South Hero - The Islander
The Islander, December 16, 2014 Page 1 Report Recommends Changes to Education Spending and Property Tax System Featured Properties By: Susan Davis Grand Isle Representative Mitzi Johnson was part of an ad hoc group of lawmakers and former state officials, the Education Working Group, which was called together in September by House Speaker Shap Smith. The group met every two weeks from its start date and on Friday, December 12, released its report that proposes three changes to the Vermont property tax system. Speaker Smith, who holds finance reform as a high priority for this coming legislative session, hopes that the report will “put new ideas on the table” for discussion as he admitted to a number of challenges that exist with the current system. See “Education Spending” page 2 ALBURGH 2 cottages for the price of one, two, two bedroom, one bath cottages with 145’ west facing lake frontage, only $189,000. Andrea Champagne ISLE LA MOTTE Two bedroom, one bath ranch on large lot, great starter or retirement home, $99,900 Real Estate Company Andrea M. Champagne Real Estate Broker 372-4500 ALBURGH ALBURGH over the water is this completely reYear round cottage on over 12 acres with Sitting modeled 2 bdrm, 1 ba yr rnd cottage w/240’ 375’ west facing lake frontage, $199,900 direct facing lake frontage, $229,000 ALBURGH Year round three bedroom, two bath cottage with 100’ direct east facing lake frontage, $249,900 ALBURGH Large four bedroom, two bath home on over 10 acres with 200’ direct south facing lake frontage, $530,000 “No one knows the Is lands like Andrea! She is enthusiastic and knowl edgeable and made our experience very simple and enjoyable. This is our second transaction and we will always use her services and recommend her to family and friends!” -Suzannah Patti LaBounty Real Estate Professional North Hero, VT Gracious Home on Lake Champlain! South Hero - 400’ of south-facing gradual beach for swimming & boating! Beautiful kitchen filled with natural light. End-of-theroad privacy! Offered at $1,115,000 Lee B. Taylor Real Estate Professional South Burlington, VT Pretty Lake Views! South Hero - Sited at the end of a quiet road! 298’ Lake frontage. Boat ramp to the water’s edge. Walk to village amenities. Offered at $609,900 Carol Racine 861-6294 David Porteous 861-6492 Carol.Racine@remax.net Dave@homesvermont.com Experience Integrity Professional Serving: Grand Isle, Franklin, & Chittenden Counties We at the Co-op still believe that service is a key part of the product we sell. That's why we still make house calls at your convenience to review your farm, home or business insurance. We sti ll mak e House Calls. Rt. 2, South Hero, Vt. (802)372-8804 RE/MAX North Professionals Lovely Lakefront Colonial! North Hero - Striking views & plenty of space for entertaining! Incredible 795’ of shoreline, wraparound porch w/views. A delight! Offered at $525,000 300 Ft of Lake Champlain Waterfront! South Hero – Incredible price for direct owned lakefront! 3 bdrm year-round home with sweeping Lake & Mtn views! Broker is a relative. Offered at $425,000 Historic Home Near Bike Path! South Hero - Shared private beach! Easy 30 min. drive to Burlington, in a delightful country setting! Amazing kitchen! Offered at $320,900 Lake Home in Beautiful Setting! Isle La Motte - 200’ direct waterfront! Great privacy! Two outbuildings, one with sauna and one with large barn/workshop/ garage! Offered at $295,000 Charming Waterfront Home! North Hero - Quiet and private year round home directly on the lake, with separate guest house! Attractive, easy lake access! Offered at $285,000 Convenient and Affordable! South Hero - 3 Bdrm home with large back yard! Easy commute to Burlington! Recent updates include the roof, furnace, and well! Offered at $180,500 Building Lot with Lake Access! Grand Isle – 3.88 Acre building lot with 40’ wide shared access to Lake Champlain! WW permit in place to build your 3 bdrm dream home! Offered at 175,000 Charming Lake Champlain Cottage! North Hero - Almost 200’ of lakefront on a quiet road! New roof, siding, and front porch! This could be your summer getaway! Offered at $104,900 www.AndreaChampagne.com Andrea@AndreaChampagne.com 802-372-4500 Is it time for Winter Tires? December Inspections Due 2 Call Mitchel or Chris 372-6139 Route 2 & 314 South Hero Holiday Gift Idea: Gift Basket filled with Vermont Products! Let us make one for you or design your own! Apples, Honey, Cheese, Jams, Jellies, Salsa... The possibilities are endless! Open Daily 9-5 • 372-5566 The Islander, December 16, 2014 Page 2 EDUCATION SPENDING Continued from page 1 “But I think that we often forget that we are getting really good results,” he added. A synopsis of the proposals: The Renovation Plan consists of cost control ideas that include setting a per pupil spending target, increasing incentives for district consolidation, requiring that all state mandate costs come out of the General Fun, streamlining school hiring processes, developing a model teachers contract and phasing out small school grants and phantom student subsidies for schools that have seen large declines in enrollments. There is also some recognition that schools with a high number of children in poverty need more financial support and that distribution of resources should be shifted accordingly. The kicker for this particular plan would include a surcharge that would be levied against a school system when it exceeds a per pupil spending threshold set by the state. The Variable Income Tax Proposal would replace the revenues derived from Act 60 and 68 funding. In its place, education revenues would come from the income tax. The residential property tax rates would be a fixed, uniform rate statewide. The non-residential tax rates to business, land, hunting camps and second homes would remain the same and would also be fixed statewide. Both property tax rates would be insulated from local decisions. The remaining revenues would come from an income tax that would be variable, depending on local school spending levels. This proposal eliminates income sensitivity, property tax rebates and renter rebate programs. The Regional Block Grant proposal makes the state responsible for all revenues to fund education. The Legislature would set tax rates based on the estimated statewide student count and a per pupil spending target recommended by the VT Education Secretary. All revenues for education would come out of the General Fund and would be appropriated by the state. Money would be allocated in block grants to “regional entities” who would then distribute the funding to local school districts, which would be guaranteed to receive a minimum per pupil allocation. From there, the “regions” and districts could direct spending to suit the unique needs of communities. The regional block grant proposal looks like the most radical of the three proposals and would give the state the authority to determine how much the state will spend on education each year. The money would be distributed to regions based on student population. Because the report came out at week’s end, The Islander was not able to get comments from Representative Johnson or from the District Superintendent. Stay tune for more follow-up information. Travel to India and Nepal from the Comfort of Your Couch 21 Sunset View Road P.O. Box 212 South Hero, VT 05486 islander@vermontislander.com 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 - sdavisvt47@gmail.com 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 Join South Hero’s Lyn Jarvis and WCAX-TV’s Sharon Meyer for a visit to India and Nepal on Across the Fence on Thursday and Friday, December 18 and 19, at 12:12 pm, on Channel 3. They begin in Old Delhi with a stop at Birla House where Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated. In Jaipur, they ride an elephant to the 16th century Amber Fort and its Mirror Palace with thousands of pieces of reflecting glass, and they conclude in Agra to see the magnificent Taj Mahal, one of the most admired structures in the world. Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is home of historic Dunbar Square and was in the 1960’s part of the “Hippie Trail.” 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 South Hero Pictured from left to right: Lyn Jarvis and Sharon Meyer The area is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site with temples built in the 16th century. Here, they had “close encounters” with the worlds only living god and goddess. Nearby, they observed cremation ceremonies on the banks of the Pashupatinath River, and travelled to Nagarkot to view the magnificent Himalayan Mountains. You can enjoy all this and much more by tuning in on Thursday and Friday or setting your DVR so you can enjoy it on your own time. Academic Kudos CLARKSON UNIVERSITY The following local students received scholarships at Clarkson University during the 2014-2015 academic year: Zachary Roberge, of Milton, majoring in mechanical engineering, received the Thomas Edward Simpkins ‘30 Endowed Scholarship; James Claremont, of Colchester, majoring in civil engineering, received the Theodore Sr. and Wanda McWharf Endowed Scholarship; Benjamin Thayer, of Milton, majoring in engineering and management, received the Joel ‘57 and Lynda Goldschein Endowed Scholarship Fund; Peter Lamothe, of Colchester, majoring in biomolecular science, received the Egon Matijevic Endowed chemistry Scholarship; Tyler Gilbert, of Georgia, majoring in chemical engineering, received the Anna and Frank Greenwall Endowed Scholarship and Meranda Turner, of Grand Isle, majoring in engineering studies, received the Wallace H. Coulter Endowed Scholarship. LYNDON STATE COLLEGE Lyndon State College recently awarded an Early Promise Scholarship to Matthew Potter of Milton. The scholarship is awarded to students who show bright academic promise and who have chosen college despite the monetary burden, recognizing that the value of an education far outweighs the cost of an education. Potter is a Freshman majoring in Music Business and Industry with a concentration in Production. 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 Milton News Lorinda A. Henry . 802-893-7036 • lamoillecounty@yahoo.com • TOWN CALENDAR Tuesday, December 16- Planning Commission Meeting from 7 to 9 pm. BREAK-INS REPORTED A number of break-ins have been reported in town recently; please don’t be shy to report any unusual actions you notice. PARKING BAN The overnight winter parking ban will be in effect for all Town streets between the hours of Midnight and 8 am. This ban is strictly enforced. Vehicles violating the ban may be ticketed or towed if interfering with snow removal operations. DRIVE SAFELY It is important to note that the Town does not have a bare roads policy, much like the rest of the State. We follow the practice of “Safe Roads at Safe Speeds”. Salt used for road de-icing is less effective at temperatures below 18 degrees and when it’s dark out. This winter, we’ll be testing the addition of magnesium chloride to our salt to increase its effectiveness in colder temperatures. During extended cold snaps, it is not uncommon to see snow-packed roads for several days. Many of you may be aware that our price for salt increased 25 percent for the upcoming winter. We’ve also been forewarned that the entire Northeast region may experience salt shortages in excess of 300,000 tons this winter. This means that we will need to be extra judicious with our salt applications this winter. As previously mentioned, we will be mixing liquid magnesium chloride with our salt this winter to stretch our salt supply and improve the salt’s effectiveness. If salt supplies start running low we may need to mix it with or switch completely to sand. Castles, forts, tunnels and other similar structures cannot be allowed in roadside snow banks. 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 our residents, as well as, our plow drivers. LETTERS TO SANTA Hey kids, write Santa a letter! He promises to write back. Please include: name, address, age, pets, hobbies, favorite things, drawings, etc. Send letters to Santa c/o Town of Milton Recreation Department, 43 Bombardier Road, Milton, VT 05468, or drop letters in a North Pole Mailbox at the Milton Family Community Center, Milton Public Library or Milton branches of People’s United Bank, TD Bank, Key Bank or VT Federal Credit Union. Hand-deliver letters and visit with Santa at the VT Federal Credit Union on Friday, December 12 from 3 to 5 pm! All letters must be received by Thursday, December 18. RESTORE DEALS By: Dick Shasteen Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore, a thrift store with furniture and all kinds of items for your home, is having a 50-percentoff sale on everything in the store from now until Saturday, December 13. The proceeds from the sales help Green Mountain Habitat to build homes for low-income, working families in Chittenden County: great deals and a great cause. The ReStore is open Tuesday through Saturday and is located at 528 Essex Road: Route 2A, in Williston. If you have new or gently used items to donate, please bring them to the store, or call 802-857-5296 to arrange for a free pick-up of large items. SCHOOL CALENDAR Week of December 8- DRP (Degrees of Reading Program) Testing at Milton High School; Thursday, December 11- Holiday Concert starts at 7:30 pm; Thursday, December 18- Community Book Discussion at 2:45 pm at the MHS Library; Monday, December 22 to January 2- No school for Holiday Break; January 29MMS performance of Willie Wonka-- times to be announced. PUBLIC LIBRARY The Islander, December 16, 2014 Page 3 Island Industrial Park, 4 Island Circle Grand Isle, Vermont Hours: 8:00-4:30 Mon.-Thurs. 8:00-3:30 Fri. info@islandexcavatingcorp.com www.islandexcavatingcorp.com NEWS STORY TIMES: All story times begin at 10 am. The story time schedule is: MondaysInfant Story Time for zero to eighteen months; Tuesdays- Preschool Story Time for ages three to five and Fridays- Toddler Story Time for ages eighteen months to age three. All sessions include stories, songs and craft time with Mrs. Dulac. ADULT BOOK GROUP DISCUSSION AND COOKIE SWAP: The Library’s Adult Book Discussion Group meets once a month usually the first Thursday. If you would like to join this wonderful group, call 893-4644 to put your name on the list for the next book. This month, there will be a cookie swap-- bring a bunch of your specialties and trade for a selection from your friends. December’s book will be a Christmas story: light and fun. Discussion, conversation, refreshments: a book party every month! BRIDGE CLUB: The weekly Bridge Club meets every Wednesday, from 1 to 3 pm, for friendly games; all levels are welcome, including beginners. GROOVY LUNCH BUNCH Wednesday, December 17 will be our Christmas Party. Entertainment will be Karlo, Carolyn and Bob. Chances are pretty good that Santa will also be stopping by for a visit. Hope all can come and enjoy. Milton’s seniors enjoy meals at the Arrowhead 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 otherwise noted. Seniors age sixty and over are welcome. Call Shirley early at 893-1619, at least 25 hours ahead, for reservations. A $4 donation is appreciated. Milton’s CVAA advocate is Julie Petersen at 865-0360 or 1-800-6425119. Meal-site Coordinator is Karen Fitzgerald. HISTORICAL SOCIETY CALENDARS Calendars make great holiday gifts, especially the local ones. The Milton Historical Society’s annual calendar has been a favorite for years. The 2015 Calendars, History from Above -Aerial Views of Milton, is available at the Town Clerk’s Office. The cost is $10 each, or two for $18. Get one for yourself and one for a friend! TREE OF REMEMBRANCE Each year, the Milton Women’s Club lights an Annual Tree of Remembrance. The tree is located at Municipal Building, and white lights are lit through the holiday season in memory of loved ones. Send names you wish to remember and contribution of $1 per name to Elaine Campbell, PO Box 71, Milton, VT 05468. Proceeds will benefit the Carol White Memorial Scholarship. Parkinson’s Support Group January Meeting The January 13, 2015 meeting of the Parkinson’s Support Group will be held at 3 Harbor View Drive, Saint Albans at Homestead Pillsbury Senior Community, in the conference room next to the library. Meeting times are 10 to 11:30 am. There is no charge for this meeting, and the conference room is wheelchair accessible. The group is open to those with the disease, their caregivers and family and loved ones. The monthly meetings can provide an open forum to share experiences with others who are coping with the illness, education, and support and provide recommendations for dealing with the day-to-day care. Participants have the opportunity to learn from each other, meet new people, have discussions and listen to presentations. Final Winter Farmer’s Market in South Hero The Champlain Island Farmers Market is holding their final Winter Holiday Market on Saturday, December 20, from 10 am to 2 pm, at the Congregational Church of South Hero on South Street. Farmers, bakers and artisans will have many yummy local items to fill your holiday and everyday table, including: plenty of veggies, meats, baked goods, artisan wares, candy, syrup, wool and eggs. Happening at the same time in the same place: the famous once a year Church Cookie Walk! Don’t miss this event! 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 16, 2014 Page 4 Alburgh News Lisa Arnold . 802-796-3325 • lisarno@gisu.org • How are you doing in preparation for Christmas and Hanukkah? Despite the crazy weather, are you taking some time to kick back end enjoy some of the local activities throughout our area this holiday season? I am still working to make this one a little more stress-free than in year’s past. and I am hoping, truly hoping to succeed at it! I wish you all a happy mid-December and Happy Hanukkah beginning on December 16 with the lighting of your menorahs. HOLIDAY DECORATION CONTEST JUDGING This year’s contest will be judged on Friday, December 19, beginning at 7 pm. Prizes will be: $100 for first place, $50 for second and $25 for third. Forms needed to be handed back in by December 14. Be sure to check around on the day of the judging, and see what your festive neighbors have come up with! ISLANDS IN THE SUN HOLIDAY LUNCHEON On Wednesday, December 17, there will be a special Holiday Luncheon at the Islands in the Sun Senior Center, and all seniors are invited. This free meal will include cranberry chicken and all the fixings, and Christmas music will begin at 11:30 am with Maurice and Carol-- join them to sing along. They will also be joined by Santa and Alburgh School’s first grade students. Attend and see how special Christmas memories can be with the little ones. They ask that you reserve your space so that they know how to plan. Please call 999-5862 to make your reservations. If you need a ride, please ask. Transportation may be provided by CIDER or some of our local volunteers. Hope to see you there! SCHOOL NEWS The Holiday Concert will be on Thursday, December 18. The last day of school before the Holiday Break will be Tuesday, December 23. This will be a full day of school. Holiday vacation will be Wednesday, December 24 through Sunday, January 4. School will resume on Monday, January 5. PUBLIC LIBRARY NEWS By: Gina Lewis, Library Director 796-6077, alburgpl@fairpoint.net NEW BOOKS: New books on the shelf this week are: The Boston Girl by Anita Diamant, We Need To Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver, Full Force by Tom Clancy, Deadline by John Sanford and The Children Act by Ian McEwan. FILM NIGHT: The Library’s film group will be viewing Freedom and Unity on Monday, December 22 at 7 pm. This is the final part of this fascinating documentary. STORY TIME: Story Time is every Tuesday morning at 10:30 am. Bring your child to listen to a story, do crafts and have snacks. This program is recommended for preschool-age children. KIDS ART CLASSES: Dot Cota is here on Thursdays, at 3:30 pm, to do crafts with the kids! The program is free and open to kids of all ages. PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP: The photography group will not be meeting again until the first Wednesday of January. Did anyone see Joan Whitesell’s photo on last week’s Islander? It was also printed in the Burlington Free Press in their Sunday, December 7 issue! HANDCRAFTERS MEET: The Library Handcrafters have moved to Thursday nights. From Knitting to needlework, all handcrafters are welcome! Come and enjoy a quiet, laid-back environment with a wonderful group of individuals to work on your latest project. Handcrafters will meet every Thursday from 6:30 to 8 pm. PHOTO NOTE CARDS: The Library 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. Business Matters Breakfast to Highlight Selling Skills Phil Schuman, principal at the Schuman Group, which specializes in sales strategy development, customized training and consulting services, will do a one hour presentation on basic selling skills at the next Business Matters Breakfast on Thursday, December 18, starting at 8:30 am, at the Merchants Bank in South Hero. The presentation will focus on the principle foundations of the selling process to help you sell your product or service even more effectively. This seminar will benefit both professionals starting out in their sales career and also more seasoned pros who can use the concepts discussed as a refresher course. Business Matters in the Islands breakfasts are sponsored by the Lake Champlain Islands Economic Development Corporation (LCIEDC) and the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber. For more information, or to RSVP, call the LCIEDC at 802-372-8400. The meeting is free, and a light breakfast will be served. SB Mentoring Celebrates National Mentoring Month with Winter Gala Event SB Mentoring, the South Burlington School District school-based mentoring program, will celebrate National Mentoring Month with its second annual SB Mentoring Winter Gala Dinner and Silent Auction on Saturday, January 17, from 6 to 8:30 pm, at the F.H. Tuttle Middle School in South Burlington. The keynote address will be offered by Superintendent David Young, and Jay Hoffman, Vermont Teacher of the Year 2013, will be the master of ceremonies. The event will include dinner and dessert from local farm-based produce, and a silent auction will feature donations from local businesses. All proceeds from the event will support supplies for SB Mentoring, the school-based mentoring program in Chamberlin, Orchard, Rick Marcotte Central, and F.H. Tuttle Middle School in South Burlington that matches adults one-on-one with students in grades K to 7 to allow young people to pursue their “sparks”: their passions and interests. In Wednesday Dec. 31 New Years Party 9-1 $25 couple $15 single Purchase @ bar its fourth year, SB Mentoring has grown to become a community of 100: 50 mentees and 50 mentors. Tickets are $15 apiece and are available by calling 802-238-1054 or e-mailing smerrick@sbschools.net. 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 apples@together.net. Scripts are also available. VAST Riding Season to Open Soon The Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST) is looking forward to a great snowmobiling season. In order to have trails ready to ride, there should be at least four inches of packed snow and frozen ground. The VAST snowmobile season runs from December 16 to April 15 of each year. Please respect landowners and volunteers by not going riding on the VAST trail system until opening day, and only when clubs have gone through with a groomer. When you do ride, stay on the trail to help maintain great relationships with landowners. The more everyone follows the rules, the longer landowners will provide the land to continue to ride on. VAST TMAs’ are sold by all of your 128 clubs, as well as, some vendors in and outside of Vermont. To reach the VAST staff or find out more about VAST, visit www.vtvast.org or call 802-229-0005. New York News Mary Racicot . 518-297-6138 • sara@primelink1.net • HOLIDAY PARTY FOR SENIORS The Rouses Point Senior Dining at the Nutrition Site, at Saint Patrick’s Parish Hall, is inviting you to their Holiday Party on Tuesday, December 23, at 11 am. This event is open to all senior citizens aged sixty years of age or older and their spouse regardless of age, are welcome. There will be holiday music by Lou Allen, door prizes, 50/50 drawing with lunch being served at Noon. The menu will include: scalloped potatoes with ham, green beans and cheesecake. Please make your reservation by Wednesday, December 17, by calling 297-7361, or stop in, and let Julie or Carmen know you will attend this fun-filled event. Suggested contribution for lunch is $3 per meal for anyone over sixty and $8 for any guest under sixty. Join in the holiday fun and merriment and music! DODGE MEMORIAL LIBRARY NEWS Dodge Memorial Library Director, Donna Boumil, participated in the Tree Lighting, Parade of Toys, at the Rouse Village Park on Friday, December 5, distributing 66 books to children ages’ birth to ten. A huge thank you goes out to the Friends of the Library for funding the purchase of these books. If you would like to be a part of the Friends of the Library, they meet on the last Monday of each month, at 7 pm, at the Library. Ongoing events at the Library include: story time with Miss Sara on Tuesday morning at 10 am-- join other children for a story, songs, crafts and snacks; the Knit/Crochet Group meets on Wednesday evening from 6 to 7:30 pm; the Book Club meets on the last Thursday of the month at 7 pm-- January’s featured book is Hannah Coulter by Wendall Berry; Mah-Jongg is held on Friday from 10 am to Noon-- learn to play this fun game. Everyone is welcome. On Thursday, December 18, there will be book versus movie. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Movie begins at 6 pm-- everyone is welcome to this holiday movie, and popcorn will be served. The Library will be closed on Wednesday, December 24 and Thursday, December 25, and January 1. The Library will close at 4 pm on Wednesday, December 31 in observance of the New Year’s holiday. 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. NORTHEASTERN CLINTON CENTRAL SCHOOL HONOR ROLL Northeastern Clinton Central High School Principal Stephen Gratto recently named the following students to the high honor roll for the first quarter of the 2014-2015 school year: Grade 9- Anthony Barcomb, Gina Bogdasarov, Nathan Catanzarita, Susan Clarke, Gregory Delisle, Pema Dolkar, Victoria Dragon, Ryley Duffy, Noah Dupee, Katarina Emerich, Easton Francis, Adam Gallucci, Travis Gamache, Hannah Gordon, Lauren Green, Liam Hilferty, Devon Kellogg, Macey Kipp-Bechard, Arleigh Lafountain, Graelin Larche, Tara Lashway, Saya McDonald, Aislyn McDonough, Holdan Nieves, Justin Pennington, Rylee Pinsonneault, Danielle Rabideau, Elizabeth Roberts, Katelyn Southwick, Emily Stiles, Skylynn Thompson, Joshua Vancour, Tristen Wallace; Grade 10Owen Babbie, Sydney Barriere, Colby Boire, Natalie Boulerice, Austin Burke, Matthew Carter, Hayley Castine, Harley Disco, Hayley Disco, Nicholas Duffy, Brianna Forkey, Sierra Gonyo, Harleigh Green, Dylan Grenon, Nicole Khater, Hunter Leduc, Julia Letourneau, Caitlyn Lintner, Jacob Mossey, Angelo Muccio, Andrew Nolette, Jason Parent, Jessica Pelkey, Chrysa Rabideau, Jamie Rabideau, Gavin Racine, Jacqueline Rasco, Jazmine Reynolds, Ryan Roberts, Valerie Simmons, Andrew Tomah, Katherine Treadwell, Nicholas Waters, Lauren White Grade 11- Melany Adams, Haleigh Bass, Abigail Bosley, Jessica Cartier, Lauren Dube, Karen Duffy, Madison Dumas, Casey Frederick, Samantha Gallucci, Elizabeth Goddeau, Julia Herzog, Rachel Hogle, Matthew Jolicoeur, Kelsy Kellison, Maria Lefebvre, Katie Matott, Caitlin McCoy, Devin McManus, Dakota Morrison, Amanda Ondras, Talia Perrea, Joshua Pheneuf, Almas Purisic, Dylan Rabideau, Megan Romat, Shaylyn Rowe, Emily Sample, Peyton Sample, Korni Santor, Matthew Snide, Adelaide Steinfeld, Troy Tetreault, Madalyn Tucker, Kathleen Wrye; Grade 12- Hannah Bartley, Paris Blaise, Brendan Boutin, Kali Bushey, Darian Carey, Julia Consoli, Ryley Cushing, Hope Davidson, Erin Flett, Kyle Fuller, Melissa Geraw-Brunet, Dylan Gladd, Jaden Gosselin, Celine Houle, Aryana Kellison, Tyler Kingsbury, Emily LaBombard, Jake Ladue, Courtney Lapham, Nicholas Leduc, Tianna Leduc, Tiana Mangine, Andrew Martin, Rheanna Meier, Chelsey Menard, Kelsi Mesec, McKayla Monty, Andrea Mossey, Alexander Patrie, Cole Pinsonneault, Lacy Quinn, Ellen Reid, Erik Reid, Kalie Sample, Kevin Sterling, Brady Vassar. Students earning honor roll status are: Grade 9- Elizabeth Arquiett, Elijah Cameron, Ethan Corrow, Bryanna Garrand, Sean Gohrt, Ian Gordon, Ashleigh Gregoire, Kai Hansen, Brooke Hebert, Meghan Hilferty, Nathalie Jubert, Thomas Kimbler, Callie King, Michael Kopp, Bailey LaBombard, Brady Lafountain, Kristi Lamoreau, Brandon LaPoint, Katie LepageKraft, Christopher Lepone, Luke MacDougal, Tabitha Parent, Austin Rabideau, Troy Rivers, Natalie Rowe, Nicholas Rowe, Emily Royea, Haley Sheehan, Joseph Taffner, Miranda White; Grade 10- Devan Boutin, Kayla Carder, Dustin Cardin, Devin Carter, Ezra Clark, Destiny Cronkrite, Brandon Durgan, Parker Favreau, Nicholas Furlong, Austin Gaudette, Mark Gibbs, Casey Gonyo, Garry Guay, Patrick LaBarge, Nicole Lamberton, Courtney Laventure, Whitney Murphy, Thomas Nunez, Thomas Patrie, Jeanna Poff, Katrina Poissant, Tessa Poissant, Teagan Ross, Abbie Sample, Paige Sicard, Samantha Stokes; Grade 11- Cassandra Bauer, Timothy Bedard, Briana Cooke, Ethan Dominic, Danielle Dye-Perez, Susannah Freeman, Joshua Gero, Valentin Grace, Alexander Houghton, Cameron Hurlburt, Gavin Landole, Justin Lapan, Steven LaValley, Jasmine Martin, Spencer Parsons, Nisa Rabideau, Autumn Rock, Alexis Sample, Michael Vennette, Andrew Visconti; Grade 12- Danille Babbie, Jason Belrose, Massimo Birch, Christopher Boyse, Christopher Bradford, Geanna Burgos, Kevin Capito, Kylie Cole, Gillian Corrow, Dylan Covey, Amber Dupee, Austin Durham, Haley Guerin, Hailey Hall, Jacob LaFountain, Courtney Lamberton, Ashley LaVenture, Jake MacDougal, Kelsey Mason, Elias Matton, Angelo Mercaldi, Alexander Meseck, Myranda Miller, Kaitlyn Poupore, Nicole Rabideau, Chase Sample, Theordore Sisson, The Islander, December 16, 2014 Page 5 at St. Joseph’s Church Hall in Grand Isle every Thursday at 6:30p.m. with Early Birds starting at 6:15p.m. Aurora Slater, Makayla Snide, Jenna Soden, David Sousa, Jacqueline Stokes. Congratulation to all honor roll students! HOME TOWN 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: Wednesday, December 17- Clinton Community College Women vs. Word of Life Bible Institute, Airborne Speedway Racing from June 21; Thursday and Friday, December 18 and 19Chazy vs. Saranac Varsity Boys’ Basketball at Muggsy Tip-Off Tournament, NCCS vs. Saranac Girls Section VII Class B Soccer Semi-Final, Champlain Village Board Meeting; Saturday and Sunday, December 20 and 21- Grand Opening of the Golden Palace Restaurant, Our Little Corner with Gordie Little at the 2014 North Country Honor Flight Christmas Party and the CP Rail Holiday Train in Plattsburgh; NCCS Fall Concert, CCRS Drama Club December 13 and 14 presentations; Monday and Tuesday, Wednesday, December 22, 23, 24- CCRS Holiday Concert, NAC Holiday Concert, NCCS Holiday Concert, Rouses Point and Mooers Elementary School Christmas Programs. NOTES Sympathy goes out to the family of Donald R. “Smitty” Smith, 81, of Perry Mills Road, Champlain, who passed away on December 9, at the UVM Health Network of CVPH in Plattsburgh. The decorations throughout the village are beautiful and thanks to the homeowners and village employees for making our village so special through this wonderful season. Also, thank you to the many organizations that sponsor events for the children to visit with Santa and enjoy refreshments. Let us not forget our elderly people and shut-ins as well. Volunteers in our community are a treasure and we should appreciate them. It is now countdown with shopping, cooking and getting ready for this holiday season. Happy Hanukah to everyone celebrating on the 17th. The Islander, December 16, 2014 Page 6 South Hero News Mary S. Harwood . 802-372-4127 • mary.s.harwood@gmail.com • TOWN HEARINGS The Public Hearings for Joseph Mackey’s conditional use request for 148 West Shore Road and Jeff Spees’ appeal of a notice of violation and variance request, which were postponed due to the weather on Wednesday, December 10, have been rescheduled for Wednesday, December 17 at 7 pm. 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 KNEEN ELECTRIC •Smoke Alarms •Renovations •CO Alarms •New Construction •Fully Insured •30 Years Experience John B. Kneen 11 East Shore North Grand Isle, VT 05458 Tel: 802-238-4802 ~Serving Our Community~ Dick’s Repair Shop LLC Parts Plus Car Care Center 79 Allen Road Grand Isle, VT 802-372-6651 Roger & Rosemary Rabideau Main St. Alburgh • 796-3434 Mon-Fri 7-6, Sat 8-12, Sun Closed The time to change over to Snow Tires is here! Propane Available! improve the roadway, shoulders, ditching and other drainage features along South Street between Martin Road and a point just north of Landon Road. SELECT BOARD NOTES At their meeting December 8, the Board heard public input from Jeff Sikora about the Lavin property subdivision, which is a major rather than a minor one and cannot be completed before February because it is commercial. Since the purchase agreement stipulates that the subdivision is to be completed by January 15, 2015, Mr. Sikora will get Mr. Lavin to grant an extension. Mary Wilmuth of the CHAMP organization was present to discuss the fact that she has not yet met with the listers to inquire about the possibility of a real estate tax abatement, but that she plan to complete an application and do it in the near future. David Hobbs, Chairman of the Recreation Commission presented the budget request. They propose level funding. John Beaulac and John Roy presented the Road department budget request. Labor cost and winter road salt appear to be the largest increases in the request. Ray Allen, Sr. presented a request that the Town continue to pay for Workers comp and utilities for South Hero Rescue. Chris Herrick suggested that the Town should consider budgeting for three personal carbon monoxide detectors that can be carried on rescue calls. Sheriff Ray Allen, Jr. presented the budget request for the Grand Isle Sheriff. He proposed a level hourly rate, but asks that the Town, and all Grand Isle County Towns, increase the hours so that there can be police presence seven days a week. He also showed a drone that was purchased to use for search and rescue operations. The drone includes a real time camera as well as a heat seeking camera. Chris Herrick was re-appointed as Health Service Officer. Carol Tremble will review the audit done for the Town. South Street project updates: The condemnation hearing has been scheduled for January 8, 2015 for any property owners who have not signed the right of way agreement. The meeting will be warned and letters will go to the affected landowners. The landfill post closure plan was discussed. Mitch will review any steps outlined in the plan and report back to the Board. The listers requested file cabinets to replace some broken ones. A motion was made an approved to spend up to $1000.00 for fireproof file cabinets. Petitions for open Selectboard seats, Town Clerk and other elected town officials will be due by January 20, 2015. See the Town report for openings. 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 while controlling the growth and use of the land. The money needed to buy the future Town Center property can come from private taxdeductible 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. WINTER FARMERS’ MARKET Last chance to do a little Christmas shopping from many local talented vendors! The Champlain Islands Farmers’ Market will be open for business on Saturday, December 20 at the South Hero Congregational Church from 10 am to 2 pm. CARING & SHARING/OPERATION HAPPINESS Caring and Sharing/Operation Happiness is a non-denominational program which works in conjunction with Operation Happiness in Saint Albans to help less fortunate families. We will provide food for a full Turkey Dinner with all the trimmings and then some. Families with children will also receive toys that will be collected through Toys for Kids of Vermont. If you would like to help with this very worthy cause, either by giving your time, or by making a financial contribution, please contact Manon Farnham at 372-9513. No special talents are required, only the desire to help a neighbor. Hands-on help is also appreciated. On Friday, December 19, from 9 to 11 am, go to Saint Rose of Lima to help wrap toys. Later that day: from 6 to 8 pm, come and help assemble the boxes for distribution the next day. This year’s distribution of food and toys will take place on Saturday, December 20 between the hours of 9 and 10:30 am at Saint Rose of Lima. We are asking that recipients pick up their boxes this year. COOKIE WALK Save the date for the Holiday Cookie Walk at the South Hero Congregational Church on December 20 from 10 am to 2 pm. The Women’s Fellowship of the South Hero Congregational Church will do your cookie baking for you for the Holiday Season. Come to the Farmer’s Market on December 20, and while there, select from the large variety of cookies at the Cookie Walk from 10 am to 2 pm. Come early for the widest selection of cookies and candies. LIBRARY NEWS By: Carolyn Brennan, Librarian 372-6209, southherolibrary@gmail.com HOURS: Sunday and Monday- Closed; Tuesday, Thursday and Friday- 9 am to 4 pm; Wednesday- 11 am to 8 pm; Saturday- 9 am to 2 pm. Please note we will be closed December 24 to 26. 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: Friday 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 southherolibrary@gmail.com, call 372-6209, or visit us online at www.southherolibrary.org for more information. The Islander, December 16, 2014 Page 7 Many Thanks from the North Hero PTYO The North Hero PTYO would like to thank the many local business who contributed to making their recent Breakfast with Santa a successful event: A&B Beverage, Bauer Gravel Farnham, DC Energy, Harborside Harvest Market, Hero’s Welcome, North Hero House and Vermont Country Meats. Your generous donations helped raise funds for your local PTYO while putting smiles on many a child’s face. Thank you from the North Hero PTYO! Foot Clinic in Alburgh There will be a Foot Clinic at the Islands in the Sun Senior Center on Tuesday, January 6 from 9:30 am to Noon. In addition to affordable care for your feet, this will be a good time to meet and welcome the new nurse, Liz Johansson. To sign up, call Evelyn Dubuque at 802-372-4026. VAST Riding Season to Open Soon The Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST) is looking forward to a great snowmobiling season. In order to have trails ready to ride, there should be at least four inches of packed snow and frozen ground. The VAST snowmobile season runs from December 16 to April 15 of each year. Please respect landowners and volunteers by not going riding on the VAST trail system until opening day, and only when clubs have gone through with a groomer. When you do ride, stay on the trail to help maintain great relationships with landowners. The more everyone follows the rules, the longer landowners will provide the land to continue to ride on. VAST TMAs’ are sold by all of your 128 clubs, as well as, some vendors in and outside of Vermont. To reach the VAST staff or find out more about VAST, visit www.vtvast.org or call 802-229-0005. 372-5031 7 Ferry Rd • 10-5 South Hero, VT The Islander, December 16, 2014 Page 8 The Islander The Coloring Contest is easy to enter...Just mail or stop in with your contest entry before December 20th at Noon! All you need to do is enter your coloring for a chance to win! We will pick 3 winners from each of the following categories: Category 1: Ages 3-5 years Category 2: Ages 6-8 years Category 3: Ages 9-12 years py p a H ays d i l Ho We will publish the winners in the December 23rd issue! Entries must be received by Noon, December 20th! We must be able to read your name, age, address and phone number. If we cannot, you will automatically be disqualified. Each winner will receive a $25. Gift Certificate to the Green Frog Gift Shop Name: Age: Address: Phone No.: The Islander • P.O. Box 212 • 21 Sunset View Road • South Hero • Vermont • 05486 Chanukah: The Festival of Lights New England Via Vermont STORE WIDE SALE 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! I r Bulldozer, i c kBackhoe,EDump x cTruck,aStone, v aGravel,t Sand ing Septic Systems & Water Lines - All Kinds of Work! Road Grader F R E E Estimates 796-3571 Alburg, VT By: Stu Robinson Chanukah, or Hanukkah, is known as “The Festival Of Lights” and begins at sundown on the 25th day of Kislev: Tuesday, December 16 in 2014, ending on Wednesday, December 24. The dates on the Hebrew Calendar always remain the same while the secular lunar calendar may vary each year. Because it always falls in November or December, there is often a Hanukkah overlap with Kwanza, Christmas and Ramadan, making this time of year more special. During the second century, 70c CE, the Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans. The Maccabeus Revolt led by the High Priest and his son, Judah, recaptured the Temple. Since there appeared to be only enough oil for one day to light the “Chanukiah” Menorah, the miracle was that the oil lasted eight days. We celebrate the Temple’s re-dedication with this joyous festival. Worldwide the customs are pretty much the same. There is Menorah lighting in the center of Town which like the “Tree lighting” draws big crowds .Just as we do in our homes the special blessings are recited and traditional foods such as latkes and Sofganiyot-jelly donuts and Chanukkah Gelt: chocolate coins. There are games, songs and playing with a Dreidel, which is a spinning top. Hebrew letters appear in four sections in Hebrew: A Great Miracle Happened Here- N,G,H,S, and don’t forget exchanging gifts and giving to those who need help. This holiday runs for eight days, and each day we add a candle until the eighth day when all of the candles are glowing brightly in a window for all to see. They are lit from right to left using a special candle called the Shamas, or Guardian. In total, the Menorah has nine branches including the Shamush. Power-Gen 2014 Woman of the Year Award Recognizes Mary Powell for Leadership and Commitment to Community Green Mountain Power (GMP) is pleased to announce that President and CEO Mary Powell was just named Power-Gen 2014 Woman of the Year. Judges selected Powell because of how she has advanced the power generation industry, the positive impact she has made on her community, and her leadership. “It is an incredible honor to be recognized by our industry for the work that is happening in Vermont. It is truly a gift to get to work every day with an incredible team focused on developing innovative solutions for our customers and communities. Energy can be transformational in moving customers and society to a more secure and environmentally sound future, and we are determined to lead the way,” Powell said. “GMP is partnering with customers to accelerate the pace of change as Vermont’s Energy Company of the Future. We are finding new ways to help Vermonters save money and be more comfortable, while moving to cleaner local sources of energy.” A cornerstone of Vermont’s energy transformation includes a new collaboration with NRG to make Vermont a leader in sustainable energy. Beginning in early 2015, the partnership will bring innovative cost-effective clean energy products and services to Vermont, helping customers manage energy use and save money. It will also transform the distribution grid from a 100-year-old electric delivery model to a new system designed to create efficiencies and distributed energy solutions through renewable technologies and energy storage. “Mary is the preeminent ‘right-to-left’ iconoclast of utility CEOs,” said David Crane, president and CEO of NRG. “She starts with the heretical notion of giving the modern-day energy consumer what they want, which is affordable, convenient, clean and stormresistant energy, and then uses her native intelligence, charm and drive to make sure it happens.” GMP is committed to a new way of doing business that is forward looking for the environment and the community. On December 1, GMP became the first utility ever to get the B Corp certification because of its commitment to serving its customers, the community and the state of Vermont. “Mary Powell is a trailblazer who has made amazing accomplishments as a utility executive. We hope that our award will inspire young women to not only consider careers in the power industry, but also show them that dedication and hard work can lead to brilliant results,” said Jennifer Runyon, chair of the Women in Power Committee. Powell was announced the winner at the 2014 Power-Gen Woman of the Year Awards Dinner on December 8, 2014 in Florida; she gave a keynote speech during the Women in Power Luncheon on December 9 as part of POWER-GEN International, the largest trade show in the world for the power generation industry. Make Your Reservation for the Islands in the Sun Christmas Celebration A Christmas Celebration is being planned at the Islands in the Sun Senior Center in Alburgh. They will have a free Christmas Luncheon of cranberry chicken with all the fixings for all senior citizens on Wednesday, December 17. It will begin with The Islander, December 16, 2014 Page 9 Pizza Pan's South Hero 372.4729 Open 7 Days at 4:30 Christmas music, from 11:30 am to 12:15 pm, with Maurice and Carol who hope you will join in the singing. The scrumptious Luncheon will take place at 12:15. Organizers are also expecting Santa and maybe some little ones who are so special to him, to help those in attendance to enjoy the magic of the holiday season. It is requested that you reserve your place so that the cooks can plan accordingly. For more information or to reserve your spot, contact Maurice at 802-309-4731 or Irene at 802-999-5862 or email imtherightplace@ gmail.com. Salsa Lessons and Dancing in North Hero-No Partner Needed! Salsa Rueda is a type of Salsa dance done around a circle, or wheel, the steps and turns are the same as normally used in ordinary Salsa dancing with a partner. Salsa Rueda may be danced by as few as two couples, or a group as large as a space can hold and allows many to take part in the action-- a fun group atmosphere develops as the whole Rueda flows while enjoying the wonderful Afro-Cuban Latin American music. Lessons in this Cuban Salsa style will be held on Friday evenings, starting at 7 pm, at the North Hero Community Hall. 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 planned lesson dates are: January 9, 16, 23 and 30. The snow date is February 6. The series will cost $48 per person. Sign up at 6:30 pm 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. The class will be taught by David Larson, who has 35 years of experience teaching dance. He has taught dance at a variety of schools in New England, including The University of Connecticut, Dartmouth College, Middlebury College, Norwich University, Saint Michael’s College, Champlain College and the University of Vermont. For more information, email Pam.Cuneo@Gmail.com. The Islander, December 16, 2014 Page 10 Grand Isle News Julie Dickie • grandislenews@yahoo.com • Do you have Grand Isle happenings that you would like to share? Be sure to send it in! News needs to be received by 5 pm on Fridays, for the Grand Isle News section, at grandislenews@ yahoo.com. HONOR ROLL The following Grand Isle Elementary students were named to the honor roll for their academic achievements: Grade 6 High Honors- Sierra Butler, Jack Tallbot, Honor Roll- Ella Troville, Alyssa Larose, Ella Deane, Josh Thomason, Andrew Lee, Jackson Valley, Todd Gauthier, Jade Boudreau, Maddison Provost, Cannan Barrows, Ethan Chamberlin, Taylor Dickie, Madison Durfee, Ashley Emmons, Madison Hanson, Johanna Iula, Ben Valley; grade 7 High Honors- Mitchell Gadapee, Morgan Marckres, Honor Roll- Ella Boardman-Wolfe, Russell Chanse, Nicole Emmons, Colby Geney, Hannah Larose, Cassandra Libby; Grade 8 High HonorsHannah Mahar, Emily Thomason, Honor RollJared Baron, Eva Gavin, Lexie Gingras, Madison Larson, Keighla Martin, Claire Phillips, Lauryn Prouty. GRACE ANNUAL HOLIDAY BALL The GRACE program will be hosting a Holiday Ball again this year. Join us Friday, December 19 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. There will be music, dancing and face painting, along with displays of student’s work over this last session. Food and beverages will be available for purchase, and Santa will be making an appearance! This event is for any student in grades K to 8 in Grand Isle County. Students under the age of six must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets will cost $5 per person or $12 for a family. Please come and support after-school programming in our community, see what great things students have been doing and enjoy a wonderful Holiday event. RE FISHING WA D HAR TS GIF Hope to see you there! CALENDARS ARE IN If you ordered Community Calendars from the Grand Isle PTA, stop by the school office to pick them up. There are also some available for sale at $8 each; they feature beautiful photos of the islands taken by our talented local photographers. EMPTY BOWLS EVENT An Empty Bowls Community Dinner is coming to the Champlain Islands on Saturday, January 31. Empty Bowls is an international effort to fight hunger where educators, potters and others work with the community to create handcrafted bowls. Guests are invited to a simple meal of soup and bread. In exchange for a cash donation, guests keep a bowl as a reminder of all the empty bowls in the world. Proceeds from the dinner will benefit Grand Isle County Food Shelf, Food for Thought, CIDER Community Meals, and Heifer Intl. Want to sponsor a bowl to be painted? Just your $3.75 donation will make it happen. Donation spots will be announced soon! If you’d like to take part in planning this Islands-wide event, contact Jodi Butler at 802-238-6708 or frostycat2@aol.com. DONALDSON PARK PROPERTY TRANSFER COMPLETE On December 2, the Town of Grand Isle received a gift of immeasurable value to present and future generations. The State of Vermont transferred 23.1 acres of land on Donaldson Road to the Town. While many residents recognize this property as Donaldson Park, until this week, the Town did not hold title to the land. Grand Isle Town Recreation Committee members, Shevonne Travers, Julie Dickie, Jeff Martin, David Graham and Kate O’Neill wish to shout out our sincere appreciation to all of the Grand Isle Town officials, including both past and present Select Board members, and to our State Representatives for assisting in bringing this dream to fruition. First envisioned as a simple process, the transfer of land required a multitude of correspondence between State officials, Town officials and the federal government over the past two years. With the deed now in hand, the Grand Isle Town Recreation Committee plans to repave the basketball court next spring, begin cutting a walking trail around the park’s perimeter, installing a disc golf course and pursuing funds toward the construction of two tennis courts. Although we recognize these are significant tasks for a small community, we remain committed to furthering the development of recreational opportunities for town residents. We are reveling in the good news and hope you will share in the merriment. GRAND ISLE FIRE DISTRICT #4 JEWELRY HOU SEW ARE TO FREE DELIVERY AVAILABLE in Alburgh, Isle La Motte and North Hero! OL S DECEMBER 2014 MONTHLY MEETING Grand Isle Fire District #4 Monthly Meeting will be held on Monday, December 22, starting at 7 pm, at 204 West Shore Road in Grand Isle. TOWN LIBRARY NEWS By: Kathy Tulissi, Library Director 802-372-4797, grandislefreelibrary@ hotmail.com HOLIDAY SALE: Check out the Library’s Bake and Ornament Sale, Saturday, December 6 through the 20th, during Library hours. We will have pumpkin bread, mini fruitcakes, brownies, cookies, butterscotch topping and more, plus some great ornaments. NEW MATERIALS: Books- Proof Positive, a Joe Gunther novel by Archer Mayor, The World of Ice & Fire: The Untold History of Westeros and the Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin, Elio García, Jr. and Linda Antonsson; DVDs- The Fault In Our Stars, Warhorse, Polar Express, Max & Ruby’s Christmas. STORY TIME: Story Time is back! Come listen to a great book at 10 am on Wednesdays. FIBER NIGHT: We meet every Thursday from 6:30 to 8 pm. Do you knit, crochet, sew, quilt or do any other type of fiber craft? Are you interested in learning a fiber craft? Please join us for an enjoyable evening at the Library. We teach, help solve problems, share experiences and just have a good time. Don’t have tools or materials, no problem-- we have plenty to share. Come join the fun! TRUSTEES MEETING: Trustees meet on the second Monday of even numbered months at 6 pm, and the public is always welcome to attend. HOURS: The Library’s 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. Death Notices RUTH CARLSON FIFIELD Ruth Fifield, 91, passed away in Franklin County Rehab Center on December 10, 2014. She was born in Burlington, Vermont on June 4, 1923 and grew up in Burlington spending her summers at her cottage in South Hero, Vermont that her father and grandfather built when she was five years old. She was a Navy wife and lived in Annapolis, Bermuda, Pensacola and spent many years in the Washington DC area-- always returning to spend her summers in South Hero at her cottage with her children. She married Fiske Fifield and moved to a farmhouse on Route 2 in the ‘70s; she was active in Eastern Star and served as Worthy Matron. She was also active with the Senior Citizens and started the meals at the South Hero Congregational Church and worked in the early years of CIDER. Her red farmhouse was always decorated for Christmas with candles in the windows. It was the first house you saw entering South Hero. She moved to the Franklin County Rehab in 2010 and served as President of the Franklin County Rehab Center Residential Council. She leaves a daughter Patti Day of Saint Albans, Vermont and son Richard Dow of Boulder Creek, California, who was able to spend the last five summers at her cottage to visit with her, and three grandchildren: Kelly and Michael Day of Maui, Hawaii and Richard Dow III of San Jose, California and three great-grandchildren. There will be a viewing at Corbin and Palmer, 71 Union Street in Burlington, Vermont, on Thursday, December 18 from 2:30 to 4:30 pm, and a memorial service will be held at the Lakeview Cemetery Chapel on North Avenue, at 11 am, on Friday, December 19 with interment to follow. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Franklin County Rehab Center Resident Council Scholarship Fund at 110 Fairfax Road, Saint Albans, VT 05478. > 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: ccshvt@gmail.com 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 4th Sunday of Advent: December 21st 10 a.m. Table Eucharist at members’ home in Isle La Motte Christmas Eve: Wed., Dec. 24th 4 p.m. Creche, Carols, & Communion at St. Thomas’, Noyan The Rev. Thora L. Chadwick 802-863-8036 pastor@bordersregionalministry.org 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 16, 2014 Page 11 Courtney A. Schaetz • nheronews@yahoo.com • LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT YEAR Now is the time to enjoy family and friends and all of the other blessings in your life, but if you are a planner, and are already have your sights set on next year, listed below are a couple of things to look forward to. 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 Pam.Cuneo@Gmail.com with questions. 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 nheronews@yahoo.com. PRINCIPAL’S NEWSLETTER By: Joe Resteghini Happy Holidays! Hanukkah begins this week. It will officially be winter soon, not that it isn’t already. Kwanzaa is right around the corner, and of course, there is Christmas. It is a joyful time of year. The PTYO’s holiday baskets will be raffled away at our holiday extravaganza, which will take place at the North Hero Community Hall on Thursday, December 18. At 7 pm, the fever pitch of celebratory spirit will reach its maximum overload and spill upon the gathered crowd. You will be compelled to sing loud and clear for all to hear, and I promise the event to be both joyful and triumphant. All friends from all islands and towns great and small are invited to the event. I hope you will join us. Tuesday, December 23 is a half-day for students. Please make note of this calendar change. Students will be released from their academic obligations at 11:30 am. If you are planning to send your child skiing with the North Hero Ski Club on January 9, 2015, please make sure to return your paperwork as soon as possible. Titus Mountain has graciously arranged for us to visit five different times. With the weather as it has been we are very excited to hit the slopes. We return to school on January 5, and it will be a scramble to get ready with just a few days before the first session. The second grade math students have begun to explore the fundamental concepts involved in multiplication, division, and fractional understanding. It’s easy to think that we are just programmed to understand halves and quarters, but as I learn with the students I marvel at the magic of understanding, and it has been a gift to watch the light bulbs begin to light. Have a great week. I hope to see you soon. LIBRARY NEWS By: Judy Poquette, Librarian 372-5458, nhlibrary@comcast.net HOURS: Tuesday from 2 to 7 pm Thursday10 am to 3 pm and Saturday- 9 am to 1 pm. 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 silverbytish@hotmail.com Grand Isle County Based *EMERGENCY SERVICES AVAILABLE* North Hero, VT (802)372-9514 FOOD SHELF: The Library is collecting donations of canned goods for the Champlain Islands Food Shelf. These donations go directly to our own neighbors, and their need is much greater at this time of year. Meals in a can, such as beef stew and chicken soup, or canned meats like tuna and ravioli are especially appreciated. There is a wicker basket just inside the Library door. It only takes one can to help a friend. NEW MATERIALS: Books- Blue Labyrinth by Douglas Preston, The Lewis Man by Peter May, The Burning Room by Michael Connelly, Once Upon A Grind by Cleo Coyle; Children’s Books- Sisters by Raina Telgemeier, Pete the Cat Saves Christmas by Eric Litwin; DVDs- The Hundred Foot Journey, If I Stay, And So It Goes; Children’s DVDs- The Wind Rises. BOOK SALE: We have a dry basement full of secondhand books waiting for you. It’s neatly organized by our volunteers, always available when we’re open, and no set prices. Donations are happily accepted and change is available at the circulation desk. Stock up for winter or find a treasure for gifting. 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 16, 2014 Page 12 -FOR SALE- --------------------------------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 --------------------------------SNOW PLOWING. Openings for S. Hero, Grand Isle. Per plow or per season. Smitty’s Tree Service for all you Tree Service Needs. Insured,. Affordable. 802-372-5297 12/16 --------------------------------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 ------------------------------We have some free computers that would make a great Christmas gift. Some are complete, others need a monitor, keyboard or mouse. All you need is a big red bow. Call 802-796-4517. If you have any old XP home program disc or any old keyboards, mice ------------------------------Grand Isle: Pay no rent to share or monitors, please donate them. --------------------------------a home with an active senior woman who enjoys getting out in the community, playing cards and conversation. In exchange, provide some evening companionship and occasional rides together to go out for a meal or a scenic drive. Comfortable home, W/D. No deposit. More info and application at 863-5625 or www. HomeShareVermont.org. Interview, references, background checks req. EHO 12/9 -FOR RENT- -MISC- ------------------------------Flintlock 50 Cal. Italian Pedersoli, like new condition. Appraised at $700. Will accept $350. Call 802893-4302 Milton 12/23 ------------------------------2002 Ford Ranger, 6-cyl. std., 4-wh. drive. Xtra cab. $5500. Will consider trade. Water pressure tank. 30 gal. $75. Canister vacuum cleaner. $35. 802-3729419 12/16 ------------------------------2007 Chevrolet Malibu. New battery, brakes, rotors, exhaust in past 18 months. 2.2L AC/PW/ PL, cruise control. New key fob. 32+MPG. $3900 OBO 802-3729029 12/16 -SERVICES--------------------------------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 --------------------------------- Holiday Greetings are on Sale Now for 12/23 & 12/30 Issues Call us for info: 372-5600 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17 - Christmas Celebration at the Islands in the Sun Senior Center, Alburgh with music starting at 11:30 am and luncheon at 12:15 pm. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18 - Business Matters in the Islands Breakfast and Basic Selling Skills Presentation at Merchants Bank, South Hero starts at 8:30 am. - A Visit to India with WCAX-TV’s Sharon Meyer and Lyn Jarvis at 12:12 pm on Across the Fence, Channel 3. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19 - Caring and Sharing/ Operation Happiness toy wrapping at Saint Rose of Lima Church, South Hero from 9 am to Noon and packing up food from 6 to 8 pm. - A Visit to Nepal with a stop in Kathmandu with Lyn Jarvis and Sharon Meyer on Across the Fence at 12:12 pm, WCAX-TV, Channel 3. - Wine Down Wine Down at Snow Farm Vineyard, South Hero, with music from Jon Sochin from 6 to 8:30 pm. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20 - Caring and Sharing/ Operation Happiness food and toy distribution from 9 to 10:30 am. - Champlain Islands Winter Farmers’ Market and Holiday Cookie Walk at the South Hero Congregational Church from 10 am to 2 pm. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21 - Longest Night Service at the South Hero Congregational Church starts at 7 pm. 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, 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. TUESDAY, JANUARY 13 - Parkinson’s Support Group at Homestead Pillsbury Senior Community, Saint Albans from 10 to 11:30 am. 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. FRIDAY, JANUARY 23 - Salsa Dance Lessons at the North Hero Community Hall starts at 7 pm. FRIDAY, JANUARY 30 - Salsa Dance Lessons at the North Hero Community Hall starts at 7 pm. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6 - Great Ice in Grand Isle Christmas Tree Bonfire starts 5:30 pm. Isle La Motte News Anita Bruley . 802-928-3246 • avbruley14@hotmail.com • LOCAL CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE There will be Mass on Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24, starting at 4 pm, at Saint Joseph’ Church in Isle La Motte and at 6 pm, with a children’s pageant, at Saint Amadeus in Alburgh. On Thursday, December 25, Christmas Day, Mass will be held at 10:30 am at Saint Amadeus only; there will be no Mass in Isle La Motte on Christmas. THE MEMORY TREE The Memory Tree was a first-time fundraiser, and it raised $290 as of last Sunday. FREE CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON FOR SENIORS Islands in the Sun Senior Center will be holding a Free Christmas Luncheon for seniors 55 and over on Wednesday, December 17. The festive occasion will begin at 11:30 am with caroling from Moe and Carol; the meal will start at 12:15 with visit from Santa and a performance by Mrs. Giroux’ first graders. Reservations are required; to register, call Moe at 796-4418 or Irene Clarke: 802-999-5862. CARDS FOR GLORIA HART Gloria Hart, who formerly lived in Isle La Motte and now in Florida, has been ill and in a nursing home for several months. She would enjoy receiving cards, maybe even Christmas cards. Her address is 82 Century Boulevard, Avon Park, FL 33825. JOKE OF THE WEEK! Teacher: “Today, we are going to study Macbeth by Shakespeare.” Boastful Pupil: “ My Dad had dinner with Shakespeare last night.” Teacher: “But he’s been dead for over three hundred years!” Pupil: “Oh, really? Dad said he was a bit quiet.” HAVE A GOOD WEEK! The Islander, December 16, 2014 Page 13 To the Editor: An open letter to our legislators: In January, 2015, the House and Senate will decide, in a secret vote, the next Governor of Vermont! On Election Day, November 4, 2014, voters in the Grand Isle/Milton voting district voted as follows: Milne- 2,108 votes, 60.7 percent-- a landslide in an election; Shumlin- 1,366 votes, 39.3 percent. Our Representatives, Mitzi Johnson and Robert Krebs, along with Senator Richard Mazza, are asked to not follow party lines but rather vote the way the people in the district voted! Represent our voices and vote for Scott Milne for Governor. Consider the record of the incumbent-- if you choose Peter Shumlin, not only are you voting differently from the wishes of your constituents, you must accept responsibility for the results! The Vermont Constitution states: If, at any time, there shall be no election, of Governor, LieutenantGovernor, or Treasurer, of the State, the Senate and House of Representatives shall by a joint ballot, elect to fill the office, not filled as aforesaid, one of the three candidates for such office (if there be so many) for whom the greatest number of votes shall have been returned. So, why the secret ballot? The voters of the Grand Isle/Milton district deserve to have their wishes honored. If they are not, why not? Our representatives should represent our voices in the Statehouse-- that’s why we elect them! Dick Trudell, Chairman, Grand Isle County Republicans To the Editor: Oops! December 9, 2014, there was a hunter photo, page 13, seen with gun pointed in wrong direction. Guns always should be pointed away from self and other hunters. Respectfully, Denise Abbott Douglass Grand Isle Champlain Islands Health Services -SERVICESORTHODONTICS GIVE YOUR CHILD... a good start to good appearance and lifelong dental health... in a complete family care practice with over 30 years experience. TAKING A FEW SMALL JOBS •hang a door •fix a window •repair cabinets •partitions, closets & such 928.3047 tlsdesign@aol.com Northwestern 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 16, 2014 Page 14 Legal Notices 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). Rule Governing the Prescription of Extended Release Hydrocodones Manufactured Without Abuse-Deterrent Formulations. Vermont Proposed Rule: 14E11 AGENCY: Human Services, Department of Health CONCISE SUMMARY: Extended Release Hydrocodones without abusedeterrent formulations (ADF) are highly susceptible to abuse, diversion, and potentially lethal to children. Subjecting these drugs to rigorous prescription conditions will minimize the potential for their abuse and diversion and the hazards associated with unintended ingestion. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT: David Englander, Senior Policy and Legal Advisor, Vermont Department of Health, PO Box 70, Burlington, VT 05402-0070 Tel: 802-863-7282 Fax: 802-951-1275 Email: david.englander@state.vt.us URL: http://www.healthvermont. gov/ regs/index.aspx. For copies: Bessie Weiss, Assistant Attorney General for Vermont Department of Health, PO Box 70, Burlington, VT 05402-0070 Tel: 802652-2092 Fax: 802-951-1211 Email: bessie.weiss@ state.vt.us. VOSHA Rule: Cranes and Derricks in Construction: Demolition and Underground Construction. Vermont Proposed Rule: 14P056 AGENCY: Dept. of Labor CONCISE SUMMARY: This rule amendment repeals previously adopted rule, VOSHA Subpart DD, 29 CFR 1926.1500 and .1501. Further this rule amendment directs Subpart S (29 CFR 1926.800) Underground Construction, and Subpart T (29 CFR 1926.858) Demolition, to reference existing rule, Subpart CC (29 CFR 1926.1400). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT: Daniel A. Whipple Vermont Dept. of Labor PO Box 488 Montpelier, VT 05601-0488 Tel: 802-828-5084 Fax: 802-828-0408 Email: dan.whipple@state.vt.us URL: http://labor.vermont.gov/. FOR COPIES: Les Burns Vermont Dept. of Labor PO Box 488 Montpelier, VT 05601-0488 Tel: 802-828-5085 Fax: 802-828-0408 Email: les.burns@state.vt.us. 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 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. 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. Included herein is a 20 foot easement for a water line. Said lot is 10.13 acres, more or less. This land is subject to protective covenants recorded in Book 30 at Page 122 in the said Grand Isle Land Records. 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 Service of the Longest Night at the South Hero Congregational Church Sunday, December 21 is the Winter Solstice: the longest night of the year. Christmas can be a bittersweet time of the year. Some people dread the holiday season. The constant refrain about getting together with family, reminds many people of what and who they have lost or what they never had. The anguish of broken relationships, the insecurity of unemployment, the weariness of ill health, the pain of isolation-- all of these can make people feel very much alone in the midst of the festive season, and all of this is compounded by the deepening darkness of the year. If you are unhappy during the holidays, you need to know that you are not alone. You need to know God’s presence during this season. At the Congregational Church of South Hero, UCC, 24 South Street, they have planned a worship service of scripture, stories, special music, silent reflection and prayer: space and time to acknowledge your sadness and concern. So, on this longest night, they invite you to experience a meditative worship service that takes time for remembering, sharing your hurting places with God and preparing of hearts for the coming of Christ. The candlelit service will provide a chance to just be-- in the silence, together. Join this service to hear scripture, offer prayers for healing and wholeness, and to hear songs that acknowledge God’s presence is for all. Attend and light a candle for your darkness; light a candle for those you know who are mourning, those who are struggling. God’s Word comes to shine light in the darkness. Everyone is welcome to attend this service, starting at 7 pm, and enjoy quiet reflection and good company. Did The Grinch Really Steal Christmas? Not In Grand Isle! By: Fay P. Chamberlin On Saturday afternoon, December 6, over sixty youngsters and their parents and friends gathered in the warm 1814 Block Schoolhouse. They enjoyed hot chocolate and cookies as they waited for the annual lighting of the Town Christmas Tree, located on the site of the Hyde Log Cabin in Grand Isle. As the Grinchmas Pageant took place, Hannah Larose gave her rendition and thoughts on the Christmas story of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. As she spoke, the children snuggled in their beds. Soon, in crept the famous mean Grinch and his dog. They looked around and soon found presents under the small tree. They took the presents and ran out the door. The children woke up and everyone realized what had happened. As they ran out of the school, they began to hear a siren. Soon, Sheriff Ray Allen drove in near the site of the Town Christmas Tree. He opened the door and pulled someone out: it was the mean old Grinch. Sheriff Allen had found him with all of the presents and had shown him the error of his ways. The Grinch was sorry for his behavior and said that he had changed. He asked everyone to forgive him and to join him in the countdown for the tree lighting. The little tree became a beautiful, tall, lighted tree, and the children were all presented with gifts, and then, Christmas carols were sung. The tree lighting has become an annual event. Last year, we had a surprise visit from Santa. He appeared over the roof of the historic Log Cabin and disappeared down the chimney and out the front door. He brought candy and danced with the children as they sang carols and then turned on the lights for the beautiful tree. Thank you to Sheriff Ray Allen, Julie Dickie, Mr. Santagrinch Tony Larose, Jeff Martin and other members of the Grand Isle Recreation Committee for planning these events. Thank you to Hannah, Ally and Taylor Larose, Taylor Dickie and Alaina Ross for taking part in the Grinchmas Pageant. The Grand Isle Historical Society and the Grand Isle Recreation Committee are pleased to join together as we continue to unite the Town of Grand Isle in wonderful fun filled activities. Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year to all. Ice Fishing Safety Tips from Vermont Fish and Wildlife The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department has some ice safety tips for those of you who will be going ice fishing this winter. “Once we have sustained cold weather to form good ice, ice fishing can be safe and a lot of fun,” said Major Dennis Reinhardt, “but when we go onto the ice, we need to use good judgment and observe several safety precautions.” Leave your car or truck on shore. Every year, several motor vehicles go through the ice on Vermont lakes, and some people have drowned as a result. Leave information about your plans with someone: where you intend to fish and when you expect to return. Wear a personal flotation device, and don’t fish alone. Ice varies in thickness and condition. Always carry an ice spud or chisel to check ice as you proceed. Be extremely cautious crossing ice near river mouths, points of land, bridges, islands and over reefs and springs. Current almost always causes ice to be thinner over these areas. Avoid going onto the ice if it has melted away from the shore. This indicates melting is underway, and ice can shift position as wind direction changes. Waves from open water can quickly break up large areas of ice. If you can see open water in the lake and the wind picks up, get off! Bring your fully-charged cell phone with you. Carry a set of hand spikes to help you work your way out onto the surface of the ice if you go through. Holding one in each hand, you can alternately punch them into the ice and pull yourself up and out. You can make these at home, using large nails, or you can purchase them at stores that sell fishing supplies. Carry a safety line that can be thrown to someone who has gone through the ice. Heated fishing shanties must have good ventilation to prevent deadly carbon monoxide poisoning. Open a window or the door part way to allow in fresh air. The Islander, December 16, 2014 Page 15 *Propane Exchange Weds & Thurs. Valid thru 12/03/14 Dave Oliver Painting 50 Years in Business Residential • Commercial Taping • Wall Covering Interior & Exterior Painting ~ Challenges Accepted ~ H: 372-5757 C: 598-2539 “We Can Fix What Those Other Guys Did” Grand Isle County Mentoring Game Night Rescheduled The Grand Isle County Mentoring Program has rescheduled game night for mentors and mentees. All Grand Isle County mentors and their mentees are invited to attend a pizza and game night on Wednesday, January 7, from 5:30 to 7 pm, in the Grand Isle School Library. 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. 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. 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, contact Leslie Ward, Coordinator at 802-372-5239 or email gicmentoring@ gmail.com. ISLANDS REALTY INC. 2 Ferry Rd., South Hero: 802.372.5777 4 South Main St., Alburgh: 802.796.3426 2 BR home w/so much character & charm it is truly a must see! Directly on the lake & located at the end of dead end rd. Nice cement seawall w/built in stairs leading to the water. Prime West Shore lake frontage. Sunset & Mtn views. Town water & sewer. NOW $289,000. Private sanctuary best describes this large 3 BR/3 BA home situated on Lake Champlain with 2.89 acres & 275’ of lakeshore. Property adjoins 70 acres of natural habitat owned by the town of North Hero for a conservation area. 2 car garage w/heated workshop & 3 outbuildings. Extra land available. $435,000. ENOSBURG Many updates in this 3 BR/ 2 BA home w/one level living. The lawn and home have been meticulously cared for & features; new windows, kitchen cabinets, countertops & more. Town water & sewer. Now $115,000. Sweet cottage with open floor plan. Lakeside deck. 2 car garage. 1.7 acres with 260’ of protected lakeshore. Great fishing around this spot!!! $175,000. NORTH HERO SOUTH HERO 4400 sq ft executive style lake home w/3 BR & 3.5 BA’s. Quality materials & amenities throughout. 100’ directly on Lake Champlain and 0.49 acre. 3 Bay garage w/bonus room above. Please call for more details to many to mention here! Now $799,000. NORTH HERO The Ultimate Family Compound with 2 Master Suites and a 3rd 1300 SQ FT separate In-law suite this spacious custom Colonial has 80` of deeded, gradual, shared, protected, lakefront, and lake views on 10 private acres with gorgeous landscaping and perennials. NOW $499,900. ALBURGH Large commercial building with many updates located in the heart of Alburgh. Large office space & conference rooms downstairs with plenty of storage space and 3 bedroom apartment upstairs. Upstairs apartment gets $850.00 per month. Town water & sewer. $139,900. Adorable and “Like New” 3 BR home directly on Lake Champlain and located at the end of a dead end road.. Nice cement seawall with built in stairs leading to the water. Prime West Shore lake frontage. Full foundation. Sunset & mountain views. Town water & sewer. NOW $260,000. LINDA TROMBLEY 598-9322 FRANZ ROSENBERGER 777-7646 ALBURGH NORTH HERO ALBURGH Beautiful 3 BR/3 BA year round home on 2+ acres with 250’ directly on the lake. Nice bright, open floor plan. Balcony, patio & deck overlooking the lake. Nice gradual access to water with seawall. 3 car garage. A must see at $499,000. CARLA LANGLOIS 363-5758 EVAN POTVIN 999-6277 ALBURGH SHARI SWAINBANK 233-6392 TIM TRAPANI 236-1402 www.LakeChamplainRealEstate.com
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