The Citizen - 10-27-22

Chittenden Solid Waste District asks voters for new sorting facility

Current operation ‘extremely inefficient’

COREY MCDONALD STAFF WRITER

Congratulations, you tossed your empty milk jug into your blue bin and left it outside with other recyclable materials to be picked up by a hauler. You’ve done your part.

That jug is off to Williston — to the bustling, frenetic facility off Industrial Avenue where employ ees use outdated technology in a musty, dark and confined building to sort through hundreds of tons of recyclable material every day to package and sell to a volatile commodities market.

If it sounds wildly over-capac ity, it’s because it is. The Chittenden Solid Waste District Materials Recovery Facility, or MRF, is “extremely inefficient,” executive director Sarah Reeves said, process ing 48,000 tons of materials in a facility equipped to handle only 25,000 tons a year.

“It is beyond maximum capac ity,” Reeves said. “Very, very few MRFs in the country do this this way. This is not at all best practice, and it reduces the quality and value of these recyclables. We need more space.”

It’s why they’re asking voters to approve a $22 million bond next month so they can build a new stateof-the-art facility where optical sorting provides a streamlined process, taking the burden off employees and giving them room to create a more refined product to sell.

The new facility would double the size of the existing facility, and would use optical technologies to sort the materials, with employees overseeing and calibrating the machinery.

“This is critical for ensuring high quality of the materials that go to market and will also help us to be able to kind of weather the labor issues and the labor shortages,” Reeves said. “Right now, we do not have full staffing at the month. This will help to kind of weather that condition.”

‘Highly, highly inefficient’

Built in 1993, the materials recovery facility “was at the cutting edge at the time it was built,” said

Rabies on the rise throughout Chittenden County

LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER

The Department of Health is urging residents in Chittenden County to take extra precautions due to a greater than expected number of ground-dwelling animals in the county testing posi tive for rabies.

The advisory comes after 10 animals have tested positive for

rabies in the county since July 10, including eight raccoons and two skunks. The total includes five animals in South Burlington, two in Burlington, and one each in Char lotte, Shelburne and Colchester.

According to state public health veterinarian Natalie Kwit, this development should raise an alarm in the county. Data from the health department show that, in a typical year, the department could expect

to see about one to two rabid animals from Chittenden County, usually bats.

“It’s important that residents take reasonable precautions, such as avoiding contact with wild animals, reporting animals that are acting sick or aggressive, and vaccinating their pets for rabies, so they can enjoy being outside and appreciate wildlife from a safe distance,” Kwit said.

Kwit was able to confirm that two more animals have tested posi tive for rabies since last week, bringing the total to 12 animals.

In response to this uptick in cases, U.S. Department of Agricul ture Wildlife Services has taken additional measures, including hand vaccinating over 700 raccoons, skunks and foxes for rabies before releasing them back into the wild during their routine

annual fall trapping program that ended on Oct. 14.

The USDA will continue their rabies surveillance in Chittenden County by submitting animals to the Vermont Health Department laboratory for rabies testing.

If you see a wild or stray animal acting strangely, or are concerned about a rabies exposure, call the Vermont Rabies Hotline at 800-4RABIES.

PHOTO BY LEE KROHN

AROUND TOWN

Lund receives $20K grant

Lund has received a $20,000 grant from NorthCountry Federal Credit Union to support Lund’s Parent Child Center services.

As a legislatively designated parent child center, Lund works with families across Chittenden County and the state using a strengths-based, multi-generational approach to support strong families.

Lund’s services aim to enhance parenting skills, foster the healthy development and well-being of children, youth, and families, prevent child abuse and neglect, increase school readiness, support healthy family relationships and promote family economic success.

“Childhood is a formative time

for development, and the quality of life for children and their families during these years can have a lasting impact,” said Bob Morgan, NorthCountry Federal Credit Union’s CEO. “We continue to support Lund so that they can provide their services to all those who need it.”

“As families work to recover from the impacts of the last few years, these services are needed more than ever,” said Mary Burns, Lund’s president and CEO. “Because of this support, Lund’s Parent Child Center services help ensure children can get off to a healthy start and parents have the support they need.”

Vermont man walks ‘to fix our democracy’

Club honors members at Garden Park

The Burlington Garden Club recently honored three of its members with at a sign unveil ing at its annual picnic at Vermont Garden Park in South Burlington.

Mary Jane Cain, Hester Paterson and Louise Kolvoord, all past presidents of the club in the 1970s and still members today, were recognized.

“Their efforts have been invaluable in achieving our club’s projects milestones. They continually inspire members

through their dedication, oneon-one mentoring and can-do attitude,” said Barbara Gaida, co-president of the club with Linda Lane.

“Their attention to detail and laser-sharp focus contrib uted to the continued success of the Burlington Garden Club,” added Doris Van Mullen, vice president of the Federated Garden Clubs of Vermont.

The sign, which reads “Honoring Our Past, Embracing

the Future,” is installed near the bench in the Burlington Garden Club area at the park.

The sign features pictures of the three women and the club’s mission statement: to stimulate knowledge and appreciation of horticulture; aid in the protec tion of the natural environment; provide instruction in indoor gardening and floral design; and encourage and promote garden therapy, civic plantings, youth gardening and residential gardening.

Compassionate Dentistry

Many Americans think the government and political system doesn’t serve the common good, and that trying to have a civil, public discussion about these issues has become almost impos sible.

However, one South Burling ton man is taking to America’s roads to say that all is not lost, that we have the power to rescue democracy.

“‘Walking to Fix Our Democ racy’ is a national effort to engage, activate and support people to fix our democracy, and walk and advocate in their own communities to do so,” says Rick Hubbard, a native Vermonter, retired attorney and former economic consultant.

Hubbard began walking in Los Angeles on Oct. 1. The route includes 37 events in 11 states.

Hubbard said “Walking to Fix Our Democracy” has several purposes: To raise awareness about the need and ways to avoid autocratic rule of government; to link up with, celebrate and support state and local activist efforts along the route; to encour age short walks for the same purpose on specific, coordinated dates in communities across America; and to encourage candi dates for Congress and other levels of government to make fixing our democracy their lead issue.

“If our team effort is effective, this can be a great opportunity for us to help raise awareness, jump start, and support further actions to fix our democracy,” Hubbard said.

Learn how to get involved by visiting fixourdemocracy.us.

PHOTO BY CAROLYN BATES

From left, Mary Jane Cain and Hester Paterson sit on the new memorial bench in South Burlington’s Vermont Garden Park commemorating the Burlington Garden Club.

AROUND TOWN

Hinesburg Firefighters’ Association brings back popular Halloween bash

building, and the association is happy to offer the community a safe place to celebrate Halloween.

for the event.

The Hinesburg Firefighters’ Association Halloween Party is back this year for the first time since 2019.

The party, open to anyone in the community, will run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Halloween, Monday, Oct. 31.

Guests are invited to come celebrate before or after trick-ortreating.

The party features a host of games to play, like bean bag tosses and mini golf. Folks will also find a smorgasbord of nut-free treats and candy to enjoy, drinks and non-food items.

The fire station is a nut-free

“We’re excited it’s coming back,” said Eric Spivack, assistant chief of the fire department.

The firefighter’s association had been putting on a Halloween party for more than 25 years until the COVID-19 pandemic forced it to stop out of an abundance of caution.

The last time the group was able to celebrate was in 2019, a few months before the pandemic took hold in Vermont.

Now that COVID-19 cases are lower and vaccinations are avail able, the association thought it was time to invite the community back.

There’s no mask requirement

“We usually see some really cute costumes,” Spivack said. He described how excited firefighters are to see faces, new and old, after only being able to hand out candy the past two years.

The Halloween party comes together with the help of many volunteers.

This year, Vermont Smoke and Cure will provide food for the event. The fire association also received a donation of pumpkins from Guillemette Farm.

Local chapters of the Boy and Girl Scouts are set to carve up pumpkins for the event, and the firefighter’s association is still accepting pumpkin donations at the fire station up until Oct. 30.

UVM Health Network joins national gun safety movement

Thousands of leading hospitals and prominent health associations nationwide, including University of Vermont Health Network and University of Vermont Children’s Hospital, are uniting to encourage families to ask about gun access and safety measures.

Guns are the leading cause of death for children in the United States. Thirteen children die from guns every day. To encourage parents, grandparents, families and community members to take action by asking about gun safety, the UVM Health Network joins thou sands of hospitals, health systems, American Hospital Association, Children’s Hospital Association and The Catholic Health Association of the U.S. in a nationwide public awareness and education campaign that encourages parents to ask if there are unsecured guns in the houses of their children’s friends.

“Hospitals and health systems are part of the solution,” Al Gobeille, UVM Health Network COO, said. “We will be an active voice in supporting initiatives and policies at the local, state and federal levels to reduce firearm violence.”

The UVM Health network is naming and treating firearm violence as a significant and esca lating public health emergency requiring common sense approaches to reducing firearm

violence and its horrific effects. These efforts include:

• Enhancing security services within hospital facilities.

• Launching a workforce work place violence workgroup to review policies and identify gaps in secur ing facilities and responding to violent situations.

• Developing a network-wide suicide care pathway to include screening and lethal means counsel

ing, including addressing firearms.

• Establishing a pilot to provide cable gun locks through pediatric practices to patients and families with firearms in the home.

“Firearms pose a risk to our communities, especially our chil dren. If we come together, there is so much we can do to keep every one safe and protected,” UVM Medical Center injury prevention coordinator Abby Beerman said.

Police issue

COURTESY PHOTO

Anthony Cambridge is working on his fourth year as police chief of Hinesburg, and hasn’t aged a bit, at least according to this Halloween-themed photo from a Hinesburg Police Department social media post. As his crew pointed out, it might be the last time he leaves his vest unattended in the office.

ABIGAIL CARROLL COMMUNITY NEWS SERVICE

Oct. 16-22

Oct. 17 at 8:46 a.m., an officer assisted first responders with an overdose on Postiche Lane.

Oct. 17 at 6:05 p.m., officers responded to Silver Street for a motor vehicle that had struck a deer.

Oct. 17 at 6:56 p.m., officers responded to a residence on Hollow Road for the report of an out of control juvenile.

Oct. 17 at 7:40 p.m., lost prop erty was turned into the police department and was later returned to the owner.

Oct. 18 at 1:52 p.m., a fraud was

HINESBURG

DEPARTMENT BLOTTER

investigated.

Oct. 18 at 2:25 p.m., a welfare check was conducted at a residence on Route 116.

Oct 18 at 3:30 p.m., an officer investigated suspicious circumstances and property damage on Abani Drive.

Oct. 19 at 3:30 p.m., officers assisted the Chittenden County Humane Society with the removal of animals from a residence on North Road.

Oct. 19 at 5:00 p.m., a fraud was reported and investigated.

Oct. 20 at 4:05 p.m., a welfare check was conducted at a residence on Patricia’s Place.

Oct. 20 at 5:45 p.m., officers responded to a residence on Route 116 for the report of suspicious circumstances. An individual was later issued a temporary relief from abuse order as a result of that inves tigation.

Oct. 21 at 6:00 p.m., suspicious activity on Richmond Road was investigated.

Oct. 21 at 6:05 p.m., a fraud was investigated.

Oct. 22 at 1:25 p.m., officers investigated a two-car motor vehicle crash at the intersec tion of CVU Road and Route 116.

Truck rollover closes road

Charlotte Volunteer Fire and Rescue responded to the intersection of Ferry Road and Route 7 on Oct. 21 at 12:01 a.m. after a 30-foot box truck rolled over, blocking most of the state highway.

The driver, who was still in the vehicle, reported no injuries, and no other vehicles were involved.

Shelburne Fire Department secured the scene as crews diverted traffic and used saws to cut open the truck’s wind shield.

After removing the driver, they were evaluated by EMS on scene. After clearing the road of debris, the truck was righted and towed. Vermont State Police are investigating a cause of the accident.

COURTESY PHOTO

Fact check: Article 22 protects maternal health

Guest Perspective

Rep. George Till

I serve as the division chief of general OB/GYN at the University of Vermont Medical Center, the division that provides termination of pregnancy services. I’m outraged by the reckless and dangerous misinfor mation about Article 22 — the Reproductive Liberty Amend ment — that’s being propagated by its opponents.

One irresponsible opposition talking point concerns the safety and health implications of pregnancy termination. Abortion is an extremely safe medical procedure and less than 0.3 percent of abortion patients in the United States experience a complication that requires hospitalization.

The risk of dying from a legal abortion in the first trimester — when more than 90 percent of abortions in Vermont are performed — is less than four in a million, making pregnancy termination one of the safest of all medical procedures. Accord ing to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention the nation’s leading science-based, data-driven public health organization, carrying a preg nancy to term is 33 times more likely to result in maternal death than having an abortion.

I’ve also seen misinformation about the long-term health effects of abortion on women. An expert panel convened by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineer ing and Medicine in 2018 concluded that having an abortion does not increase a person’s risk of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder. The National Cancer Institute published a report categorically dismissing any causal link between abortion and breast cancer. Abortions performed in the first trimester pose virtually no long-term risk of problems such as infertility, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, congeni tal malformation or future preterm or low-birth-weight delivery.

Currently, no UVM medical staff member is required to participate in pregnancy termina

tions. Despite information to the contrary being fed to Vermonters, nothing about Article 22 changes this. Partici pation in termination by hospital and medical staff will continue to be completely voluntary.

Research shows that those most likely to seek abortion care, including women of color, poor women and those with chronic health conditions, are also more likely to encounter serious complications during pregnancy.

It is no surprise that the states with the highest maternal

By enshrining these rights in our Constitution, we will ensure that individuals and their doctors remain free to make evidence-based decisions that work for their health, for their lives and for their futures.

mortality in the country are the states with the most nonevidence-based restrictions on contraception and pregnancy terminations. The result of legislatures restricting access to reproductive rights is an overall increase in maternal morbidity and mortality.

A recent publication showed the maternal mortality rate increased most significantly in states that enacted the most restrictive abortion laws. In 2017, states that restricted abortion had a maternal death rate that was nearly double those that had passed laws protecting access to abortion.

In 2019, researchers looked at maternal mortality data from 38 states and Washington, D.C., and found that gestational limits on abortion significantly increased maternal mortality. They found that laws restricting abortion based on gestational age increased maternal mortality by 38 percent.

Banning abortion nationwide would lead to an astounding 21 percent increase in the number of pregnancy related deaths overall and an appalling 33 percent increase among Black women, according to research from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

In 2010, Indiana had a maternal mortality rate below the national average. In 2011, Indiana began its war on women, and in particular on Planned Parenthood, causing 16 of 28 clinics to close. The state has placed multiple nonscience-based restrictions on clinics, abortion providers and on women seeking an abortion. The result is a maternal mortality rate which nearly tripled. It now stands at about double the national average, commensurate with the rates in many developing countries. The current maternal mortality rate in Indiana is 43.6 per 100,000 women.

Meanwhile, in California, rated as the most abortion tolerant state, we see the lowest overall maternal mortality in the country, less than one-tenth of the rate of maternal mortality in Indiana at 4 per 100,000.

This is the main point: pregnancy terminations are very safe procedures, and the earlier in pregnancy they are done, the safer they are. The result of legislatures restricting access to reproductive health care, including abortion, is a large overall increase in maternal morbidity and mortality.

In November, Vermont voters will have the opportunity to protect reproductive liberty by voting yes for Article 22. The language in Article 22 does not expand or change — in any way — the reproductive care that has been available to Vermonters since the early 1970s. By enshrin ing these rights in our Constitu tion, we will ensure that individ uals and their doctors remain free to make evidence-based decisions that work for their health, for their lives and for their futures.

Rep. George Till is a boardcertified obstetrician-gynecolo gist who has served in the Vermont Legislature since 2008. He represents Chittenden-3 and the towns of Jericho and Under hill.

Cruelest of all seasons upon us: trapping

Guest Perspective

Brenna Galdenzi

of kill to gunshot only.

Traps not only injure, but also maim, and kill their unintended victims. Untold numbers of non-targeted animals like owls, eagles and even turtles are caught every year. They are cavalierly referred to by trappers and Vermont Fish & Wildlife as “incidental takes.”

investigated by law enforcement. One such record documented a black bear who had been caught by the face in a body-gripping kill trap that was likely set for a bobcat.

The poor bear was probably hungry, and when the desperate animal went to investi gate the trap, it paid with its life.

allowed outdoors are at greatest risk, since a baited trap set for a coyote or other wild animal will just as easily trap a cat.

Traps inflict tremendous fear

suffering

animals who are, all too often, not even killed humanely. Drowning, bludgeoning and strangling are all legal methods of killing trapped animals in Vermont.

Not surprisingly, Vermont trappers have fought recent efforts to restrict the method

Moreover, wildlife officials do not even require trappers to report these kills. It’s certainly a public relations disaster for them to have to disclose these kills, so it’s in their best interest to keep it out of sight. But that is not in the best interest of transparency.

Wildlife is a public trust resource, yet wildlife is too often managed for the benefit of privileged special interests.

Thanks to public records requests that Protect Our Wildlife submits, we know about some of these incidental takes that were

While we can’t protect bobcats, otters and other wildlife from traps, we can protect our pets. Trapping occurs on private lands (landowner permission is required), public lands including state parks, and even national wildlife refuges in Vermont with no warning or signage. Trappers are not even required to set their traps off trail.

A dog was trapped on Christmas Day last year in a body-gripping kill trap set on a public trail in Bristol. Kill traps that are set in shallow water present a danger to dogs right through March 31. Cats who are

Trapping is considered a recreational activity for about 900 licensed trappers who cite tradition as a reason why they trap. Trapping is not rooted in modern science that values the vital role that predator species like bobcats, foxes and otters play in our ecosys tems. Bobcats, for example, prey on rodents like white-footed mice and chipmunks that may carry Lyme disease.

We should be protecting predator species, not killing them for recreation or to sell their fur to China.

Brenna Galdenzi is president of Protect Our Wildlife based in Stowe. More about trapping can be found at protectourwildli fevt.org.

Article 22 maintains, protects current rights

To the Editor:

I’ve been a Vermont nurse for 35 years and have worked in three Vermont hospitals. I strongly support Prop 5/Article 22, an amendment to Vermont’s Consti tution that says “an individual's right to personal reproductive autonomy is central to the liberty and dignity to determine one’s own life course and shall not be denied or infringed unless justified by a compelling State interest achieved by the least restrictive means.”

Opponents of Prop 5, includ ing some candidates for elected office, are sharing false informa tion, such as Article 22 will require health care workers to participate in abortion procedures even if they have objections of

conscience. This is not true. Article 22 will have absolutely no impact upon facility policies related to staff conscientious objection, policies that have been in place for years that allow staff to not participate in procedures such as abortion or blood transfu sions — unless there are abso lutely no other staff available and the patient’s health or life are in jeopardy. Prop 5 will make no changes to these hospital policies. Article 22 is about curtailing state-imposed restrictions, not about dictating hospital policies. It will simply maintain and protect our current rights to personal reproductive autonomy through a constitutional amend ment.

The fact that even candidates for elected office are providing inaccurate information about a fundamental right should make us

more certain that nobody, other than a medical provider and the pregnant individual, should be involved in making such a personal decision.

Vote yes for Prop 5/Article 22.

Rep. Mari Cordes RN Lincoln

Cordes represents the Addison-4 district in the Vermont House.

Keep politicians out of people’s health care

To the Editor:

We are weeks away from the 2022 midterm elections. It is not hyperbole to say that our very lives hang in the balance of the outcome of this election. It has been four years since our last midterm elections, and so much

has changed.

In 2018, Ireland voted to change its abortion laws. This was the same year that Sen. Susan Collins of Maine told us she would vote to put Brett Kava naugh on the Supreme Court because he told her that “Roe was settled law.”

As a result of Collins’ deci sion, the Supreme Court of the United States overturned Roe v. Wade. I am thinking today about Dr. Savita Halappanavar and how she died as she miscarried a wanted pregnancy. The restrictive Irish laws made it impossible for her to get the treatment she needed to save her life. Her septic uterus became a systemic septic infection that overwhelmed her body and killed her.

Had she been in her native India, she would have had all the medical options available to save

her life. Instead, both she and her fetus died. Her death later provided the spark needed to reform Irish law. Women voted in previously unseen numbers to be able to save their own lives and make their own choices about the health and well-being of their bodies.

As a labor and delivery nurse, I have seen this exact situation play out here in Vermont. The only difference is that, in Vermont, women and all people with a uterus are free to choose the best options for their care. Doctors can offer the best options to save a person’s life. Because of those freedoms, more women live through miscarriages.

When I was an emergency department nurse, I rushed women to the operating room as

Letters to the Editor

Don’t forget to register ahead for Age Well meals

The Age Well meal pickup for Thursday, Nov. 3, is from 10-11 a.m., Charlotte Senior Center, 212 Ferry Road, and features beef burgundy with mushroom sauce, egg noodles, carrots, potato dinner roll with butter, Halloween orange date cake and milk.

You must have pre-registered by Monday, Oct. 31, with Kerrie Pughe, 802425-6345 or kpughe@charlotteseniorcen tervt.org

The meal on Thursday, Nov. 10 — register by Nov. 7 — will feature roast pork with sauce, mashed red potatoes, butternut squash, wheat dinner roll with butter, apple crisp with topping and milk. The meal on Thursday, Nov. 17 — register by Nov. 14 — consists of roast turkey and gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing, sliced carrots, cranberry sauce, wheat dinner roll with butter, pump kin pie with cream and milk.

Check the website for last-minute cancellations at charlotteseniorcentervt.org.

Charlotte Senior Center hosts Monday Munch on Halloween

The next Monday Munch at the Char lotte Senior Center is Oct. 31, 212 Ferry Road, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and it follows a Halloween theme.

The special Halloween munch features lunch but also a costume contest (costumes are optional). Wear your Halloween costume, mask or hat. Halloween treat bags and hopefully no tricks. The meal will consist of assorted sandwiches, potato salad and pumpkin pie cupcakes.

The next munch is Nov. 7 with a meal of butternut squash, sausage and cheese tortel lini soup (with or without sausage) and a pumpkin roll. The Nov. 14 lunch features sausage tortellini soup, salad and home made dessert.

A $5 donation is appreciated.

Check the website in case of last-minute cancellations at charlotteseniorcentervt.org.

Grab a meal to go in Shelburne

Age Well and St. Catherine’s of Siena Parish in Shelburne are once again teaming up to provide a meal to go for anyone age 60 and older on Tuesday, Nov. 8.

The menu is roast pork with sauce, mashed red potatoes, butternut squash,

wheat roll with butter, apple crisp with topping and milk. The meal will be avail able for pick up in the parking lot at 72 Church St. from 11 a.m.-noon.

To order contact Sheryl Oberding at soberding@yahoo.com (preferred) or 802825-8546.

Deadline to order is Thursday, Nov. 3.

More at agewellvt.org.

Poetry reading explores Charlotte Park & Wildlife Refuge

Thursday, November 3, at 1:00 p.m. Poetry about Charlotte Park & Wildlife Refuge

Join Dan Close, poet and novelist and member of the Poetry Society of Vermont, Burlington Writers and Peace Corps Writers, as he presents his poetry about the

Charlotte Park & Wildlife Refuge on Thurs day, Nov. 3, at 1 p.m. at the Charlotte Senior Center. The reading will be accompanied by slides of the wildlife refuge and is cosponsored with the Charlotte Library. Register by Tuesday, Nov. 1, by visiting charlotteseniorcentervt.org.

PHOTO BY LEE KROHN

A brown swiss heifer at Shelburne Farms patiently waits for her handler.

Knights of Columbus host pancake breakfasts

Join the Knights of Columbus DeGos briand Council # 279 on Sunday, Nov. 6, for an old-fashioned pancake breakfast, 9-11:30 a.m. at St. Joseph’s cathedral, 29 Allen St., Burlington.

The feast includes bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, blueberry pancakes, and french toast. Coffee, juice, butter and real Vermont maple syrup are included.

Admission is $10 and $25 for a family of four. Funds raised will benefit seminarians or religious aspirants.

Contact David Ely, davidely1986@ gmail.com or 802-862-5109, for more..

Historical society to host talk on Abenaki survival

On Sunday, Nov. 13, at 2 p.m. at the Ethan Allen Homestead in Burlington Vera Longtoe Sheehan speaks on “Erasure, Eugenics, and Ethnocide, and the survival of the Abenaki.”

The free event is open to the public with ample parking and refreshments provided.

Visit cchsvt.com or email sarah.morgan house@comcast.net for more information.

Social Band offers series of choral works concerts in November

Social Band marks the turning of the seasons with a program of choral works and poetry that speak to the sense of alertness and awakening that can go hand-in-hand with the shorter days and lower temperatures.

“Awake, You Sleeper!” will feature new works by Social Band members Bruce Chalmer and Michael Kellogg, as well as the group’s perennial styles of Renaissance music and American shape-note tunes along with a dose of poetry, robust harmony and camaraderie.

Upcoming concerts include:

• Sunday, Nov. 13, 3 p.m., Charlotte Congregational Church

• Saturday, Nov. 5, 7:30 p.m., College

Notes

Street Congregational Church, Burlington

• Sunday, Nov. 6, 3 p.m., United Church of Hinesburg

• Saturday, Nov. 12, 7:30 p.m., Rich

Spooky seance

mond Free Library

Suggested donation is $18 at the door. More at socialband.org.

Audience members must wear masks.

Spirits of Rokeby Museum return Halloween weekend

Returning to Rokeby Museum on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 28 and 29, is “Spirits of Rokeby,” a participatory dramatization of an actual séance 170 years ago.

Gather for hot cider and a short introduction to spiritualism before a “spirit” of Rokeby guides you into the historic house to experience a staged reading of séances. The event is drawn from transcripts in Rokeby’s archive of the Robinson family, who lived on the site of the museum for over 170 years.

“The second-generation Robinsons practiced Spiritualism and attended several séances in Ferrisburgh and Vergennes,” said museum director Lindsay Varner. “Their encounters with spirits were recorded by a family friend and are preserved in the museum’s collection.”

Tickets are $20 and on sale at the museum or at rokeby.org. Limited seats are available.

LETTERS continued from page 6

their fallopian tubes ruptured from an ectopic pregnancy that caused massive internal hemorrhaging. Unfortunately, in places like Ohio, state legislators believe that these nonviable ectopic pregnancies should be valued above the life of the bleeding patient.

Without the legal framework that Roe provided, states are free to pass laws that directly impact how we can do our jobs. The rate of bleeding does not permit a patient to travel across state lines before they die in front of health care providers who are perfectly capable of saving their life. Roe protected the health of people who have a uterus. Those protections are now gone. They are being replaced by a patch work of state laws that leave women vulnerable based on their zip code. Medical decisions have been removed from patients, doctors and nurses and placed in the hands of politicians. Imagine the terror of waiting to be transferred to a place where health

care is still legal as you sicken and possibly die, as Halappanavar did.

Would you rather navigate your pregnancy with a health care provider’s expertise, or would you want a politician making that decision?

In Vermont, we have the chance to make sure those terrible scenarios that have played out elsewhere do not happen here. We can vote yes on Prop 5, the reproduc tive liberty amendment and save the lives of people with a uterus who need medical care. We can allow women the freedom to make their own choices about their health care away from outside influence or government agencies. We can allow for medical care to continue based on best practices, placing the patient’s health at the center of the care we provide.

Please join me in voting yes on Prop 5.

Elizabeth Deutsch RN Hinesburg

‘Morgan’s Message’ resonates with Champlain Valley teams

LAUREN READ CORRESPONDENT

Two years ago, Neva Williams approached her Champlain Valley High School teammates and coaches with a story.

During a team Zoom meeting, Williams shared the story of Morgan Rodgers, a Duke University lacrosse player who committed suicide after battling anxiety and depression.

A nonprofit created after her death to raise aware ness about mental health and help remove the stigma around asking for help, Morgan’s Message had spread her story to Williams.

The 2022 CVU graduate passed the message along to her Redhawks lacrosse teammates and it resonated with the athletes and the coaching staff.

“When Neva brought it to us and we took it to the lacrosse team, it was just like a lightning bolt,” said lacrosse and field hockey coach Tucker Pierson. “It resonated with everyone. Everyone was like, ‘oh, like this is us.’”

First the CVU girls lacrosse, then the field hockey team, signed on to become ambassadors for Morgan’s Message, spreading the story about a fellow athlete and mental health.

After Williams graduated, senior Danielle Game lin took the reins as the team’s ambassador, hoping to help remove the stigma around mental health by lead ing by example with her teammates.

“I think we all thought it was so important to spread the message of mental health and student athletes,” Gamelin said. “We have more people becoming ambassadors, it’s going to keep on going.”

The field hockey team has continued its commit ment this season, prioritizing mental health as a group.

“We’ve been working really well together to

make sure that everybody feels heard and being vulnerable about our own struggles has also been really helpful,” said captain Miranda Oppen heimer. “I think it brings people together and knits the community tighter.”

The Redhawks teamed up with South Burlington to host a Morgan’s Message game this season, contin uing to spread the message across the field.

“We wear the Morgan’s Message shirts and so do they. When we’re warming up, it’s like we’re not just two teams playing against each other, we’re like one cohesive group of people behind one message,” said captain Tess Everett. “It’s kind of bringing the idea that this is more than a game, it’s more than a compe tition and we can play against each other, but we can also all stand for something as a community.”

While the team’s on-the-field play is not a central part of the Redhawks focus on mental health, the group has translated its off-field closeness and cama raderie into success on the field.

“I do think that being able to like hold each other closer now is causing us and allowing us to trust each other on the field and lean on each other more,” Oppenheimer said. “I think that we’re really good at talking to each other and that’s one of our strong suits this year. I just think that’s helping us stay tight knit.”

The field hockey team has a 10-2 record with two games left in the regular season and is hoping the focus on communication will help as they enter the playoffs.

No matter what happens in this playoffs, CVU will continue to spread Morgan’s Message. The team has two juniors, Maddy McDade and Sophie Madden, to take over as ambassadors when Gamelin graduates.

“I want it to continue and I want it to spread to others teams,” Gamelin said. “I think it’s so important that everybody knows that it’s OK to not be OK.”

PHOTO BY AL FREY

CVU's Danielle Gamelin passes the ball by South Burlington's Sam Crane during a game in October 2021 in Hinesburg. Gamelin has taken over the role of ambassador for Morgan’s Message, a nonprofit that works to remove stigmas around mental health, at the school.

Undefeated girls’ soccer team heads to quarterfinals

Boys’ soccer

Division I quarterfinals: No. 2 Champlain Valley versus TBA, Oct. 29, 2 p.m.

Champlain Valley fell in the final minute of the last game of the regu lar season and settled for the No. 2 seed in the DI boys’ soccer playoffs.

The Redhawks lost to South Burlington, 2-1, on Oct. 22 after South Burlington scored the game winner with 36 seconds remaining in regulation.

The Wolves took the top seed and CVU moved into the No. 2 spot.

The Redhawks will now await the winner of No. 7 St. Johnsbury and No. 10 Brattleboro in the quar terfinals. CVU faced St. Johnsbury twice in the regular season, winning both matchups. They did not play Brattleboro.

Girls’ soccer

DI quarterfinals: No. 1 Champlain Valley versus No. 9 Essex, Oct. 28, 3 p.m.

The Champlain Valley girls’ soccer team wrapped up an unde feated season with a win over BFA-St. Albans in the final game of the regular season.

The Redhawks got a goal from Chloe Pecor and another from Zorah Ngu for the 2-0 win. Anna Morton added an assist and Emma Allaire and Ella Polli combined to get the shutout.

CVU now enters the DI tourna ment as the top seed and will play No. 9 Essex in the quarterfinals. The Hornets beat No. 8 Mount Anthony 5-0 in Tuesday’s play downs. The Redhawks played Essex twice in the regular season, winning both matchups.

Field hockey

DI quarterfinals: No. 1 Champlain Valley versus No. 8 Mount Mansfield, Oct. 28, 3:30 p.m.

The Champlain Valley field hockey team ended the regular season on a seven-game winning streak and will look to carry that momentum into the postseason.

The Redhawks beat Middle bury on Oct. 20, 8-0, to finish the year with a 12-2 record and the top spot in the division.

Claire Marcoe (two goals), Miranda Oppenheimer, Emily Gay, Carly Strobeck, Julia Lamo rey, Sophie Madden and Marlie Cartwright all scored for CVU.

11

LAUREN READ CORRESPONDENT

PHOTO BY AL FREY

Champlain Valley will face No. 8 Mount Mansfield in the quarterfi nals. MMU beat No. 9 Rutland in double overtime to advance. The Redhawks played and beat the Cougars once in the regular season.

Football

DI quarterfinals: No. 1 Champlain Valley versus No. 8 Burlington-Burlington, Oct. 29, 1 p.m.

Champlain Valley wrapped up a successful regular season with a 42-14 win over BFA-St. Albans on Oct. 22 to set up its push to the state championship game.

CVU opened up a 21-0 lead at halftime and continued to roll in the second half. Ollie Cheer threw for 252 yards and five touchdowns and added a 47-yard rushing TD.

Jack Sumner caught two TD passes, while Alex Provost, Billy Bates and Dylan Frere all had touchdown passes.

CVU will face the SeaWolves on Saturday at home. The two teams faced off in the third week of the season, with CVU coming out on top 42-20. It will be the first step in the Redhawks’ goal of returning to the DI title game.

If CVU wins, it will face the winner of No. 4 Essex and No. 5 St. Johnsbury in the semifinals.

Boys’ volleyball

DI quarterfinals: No. 2 Champlain Valley versus No. 7 BFA-St. Albans, Oct. 27, 6 p.m.

The boys’ volleyball team wrapped up the regular season with a 3-1 win over Essex on Oct. 21, finishing with a 10-2 record and the No. 2 seed.

The Redhawks will take on No. 7 BFA-St. Albans in the quarterfi nals Thursday. The two teams met twice in the regular season, with CVU coming out on top both times.

With a win, CVU will advance to the semifinals to face the winner of No. 3 Essex and No. 6 Rice.

Girls’ volleyball

DI playdowns: No. 2 Cham plain Valley versus No. 15 Randolph, Oct. 25, 6 p.m.

The girls’ volleyball team lost its first game of the season, falling to Essex 3-0 on Oct. 21.

With the loss, the Redhawks took the No. 2 seed while unde feated Essex took the top spot in the postseason.

CVU take on Randolph in the first round of the postseason Tues day after press time. The two teams met once this season, with the Redhawks getting the 3-0 in.

Fall ball champions

COURTESY PHOTO

Five baseball teams made up of players in seventh, eight and ninth grades from Charlotte, Hinesburg, Shelburne and Williston competed in a six-week season that ended in a multi-game tournament. Suburban-White (Team 4) won the tournament on Oct. 16, beating Team 1 in the championship game at Shelburne’s Harbor Road field. Ear lier that morning in Charlotte, Team 4 rallied from a 3-0 deficit to beat Team 2 in a first-round game by a score of 4-3. Team 4, from left, Lucas Tresser, Zach Pratt, Will Boyce, Riley McDade, Augie Lang, Henry McLean, Jack Dore, Owen Daley and Jack Miner. Not pictured, Jack Stoner.

RECYCLING

from

Ethan Hausman, head of business outreach with the solid waste district.

But now, the facility is full to the brim with materials and “up to the ceiling with equipment, out to the walls — and even beyond the walls — with equipment,” he said, forc ing them to store bales of material outside.

Half of the facility’s glass processing equipment, meanwhile, is situated outside, which severely limits their ability to convert that glass into a new marketable product since they can only produce the material in drier weather.

Every day loads of materials are dropped on the tip floor to be pushed into quarters and taken by a conveyer belt to be sorted on the second story of the building.

Employees at the facility are the primary sorters, expected to pick plastic bottles, milk jugs and other containers off a fast-moving belt delivering an endless stream of materials to sort through — “a very, very hard job,” Reeves said.

“They can’t possibly read everything the first time around. So, the materials that they miss get scooped up and it gets put back in again,” Reeves said. “Highly, highly inefficient.”

As a result, materials can get packaged into the wrong bales — or are just lost in the stream, piled up or scattered on the floor.

“There are numerous examples of how it is now out of date after 30 years,” Hausman said.

But with a new facility, technol ogies and more space will help them handle the tremendous number of materials they have to process and will help organize the materials to create a more refined product to sell to buyers.

Plastic, Hausman said, has been a “hot commodity” in the past year, fetching $1,500 a ton at market, “probably propped up by the fact that raw material people need to make new plastic, which has been very expensive.”

Created in 1987, then Chit tenden Solid Waste District services each municipality in Chittenden County, including Shelburne, South Burlington, Charlotte, Hinesburg and others. It generates revenue from the sale of its products, and from the tipping fees from the haulers.

To make this happen, voters will have to approve the debt. But complicating matters is the fact that the vote will not appear on general ballots mailed out to the public.

Due to an election law change in the Legislature that did not allow special election ballot items for regional municipalities to be part of the general election mailing, according to Jen Holliday, the

district’s director of public policy and communications.

“You have to as a voter actively request our ballot, or it’s available at the poll if you’re an in-person voter, which of course has decreased this year significantly, because every one’s getting it in the mail,” she said. “We’re looking at all forms of media to try to help us get the word out.”

The project would cost $26 million, Reeves said, and the bond would be covered by its anticipated revenue and would not affect prop erty taxes.

“We will pay for the debt service through our operational revenues and through the sale of recycling,” she said. “We will not be sending our member cities and towns any assessments.”

Voters can request a mail-in ballot from the Vermont Secretary of State’s website at bit.ly/3TS2boG

If approved, construction would begin in November 2023, with an estimated completion for July 2025.

“This is really to increase the capacity and provide a better work ing environment for the employees and then also to provide flexibility into the future,” Holliday said.

PHOTOS BY COREY MCDONALD

From top, Ethan Hausman, business operations manager with Chittenden Solid Waste District, shows a tour group where bales of recyclables are kept due to a lack of appropriate storage. Materials pile up at solid waste district’s recycling facility in Williston.

CLASSIFIEDS

advertise in the classifieds email: Advertising@thecitizenvt.com or call 985-3091

MULTIPLE

POSITIONS

IMMEDIATE OPENINGS

Are you interested in work that will make a difference in the community for future generations?

Communications Coordinator: Develop, implement, and manage the District’s communication strategy and promote the District’s brand through reporting of events, programs and services. Strong organizational skills, technology/social media skills required. Bachelor’s Degree in English, communications, journalism, education or a related content area required.

Accountant II: Provide support with financial reporting, accounting duties and may serve as a backup to payroll processing. Knowledge of integrated financial software programs, and experience with financial reports, and associated account reconciliations. Associate’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or the equivalent.

Bus/Van Drivers: Transports students over established routes and special trips. Regular driver’s license for Van Drivers.

Commercial Drivers license (CDL) class B, Senior Vermont Operator’s license with Vermont School Bus Endorsement needed for Bus Drivers. Training may be provided to qualifying candidates for special licensure. Substitute position are also available.

Interventionist: Provides K-12 educational and personal support to students. Associate’s Degree or 60 college credits preferred.

Nutritional Services: Prepares and serves meals to students and staff. Experience with large-scale cooking, food preparation, and serving is preferred, but not required.

K-5 Lunchroom/Recess Monitors: Supervises students during lunch and/or recess. Helps to maintain a safe and respectful environment. HS graduate or equivalent.

LPN/Health Assistant: Under the direction of the School Nurse, provides health services and maintains records. Current Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Registered Nurse (RN), or EMT certified. Experience with adolescent aged students is preferred. Please apply through SchoolSpring.com, Keyword: South Burlington School District, or contact Elissa Galvez, HR Employment Specialist, at 802 652-7247 or egalvez@sbschools.net.

GO LOCAL?

VEHICLES

2013 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT: 64,084 miles. Three rows of seating. Black. $7,450. Call 802-355-5633.

Why not have a job you love?

Positions include a sign on bonus, strong benefits package and the opportunity to work at one of the “Best Places to Work in Vermont”.

Service Coordinator: Continue your career in human services in a supportive environment by providing case management for individuals either for our Adult Family Care program or our Developmental Services program. The ideal candidate will have strong clinical, organizational & leadership skills and enjoy working in a team-oriented position. $47,000 annual salary, $1,500 sign on bonus.

Residential Program Manager: Coordinate staffed residential and community supports for an individual in their home. The ideal candidate will enjoy working in a team-oriented position, have strong clinical skills, and demonstrated leadership. $45,900 annual salary, $1,500 sign on bonus.

Direct Support Professional: Provide 1:1 supports to help individuals reach their goals in a variety of settings. This is a great position to start or continue your career in human services. Full and part time positions available starting at $19/hr, $1,000 sign on bonus.

Residential Direct Support Professional: Provide supports to an individual in their home and in the community in 24h shifts including asleep overnights in a private, furnished bedroom. You can work two days, receive full benefits and have five days off each week! Other flexible schedules available, starting wage is $20/hr, $1,000 sign on bonus.

Shared Living Provider: Move into someone’s home or have someone live with you to provide residential supports. There are a variety of opportunities available that could be the perfect match for you and your household. Salary varies dependent on individual care requirements. $1,000 sign on bonus.

Join our dedicated team and together we’ll build a community where everyone participates and belongs https://ccs-vt.org/current-openings/

Make a career making a difference and join our team today!

https://ccs-vt.org/current-openings/

economy

Champlain Community Services, Inc.

Local businesses employ people who are customers of other local shops, restaurants, printers, accountants, farms, attorneys, etc. ... Maybe even yours.

Community

Group

“BUILDING A PROUD TRADITION”

South Burlington School District

ARIES

March 21 - April 20

This should be a very interesting week, Aries. Money

will be at the heart of it. Figure out what you want to do with the extra cash that you have accumulated.

TAURUS

April 21 - May 21

Treat everyone with a bit of caution, Taurus. Some person in your circle may need a little extra support this week, and your calm and even approach could be just what's needed.

GEMINI

May 22 - June 21

this week has the potential for a few bumps in the road that could be avoided if you simply slow down a bit. Think things through or you could trip yourself up.

CANCER

June 22 - July 22

An exciting few days lie ahead, Cancer. You may be tempted to spend much more than you usually would. Have fun, but keep track of your finances.

July 23 - Aug. 23

Leo, even if you have plans to hang out with friends, something at home could crop up that will need your immediate attention. Be flexible and at the ready.

VIRGO

Aug. 24 - Sept. 22

Virgo, find balance where you feel out of sync. Maybe you have been having relationship woes or seem out of touch with family. Make an effort to respond to these feelings.

LIBRA

Sept. 23 - Oct. 23

Libra, even if your best plans do not work out, that doesn't mean you have to scrap everything and sulk. Make the most of what worked and build on that.

SCORPIO

Oct. 24 - Nov. 22

Scorpio, you may find yourself in a situation that tests your levelheadedness in a big way this week. It could throw off your equilibrium when your plans go awry.

SUDOKU

Here’s How It Works:

are formatted as a

solve a

down into nine 3x3

the

through 9 must fill each

column and box. Each number

appear only once in each row,

and box.

can figure out

order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues

provided in the boxes. The

numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 23 - Dec. 21

Sagittarius, focus on communication in the days to come. The ability to communicate effectively will be a true asset as you work more with others.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22 - Jan. 20

A problem that arises may initially seem insurmountable, Capricorn. But you're more than capable of overcoming this obstacle. Look to Pisces for help.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 21 - Feb. 18

Are you ready to take action and get to work, Aquarius? An unexpected home project has fallen into your lap, and it will take some effort to get it all done.

PISCES

Feb. 19 - March 20

You could wind up learning something simply by letting the wind take you where it will, Pisces. Firm plans are unnecessary this week.

LEO

Trembling aspen provide multiple benefits to forests

Into the Woods

Aspens, also known as poplars or popple, are trees in the Populus genus. Vermont is home to four species of poplar: bigtooth aspen (Populus grandidentata), eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides), balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera) and trembling or quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides).

While all the aspen species are unique, trembling aspen is perhaps the most enig matic of the bunch. It is the most widely distributed tree in North America, with a range that stretches from Alaska to Newfoundland and south into Mexico.

It is the only upland deciduous tree in parts of western North America and defines aspen and aspen-birch forests — some of the most common forest types in the lake states and some western states.

All the poplar species’ leaves tremble or quake — shimmering in the wind. They do so because the petiole — the stem that attaches leaf to twig — is flat.

This trembling appears to be an adaptive quality: reducing leaf herbivory, lowering leaf temperature, lowering transpiration (the loss of water from leaves) and helping light reach lower parts of aspen crowns.

Trembling aspen is shade-intolerant, requiring nearly complete sunlight to estab lish. Aspens seeds are small, wind-borne and abundant, spreading far and wide across the landscape. While most of the seeds produced each year don’t land on an appropriate site, their mobility increases the chance that a lucky few will — usually the aftermath a large disturbance.

Once established, aspens grow at a dizzying rate, for a tree, easily out-compet ing other, slower-growing species before declining and dying young — for a tree — usually at around 60-80 years of age. Like white birch, trembling aspen is so intolerant of shade that its presence in your forest is almost certainly an indicator of a large natu ral or human-caused disturbance in the past. If you were to count the rings on one of your aspens, it would tell you about how many years ago that disturbance occurred.

Due to its short lifespan, trembling aspen is often considered a relatively ephemeral species in our forests. However, one of trembling aspen’s most interesting qualities is its resilience. Cutting an aspen tree often results in an abundance of fastgrowing root sprouts, clones which may grow four or five feet tall in a single grow ing season.

Especially in the western United States, this quality means that the lifespan of an aspen can be indefinite; it can continue to clone itself for generations. An aspen clone in Utah called Pando, or the “Trembling Giant,” is considered by some to be the oldest and most massive organism on Earth, covering more than 100 acres and estimated to be between 14,000 and 80,000 years old.

In Vermont, trembling aspen provides

important habitat for many wildlife species, including several bird species in decline. It is important habitat for ruffed grouse, which use aspen stands of several different ages to complete different parts of their life cycle.

Trembling aspen is also important for pileated woodpeckers, which forage for grubs and insect larvae in its soft wood, often creating cavities used by a huge vari ety of wildlife species for dens and nests.

While not commonly used in lumber,

aspen wood is light, soft and pretty, often becoming purplish as it ages. It is a poor firewood, although sometimes used by maple sugarmakers for boiling sap. Throughout its range, aspen’s most common use is as pulp for paper.

At present in Vermont, demand and prices for aspen timber and pulp are generally poor.

Due to its low market value, aspen is a species that I manage nearly entirely for wildlife. Creating some larger, at least 2acre canopy gaps where all or nearly all of the trees are cut creates potential habitat for the species, as well as a variety of other early-successional trees, plants and shrubs and for the pollinators, birds and mammals that depend on them.

Cutting some larger aspen within these gaps will inspire them to produce clones, creating a vibrant young aspen forest relatively quickly.

Outside of canopy gaps, I leave most aspen trees as legacy trees. These trees live out their natural lives, eventually declining, becoming riddled with cavities, dying and becoming dead wood on the forest floor. In life and in death, trembling aspen provides so many benefits to our forests.

Ethan Tapper is the Chittenden County forester for the Vermont Dept. of Forests, Parks and Recreation. See what he’s been up to at linktr.ee/chittendencountyforester.

Ethan Tapper

COURTESY PHOTO

Aspens are legacy trees in the Vermont forest.