South Hero - The Islander
Transcription
South Hero - The Islander
The Islander, December 23,2014 Page 1 East Shore Vineyard Finds a New Home at the Landon Farm Merry Christmas from Paul Poquette Realty Group The iconic Landon Farm in South Hero was conserved in 2003 by a partnership of the South Hero Land Trust (SHLT), Vermont Land Trust (VLT), Lake Champlain Land Trust (LCLT), and the Nature Conservancy. It has beautiful views, great agricultural resources, and a public access trail, which were protected by a conservation easement that will remain on the land through all ownership. The farm was bought by the Wells family, who ran a diversified farm for several years. After a period of transition the family decided to sell, and asked VLT to purchase the land back from them. Like all land across Vermont, farmland transitions over time from one family or business to another, changing as markets grow, families age, and communities shift. See “East Shore Vineyard” page 2 The Team to Better Serve You! David Porteous Realtor 861-6292 Carol Racine Lic. Admin 861-6294 All the best for a Happy Healthy New Year! [email protected] [email protected] Experience Integrity Professional Serving: Grand Isle, Franklin, & Chittenden Counties RE/MAX North Professionals Is it time for Winter Tires? December Inspections Due 2 Call Mitchel or Chris 372-6139 Route 2 & 314 South Hero Merry Christmas and Happy 2015! Many Thanks for a Great Season! See you in the Spring! The Shed will close at Noon on Dec 24th. The Packing House will re-open on Jan. 5th, weekdays, from 8 to 12. Pies by Chance or Reservation South St., South Hero• 372-5566 The Islander, December 23,2014 Page 2 EAST SHORE VINEYARD Continued from page 1 When conserving farmland, the goal of SHLT is to keep agricultural land and soils available for farming and affordable for farmers into the future. In a small and tight-knit community like South Hero, it can be sad to see one farm go out of business or a family move away- but conserving farmland gives us hope for the future. When the Wells family asked VLT to buy the Landon Farm from them, it was sad to see them go. But SHLT was ready to lend their local expertise and support to VLT and begin a search for new farmers to keep the land in production. This summer VLT and SHLT reviewed over a dozen proposals from farmers who were interested in the land and interviewed several, working hard to find a farm that would be a good match for the Landon Farm and the South Hero community. They are thrilled to share the news that East Shore Vineyard has been chosen to lease and eventually buy the Landon Farm! East Shore Vineyard has been based on the east shore of Grand Isle for the past fourteen years. Founded by Bob and Linda Livingstone, and now owned by their sonin-law Ben Durant, East Shore Vineyard produces several award-winning wines, including their popular Louise Swenson and Traminette. They currently raise 11 acres of grapes in Grand Isle and will use the Landon Farm to expand their production significantly. Wine is a value-added agricultural product, and East Shore Vineyard will make use of the unique climate and soils of the Champlain Island to produce wines distinct to the region and vineyard. They Owner Ben Durant (in the middle), his vintner Holly (left) and hope to grow about 50 acres of grapes in vineyard manager Peter on right. South Hero, making it one of the largest vineyards in the state. “I really can’t think of a better place for us to expand our vineyard. The soils, topography, infrastructure, and even the name of the road (East Shore Road), fit our operation perfectly! We are feeling a little like Cinderella these days. Now comes the hard work of getting the farm up and ready for pressing and growing grapes. We are up for the challenge,” said Ben Durant, after hearing the news that their proposal had been selected. Welcoming a second vineyard to South Hero will help make this community and the Champlain Islands a destination for agri-tourists and wine enthusiasts- with wines and ice ciders also being made throughout the county by Snow Farm Vineyard, Forbidden Orchards, and Hall Home Place. As Dave Lane of Snow Farm says, “we welcome East Shore Vineyard to the community. We believe that it will be good for business to have another vineyard in South Hero, good for the orchards and other agriculture related businesses as well. More critical mass of value-added business to draw consumers to the Islands is a win-win for us all!” Eventually East Shore Vineyard plans to make, age, bottle and sell the wine at the new farm, as well as have a tasting room. This fall they are moving into the new space and getting it ready for the 2015 growing season. Please join us in welcoming them to South Hero! Please note: The Landon Community Trail is a public access trail on the Landon Farm. It is open to the public every day from dawn to dusk, expect when closed by the farmers for essential farming activities and during rifle season. Please stay on the trail and respect the rules, they are for your safety and that of the farmers. If you would like to access other parts of the farm for walking, riding, hunting or other activities, please remember that the farm is private property, and contact Ben Durant directly for individual permission. Email him at ben@ eastshorevineyard.com. South Hero Check out our HUGE selection of: • Dollar Items • Greeting Cards • Health & Beauty Aids • Household & Pet Products • Large Selection of Snacks • Milk starting at $3.49/Gal. Your Neighborhood Island Pharmacy Where excellent customer service & competitive prices are our goal! Route 2 802.372.5377 21 Sunset View Road P.O. Box 212 South Hero, VT 05486 [email protected] p: (802)372-5600 f: (802)372-3025 The Islander is published weekly and circulated in South Hero, Grand Isle, North Hero, Isle La Motte, Alburgh, Milton, Georgia, Colchester and Swanton in Vermont, and Rouses Point, Champlain, Chazy and Mooers in New York. Editor- George Fowler, Production Manager- Tonya L. Poutry, Graphic Artist- Tonya L. Poutry, Editorial Typesetter- Courtney A. Schaetz Sales Manager- Bruce Cahan Circulation- Chriss Sherwin Contributors- Susan Davis - [email protected] 802-378-5282, Mary Racicot, Courtney A. Schaetz, Mary Harwood, Anita Bruley, Lisa Arnold, Julie Dickie and Lorinda Henry. To place display advertising, contact the office at (802)372-5600 or FAX us at (802)372-3025. Office Hours are Thursday-Saturday 9:00-12:00/1:005:00 and Monday 9-5; Tuesday and Wednesday by appointment or chance. Deadline for Tuesday's Paper is Saturday Noon. Website: www.lakechamplainislander.com Editorial material may be reproduced with credit. Advertising material is the property of the publisher. —All Rights Reserved— Not responsible for typographical errors. www.facebook.com/lakechamplainislander In This Issue... Milton.........................................................Page 3 Alburgh News............................................Page 4 New York News..........................................Page 5 South Hero News.......................................Page 6 Grand Isle News.........................................Page 7 North Hero News......................................Page 11 Dicker Dens...............................................Page 12 Isle La Motte..............................................Page 13 Calendar of Events....................................Page 14 Legal Notices............................................Page 14 Islanders Girls 7/8 Basketball Team Announces Raffle Winner The Islanders Girls 7/8 Basketball Team would like to congratulate Mr. John Lawrence of Grand Isle, the winner of their 50/50 Raffle drawn on December 1. Mr. Lawrence won $800 in the raffle and graciously donated $200 back to the team. The Islanders Girls Basketball team represents the Island Communities as they compete in the Vermont Mini Metro league and AAU basketball tournaments throughout the state of Vermont and New York from November through June. The purpose of this fundraising raffle, and other events they will hold in the future, is to help offset the costs of purchasing uniforms and tournament fees. The Islanders team would like to thank everyone in the community for their generous support in this 50/50 raffle. Beat Cabin Fever at the Vermont Genealogy Library Winter can be cold and dark, but the Vermont Genealogy Library is toasty warm, and they have lots of information that might help you find that missing ancestor. They have Vermont Vital Records: baptism, marriage and burial records, etc., as well as, resources for New England, New York and Canada. The Library is located on Hegeman Avenue in Fort Ethan Allen in Colchester. The Library is open Tuesdays from 3 to 9:30 pm and Saturdays: 10 am to 4 pm, but they will be closed through January 3, to resume regular hours on January 6. For more information, visit www.vtgenlib. orgor call 802-310- 9285. Their new schedule of classes will start in February. Milton News Lorinda A. Henry . 802-893-7036 • [email protected] • TOWN CALENDAR Tuesday, December 23- Conservation Commission from 6:30 to 8 pm; Wednesday, December 24 and Thursday, December 25Town Offices closed for Christmas; Thursday, January 1- Town Offices closed for New Year’s; Monday, January 5- Selectboard Meeting starts at 6 pm; Tuesday, January 6- Selectboard Budget Work Session from 6 to 9 pm; Tuesday January 6- Planning Commission starts at 7 pm; Wednesday, January 7- Budget Work Session from 6 to 9 pm. TOWN MANAGER TO LEAVE Milton Town Manager, Brian Palaia, will be leaving the Milton position for a similar one in Oxford, Massachusetts. Selectboard Chairman Darren Adams stated that Palaia’s end date is to be determined, as a formal contract has yet to be signed. Oxford is a town of 13,700 just south of Worcester; Palaia says he wishes to be closer to family in Connecticut, where he and his wife grew up. ZONING ORDINANCE CHANGES At the Milton Selectboard Meeting last week, the Board voted to approve changes to the Zoning Ordinance requiring more amenities in its primary development districts and limiting adult-oriented businesses in Town. The Board also received a presentation on expansion plans for a public works facility, recreational facilities, and a comprehensive space assessment. This work is in the planning stages only. The Town Manager introduced the proposed budget for FY 2016 which calls for a 2.6 percent tax increase. This would have an annual impact of $31 on the typically assessed residential household. The Board will be meeting through January to review this budget and set a final number and proposal to go to voters for consideration. Keep an eye on this website or the Town website for more information. RECREATION NOTES Milton Bear has invited his cousin, Molly Bear to come to town. Molly is as eager as Milton to go on vacation or weekend travels with you and your family. They are quite the tourists and are seldom grumpy-- you will enjoy their company! As the new year starts, the new directory for winter and spring activities will be out January 8. ROAD SAFETY FOR KIDS Please remind your children that snow castles, forts, tunnels and other similar structures cannot be allowed in roadside snow banks and that they should not play close to the road. Cars skidded all over last week, and some ended up on sidewalks. Also, remember that basketball hoops, landscape fencing and features and other obstructions need to be moved out of the right of way. These items pose a significant hazard to the safety of residents as well as drivers. SCHOOL CALENDAR Now through January 2, there will be no school for the Holiday Break. Students will return to school on Monday, January 5. The Milton Town School District staff would like to wish a safe and peaceful time with your families. January 29- MMS Performance of Willie Wonka, times to be announced; June 12- due to the recent snow day, the school year will be extended by one day. The last day of school for the Milton Town School District is now scheduled for Friday, June 12. SKI AND RIDE Scheduling change: please take note that the first day of our season will be January 10 this The Islander, December 23,2014 Page 3 Join Vermont State Parks for Fun, Guided, First Day Hikes year. The season will run as normal, ending a week later. PUBLIC LIBRARY NEWS SPECIAL EVENT: The Milton Public Library is offering a December Children’s Event on Wednesday, December 31. There will be a Happy “Noon” Year Party, from 11 am to 12:30 pm, for ages three to seven. There will be games, crafts, refreshments, cake and fun ringing in the “Noon” Year! Sign-up is required; to add your name to Start the New Year on the right foot with a the guest list, call 893-4644. hike in a Vermont State Park. Join a free, guided, STORY TIMES: All story times begin at easy, family hikes taking place in state parks 10 am. The story time schedule is: Mondaysand forests throughout the state. Professional Infant Story Time for zero to eighteen months; guides and outdoor educators will lead the way, Tuesdays- Preschool Story Time for ages three sharing their knowledge and love of the Vermont to five and Fridays- Toddler Story Time for ages eighteen months to age three. All sessions outdoors. Don’t need a guide? Then get outside include stories, songs and craft time with Mrs. at the state park or forest of your choice. They Dulac. are always available and close by to all of us. ADULT BOOK GROUP DISCUSSION: This Entry is free, and you will discover a whole new group meets once a month usually the first world in the winter. Thursday. The book for January is Barbara Pym’s Bring the whole family! Dress for the weather; humorous novel, Excellent Women. Pym’s at her bring snowshoes if there is a lot of snow. Bring funniest, leads us into the life of a mid-century some beverages and snacks. Dogs are welcome, single lady in an English village, keeping track of on leash, unless otherwise noted. You don’t her neighbors, a fun book for cold winter nights. need to pre-register: just show up. To check the If you would like to join this wonderful group, status of the hikes, call 802-249-1230. Update call 893-4644, and put your name on the list for the book. With discussion, conversation and messages will be posted on December 31 and refreshments, it’s a book party every month! January 1. For more information and updated BRIDGE CLUB: The weekly Bridge Club lists of added hikes, visit www.vtstateparks.com meets every Wednesday, from 1 to 3 pm, for or their Facebook and Twitter feeds. friendly games; all levels are welcome, including Locally, First Day Hikes will be led at Grand Isle beginners. State Park in Grand Isle and Niquette Bay State GROOVY Park in Colchester. Grand Isle hikers should meet LUNCH BUNCH at the Park Office by 10 am for a one-hour, easy The meal for Friday, December 19 will be loop hike on Ironwood Nature Trail. Niquette baked stuffed peppers, vegetable medley, whole Bay State Park hikers should meet at Noon at wheat roll and pumpkin mousse. There are the trailhead in the State Park. The hike will be no meals for the rest of December due to the holidays. 1.5 miles, about two hours, and of moderate Milton’s seniors enjoy meals at the Arrowhead difficulty. Senior Citizens’ Center twice a week; there will no longer be meals here at the Center on Mondays as the attendance has been so low. All meals and programs are sponsored by the Champlain Valley Agency on Aging and are held at the Milton Arrowhead Senior Citizens’ Center unless On December 8, 2014, Champlain VT, LLC d/b/a TDI otherwise noted. New England filed with the Vermont Public Service Board Seniors age sixty and over are welcome. Call (“PSB”) a Petition under 30 V.S.A. § 248 requesting a Shirley early at 893Certificate of Public Good to construct and operate an 1619, at least 25 hours electric transmission line in Vermont, to be known as the ahead, for reservations. New England Clean Power Link project (“NECPL”). A $4 donation is appreciated. Milton’s CVAA advocate is Julie The NECPL would be a high voltage direct current Petersen at 865-0360 (“HVDC”) line capable of transmitting up to 1,000 or 1-800-642-5119. megawatts of electricity. It would be installed underwater Meal-site Coordinator is Karen Fitzgerald. in Lake Champlain and underground in public road and HISTORICAL railroad rights-of-way -- from Alburgh to Ludlow, Vermont SOCIETY -- for a total distance of approximately 154 miles. The CALENDARS Calendars make HVDC line would terminate at a converter station to be great holiday gifts, constructed in Ludlow, where the electricity would be especially the local converted to AC and transmitted to the ISO-NE grid via ones. The Milton the existing VELCO Coolidge substation in Cavendish, Historical Society’s annual calendar Vermont. has been a favorite for years. The 2015 More information regarding the Project and the full Calendars, History from Section 248 Petition can be found on TDI New England’s Above -- Aerial Views of Milton, is available at website at www.necplink.com. Information concerning the Town Clerk’s Office. the Public Service Board’s review process can be found The cost is $10 each, or at www.psb.vermont.gov, including the Citizens’ Guide two for $18. Get one for yourself and one for a to the Vermont Public Service Board’s Section 248 friend! Process. Public Notice of Champlain VT, LLC’s Filing of a Section 248 Petition with the Vermont Public Service Board Concerning the New England Clean Power Link Project The Islander, December 23,2014 Page 4 Alburgh News Lisa Arnold . 802-796-3325 • [email protected] • It seems like I have been rambling for weeks about getting prepared for Christmas, and now, here we are on the cusp of the actual holiday! I am not sure if all of my hopes for being better prepared have come true, but I do know I have learned that: realizing what is truly important, is one of the greatest gifts you can give to yourself. There are so many around the world who are suffering; there are many in need; there are many who have internal strife or struggles that we can only imagine. My Christmas wish for them is to find peace and love and for us all to take even a small part in that. I wish for you all happiness and joy; I wish you all the gift of forgiveness and acceptance; I wish for you all an opportunity to help out your fellow man and most of all: I wish for you all to have the merriest of Christmases. Welcome Christmas 2014. I plan on making you one to remember, in a good way! HOLIDAY WISHES AND NEWS FROM THE TRANSFER STATION The Alburgh Transfer Station Staff would like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season. We would also like to remind you that we will be closing at 1 pm on Wednesday, December 24. Beginning in January, we will be taking orders for composters, rain barrels, kitchen pails and compost turners. More information to come in the upcoming weeks. As Christmas approaches and gifts are exchanged, please remember that wrapping paper is not recyclable. Wrapping paper is often dyed or laminated. It can also contains non-paper additives, such as gold and silver coloring, glitter and plastics, in addition to having tape on it. Ribbon is also NOT recyclable and can damage the recycling machine. Please throw ribbon, bows and wrapping paper into your regular household trash. Also, please do not burn your wrapping paper. For 13-gallon bags that contain only wrapping paper, ribbons and bows, we will be charging $2 only. SPECIAL THANK YOU A very special thank you is extended to the Holiday Light Committee for their hard work and inspiration in making our community so beautifully festive. It is wonderful to drive through Alburgh, day or night, and enjoy all of the amazing decorations they have placed throughout the Village and beyond. Please know it is appreciated more than you know. GREEN UP VERMONT ART AND WRITING CONTESTS The Green Up Vermont organization is hosting its annual poster and writing contests for K to 12 students in Vermont. One eye-catching posterart entry is selected each year to be the full-color image on all of the Green Up materials used statewide to promote Green Up Day. Green Up Day 2015 is Saturday, May 2. The designer of the winning entry also receives $250. Entries must be 11 by 14 inches and submitted by January 31, 2015. Green Up Vermont also invites students to write their thoughts about Green Up in the form of a poem or an essay of up to 400 words. The author of the winning entry also receives $250. Full contest rules, and past winning art and writing pieces, can be found at http://www. greenupvermont.org/. Click on poster/writing contests. SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY The Northern New England Chapter of SWANA (Solid Waste Association of North America) is announcing the availability of a scholarship for undergraduates or graduate students committed to a degree closely tied to Solid Waste Management, Environmental Science, Engineering or a related field of study. The scholarship is for $1,000 and is limited to students from Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Applications may be picked up at the Alburgh Transfer Station during normal business hours or by sending an email to amashtare25@ outlook.com. Completed applications must be returned no later than January 15, 2015. Questions regarding the application may be directed to Kevin Roche or Denise Mungen at ecomaine, 64 Blueberry Road, Portland, Maine 04102 or by e-mailing [email protected]. Please help get the word out about this opportunity to anyone you feel might be interested. BENEFIT PRIZE BINGO There will be a Prize Bingo at the Alburgh Fire Station Hall to benefit a very special lady: Ruby Irish. Ruby has suffered an extreme amount of health issues and is currently on dialysis to survive, as she had to have both kidneys removed. Your support is certainly appreciated. The Prize Bingo will be on Saturday, January 10 at the Alburgh Fire Station. Doors will open at 4:30 pm, and the Bingo will start at 6. If you would like to make a donation, or would like more information, please contact Cody Benson at 796-4535 or [email protected]. PRE-KINDERGARTEN PROGRAMMING AVAILABLE IN GRAND ISLE COUNTY Do you have a child who will be three or four years of age by September 1, 2015? If yes, your child is eligible for a ten-hour per week pre-kindergarten program offered by your local school district. The purpose of pre-kindergarten education is to provide young children with opportunities to reach their full growth and developmental potential. Pre-kindergarten education means services designed to prekindergarten children with developmentally appropriate early learning and developmental experiences based on Vermont’s Early Learning Standards. If you would like your young child to participate in pre-kindergarten, call to have your child on the enrollment list for the 2015-2106 school year. Alburgh residents call the Alburgh Educational Center Office at 796-3573. For more information, contact Superintendent of Schools, Robert Phillips or Director of Student Support Services, Beth Hemingway, at 372-6921. SCHOOL NEWS HOLIDAY BREAK: The last day of school before the Holiday Break will be Tuesday, December 23. This will now be a half-day of school. Holiday vacation will be from Wednesday, December 24 to January 4. School will resume on Monday, January 5. WONDERFULLY SUCCESSFUL HOLIDAY LUNCHEON: The Alburgh Community Education Center held a holiday luncheon on December 11, and over 320 meals were served. Faculty, staff and administration want to thank all the parents who volunteered and/or baked for this wonderful event and a special appreciation goes out to Jennifer Mitchell and Joanne Shedrick for preparing a scrumptious meal! Bringing back this tradition will help grow trusting partnerships between the school and community. CALENDAR CHANGE: The recent snow day will be made up on January 19, so, students and parents: please adjust your calendars. PUBLIC LIBRARY NEWS By: Gina Lewis, Library Director 796-6077, [email protected] CLOSED: The Library will be closed on Wednesday, December 24 and Thursday, December 25. Happy Holidays! BOOK AND FILM NIGHT: On Monday, December 29, there will be no book or film. Book Group will meet on Monday, January 5, at 7 pm, to discuss the book Burning Bright by Tracy Chevalieur with special guest poet Gordon Masten! FOR THE KIDS: Story Time is every Tuesday morning at 10:30 am. Bring your child to listen to a story, do crafts and have a snack. This program is recommended for preschool age children. HANDCRAFTERS MEET: The Library Handcrafters will not meet again until January 8. PHOTO NOTE CARDS: The Library Wednesday Dec. 31 New Years Party 9-1 $25 couple $15 single Purchase @ bar Photography Group has made beautiful sets of note cards to sell to benefit the Library. Each set contains ten cards of local photography taken by our very own Photography Group! The cost of the cards is $8 per set. LIBRARY OPEN: The Library is located at 16 South Main Street in Alburgh and is open six days a week: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 1 to 6 pm, Tuesday- 9 am to 5 pm and Saturday- 10 am to 1 pm. WI-FI is available inside and outside the Library 24/7. South Hero Players’ Starting Preparations for Spring Production It may seem early, but as soon as you get that new 2015 calendar, be sure to mark March 25, 26 and 27 so you won’t miss Daddy’s Girl. This year’s production will be directed by Michael Byrne, everyone’s favorite Accidental Farmer. Auditions will be held in late January. There are thirteen characters, with a mix of men and women. Benard Muloovy is the proprietor of “Maudie’s Diner”, where his deceased wife has taken up residence as a talking portrait on the diner wall. She is trying to reunite Benard with their long, lost daughter. Assisted by zany diner patrons, and even an angel, the story makes for a fun, family evening. Besides actors, the production needs a dedicated technical crew. Pulling together a great finished product is a fun and rewarding experience for everyone involved and takes many hands. Anyone interested in being part of the crew should contact Pam Allen at 802-372-8202 or [email protected]. Scripts are also available. at St. Joseph’s Church Hall in Grand Isle every Thursday at 6:30p.m. with Early Birds starting at 6:15p.m. New York News Mary Racicot . 518-297-6138 • [email protected] • VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL A community Vacation Bible School will be held at Three Steeples United Methodist Church, 491 Route 11, Champlain during school vacation on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, December 29, 30 and 31 from 9 to 11:30 am. All children ages four through grade 6 are invited to join in the activities, and older youth are welcome as helpers. At Weird Animals Vacation Bible School, kids will discover that Jesus’ love is one-of-a-kind. Sciency-fun, team-building games, Bible songs and treats will be some of the fun activities. This is an ecumenical program of the Northern Tier Churches. To pre-register or for more information, contact Pam Harrington at 298-5300. VILLAGE OF CHAMPLAIN HISTORY SERIES 2015 The Village of Champlain History Series 2015 presents the first lecture of the new year on Thursday, January 15, at 6:30 pm, in the Samuel de Champlain History Center. This event is free and refreshments will be served. Champlain is a close-knit community. Find out how closely-related you are-- maybe not in this century but in centuries gone by. Julie Dowd of the Northern New York Genealogical Society will show you how to get started in your ancestor-quest and will show a few charts on the ancestry of people in Champlain. No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. UNIVERSAL PRE-KINDERGARTEN OPENINGS The Champlain Children’s Learning Center has space for seven more students. The staff has NYS certified teachers and is free to NCCS district students that turned four before December 1, 2014. The curriculum is consistent with NYS Standards and designed to prepare your child for kindergarten. Sessions are half-day: 7:30 to 10:30 am or 11:30 am to 2:30 pm. For more information, call 518-297-2019, ext. 0. The Center is located at 10 Clinton Street in Rouses Point. ADIRONDACK ENRICHMENT Adirondack Enrichment presents: Senior Scholars, a stimulating new six-week lecture and discussion series to be held on Thursdays from January 29 to March 5, from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm, at Lake Forest Retirement Community, 8 Lake Forest Drive in Plattsburgh. The American 1950’s Beginning of the Great Acceleration program is be presented by Dr. Gary Kroll, SUNY Associate Professor of History. This course is based on the simple premise that much of our modern world finds its origins in the 1950s, a decade of unparalleled economic, social, and political speed. You will focus on some of the key developments of the decade: the development of the Interstate Highway System, the growth of the American suburb, Disney World, the ubiquity of the television set and rock and roll. Fair warning: this class will be “led” by someone born in 1970 who is interested in combining traditional historical research with the memories and experiences of people who lived through at least a part of the 1950s. This is to say, participants may find themselves teaching the teacher. Short stories focusing on authors Flannery O’Connor and Alice Munro with Ann Tracy, SUNY Distinguished Professor Emeritus will be discussed. “We will examine a few stories by two of the most brilliant story writers of the 20th century, one American (Flannery O’Connor) the other Canadian (Alice Munro), and we may slip in occasional poems by other people on related topics. We will see what gives the pieces their particular flavors and how the magic works.” Non-refundable $125 charge for the sixweek series. Lunch will be included. Send your check to SCCCC, 5139 North Catherine Street, Plattsburgh, NY 12901. Enrollment is limited so register early. This group appreciates funding support from the Chapel Hill Foundation. Call 565-4620 for more information. HOMETOWN CABLE Home Town Cable (24) is the viewersupported, local, cable-TV/internet channel for the communities of Altona, Champlain, Chazy, Ellenburg, Mooers and Rouses Point. Daily four-hour programming starts play at 11, 3 and 7, am and pm, except Wednesday’s three-hour program, which is shown at 11, 2, 5 and 8, am and pm. Programming is also available as free videoon-demand at www.hometowncablenetwork. com and www.plattsburgh.com. Presently, over 9,600 videos are available for free online viewing on-demand. Upcoming programming includes: Tuesday and Wednesday, December 23 and 24- CCRS Holiday Concert, NAC Holiday Concert, NCCS Holiday Concert, Rouses Point and Mooers Elementary School Christmas Programs; Thursday (Christmas Day) and Friday, December 25 and 26- Five Christmas Eve Services from Altona, Chazy, Mooers, Champlain and Rouses Point; Saturday and Sunday, December 27 and 28- Our Little Corner with Gordie Little featuring historian Vincent Puliafico and the Treaty of Ghent, followed by the Overdrive toy drive at the Lake View Pub & Grill including the Old Friends reunion; Monday and Tuesday, December 29 and 30NCCS vs. Saranac Varsity Hockey, Chazy vs. Minerva/Newcomb Section VII Class D Girls Soccer Semi-Final, Altona Town Board Meeting. MOLLY ROUSH QUALIFIES FOR NCAAS Saint Michael’s College sophomore Molly Roush recently qualified on the women’s cross-country team for the NCAA Division II Championships for the first time at the East Regional Championships at Mine Falls Park in Nashua, New Hampshire. Saint Michael’s ranked fifth in the latest US Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association East Region poll scored 121 points to comfortable outdistance fourth-place LIU Post (189) and fifthplace Saint Thomas Aquinas College (206), which were sixth and third, respectively, in the regional rankings. It was on to the NCAA Division II National Championship in Louisville, KY with the The Islander, December 23,2014 Page 5 team and Molly finishing 237th. Molly, a Northeastern Clinton Central School graduate and star athlete placed 57th in the NCAA East Regional Championship. She is the daughter of Charles and Maureen Roush of Rouses Point. Congratulations Molly! NOTES Happy winter! I think the weather has been pretty mild after the last snowstorm that put so many homes without power in the Vermont southern tier. Let us hope that everyone who is traveling during the holidays will have good roads for their travel. Christmas is just around the corner, and I hope everyone is done their shopping, wrapping, cooking and decorating so they can enjoy the season and the meaning of Christmas with family and friends. I am looking forward to having the house full of family and cheer. Enjoy! Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas! Silver by Tish Open Mon • Wed • Fri • Sat 10-6 Silver & Gold Jewelry Extended Hours thru Christmas Open until 6:00 11 South Street, South Hero VT 05486 802-372-5527 [email protected] The Islander, December 23,2014 Page 6 South Hero News Mary S. Harwood . 802-372-4127 • [email protected] • TOWN HEARINGS At 7 pm on Wednesday January 7, 2015, the Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to act on a preliminary subdivision brought by landowners Martin and Patricia Lavin, who seek to create one new lot with remaining land at 275 US Route 2. The South Hero Select Board will hold a Public Condemnation Hearing, beginning at 6 pm, on Thursday January 8, 2015 at the Town Office for the landowners who have not signed the easement agreements in order to receive input on just compensation. The project will improve the roadway, shoulders, ditching and other drainage features along South Street between Martin Road and a point just north of Landon Road. TOWN CENTER PROJECT-PUBLIC FORUM There will be a public forum to help address questions and receive community input on the Lavin Property. This hearing will be held Tuesday, January 27, starting at 7 pm, at the Town Office. There will also be a presentation with an opportunity for questions and answers during Town Meeting on Saturday, February 28 prior to the Town vote on March 2, 2015. The proposal is to purchase a 75 acre parcel on Route 2 for $440,000. This parcel includes State permitted septic. To minimize the tax impact, the proposal is to build out a full vision over 20 years. The parcel has room for a Fire House, Rescue Squad facility, and a Town Office. There are many recreational opportunities including walking trails with a nature path connecting to the Folsom School and Community Center. Most importantly, the Town could preserve this parcel Dick’s Repair Shop LLC Parts Plus Car Care Center 79 Allen Road Grand Isle, VT 802-372-6651 Roger & Rosemary Rabideau while controlling the growth and use of the land. The money needed to buy the future Town Center property can come from private tax-deductible contributions to the Town or from a low rate municipal loan. Our Town Clerk continues to research the best funding option. For more information and the opportunity to email your questions to the LPWG visit www.SouthHeroVT.org/Lavin or call 372-4565. NORTHERN BRONZE WINTER CONCERT SERIES Northern Bronze Handbell Ensemble presents its winter concert series: Bells in Wintertime. Once the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is over, it will be the perfect time to enjoy these concerts of snowy fun and reflections. This talented handbell ensemble will delight the audience with favorites such as Let it Snow, Sleigh Ride, Winter Wonderland and Let it Go from the popular movie Frozen. Ensemble members include Folsom music teacher Karlie Kauffeld and South Hero residents Dolf and Mary Jane Wirsing. Come enjoy the beauty of handbells! A concert will be held on Friday, January 9 at Saint Peter’s Catholic Church, 85 South Maple Street in Vergennes, Vermont starting at 7:30 pm. Admission is by donation; the suggested donation is $10. Another show will be performed on Sunday, January 11 at the Stowe Community Church, Main Street starting at 3 pm. Once again, admission will be by donation; suggested donation is $10. The last chance to enjoy this winter concert will be on Thursday, January 15 at the Unitarian Church in Burlington starting at 7:30 pm. Tickets will be available at the door. LIBRARY NEWS By: Carolyn Brennan, Librarian 372-6209, [email protected] HOURS: Sunday and Monday- Closed; Tuesday, Thursday and Friday- 9 am to 4 pm; Wednesday11 am to 8 pm; Saturday- 9 am to 2 pm. Please note we will be closed December 24 to 26 as well as New Year’s Day. Thanks! CANDLE DIPPING: On January 17 starting at 11 am, we will be making homemade beeswax dipped candles. Please sign up at the Library so we can make sure we have enough materials! TODDLER TUNES: January 9 starting at 10:30 am, the Library will have Toddler Tunes with local performer Lee English-- stop by to sing, dance and play! BOOK DISCUSSION: January 28 at 6:30 pm, we will meet to discuss The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce. Pick up your copy at the Library today, and come and enjoy snacks, coffee and camaraderie on the 28th. FRIENDS GROUP: The South Hero Library would like to create a formally-incorporated Friends of the Library group to help with fundraising activities, volunteerism and library promotion. This group would potentially meet quarterly. If you are interested or have questions about what Library Friends do, please contact the Library! TRUSTEES MEETING: The Library Board of Trustees Meeting is held on the second Monday of every month at 4:30 pm, and it is open to the public. South Hero Community Library is located at 75 South Street inside Folsom Educational and Community Center. Please stop by, email [email protected], call 372-6209, or visit us online at www.southherolibrary.org for more information. Tenth Annual Christmas in South Hero By: Jessica McAllister The weather held out for the tenth annual Christmas in South Hero that was held on Saturday, December 6. It was the best turnout in the ten-year history of the South Hero Volunteer Fire Department and Auxiliary hosting this fun community event. The Fire Station was beautifully decorated by the Folsom Educational Center’s Kindergarten class. Special thanks to all twenty students and their teacher, Mrs. Couture, for creating such awesome artwork and also, for making the trip to the Fire Station to display their creations for all of us to enjoy. We welcomed people of all ages to the Fire Station at 4 pm, and managed to get almost 100 people inside the Fire Station to join us in starting the holiday season. We started out with our tradition of having the kids decorate, and eat, holidaythemed cookies. There was an assortment of delicious treats to eat, as well as, cider and of course, hot chocolate. This year, we were thrilled to have the talented musician Jason Lee singing and playing his guitar while we decorated cookies and mingled with our friends and neighbors. As usual, Santa was onhand to visit with all the children and take photos with them. Then, before we knew it, it was almost 5 and time to head outside to light our town Christmas tree. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Maxham family for again this year, donating and delivering a beautiful tree for our annual tree-lighting ceremony. This year, we felt extra blessed that Elaine Chasse of Learning Adventure was present with some of her current students to decorate our tree with amazing, edible bird-feeders they had created at the school. They were truly spectacular, and it was so much fun to see the mini-reunion of past and present Learning Adventure students catching up and visiting with each other. Then, as the crowd gathered around the tree, Santa started the countdown to lighting. Thanks to our dedicated volunteer firefighters putting up the tree lights, our lighting ceremony went off without a hitch. We look forward to seeing everyone next year! Local 4-H Robotics Team Competes in FTC Scrimmage The Islander, December 23,2014 Page 7 in grades 7 to 12 who design, build and program robots to compete in a game, which varies year to year. The competitions are held at local, state, national and international levels. Our team is the only team representing Grand Isle County. The Aluminum Avian Antics Team’s robot is made of Tetrix parts and is programmed using Labview. Their robot performed well at the scrimmage, even without its attachment finished. They were the first team to perform the initial challenge of knocking down the kickstand and releasing the cascade of balls; they successfully completed this portion of the challenge four times! The robot is still being built and programmed, but what they have accomplished to this point works admirably. The team is excited about the local sponsorships they have received thus far, with a special thanks to Buermann Engineering, IC Haus, Cedar Ledge Personalized Loyalty Builders and DC Energy Cremation Innovations. The team continues to meet Services with regularly to build and Transportation! www.islandmemorial.com program their robot in anticipation of the March Clean Air Permit# AP05034 14, 2015 tournament Deserves Dignity 802-316-2284 at UVM. They welcome all donations or sponsorships and would be happy to show their robot to interested groups and share about the First Tech Challenge! For more information about this 4-H Robotics Team, visit www. te a m 8 5 2 6 . b l o g s p o t . com, and they may be contacted at aaa. [email protected]. Island Memorial Pet Services On Saturday, December 6, the Aluminum Avian Antics 4-H Robotics Team, a subgroup of Grand Isle’s Champlain Shamrocks 4-H Club, participated in the first FTC scrimmage of the 2014-15 FIRST season. The scrimmage was held in UVM’s Votey Engineering Building, which hosted seven teams from the surrounding region as they tested and evaluated their current robot designs and programs. FTC stands for First Tech Challenge, and is a part of the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) program. Participants are youth The Islander, December 23,2014 Page 8 Happy holidays from Kelly, Brenda, Sarah and Kat at the Alburgh office Happy Holidays from Jeri, Chris, Karen & Christopher! Happy Holidays! From All Us at A&B Beverage and Bill’s Sports Shop Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! Art's Repair Shop Art, Eleanor & Wayne Warm Holiday Greetings to All! Daniel Streeter, Eloise Hedbor, Deb Plumley 802.651.6928 May You Have the Merriest Christmas and the Happiest New Year! From all of us at Complete Septic 802-928-3572 Thank you for another year! God Bless Bill Miller Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! from Kneen Electric 802-238-4802 Happy Holidays! Thank you for your Business ! Best wishes for a bright and happy 2015! South Hero 372.5377 Islander Holiday Hours and Coloring Contest Winners Congratulations to Caden James of Rouses Point, New York, Macy Jarvis of Isle La Motte and Emily Robinson of South Hero, who have all won a $25 gift certificate to The Green Frog for their fantastic colorings. Please note: The Islander office will be closed December 25. The office will be open from 9:00 until noon on Friday and Saturday. HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Finnish Touch Carpentry would like to take this opportunity to thank all our patrons and wish The Island community a very happy & healthy holiday & new year. For all you construction needs, call Glen 233-2639 Apple Farm Market & Seb’s Snack Bar Merry Christmas! ~Seb, Jeannine & Mary Ellen Season’s Greetings & Happy Holidays! From All Us at Alburgh Beverage Mart, LLC Skip, Stephanie, Nicholas, Hannah, & Staff To the Editor: The emotional side of teaching handwriting: I want to be perfectly transparent with you. I work in education where many students struggle with written expression-both the physical act of writing and with the semantics of creating writing pieces. There is a small but passionate debate right now about the importance of continuing instruction of cursive handwriting in our schools. I have witnessed both sides of the argument and agree that both schools of thought have strong ideations for continuing or discontinuing the use of cursive writing. From the Special Ed side of the issue, research shows that the flow of cursive writing actually stimulates the brain and increases learning. Connected letters help develop fine motor skills and allows students to view words as whole rather than the sum of their independent parts; as a result, reading fluency increases as does accuracy in spelling. We are living in the midst of this dilemma, and it will be years before either side will be declared the “winner” of this argument. What I do know is that people have strong feelings regarding their individual stance on either side of the fence. For example, how will this next generation develop their unique signature to sign important documents versus do they really need to develop this skill given the current computerized documents? And so the debate continues. But here’s my real story and why I feel so strongly about my stance on this issue. Every Christmas, I pull out old family recipes to peruse and decide which ones I will attempt to duplicate for the holidays. Will it be Aunt Ruth’s Clam Chowder for Christmas Eve, or my mother’s No-Bake Cookie recipe for Christmas morning, or the copy of Applesauce Cake from my father’s own hand, which was our standard dessert on Christmas Day? As I handle each worn, grease-stained, ink-blurred piece of stationary, it is as if they were all right here with me in my kitchen. When I read my mother’s recipe, with her cursive letters so perfectly formed and spaced, I feel as though my mother is sitting right beside me, guiding me through the directions. Her presence at this moment is more intense than any photograph that I possess-- brought forth through these written words that are so uniquely hers. Her uniform letters display just a hint of flair, which in my mind, is a reminder of her life-long love of the arts. Next, I move to Aunt Ruth’s recipe, my mother’s sister. She was ten years younger and I immediately witness the difference of those years represented in a more contemporary depiction of her perfect, yet slightly more linear, cursive writing. As with my mother, I was overcome by her presence, her written words showcased handwriting so representative of my aunt: strong, opinionated and deliberate. Finally, I come to an old recipe that my father copied for me, on my request. His was a mixture of printing and cursive-- somewhat rough around the edges but clear, concise and predictable. I immediately envisioned him sitting in my childhood kitchen writing with deliberation to make certain he didn’t miss a step or an ingredient. His writing indicated that he took this assignment seriously and the image of him completing this task is, once again, more powerful than any photograph in my scrapbook of holidays past. His added post-script of how to store the cake is his own inflection of his sense of purpose in presenting a perfect copy for his daughter. I probably don’t need to tell you which side of the fence I am on when it comes to teaching cursive. It goes beyond the research and beyond the acquisition of 21st century skills. It boils down to this: a manuscript that represents love, family and tradition is clearly something to be embraced, cherished and developed and should not be in block letters. As I carefully fold and return my recipes to their sacred storage place, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of purpose and love. I intend to pass these papers on to my own daughters in hopes that several years from now, they too will experience similar memories and emotions that this time capsule has evoked in me. Likely, I will include a cursive, handwritten recipe of my own for their keeping. So, I leave you with this question and something to contemplate for the New Year: do we really believe that cursive handwriting is a pre-21st century skill that needs to be faded out and homogenized in a world so fraught with disengagement to family and community? I urge you to think long and hard on where you stand on this issue. Respectfully, Shirley Carlson, M. Ed Montgomery Center and North Hero, Vermont Earring in the Kettle: Is It Yours? The Congregational and Methodist Churches of Grand Isle County are manning the Salvation Army Red Kettle Christmas Collection at the Keeler’s Bay Variety Store in South Hero. Last week, a contributor put an earring into the kettle. If you are missing this earring and would like to get it back, you are urged to contact Alan Arthur at 802-372-3966, and if you can identify it correctly, they will get it back to you. The Red Kettle volunteers thank you for your contributions to this very important source of assistance for Grand Isle County residents. The Islander, December 23,2014 Page 9 Pizza Pan's South Hero 372.4729 Open 7 Days at 4:30 Save Your Tree for the Great Ice in Grand Isle Bonfire The Christmas Tree Bonfire returns to North Hero on Friday, February 6, warming things up for the Great Ice activities that follow. The fire will be ignited at 5:30 pm sharp! After the holidays, bring your “clean” Christmas Tree to the back parking lot of Hero’s Welcome, or watch for information on free pick-ups in Front Porch Forum. Drinks and snacks will be available at the Bonfire, followed by an informal Italian Family Dinner at the North Hero House Inn. For more information, visit the new Great Ice website: www.GreatIceVT.org. The Islander, December 23,2014 Page 10 Grand Isle News Isle families in need this holiday season. Mr. Cotton’s and Ms. Palmer’s advisory have joined forces to spread love, kindness and happiness around the school this holiday season. They are doing this by creating ugly cards-- you know, like ugly Christmas sweaters, Julie Dickie with kind messages. Sophie Smith had this to say about her creative process, “First I got a whole • [email protected] • bunch of old cards, cut out and glued a picture Do you have Grand Isle happenings that you of a reindeer, a Santa and a star onto the front would like to share? Be sure to send it in! News of one. I then added glitter. My kind message needs to be received by 5 pm on Fridays, for is Merry Christmas.” The advisories are having the Grand Isle News section, at grandislenews@ a great time collaborating and sending positive yahoo.com. messages throughout the school during this FROM THE GRAND ISLE SCHOOL holiday season. Gisele Bundchen put it best, “Christmas and The Brabazones advisory, led by Ms. the holidays are the season of giving. It’s a time Brabazon, is learning about and beginning to when people are more kind and open-hearted.” do community service. They have watched a Grand Isle students have been exemplifying this Ted Ed lesson featuring interviews with college spirit of giving over the last few months. Grade students about what service means to them. 6 to 8 advisories have been fine-tuning the art The lesson emphasizes that helping and serving of giving back. Bake sales and food collections others and the planet can happen in so many have been just a few of the many ways students different ways. The students in the Brabazones have raised money and/or donated to not for did an amazing job decorating the library during profit organizations. Through service learning the book fair. This week they are visiting the 1st projects, Faculty Advisors have emphasized the grade classroom sharing the gift of reading with importance of giving back to our community and Mrs. Kolk’s students. They also have a surprise helping others over the past two months. in store for a staff member in our school. When The Sea Turtles, led by Mr. Sacca, took the asked why it is important to help others, Isaiah lead early in the school year with a service Labelle commented, “Makes you feel happy you learning project. The Sea Turtles held a bake actually did something for someone else.” The sale to raise money for the World Wildlife Fund. Brabazones want to thank the Sea Turtles and The Advisory adopted a sea turtle! The money the Rugrats for the breakfast bomb and want used to adopt the Sea Turtles helps keep the to wish everyone in our Grand Isle Community turtle safe and healthy. The Sea Turtles want to peace and happiness in the New Year. thank the Grand Isle Community for supporting It seems that this time of year always brings their cause and helping to protect wildlife. with it the Candy Cane Fundraiser. Students Fox’s Advisory, led by Mr. Foster and Mrs. purchase a candy cane and write a note to a friend Ochs, has also been very busy this holiday that is then delivered before the Holiday break. season giving back to our community in several This year, the 8th Grade class is sponsoring the ways. In November, they held a food drive to help fundraiser. Mrs. Sacca’s Advisory have noticed support the Grand Isle Food Shelf. A big thank that over the years that not every student you goes out to all that were so generous with receives a candy cane. They thought it would their donations. A total of 300 pounds of food was be nice to ensure that every student receives donated! Fox’s Advisory has also made holiday a candy cane and that no one felt left out. Mrs. treats and candy canes decorated as reindeer Sacca’s Advisory has been busy writing notes to distribute to the residents of the Round Barn and attaching them to candy canes that they will Housing Complex in Grand Isle. The advisory deliver at the same time as the fundraiser candy also put on a bake sale to raise $101.16 to the canes. We also did not want to detract from the Caring and Sharing program to benefit Grand 8th grade fundraiser, so, we made a donation to them! The Rugrats, Mr. Farrell’s Advisory, devoted two advisory periods to exploring the online site “Free Rice”. The students challenged themselves to a series of educational quiz games based on topics from vocabulary, geography, math, art and science. Each correct answer translates to a small portion of free rice that will be distributed to the World Food Program. At the end of the two-day session, they will see how much free rice they have accumulated as an advisory! “Charitable involvement has been shown to help raise self-esteem, develop social skills, foster an introduction to the greater world and encourage kids to appreciate their own lifestyle.” While it might be a challenge to coordinate everyone’s schedules, volunteering as a family has many worthwhile benefits. By giving back to the community, you show them firsthand how volunteering makes a difference and how good it feels to help other people. It’s also a valuable S IFT way for you to get to G E R JEWELRY FISHING WA know organizations D HAR in the community HOU and find resources SEW ARE and activities for your children and family. Our faculty FREE DELIVERY AVAILABLE in Alburgh, Isle La Motte and North Hero! TO Advisors have worked OL S hard educating their students about the importance of actively participating in activities that help others. Great work students! From all of us at Grand Isle School: we would like to extend our best wishes to you and your family for a joyous holiday season. SCHOOL COLLABORATION STUDY The Grand Isle Supervisory Union has received a $5,000 Act 156 Joint Services Study grant. We are looking for one or more community members to serve on the committee which will monitor the study of the educational and financial impacts of a shared governance structure between two or more Island school districts. All schools have been invited to participate in the study; to date, Grand Isle and Isle La Motte are participating. Please contact Superintendent Bob Phillips, at 372-6921, if you would like to serve on this six-week committee. HOLIDAY CLOSINGS The Town Office will be closed for the Christmas Holiday on Wednesday, December 24 and will re-open on Monday, December 29; the Office will also be closed on Wednesday, December 31 and will re-open on January 5. The Transfer Station will be closed on Thursday, December 25 and will re-open on Saturday, December 27. The Station will also be closed on January 1 and will re-open on January 3. TOWN ART CONTEST Show us why Grand Isle is the Champlain Island’s Coolest Big Island! Have an artistic flair? The winter blues starting to creep up on you? Well, we have the blue’s-fighting cure for you! What does the Beauty Spot of Vermont mean to you? The Town of Grand Isle, administered through the Grand Isle Recreation Committee, is currently looking for artists to submit their art/ideas that we can use to show our community pride on apparel and more. Please submit your high-resolution artwork to Julie Dickie at [email protected] by January 31. For more information and the legal mumbo stuff, please visit www.facebook. com/GrandIsleVermontRecreationCommittee. TOWN LIBRARY NEWS By: Kathy Tulissi, Library Director 372-4797, [email protected] As many of you remember, a number of years ago, the Library received a bequest. At the time, it seemed reasonable to earmark that money as a New Library Building Fund. Since 2009, there has been talk of building a new Library. Keep in mind that the Library is part of the town government, and the building is owned by the Town. The Trustees would like nothing more than to use this money for a newly-constructed library and are willing to work with the town leaders and the community to make this dream a reality. We would like your comments and visions for what this facility will be able to offer our community. Please stop into the Library, and give us your opinion, ideally in writing, so we will have something solid to propose. NEW MATERIALS: Books- Don’t Give Up, Don’t Give In: Lessons From An Extraordinary Life by Louis Zamperini and David Rensin-- movie coming out soon based on Louis Zamperini’s life called Unbroken with Angelina Jolie; DVDsMaleficent, starring Angelina Jolie. TRUSTEES INFO: We have a Library Commissioner’s position: five-year term, that is expiring in March 2015; please don’t hesitate to put your name forward for this post. You can get a petition from the Town Clerk’s Office. The local election will be held in the Town on March 3, 2015. WEEKLY EVENTS: Story Time is back! Come listen to a great book at 10 am on Wednesdays; due to the Holiday there will be no Story Time on December 24. FIBER NIGHT: Fiber Night is canceled for the next two Thursday’s due to the Holidays. HOURS: The Library will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday, December 24 and 25 and January 1; their regular hours include: Tuesday- 1 to 8 pm, Wednesday- 9 am to Noon, Thursday- 4 to 8 pm and Saturday- 9 am to 3 pm. Check out the Library Blog at grandislefreelibraryvt.wordpress.com, and Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ GrandIsleFreePublicLibrary. > CHURCH SERVICES > Congregational Church of South Hero, U.C.C. SUNDAY WORSHIP 10 A.M. NURSERY CARE AGES 5 AND UNDER SUNDAY SCHOOL 8:45A.M. AGES 5 THRU GRADE 6 We Invite and Welcome Everyone. Pastor: Rev. Cordelia Burpee 24 South St., South Hero, VT 05486 Tel: 802-372-4962 E-mail: [email protected] www.vtcucc.org/South_Hero •www.facebook.com/CCSHVT Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9am - 3pm Free Community Supper 2nd Friday each month 5:30-7pm Island Roman Catholic Parishes Serving the churches of Alburgh, Grand Isle, Isle La Motte & South Hero MASS SCHEDULE St. Amadeus, Alburgh- Sunday: 10:30 a.m. St. Joseph, Grand Isle- Sunday: 10:00 a.m. St. Joseph, Isle La Motte- Sunday: 9:00 a.m. St. Rose of Lima, South HeroSaturday: 4:00 p.m. Father Lawrence P. Ridgley, Pastor St. Amadeus Office 796-3481 St. Rose of Lima Office 372-4092 Champlain Islands Parish Services Rev. Hyungyong Choi Isle La Motte United Methodist Church Sunday 8:00 a.m. North Hero United Methodist Church Worship Combined Service at 9:30 a.m. The Churches with... OPEN HEARTS... OPEN MINDS... OPEN DOORS... Parish Office 372-6638 UNION BIBLE CHURCH Main St., Route 2, Alburgh, VT Dr. John C. Kehoe, Pastor 796-3055 Independent—Bible Believing—Gospel Preaching SUNDAY School & Bible Study _______ 9:30AM SUNDAY Worship__________________ 10:30AM WEDNESDAY Prayer Mtg. & Bible Study 7:00PM WEDNESDAY Children's Bible Club____ 7:00PM “A Friendly and Joyful Welcome Awaits You” Nursery Provided at all Services website: www.unionbiblechurch.org GOD'S LITTLE BROWN CHURCH A non-denominational GCMF affiliated Church CORNER ROUTE 2 AND ROUTE 129 SOUTH ALBURGH, VERMONT 05440 REV. C. ANDREW CHRYSLER, PASTOR (802)782-9384 WWW.GLBCVT.ORG “God’s Word has the answer” WORSHIP......SUNDAY 10:00 AM BIBLE STUDY/PRAYER-WEDNESDAY 6:30 PM THE BORDERS REGIONAL MINISTRY Episcopal Diocese of VT & Anglican Diocese of Montreal www.diovermont.org www.montreal.anglican.ca Tomorrow: Christmas Eve 4 p.m. Creche, Carols, & Communion at St. Thomas’, Noyan Sunday, December 28th 10 a.m. Table Eucharist with Carols at members’ home in Isle La Motte The Rev. Thora L. Chadwick 802-863-8036 [email protected] We Welcome You To Attend Island Bible Fellowship A/G North Hero Community Hall Rte 2, North Hero Village Sunday Services 9:00AM – 10:30AM Pastor Larry Rohm 802-393-9427 North Hero News The Islander, December 23,2014 Page 11 Courtney A. Schaetz • [email protected] • NO BETTER PLACE TO BE I’m pretty open about the fact that I think the Islands are the greatest place to live, and recently, the spirit of the season has only reaffirmed that for me. First: thank you to everyone who makes the holidays brighter for those in the Islands community who are less fortunate than others. Your generosity makes a big difference in the lives of your neighbors, and I appreciate your efforts. I also appreciate a number of people who recently helped me in times of winter weather trouble: a mystery plow-person after the big snow-- we know who you are now, and we certainly thank you; the gentleman at A&B who helped me to retrieve a dropped cap from inside my engine compartment and a second plowperson that came along just as I was getting stuck at the end of my driveway, stopped to shovel me out and put some sand down so that I was on my way to work in no time. I will try to pay it forward in the ways I know how, and I hope the kindness you show to others comes back to you in spades! Happy holidays everyone, and best wishes for a beautiful new year! SALSA LESSONS AT THE COMMUNITY HALL Cuban Salsa Lessons will be taught at the North Hero Community Hall in January with David Larson. The lessons will be held on Friday evenings at 7 pm, and a partner is not required to participate. There will be four weeks of lessons and one snow date. If the snow date is not used, a Salsa Dance Party will take place on the last week. The lesson dates are set for: January 9, 16, 23 and 30. The snow date is February 6. The series will cost $48 per person. Sign up at 6:30 on January 9 at the door. This is an annual fundraiser to support the continued renovation of the North Hero Community Hall. These lessons are made possible due to a grant from the North Hero Recreation Committee. Email [email protected] with questions. GEARING UP FOR GREAT ICE IN GRAND ISLE In February, Great Ice in Grand Isle returns to North Hero. The first event to be announced is the Christmas Tree Bonfire that will be held on the 6th at 5:30 pm-- be sure to save your festive fir for this fun, community event! WHAT’S UP IN NORTH HERO? Do you have something you would like to share with your North Hero neighbors? I am always looking for your input on what appears in this column; please send your stories, events and ideas to [email protected]. PRINCIPAL’S NEWSLETTER By: Joe Resteghini Drawing my inspiration from Clark Griswold, I often set an expectation for the holidays that is nearly impossible to meet. This year, I think North Hero School has met the holiday expectation. From the craft fair, the Santa Breakfast, to the sharing amongst staff, and finally the holiday extravaganza of last night I believe we achieved the intention of the holiday season, which is to give of yourself without expectation of anything in return. The amazing thing about that spirit of giving is that we get back so much. Kids grow up so fast, and we often want to slow time down and really enjoy the moment, and in giving that performance last night our group of special children gave us memories that are a gift that we will always have. Breanna Wright commented that last night’s play was the same as the holiday performance from her kindergarten year. It came full circle for her, and for the kindergarten students of this year--we will share that same moment before you can snap your fingers. Full Service Heating & Plumbing Cherish these moments. There are so many people to thank. I would need another rambling newsletter to get to everyone, but just know, our faithful friends, you are near to us and dear to us and we are forever grateful for your help and support. One special friend that needs to be recognized though, is Jan Little. Jan could very well be jetsetting all over Europe and enjoying a welldeserved retirement. Instead, she continues to pour her heart into the students at North Hero School. Oh, and Mr. Little too, who doesn’t have a choice and does a great job on lights and sound. Alton Brusso--feliz navidad. Thanks. Congratulations to Annie Brabazon and Anne Sauve, who won the PTYO basket raffles. The PTYO is a vital organization and this fund raising event helps support the functionality of the group. The real winners are the students, who receive amazing support from the group. Tuesday, December 23 is a half-day for students. Please make sure that you are prepared to receive a student, who may be possibly frothing at the mouth will holiday fervor, from the activities that the teachers and staff have prepared for the day. Make no mistake, it will be a day of learning. The learning will be geared towards community service and further that spirit of giving that we strive for. Dear Bridgette, Natalie, Owen, Gregory, Hannah J, Kayla, Breezy and Renee: It was your last holiday play with us. You nailed it. I am very proud of you. We are all looking forward to our last few months together. Your capstone projects are going to be amazing. Don’t lose sight of the fact that we knew most of you when you were still rocking footy pajamas. Always strive to be awesome, and don’t forget to give back. LIBRARY NEWS By: Judy Poquette, Librarian 372-5458, [email protected] HOURS: The Library will be closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day; regular hours include: Tuesday from 2 to 7 pm Thursday- 10 am to 3 pm and Saturday- 9 am to 1 pm. FOOD SHELF: The Library is collecting donations of canned goods for the Champlain Islands Food Shelf. There is a wicker basket just inside the Library door. It only takes one can to help a friend. NEW MATERIALS: Books- The Boston Girl by Anita Diamont, The Paris Winter by Imogen Robertson, Tom Clancy Full Force and Effect by Mark Greaney, Lila by Marilynne Robinson, Mademoiselle: Coco Chanel and the Pulse of History by Rhonda Garelick, The Midnight Plan of the Repo Man by W. Bruce Cameron; Children’s Books- Nasreen’s Secret School: A True Story, by Jeanette Winter; Planting the Trees of Kenya: The Story of Wangari Maathai by Claire Nivola; DVDS- The Expendables 3 and Blended. FREE PASS: The Echo Pass is available for all Vermont residents, and it may be checked out for two days. WI-FI: Available 24/7 from our parking lot. Free public computers are also available. The Islander, December 23,2014 Page 12 -FOR SALE------------------------------Flintlock 50 Cal. Italian Pedersoli, like new condition. Appraised at $700. Will accept $350. Call 802893-4302 Milton 12/23 -SERVICES--------------------------------Seasonal Plowing. Alburgh only. Early morning plow, afternoon cleanup. $200 now keeps you cleaned out until April 15. 12 openings reserve now 518-5933144 Per plow avail. weekend only $20 most driveways. 12/30 --------------------------------FA. Harding Co. Painting & Handyman Services. Security checks. 35 years experience. 978-808-8235 Alburgh 12/23/14 --------------------------------TURNBAUGH ROOFING- Slate, shingles, metal, rubber. Painting all flashings & metal roofs. Chimney repair. FREE ESTIMATES. INSURED. 802-372-5781 John. BTFN --------------------------------WELDING: Aluminum - stainless & steel. Inshop & portable. Propeller, skeg repair. Jesberger Welding. 802-796-4079 802-324-6954. 8/4/15 --------------------------------You’re an Overeater? You’re not Alone! Try Food Addicts Anonymous. Phone Mtgs. 42 phone meetings every week; AM & PM. More info: Carol 372-8672. www. foodaddictsanonymous.org BTFN --------------------------------ISLAND SEWING: All aspects of sewing. Alterations, mending, formal wear. Specializing in bridal gowns. 30+ years experience. Call 802-372-0194 BTFN --------------------------------R&L HOME & LAWN CARE. Landscaping, Mowing, Property Maintenance, Bark mulch, Small bucket loader, Brush-hog, Tree service, Spring seasonal clean-up, General carpentry, Roofs, Decks, Siding, Remodeling. Fully insured. Free estimates. 802-372-4486 BTFN --------------------------------R. ROSE CONSTRUCTION. Interior Painting. Remodeling. Kitchen, Bath etc. Free Estimates! Insured. 802-372-5693 BTFN --------------------------------HOUSECLEANING. I have a few more openings available. Reliable, honest, efficient. Good local references. Call Lucy 802-477-2533 12/30 --------------------------------- WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24 - Christmas Eve Service at the South Hero Congregational Church starts at 5 pm, Candlelit Service at 7:30. - Christmas Eve Mass at Saint Anne’s Shrine, Isle La Motte starts at 4 pm. - Christmas Eve Mass at Saint Joseph’s Church, Isle La Motte starts at 4 pm. - Christmas Eve Mass at Saint Amadeus Church, Alburgh starts at 6 pm. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25 - Christmas Mass at Saint Amadeus Church, Alburgh starts at 10:30 am. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30 - Blood Drive at the Islands in the Sun Senior Center, Alburgh from Noon to 5 pm. THURSDAY, JANUARY 1 - First Day Hike at Grand Isle State Park, Grand Isle starts from the Park Office at 10 am and Niquette Bay State Park, Colchester at the Park’s Trailhead at Noon. TUESDAY, JANUARY 6 - Foot Clinic at the Islands in the Sun Senior Center, Alburgh from 9:30 am to Noon. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7 - Grand Isle County Mentoring Program Game Night at the Grand Isle School from 5:30 to 7 pm. FRIDAY, JANUARY 9 - Salsa Dance Lessons at the North Hero Community Hall starts at 7 pm. - Northern Bronze Handbell Ensemble presents Bells in Wintertime at Saint Peter’s Catholic Church, 85 South Maple Street in Vergennes, Vermont starting at 7:30 pm. SATURDAY, JANUARY 10 - Benefit Prize Bingo at the Alburgh Fire Station with doors opening at 4:30 pm; games will start at 6. SUNDAY, JANUARY 11 - Northern Bronze Handbell Ensemble presents Bells in Wintertime at the Stowe Community Church, Main Street starting at 3 pm. TUESDAY, JANUARY 13 - Parkinson’s Support Group at Homestead Pillsbury Senior Community, Saint Albans from 10 to 11:30 am. THURSDAY, JANUARY 15 - Village of Champlain History Series 2015 Lecture in the Samuel de Champlain History Center, Champlain starts at 6:30 pm. - Northern Bronze Handbell Ensemble presents Bells in Wintertime at the Unitarian Church in Burlington starting at 7:30 pm. FRIDAY, JANUARY 16 - Salsa Dance Lessons at the North Hero Community Hall starts at 7 pm. SATURDAY, JANUARY 17 - SB Mentoring Winter Gala Dinner and Silent Auction at the F.H. Tuttle Middle School, South Burlington from 6 to 8:30 pm. MONDAY, JANUARY 19 - Solo Group Meeting at the Hibachi Buffet, Saint Albans starts at 5 pm. Adult day center seeking creative individual to FRIDAY, JANUARY join our rewarding, fun-filled team. 25 hours/ 23 week position, Monday – Friday, 9:30 am – 2:30 pm. Help implement & carry out group/individ- Salsa Dance Lessons ual therapeutic activities for elders with demenat the North Hero tia or physical frailty. Assist with hands-on care. Community Hall High school diploma or equivalence. Interest in music, reading, art and/or crafts a plus. starts at 7 pm. FRIDAY, JANUARY 30 - Salsa Dance Lessons at the North Hero Adult day center seeking experienced LNA to work 25 hours/week, Monday through Friday, Community Hall 9:30 am – 2:30 pm. Assist participants with toistarts at 7 pm. leting, transferring, walking, feeding, etc. AbilFRIDAY, ity to work as a cooperative team member with a diverse clientele is a must. Make use of your FEBRUARY 6 LNA skills plus assist with meaningful activities. - Great Ice in Grand High School diploma or equivalent. Isle Christmas Tree To Apply: stop by CarePartners Adult Day Center at Bonfire starts 5:30 34 Franklin Park West, St. Albans for an application pm. or download it at www.carepartnersvt.org. EOE. -EMPLOYMENTPART-TIME ACTIVITY AIDE PART-TIME LICENSED NURSING ASSISTANT Isle La Motte News Anita Bruley . 802-928-3246 • [email protected] • Weather hasn’t been too bad lately, but it’s supposed to get cold this weekend and maybe storm for Christmas. I want to go to church, and my grandson comes in on Christmas night, to Burlington at 6 pm, so, I’m hoping it won’t be storming at that time. SCHOOL NOTES HOLIDAY LUNCHEON: Chef Lisa cooked a beautiful lunch on Thursday, with turkey and all the trimmings. Many people attended, including: most parents, some grandparents, the school children, teachers and staff members. I do not know the count. CONCERT: On Monday evening, Jill Walker, the Music teacher, put on the annual concert with all the children, including the Pre-K kids. The all did well, and there was a full house. STUDENT STUDIES: Isle La Motte students are exploring a wide range of topics: Pre-K- numbers 6 to 10 and winter holidays; K-1- addition and subtraction and holidays; 2/3- time, addition and subtraction, shapes, Africa; 4/5/6- keyboarding, opinion writing, multiplication and division, paleontology, Vermont agriculture and health household hazards; PE- volleyball; Art- paper collage, illustration; Music- performance, rhythm. CALENDAR CHANGE: On Monday, January 19, we will have a full day of school to make up for the snow day we had recently. Tuesday, January 20 will be a GISU In-Service Day with no school for students. Upcoming events include: Holiday Break from Wednesday, December 24 to January 2; the week of January 9 to 15, the Ski/ Snowboarding Program begins. COMPOSTING/C\RECYCLING UPDATE: Our students are doing an impressive job with our new composting program. A student from each classroom empties the classroom snack leftovers into our cafeteria bucket. The cafeteria and kitchen waste goes into the compost, in back of the school-- we hope this will save the community money. CHRISTMAS GREETING We wish all of our viewers out there a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! JOKE OF THE WEEK! A lady called 911 and reported that someone had broke into her car and taken her radio and even her steering wheel. They told her that some one would be right there. The cop went right out to her and radioed back to cancel the call: the lady had gotten into the back seat. The Islander, December 23,2014 Page 13 Grand Isle County Mentoring Thanks Community The Grand Isle County Mentoring Program would like to thank the Grand Isle County community for making the mentoring program such a wonderful success. We are in our sixth year, and over eighty adults have volunteered to be mentors in the Grand Isle Schools. Currently, over forty students are matched with community mentors. Grand Isle County Mentoring is a school-based mentoring program, which matches community children with adults who have similar interests. They meet once a week for one hour in the school at a mutually convenient time. Children from all five island schools are involved in the program and range from grades K to 8. There will be training in the new year if you would like to be a mentor. Now is the time to think about young people in our community who could benefit from an additional relationship with a caring adult. Every child who wants a mentor should have one! Mentoring has proven results for both the children and adults who care enough to make the commitment of just one hour a week. Young people who have a mentor are more likely to stay in school and go on to college, raise their life aspirations, stay away from drugs, seek teachers’ trust, help others and avoid fights and other violent behavior. A mentor is more likely to increase his or her appreciation for diversity, feel more productive at work and develop core leadership and communication skills, and feel good for having positively influenced another life. Mentoring doesn’t require an expert; it only requires your time. “Make a difference in a youth’s life; be a mentor.” For more information, please contact Leslie Ward, Coordinator, at 802-372-5239 or email [email protected]. Champlain Islands Health Services ORTHODONTICS GIVE YOUR CHILD... a good start to good appearance and lifelong dental health... in a complete family care practice with over 30 years experience. -SERVICESNorthwestern Counseling & Support Services, Inc. Behavior Health Crisis Services • 524-6554 or 1-800-834-7793 • LARGE enough to store your car or small boat! small enough to clear your clutter! s r r TM Route 2, Alburgh VT Call today for sizes & info! Al-Anon 1-866-972-5266 for friends & families of alcoholics www.vermontalanonalateen.org "Invisalign Certified" Invisible Braces Latest techniques Flexible payment plans available. (Adult care available also.) Walter W. Burnett, D.M.D. James S. Simollardes, D.D.S. General Dentistry Milton Dental Associates, Inc. 33 School St. Milton, VT 05468 893-2552 The Islander, December 23,2014 Page 14 Legal Notices NOTICE OF SALE By virtue and in execution of the Power of Sale contained in a certain mortgage given by Laura J. Hunter and Joseph T. Sharples to Chittenden Trust Co. d/b/a Mortgage Service Center, its successors and/or assigns, dated April 26, 2004 and recorded in Book 86 at Page 210 of the City/Town of Grand Isle Land Records, of which mortgage the undersigned is the present holder by Assignment of Mortgage recorded on March 9, 2009 in Book 103 at Page 641, for breach of the conditions of said mortgage and for the purpose of foreclosing the same will be sold at Public Auction at 11:30 a.m. on January 5, 2015 at 262 Route 2, Grand Isle, VT 05458 all and singular the premises described in said mortgage, To Wit: Being all and the same land and premises conveyed to Robert W. Taft and Julie Lavallette by Warranty Deed of Salvatore P Morizio dated 14 March 2003 and recorded in Volume 78, Page 755 of the Land Records of the Town of Grand Isle. Being lands and premises commonly known and designated as 262 Route 2. PROPOSED STATE RULES By law, public notice of proposed rules must be given by publication in newspapers of record. The purpose of these notices is to give the public a chance to respond to the proposals. The public notices for administrative rules are now also available online at http://secure.vermont.gove/SOS/ rules/. The law requires an agency to hold a public hearing on a proposed rule, if requested to do so in writing by 25 persons or an association having at least 25 members. To make special arrangements for individuals with disabilities or special needs please call or write the contact person listed below as soon as possible. To get a copy of a rule or make suggestions to the agency, call or write the contact person listed below. You may also comment on the proposal by writing the Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules, State House, Montpelier, Vermont 05602 (828-2231). Consumer Protection Rule 121 - Labeling Foods Produced with Genetic Engineering. Vermont Proposed Rule: 14P057 AGENCY: Attorney General’s Office CONCISE SUMMARY: Proposed Consumer Protection Rule 121 defines the scope and reach of Act 120 of 2013(adj). It provides specifics for implementing (1) the labeling requirements for food produced with genetic engineering, (2) the prohibition on using certain terms to describe foods produced with genetic engineering and the exemptions from both the labeling requirement and prohibition. Additionally, it clarifies certain terms in the Act and further outlines the enforcement and penalty provisions of the Act. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT: Todd Daloz Office of the Attorney General, 109 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05609 Tel: 802-8284605 Fax: 802-828-1500 Email: [email protected] URL: http://ago. vermont.gov/hot-topics/ge-food-labeling-rule.php. FOR COPIES: Wendy Morgan Office of the Attorney General Consumer Protection Division, 109 State Street, Montpelier VT 05609 Tel: 802-8285586 Email: [email protected]. TOWN OF NORTH HERO Development Review Board Meeting And being the same lands and premises conveyed to Salvatore P. Morizio by Warranty Deed of Kathleen Morizio dated April 4, 1988 and recorded in Book 43 at Page 88 in the Land Records of the Town of Grand Isle. And being all and the same lands and premises conveyed to Salvatore P. and Kathleen H. Morizio by Warranty Deed of Golden-Flo dated May 6, 1982 and recorded in Book 33 at Page 398 in the said Grand Isle Land Records, which lands and premises are further described as follows: A lot of land shown as Lot#1 on a plan entitled ‘Plan of Land of Allen & Beverly Baker’ dated March 2, 1979 and prepared by Trudell Consulting Engineers, Inc. and recorded in Map Slide 120 in the said Grand Isle Land Records, being more particularly described as follows: A lot of land located on Route 2, beginning at a point, which point is the northwesterly corner of said lot and on the easterly side of said Route 2, thence proceeding S 76° 34’ 41” E 920 feet to a point; thence turning to the right and proceeding S 21° 59’ 58” W 420 feet to a point; thence turning to the right and proceeding N 84° 20’ 11” W 950 feet; thence turning to the right and proceeding along the easterly side of Route 2 N 22° 12’ 04” E 550 feet to the point and place of beginning. A public hearing will be held at the North Hero Town Office on Thursday, January 8, 2015 at 7:00PM to consider the following: Included herein is a 20 foot easement for a water line. Application: 2014-122SW Request: Setback Waiver Owners: Jim Richards & David Green Location: 383 North End Road East This land is subject to protective covenants recorded in Book 30 at Page 122 in the said Grand Isle Land Records. The above notices may not contain previously recessed or preliminary hearings and may be subject to change. For further information, any interested party may contact the North Hero town office. Any person wishing “party status” or wish to appeal a decision must attend and participate in the hearing. STATE OF VERMONT SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION GRAND ISLE UNIT NO: 41-5-13 Gicv CIVIL DOCKET EVERBANK Plaintiff v. LAURA SHARPLES fka LAURA J HUNTER; JOSEPH SHARPLES; TD BANKNORTH, N.A.; Defendants Said lot is 10.13 acres, more or less. Reference is hereby made to the above-mentioned instruments, and to the records and references contained therein, all in further aid of this description. Property is known and designated as: 262 Route 2 The description of the property contained in the mortgage shall control in the event of a typographical error in this publication. The public sale may be adjourned one or more times for a total time not exceeding 30 days, without further court order, and without publication or service of a new notice of sale, by announcement of the new sale date to those present at each adjournment or by posting notice of the adjournment in a conspicuous place at the location of the sale. Terms of Sale: $10,000.00 to be paid in cash or by certified check by the purchaser at the time of sale, with the balance due at closing. The sale is subject to all liens, encumbrances, unpaid taxes, tax titles, municipal liens, if any, which take precedence over the said mortgage above described. Mortgagor is entitled to redeem the premises at any time prior to the sale by paying the full amount due under the mortgage, including the costs and expenses of the sale. Other terms to be announced at sale EverBank, Kathryn Donovan, Esq. #3914 Jeffrey J. Hardiman, Esq. #4632 Shechtman Halperin Savage, LLP 1080 Main Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860 877-575-1400 Attorney for Plaintiff Youth Mental Health First Aid Training Classes for Community Members Mental health problems in youth are common. In fact, half of all mental health disorders show first signs before a person turns fourteen years old, and three quarters of mental health disorders begin before age twenty-four. Unfortunately, less than 20 percent of children and adolescents with diagnosable mental health problems receive the treatment they need. Would you know how to recognize the signs of a mental illness in a young person? Would you know how to respond if you did? What if there was something you could do to help youth in your community? Northwestern Counseling & Support Services (NCSS) is presenting Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) which is an eight-hour public education program that introduces adult participants to the unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in adolescents. YMHFA builds understanding of the importance of early intervention and teaches individuals how to help an adolescent in crisis or experiencing a mental health challenge. Youth Mental Health First Aid is an interactive training using role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to assess a mental health crisis; select interventions and provide initial help; and connect young people to professional, peer, social and self-help care. One of these Youth Mental Health First Aid trainings will be held at the Barlow Street Community Center, in Saint Albans, on Thursday, January 22 and Thursday, January 29 from 4 to 8 pm each day. The cost for the training is $50 for Franklin and Grand Isle County residents and $75 for non-residents. This fee covers training materials, light refreshments and both four-hour sessions. Participants must attend both four-hour sessions to become certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid. To sign up, contact Lance Metayer at 802-5828039 or [email protected], or visit www. stalbansrec.com/info/activities and click on Youth Mental Health First Aid. Holiday Blood Drive In this season of giving, don’t forget the lifesaving gift of donating blood. There will be an American Red Cross Blood Drive on Tuesday, December 30, from Noon to 5 pm, at the Islands in the Sun Senior Center in Alburgh. Please remember all those who need this precious gift to maintain their health or save their life, and schedule your donation today by calling 1-800RED CROSS or email redcrossblood.org. A longsleeved tee will be given to all presenting donors as their way of saying thanks. The Islander, December 23,2014 Page 15 Island Arts Receives Grant for Bhutan Art Exchange Project *Propane Exchange Island Arts recently received $500 from the Anne Slade Frey Charitable Trust of Hanover, New Hampshire, in support of the Grand Isle County/Bhutan Youth Art Exchange. The goal of the Foundation is “to bring to life a community that nourishes art and learning and the exchange of ideas, that protects and expands the interests of children above all else, that overcomes violence, despair and small-mindedness.” Trustees of the grant found a common goal with the work of Island Arts, as does Robert Phillips, Superintendent of the Grand Isle Supervisory Union. Katya Wilcox, President of Island Arts, started the art exchange fifteen years ago, after traveling to Bhutan to visit her nephew who was working there. Since that time, hundreds of pieces of art have been exchanged and friendships established. In April, videographer Lyn Jarvis, and video editor Marco Ayala traveled to Bhutan, with President Wilcox, to produce a documentary about the exchange that can be seen at www.islandarts.org and on You Tube. Weds & Thurs. Island Industrial Park, 4 Island Circle Grand Isle, Vermont Hours: 8:00-4:30 Mon.-Thurs. 8:00-3:30 Fri. [email protected] www.islandexcavatingcorp.com They just completed visits to the five county schools where the video was shown, artwork brought back from Bhutan distributed and a $100 check in support of the exchange presented. For more information about Island Arts, or if you are interested in making a donation to the art and cultural exchange, visit the website listed above or call 802-372-8889, weekdays from 9 am until Noon. Your support will help Island Arts continue its work to enrich the lives of hundreds of school children both here in the Islands and half-way around the world in Bhutan. Exploration of School Consolidation Opportunities Starts Soon The School Boards of Isle La Motte and Grand Isle have secured a grant to examine the educational and financial impact of consolidation opportunities under a shared governance structure between the two schools. The structure and next steps for the study will include a facilitated discussion with involved school boards. January 7 was identified as an agreeable date with location to be determined. A Study Committee will be formed representing three members from each community, or two, if the number of districts expands, with at least one citizen and one board member. The Committee will meet with a facilitator on three occasions: January 13- Facilitated Committee Discussion, January 27- Facilitated Committee Discussion, February 17- Committee Wrap-Up in Public Meeting and Report to Both Boards. There will be significant data gathering and analysis between Committee meetings. The final meeting will outline considerations and benefits in each of the options available for collaboration. Boards will make the final decisions regarding next steps. Community members interested in serving on the Study Committee are requested to indicate their interest in writing by informing the Superintendent of Schools prior to January 7. The individual boards will select from interested parties. Please send letters to Robert Phillips, Superintendent of Schools, 5038 US Route 2, North Hero, VT 05474. January SOLO Dinner Meeting SOLO (Supporting Others Like Ourselves) January Dinner Meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 19, starting at 5 pm, at the Hibachi Buffet in Highgate Commons Shopping Plaza in Saint Albans. This support group is for those who have experienced the death of a spouse or partner. Group members are not counselors, just ordinary people trying to help/support one another by being upbeat and positive. The group is casual, relaxed and friendly and meets in a comfortable setting. Dinners are Dutch New England Via Vermont S T O R E W I D E S A L E Till We Close for the Winter! Open 10-4, Monday, Friday & Saturday. Other times by chance or appointment. 802- 796-3665 • Check Facebook. VISIT OUR ROOM OF CURIOSITIES! treat, and newcomers are always welcomed! If you have never been to SOLO and are hesitant about coming, bring a family member or friend with you the first time. This month, the speaker for the evening will be talking about vacation home exchange and other economical travel. For more information, call 802-309-4862. # 1 in Grand Isle County!! ISLANDS REALTY GRAND ISLE- Spectacular views & privately situated on a double lot w/225’ of pristine lakeshore & 1.3 acres in the upscale Robinson Point area, bordered by 50+ acres of Preservation Trust property. The home was updated throughout 2006-2011. Expansive elevated lakeside deck, 2 car Garage w/Guest Quarters. $619,000. ISLE LA MOTTE- Build your dream cottage on this semi-private, direct lakefront property w/200’ of gradual frontage. Sandy beach, east facing with gorgeous Mountain view & 0.77 acre on a dead end road. Older seasonal 3 BR mobile home on the property & 2 out buildings. Exceptional property surrounded by upscale homes & cottages. $169,900. NORTH HERO- Well maintained duplex w/many renovations. Village location on quiet dead end street. 2 units with excellent rental history, each with 2 BR’s, Hardwood floors and screened in porch. Big private backyard & 2 car garage. Perfect investment! $309,000. GRAND ISLE- Smartly designed 3 BR/2 BA Hillside Ranch features one level living & open floor plan. It’s sited on 11 acres w/Green Mountain & Lake Champlain views and comes with a separate 1 BR Log Cabin. Sub-division potential. $399,900. ALBURGH- At the end of a dead end road you’ll find these 2 direct lake homes. Both are well maintained, have open floor plans, natural woodwork, lakeside balconies & are full of charm & character. Prime West Shore lake frontage. Panoramic views of Lake Champlain sunsets & the Adirondack Mountains. Town water & sewer. Cement seawall. $535,000. For both but are available separately. Call for details. GRAND ISLE- Sunny, 1 level, 3 BR Cottage w/140’ of direct lakefront w/panoramic lake & sunset views. Great place for entertaining! 17x15 deck right on the lake. Big 16x24 outbuilding for boat, kayaks, and water toys. Now $289,000. SHARI 233-6392 FRANZ 777-7646 CARLA 363-5758 LINDA 598-9322 CRAIG 372-4179 TIM 236-1402 www.LakeChamplainRealEstate.com Merry Christmas! -from all of us at Coldwell Banker Islands Realty GRAND ISLE- Three bedroom, 3 bath cape style home with 2224 sq. ft. of living area. 34 acres of land & 490’ of direct lake frontage. 2 -2 car garages. Subdivision possibilities. This property has a whole lot of everything! Call for more details. NOW $499,000. EVAN 999-6277 GRAND ISLE- Great 3 BR/2 BA home on 1.25 acres with 1/5th ownership to 130’ of lake frontage. 3 car attached garage. Nice mixture of trees for privacy. Heated swimming pool. Lake views from your deck. $359,000. ALBURGH- With 100’ of direct lakefront, this furnished cottage is the perfect place to spend the summers. The property features gradual access to the lake, beautiful western views and sunsets looking towards Fort Montgomery. Minutes to New York & Canadian Border. Only $149,000. NORTH HERO- This 4 BR/2 BA year ISLE LA MOTTE- Lakefront home with lots bedrooms, lots of yard and an ever bigger lake & Mountain view!! This home has it all... the open floor plan lends itself to entertaining large family gatherings. The 1.7 acre yard is perfect for gardens or sporting events & 250’ of lakefront gives massive views of the VT Green Mountains. 3 car garage with plenty of space to store all your toys. $449,000. ISLE LA MOTTE- Beautiful sunsets from this rustic 2 BR cottage. 50’ of private lakeshore and 0.23 acres of owned land. Excellent water quality on the broad lake makes it great for swimming, boating, fishing and summer living. Own your slice of Lake Champlain for only $149,000. ISLE LA MOTTE- Well maintained 2 bedroom lake cottage on 1 acre lot with 112’ of Lake Champlain frontage on the West Shore. 1 car garage. Gorgeous lake sunsets & Adirondack Mountain views. A must see at $249,900. NORTH HERO- Sited on a high bluff overlooking the Inland Sea, offering breathtaking views of the Lake, Islands & Green Mountains is a beautifully maintained, 4 BD/3 BA Lake House is the centerpiece of this 13 acre estate boasting privacy, mature trees, and over 900 feet of shoreline, including a private protected cove w/gradual pebble beach & 2 separate lake front parcels. $999,900. round home is perched on 2.23 acres with 200’ of West Shore lake frontage and stunning Lake Champlain & Adirondack Mountain views. Near hiking trail. Only 45 minutes to Burlington & 1 hour to Montreal. $325,000. 2 Ferry Road, South Hero, VT 05486-0122 4 South Main Street, Alburgh, VT 05440-0020 Office: 802-862-0124 Office: 802-372-5777 Office: 802-796-3426