The Citizen - 11-3-22

Boo!

Did Charlotte fire, rescue use tax dollars for secret settlement?

COREY MCDONALD  STAFF WRITER

The Charlotte Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, a majority taxpayer-funded entity contracted with the town, settled a legal dispute with a former employee, sourc es confirmed, but have not disclosed the amount, or the reasoning for the out-of-court agreement.

Sources who requested anonymity confirmed that the fire and rescue service entered into a settlement agreement but said there were little to no details about how

much money was used, when the agreement was made, and who the agreement was made with.

Town administrator Dean Bloch said he was not aware of a settlement agree ment. Town clerk and treasurer, Mary Mead, who handles the town’s finances, also she’s unaware of its details. And select board members all said they have not been informed of an agreement.

“I don’t remember being informed,” selectboard Chair Jim Faulkner said.

“If there was a settlement, I’m not aware of how much it was,” said selectboard

member Lewis Mudge.

With scant details publicly available, the question arises of whether taxpayer money was used to fund a secret settlement agree ment, that residents and town officials have not been made privy to.

In an email to The Citizen, Charlotte Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service president Jon Snow declined to confirm or deny the existence of a settlement agreement, saying that the organization “as a matter of policy CVFRS does not comment on any personnel matter regarding current or former employ ees.”

He noted, however, that “all expenditures of CVFRS are reported monthly and shared with the selectboard. As a result, these are a matter of public record.”

The Charlotte Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service operates as a private corporation, governed by a board of directors, that is contracted out with the town. Each year, the organization receives a budgeted allocation to fund its operation, which it receives in monthly installments.

For the past six years, taxpayer money

coverage for Charlotte and Hinesburg thecitizenvt.com

‘Amelie” CVU brings to stage play about life’s possibilities

Title tilt? High school athletes compete playoff berths

PHOTO BY LEE KROHN

The Charlotte Girl Scout Troop went all out for its float in the Charlotte-Shelburne-Hinesburg Rotary Club sponsored Halloween parade in Shelburne on Sunday.

Selectboard rejects town garage bids

LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER

Charlotte town officials received unexpected news last month after bids for a long-await ed town garage construction project came in well above a $3 million cost estimate.

Although several companies came to a pre-bid meeting, only two companies submitted official bids.

The first came from Nayler and Green Builders of Brandon, whose projected cost for the project was $3,795,222. The second, Farrington Construction of Shelburne, esti mated the project at $3,796,000.

With secured funding for the project in place — a voter-approved $1.5 million bond, highway reserve funds of $500,000, and $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds — town officials aren’t yielding on their previously projected budget, but say they are hard at work on other options.

been having with the contractors.”

At a meeting on Oct. 24, members rejected both bids for the town garage before moving for Faulkner and town adminis trator Dean Bloch to contact each bidder to negotiate their bids.

The selectboard has made this conversation a top priority since the previous facility on Church Hill Road was destroyed in a latenight fire in last December. That fire destroyed all the snow plows used to clear Charlotte’s 80 miles of roads.

“Someday we are going to have to have our own municipal road service. This is a baby step going forward, so at least we have a building now.”

The town’s roads have remained under the control of the current road commissioner Junior Lewis for nearly 23 years, and although Lewis has no plans to retire, officials are aware of the poten tial for eventually being forced into creating a municipal road commission, which could come at a hefty cost for the town.

Route 7 and Greenbush Road, the former flea market site.

Faulkner reports that nego tiations are moving in a positive direction.

A special selectboard meet ing took place Nov. 2, Wednes day night, after the Citizen went to press. Prior to the meeting, member Lewis Mudge said that he wasn’t sure any vote was going to take place, but that there would “certainly be an update surround ing discussions that (selectboard chair) Jim (Faulkner) would have

“At this particular time, and with the way Charlotte is devel oping, someday we are going to have to have our own municipal road service. This is a baby step going forward, so at least we have a building now,” said Faulk ner, “The town garage is the first step.”

Plans for the location of the new garage remain at the 54-acre town-owned property between

“We have started negotiations with both bidders,” he said. “We seem to be gaining pretty well and we should have an answer at the next selectboard meeting.”

Should negotiations sour, Faulkner said the town will weigh the options of going out to bid again, though he remains confi dent that the town will ultimately find a solution.

“We are pushing back on it,” he said.

Election 2022 Know your polling place

In-person voting for the 2022 midterm election will be held on Nov. 8 throughout the state. If voting by mail at this point in the process, officials suggest dropping off ballots directly at your polling place and not through the U.S. Postal Service.

tions of local polling places in Hinesburg and Charlotte:

Charlotte: Charlotte Town Hall, 159 Ferry Road. Open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Hinesburg: Hinesburg Town Offices, 10632 Vermont Route 116. 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

COURTESY PHOTO

The Charlotte Children’s Center successfully hosted a winter gear swap for center families and donated extras to the Rotary Club’s winter clothing drive. Students and alumni Caymon Longe-Mack, Hollis Bouteiller, Holden Bouteiller and Brighton Longe-Mack delivered donations to the bin in the Charlotte Library vestibule.

Charlotte winter clothing swap delivers donations to library

— Jim Faulkner

Hinesburg affordable housing group hosts forum on accessory units

EMILY MARS RAYMOND CONTRIBUTOR

On Oct. 20, Hinesburg resi dents streamed into the United Church Parish Hall to participate in “The ABCs of ADUs.” Hosted by the Hinesburg Affordable Housing Committee, the event featured experts who spoke about the design and building process of accessory dwelling units.

“[Accessory dwelling units] are the single most asked about topic in my office in the last two months,” said Hinesburg zoning administrator Jim Jarvis. “ADUs are what people are asking about — it’s revenue, it’s family conti nuity.”

The smaller living spaces can be a loft above a garage, a separate building, or part of the main home. To be an accessory dwelling unit, it must have its own sleeping area, kitchen, and bathroom facilities, according to Jarvis. Its size must also be less than 30 percent of the square footage of the principal residence.

There is growing interest in accessory dwelling units because of the housing shortage and the advent of web sites like Airbnb that make it easy to connect homeowners with people seek ing short-term rentals. An acces

sory dwelling unit can generate income for homeowners, or can provide housing for aging parents, family members, and caregivers,

according to Hinesburg Afford able Housing Committee member Rocky Martin. Martin has firsthand experi

ence of the matter — he built an accessory dwelling unit on his property so that he could age in the community he loves, while

remaining close to his son’s family, who now live in the main residence.

Although approval from the development review board is not needed for accessory dwelling units in Hinesburg, there are other hurdles to get over, said Jarvis. “The issue of water and waste water is a major challenge,” said Jason Barnard, an engineer with environmental consulting firm Barnard & Gervais.

“We have to prove to the state of Vermont that the septic system has capacity for the people who are there,” Barnard said of the water permitting process. At a cost of about $500 of testing per site, that proof can be from well logs, pump tests, and water and soil samples.

According to AirDNA, a web site that tracks short-term rental data, there are 34 short-term rent als listed on AirBnB and VRBO in Hinesburg, fetching anywhere from $100 per night for a private suite to $600 or more per night for a whole home. In 2021, there were only 20 properties listed.

For more information or to view a recording of the forum, contact Hinesburg Affordable Housing Committee Chairper son Carl Bohlen at larcredsox@ gmavt.net.

GOVERNOR PHIL SCOTTGOVERNOR PHIL SCOTT

PAID FOR BY PHIL SCOTT FOR VERMONT, PO BOX 988, MONTPELIER, VT 05602, TREASURER GLEN WRIGHT

PHOTO BY EMILY MARS RAYMOND

From left, Jason Barnard speaks to Rocky Martin and Jim Jarvis before the housing forum begins.

Vermont State Police Blotter

Oct. 28 at 11:23 p.m., police arrested Aaron Brunette, 31, of N. Andover, Mass., for driving under the influence, first offense, after police say

he failed to negotiate a righthand turn onto Lime Kiln Road in Charlotte, and his vehicle went off the road.

Hinesburg Police Blotter

Total reported incidents: 34

Traffic Stops: 5

Arrests: 0

October 23 at 6:48 p.m., police investigated an animal complaint on Hillview Terrace.

October 23 at 8:25 p.m., a citizen was assisted with a custody issue.

October 24 at 9:20 a.m., a citizen was assisted with a VIN veri fication.

October 24 at 12:50 p.m., an officer responded to a domes tic dispute at a residence on

Route 116.

October 24 at 2:20 p.m., a motor vehicle complaint on Route 116 was investigated.

October 24 at 4:54 p.m., an offi cer investigated an animal complaint on Fern Road.

October 24 at 8:52 p.m., a suspi cious vehicle on Commerce Street was investigated.

October 25 at 8:05 a.m., officers assisted a disabled vehicle on Charlotte Road.

October 25 at 9:40 a.m., a citizen was assisted with fingerprints for employment purposes.

October 25 at 11:07 a.m., a citi

Hinesburg driver arrested in Williston for attempting to run over girlfriend

A Hinesburg man has been arrested for aggravated domestic assault, unlawful restraint and aggravated disorderly conduct after reportedly assaulting a woman in a moving truck and then attempting to run her over.

Rocky C. Racicot, 42, remains in jail for lack of $5,000 bond.

On Oct. 25 at approximate ly 12:14 p.m. South Burlington police say they arrived at Willis ton Road and Kennedy Drive

after getting a report of some one trying to run another person down with his truck.

Police said that after a phys ical fight broke out between Racicot and his passenger in the truck as it traveled down Willis ton Road, the victim tried to jump out, but Racicot grabbed her by the hair and prevented her escape.

She told police after she threw his cellphone from the truck, he stopped and she fled

into a nearby parking lot, where Racicot attempted to run her over.

Racicot was later stopped by a South Burlington officer in Williston.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of domes tic assault, call the statewide confidential hotline at 800-4897273 or visit the website for the Vermont Network Against Sexual and Domestic Violence at vtnetwork.org.

zen was assisted with a civil issue.

October 25 at 3:30 p.m., an offi cer investigated a single car crash on Richmond Road.

October 26 at 7 p.m., an animal

complaint on Silver Street was investigated.

October 27 at 6:54 a.m., a 911 hang up on Sherman Hollow Road was investigated.

October 27 at 8:54 a.m., a stolen car report from a home on Rich mond Road was investigated.

October 27 at 10 a.m., officers responded to CVU to assist staff there with a student issue.

October 27 at 10:37 a.m., suspi cious circumstances on Route 116 were investigated.

October 27 at 8:11 p.m., an officer assisted first responders with a medical issue on Kelley’s Field.

October 27 at 9:40 p.m., suspi cious circumstances on Shel burne Falls Road were inves tigated.

October 28 at 11 a.m., damage to a motor vehicle on Route 116 was investigated.

October 28 at 4:25 p.m., court paperwork was served to a resident on Oscar’s Lane.

The Citizen

Serving the community of Charlotte & Hinesburg A publication of Vermont Community Newspaper Group LLC thecitizenvt.com

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Staff Writers Aaron Calvin Corey McDonald Liberty Darr

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Hinesburg

Editor/Publisher Gregory Popa gpopa@stowereporter.com

Billing inquiries Leslie Lafountain leslie@stowereporter.com (802) 253-2101

Advertising submission deadline: Friday at 5 p.m. advertising@thecitizenvt.com classifieds@thecitizenvt.com

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OPINION

The chip on November’s cold shoulder

In Musing

Carole Vasta Folley

“November is usually such a disagreeable month.” So wrote Lucy Maude Montgomery.

In those words, the Canadian author captured the disappoint ment I felt as Hallow een brought October to a close. Although summer is long past, once the calendar turned to November, it felt a death knell to coatless walks, al fresco dining, and that delicious quirky sense of freedom that seems to captivate on balmy days.

who support or dismiss the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, all while they argue against science, women and LGBTQ rights.

Laws were passed in 2021 making it harder to vote and almost 16 million voters were removed from the rolls, most of them in states with a history of voter discrimination. In effect, free and fair elections are on the ballot this year in America. Seriously, November?

Carole Vasta Folley

And why shouldn’t November cause melancholy? After all, seasons are uncanny in their ability to remind us of our own mortality. “A time to be born, a time to die.” Whether read in church or sung by the Byrds, there’s no question about which time is November.

Besides, there’s the impend ing deadline of it all. Flower pots aching to be relieved of their wilted glory, spigots needing to be turned off, their hoses coiled for hibernation, and lawn furni ture that looks plain embarrassed to be left outside.

Every year November begins with a bang. A one-two punch of vexation to announce its arrival like some harbinger of gloom wearing a waterproof fleece-lined puffer jacket from L. L. Bean.

First, November puts an end to Daylight Savings Time. How better to scramble our circadian rhythms all while making sure we can start and finish our work day in what appears to be the dead of night.

But that’s nothing compared to what’s next. Elections. As if November wants to remind us straight away of uncertainty and possible loss. Maybe, in a moment of schadenfreude, November jumped at the opportu nity to have Election Day forever emblazoned on its calendar page. If so, what a grim sense of humor this eleventh month must have.

And this year’s election? It’s a doozy. Thanks, November. There are close to 300 election-denier candidates on the ballot, many

Ah, I know. I’m being too hard on this penultimate month of the year. It’s not November’s fault, especially considering it was originally the ninth month of the year. Its name is from the Latin “novem” meaning nine.

Imagine the indignity of being the Roman calendar’s ninth month beginning in spring, then, thanks to some brand-spanking new months, you get pushed to 11th place. You’re not even top-ten anymore. You’ve gone from tender buds on the branch to dead leaves on the ground. It makes sense November’s gloomy. I’d be upset too. No wonder it’s the same month common for the onset of SAD, seasonal affective disorder.

But here’s the amazing thing.

Through all the dismalness, November does its best to make amends. It’s hard to believe that this scrappy month brings us through its many challenges to nothing less than a Thanksgiv ing. There’s that sense of humor again, November. I see you. What a perfect metaphor for life. How through the dark and dying, the ending and grieving, the bleakness and despair, there is still so much to praise. Indeed, as in Ecclesiastes, to everything there is a season, and it is our dear November that helps us complete that circle. Bless her heart.

So, on the 24th, when I sit at our table, I will look at those I love, the harvest that provides and the warmth that envelops. I’ll look outside at the landscape that sleeps only to nurture a burgeon ing spring.

I will look inside to my own beating heart and my bigger knowing that there is a need for November — for all the gyra tions, the grand roller coaster of change, that indeed brings us life. And for that, I will give thanks.

Carole Vasta Folley’s In Musing column has won awards from the Vermont Press Associ ation, The New England News paper and Press Association and the National Society of Newspa per Columnists.

Letters to the Editor

Pouech provides ‘lesser two evils’

To the Editor:

Why am I now supporting Phil Pouech?

Two words. Sarah Toscano.

Have you read her thoughts on guns and protecting our children from gun violence?

It’s ridiculous.

Unfortunately, sometimes there really is a lesser-of-two-evils-vote that matters. So I am asking that you join me, hold your nose and cast a vote for Phil Pouech.

Maybe we will have better choices next time.

Matthew Lapierre Hinesburg

Cold-climate heat pumps: the rest of the story

To the Editor:

What is the real cost of owning a cold-climate heat pump and does it make sense that we can become fossil fuel independent soon?

I really think the concept of moving heat from one place to the other without having to create it is part of the future. But, for a few reasons, I do not think the future is here yet.

Cold-climate heat pumps are not reliable enough to take over as a primary source of heat in the average home in Vermont’s climate. They are very susceptible to power fluctuations and are not always sold or installed with the necessary protection measures. Additionally, we do not have enough trained technicians to service them. Also, most manufac turers are not in the United States, so supply chain issues remain a possible problem.

The true cost of ownership is not being told. The successful installation of these heat pumps must be done with best practices by a competent installer. I do not see or hear anything about the cost of professional cleaning of the indoor and outdoor units, which must be done every two to three years.

While these heat pumps can have extended warranties, the cost of labor is not included, provid ed you can find someone that is trained to work on them. Most installers move from one job to another without looking back, leav ing the cost of maintenance and service to the homeowner.

What can we do to become less dependent on fossil fuels as soon as possible?

We have manufacturers in the United States that are trying to make more reliable and service able cold-climate heat pumps. We need to support and invest in more companies like them by investing in training for contractors and

incentives to take care of the units they install. We need to realize that we can get to zero fossil fuel use, but for the near future we will need some form of back up until we can make heat pumps in cold climates more reliable and serviceable.

Gary DuCharme South Burlington

Anti-abortion ad from church out of line

To the Editor:

I am disturbed and concerned about an ad that was in the Oct. 27, 2022, issue of The Citizen. It was an ad placed by St. Cather ine of Siena Catholic Church in Shelburne. It urged voters to vote against Proposal 5, in other words, against reproductive freedom.

I am not anti-religion. I believe in the religious freedom and in freedom from religion if chosen. Both my parents struggled and fought during World War II for freedom from tyranny. I am pro reproductive freedom and am a 40-year peri-partum registered nurse.

I did not expect to see a paid ad touting a controversial political opinion from a religious organiza tion that is tax exempt.

The Catholic Church is a nonprofit and is guided by the Internal Revenue Service in terms of what it can and cannot do. If any church feels that it must enter the political arena, they can pay taxes just like we all do. Tax exempt status means that they get benefits from society by doing good works for the community.

The ad was placed with the skulls around the edge of the admonition, telling voters to not vote for reproductive freedom. Is this legal?

I am not an attorney, but I am a maternity nurse who has seen a lot. The skulls on the ad edge were a particularly gruesome touch. I have seen this same rhetoric on social media from other Catholic churches in the U.S., so it is not isolated to our one little church in Shelburne. It’s a nationally orga nized campaign. The people who attend church, synagogue or any other religion affiliation are free to do so. However, if I am subsidizing churches (which claim to be 501 c3) they are required by IRS law to act like it. Don’t shovel your religion and rules down the throats of others.

Please vote early or on Nov. 8 and bring a friend. This one is important. Democracy and our freedom to choose reproductive care such as abortion or birth control is on the line.

Kathleen B. Bruce RN Hinesburg

For adult programs, contact Rachel Matthews at rachel@ carpentercarse.org. For youth events, jen@carpentercarse.com.

Masks required indoors. Access the catalog here at ccl. kohavt.org. Email library@ carpentercarse.org or call 802-482-2878 to request an item.

Library hours are Mondays and Saturdays 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

ADULTS

Folk Jam with SongFarmers of Hinesburg

Thursday, Nov. 3, 6-8 p.m.

Do you play an acoustic instrument or just love to sing along to old time, blues, country and folk music? Join SongFarm ers during its monthly gathering and participate in a live music offering. Free and open to the public in the library’s community room. Current masking require ments.

Learn to play bridge

Fridays, Nov. 4, 11 and 18, and Dec. 2, 2-3 p.m. Always wanted to play bridge, but the rules leave you scratching your head? Join Rachel for a fourweek session to learn the ropes with other beginners.

Morning book group: ‘The Thursday Murder Club’

Wednesday, Nov. 9, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

This informal group meets virtually on the second Wednes day of each month. The pick for November is “The Thursday Murder Club” by Richard Osman.

Evening book discussion: ‘Little Fires Everywhere’

Tuesday, Nov. 29, 7-8 p.m.

This informal group meets virtually on the last Tuesday of each month. The pick for Novem ber is “Little Fires Everywhere” by Celeste Ng.

KIDS

Monthly craft club

Friday, Nov. 18, 3:15-4:30 p.m.

For students in grades two to five. Each month learn about and create a different seasonal craft, discussing seasonal book recom mendations and enjoying a snack with cocoa. To sign up, email Jen or stop by the circulation desk.

Countdown to the holidays

Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2:15-3:15 p.m.

Join librarians Judy and Jen in making festive calendars in the shape of a garland that will help you count down to a winter holi day celebrated by your family.

This workshop is for chil dren in kindergarten to grade six. Participant should bring a bag of small candies (around the size of Hershey’s kisses) that will be used by the entire group. To register, email Jen.

115 Ferry Road, Charlotte. 802-425-3864. Register at char lottepubliclibrary.org or info@ charlottepubliclibrary.org.

All programs will take place via Zoom unless noted until further notice. Links can be found on the library website.

ADULTS

Book chat

Wednesdays, Nov. 9, 16 and 30, 3-4 p.m.

Fridays, Nov. 4 and 11, 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Join Margaret to discuss new books, old books, books missed. .

Short story selections

Wednesday, Nov. 16, 1-2 p.m.

Library director Margaret Woodruff discusses short stories old and new. Register in advance.

Tech help sessions

Thursday, Nov. 10, 1-2:30 p.m.

Kindle conundrum? Computer question? Sign up for a 40-minute session with the technology librar ian. Register at 802-425-6345. At Charlotte Senior Center.

Staying health this winter: COVID-19 and more

Wednesday, Nov. 9, 6-7 p.m.

Join Jim Hyde, professor emeritus for public health at

Tufts University, to discuss what to expect this winter regarding COVID-19 and the flu.

Hoopla 101: audiobooks, e-books and videos

Thursday, Nov. 10, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Learn how to read, listen and watch on your device with your library card. Bring the device you’d like to use, library card number and passwords needed to download an app to your device. No registration.

Charlotte Volunteer Fire and Rescue Services

Thursday, Nov. 10, 1-2 p.m.

Join AEMT and firefighter Ginger Parent for an open discus sion. Topics include the service’s role in the community, home safety, winter driving, using 911, and possible future community classes. Register by Tuesday, Nov. 8 by calling 802-425-6345.

‘Grist’ author book talk

Thursday, Nov. 10, 2-3 p.m.

Join author Abra Berens for a live discussion of “Grist: A Prac tical Guide to Cooking Grains, Beans, Seeds, and Legumes.” It’s part cookbook, part field guide, with a glossary that goes beyond cooking terms and techniques. Copies of the book available at the library circulation desk to check

out or purchase. Register for the live event at bit.ly/3yZW5KU.

From China to Charlotte

Sunday, Nov. 13, 2-4 p.m.

How a small town opened her heart to Guy Cheng. Join David Sisco for a discussion of Cheng’s work and connections to Charlotte and to Vermont. Co-sponsored by the Charlotte Historical Society.

‘Travels with Charley’ by John Steinbeck

Wednesday, Nov. 16, 7:30-9 p.m.

To hear the speech of the real America, to smell the grass and the trees, to see the colors and the light—these were Steinbeck’s goals as he set out, at 58, to redis cover the country he had been writing about for so many years.

With Charley, his French poodle, Steinbeck drives the inter states and the country roads, dines with truckers, encounters bears at Yellowstone and old friends in San Francisco. Join with link at website.

Charlotte Grange: past and present

Thursday, Nov. 17, 1-2 p.m.

Join Charlotte Grange members at the Charlotte Senior Center to learn about the impor tance of having a vibrant grange and what its vision is for moving forward..

News from Carpenter-Carse Library

News from Charlotte Library

has funded more than 85 percent of the organization’s budget, according to finan cial documents in Charlotte’s annual town reports.

The rescue service does make some its own income — from a trust fund left to the organization from a former resident Harriet Barrows, and revenue from a radio tower located on Pease Mountain that it owns — but the revenue generated is minimal.

“The taxpayer funds fire and rescue,” Faulkner said.

Charlotte voters approved their $890,526 allocation for the fiscal year July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, in March this year by a slim margin — 534-405.

The Charlotte Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service sends its meeting minutes and its monthly expenses to the town each month, but those reports are broad and not very detailed.

“We give them a monthly check, but there’s no itemizing of what that check each month actually went for,” Mead said.

“The town of Charlotte, if you asked what we spent last month — I could run you a detailed report on all account lines and it would tell you exactly what we spent, and how much we spent and what the total was at the end of the month,” Mead said. “That’s what I call seeing the expenses. But that’s not the case” with Charlotte Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service. “We don’t see the details of their expenses and where they go.”

The relationship between the town and the rescue service has taken a turn this year. The public-private relationship between the town has been governed by a memorandum

of understanding since 2014, but in August selectboard members disclosed that they were working to establish their own munic ipal fire and rescue department and bring Charlotte Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service operations under town oversight.

Rescue members initially were open to the idea but pushed back on the move being made in executive session.

Acting president at the time, Jared Bomba, said that all “discussions should be happening in open meetings within the town rather than in so-called executive sessions.”

Eventually, the negotiations gained an air of cooperation, and the two entities came to an agreement to form a committee to discuss the transition in open forum moving forward.

But then, in September, The Charlotte News published a report claiming former deputy fire chief Rob Mullin was terminated for alleged sexual discrimination, and that a drop in the number of female employees and volunteers was due to sexual discrimi nation by Mullin, who passed over women with equal training credentials to their male coworkers.

Mullins vehemently denies these claims, and says documents used in his unemploy ment claims prove he was not fired for misconduct.

“In all my years of public service, I’ve never intentionally treated a woman colleague differently than I would treat a male colleague. I would challenge anyone to present proof to the contrary,” Mullin has said.

All New Arrivals

Cochran’s Ski & Ride sale returns this weekend

The annual Cochran ski and ride sale will be held at Camels Hump Middle School in Rich mond on Saturday, Nov. 5, from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 6 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Shop for gear including alpine skis, snowboarding, telemark skiing, Nordic skiing, backcoun try travel, boots, clothing and more.

United Church of Hinesburg holds bazaar

The United Church of Hines burg will hold its holiday bazaar on Saturday, Nov. 19 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Osborne Parish Hall.

Come shop in the grand mother’s attic, jewelry corner and arts and crafts center. There are also homemade baked goods from an array of local cooks, including baked beans, pies, homemade breads, cookies and

A little BeethovenCommunity Notes

fudge. Lunch is offered at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., featuring soups and sandwiches and a free dessert. Christmas wreaths will also be for sale in the parking lot.

Enjoy Age Well meals at Charlotte Senior Center

The Age Well meal pickup for Thursday, Nov. 10, is from 10-11 a.m., Charlotte Senior Center, 212 Ferry Road, and features roast pork with sauce, mashed red potatoes, butternut squash, wheat dinner roll with butter, apple crisp with topping and milk.

You must have pre-regis tered by Monday, Nov. 7, with Kerrie Pughe, 802-425-6345 or kpughe@charlotteseniorcenter vt.org

Richmond church serves up chicken pie supper

The Richmond Congregation al Church is holding a chicken pie supper takeout on Sunday,

Nov. 6, 1-3 p.m.

Dinner includes chicken with gravy, biscuits, squash with maple syrup, special coleslaw made the morning of pick-up, and choice of a 9-inch apple or pumpkin pie. Pick is at the the church, 20 Church St.

Order at rccucc.org/chick en-pie-takeout-dinner. Suggest ed donation is $65. All proceeds support the Richmond Food Shelf and the church.

Senior Center November programs

The Charlotte Senior Center, 212 Ferry Road, has several upcoming programs in Novem ber.

• A Veterans Day lunch will be held Friday, Nov. 11, from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Volunteer cooks will prepare a hearty lunch of shepherd’s pie, salad and dessert. Meals are served until 12:30 p.m. or when the food runs out. Open

The Burlington Civic Symphony presents its fall concert on Saturday, Nov. 5, at 7 p.m. at the Lyman C. Hunt Middle School in Burlington. The program features Beethoven’s Egmont Overture; J. S. Bach’s Passacaglia and Fugue in C minor and Antonín Dvorák’s Symphony No. 9 in E minor “From the New World.” Conducted by Daniel Bruce, the concert is free and open to the public. Donations accepted. For more information visit bcsovt.org. Above, Daniel Bruce.

We Can Take It!

From an armoire to a zucchini, check our A-Z list and learn how to reuse, recycle, or dispose of items and materials you no longer want.

Now serving you with eight Drop-Off locations in Chittenden County.

Visit cswd.net for locations and materials accepted.

COURTESY PHOTO

8

to all, with suggested donation of $5. Veterans eat for free.

• Learn about the Char lotte Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service with AEMT and fire fighter Ginger Parent on Thurs day, Nov. 10, at 1 p.m. Topics include the service’s role in the community, home safety, winter driving, using 911 and possible future community classes.

Free, but register by Tues

day, Nov. 8. Co-sponsored by the Charlotte Library.

• Join Charlotte Grange members to learn about the importance of having a vibrant Grange in the community and its vision moving forward on Thurs day, Nov. 17, 1 p.m. Register by Tuesday, Nov. 15.

• Join members of the Quin lan Schoolhouse committee to learn more about this histori

cal gem on Thursday, Dec. 1, 1 p.m. Watch the video of the story of the historic schoolhouse, followed by a guided tour of the schoolhouse located between the Charlotte Library and town offic es.

Co-sponsored with The Char lotte Library. Register by Tues day, Nov. 29.

Questions or to register, visit charlotteseniorcentervt.org.

Bob Kinzel, below at left, a longtime friend of Marshall Webb, a founder of Shelburne Farms, eulogizes his friend at a celebration of life at the Breeding Barn at Shelburne Farms Oct. 29. Webb died suddenly in August.

Remembering Marshall Webb

PHOTOS BY LEE KROHN

If you are looking for a fun and whimsical family-friendly theater event, look no further than Cham plain Valley Union High School’s fall musical, “Amelie.”

Amelie is an extraordinary young woman who lives quietly in the world but loudly in her mind. She covertly improvises small but surprising acts of kindness that

bring joy and mayhem. When a chance at love comes her way, she realizes that she’ll have to risk everything and say what’s in her heart.

Be inspired by this imagina tive dreamer who finds her voice, discovers the power of connection and sees possibility around every corner.

Performances are at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 11, 2 p.m. and 7

p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12, and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 13 at the CVU High School theater. Tickets are available for purchase at tick etsource.us/cvutheater or at the door. (Check the ticket site first to ensure the show is not sold out).

Champlain Valley School District is required by federal law to locate, identify and evaluate all children with disabilities. The process of locating, identifying and evaluating children with disabilities is known as child find.

Champlain Valley School District schools conduct Kindergarten screening each spring, but parents may call to make an appointment to discuss their concerns at any time. As the school district of residence, CVSD has the responsibility to identify and provide services to any child with special needs who may require special education and related services in order to access and benefit from public education.

If you have, or know of any CVSD resident who has a child with a disability under the age of 21 or a child who attends a private school located in Charlotte, Hinesburg, Shelburne, St. George or Williston, Vermont, we would like to hear from you. Sometimes parents are unaware that special education services are available to their children.

Please contact the School Principal (Charlotte Central School –425-2771, Hinesburg Community School – 482-2106, Shelburne Community School – 985-3331, Williston Central/Allen Brook Schools – 878-2762) or the Director of Student Support Services, Anna Couperthwait at 383-1234 or acouperthwait@cvsdvt.org.

Champlain Valley School District (Charlotte, Hinesburg, Shelburne, St. George & Williston) Child Find Notice

COURTESY PHOTOS

The Champlain Valley Union High School’s production of “Amelie” is next weekend.

Champlain Valley Union playoff roundup

READ CORRESPONDENT

Football

Champlain Valley 49, South Burling ton-Burlington 20: Champlain Valley’s Jack Sumner scored five touchdowns to help the Redhawks grab a 49-20 win over Burl ington-South Burlington co-op team in the Division I playoffs on Oct. 29.

Sumner had two touchdown catch es and three rushing TDs for the unbeaten Redhawks, while Ollie Cheer threw three touchdown passes. Bill Bates had a TD catch and Chase Leonard had an intercep tion return for a touchdown.

The top-seed Redhawks now advance to the semifinals, where they will take on No. 4 Essex on Saturday, Nov. 5, at 1 p.m.

CVU will need to beat the Hornets to advance to its second straight title game. The two teams met in the seventh week of the regular season with CVU winning 28-21.

Boys’ soccer

Champlain Valley 1, St. Johnsbury 0: Champlain Valley struck early in the game and held off St. Johnsbury in the soccer quarterfinals Oct. 29.

Sam Dennison scored the lone goal for the No.2 Redhawks just under the seven-minute mark. Lucas Kelley had the assist and Evan Statton stopped two shots in the shutout.

CVU will now play No. 3 Colchester in the semifinals on Wednesday at 3 p.m., after press deadline.

The Redhawks and the Lakers had one matchup in the regular season, with CVU winning 4-2. They will look to duplicate that result and advance to the title game.

Girls’ soccer

Champlain Valley 2, Essex 0: The girls soccer team advanced to the semifinals with a win over Essex on Oct. 28.

The top-seeded Redhawks got a goal in the first half and tacked on a second in the second to beat No.9 Essex in the quarterfi

What’s going on

nals. Anna Morton and Lily Williams each scored for CVU.

Chloe Pecor had two assists, while Emma Allaire stopped two shots in goal.

CVU faced No. 5 Rutland in the semi finals Tuesday at 3 p.m. after deadline. The 13-0-1 Redhawks did not play the Raiders in the regular season.

Field hockey

Champlain Valley 4, Mount Mansfield

0: Champlain Valley jumped out to a 4-0 lead at halftime enroute to a win over Mount Mansfield in the DI quarterfinals.

Claire Marcoe had a hat trick to lead the Redhawks, with Miranda Oppenheimer adding a goal. Carly Strobeck, Sophie Madden, Tess Everett and Danielle Gamelin each had an assist for CVU (13-2).

Grace Ferguson and Rianne Nagelhout combined to get the shutout.

No. 1 CVU faced No. 4 Bellows Falls in the semifinals Tuesday at 5:45 p.m., after deadline. The two teams did not meet in the regular season.

The Terriers are looking to advance to their fifth straight DI title game and CVU is looking to return to final for the first time since 2020.

Girls’ volleyball

Champlain Valley 3, South Burlington

0: The girls team edged out No. 10 South Burlington in the playoffs on Oct. 29.

The No. 2 Redhawks now advance to the semifinals where they will meet No. 3 Rice on Nov. 3.

CVU beat the Wolves 25-23 in the first set, followed by a 25-21 second set and a repeat score in the third to clinch the win.

The 14-1 Redhawks met Rice once in the regular season, beating the Green Knights

This Saturday morning from 6am-9am,

at Lenny’s. Whether you’re

you gotta

Barre

Williston

Albans

Plattsburgh,

PHOTO BY AL FREY

Anthony Bouffard runs the ball in South Burlington’s season-ending loss to Champlain Valley Union on Oct. 29.

CVU girls’ cross country team wins Division I title

LAUREN READ CORRESPONDENT

The top runners to cross the finish line at the Division I cross country state championships on Saturday made everything look red.

Champlain Valley placed five runners in the top 10 in the girls’ race to capture the state title, returning the Redhawks to the top spot in the state.

Alice Kredell led the way for CVU, winning the individual state title and finishing nearly two seconds ahead of the runner up.

Estella Laird came in next, finishing in fourth. Audrey Neilson was seventh, Amelie Scharf came

PLAYOFF ROUNDUP continued from page 11

3-2.

If CVU beats Rice it will advance to the title match for the sixth straight time, which will be held on Sunday, Nov. 6, at Saint Michael’s College.

Boys’ volleyball

Champlain Valley 3, BFA-St. Albans 0: The Champlain Valley

in eighth place and Lydia Donahue was tenth for the Redhawks.

CVU saw its 12-year state title run ended last season when Burl ington won the girls crown but after just one year, the Redhawks returned to the top of the heap.

Matthew Servin led the way for Champlain Valley boys, coming in first place to win the individual state crown. Jack Crum was fifth for CVU and Dan Knight came in eighth.

Owen Deale was 11th and Charles Garavelli came in 23rd to round out the top five finishers for the CVU.

The Redhawk boys team came in second overall, just behind state champs St. Johnsbury.

boys volleyball team beat BFA-St. Albans Oct. 27 to advance semis.

The Redhawks beat the Bobwhites 3-0 and the No. 2 seed advanced to next round.

CVU faced No. 3 Essex on Wednesday at 6 p.m., after dead line. The two teams played twice during the regular season, with the Hornets and Redhawks each taking one.

Hinesburg middle schoolers compete in championship

cross-country season. Out of eight races entered, Hart finished in first place each time.

In the two larger races, the Williston Invitational and the Chit tenden County Championships, he came in second place.

His brother, Jax Hart, also ran well this season, capping off his season by finishing 11th at the Chittenden County Champion

ships and taking 6th overall for all fifth and sixth grade students at the Vermont Middle School State Championships.

On the girls’ side, both Willa Frost and Eden Leckey had strong performances this season. Leckey capped off the season by finishing 7th overall for all fifth and sixth grade students at the state champi onships.

Eighth grade Hinesburg Community School student Cole Hart shined during this fall’s

COURTESY PHOTO

Jax and Cole Hart

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

a community

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

Champlain Community Services, Inc.

ARIES

March 21 - April 20

Aries, you’re normally content acting on a whim, but this week you may want to plan your schedule with a bit more detail. Think about what to accomplish.

TAURUS

April 21 - May 21

When considering a situation, remember there is more than meets the Taurus. Dig a little deeper and you may uncover the truth. Remember to ask the right questions.

GEMINI

May 22 - June 21

Gemini, you have an entire team rallying in your corner this week. You can use a little extra support. All you need to do is speak up and others will come to your aid.

CANCER

June 22 - July 22

Few things escape your notice, Cancer. However, this week something may just sneak by you. Don’t fret too much, as it’s not really vital. But try to focus better.

LEO

July 23 - Aug. 23

There’s a million things going on in your life this week, Leo. You need to zero in on one or two tasks and get down to business; otherwise, you can easily get overwhelmed.

VIRGO

Aug. 24 - Sept. 22

Virgo, listen to your heart this week. It will not guide you astray. You have some soulsearching to do right now to uncover some answers you have been seeking.

LIBRA

Sept. 23 - Oct. 23

Don’t let others bring you down, Libra. Focus and maintain a positive attitude and you can do just about anything you set your mind to this week. Start making plans.

SCORPIO

Oct. 24 - Nov. 22

A big change is coming your way, Scorpio, and you’ve never been more ready. Adopt a receptive mindset and await all of the excitement that is coming your way.

SUDOKU

Here’s How It Works:

Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must ll each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can gure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

CROSSWORD

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 23 - Dec. 21

Keep your eyes on the prize, Sagittarius. You are so close to the end result right now, so just a little more patience is needed. You’ll discover some surprising things.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22 - Jan. 20

There’s not much more you can add to a situation, Capricorn. When communication fails, it’s dif cult to overcome obstacles. A relationship may come to an end.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 21 - Feb. 18

Aquarius, when you put your hope in someone you can trust, the positive outcome shouldn’t be too surprising. Close friends and family will help out.

PISCES

Feb. 19 - March 20

There’s so much that you are eager to learn, so why not enroll in a class or take up a new hobby, Pisces? You can continue your education.

ACROSS

DOWN

used for emphasis

Expel from one’s property

Philly transit body

Small amount of something

Retirement account

Holey type of cheese

Young pig

Climbing palm

Discomfort

Bull ghter

High-level computer language

Fleshy extensions above the throat

Request

Equal to 10 meters (abbr.)

Bruce and Spike are two

Precipice

Wombs

A radio band

Emphasizes an amount

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