Williston Observer

March 25, 2010

By Stephanie Choate

Observer staff

Champlain Valley Union High School’s Scholars Bowl team made it to the semifinal round last weekend in the state championship, held at Champlain College.

CVU beat Spaulding High School in the quarterfinal round, but lost to Hanover High School, which came in second, in the semifinals. Essex won the state title, and CVU shared the third-place spot with Middlebury High School.

“I was very pleased at how we played on Saturday,” Coach John Bennett wrote in an e-mail to the Observer. “We did a great job, coming back from behind early to take the lead, and falling only due to Hanover’s own excellence in the end.”

Scholars Bowl is a question-and-answer academic game played by teams. Seven CVU students competed in Saturday’s tournament, but Bennett said there have been as many as 20 students competing throughout the year.

“We got a good start against Hanover, and played our best,” said Phil Clark, a sophomore from Williston. “I personally think we did great getting as far as we did this year, and I wouldn’t do anything different. We played great all season, and everyone will have a shot at the championship next year.”

Clark said he got involved with Scholars Bowl as a freshman because he was bored during the 45 minutes of free time he had before classes. Someone suggested he try Scholars Bowl.

“Now it’s an integral part of my day,” he said.

Junior Krysta Dummit said she joined the team because her brother was on it, but stuck with it because she likes the intellectual challenge and the people involved.

“It was fun to participate in the state championships,” she said. “It was gratifying to do so well, but it’s fun either way. Matching wits with the team across from you is fun, and just seeing who can get the buzzer first.”

On March 12, CVU won the Vermont National Academic Tournament, which included 18 teams around the state. The CVU team finished the season with a 39-5 record — the best in team history.

“These students are to be commended for their ability and character and are great representatives for CVU,” Bennett wrote.

CVU has been involved in Scholars Bowl for more than 20 years, and Bennett has been the coach since the 2001-2002 school year. CVU won the state championship in 2007.

“To me, Scholars Bowl is simply a fun activity for kids, a game of quick recall, and a way for students to be members of a non-athletic team,” Bennett wrote.

“I consider myself to be really blessed here at CVU with great players, great parents and great support from the school and district faculty and administration alike. The success that we’ve had really reflects all of the academic achievements we’ve made across the whole district.”

All of the players in Saturday’s tournament were in 10th and 11th grade, and Bennett wrote, “The 2010-11 season looks very promising to say the least.”

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March 25, 2010

Multiple charges

On March 19 at approximately 6:45 p.m., a 911 call to police reported a green Chevy Suburban driving erratically on Marshall Avenue and forcing oncoming vehicles off the shoulder of the road, according to police reports. Police located the Suburban at the intersection of Marshall Avenue and St. George Road, and stopped the driver in the parking lot near Best Buy. The driver, Mary R. O’Neil, 37, of South Burlington, was taking seven children ages 3 to 12 — including two of her own kids — to the movies, according to police. She subsequently “provided a breath sample indicating a blood alcohol concentration of .379,” according to the report. The legal limit for driving in Vermont is .08.

O’Neil was cited on charges of driving under the influence, child endangerment and gross and negligent operation of a vehicle, according to the report. Police told the Observer that O’Neil had faced similar charges in Williston and out of state in the past, but was never convicted. She was taken to Act 1 Detoxification Center and is scheduled to appear in court on March 25. The children in the vehicle were picked up by O’Neil’s husband and two other parents, according to police.

Driving under the influence

• Michael J. Spear, 43, of Essex was cited on a charge of driving under the influence, third offense, following a motor vehicle stop on March 20, according to police reports. His blood alcohol test registered .145, the report notes. He was taken to Chittenden County Correctional Center. No other information was released.

• Following a motor vehicle stop on March 21, Brian Foley, 24, of Stowe was cited on a charge of driving under the influence, according to police reports. His blood alcohol test registered .155, the report notes. He was cited to appear in court.

• The Williston Fire Department called Williston police on March 22 to report that a vehicle had just driven across the front lawn of the fire station, according to police reports. Fire personnel were able to stop the vehicle before police arrived, the report notes. The initial investigation indicated the driver, Ron Stankevich, 49, of Williston, was “highly intoxicated,” according to the report. He was taken into custody and his blood alcohol test registered .272, more than three times the legal limit, according to the report. He was cited to appear in court on April 12 to face charges of driving under the influence, according to the report.

Theft

Donna M. Savoy, 29, of Williston and Amos F. Higbee, 49, of North Ferrisburgh were cited on charges of retail theft from Wal-Mart on March 21, according to police reports. No information was released regarding the value of the merchandise allegedly stolen or a court date.

Driving with suspended license

• Following a motor vehicle stop on March 5, Jacob T. Jimmo, 24, of Essex Junction was cited on a charge of driving with a suspended license-third offense, according to police reports. He was cited to appear in court.

• Following a motor vehicle stop on March 5, Stuart Hult, 46, of Williston was cited on a charge of driving with a suspended license on March 5, according to police reports. He was cited to appear in court.

• Following a motor vehicle stop on March 9, Hope A. Rich, 36, of Burlington was cited on a charge of driving with a suspended license on March 5, according to police reports. She was cited to appear in court on May 3.

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Maple dessert, anyone?

March 25, 2010

By Ginger Isham

Try these specialties with fresh maple syrup for Easter or any occasion. They are simple but delicious!

Maple Parfait

This first recipe, from Elaine Elliot’s “Maple Syrup Cookbook,” was made years ago by a woman in Nova Scotia who could not get her child to eat Christmas pudding. She called it, “Maple Christmas.”

1/2 cup maple syrup (medium grade)

2 eggs

1 cup heavy cream

Crème de cacao, whipped cream, slivered almonds and chocolate sprinkles. Crème de cacao is a chocolate flavored liqueur with a hint of vanilla flavoring. You can find it in a liquor store.

Heat maple syrup in a saucepan to almost a boil. Remove from heat and pour into a mixing bowl. Add eggs and beat on high for about 5 minutes with portable mixer until mixture is well blended. Put in fridge for several hours or overnight so it is well chilled. Using the mixer, whip cream until stiff peaks form and then beat this into the maple mixture. Pour into parfait glasses, cover with plastic wrap and freeze. Can set glasses in a metal or plastic container so will not tip over. Remove from freezer 10 minutes before serving and garnish with a teaspoon of crème de cacao, dollop of whipped cream, almonds and chocolate sprinkles.

Maple Pecan Squares

This next recipe comes from a well-known cookbook, “Sweet Maple” by James Lawrence and Rux Martin. It is a family favorite.

Crust

Combine 1 1/4 cups flour and 1/3 cup sugar, and cut in 1/2 cup soft butter until mixture looks like coarse meal. Press mixture into the bottom of an 8- or 9-inch square baking dish. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes.

Topping

3/4 cup maple syrup (medium to dark grade)

2/3 cup sugar (scant amount)

2 large eggs

2 tablespoons butter, melted

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

2 tablespoons flour

pinch of salt

1 cup chopped pecans

Mix all ingredients except pecans. Beat well and then stir in pecans. Pour this mix over the prepared crust and bake at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes or until firm. Cool and cut into squares.

Ginger Isham lives with her husband on a fifth generation family farm on Oak Hill Road.

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Tea Party is America’s biggest political force

March 25, 2010

By Mike Benevento

A little over a year ago, the Tea Party movement was born out of anger and frustration with elected officials in Washington, especially Democrats. In no time, Tea Parties spread like wildfire across America — capturing the hearts of many citizens fed up with ever-increasing government spending and its intrusion into their daily lives.

For many Americans, once in charge, the Obama administration and Congress immediately sought to change the nation’s direction by increasing the size and power of government and redistributing wealth as they saw fit. They passed a partisan stimulus package full of pork barrel spending and earmarks, continued to bail out Wall Street, took over auto companies, passed cap and trade legislation and started efforts to socialize health care. With Washington spending trillions upon trillions of dollars without an end in sight, Americans wanted fiscal responsibility.

Washington’s arrogance and condescending attitude (they know better than us what is better for us), coupled with putting special interests ahead of representing the voters, frustrated many Americans. No longer apathetic to the liberal takeover, they formed Tea Parties to take action.

Simply put, the movement was a reaction to President Barack Obama and a Democratic-controlled Congress determined to implement their liberal activist agenda against the majority of the American people’s wishes.

The movement derives its name from the Boston Tea Party. In 1773, patriots protested against taxation without representation by dumping British tea into the Boston Harbor. In essence, because Washington politicians continue to ignore the will of the people by increasing spending and taxes, today’s Tea Partiers believe they too are being wrongfully taxed without proper representation.

In 2009, Tea Parties held protests across the United States, including on April 15 (Tax Day), Independence Day and the day after the Sept. 11 anniversary. There were also rallies opposing President Obama’s health care reform in July.

Although recently passed by Congress, the Tea Party had a big impact on the health care bill. Last summer, when Democrats were hustling their revolutionary takeover proposal through Congress, individuals questioned its many shortcomings during town hall meetings around the country. The activists successfully slowed the process, yielding a more honest debate on the legislation’s merits and pitfalls.

During the past year, local Tea Parties have been involved with many activities throughout Vermont. Besides calling and writing elected officials, members participated in the Montpelier Tax Day rally, helped organize health care forums, held many sign waves and a candlelight vigil, and successfully campaigned to repeal Burlington’s instant runoff voting.

Although Tea Parties are independently run, they share many of the same conservative beliefs. These include reducing the size, scope and cost of government, lowering taxes, protecting individual rights, restoring states’ rights, fostering capitalism, enforcing immigration laws, limiting the welfare state and strengthening national defense.

Since the Tea Party is a grassroots effort, its various groups are locally run and loosely associated. A growing consensus, however, believes Tea Parties would be more effective by organizing under one national umbrella.

Otherwise, the Tea Party remains a gaggle of affiliated groups, heading in the same general direction, but lacking coordination. Self-professed National Tea Party President Marty RicKard wrote, “We can do far more together as a cohesive well-organized group than we can as a bunch of straggling independent groups.” Coordinating common efforts multiplies the impact on the political scene.

Republicans, who will be the main beneficiaries in November, find common cause with the Tea Party movement. Because it is still relatively young, the movement does not have a political apparatus. Instead, it will align with the Republican Party to elect principled conservatives to eradicate the liberal agenda.

Because it is still in its infancy, the Tea Party movement risks fizzling out. Long-term success for the Tea Parties depends on continuing to grow from the bottom-up while at the same time unifying at the national level. Most likely, even if it falters nationally, the Tea Party will remain influential during future local and state elections.

No longer are the two major political parties the biggest and most active force in today’s politics. It is the Tea Party movement. Politicians who brush off the Tea Party or espouse differing basic principles do so at their own political peril.

Note: If you want to be involved with dedicated people passionate about arresting the national decline, please check out the Vermont Tea Party (vermontteaparty.com) and the local Green Mountain Patriots (greenmountainpatriots.org). Besides continuing to fight ObamaCare, there is an upcoming a rally in Montpelier on April 15 highlighting how the government’s tax and spend policies threaten liberty.

Michael Benevento has a bachelor’s degree in Military History and a master’s in International Relations. Mike resides in Williston with his wife Kristine and their two sons, Matthew and Calvin. Please send comments to VTMikeBenevento@gmail.com.

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More than just a head count

March 25, 2010

By Steve Mount

It’s been a busy few weeks at my Web site, USConstitution.net. I was expecting it to be busy, but I expected the questions to be all about the health care bill and congressional rules and procedures. The bulk of the e-mail I’ve gotten though, was about something completely different.

The subject of interest is perhaps best illustrated by this question: “Is there a place in the Constitution that says that I don’t have to answer all the questions asked by the census?”

The question seems to come from a place of paranoia that I just cannot quite get my head around. Before I address that, though, a little history about the census itself might be interesting.

When the framers of the Constitution came to their great compromise between the small and large states, they created a bicameral Congress: One house with equal representation, the Senate; and one with proportional representation, the House of Representatives. This was a great departure from the Congress created by the Articles of Confederation, where each state had an equal voice.

To ensure that the proportional representation, or apportionment, in the House was fair, the Constitution requires the Congress to conduct a census every 10 years. Until that first census, the Constitution guessed at proportions, with small Delaware and Rhode Island garnering one representative each and the largest state, Virginia, getting 10.

The very first census was held in 1790. The Constitution allows the Congress to conduct the census in “such manner as they shall by law direct.” From the very beginning, the law directed that the census be more than a simple head count.

In that first census, which was conducted by census marshals and deputies who visited each home, the questions asked included the name of the head of household and the gender, race, slave status and age of each person. The slave status was necessary because slaves were counted as three-fifths of a whole person, a slight remedied by the 14th Amendment.

Fast-forward to 2010, and the release of the 2010 census form. The questions on the form are not so different today as they were back in 1790. It asks for the name, gender, birth date, age, race, ethnicity and relationship to the head of household of each individual. For the entire household, there are questions about whether the dwelling is rented or owned and for the household phone number.

These questions are not overly intrusive. The courts have said as much — the Supreme Court blessed non-headcount questions in 1870, and lower courts affirmed them as late as 2000. The questions form the basis for a relatively comprehensive look at the American population, and because similar questions have been asked since 1790, we have a wealth of information about our changing demographics over time.

Yet there are still those who question the questions, and feel certain that the Constitution must allow people to refuse to answer them.

The Constitution, of course, does not have a provision to allow you to refuse to answer. In fact, the Constitution explicitly gives the Congress the power to ask them — the census is to be conducted in such manner as the Congress requires by law. This statement seems pretty straightforward.

If nothing else, the census has become less intrusive in recent years. The form in 2010 has about 10 questions; the 2000 census form was basically the same. In 1990, however, the 200th anniversary of the census, the census had 33 numbered questions for individuals and 26 for the dwelling. Filling out the form could take hours.

Some 3 million households, of an estimated 118 million, will get a longer form this year — a copy of the American Community Survey. This survey goes into the sort of detail the 1990 survey asked of all households. The information is required by law, so if you get one, you should take the time to fill it out. The questions asked can seem intrusive — what sort of fuel do you use for cooking, for example — but the answers can help the Congress, and even our own state Legislature, make critical policy choices.

The answer to the question posed to me is no, there is no provision in the Constitution giving you the right to refuse to answer census questions. The head count is crucial to proper apportionment of the House, but beyond that, accurate answers can help shape policy for years to come.

Steve Mount has been a Williston resident since 1996. He is a software engineer at GE Healthcare and is devoted to his family, his country and his Constitution. You can reach Steve at steve@saltyrain.com or read his blog at http://saltyrain.com/ls.

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