, Realtree, Northside, Sanita, Ahnu, & more! Johnson Farm & Garden 635-7282. Huge clearance room of footwear!! Ski Pants & Bibs, $24.99 and up! Toddlers, women & men up to 6x! Johnson Farm & Garden 635-7282. 30% Off all Rocky camo clothing, gloves, hats, Rocky Footwear. Johnson Farm & Garden 635-7282. Ice Creepers – Help protect yourself from broken bones! Several brands & sizes. Johnson Farm & Garden 635-7282. CLASSIFIEDS Jane Kiley, REALTOR® Vermont Skating Academy EMAILED ADVERTISEMENT c. 1830 home on 8.75± acres just off Route 108. 3BR, 2 BA, basement, 1,580±SF. Walnut floors, floating pine ceiling in LR, cherry walls. Awaiting your finishing touches. Thomas Hirchak Co. · 800-634-7653 · THCAuction.com HELP WANTED Cleaning - Jericho Rt. 15 morning cleaning position, 1 day/week, 2 hours. Work includes cleaning offices, restroom, and kitchen, vacuuming, sweeping/mopping. Please call Barry at 802-863-3063. Mountain Gazette, December 18, 2014 Sustainable Christmas continued from page 6 [email protected] Page 7 slightly sweet cherries – if you beat the chipmunk to them. The elderly man assured the boy that the hundreds of species planted in his yard were beneficial to wildlife and people alike. All this crammed into less than one acre. The evergreens, the cedar hedge, the patches of yew, the hemlock scattered over the bank and along the Centennial Brook running beyond the house, a few blue spruce and scotch pine, along with the oak, white and river birch not only provided food for birds, chipmunks, squirrels, and other creatures, but also provided accommodating and sustainable homes for them. He used that word sustainable a lot. Like when he bragged about his raised bed gardens and his endless efforts of amending soil using homegrown compost. A few times a week the young boy would ride his bicycle to Starbucks to collect used coffee grounds, and cart them back in a milk crate attached to the back of his bike. Watching the old man mix the grounds with sand was like watching his mom mix dough for pies. His hands reached into the mix up to his forearms, quickly blending the ingredients, making the soil dark and loamy looking. Next, he dumped the mixture on top of old editions of the Mountain Gazette and cardboard within an empty raised bed. Once the bed was full, the mixture set for a year while organisms decomposed the organic matter helping to transform nutrients into minerals plants could use, and improving soil structure for less compaction and better air and water movement. Mom makes pies; Mr. Jones helps make a living ecosystem to grow flowers and food. By December the young man, now twelve years old, had acquired a sense of duty, a moral compass of sorts, to live sustainably. His mentor had created a moral context for action. It was too cold to amend soil – the ground was nearly frozen. Reaching once again into his pocket to count his savings, now a robust forty-five dollars, he considered buying a real Christmas tree for his mentor. Arriving at the Christmas tree stand, he heard the ringing bell of a Salvation Army volunteer sitting placidly on a chair next to a red bucket for donations. This image framed the decision on how to make his earnings most sustainable, into a larger context. His savings would not purchase a renewable resource; instead, it would support a living ecosystem of sorts – the Salvation Army and its beneficiaries. On the way home, the young man spotted a scotch-pine tree branch with a pinecone attached, lying on the ground. The old man was delighted with the gift, placing it on his kitchen window, expressing the joy this Christmas tree conveyed to him. Merry Christmas! AUTOMOTIVE HOME IMPROVEMENT PAINTING • Automotive Service and Repair • Scheduled Maintenance • Struts • Tires • Brakes & Exhaust • Windshield Repair Phil Potvin • 899-3305 and Replacement 27 Moose Run, Pleasant Valley Rd, Underhill • VT State Inspection Factory Subaru Trained and Certified Visa / Mastercard / Discover FORESTRY MANAGEMENT Lumber Superior Quality Great Prices Mill Direct Kiln Dried 6-8% As projects move indoors.... HARDWOOD FLOORING 3/4” finished thickness. Random length 4’ - 12’ (some longer)tongue and groove, recessed back (not end matched). MAPLE, CHERRY, OAK, BIRCH Price & availability can vary. Call ahead to confirm. TRUCKING - METAL RECYCLING YOU CALL! WE HAUL! HARDWOODS ROUGH Hard & Soft MAPLE, CHERRY, Red & White OAK, ASH, BASSWOOD MAHOGANY, WALNUT & YELLOW POPLAR. No quantity too small. ALMOST WHOLESALE 500’ BF pkgs of lumber - Hard Maple, Yellow Birch, Cherry & Red Oak. Select & better. Ask Ken for details. HOME IMPROVEMENT Time for a new roof... install a STANDING SEAM ROOF that will last 100 years • Standing seam costs the same as other contractors charge for shingles • Leader in quality, beauty, longevity, and functionality • Impervious to ice jams • No-leak written warranty for 10 times longer than other contractors Call today for an appointment. 30 years of roofing experience. Let Trevor show you how the standing seam option is the right choice for your next roofing project. Call Trevor Campbell at (802) 849-6455 or e-mail [email protected]. Dan Marcotte Construction LLC SHIPLAP FLOORING V-JOINT PIPWICK DRESSED 4 SIDE Cash & Volume Discounts Great Specials • Friendly Service The A . Johnson C o. WHOLES ALE • RETAIL L U M B E R 23 Kristie Lane Jericho, VT 05465 www.thurgate.com All Pine is Kiln Dried Pitch set @ 170° 995 South 116 RD Bristol, VT 05443 802-453-4884 7am - 4pm Mon-Fri Remodeling & Design Home Remodeling Kitchens & Baths • Basements Tom Carter 38 Hanley Lane, Jericho VT 05465 • 802-899-5070 35 email: [email protected] • www.cartercarpentry.com 3842 Dorset Lane Williston 802--793-9133 TRUCKING - RUBBISH REMOVAL AT YOUR DISPOSAL TRUCKING Residential Rubbish Removal Underhill / Jericho / Essex $20 a month Every other week pickup $30 a month Every week pickup 65 Gal. Totes Available Nate Guay • (802) 279-1367 Randy Bishop Construction LLC Superior Quality Building • Residential / Commercial • Custom Finish Work • New Construction • All Phases of Construction • Remodeling & Additions • Roofing / Siding • Custom Building & Design • Top Quality Building Materials 355-1092 [email protected] • Jericho • Customs Homes • Remodeling • Design • Handyman Route 15 Hardwick 802-472-5100 Carter Carpentry Replacement Windows and Vinyl Siding Building, Remodeling, Repairs 899-2926 We Pick Up and Pay for Junk Automobiles! E N PI BEADED Free Estimates LIcensed & Fully Insured Serving the Champlain Valley 802-899-4442 Cell 363-7467 LANDSCAPING/PROPERTY MAINTENANCE [email protected] • Route 15, Underhill Roll Off Dumpsters & Full Service Junk Removal TRUCKING - TOWING [email protected] Page 8 Mountain Gazette, December 18, 2014 LIBRARY NEWS DEBORAH RAWSON LIBRARY, UNDERHILL For information on the programs and services available at DRML, visit www.drml.org. You can also find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter! December StoryTime! Drop in for stories, projects and a nutritious snack! Thursday, December 18, 10:00 AM, author Bill Skiff will be visit to read his book, Willie the Jumping Frog. (Rescheduled from December 11.) French Conversation Group meets in the Fireplace Room Thursday, December 18, 6:30 – 7:30 PM. The DRML Board of Trustees will meet on Thursday, December 18 at 7:00 PM in the meeting room. Graphic Novel Club – All participants are reading and using the book Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud to read, discuss, and create their own comics/graphic novel strips. Friday, December 19 from 3:00 – 4:00 PM. Join us for Family Movie Night on Friday, December 19 from 6:30 – 9:00 PM. Plan to bring the whole gang to DRML for a family- friendly movie. Bring your pillow and blanket and we’ll provide the popcorn! Baby Time! Saturday, December 20 at 10:30 AM. Infants and babies up to 18 months are introduced to the wonders of language with nursery rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and board books. This is a great time for parents and childcare providers to connect, chat, and share ideas. Older siblings welcome. No registration required. Lego: The Creating, Tuesday, December 30, 10:00 – 11:30 AM. Join Thad for a Lego get together. We will be CLOSED on Wednesday-Thursday-Friday, December 24-25-26. We will resume regular library hours on Saturday, December 27 at 10:00 AM. The library will close early, at 1:00 PM, New Year’s Eve day – Wednesday, December 31; and will be closed on New Year’s Day, Thursday, January 1. Deborah Rawson Book Lovers (DRBL) is an adult book discussion group that meets every month at the library. New members are always welcome to drop in on any meeting – always the second Tuesday of the month at 7:00 PM. For more information Ace Glass and Windows Family Owned and Operated for over 30 Years 237 Brooklyn St., Morrisville • 4968 VT 15, Jeffersonville 1-800-624-9059 • 802-888-5406 • 802-644-2905 www.aceglassvt.com • Mon.-Fri. 8-5 • Sat. By Appointment Auto Glass: All your auto glass needs; from a small chip in your windshield, to a total replacement, back and side glass as well as side view mirrors. We also do commercial auto glass, including buses, trucks and heavy equipment. Glass for Your Home: We are a full-service glass shop providing services including: Glass Repair, including insulated glass replacement, storms and screens; Home Improvements: tub and bath enclosures, custom showers and mirrors; Energy Efficiency: Vinyl replacement windows using the highest insulating value available; Porch Enclosures: WeatherMaster Vertical Window Systems. EV_LightingCampaign_TruckAd_6.5x9_OUTPUT.pdf 1 10/23/14 5:08 PM Commercial Glass: From storefront plate glass windows and doors to office walls of glass to wall size mirrors and beyond, we can service. about book club, contact Christine Staffa at [email protected]. Library hours: Tuesday 12:00 – 8:00 PM, Wednesday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Thursday 12:00 – 8:00 PM, Friday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Sunday 1:00 – 4:00 PM; closed Monday. For information on any of the library’s programs, call 899-4962. JERICHO CENTER LIBRARY Thank you to all who have responded to our fund raising letter. We will be using the money to refurbish the upstairs of the library, where much of our children’s programming takes place. Donations are still being accepted, and thank you in advance for your contributions. Jericho Town Library’s BIG BOOK SALE is on-going as we weed out our collection of books, audio books/DVDs, and puzzles (we can’t guarantee that all of the pieces are there!) Fill your home bookshelves with two-for-$1 books and 50¢ audio books/DVDs. Lots to choose from – holiday movies, children’s, juvenile, adult fiction, fantasy, and nonfiction. Come early for best selection. Family visiting for the holidays? Take home a free puzzle or two! Exact change or local check. All proceeds will benefit library programs. The JTL web site URL has changed: www.jerichotownlibraryvt.org. We are excited to launch a fresh, new website! We implemented some important changes in design and functionality that will improve research and accessibility. In addition to a new look and feel, the site improves navigation to Library Services as well as provides useful information on Hours, Programs, Events Calendar, and News. Please join us at www.jerichotownlibraryvt.org to see the transformation and to stay informed about on-going events at the library. Let us know what you think! Feeling “crafty?” Monday nights at the library from 6:00 – 7:00 PM is the opportunity for you to share your craft with others and/or to learn a new craft. Visit our website to find out the craft of the night each Monday. No pre-registration is necessary; just come and enjoy time spent with friends and neighbors while learning a new skill. All of us at the Jericho Town Library wish our community very happy holidays and hope to see familiar and new faces at the library in the New Year. Library board meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month, starting at 7:15 PM. The next meeting is December 2. Library hours are: Monday 1:00 – 7:00 PM; Wednesday 10:00 AM – noon (includes children’s story time) and 2:00 – 7:00 PM; Friday 1:00 – 5:00 PM; Saturday 10:00 AM – noon. For more information call 899-4686, go online to www.jerichotownlibraryvt.org, or email [email protected]. VARNUM MEMORIAL LIBRARY, JEFFERSONVILLE It has become a tradition for a growing number of in our community to join us on the third Thursday in December to share treasured readings and memories with each other. This year will be no different! Please join us on December 18 beginning at 6:30 for refreshments, readings, and great cheer. If you would like to read a short piece or share a holiday memory, please do so. If you would like to listen to what others share, please join us! We look forward to seeing you there! The Varnum Library, P.O. Box 198, 194 Main St., Jeffersonville, 802-644-2117, [email protected]. Please visit Varnum Library’s website, http://thevarnum.org. Hours: Mondays and Tuesdays 12:00 – 7:00 PM, Wednesdays 3:00 – 7:00 PM, Thursdays 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Fridays 2:00 – 5:00 PM, and Saturdays 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. WESTFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY, WESTFORD Tai Chi every Monday and Wednesday from 11:15 AM – noon, (pre-registration required). Storytime every Thursday, 11:00 AM. Lunch and a Movie – 12:00 noon – 2:00 PM. Get out of the house and watch something animated and newish – the library provides popcorn; you bring a bag lunch. Library closed Wednesday-Friday, December 24-26, and Wednesday-Thursday, December 31-January 1. Library Hours: Wednesday 1:00 – 7:00 PM, Thursday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Friday 1:00 – 7:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM; website: www.westfordpubliclibrary.org; Email: [email protected]. Like us on Facebook. 878-5639, Bree Drapa, Librarian. FAIRFAX COMMUNITY LIBRARY All events are free unless noted otherwise. Pre-registration encouraged. Thursday, December 18, 6:00 – 7:30: Special Event!!! The Traveling Storyteller presents The Gingerbread Boy. Fun for the entire family. Followed by a craft suited to preschoolers! Sponsored in conjunction with Fairfax Success by Six / Building Bright Futures. Please note there is no chess club or story hour on Tuesdays, December 23 and 30. LIBRARY CLOSED Wednesday-Thursday, December 24-25. School Year Library Hours: Monday, Wednesday 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM; Tuesday and Thursday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Friday 8:00 AM – 3:15 PM; Saturday 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM. For up-to-date information about programs, visit our website www.fairfaxvtlibrary.org, where you can find a link to our interactive Google calendar. Fairfax Community Library: 75 Hunt St., Fairfax, VT, 05454; 849-2420. Program Planner Karyn Norwood, [email protected]; Library News: www.bfafairfax.com/pages/ communitylibrarynews.html. Kari, Brian, Lisa, Pam, and Danielle.