Feb. 23, 2012

 

TITLE TRY NEXT UP FOR CVU GYMNASTS

With the annual state meet coming up Saturday (2 p.m.) at Essex High School, Champlain Valley Union gymnasts went through their final tune-ups this week at Green Mountain Gymnastics in Williston.

Top seed in the annual meet will likely go to defending champion Essex, which nipped the Redhawks by a hair (141.45-140.5) in their only meeting of the regular season last Thursday at Green Mountain.

“We had a good meet. People scored well,” said CVU head coach Carly O’Brien Rivard of the session with the Hornets.

The balance beam proved to be critical, where all CVU competitors had falls.

Also, sophomore Megan Nick was competing after a cast was supplied to an arm fracture earlier in the day. Nick, an all-around competitor last year, will be limited to the beam and floor exercise. She has had a little more than a week to get used to performing with the cast on her arm.

Rivard and the team are looking forward to Saturday, well aware that last year CVU defeated Essex in the lone regular season meeting only to see the Hornets roll to a fifth consecutive title at the state meet.

“I feel confident,” said senior Ashley Bachand, the veteran team leader who has come back from June Achilles tendon surgery and will be one of two Redhawks going for the all-around crown.

Bachand slowly worked her way back into all four disciplines, the vault — which involves running — being the last hurdle.

Sarah Kinsley will also go all-around.

 

LAKERS POSE FINAL REGULAR SEASON TEST FOR BOYS ICE SEXTET

After Wednesday night’s rubber match with Rice Memorial (after Observer press deadline), the surging Champlain Valley Union boys hockey team will put the finishing touches on the regular season Saturday (7:45 p.m.) when 11-6-1 Colchester brings its skates and pads to Cairns Arena.

The Rice game was a season series rubber match. The 7-10-1 Redhawks nipped the Green Knights 2-1 in the December Burchard Tournament title game. Rice bopped the Hawks 3-1 a couple of weeks later.

Saturday’s tilt will be the ‘Hawks only meeting with the Lakers.

Last Wednesday (Feb. 15), the Hawks extended their string of unbeaten games to four in a 2-2 deadlock on the road at 9-7-1 Middlebury. The Tigers tied the game with less than five minutes remaining in regulation after CVU took the lead on goals from Max Hopper and Adam Hauke. Goalie Jason O’Brien Had 19 stops for the Redhawks.

At Cairns Saturday (Feb. 18), the Redhawks gave unbeaten (17-0-1) Essex a mighty scramble before bowing 2-0 to Hornet scores in the first and third periods. O’Brien made 28 saves in the CVU cage. The Redhawks unleashed 18 shots at Essex goalie Pat Campbell.

 

CVU GIRLS HOCKEY TEAM AT ESSEX SATURDAY

The Champlain Valley Union girls hockey team had high hopes of their first victory Wednesday (after Observer press deadline) when they hosted Hartford at Cairns Arena. The 0-18 Redhawks narrowly bowed 3-2 to the Hurricanes in late January at Hartford on a goal in the final minutes of play.

CVU will close out the regular season Saturday at 1 p.m. at 9-8-1 Essex.

Last Wednesday, the Hawks fell 5-0 to BFA-St. Albans. CVU goalie Nicole Sisk made 39 saves. On Saturday (Feb. 18), South Burlington bumped off CVU, 9-0, at Cairns Arena.

 

CVU ALPINERS CURRENTLY 2ND, 3RD IN DISTRICTS

Champlain Valley Union Alpine ski teams head back to Smuggler’s Notch for slalom runs Thursday sitting in second and third places after Monday’s giant slalom event at the resort.

CVU’s girls came in second among 10 teams Monday as Mount Mansfield Union took the lead with 23 points to the Redhawks’ 63. Ali Chivers led the Cougars with a top combined two-run time of one minute and 8.7 seconds. Teammate Lucy Herrington was runner-up. CVU was led by Emma Putre (fourth) and Abby Owens in (10th).

Mount Mansfield, led by defending state GS champion and Monday’s victor David Polson, took the boys’ side with 30 points. CVU, with no competitors breaking into the top 10 finishers, was third with 78 points.

—Mal Boright

 

Feb. 23, 2012

By Mal Boright

Observer correspondent

 

Back on the winning track with a 54-40 victory at North Country Union Tuesday night, the 15-2 Champlain Valley Union girls hoop quintet’s hopes for the Division I playoff top seed could well rest with their next two games: Friday at Essex and Tuesday’s final regular season home game against Rice Memorial.

The Redhawks own victories over both challengers, a home win over the Hornets and a tense, final seconds triumph at Rice.

Essex, 13-4, is coming off two straight defeats — the latest a 61-35 setback Tuesday at St. Johnsbury Academy despite 21 points from Williston’s Kari Lavalette.

At 4-13 North Country, the Redhawks shook off a 23-19 Falcon halftime lead, and zoomed to the win. Emily Kinneston’s 16 points and eight thefts and 10 points from Elana Bayer-Pacht fueled the victory.

Sofia Lozon, one of coach Ute Otley’s confounding (to foes) Mighty Minis, led all scorers with 17 points, including a cool 8-for-8 from the free throw line in the closing quarter.

Last Friday (Feb. 17), the Redhawks paid the price for inconsistency in a 33-31 loss at 5-11 Burlington.

Twice during the game, CVU used small runs to open up three-point leads. On each occasion, however, the ‘Hawks could not apply further damage even despite good opportunities.

Midway through the final quarter, Kaelyn Kohlasch and Lazrin Schenck hoops put the ‘Hawks up 31-28 with 3:38 to play. After two missed shots from CVU, Burlington — believing victory was possible — got an open trey from freshman Ajla Medic at 2:09 for the tie. Medic then nailed the game winner with about 35 seconds remaining.

On a night when both teams shot approximately 25 percent, Kohlasch sank 5 of 6 shots from the floor to lead all scorers with 13 points. She also had three assists.

Burlington won the battle of the boards 32-25.

Burlington 33, CVU 31 (Feb. 17)

 

CVU (14-2)

Lozon, 0 0-0 0; Bayer-Pacht, 2 0-0 4; Donnelly, 1 0-0 2; Kohlasch, 5 2-2 13; Kinneston, 3 0-0 6; Limaneck, 2 0-0 4; Schenck, 1 0-0 2; Krupp, 0 0-0 0; Beatty, 0 0-0 0; Whiteside, 0 0-0 0.

Totals: 14 2-2 31

 

BHS (5-11)

Garrison, 3 0-0 7; Jones, 1 1-2 4; O. Maher, 3 0-0 6; I. Maher, 1 2-5 4; Pidgeon, 0 4-4 4; Black, 0 0-0 0; Medic, 3 0-0 8; Morris, 0 0-0 0; Farnham, 0 0-0 0; Bradshaw, 0 0-0 0.

Totals: 11 7-11 33

 

CVU       8   6  11   6  – 31

BHS       8   7  10   8  – 33

‘Hawks seeking a first-round playoff game

Feb. 23, 2012

By Mal Boright

Observer correspondent

 

The North Country Union boys basketball quintet brings a 6-13 record to Bremner Gymnasium Thursday night, where the 10-9 Champlain Valley Union Redhawks hope to extend their current win streak to three and enhance their postseason position.

Coaches said following CVU’s late blooming 49-42 victory at Essex Monday that there could be a home playoff game and a seeding as high as fifth depending on outcomes Thursday and Friday. Pairings come out early this coming week.

Monday’s triumph was the Redhawks’ second in four days in which they put the hammer down in the fourth period to break away from a tenacious foe also in the hunt for playoff enhancement.

“It wasn’t pretty, “ exclaimed coach Scott Bliss after his team’s second win of the season over the 8-11 Hornets.

But while perhaps not pretty, the Redhawks’ tough defense, rebounding and inside passing game proved effective in the tense, late going.

A see-saw affair bent in Essex’s favor in the fourth quarter when tough inside dude Tom Carton (23 points) put back an offensive rebound and moments later canned two free throws to give the Hornets a 37-36 edge with 6:14 left.

Essex would score only five charity shots down the stretch (0-for-11 from the floor) as the Redhawk defenders mobbed up under the Essex basket and kept enough arms in the air out deep to discourage would-be three-point tries.

Leading the CVU hard-nosed challenge was senior John Keen, crashing his way around Muscle City for six rebounds while notching six points in the final reel. He finished with 12 rebounds and 10 points.

CVU got the lead for good at 42-39 when Brad Bissonette (15 points) swooped in for a layup on the payoff end of Ryan Brogna’s steal. Bissonette, fouled on the shot, hit the free flip with 3:16 on the clock.

After Carton sank two free throws to get the Hornets within one, Keen clicked on an inside layup after a Bissonette pass, and hit a fast break layup with 1:59 left to get the Hawks in front (46-42).

A sizeable presence for CVU was solid sophomore center Lucas Aube with 13 hard earned inside points and six rebounds (three on the offensive). Other contributors included Jumping Joe Chavalier with two blocks and an assist in the second quarter and Austin Busch, who came off the bench at point guard and passed for three assists. Bissonette came up huge in the second period with two treys and a total of eight points.

CVU shot a good 43 percent for the game. Essex fired ‘em up at 27 percent — 1-for-14 in the closing segment.

Late heroics were also the rule last Thursday (Feb. 16) in a 59-52 win at Colchester against a Laker five that had nipped the Redhawks in Hinesburg. CVU outpopped Colchester 27-9 over the game’s final five-and-a-half minutes.

Bissonette led scorers with 15 points while Aube was again a star in the trenches with 13 points and eight rebounds. Keen potted 12 points.

Brogna, the Hawks’ defensive clamper, helped hold Laker ace Anthony Granai to two points over the final three quarters after the Colchester slash and drive ace had unloaded 10 in the opening reel.

Coach Seth Emerson’s junior ‘Hawks are 13-6 after bowing 61-52 to the youthful Hornets.

 

 

CVU 49, Essex 42 (Monday)

 

CVU (10-9)

B. Bissonette, 5 3-4 15; Keen, 4 2-4 10; Aube, 6 1-4 13; Whitbeck, 0 1-2 1; Kohlasch, 0 2-2 2; Beaudry, 1 0-0 2; S. Bissonette, 1 1-1 3; Brogna, 1 1-2 3; Chevalier, 0 0-0 0; Busch, 0 0-1 0.

Totals: 18 11-20 49

 

Essex (8-11)

Mulcahy, 0 5-6 5; Valley, 0 2-4 2; Carton, 7 7-8 23; Barnes, 0 0-0 0; McGrath, 2 0-0 4; Olsen, 0 0-0 0; Warren, 0 0-0 0; Salerno, 2 2-4 6; Forbes, 1 0-2 2; Trick, 0 0-0 0; Goodrich, 0 0-0 0.

Totals: 12 16-24 42

 

CVU           14   9  13  13  – 49

Essex        13  13   7    9  – 42

Feb. 23, 2012

 

 

Theft

Police are investigating a report of a theft on Feb. 17 at The Edge in Williston in which $500 cash was allegedly taken from a locker, according to police reports.

 

Driving under the influence

• –Jessica M. Chevrier, 26 of Swanton was cited on a charge of driving under the influence of drugs on Feb. 14, according to police reports. No other information was released.
• –David C. King, 49, of Essex Junction was cited on a charge of driving under the influence after he was stopped for speeding on Feb. 17, according to police reports. His blood alcohol concentration was .173, the report notes. The legal limit for driving in Vermont is .08. He was cited to appear in court on March 8.

 

Multiple charges

Travis Culling Adams, 30, of Woodbury was cited on charges of driving under the influence-second offense, attempting to elude police and disorderly conduct for “obstructing vehicular traffic” on Feb. 18, according to police reports. His blood alcohol concentration was .162, the report notes. He was cited to appear in court on March 8.

 

Driving with suspended license

• –James P. Waite, 26, of Williston was cited on a charge of driving with a suspended license on Feb. 13, according to police reports. Waite was cited to appear in court.
• –Makesha L. Heath, 31, of Winooski was cited on a charge of driving with a suspended license on Feb. 19, according to police reports. Heath was cited to appear in court.

Police notes are written based on information provided by the Williston Police Department and the Vermont State Police. Please note that all parties are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Feb. 23, 2012

 

KINDERGARTEN PRE-REGISTRATION

Pre-registration for fall kindergarten has begun. If your child will be 5 years old by Sept. 1, 2012, visit the Williston School District’s website (wsdvt.org) or call 879-5806 to start the process. Kindergarten registration will be held April 4-6. Appointments can be scheduled via phone or online beginning March 12.

 

ELECTION INFORMATION

The deadline to register to vote for the Town Meeting and Presidential Preference Primary on March 6 is 5 p.m. on Feb. 29. Requests for additions to the checklist can be picked up at the Williston Town Clerk’s Office (7900 Williston Road) during regular office hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.). You may also call 878-5121 for a mailed application.

A constitutional amendment was passed by a statewide vote in 2010 allowing 17-year-olds who will be 18 by the General Election in November to vote in the Presidential Preference Primary. In order to vote, you still must register by 5 p.m. on Feb 29 at the Town Clerk’s Office.

Absentee/early ballots are now available at the Town Clerk’s Office. For anyone wishing to cast his or her ballot prior to March 6, stop by the Town Clerk’s Office and vote in person or call 878-5121 to have a ballot mailed to you. All ballots must be received by the close of the polls on March 6 in order to be counted.

 

VERMONT TECHNICAL COLLEGE TO OFFER AVIATION DEGREE

In Williston, The Vermont Technical College will offer a four-year bachelor of science program in aviation.

The Times Argus of Barre-Montpelier said the college has received approval for the program, professional pilot technology, from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Applications for the fall semester are being accepted.

The college said retirements in the aviation industry are expected to surge during the next decade and the demand for pilots, engineers, technicians and information specialists is expected to be high.

Graduates of the Vermont program will be eligible for direct access to jobs and internships at airports and Federal Aviation Administration facilities.

—Associated Press

 

SPRING LACROSSE REGISTRATION

The Williston Recreation Department is now taking registrations for spring lacrosse. Players may register at the Williston Town Clerk’s office (7900 Williston Road). The league features limited enrollment and registrations will be taken on a first come first served basis until closed.

Registration is being accepted for the following age groups: third and fourth grade boys, fifth and sixth grade boys, fifth and sixth grade girls, seventh and eighth grade boys, and seventh and eighth grade girls.

The league would also like to field a third and fourth grade girls team but is searching for a coach.

To express interest in coaching or playing, contact Parks and Recreation at 878-1239 or [email protected]

 

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY FOR CVU HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

One member of the 2012 graduating class at Champlain Valley Union High School in Hinesburg will receive a full four-year scholarship to pay for tuition and fees at the college of his or her choice, thanks to a donation from the Stiller Family Foundation. The creation of the Stiller Family Foundation Scholarship Fund was announced Monday by Christine Stiller, president of the Stiller Family Foundation; Sean McMannon, CVU principal; and Stuart Comstock-Gay, president & CEO of the Vermont Community Foundation.

The Stiller Family Foundation created the fund through a donation to the Vermont Community Foundation. According to a news release, the scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior at CVU whose high school cumulative grade point average is between 2.3 and 2.9. The ideal recipient “will be a student who puts in a good effort, has been a late bloomer in high school, and has the potential to blossom further in college.” The fund guidelines state that an eligible student should be able to show a relatively upward trend in his or her grades and academic engagement during his or her high school career, the release said.

Eligible students are required to apply in order to be considered for the scholarship. Applications are available at the CVU Guidance Department or online at www.cvuhs.org.

 

VERMONT WOMAN FACES PRESCRIPTION FRAUD CHARGES

In Berlin, Vt., a Vermont woman who police say attempted to pass a fraudulent prescription in Williston on Jan. 27 has been charged with felony prescription fraud for the third time in less than a month.

State police say 29-year-old Deborah Sanderson of Montpelier was arrested Feb. 4 at a Wal-Mart pharmacy in Berlin. Police say she was in possession of several blank and filled-in prescriptions that came from a Plainfield health center.

Officials say Sanderson was also charged with prescription fraud on Jan. 13 at pharmacy in Waitsfield, and that she is expected to be charged for the fraudulent prescription attempt in Williston.

—Associated Press

 

STORM REMINDER

When winter finally arrives, the snow will pile up along roadsides. As a result, the Williston Fire Department is asking neighborhood residents and businesses to remove the snow surrounding fire hydrants on their property.

The preferred clearance is a minimum of 18 inches. This service will enable firefighters to quickly locate and use the hydrant in the event of a fire — saving time that could lead to less property loss and possibly help save a life.

If you have any questions, call the Williston Fire Department at 878-5622.

 

WILLISTON LITTLE LEAGUE REGISTRATION

Williston Little League T-ball, baseball, softball and Babe Ruth registration is available online at www.eteamz.active.com/wllbaseball. Registration deadline for a lower rate is March 1. Call Mark Gagne with any questions at 879-3281.

 

PUBLICLY FUNDED PREKINDERGARTEN

The Chittenden South Supervisory Union has publicly funded prekindergarten for children between the ages of 3 and 5 who reside in the towns of Williston, St. George, Charlotte, Hinesburg and Shelburne.

Publicly funded prekindergarten is defined as six to 10 hours per week of developmentally appropriate early learning experiences that are based on Vermont’s Early Learning Standards.

Prekindergarten education is limited to the academic year. (September 2012-June 2013). Applications for the 2012-13 school year are due March 12, 2012. For more information, contact Wendy Clark at 383-1235, [email protected], or visit the Chittenden South Supervisory Union Website (www.cssu.org).

 

WINTER PARKING BAN

The parking ban in Williston began Dec. 1 and remains in effect until April 1, between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. During those hours, vehicles cannot be parked on any town street or highway. The penalty for a violation is a $25 fine. The penalty for committing another parking violation within 30 days is $50.