Gazette 12-18-2014 complete

Mountain Gazette, December 18, 2014
www.mountaingazette@earthlink.net
Vol. 14 No. 12 Serving Bolton, Cambridge, Jeffersonville, Jericho, Underhill and Westford, VT
A grocery store for Jericho
By Phyl Newbeck
Special to the Mountain Gazette
On April 24, the Jericho Development
Review Board (DRB) got their first look at the
proposed Jericho Market which may be coming
to the Riverside area. David Villeneuve is the
land owner and Mike Comeau, owner of the
Richmond Market, Johnson’s Sterling Market,
and the Village Market in Waterbury, is the
proposed occupant for the existing building at
364 VT Rt. 15. The plan is for a 17,600 square
foot general merchandise store with a deli and
food service.
The lot on which the building is proposed
currently houses a 12,800 square foot garage
and a park and ride for the Cambridge to
Burlington commuter bus. The park and ride
will be relocated to another parcel owned by
Villeneuve and the building will be repurposed.
The steel truss portion will be retained while
the wood section will be removed. Trudell
Engineering describes the new structure as
“barn-like.” The project includes landscaping,
storm water treatment, and energy efficient
HVAC and lighting systems. What is described
as a “civic green space” is proposed for the
southwest corner of the lot and there will be
a sidewalk along the edge of the green on the
south side of the property.
Initially the application included a total of
73 parking spaces including nine perpendicular
and four parallel on-street spaces. A waiver
is required for the parking on the south and
west sides of the building due to the zoning
regulations’ prohibition against front yard
parking. After consultation with Jennifer
Murray, Planning and Zoning Coordinator for
the Town of Jericho, the developer removed the
parallel parking and made the west side parking
a single row.
Last winter the Jericho Select Board
hired the Town Planning and Urban Design
Collaborative to create form-based code for the
Riverside Village District which is the site of
the proposed development. Since this proposal
was submitted prior to the adoption of that
code, it will be considered under the existing
zoning regulations. Part of the form-based code
is a master plan and developer Jerry Davis of
PeakCM said his goal is to have the store fit the
look of that plan.
Davis was first approached about putting
a grocery store in the commercial district but
when those plans fizzled, it was suggested that
the Villeneuve property in the Riverside area
might be a better location. After Davis ran the
budget numbers he contacted Comeau, who
agreed that this would be a good location for
a store. “There are three pieces to the puzzle,”
said Davis. “The property owner, the developer/
contractor, and the end user. What attracted me
to this plan is that Mike Comeau is great to
work with and people really love his markets.”
Davis said the structure will be slightly bigger
than what Comeau wanted but otherwise meets
his specifications. The metal building will be
retained but a new floor will be put in, together
with new siding and roofing. “I think the design
we have fits,” said Davis. “It looks a lot like
the master plan. I’m really hoping the town is
happy with this because we are.”
Comeau reports that the Jericho store will
be similar to his other establishments and the
second largest of what will be a quartet of
stores. “We’re looking at this to be one of our
best,” he said “because we’ve learned so much
as we’ve done these and gotten better at it.”
Comeau believes his current business model
is one that works. “I could have ten stores if
I plopped them down anywhere,” he said “but
we’re looking for communities we can be part
of and which will appreciate our mix of local,
organic, and conventional goods.” Comeau
noted that each of his current stores averages
7000 customers per week.
Comeau said the new store will have a
butcher and meat department as well as a deli,
a full line of produce, a section with bulk items,
and a salad bar. Eventually he would like to add
a pharmacist and liquor sales but those are not
part of the current plan. “We want people to
be able to do all their shopping there,” he said.
Comeau said he and Davis are each spending
roughly $2 million on the project. “That’s a
wicked amount of money to spend on a grocery
store in a small town,” he said “so it has to
be able to function.” It is for that reason that
Comeau has requested parking all around the
building instead of just in back which would
require customers to wheel their full carts all
around the store. Turning the building around
would mean delivery trucks would be in full
view, rather than an aesthetically pleasing
façade.
The DRB held a hearing on December 11 to
review the plan with a full house of 27 audience
members. Davis requested a preliminary review
to give the applicants direction on any changes
which might be requested. They are also
awaiting the results of a traffic study. Murray
said the major concerns dealt with parking,
traffic issues, pedestrian connectivity, and a
desire to make the building more compatible
with the proposed form-based code. The latter
concern is difficult to address because formbased code is designed for new construction
whereas this application is for re-use of an
existing structure. The DRB has yet to reach a
decision on the preliminary review so the date
for final plat review has not been set.
For more information, go to http://www.
jerichovt.gov/index.asp?SEC=A03E1E2DAB95-4CA8-AE4A-AEF683320E45&Type=B_
BASIC or to www.jerichovt.gov, then click
Projects and Studies, then Riverside MASTER
PLANNING & FBC Project, then Jericho
Market Development Proposal.
On the evening of Thursday, December 11,
a large crowd gathered around a 30’ cedar and
gasped at the beauty of the blue and white lights
as they suddenly sparkled through the snowladen branches.
The occasion was the first annual tree lighting
ceremony in memory of two beloved Alumni –
Emily Lyman, class of 2012, and Ryan Collins,
class of 2004. Emily was a prolific writer and
passed away in 2012 during her freshman year
at Rice Memorial High School. She is the
daughter of Gene and Monica Lyman and her
brother is a current MCS student. Ryan was
an enthusiastic student who loved science and
passed away in 2000 during his 6th grade year at
MCS. He is the son of Tim and Michelle Collins
and his sister is a current MCS student. Mr.
Anthony Fontana, principal of Mater Christi
School, gave a brief explanation of the event
and then Sr. Laura Della Santa, former principal
of Mater Christi and the current Superintendent
of Catholic Schools, led a prayer of dedication.
After the group sang some Christmas hymns,
they gathered in the school gym for a Christmas
Choral Concert directed by Mr. Matthew
O’Neil, MCS music teacher.
The school plans to make the area around
the tree into a memorial garden that will also
honor the other Mater Christi School students
who have died while attending the school or
shortly afterwards. Sr. Laura mentioned these
students by name in her dedication. The annual
lighting of the tree will form the focal point of
this special space.
Mater Christi School begins new tradition
M a t e r
Christi
student
T y l e r
Diemer
reading
as part of
the
first
annual
t r e e
lighting
ceremony
at
the
Thursday,
Dec.11
dedication
of a new
tradition
in memory
of Mater Christi School students who have
died while attending the school, or shortly
afterwards. Tyler is assisted by Kaitlyn Dorey,
MCS Marketing/ Enrollment Director, and
Glenda Bedard, grade 5 teacher. PHOTO CONTRIBUTED
Page
December 18, 2014
Westford Elementary School
receives $500 grant
John Olson, a representative of Midtown Mobil in Milton, presented Jill Rochford, a math and
science teacher of Westford Elementary School, with a $500 grant recently. The Exxon Mobil
Educational Alliance Grant will be used to support the school’s science and math programs.
Westford may use funds from this grant to support the purchase of an additional EV3 Core
Lego Kit so that the robotics equipment can be used during whole class instruction to support
engineering and computer software coding projects throughout grades 3-8.
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED
Cambridge Rotary’s outdoor winter kids’ program
Soon after its beginning in 2008, the
founders of the Cambridge Area Rotary in
northern Vermont began to think about a way
to strengthen their community. Nestled at the
foot of Mt. Mansfield, Cambridge is the home
of Smugglers’ Notch Resort. It was thus natural
to think about capitalizing on the area’s natural
beauty and recreational opportunities. The club
focused on bringing opportunities for outdoor
adventures to the youth of the community in
that most challenging of seasons – winter.
And thus Winter Wellness was born. It has
been a continuing collaboration between the
Rotary, Height of Land Productions, headed
by Rotary member Adam Howard, Smugglers’
Notch Resort (Smuggs), and the Cambridge
Elementary School.
Each winter for the past five years, students
in the 4th, 5th, and 6th grades at Cambridge
Elementary have been given the opportunity
to experience Smuggs terrain three days during
the winter season. They can choose to learn to
ski, snowboard, cross-country ski, or snowshoe.
Grade 5 teacher Colleen Legris, who has
seen students grow and blossom as they learn
new skills, camaraderie, and confidence, says
that about half of the 4th graders entering the
program have never before participated in these
activities. She credits the 100% participation in
those grades to the fact that the cost is wholly
underwritten by Rotary and Height of Land
funding activities. Smuggs is generous in the
prices they charge for the program.
On a typical 4th grade trip day, 60 nine- and
ten-year-olds board the bus and head up to
the mountain. Teachers and Rotary volunteers
come along to help with equipment and
encouragement. All the children choose their
own activity, and can change from one to
another during the season. They are given two
hours of lessons and time to practice what they
learn. Children with special needs are given
one-on-one coaching through Smuggs’ Special
Needs Adaptive Program (SNAP). As the
students progress to 5th and 6th grades, they can
attain many levels of proficiency.
The Winter Wellness program has also
created another winter opportunity for the
community – a skating rink erected by Rotary
members each winter on the soccer field of the
elementary school. This rink is available to all.
The fundraising events that support Winter
Wellness are also grounded in encouraging
outdoor activities. Over the years, the club
has held Ski and Board Swaps, Bike and Boat
Swaps, staffed the annual Barn Bash hosted by
Height of Land, sponsored Pumpkin Chunkin’
contests, and held an annual Fun Run/Walk.
The latest addition is a Bunco Night. The club’s
efforts have raised over $20,000 to support the
kids’ ski and board program over the past three
years. The club worked with the Smugglers’
Notch Chamber of Commerce, Eagles Club,
Cambridge Elementary School and PTSA, and
the American Legion to raise $6000 to launch
the skating rink and has contributed $2000 and
many hours of service to maintain the rink for
the community.
New location for Jericho voting,Town Meeting
By Jessica R. Alexander
Jericho Town Clerk
Jericho is moving its polling place from the
Jericho Elementary School to Mount Mansfield
Union High School at 211 Browns Trace. Jericho
Town Meeting will be held at 9:00 AM in the
MMU Auditorium. Jericho Town Meeting will
be on Tuesday March 3, 2015, the first Tuesday
in March. This move will bring a lot of new
opportunities and solve some of the parking and
traffic problems. The seating capacity will also
be greater, and the chairs are already set up! Mr.
David Marlow, Director of Student Activities,
has been very helpful in planning this transition.
There will be more room for Town committees
and organizations to set up display tables. If you
wish to set up a table, please contact Jessica at
the Town Hall by Monday, February 23. The
actual polling place will be in the Kiva. Where
is the Kiva? This room is located on the left
just after entering the main school entrance. All
Jericho elections will now be taking place at
Mount Mansfield Union High School.
Merry Christmas & Happy Hanukkah
www.mountaingazette@earthlink.net
Page 2
NEWS BRIEFS
UNDERHILL-JERICHO FIRE DEPARTNENT
By Kitty Clark
The Underhill-Jericho Fire Department has been very busy
since the storm started late Tuesday night, December 9. As of
Sunday night, December 14, we have responded to 27 stormrelated calls. We would like to thank the Underhill and the
Jericho Highway Crews for all they have done this past week,
making it safe to proceed on snow-covered roads. Also, thanks to
Green Mountain Power and Vermont Electric crews for handling
all the downed power lines and working so hard to restore power.
At this time all of us on the Underhill-Jericho Fire Department
would like to wish the residents of Underhill and Jericho a very
Merry Fire Safe Christmas. Remember some safety facts, like:
 be careful if you are burning candles, make sure they are out
before going out or going to bed;
 if you have a fresh Christmas tree, be sure to water it
regularly and turn out the lights before going to bed;
 be sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have
fresh batteries.
Be safe, not sorry, and “Practice Fire Safety Every Day!”
Mount Mansfield Scale
Modelers to hold meeting
Mount Mansfield Scale Modelers will hold informal gatherings
on Thursdays, December 18, January 15, and February 19. The
meeting will be held at the Brownell Library, Essex Junction,
Kolvoord Community Room from 6:30 - 8:30 PM. For more
information call 879-0765 after 6:00 PM.
Jericho Library open house,
tree lighting a success
Sunday, December 7, Jericho Town Library celebrated its
annual Open House and Christmas tree celebration. Children
were entertained by Elizabeth Bernstein reading holiday stories,
by Derek Burkins singing and playing holiday music, and by
making Christmas tree crowns as a craft project. Everyone who
attended enjoyed munching on cookies made by the library’s
Board of Directors and by friends of the library and drinking
Dennis Pearson’s “secret recipe” punch.
At 5:00 PM, Santa was driven down Bolger Hill by Jim Adams
on his decorated Kubota tractor, and he distributed candy canes
donated by Patty Carroll. Santa presided over the tree lighting
made possible by those who decorated the tree with the lights:
Jim Adams, Matt Malmgren, Jake Loeffler, and Jim Carroll.
Clark’s Trucking advertised the event on their sign to make
our community aware of this yearly event. Donations for the
electricity and lights to keep the tree illuminated can be put in
the festive green jars in all of the local Jericho stores or can be
mailed to the Jericho Center Preservation Association, Holiday
Tree Fund, P.O. Box 1018, Jericho, VT 05465.
Thank you to everyone who participated in these wonderful
community events. On that note, Barb and Jim Adams have been
organizing this event for close to ten years, and we are grateful
for all that they have done, but now it is time for others to step
up and coordinate this tree lighting occasion. Jim and Barb are
happy to work with the new people/committee to train them next
year, December 2015, and will then turn over the reins to these
others, who will then continue the tradition in 2016.
Let’s not let this fantastic community tradition die!
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Caregivers – our silent army
To the Editor,
Every day, a remarkable group of Vermonters performs a
great labor of love: caring for aging parents, spouses, brothers,
sisters, aunts, uncles, and friends so they can remain in their
homes. They are on duty 24/7, and often cannot take a break. Yet
they wouldn’t have it any other way. These caregivers are truly
unsung heroes.
To honor family caregivers, AARP launched a new initiative to
focus attention on their stories called “I Heart Caregivers.” Every
caregiver has a story and gathering these stories strengthens
the caregiver community for everyone’s benefit. If you know
someone with a story to share, encourage them to go www.aarp.
org/iheartcaregivers.
In addition to offering caregivers the opportunity to share stories
with each other, the initiative also provides us with a powerful
way to bring those voices to lawmakers and policymakers in
Montpelier. Together with other organizations, AARP Vermont
is gearing up to work for common-sense solutions in the next
legislative session to support family caregivers and their loved
ones. For example, we need to develop improved transitional
care plans for patients returning home from the hospital, secure
better workplace flexibility for caregivers, and ensure we are
investing in the programs and services that caregivers and their
loved ones need in their own communities.
We know that there is a silent army of some 120,000 Vermonters
who are caregivers each year. Let’s recognize these remarkable
individuals who are working to help seniors live independently
and who make it possible for them to stay in their homes where
we know they want to be.
Greg Marchildon
State Director, AARP Vermont
NATURAL GAS
PIPELINE SAFETY
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Whether you are at home, at work, or in a public place, it’s likely you are in an
area served by natural gas pipelines. Like all forms of energy, natural gas
must be handled properly. Despite an excellent safety record, a gas leak
caused by damage to a pipeline may pose a hazard and has the potential to
ignite. Natural gas pipelines are sometimes identified by signs that indicate
their approximate location — but these signs should not be relied upon to
indicate the exact position. As such, and because not all lines have signs,
it is critical that you call Dig Safe™ at 811 prior to any excavation.
CALL BEFORE YOU DIG — IT’S THE LAW!
• The greatest risk to underground
natural gas pipelines is accidental
damage during excavation. Even minor
damage such as a gouge, scrape or
dent to a pipeline or its coating could
cause a leak or failure. Digging into a
pipeline is the largest single cause of
•
pipeline failures.
• To protect pipelines and other
underground facilities, the law
requires that before starting to dig
for any excavation, landscaping,
USE YOUR SENSES TO
DETECT A GAS LEAK
construction or demolition project,
on public or private property, the
excavator must call Dig Safe™ at
811 at least 48 hours in advance
(excluding weekends and holidays)
to notify them of the work.
Dig Safe™ will contact member
utilities so they can mark the location
of their underground facilities prior
to any excavation. This service is
provided at no cost to you.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
IF YOU SUSPECT A LEAK
• SMELL: Natural gas is colorless and
• MOVE immediately to a safe location.
• CALL Vermont Gas at 1-800-639-8081
• SIGHT: You may see a white cloud,
• DO NOT smoke or operate electrical
odorless. A distinctive, pungent odor,
similar to rotten eggs, is added so
that you will recognize it quickly.
mist, fog, bubbles in standing water
or blowing dust. You may also see
vegetation that appears to be dead
or dying for no apparent reason.
• SOUND: You may hear an unusual
immediately, with the exact location.
switches or appliances. These items
may produce a spark that might ignite
the gas or cause an explosion.
• DO NOT assume someone else will
report the condition.
noise like a roaring, hissing or whistling.
Dial
85 Swift Street, South Burlington VT
802-863-4511
customerservice@vermontgas.com
vermontgas.com
Cleaner Energy. Cleaner Air.
Vermont Gas Wishes You a Safe and Happy Holiday Season
Mountain Gazette, December 18, 2014
Owner to match food drive
donations at Phoenix Books
The owner of Phoenix Books has issued a challenge to
the community to donate nonperishable food items for local
community food shelves. Mike DeSanto has pledged to make
a cash donation equal to the value of food donated to the
bookstore’s food drive, up to $5000. The food drive at Phoenix
Books Essex and Phoenix Books Burlington will run through
Monday, December 22. Phoenix booksellers are ready to help
anyone who would like to make a nonperishable food donation.
DeSanto says, “Personally, I’ve become convinced that hunger
has to be taken care of first, before people can succeed in raising
themselves up in other areas.” He adds that hunger has become a
core cause that he wants to address both personally and through
Phoenix Books in coming years. “Phoenix Books is hosting the
food drive, my staff is supporting this effort, and I’m going to
make a personal donation to the food shelf to equal the value of
the food brought in. I really hope that I have to write a check for
$5000. I would feel really good if that happened.”
Phoenix Books Burlington is located at 191 Bank St.,
Burlington; Phoenix Books Essex is located at 21 Essex Way
#407, in Essex. For more information, please call 802-4483350 in Burlington, 802-872-7111 in Essex, or visit www.
phoenixbooks.biz.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Politicians tax voters
with expensive energy
To the Editor,
Paying more money my family doesn’t have for gas, electricity
and heat isn’t “really” a tax, they say, but it might as well be.
In fact if you already can’t afford more school taxes and health
care it’s the cruelest tax of all, because not paying leaves you
cold, stranded and or in the dark. You can only fix it by finding
hundreds of new dollars from somewhere.
Well, we do live in Vermont, it’s dark and cold and I knew
that when I decided to make it my home. What I didn’t expect is
that the people who beg us for their votes every two years would
then turn around and vote on purpose for expensive energy.
They vote against nuclear plants and for more expensive solar
and wind. They tax gasoline more than necessary to maintain the
roads (their job) because they spend state money to keep special
interests happy (not their job). And now some in Montpelier
want a “carbon tax:” heating oil, gasoline, propane, kerosene, the
works. Is firewood carbon fuel too? The chimney soot says so.
Thought: maybe I should have written this letter before the
election. It might have warned Montpelier to stop yanking our
leash, making heat and power and cars so expensive we will all
ride the bus (that doesn’t come to my road) or buy a donkey or
live in a yurt or at least a smaller home. And maybe those are
good things for some but no one likes to be dragged like a dog.
There’s no hope in that kind of change.
Not a politician but I approved this message anyway!
Heather Sheppard
Cambridge
Mountain Gazette, December 18, 2014
www.mountaingazette@earthlink.net
COMING EVENTS
PEOPLE IN THE NEWS
OBITUARIES
Colleen Jean Shanklin (Lieutenant
Colonel, USAF Retired), age 82, died on
Friday, December 5, 2014 at Air Force
Village II in San Antonio, TX. Colleen
was born on July 24, 1932 in Underhill,
VT, the state where she spent all of her
youth. Upon completion of nursing school,
Colleen dutifully served her country
for more than 20 years as an officer and
a nurse in the U.S. Air Force. Colleen
served in San Antonio, TX (where she met
her husband Dr. Kenneth D. Shanklin),
Frankfurt, Germany, and Fresno, CA,
achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel
(and matching the rank of her husband)
before being honorably discharged
in 1984. Colleen spent much of her
retirement in Fresno, CA with her husband
Ken before moving back to San Antonio.
She devoted her life to family, taking her
grandchildren to Europe, Hawaii, Mexico,
and most of the lower 48 states. She
and her husband graciously provided to
many charitable programs in her lifetime,
including Valley Children’s Hospital in California, LIGA (Flying
Doctors of Mercy), American Legion, Military Order of the
World Wars, private schooling and college educations for her
grandchildren, and countless other organizations and fortunate
beneficiaries. Colleen was a scratch golfer, a guest of the White
House, grand marshal of the Magic Kingdom Parade in Disney
World, special guest of a Space Shuttle Endeavour launch, and
an avid San Antonio Spurs fan. Colleen was the last survivor of
the Harvey and Mercie Wheeler family. Colleen is survived by
her husband of 36 years Dr. Kenneth D. Shanklin (Lieutenant
Colonel, USAF Retired), her stepson Steven (Angie) Shanklin ,
her grandsons Michael Shanklin (and his son Bryson Shanklin),
Daniel (Taylor) Shanklin (and his children Wyatt Shanklin and
Colleen Ann Shanklin), Phillip Shanklin, Steven Shanklin, and
Devin Shanklin, her daugthers-in-law JoAnne Shanklin and
Mayuree Shanklin, her many nieces and nephews, and countless
relatives and friends. A memorial service was held at on Tuesday,
December 9 at the main chapel of Blue Skies of Texas West
(formerly Air Force Village II), 5100 John D. Ryan Blvd, San
Antonio, TX 78245. In lieu of flowers, Colleen asked that any
donations in her memory be made to the Alzheimer’s Association
or to a charity of the donor’s choice. You are invited to sign the
Guestbook at www.porterloring.com.Magic Kingdom Parade
in Disney World, special guest of a Space Shuttle Endeavour
launch, and an avid San Antonio Spurs fan. Colleen was the last
survivor of the Harvey and Mercie Wheeler family. Colleen is
survived by her husband of 36 years Dr. Kenneth D. Shanklin
(Lieutenant Colonel, USAF Retired), her stepson Steven (Angie)
Shanklin , her grandsons Michael Shanklin (and his son Bryson
Shanklin), Daniel (Taylor) Shanklin (and his children Wyatt
Shanklin and Colleen Ann Shanklin), Phillip Shanklin, Steven
Shanklin, and Devin Shanklin, her daugthers-in-law JoAnne
Shanklin and Mayuree Shanklin, her many nieces and nephews,
and countless relatives and friends. A memorial service was held
at on Tuesday, December 9 at the main chapel of Blue Skies of
Texas West (formerly Air Force Village II), 5100 John D. Ryan
Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78245. In lieu of flowers, Colleen asked
that any donations in her memory be made to the Alzheimer’s
Association or to a charity of the donor’s choice. You are invited
to sign the Guestbook at www.porterloring.com.
Douglas Kallen makes 2014 New
England Super Lawyers list
The law firm of Bergeron, Paradis &
Fitzpatrick is pleased to announce that
Douglas Kallen, a partner since 1995,
has been selected for inclusion on the
2014 New England Super Lawyers
list in the practice area of Criminal
Defense. Douglas has been practicing
criminal law for over thirty years and has
extensive defense experience. Attorneys
selected as Super Lawyers have attained
a high degree of peer recognition and
professional achievement. The selection
process includes independent research, peer nominations and
peer evaluations. Douglas has been a resident of Jericho since
PHOTO CONTRIBUTRED
1994.
WELCOME HOME
Westford
(Morgan) Catherine and Jason Morgan are proud to announce
the birth of their son, Beckett Saunders Morgan, on Tuesday,
November 18, 2014. Beckett was delivered at the University of
Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, VT.
HONOR ROLLS
Rice HS honor roll
Rev. Msgr. Bernard W. Bourgeois, principal at Rice Memorial
High School in South Burlington, proudly announces the
following Huntington, Jeffersonville, Jericho and Jericho Center,
and Underhill residents who achieved Honor Roll Second Honors
status for the first marking period in the 2014-2015 school year.
Huntington – Austin Purinton
Jeffersonville – Laura Dunn
Jericho – Addison Culupa, Robert Hopwood, Sophia Rossi,
Sarah Sem
Jericho Center – Christopher Aselin
Underhill – Allison Babbitt, Kyle DeCoster, Bradley Eldred,
Mahntra Hennessey
Burlington Technical
Center honor roll
These local students earned a place on the Burlington Technical
Center honor roll for the first quarter of the 2014-2015 academic
year:
Rebecca Barwin, a student at Mount Mansfield Union High
School – Honors Medical and Sports Sciences.
Jeffrey Carter, a student at Mount Mansfield Union High
School – Honors Medical and Sports Sciences.
Ananda Corr, a student at Mount Mansfield Union High
School – Electronic Recording Arts.
Darius Jordan, a student at Mount Mansfield Union High
School – Welding/Metal Fabrication.
Audrey King, a student at Mount Mansfield Union High
School – Design and Illustration.
Lydia Stricker, a student at Mount Mansfield Union High
School – Honors Medical and Sports Sciences.
Emily Whitehill, a student at Mount Mansfield Union High
School – Human Development and Education.
United Way holiday volunteer opportunities
Tis the Season to Volunteer – step up! Choose one of the
options below or go to www.unitedwaycc.org/volunteer to check
out more than 300 other volunteer options from local nonprofits,
schools, and public partners, or call United Way at 860-1677.
Tied with a Bow – Two groups are looking for volunteers
to wrap gifts to be distributed to those who would otherwise go
without: ReSOURCE: Gift wrapping for all shoppers with an
optional cash donation in support of the Essential Goods Voucher
Program, a poverty relief program. Saturday, December 20,
11:00 AM – 5:00 PM, at the Household Goods Store, Pine St.,
Burlington. Contact Lizzy Fox, 223-6607 or lfox@resourcevt.
org.
Vermont CARES: Wrap gifts at the Burlington Town Center
holiday table. Volunteers work in teams, so sign up with a friend.
Through December 24, three-hour shifts between 11:00 AM and
8:00 PM. Contact Christian Pinillos, 863-2437 or christian@
vtcares.org.
First Night Burlington is seeking office volunteers to help
sell buttons, answer phones, assemble signboards, etc. Flexible
schedules, three-hour shifts through the event on Wednesday,
December 31. Volunteers can earn a free First Night button!
They are also looking for a volunteer to help trouble-shoot and/
The Mountain Gazette
6558 VT Rt 116 Starksboro, VT 05487
(802) 453-6354 • mtgazette@earthlink.net
wwwmountaingazetteofvermont.com
Deadline: January 2 Publication: January 8
Brenda Boutin publisher/ad sales /delivery
News writer - Phyl Newbeck, Editing - Sara Riley
Letters Policy:
Maximum 450 words; one letter per writer, per calendar month. Must be
signed for attribution with writer’s address and phone number.
Coming in our January 8 issue:
Our Schools
Page 3
or fine tune their Microsoft Office and Windows 8.1 systems.
For office staff email Pam Stewart at pam@firstnightburlington.
com; for software position email Muffie Milens at muffie@
firstnightburlington.com or call Pam or Muffie at 863-6005.
Holiday Feasts and Songs – Cathedral Square Corporation
is seeking volunteers to bring good cheer and good food to
seniors without family or funds to entertain. Prepare and serve a
delicious homemade meal for about 15 residents early Christmas
week. Musical groups could also provide entertainment (guitar,
small ensemble, “family bands,” vocalists) to appreciative
seniors. Background check required. Contact Beth Alpert, 8613297 or alpert@cathedralsquare.org.
Gaining Strength – Ethan Allen Residence is seeking fitness
volunteers to get residents moving through leading groups in
Yoga, Tai-chi, or Strength Building exercises. References and
background check required. Contact Carolyn Stevens, 658-1573
or cstevens@ethanallenresidence.org.
WINTER
TIRES
Make your appointment now!
• Foreign & Domestic Auto Repairs
• Wrecker Service • Brakes • Exhaust
• Shocks & Struts • Lifetime Muffler
• Maintenance Service
• Vermont State Inspection
• Windshield Replacement
Visa • Mastercard • American Express
Village Service
& Auto Repair
Our Schools is an added publication contributed
by Richard Mindell featuring the children of the CESU school
district. Each issue will focus on art, music, awards, sports,
camps, class projects and much more.
Bridgestone and
Nokian Hakkapeliitta Tires
Ted & Jeff Alexander Route 15, Underhill
The Mountain Gazette is not responsible for any photos
or information contained in the Our Schools pages.
Underhill’s Family Owned Locally Operated Automotive Center for 33 Years
899-2056
Friday-Saturday, December 19-20
Holiday Artist Market, 4:00 – 8:00 PM Friday, 10:00 AM –
6:00 PM Saturday, Contois Auditorium, City Hall, 149 Church
St., Burlington. Free admission.
Wednesday, December 31
New Year’s Eve concert, 7:30 PM, Richmond Congregational
Church, Bridge St., Richmond. Music by Hannah Beth Crary,
Hillary Stewart, the Fiddleheads, and the Highland Weavers will
benefit the Gillett Pond Save the Dam fund. For information,
contact Tim Whiteford, 434-4565 or whiteford@gmavt.net.
Ring in the New Year with Jazz, 7:30 PM – 12:30 AM,
Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center Ballroom, S. Burlington.
Dance and dine to toast the New Year and benefit the Vermont
Symphony Orchestra, and dance to the VT Jazz Ensemble.
Proceeds benefit VSO’s artistic and educational music programs
throughout the state. Reception with a VSO ensemble; elegant
dinner, silent auction. For information including cost and tickets,
contact Amy Caldwell, 800-VSO-9293 x.16, amy@vso.org, or
www.vso.org.
Sunday, January 4
Community Breakfast, 9:00 – 11:00 AM, VFW Post 6689,
73 Pearl St., Essex Junction (across from Big Lots). Sponsored
by the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars. All are
invited, both members and non-members! Adults $7; children 10
and under $3. Call 878-0700 for more information.
Saturday, January 10
7th Annual Ladies Nordic Ski Expo, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM,
Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe. For women looking to learn and
practice new ski skills, instructional sessions on classic and
skate skiing, and backcountry and telemark techniques. Gear
rental available (call ahead, 802-862-7000). Guest speakers
Louise and Regina Limoge of Vermont Climbing and Adventure
School. Lunch included in registration fee; après-ski social with
wine, cheese, and chocolate tasting offered at the Lodge. For
information including cost and to register, http://catamounttrail.
org/events/ladies-nordic-ski-expo/ or gmaino@catamounttrail.
org.
Sunday, January 18
VT Respite House Memorial Tree Lighting and
Remembrance Ceremony, 2:00 – 4:00 PM, Williston Federated
Church, corner of US Rt. 2 and North Williston Rd., Williston.
Tuesday, February 10
‘Snowflake’
Bentley’s
150th birthday symposium,
7:00 PM, Jericho Elementary
School
auditorium,
VT
Rt. 15, Jericho. Moderator
Mark
Breen,
Fairbanks
Museum and Planetarium,
and VPR’s original Eye
Mountain High
on the Sky. Panelists Dr.
Bruce Berryman, Lyndon
Pizza Pie
State College, Lyndonville;
Paul
Sisson,
National
Monday - Wednesday
Weather Service, Burlington
International Airport; and
11:00 AM - 8:30 PM
John Miller, Johnson State
Tuesday-Saturday
College. Following their
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
discussion, the audience is
Sunday 4:00 - 8:00 PM
invited to share Bentley’s
birthday cake. John Dunlop,
cellist, and Laura Markowitz,
violinist, members of the VT
Route 15, Jeri-Hill Plaza
Symphony Orchestra and
Jericho
Jericho residents, will provide
appropriate period music.
899-3718
Area Worship Services
CALVARY EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Calvary Episcopal Church is a welcoming, caring,
Christian Community called to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ, grow our
spiritual gifts, and serve our neighbors. 372 VT RT 15, Jericho Sunday
Worship Service 9:30 AM Rev.
Regina Christianson Rector Karen Floyd, Parish Administrator,
899-2326 www.calvarychurchvt.weebly.com
GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH (ELCA)
273 VT RT15 - between Jericho and Underhill
Rev. Phillip Roushey, Pastor. Sunday Worship 9:00 AM Nursery Provided Sunday School for all ages - 10:30 AM
pastor_phil@goodshepherdjericho.org
www.GoodShepherdJericho.org
JERICHO CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
“An Historic Church Proclaiming an Eternal Message”
On the Green in Jericho Center, VT
Interim Pastor Doug Walker and Youth Pastor Glenn Carter
Sunday Services at 8:00 AM & 11:00 AM
Nursery care provided
Sunday School at 9:30 AM for all ages
Fellowship at 10:30 AM Youth group 6:15 PM
Sundays in Sunday school building
Signing for the deaf upon request 899-4911;
officejcc@comcast.net; www.jccvt.org
MOUNT MANSFIELD UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP
A Liberal Spiritual Community 195 VT RT 15, Jericho, VT 05465
Phone: 899-2558 website www.mmuuf.org
We gather at 9:30 AM at the newly renovated space at 195 VT RT 15,
Jericho (red barn across from Packard Road)
on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of September All are welcome.
ST. THOMAS ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
“Worshiping God in Spirit and in Truth in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass”
On Green Street in Underhill Center Weekend Masses:
Saturday 4:30 PM Sunday 8:30 AM
Pastor: Rev. Charles “Rick” Danielson
Deacon: Peter Brooks Religious Ed. Coordinator: Laura Lynch Wells,
899-4770 Parish Secretary: Theresa Gingras Phone: 802-899-4632,
email: stthomas5@myfairpoint.net, Website: www.stthomasvt.com
UNITED CHURCH OF UNDERHILL
“Welcoming, Worshipping, Working for God”
At the Green on VT RT15 - Rev. Kevin Goldenbogen - 899-1722
www.unitedchurchofunderhill.com
Worship and Sunday School 10:30 AM
Local and Global Mission and Service Outreach Opportunities for families,
men, women and youth Streaming audio sermons:
www.becauseyoumay.com
www.mountaingazette@earthlink.net
Page 4
Remembering Christmas
By Suzanne Kusserow
Special to the Mountain Gazette
It is here… again. Every year it seems to sneak up on me,
and suddenly I am bombarded (vis-à-vis entertained) with Perry
WATCH THE VIDEOS
for Moment in Time interviews at
www.mmctv.vimeo/album/2821251
This series is produced by
The Mountain Gazette & MMCTV SERVING JERICHO, UNDERHILL & RICHMOND SINCE 1997
www.mmctv15.org, (802) 434-2550
BEAUTY
COMMUNITY COLUMNS
Como singing I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas while Costco
is just taking down the fake turkeys. I have resolved, as in all
years since adulthood, that I will honor the true spirit of the
season, and give gifts to others: a flock of ducks, a sheep, half
of a cow, and every year I end up sneaking something into a
stocking. This year will be a pair of earrings for Ana and a sketch
book for Will. Don’t worry about my telling; they never read this
column.
But I have started remembering about small gifts that I have
been given in previous Christmases, and how they have formed
my holly wreath of memories. I can still smell the wet mittens
steaming on the huge open hole and ancient grille that formed
the heating system for our old farmhouse. These congregated in
a large pile after the first official snowball fight, when I found
out just how bad a pitcher I was, and how good my kids were.
Of course, my daughter was on my side back then, but you
can’t expect much from a team of one lousy pitcher and a four
year old… except fun. And I remember parents from the Parent
Teachers Club of the Underhill Central School, helping the
youngest ones learn from their elders, the fourth graders, how to
make construction-paper garlands, precariously linked together
with a paste of flour and water. Someone always donated a
chubby balsam, spotted while wandering his woodlot during
hunting season. There was the magnificence of the first lighting,
with the whole school gathered in awe, the little ones giving a
collective Aah, as the principal, crawling under the tree, found
the right plug.
I remember the warm wax collecting on my fingers, trying
to balance the wavy paper cone that surrounded the tiny white
candle as we all gathered for the evening church service. We sang
Silent Night, while I silently mouthed the words Stille Nacht,
Heilige Nacht as I had learned it. The crunch of really cold snow
takes me back to my first days in Vermont, when we all huddled
over a hot cup of coffee at the local store and had a “can-youtop-this?” contest as we recited the falling temperatures of our
various locations. We all will remember the rattle of quickly-
Help Santa fear disappear this year
By Lewis First
Chief of Pediatrics at the UVM Children’s Hospital
With the holiday season approaching, parents have been
anything but fearful to ask me for tips so that their children are
not scared of Santa when they go to visit him in a mall or other
event in the weeks ahead. Let me try to put the ho-ho-hos in those
fearful woe-woe-woes.
Let’s face it, to a small child, Santa Claus can be overwhelming.
Maybe it’s his size, his booming voice, his gloves, his bright red
suit and big white beard. It may be that he is simply a stranger
and sitting on a stranger’s lap is not something any child should
be eager to do. But for a small child, visiting Santa might be
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Phone (802) 899-5400
Fax (802) 899-5497
Email:
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Send your news to
mtgazette@earthlink.net
or call Brenda
at (802) 453-6354
Mountain Gazette, December 18, 2014
demolished paper wrappings as the gift emerged like a Phoenix
from the fire.
I still hate the canned music spilling loudly from the corners of
every grocery, shop, drive-in coffee alley, accompanied by those
wonderful freezing bell-ringers whose mittened hands keep
going for a three-hour shift. I will not wish someone a Happy
Holiday; it is still Christmas to me. I try, with my small group
of kindergarten singers at Underhill Central School, to maintain
some sort of story line that avoids any mistaken religious fervor.
But I don’t understand why the adventures of one single man and
his predecessors must be cloaked in a wavering apology to all
those who feel that our personal and historical narratives are an
attempt at conversion. So I narrate my favorite carol with simple
visions of the animals who surrounded a new mother and helped
her out:
Mary and Joseph had to get to this city named Bethlehem to
pay their taxes. They couldn’t just drop them at the Town Hall
the way your parents do now. And poor Mary was going to have
a baby, and she was about to pop! And then, when they got to
Bethlehem, all the motels were full! There was one good motel
clerk who told them they could stay in a small barn in back of the
motel, which was quite nice he said, and out of the cold and the
wind. Mary had her baby right there, and they named him Jesus,
and that’s why we have Christmas right on his birth day, so we
can give him lots of candles and maybe a cake... and try and
make as many people happy as we can.
The ancient donkey, all shaggy and brown, carried his mother
to Bethlehem Town.
The sheep with the curly horn, gave him wool to keep him
warm.
The cow all white and red, gave her hay to cradle his head.
The dove and his wife in the rafters high, sang him to sleep so
he would not cry.
So all the animals were able to tell, of the gift they gave to
Immanuel.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
quite scary.
Therefore the name of the game is to gradually help your child
overcome the fear with practice, practice, and more practice.
First, ask your child to talk about why they are afraid of Santa.
That may help. Talk positively about Santa and the good things
he does before you go to meet him. If you celebrate Christmas,
have some toy Santas up for decoration so your child can get
used to what he looks like. If your child is old enough to tell
you what they want from Santa for Christmas, that can also give
them better control and something to talk about when they meet
the big guy.
A good idea is to have your child watch other children their
age and size meet Santa – and when they see those children
smiling and enjoying their visit, your child may be ready to try
as well. Another idea is for you as a parent to go first to get a
picture with Santa – and shake his hand. That may be all it takes.
If your child is just not ready, don’t force it. Instead, respect
the fear, acknowledge that it is hard to meet someone new, and
reassure your child they are safe around Santa – and that you are
right there. It’s also not a good idea to do anything that would
ruin the magic that is Santa at this young age, thinking it will
make things easier in meeting him.
If your child overcomes the fear and has a successful visit with
Santa, praise them. If not, don’t add to the stress by criticizing
them or denying the fear exists.
Hopefully tips like this will not be scary ones to think about
when it comes to helping your child not fear Santa.
Mountain Gazette, December 18, 2014
www.mountaingazette@earthlink.net
ART / MUSIC
ART/PHOTOGRAPHY
and tickets, contact Amy Caldwell, 800-VSO-9293 x.16, amy@
At the Emile A. Gruppe Gallery in Jericho, an exhibition of vso.org, or www.vso.org.
watercolors by Gilbert Myers of Williston, through December
Young Tradition Vermont will bring in the New Year with
31. Gill has retired form his practice of elder law but continues two concerts on January 2 and 3, 2015 at the FlynnSpace in
his passion for art in painting and giving. In 1980, Gill helped to Burlington, Vermont. Friday, January 2 will feature some of
build a church for the Yucatan Indians and supports the church the most creative and productive singers in the region who
with the sale of his art work. For more information, contact the write their own material: Cricket Blue (Laura Heaberlin and
gallery. Emile A Gruppe Gallery, 22 Barber Farm Rd., Jericho. Taylor Smith); Eric George, Addie Herbert; Chris Dorman; and
Gallery owner Emilie Alexander. Gallery hours: Thursday- Hannah Fair. Saturday, January 3 will feature tune players who
Sunday, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM or by appointment. Information, have won annual Young Tradition Vermont Contests including
www.emilegruppegallery.com or 899-3211.
The Irregular and Les Poules a Colin, with special guests Pria
Jericho artist and gallery owner Dianne Shullenberger’s Schwall-Kearney and Kit Joyce from Australia, plus Anna
work is on exhibit through Saturday, January 24 as part of the Lindblad from Sweden. $15 suggested donation to attend each
show Preoccupied at Burlington City Arts, 135 Church St., concert. Reservations available by sending a message to mark.
Burlington. Preoccupied features visually stunning work that sustic@gmail.com. Doors open at 6:30 pm. General admission.
demands careful study. Each artist has accomplished incredibly
Cathedral Arts presents free, informal noontime concerts on
ornate scenes that are impressive at first glance and upon closer Tuesdays, 12:00 – 1:00 PM at the Episcopal Cathedral, 2 Cherry
inspection illustrate tiny features diligently cut, sewn, hashed, St., Burlington. Bring a bag lunch; coffee and tea provided.
and drawn with the utmost attention to detail.
January 13, 2015: Young Artists Concert – This annual showcase
Bryan Memorial Gallery, 180 Main St., Jeffersonville. Land recital presents gifted young Vermont musicians. January 27:
and Light exhibition through Sunday, December 28. Call to Sharing Our Songs – Area singers and pianists present a program
artists for GEMS to become members and submit to its annual of classical song, including art song, musical theater, and opera
exhibition of artwork in a small format, exhibiting through arias.
Sunday, December 28. Membership required. Specs, entry
Choral Services at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, 2 Cherry
form, and information available at www.bryangallery.org. For St., Burlington. Evening Prayer in the style of the Community of
information, 802-644-5100.
Taizé, 7:30 PM, Sunday, January 18; Monday, March 30; Sunday
Celebrate Art from the Heart at City Hall Gallery, 149 Church June 7. Candlelight, chanted prayer, meditation, silence, in the
St., Burlington, on exhibit through Friday, January 2 and manner of the French monastic community.
featuring patient and volunteer art, information, and photos in
Myra Flynn, a Vermonter from Randolph, and her longtime
a friendly, supportive, and creative environment for hospitalized musical partner Paul Boffa will be at Shelburne Vineyard, 6308
children and their caregivers. Artistic improvisation with color, Shelburne Rd., Shelburne for a post-holiday house concert at
imagery, writing, music, movement and metaphor invites 6:00 PM, Saturday, December 27, an intimate evening featuring
feelings of relief, escape, inspiration, and hope. Since 1994, Art her unique and personal blend of soulful songwriting and ageless
from the Heart has been supporting a wholehearted community covers. Admission is free and all are welcome.
helping children, families,
and caregivers feel better
through art. To donate to Art
from the Heart, go online to
www.burlingtoncityarts.org/
donate-become-member.
Helen Day Art Center has
chosen this year’s recipient
of the Giving Tree. The
Waterbury Food Shelf has
been picked to receive all
non-perishable
donations.
The Giving Tree is a tradition
of the Festival of Trees and
Light. “We ask all our visitors
to bring something for the
Giving Tree whenever they
come to the Art Center. Our
goal is to fill the shelves and
make sure that no one in our
community goes hungry now
and during the holidays”,
said Nathan Suter, Executive
Director of Helen Day Art
Center. The Festival of Trees
and Light runs concurrently
with the Members’ Art Show
& Sale. Helen Day Art Center,
90 Pond St., Stowe, 802-2538358,
www.helenday.com.
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday,
12:00 – 5:00 PM, and by
appointment.
The work of artist
Michelle Ennis Jackson of
Essex Junction is featured at
Shelburne Vineyard’s Tasting
Room Gallery. The show,
Capturing the Essence of
Vermont ru through February
28. Shelburne Vineyard
Wine Tasting Room,6308
Shelburne Rd. (US Rt. 7), open
11:00 AM every day except
Thanksgiving,
Christmas,
and New Year’s Day. New
exhibits by local artists
change every four months.
For more information, www.
shelburnevineyard.com.
MUSIC
A New Year’s Eve
concert featuring Hannah
Beth Crary, Hillary Stewart,
the Fiddleheads, and the
Highland
Weavers
will
benefit the Gillett Pond
5' x 10'
Save the Dam fund. The
10' x 10'
concert begins at 7:30 PM
on Wednesday, December 31
10' x 15'
at Richmond Congregational
Church,
Bridge
St.,
10' x 20'
Richmond. For information,
contact Tim Whiteford, 4344565 or whiteford@gmavt.
net.
Dance and dine to toast
Call or e-mail us today.
the New Year and benefit
the Vermont Symphony
Orchestra,
Wednesday,
We have great rates and a six month special. With the addition of
December 31, 7:30 PM –
four new buildings, we are ready to serve your self-storage needs.
12:30 AM, Sheraton Hotel
and
Conference
Center
From cars to household items, we have you covered.
Ballroom, S. Burlington. Ring
in the new year and dance
to the VT Jazz Ensemble.
25 North Main Street, Jericho
Proceeds benefit VSO’s
artistic
and
educational
music programs throughout
the state. Reception with
a VSO ensemble; elegant
dinner, silent auction. For
information including cost
Unit Sizes:
Thinking about winter storage?
802-899-2900
Info@JerichoMiniStorage.com
Page 5
4H ends year with
service projects, fun
The Starry nights 4-H Club has had a lot of fun this fall. We have
done games and crafts, but we also have participated in charity
events. We decorated Thanksgiving bags for Meals on Wheels,
and some of our members helped out at the breakfast with Santa.
We also made jack-o-lanterns for the Cilley Hill Pumpkin Glow.
The club is going to be supporting the community by adopting
a local family in need during Christmas time. Starry Nights is
planning to do a club art project this year. What are we going to
do you ask? We are collecting bottle caps to make pictures.
This year we are proud to announce that we have seven new
members! They are going to have a great year with us. We have
chosen new officers for this year. Our president will be Kira
Clokey, co-vice presidents are Kaelyn Jenny and Alexis Walker,
and our treasurer is Eva Joly.
Kaelyn Jenny, Emma Pearson, and Alexis Walker represented
Vermont by going to Kentucky for the Eastern National 4-H
Horse Roundup. They were all on the Quizbowl team and came
in seventh place.
Many of our members went to Achievement Night in October.
Bella Joly and Morgan Sutliff were our speakers. Many of our
members received awards for their hard work!
Submitted by Bella Joly and Morgan Sutliff
Send your news to
mtgazette@earthlink.net
or call Brenda at
(802) 453-6354
www.mountaingazette@earthlink.net
Page 6
Mountain Gazette, December 18, 2014
SCHOOL NEWS
CHMS Open House January 14 & 21
MMU After Dark is a
community based education
program designed to offer affordable
and accessible classes
for all community members.
Where our community comes to teach and learn
Monday
• Yoga for Athletes • Intro to Investing • Image Book Making
• Wildlife Tracking • Computer Audio Recording
Tuesday
• The Beautiful, Intriguing
& Astonishing Birdlife of Vermont
• Maple Sugaring for Beginners • Retirement Principles
• Writing Short Poetry • Birding 101 for Teachers
• Conversations about Short Stories
• Conversational Spanish
Wednesday
• De-Stress Yoga • Yoga with Jean • Hand Printing Fabric
• From Word to Google Docs... The Great Migration
• 10 Model Driving Habits for Expert Driving
• Alpine Ski Tuning • Chalk Paint Workshop
• Whole Foods Cleanse • Cutting Carb Cravings for Children
By Mark Carbone, Principal, Camel’s Hump Middle School
The October Pumpkin Chuckin’ brought over 100 participant
“chuckers” to Camel’s Hump Middle School for a day of fun
hurling a variety of squashes via hand-made contraptions. Teams
of CHMS students and local Boy Scouts brought great energy
to the first of many such events. We hope to expand participant
groups to parents and the local engineering community. The
winning “chuck” was 140’ in length by a team of scouts. This
year’s event raised awareness and support for the continuation
of the PROSPER Program – a seven-week program for 6th grade
students and their families to assist both through the challenges
of adolescence.
CHMS will host hundreds of middle-schoolers and their
families over two nights in celebration of winter and the
youths’ progress since September. The gatherings are planned
for Wednesdays, January 14 and 21. Attendees will be treated
to choral and band concerts as well as ice skating under the
lights. Artwork from all grades will line the halls of the school.
Student projects will be in abundance throughout classrooms
and in display cases. Open house gives students an excellent
opportunity to share their accomplishments with family and
friends. We welcome any and all community members to our
open house.
We are excited that 70% of the funds needed to acquire Willis
Hill have been raised – in part by the town’s Conservation
Reserve Fund and the Richmond Land Trust – thank you to all
who have worked so hard on this effort! The Land Trust plans
to open the 20-acre parcel on US Rt. 2 to public and adjacent
schools for recreational, educational, athletic, and other uses.
The next CHMS/MMU school board meeting will be held
on Thursday, January 8, 7:00 PM at MMUHS. The public is
welcome, and encouraged, to attend.
Thursday
• Pottery • Acrylic Painting • Home Exchange
• What’s Your Word: Creating Canvas Signs
• Soldering 101: Pendants
Registration for the Winter Session is OPEN at
www.mmuafterdark,com
BRMS Winter Reada-Thon Challenge
Avid readers at Browns
River Middle School started the
Winter Read-A-Thon Challenge
on December 1. Their goal is to
read lots of great books during
the cold days and long dark
nights. “Our readers have set
personal reading challenges for
themselves and we’re here to
encourage them,” said librarian
Joyce Babbitt. Readers are
asked to make the commitment
to read for 12 weeks and record
their weekly progress. “We want
to give them an opportunity to find good books, have fun, and
enjoy a cup of hot chocolate in our library,” said library assistant
Nicole Thompson.
As part of the Winter Read-A-Thon Challenge, 40 readers
came to kick-off the Read-A-Thon and will come every
Thursday to read after school without distractions. What a great
time to hunker down with good books. “Our reading community
challenges everyone to join in the fun by taking time to read and
relax,” said Joyce Babbitt. Until February 20, readers will give
themselves the gift of reading.
Sustainable Christmas
By Bernard Paquette
The young boy of nearly twelve years of age reached into his
pocket to count the savings from his day’s work. Nearly three
dollars, not bad, he thought, for an afternoon of raking leaves,
weeding a marigold bed, and listening to old man Jones talk
endlessly about farming and the hard work entailed in working
and sustaining the land.
He wondered where the reminiscent neighbor had farmed
given his city yard. The small lot hosted many wildflowers, as
well as annuals, a hedge of lilacs as purple as his teenage sister’s
bedroom walls, and a cherry tree which in spring offered tart yet
Sustainable Christmas continued on page 7
Classes begin the week of January 12th
Classes run from 1 to 6 weeks, starting at $15!
All classes contingent upon sufficient enrolment: Register Today.
For more information contact David Alofsin at MMUHS:
802-858.1661 or david.alofsin@cesuvt.org
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Thurs., Jan. 15 @ 11AM • 230 Robinson Rd., Jeffersonville, VT
Your Right Choice in Any Market
Call/text (802) 343-9980
JaneKileyRealEstate.com
Jane@JaneKiley.com
A Basic Skills Program at the
Essex Skating Facility
Registration
Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014
6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Children’s Lessons
Wed., Thurs., and Fri.
Adult Lessons Sundays
Contact us at:
Essex Skating Facility
878-1394
www.essexrink.com
Jillian Frascoia, Skating Director
vermontskatingacademy@ccsuvt.org
ADVERTISING INSERTION ORDER
Thomas Hirchak Company
FROM: Matt Chaney
Phone: 800-634-7653 • Fax: 802-888-2211
COMPANY: Mountain Gazette
TO: Brenda Boutin
1C=1.5; 2C=3.25; 3C=5;
FOR SALE
PHONE:
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to Burlington
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OF FILE:
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it at Johnson
& Garden
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DATE(S)
TOtoys,
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Vermont Skating
Academy
EMAILED ADVERTISEMENT
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HELP WANTED
Cleaning - Jericho Rt. 15 morning cleaning
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vacuuming, sweeping/mopping. Please call
Barry at 802-863-3063.
Mountain Gazette, December 18, 2014
Sustainable Christmas continued from page 6
www.mountaingazette@earthlink.net
Page 7
slightly sweet cherries – if you beat the chipmunk to them. The
elderly man assured the boy that the hundreds of species planted
in his yard were beneficial to wildlife and people alike. All this
crammed into less than one acre.
The evergreens, the cedar hedge, the patches of yew, the
hemlock scattered over the bank and along the Centennial Brook
running beyond the house, a few blue spruce and scotch pine,
along with the oak, white and river birch not only provided food
for birds, chipmunks, squirrels, and other creatures, but also
provided accommodating and sustainable homes for them.
He used that word sustainable a lot. Like when he bragged
about his raised bed gardens and his endless efforts of amending
soil using homegrown compost. A few times a week the young
boy would ride his bicycle to Starbucks to collect used coffee
grounds, and cart them back in a milk crate attached to the back
of his bike. Watching the old man mix the grounds with sand was
like watching his mom mix dough for pies. His hands reached
into the mix up to his forearms, quickly blending the ingredients,
making the soil dark and loamy looking. Next, he dumped the
mixture on top of old editions of the Mountain Gazette and
cardboard within an empty raised bed. Once the bed was full, the
mixture set for a year while organisms decomposed the organic
matter helping to transform nutrients into minerals plants could
use, and improving soil structure for less compaction and better
air and water movement. Mom makes pies; Mr. Jones helps make
a living ecosystem to grow flowers and food.
By December the young man, now twelve years old, had
acquired a sense of duty, a moral compass of sorts, to live
sustainably. His mentor had created a moral context for action.
It was too cold to amend soil – the ground was nearly frozen.
Reaching once again into his pocket to count his savings, now a
robust forty-five dollars, he considered buying a real Christmas
tree for his mentor.
Arriving at the Christmas tree stand, he heard the ringing bell
of a Salvation Army volunteer sitting placidly on a chair next to
a red bucket for donations. This image framed the decision on
how to make his earnings most sustainable, into a larger context.
His savings would not purchase a renewable resource; instead, it
would support a living ecosystem of sorts – the Salvation Army
and its beneficiaries.
On the way home, the young man spotted a scotch-pine tree
branch with a pinecone attached, lying on the ground. The
old man was delighted with the gift, placing it on his kitchen
window, expressing the joy this Christmas tree conveyed to him.
Merry Christmas!
AUTOMOTIVE
HOME IMPROVEMENT
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and Replacement
27 Moose Run, Pleasant Valley Rd, Underhill • VT State Inspection
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23 Kristie Lane
Jericho, VT 05465
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All Pine is Kiln Dried
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995 South 116 RD
Bristol, VT 05443
802-453-4884
7am - 4pm Mon-Fri
Remodeling & Design
Home Remodeling
Kitchens & Baths • Basements
Tom Carter
38 Hanley Lane, Jericho VT 05465 • 802-899-5070
35
email: tcarter1@comcast.net • www.cartercarpentry.com
3842 Dorset Lane
Williston
802--793-9133
TRUCKING - RUBBISH REMOVAL
AT YOUR DISPOSAL TRUCKING
Residential Rubbish Removal
Underhill / Jericho / Essex
$20 a month
Every other week pickup
$30 a month
Every week pickup
65 Gal. Totes Available
Nate Guay • (802) 279-1367
Randy Bishop
Construction LLC
Superior Quality Building
• Residential / Commercial
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• Roofing / Siding
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Route 15
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TRUCKING - TOWING
www.mountaingazette@earthlink.net
Page 8
Mountain Gazette, December 18, 2014
LIBRARY NEWS
DEBORAH RAWSON LIBRARY, UNDERHILL
For information on the programs and services available at DRML,
visit www.drml.org. You can also find us on Facebook and follow us
on Twitter!
December StoryTime! Drop in for stories, projects and a nutritious
snack! Thursday, December 18, 10:00 AM, author Bill Skiff will be
visit to read his book, Willie the Jumping Frog. (Rescheduled from
December 11.)
French Conversation Group meets in the Fireplace Room
Thursday, December 18, 6:30 – 7:30 PM.
The DRML Board of Trustees will meet on Thursday, December
18 at 7:00 PM in the meeting room.
Graphic Novel Club – All participants are reading and using the
book Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud to read, discuss, and
create their own comics/graphic novel strips. Friday, December 19
from 3:00 – 4:00 PM.
Join us for Family Movie Night on Friday, December 19 from
6:30 – 9:00 PM. Plan to bring the whole gang to DRML for a family-
friendly movie. Bring your pillow and blanket and we’ll provide the
popcorn!
Baby Time! Saturday, December 20 at 10:30 AM. Infants and
babies up to 18 months are introduced to the wonders of language
with nursery rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and board books. This is a
great time for parents and childcare providers to connect, chat, and
share ideas. Older siblings welcome. No registration required.
Lego: The Creating, Tuesday, December 30, 10:00 – 11:30 AM.
Join Thad for a Lego get together.
We will be CLOSED on Wednesday-Thursday-Friday, December
24-25-26. We will resume regular library hours on Saturday,
December 27 at 10:00 AM. The library will close early, at 1:00 PM,
New Year’s Eve day – Wednesday, December 31; and will be closed
on New Year’s Day, Thursday, January 1.
Deborah Rawson Book Lovers (DRBL) is an adult book
discussion group that meets every month at the library. New
members are always welcome to drop in on any meeting – always
the second Tuesday of the month at 7:00 PM. For more information
Ace Glass and Windows
Family Owned and Operated for over 30 Years
237 Brooklyn St., Morrisville • 4968 VT 15, Jeffersonville
1-800-624-9059 • 802-888-5406 • 802-644-2905
www.aceglassvt.com • Mon.-Fri. 8-5 • Sat. By Appointment
Auto Glass: All your auto glass needs; from a small chip in your windshield, to a total replacement, back and side glass as well as side view mirrors. We also do commercial auto glass, including
buses, trucks and heavy equipment.
Glass for Your Home: We are a full-service glass shop providing services including: Glass
Repair, including insulated glass replacement, storms and screens; Home Improvements: tub and
bath enclosures, custom showers and mirrors; Energy Efficiency: Vinyl replacement windows
using the highest insulating value available; Porch Enclosures: WeatherMaster Vertical Window
Systems.
EV_LightingCampaign_TruckAd_6.5x9_OUTPUT.pdf
1
10/23/14
5:08 PM
Commercial Glass: From storefront plate glass windows and doors to office walls of glass to
wall size mirrors and beyond, we can service.
about book club, contact Christine Staffa
at Christine@cstaffa.com.
Library hours: Tuesday 12:00 – 8:00
PM, Wednesday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM,
Thursday 12:00 – 8:00 PM, Friday 10:00
AM – 6:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM –
2:00 PM, Sunday 1:00 – 4:00 PM; closed
Monday. For information on any of the
library’s programs, call 899-4962.
JERICHO CENTER LIBRARY
Thank you to all who have responded
to our fund raising letter. We will be using
the money to refurbish the upstairs of
the library, where much of our children’s
programming takes place. Donations are
still being accepted, and thank you in
advance for your contributions.
Jericho Town Library’s BIG BOOK
SALE is on-going as we weed out our
collection of books, audio books/DVDs,
and puzzles (we can’t guarantee that all
of the pieces are there!) Fill your home
bookshelves with two-for-$1 books and
50¢ audio books/DVDs. Lots to choose
from – holiday movies, children’s,
juvenile, adult fiction, fantasy, and nonfiction. Come early for best selection.
Family visiting for the holidays? Take
home a free puzzle or two! Exact change
or local check. All proceeds will benefit
library programs.
The JTL web site URL has changed:
www.jerichotownlibraryvt.org.
We are excited to launch a fresh, new website! We implemented
some important changes in design and functionality that will improve
research and accessibility. In addition to a new look and feel, the site
improves navigation to Library Services as well as provides useful
information on Hours, Programs, Events Calendar, and News. Please
join us at www.jerichotownlibraryvt.org to see the transformation
and to stay informed about on-going events at the library. Let us
know what you think!
Feeling “crafty?” Monday nights at the library from 6:00 – 7:00
PM is the opportunity for you to share your craft with others and/or
to learn a new craft. Visit our website to find out the craft of the night
each Monday. No pre-registration is necessary; just come and enjoy
time spent with friends and neighbors while learning a new skill.
All of us at the Jericho Town Library wish our community very
happy holidays and hope to see familiar and new faces at the library
in the New Year.
Library board meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month,
starting at 7:15 PM. The next meeting is December 2.
Library hours are: Monday 1:00 – 7:00 PM; Wednesday 10:00 AM
– noon (includes children’s story time) and 2:00 – 7:00 PM; Friday
1:00 – 5:00 PM; Saturday 10:00 AM – noon. For more information
call 899-4686, go online to www.jerichotownlibraryvt.org, or email
Jerichotownlibrary@gmail.com.
VARNUM MEMORIAL LIBRARY, JEFFERSONVILLE
It has become a tradition for a growing number of in our
community to join us on the third Thursday in December to share
treasured readings and memories with each other. This year will be
no different! Please join us on December 18 beginning at 6:30 for
refreshments, readings, and great cheer. If you would like to read a
short piece or share a holiday memory, please do so. If you would
like to listen to what others share, please join us! We look forward
to seeing you there!
The Varnum Library, P.O. Box 198, 194 Main St., Jeffersonville,
802-644-2117, TheVarnum@gmail.com. Please visit Varnum
Library’s website, http://thevarnum.org.
Hours: Mondays and Tuesdays 12:00 – 7:00 PM, Wednesdays
3:00 – 7:00 PM, Thursdays 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Fridays 2:00 – 5:00
PM, and Saturdays 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
WESTFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY, WESTFORD
Tai Chi every Monday and Wednesday from 11:15 AM – noon,
(pre-registration required).
Storytime every Thursday, 11:00 AM.
Lunch and a Movie – 12:00 noon – 2:00 PM. Get out of the house
and watch something animated and newish – the library provides
popcorn; you bring a bag lunch.
Library closed Wednesday-Friday, December 24-26, and
Wednesday-Thursday, December 31-January 1.
Library Hours: Wednesday 1:00 – 7:00 PM, Thursday 10:00
AM – 6:00 PM, Friday 1:00 – 7:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM
– 2:00 PM; website: www.westfordpubliclibrary.org; Email:
westfordpubliclibrary@gmail.com. Like us on Facebook. 878-5639,
Bree Drapa, Librarian.
FAIRFAX COMMUNITY LIBRARY
All events are free unless noted otherwise. Pre-registration
encouraged.
Thursday, December 18, 6:00 – 7:30: Special Event!!! The
Traveling Storyteller presents The Gingerbread Boy. Fun for the
entire family. Followed by a craft suited to preschoolers! Sponsored
in conjunction with Fairfax Success by Six / Building Bright Futures.
Please note there is no chess club or story hour on Tuesdays,
December 23 and 30.
LIBRARY CLOSED Wednesday-Thursday, December 24-25.
School Year Library Hours: Monday, Wednesday 8:00 AM – 5:30
PM; Tuesday and Thursday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Friday 8:00 AM –
3:15 PM; Saturday 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
For up-to-date information about programs, visit our website
www.fairfaxvtlibrary.org, where you can find a link to our interactive
Google calendar. Fairfax Community Library: 75 Hunt St.,
Fairfax, VT, 05454; 849-2420. Program Planner Karyn Norwood,
knorwood@fwsu.org; Library News: www.bfafairfax.com/pages/
communitylibrarynews.html.
Kari, Brian, Lisa,
Pam, and Danielle.