The Citizen - 12-8-22

Objet d’art

Artist raffle raises money for local food shelves

Page 3

Artistic scholar

Charlotte grad earns recognition for art, design

Page 21

December

Traffic study offers solutions to speeding

Greenbush Road resident.

Charlotte’s selectboard is taking steps at remedying a pervasive speeding problem that residents say has been an issue in the town for years.

In October, a group of 36 residents along Greenbush Road demanded action by filing a petition that “implores the Select Board to act to enforce the traffic laws on our street in response to ongoing community concern about the challenges dangerous drivers pose to safe automotive, pedestrian and bicycle travel within our neighborhood.”

“It seems to have really hit a crescendo recently, since the pandemic began and there’s much higher traffic coming through the roads in Vermont with our population changes and our travel increases,” said Carla Hunter, a

“Please, we need meaningful change,” she said. “We need action.”

The selectboard responded by asking the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission to conduct a traffic-calming study on Greenbush Road. The study provided a slew of options for town officials to consider, including speed humps, road splitters, changing the fog lines and installing speed feedback radar signs along different points on the road to encourage drivers to slow down.

While most residents expressed support for the propositions, another Greenbush resident, Chris Davis, reminded the selectboard that regardless of these options, with no police force in Charlotte, drivers generally face

County’s new communications union district plots next steps

COREY MCDONALD STAFF WRITER

Work has begun on the formation of a Chittenden County Communications Union District,

approved by voters in five towns in November, with the goal of expanding the county’s fiber network to its participating towns in a county largely dominated by cable.

Voters in Shelburne, South Burlington, Essex, Essex Junction and Williston overwhelmingly approved the creation of a communications union district, the state mechanism to expand and,

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in some cases, introduce highspeed fiber-optic internet connections while addressing pockets of underserved areas that the private market has so far failed to address.

“There’s an economy of scale

of working with many communities together ... in terms of negotiating,” said Robert Fish, the deputy director of the Vermont Commu-

Our delicious hot dogs are back for a limited time. Chicago, Vermont, Kansas City and more.

LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER

Weekly news coverage for Charlotte and Hinesburg

PHOTO BY LEE KROHN

Santa stops by Charlotte Volunteer Fire and Rescue Dec. 3 to help local children compile their Christmas lists.

Santa and his helpers

Berry rare: Mansfield hiker finds shrub long thought extinct

TOMMY GARDNER STAFF WRITER

There’s an exceedingly rare shrub atop Vermont’s highest peak that you probably won’t see for several months because of all the snow. But you’re not alone — until last month, no one else ever had, either.

The small shrub is called purple crowberry, and a hiker from upstate New York recently spotted it while on a foliage-season visit up Mt. Mansfield. According to state wildlife officials, the last time the specimen had been documented in Vermont was in 1908, and that was on Camel’s Hump, the state’s second-highest peak.

“If I had to make a guess, it’s probably been there all along, and we just missed it,” Bob Popp, a botanist with the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, said this week.

That’s not for lack of searching. Popp said the purple crowberry is easily overlooked because it grows nearby and looks a lot like its more abundant brethren, the black crowberry.

“This discovery emphasizes the benefit of having a community of keen botanical observers on the ground,” he said.

The keen observer in this case is Liam Ebner, a summit steward with the Adirondack Mountain Club in New York. Ebner was on Mansfield in mid-October as part of the 2022 Northeastern Alpine Stewardship Gathering, a biennial conference hosted this year by the Green Mountain Club and The Waterman Fund.

In a telephone interview this week, Ebner said he is very famil-

iar with alpine tundra zones like that found atop Vermont’s highest peaks as well as the tops of many Adirondack summits — he’s particularly familiar with Marcy, Cascade, Algonquin, Colden and Wright peaks — so he knows how to gingerly poke around without upsetting the fragile tundra flora. He’s also always on the lookout for purple crowberries, which are also very rare in New York.

“One of my bosses at the beginning of the season said if we find any new ones, she’d buy us ice cream,” Ebner said. If that’s the case, Vermont might owe Ebner a whole lot of Ben & Jerry’s.

“This is an extraordinary find,” Popp said, adding it was even more extraordinary because Ebner was able to identify the shrub not by its titular fruit, but by its needle patterns.

The purple crowberry (Empetrum atropurpureum) grows low to the ground in rocky habitat above the tree line. The species is identifiable by needlelike leaves and purple berries, and is found in Maine, New Hampshire and New York — in greater numbers in Maine than in the rest of the Northeast. It is listed as uncommon in New Hampshire and endangered in New York.

In Vermont, it is still listed as extinct, or to be technical, it is “extirpated,” a term conservationists use to mean something longer exists in one place but may in others.

Popp said there is no indication that the purple crowberry was ever a common species in Vermont.

“Considering its rarity, it prob-

ably doesn’t play a big role in the overall ecosystem,” Popp said. “But it is a native species and is part of our heritage and losing it would be tragic.”

With that in mind, state wildlife officials aren’t saying where Ebner found the shrub — which Popp himself verified a few days later — and neither is the eagleeyed New Yorker. It is off the beaten path, and summit stewards have for years posted watches over the high peaks during fair weather seasons to educate people about staying on the beaten path, and away from fragile tundra vegetation.

“They can withstand cold and wind, but not getting trampled,” Ebner said. “The soil up there is very precious and getting established is the hardest part of a plant’s life cycle.”

Both he and Nigel Bates, the Green Mountain Club’s Caretaker Program supervisor, say the health of the summits — and perhaps the very existence of purple crowberry on Mt. Mansfield — is a testament to careful stewardship.

“We take this sighting as proof that our practices on the mountain are working,” Bates said. “We thank visitors for their commitment to walking on durable surfaces, leashing their dogs and protecting the fragile alpine flora communities in Vermont.”

As for the purple crowberry’s future in Vermont, things are looking up. Popp worries a little that some snowshoe hare might nibble away some of the Mansfield shrubs, and he worries a lot more about increased human traffic in the backcountry during

the winter.

Still, the shrubs — there is more than one up there, Popp discovered — have probably been right under their noses for more than a century, and he’s hopeful that continues.

In the short term, the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department and the Green Mountain Club will monitor Mansfield’s purple crowberry population for signs of predation or encroachment by other plants. In the longer term, the department will consider the purple crowberry for designation on the state’s threatened and endangered species list as more is learned about the species’ viability in Vermont.

“I don’t see any reason why it shouldn’t be up there next year,” Popp said. “It’s been there for at least 114 years.”

PHOTO BY GLEN MITTELHAUSER

Purple crowberry

“They can withstand cold and wind, but not getting trampled ... getting established is the hardest part of a plant’s life cycle.”

—Liam Ebner

Charlotte artist turns found rusty sled into objet d’art

Raffle will benefit local food shelves

LUCIE LEHMANN CONTRIBUTOR

It’s the season of giving back and a Charlotte artist, Alexandra Lehmann, has once again used her talents to create something beautiful and jolly — this time, a whimsical winter scene on a restored children’s sled — that will be raffled off to benefit two local food pantries.

This is the fourth time that Lehmann, who grew up in New York but spent much of her life in her parents’ native country, Switzerland, before settling in Charlotte 22 years ago, has created a work of art to be raffled with the proceeds going to a local nonprofit.

“It all began 10 years ago with a fairy house that my friend Ted Roberts and I created at the monument garden outside the Old Brick Store, which turned into an impromptu raffle when so many people wanted to buy it,” the shy 67-year-old explained. “That raised $2,000 for COTS (Committee on Temporary Shelter) that year, and it lit a spark of possibility that something creative could attract people’s interest enough to buy a raffle ticket.”

Through Dec. 20, the restored, cobalt-blue children’s sled is on display at Village Wine and Coffee in Shelburne. Raffle tickets are $5, via cash or check, and the raffle is being run on the honor system. There is a payment box under the sled and a tin to deposit filled-out raffle stubs.

Checks can be made out to either the Charlotte or Shelburne Food Shelf, both of which provide food assistance to members in need in their communities. Cash proceeds will be equally divided between the two food pantries.

“Most people don’t understand how much food insecurity there is around here. We donate to both food shelves, so anything that helps facilitate getting people to support that part of the community, I’m happy to have here,” said Kevin Clayton, the owner of Village Wine and Coffee.

A graduate of Columbia University with a degree in history, Lehmann has always found inspiration in nature and loves working with her hands. For years, she created and maintained four seasonal displays around the World War I monument in Char-

lotte, before her friend Roberts and his wife, Beth Sytsma, eventually took it over.

“Having always loved anything creative, from carving soap bars as a child to working in fused glass and textiles, if my

hands can make it, I love it and I’m always engaged,” she said. “I find it thrilling that you can make something beautiful out of simple objects and that they then go out

COURTESY PHOTO

Charlotte artist Alexandra Lehmann with the restored sled she is raffling at Village Wine and Coffee to support Shelburne and Charlotte food pantries.

Total Incidents: 35 Traffic Stops: 8

Top incidents:

Nov. 29 at 7:18 a.m., officers investigated reports of a vehicle passing a school bus in the process of picking up students.

Nov. 29 at 1:45 p.m., a fraud report is being investigated.

Nov. 29 at 4:41 p.m., an officer investigated damage to a motor vehicle on Lincoln Hill Road.

Nov. 30 at 10:51 a.m., officers investigated a report of threats and harassment at Champlain Valley Union High School.

Nov. 30 at 8:51 p.m., officers responded to the parking lot of CVU for two unrelated, singlecar crashes.

Dec.1 at 2:30 p.m., officers

Hinesburg Police Blotter

responded to a two-car crash on Route 116. This incident is still under investigation for possible impaired operation.

Dec. 1 at 5:15 p.m., officers responded to Hollow Road for a reported overdose.

Dec. 2 at 8:52 a.m., police took a report of erratic driving on Silver Street.

Dec. 2 at 11:36 a.m., police helped someone with a civil matter stemming from a theft-of-services complaint.

Dec. 2 at 12:30 p.m., officers investigated another report of threats and harassment at CVU.

Dec. 2 at 4:45 p.m., an alleged assault at CVU is under investigation.

Dec. 5 at 7 a.m., suspicious activ-

ity on Gilman Road.

Dec. 5 at 8:45 a.m., a citizen was assisted with fingerprints for employment purposes.

Dec. 5 at 2 p.m., found property was turned in and the owner located.

Dec. 5 at 2:45 p.m., another citizen was assisted with fingerprints for employment purposes.

Dec. 5 at 6:24 p.m., an officer responded to Hillview Terrace for a property dispute.

Dec. 5 at 10:14 p.m., an officer responded to Shelburne to assist officers there with a pursuit of a suspect in a stolen-vehicle.

Dec. 5 at 10:40 p.m., an officer responded to Hillview Terrace for a dispute.

Sheriff’s office warns of gift card jury scam

The Chittenden County Sheriff’s Department is warning of a gift card scam about missing jury duty.

The department says it has received multiple reports of scammers masquerading as sheriffs and calling to instruct people to send

gift cards for missing jury duty. So far, sheriffs say no one has reported falling for scam. The caller, who is reported to have a southern accent, is providing both real and fictitious names for local deputies and is threatening immediate arrest.

Serving

A

Advertising Wendy Ewing wendy@shelburnenews.com (802) 985-3091 x12

Advertising Director Judy Kearns judy@otherpapersbvt.com (802) 864-6670 x21

Managing Editor Dylan Kelley dylan@stowereporter.com

News Editor Tommy Gardner

Staff Writers Aaron Calvin Corey McDonald Liberty Darr

Production Manager Stephanie Manning stephanie@shelburnenews.com

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

Editorial submission deadline: Friday at 5 p.m. news@thecitizenvt.com

Calendar submission deadline: Friday at 12 p.m. news@thecitizenvt.com

Contact: 1340 Williston Road South Burlington, VT 05403 (802) 985-3091

Never provide any personal information such as date of birth, Social Security numbers or credit card information. The sheriff’s office never clears arrest warrants or court cases by asking for money.

Report any of these incidents to the Vermont Attorney General’s Office at 800-649-2424 or 802-656-3183 or contact the Chittenden County Sheriff’s Office at 802-863-4341.

ARTIST

continued from page 3

into the larger world for someone’s enjoyment.”

This is the second sled that Lehmann has restored for a raffle. She found this one by the side of Lewis Creek Road, all rusted and with the paint mostly gone. She took it home and over several weeks patiently took the sled apart, stripped, sanded, reassembled and painted it, and then added the forest scene that covers most of the sled’s surface. Finally, she varnished it to protect the antique, which she estimates is at least 60 years old. While it would make a great seasonal display on a covered porch or under a Christmas tree, she doesn’t recommend using it in the snow.

The winning ticket will be drawn on Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 3:45 p.m.

Lucie Lehmann is the artistically challenged sister of Alexandra, as well as her biggest fan.

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Still work to do: the life force of livid women

Guest Perspective

Elayne Clift

In 1995 when activist, advocate and former Congresswoman Bella Abzug uttered these words at the 4th World Conference of Women in Beijing, thousands of women there and everywhere felt the force of her words: “Women will change the nature of power, power will not change the nature of women. Never underestimate the importance of what we are doing. Never give in and never give up!”

Recently, when I quoted those words to a group of adult learners in recounting United Nations conferences focusing on women that had occurred over 20 years between 1975 and the Beijing conference, some participants struggled to understand what Abzug meant about the nature of power as it relates to gender. For several days I pondered their questions searching for clarity in how to respond. Then on Oct. 3 something happened that helped me articulate an answer.

That was the day Ketanji Brown Jackson became the first Black woman to be seated on the Supreme Court of the United States, and I realized that the three critical voices of dissent on the badly damaged highest court in our county would now

be women’s voices. Their intelligent, impassioned collective legal analysis would still be in the court’s minority, but having them there, “speaking truth to nonsense” as legal journalist Dahlia Lithwick, author of the new book “Lady Justice,” puts it, highlights a watershed moment in which the nature of power for both women and men is shifting, not symbolically but in real terms, representing a new understanding of how women are reshaping how we live.

Described as “a beacon to generations” in one account of her first day on the bench, it was not lost on legal scholars, and many women, that Jackson has arrived at the Supreme Court at a critical and necessary time. Her effectiveness as a voice of dissent, reminiscent of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s, was apparent when with quiet authority she offered to “bring some enlightenment” to a provision in the Clean Water Act in her response to an attorney hoping to kill the act.

The voices of women like Jackson and Lithwick, inside and out of courtrooms, speak volumes to multitudes of women and their advocates in a time when females are being dragged back to a full throttled misogyny so devoid of understanding, compassion and justice and so deeply punitive and

threatening it boggles the mind.

That’s why acts of resistance like the one Iran’s women are bravely mounting with global support have always existed, whether over female sexuality, the quest for freedom, need for voting rights and economic security or egregious political acts of injustice. Women in vast numbers through the ages have had enough. They are tired of being silenced,

rendered invisible and metaphorically burned at the stake. They’ve had enough of being told to calm down when revealing their consciousness and attempts at social justice based on lived experience, whether in capitals, courtrooms or communities.

They’re exhausted from abuses in the marketplace, the academy, the home and the mine fields of micro-aggression. They are more

ready than ever to self-advocate in the face of misogyny driven violence, abuse and poverty while rejecting discrimination, deprivation and unrealistic expectations. In her new book Lithwick captures this frustration while interviewing numerous women who worked within the legal system. One of them was Anita

See CLIFT on page 7

Leading opponent of Prop 5 contemplates its passage

Guest Perspective

Rep. Anne B. Donahue

Eric Metaxas, author of “Seven Women and the Secret of Their Greatness,” said, “each era has the fatal hubris to believe that it has once and for all climbed to the top of the mountain and can see everything as it is, from the highest and most objective vantage point possible.”

We have been certain in the past: it was a norm to take land and slaughter its people; to sell people; to sterilize those we believed should not be procreating.

None of those actions was taken in the belief of doing wrong. They were in accord with society’s values at that time.

Now, as Vermonters, we have adopted an amendment to our Constitution that has established that personal reproductive auton-

omy supersedes giving weight to whether another human right is also at stake.

Some are touting this victory as an historic gain. History should give us a cautionary lesson. How sure should we be that we have climbed to the top of the mountain and can see everything as it is?

Perhaps now is a safe opportunity to reflect more deeply on the profound issues at stake.

Our human race, worldwide and for centuries, has been wrestling with the issues of women’s rights and abortion. Is it exclusively a right of health care and autonomy? Is a developing embryo or fetus also a person, who therefore also has rights deserving of protection by society?

The history of humankind is deeply engrained with the stain of dividing between fit and unfit, those deemed less than fully human.

Our founding fathers allowed

Black slave lives to be counted as three-fifths the value of a white life. Those lives were not recognized as having equivalent value or humanity. Slaves could be hunted down and killed because individual property rights were at stake.

Colonialism and the massacre of indigenous people was not recognized as wrong, because conquerors had the right to claim new lands and new property rights and to kill for that purpose.

Less than 100 years ago, the Supreme Court allowed “unfit lives” — Black, poor, indigenous, sexually different, disabled — to be denied the right to procreate, upholding eugenic sterilization. Respected citizens did not recognize eugenics as wrong, because people unfit to reproduce did not have equal value and society had a right to prevent unwanted children

See DONAHUE on page 7

They are tired of being silenced, rendered invisible and metaphorically burned at the stake. They’ve had enough of being told to calm down, whether in capitals, courtrooms or communities.

DONAHUE

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from becoming a burden on society.

Planned Parenthood removed the name of founder Margaret Sanger, a eugenics supporter, from its New York affiliate building in 2020 with an acknowledgement that it was “both a necessary and overdue step to reckon with our legacy and acknowledge Planned Parenthood’s contributions to historical reproductive harm within communities of color.”

In other words, the planning of parenthood was part of an agenda to curtail the growth of unwanted groups of people, persons of lesser value.

We have always used different labels to distinguish the wanted and the unwanted — not unlike how we talk about whether there is independent life in the womb.

When a wanted pregnancy ends in a miscarriage, we say, “she lost her baby,” not her embryo or her fetus; pharmaceutical companies warn us about risks to an unborn baby.

When parents share pictures of their baby in the womb they don’t say, “look at our fetus,” yet many people recoil at the thought of requiring someone to look at the same photo before deciding to abort. We don’t want that humanity to be visible if it is unwanted.

The criteria of being wanted or not defines one as a fetus and the other a baby. It does not seem very different from deeming unwanted indigenous people or Black people or Jewish people or poor people as being less fully human to assuage consciences over adopting the priorities of society at the time.

CLIFT

continued from page 6

Hill, who shared this personal story about giving a presentation on Supreme Court decisions. “A young white man said, ‘Aren’t you being a little paranoid? You act as though the sky is falling.’”

Hill replied, “Here’s a list of examples. You tell me when the sky is falling.” Later she realized “it wasn’t just that the sky was falling. It was because we don’t live under the same sky.” Lithwick added, “I realized that much like the 6-3 conservative supermajority that now controls the court, they simply don’t live under the same sky.”

Therein, Hill and Lithwick capture a key problem. As Lithwick puts it, addressing charges of paranoia and hysteria, “The mirror image of telling a woman you believe her is telling her she is being hysterical. … That is the real problem when women’s pain is substituted for actual justice.”

As she points out, “our very presence is outrageous. The fact that we even say anything is a sign of resistance.”

It is that resistance to insults and dismissal that I think Abzug was reaching

Refusing to recognize that there may be both rights of a person carrying a baby and a right of protection once that new life is in development, demeans value of that life in favor of a societal priority of personal control over pregnancy.

We all voted on Nov. 8 with the intent of doing the right thing — to protect human rights. We simply saw those human rights under very different lenses. That intent should be recognized on both sides, not vilified.

Good people, however, have in the past made grievous mistakes that violated human rights.

For the prevailing side of Article 22, the question should be asked: what will time tell us about decisions we make in our era? What might we need to apologize for, be forgiven for, be asked to make reparations for?

What we should not do is to have that fatal hubris to believe that we have once and for all climbed to the top of the mountain and can see everything as it is, from the highest and most objective vantage point. The way any of us see things is not necessarily everything there is.

Whether perceived as victory or loss, let each of us have the humility to consider our votes with a slight bit less certainty that our perspective will stand the judgement of time.

Rep. Anne Donahue was recently re-elected as state representative for the Washington-1 House district and was a spokesperson for Vermonters for Good Government, which lobbied against passage of Article 22.

for when she spoke of gendered power in 1995. She knew, of course, that not all the world’s women would be with her along with the thousands of women who came to Beijing, nor would they all welcome the change women so badly need. But she also understood that for millennia, power has been the purview and prerogative of men, a notion that has been considered a social norm, despite women having always been a profound presence seeking justice and human rights, rendering themselves a thorn in the side of patriarchal power.

Women’s voices and calls for justice are always fundamental to resisting imposed silence, so Abzug’s clarion call to a fatigued sisterhood who needed to be infused with new energy and hope was deeply important in that moment. It’s also why Jackson’s presence on the Supreme Court now, along with justices Kagan and Sotomayor, is so very important.

Elayne Clift writes about women, politics and social justice from Vermont. More at elayne-clift.com.

When a wanted pregnancy ends in a miscarriage, we say, “she lost her baby,” not her embryo or her fetus; pharmaceutical companies warn us about risks to an unborn baby.

School leaders

Teachers’ association honors Shelburne paraeducator

Gloria Mantagaris, a paraeducator at the Shelburne Community School has been named the Vermont NEA’s Education Support Professional of the Year for 2023 according to the Vermont banch of the National Education Association.

A leader, negotiator and active member of the Champlain Valley Education Association, Mantagaris was instrumental in forming her district’s paraeducator mentor program. She has also helped secure extra sick time and an additional paid week during April break for her colleagues.

As Education Support Professional of the Year, Mantagaris will receive a $1,000 check, an all-ex-

penses paid trip to the National Education Association education support professional conference in March and will represent the state in the national contest, which carries a top prize of $10,000.

“The core of my work is to foster trusting relationships with all students,” she said in her application. “Student success is driven by meeting them at their needs and this something I live and work by.”

This marks the second year in a row that a Champlain Valley School District education support professional has received this recognition. Jimmy Johnson, one of our valued bus drivers, was honored last year.

Seven Champlain Valley School District educators recently completed the Snelling Center for Government’s Vermont School Leadership Project. The district has a long history of encouraging leaders to participate in this 17-month professional development experience, and the 2022 group included 22 Vermont educators. From left, Courtney Krahn, assistant principal, Charlotte Central School; Jensa Bushey, CVSD district literacy leader; Angela Filion, principal, Allen Brook School; Sarah Crum, CVSD director of learning and innovation; Caitlin Bianchi, math coordinator, Williston Schools; Arthur Chiaravalli, Fairbanks house director, Champlain Valley Union High School; and Jennifer Roth, principal, Charlotte Central School.

Carey and Huestis picked as outstanding educators

Champlain Valley educators

Hannah Carey and Heidi Huestis were recognized earlier this month at the University of Vermont’s 42nd Outstanding Educator event. Carey is a math teacher at CVU and Huestis is the librarian at Charlotte Central School. They were nominated by their peers and building administrators.

“Hannah Carey is a creative, connected and collaborative teacher. She knows her students deeply, resulting in lasting relationships,” read one of them comments submitted for Carey’s nomination. “Students name her as a favorite teacher for years after taking her

class. Hannah is most passionate about creating opportunities to make learning more engaging and pursues innovations to meet this need.”

“Heidi Huestis has touchpoints with every staff member and student in our building sharing her love of literature with all,” wrote supporters of Huestis. “She uses her knowledge of students, their interests and their abilities to create access to rich books for all. She volunteers as a middle school advisor and spends every morning creating a safe space and fostering connections with our middle school students.”

COURTESY PHOTOS

Hannah Carey, and below, Heidi Huestis are UVM Outstanding Teachers.

COURTESY PHOTO

Gloria Mantagaris

James O’Boyle

James “Jimmy” O’Boyle, 59, died in a tragic motorcycle accident on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Randolph.

Jimmy was born on March 30, 1963, the third child of John and Veronica (Crowe) O’Boyle.

Following his high school graduation from Champlain Valley Union High School in Hinesburg, Jimmy moved to New Jersey to apprentice at the construction business of his uncle Roger Glynn and his brother Ronnie.

While living there he was introduced to deep sea fishing and loved it. He spent many happy hours fishing with his uncle Roger and cousins John, Chris and Dennis. Fishing remained part of his life, and he always had a fishing pole at the ready.

Upon his return to Vermont, he worked for years in the hydroponics industry, and eventually opened his own store in Waterbury. After operating that store for several years, he returned to the carpentry and construction field.

Jimmy loved a party and, more often than not, he was the life of the party. He had a booming voice and a laugh that would rock the house. He loved children; he was that crazy uncle that would chase you around for hours.

In recent years he grew a wonderful white beard, and at Christmas he would dress up as Santa for the children, with Gigi by his side as Mrs. Claus. Jimmy loved the great outdoors and was an avid animal lover as well. He had a big heart, a big smile, a big laugh, and will be so deeply missed by his family and friends, who experienced great sadness and broken hearts at his death.

Jimmy loved written word, especially liked science fiction. Another love was music, from classical to country, big band to jazz and everything in between. Jimmy also loved his Irish heritage, of which he was very proud, and the gift of faith.

Jimmy was predeceased by his parents, John and Veronica O’Boyle; his brother-inlaw, William Waite; and great niece Bailey Bent.

He is survived by his sons, Cullen O’Boyle and his fiancée, Megan Bradley, and Elias O’Boyle; and by his fiancée, Gigi Fanning, who he would say was “the best thing that ever happened to him.”

He also leaves two sisters, Mary Waite and Patti (John) Cartier; nieces, Elizabeth (Michael) Formas and their children, Molly and Connor, Maureen (Joe) Tanguay and their children, Emery and Oliver, and Jessica (Paul) Bent and their children, Parker, Kyle and Caitlyn; and a nephew, James “J.P” Waite.

Champlain Valley Junior League holds ‘diaper dumps’ in December

The Junior League of Champlain Valley has set an ambitious goal of raising $10,000 and collecting 50,000 diapers before the end of the year.

The Junior League kicked off its diaper drive Nov. 29, which will be followed by two diaper dumps in December. The first is set for Saturday, Dec. 17, at its South Burlington warehouse and a second will be held Saturday, Dec. 31, at the University of Vermont’s hockey game against Lindenwood.

The drive has collected nearly

1 million diapers since its founding in 2007.

The league distributes diapers and wipes to families struggling to meet basic needs across 13 of Vermont’s 14 counties. In September, the diaper bank distributed more than 90,240 diapers statewide and another 112,750 in October. .

“A steady supply of diapers is critical for every family,” said Amanda Herzberger, diaper bank chair. “It can cost up to $75 per month to diaper a child and no state or federal safety-net program

allocates dollars for the purchase of diapers.”

Donors can donate online or mail a check to the Junior League of Champlain Valley at P.O. Box 4418, Burlington, VT 05406.

Diapers can be dropped off at Dee Physical Therapy locations in South Burlington, Hinesburg and Shelburne during regular business hours in December or at one of Junior League of Champlain Valley’s year-round diaper donation bins at Healthy Living Market in South Burlington and Williston and Hula in Burlington.

COURTESY PHOTOS

The Junior League of Champlain Valley needs to raise $10,000 and collect 50,000 diapers before the end of the year.

16-17

December 2022

4pm-8pm

A Winter Artisan Festival

On a dark, December night, Illuminate Vermont shines bright with the power of artistic expression and celebration.

Grab a cocktail or some culinary treats. Enjoy the live music from the main stage. Stroll the artists’ market, featuring great holiday gifts from Vermont artisans. Best of all, admission is free.

EXPERIENCE VERMONT’S NEWEST ARTISTIC FESTIVAL. 180 Market Street, South Burlington, Vermont www.illuminatevermont.com

Presenting Sponsor

Event Sponsors

Media Sponsors

COMMUNICATIONS

continued from page 1

nity Broadband Board, which has spearheaded the state initiative to expand its broadband network. “(Providers) need a certain number of possible customers to make the case that there’s any business case for them to even participate. It’s like collective bargaining: one employee has a little bit of say, but 90 percent of the employees have a heck of a lot more.”

The new district, the 10th in the state, is a bit unique in that it is “certainly the CUD with the least number of underserved addresses, because it’s a denser area to start with,” Fish said.

Most of the addresses in the coverage area are currently served by cable. Of the county’s 168,000 people, 75 percent have cable internet and 30 percent have highspeed fiber, according to Charlie Baker, the executive director of the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission.

But cable is “not the technolo-

gy that’s going to be future proof,” Fish said. High-speed fiber is the goal.

“This is about really trying to get fiber to as many homes as possible,” Baker said.

“While there are no guarantees of success, forming a communications union district is clearly our best chance to help facilitate expanded broadband connectivity throughout our region,” Shelburne town manager Lee Krohn said.

But pockets of South Burlington and Shelburne still lack basic internet service — “several hundred people in the towns that are part of the CUD now that are there at the end of the road; they’re at where the cable companies haven’t seen that it was worth it for them to expand service where there wasn’t a business case for them,” Fish said.

“That’s where we’re trying to solve a market failure here,” he added.

“There are few households in South Burlington that do not have access to at least basic broadband (25/3 speed). However, the majority of South Burlington residential users do not have fiber (100/100 speed) access,” said Andrew Bolduc, the city’s assistant town manager. “The CUD will initially focus on leveraging state and federal dollars to bring fiber to those underserved households, with the hope of continuing to expand the overall fiber infrastructure network.”

Next steps

With the communications union district in its infancy, the next steps include having an organizing meeting, either before the holidays or in January.

Each town will appoint a delegate and an alternate to the board. In some cases, the town manager may play that role.

“It is likely that in South Burlington we will recommend that the manager remain engaged through the early formation stages, bylaw creation, regular meeting scheduling,” Bolduc said.

Concurrent with that process, Bolduc said, “we will also begin to advertise and seek community members interested in being appointed as the municipal representative to this new district. I’ve received a few inquiries already.”

It’s also “highly likely” that, within the next six months, neighboring towns — which, because of local bylaws, could not put the option to join up on their November ballot — will move to join the district. Colchester, Westford, Underhill and Jericho have expressed interest in joining, Fish said, possibly joining the 213

of Vermont’s 252 towns that are members of such a district.

The county’s southernmost towns, however, seems to be well covered. Charlotte and Hinesburg are both served by Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom and have a significant amount of highspeed fiber optic servicing the towns.

The Charlotte Selectboard felt it would be better to partner with telecom company directly, rather than be part of a communications union district, said Dean Bloch, the town administrator.

“Our strong preference is to work with Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom directly, rather than with a communications union district,” Bloch said in a letter to Christine Hallquist, the executive director of Vermont Community Broadband Board.

said operating as the “convener and facilitator to make sure all those towns were all on the same page.”

After the district has been fully formed, the next step will likely be issuing a request for proposal, or a request for information, from providers interested in working with the district.

“The Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission and the Vermont Community Broadband Board will continue to be exceptional resources for the district in continuing to move this forward,” Bolduc said.

Charlotte and Hinesburg are both served by Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom and have a significant amount of high-speed fiber optic servicing the towns.

“Our long relationship with Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom has demonstrated that they have the history, expertise and capability to continue to serve our community.”

In Hinesburg, “broadband has come up a few times, but it hasn’t gained any traction with the selectboard,” town manager Todd Odit said.

Working closely with the towns is the Chittenden Regional Planning Commission, which has provided staff support and other administrative functions, Baker

Who ultimately makes a bid — be it Burlington Telecom, Comcast, Consolidated Communications, MC Fiber or someone else — is to be determined and could be months away. But the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of remote work has shown the economic benefits of having a high-speed internet connection for everyone from their homes. While Chittenden County has a solid cable connection, “the rest of the state is moving to fiber,” Fish said.

“Chittenden County has a heck of a lot of cable, that’s great. But they also want a path to develop a path forward, and a business model going forward,” he said. “It’s the economic engine of the state, it should have the best connectivity. They don’t want to be left behind as rural areas catch up.”

TRAFFIC

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little consequence for breaking traffic laws.

“I really support all the initiatives by all of our neighbors to address the speeding,” he said at the Nov. 14 selectboard meeting. “But without enforcement, what you’re going to have is people hitting those speed tables at speed in the dark.”

“Nice concept, but without enforcement it won’t matter a lot,” he said later.

Charlotte contracts with Vermont State Police for law enforcement services, but troopers are only called to Charlotte when there’s a call for service and do not routinely patrol the town. In addition to the traffic study, town administrator Dean Bloch has been checking in with the Chittenden County Sheriff’s Department about providing future assistance in patrolling the town for speeders.

“I did talk with the Chittenden County sheriff, Kevin McLaughlin and Lt. Dan Gamelin from that office,” wrote Bloch in an email. “Sheriff McLaughlin indicated that he will be retiring in January and Dan Gamelin will be replacing him then — so they both indicated we should reach back out to them in January to see if they can

provide assistance with traffic enforcement. Dan Gamelin sounded optimistic that they could provide some amount of assistance.”

Residents of Greenbush Road expressed gratitude for the consideration of the traffic study, but are pressing for these ideas to become a reality sooner rather than later.

“I want to thank you all so much for expediting this report, we are so very grateful. I was so surprised to see it today and I’m surprised we are having this much discussion,” said Greenbush resident Damaris Herlihy. “My biggest questions are what are our next steps and what are our opportunities to respond properly?”

Bloch explained that a representative from the regional planning commission will be available at the Dec. 12 selectboard meeting, to answer questions about the traffic study and how the town should move forward.

“We’ve come a long way in such a short amount of time,” selectboard chair Jim Faulkner said. “I think these will go into place, we just have to define how exactly we are going to do and get costs and so forth.”

PHOTO BY LEE KROHN

Charlotte Volunteer Fire and Rescue.

Dr. Aerwen Stagers, DMD

Hinesburg Community School hosts the Greenhawks

Start the holiday season with a musical performance by the Greenhawks on Thursday, Dec. 22, 7 p.m. in the Hinesburg Community School gym.

The Greenhawks are the school’s folkrock-ballad band composed of student musicians and led by staff member, Niel Maurer. Suggested admission is $5 per person or $15 for a family of three or more. Concessions available during intermission. Call 978-7640694 for more information.

Voting group launches climate change series

The League of Women Voters of Vermont, in partnership with Kellogg-Hubbard Library presents the second talk in its lecture series, “The Impact of Climate Change on Vermont,” Wednesday, Dec. 14, at 7 p.m.

In the series, the league examines climate change’s effect on the personal, economic and ecological level, and closes with action that has been taken and what else can be done.

The program features a panel discussion on climate change and agriculture and ecology. The panel, moderated by Tom McKone, will focus on the effects of climate change on Vermont landscapes.

The program will be hosted via Zoom and is open to the public. Attendance is free with registration at bit.ly/3UoQxSf.

Hunger is Hard, Baking is Easy returns

Calling all bakers inspired by the holiday season. The Charlotte Food Shelf will once again be providing holiday baskets to those

in need and collecting homemade baked goods to add to the baskets.

Cookies, bars, mini quick breads — it’s all welcome. Drop off donations at the Charlotte Congregational Church, 403 Church Hill Road, during the week of Dec. 12, through Thursday, Dec. 15. There will be receptacles between the church and white building for any donations.

Please place baked goods in bags, small boxes or wrapped on a paper plate. Unfortunately, no items can be returned. Small portions are best to be able to provide sever-

al different items to a larger family. Indicate if your donation contains nuts or nut products.

Hinesburg Police now have drug drop-off box

The Hinesburg Police Department now has a collection box for residents to discard old or unwanted prescription drugs.

The 4-foot-tall metal receptacle sits in the police department lobby and can be accessed 24 hours a day. It is under surveillance and a convenient way to discard those medications in a safe manner. Simply open the hatch and drop them in.

Charlotte town hall collects for Toys for Tots

Charlotte Town Hall is a drop-off site for Toys for Tots.

There is a big container in the entryway waiting for donations of unwrapped toys for kids of all ages.

Charlotte Congregational Church events for the Christmas season

Charlotte Congregational Church has announced its 2022 Advent and Christmas offerings, open to all to gather, rejoice and find solace in the season.

• Lighting the Advent Wreath, Sundays, Dec. 11 and 18, during worship, 10 a.m.

• Illuminated Advent spiral walk, at dusk every evening.

• Advent hours of sanctuary, Mondays, Dec. 12 and 19, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

• Blessing of the Peace Pole, Sunday, Dec. 11, immediately following the service. A dedication of the newly installed Peace Pole on the church grounds and a moment to observe the 10th anniversary of the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

• Annual Christmas pageant, Sunday, Dec. 18, 10 a.m.

• Christmas Eve, Saturday, Dec. 24, offering at all services will be used to support the church’s missions and ministries. Outdoor family carol sing, 4 p.m. in the front of the church. Indoor services of lessons and carols, 5 and 7 p.m.

• Christmas Day, • Sunday, Dec. 25, 10 a.m.

All worship services will be livestreamed except the outdoor carol sing and the 7 p.m. Christmas Eve indoor service. Indoor services are limited to 150 in the sanctuary. The vestry will accommodate overflow. Masks will be required while singing indoors.

See the website for a full list of events at charlotteucc.org.

Church offers ‘Christmas Oratorio Dec. 11

First Congregational Church United Church of Christ of Burlington, 38 Winooski Ave., hosts Camille Saint-Saëns’ “Christmas Oratorio” (“Oratorio De Noël”) on Sunday, Dec. 11, at 10 a.m.

The sanctuary choir will be joined by guest musicians, including soloists from East Carolina University, the University of

PHOTO BY COREY MCDONALD

The Hinesburg Community School Greenhawks during a rehearsal last year.

COMMUNITY NOTES

continued from page 14

Vermont and professional musicians from the wider community on harp, organ, violin, viola and cello.

Director of Music Amy Shortt will conduct the “Oratorio,” and Rev. Elissa Johnk will deliver the message.

The “Christmas Oratorio” is offered in person and will be livestreamed and available as a recording at youtube.com/firstchurchbtv.

Illuminate Vermont Artisan Fair is fast approaching

Enjoy a magical evening in the heart of South Burlington’s downtown as the community shines brightly with the power of artistic expression and celebration, both Friday and Saturday, Dec. 16-17, 4-7 p.m.

See the winter lights on Market Street. Stroll through the open-air market and find unique handmade products. There will also be local artisan food and drinks and live music.

For more information, visit illuminatevermont.com.

Author gives reading, signs copies of new book

The Hinesburg Public House and C. Jane Taylor will host a reading of her new book, “Spirit Traffic,” on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 2-5 p.m. The reading is followed by a discussion and Moth-style storytelling with audience members.

“Spirit Traffic” recounts how, at 50, the author learned to ride a motorcycle, overcame the terror of navigating her steep dirt driveway in Hinesburg and — three days after her son’s college graduation — set off with him and her husband on a 10,000-mile

two-wheel adventure. Limited seating. RSVP at info@hines burghpublichouse.com.

Charlotte Library’s mitten tree is up

Are you a knitter, crocheter or just like to shop?

The mitten tree is up at the Charlotte Library and waiting to be decorated with handmade and new cold weather gear. Warm socks, work gloves and thermal tops and bottoms are especially in need this year.

The library is also a designated food shelf drop-off location. All items collected will go to a local nonprofit organization.

Charlotte school hosts holiday market

The Charlotte Central School holiday market returns on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Vendor booths available at bit.ly/3Vq3kFl. Entry is free. All vendor registration fees from the holiday market go to the school’s parent teacher organization to support student enrichment programs and the community emergency care fund.

Contact ccsholidaymarket@ gmail.com with any questions.

Charlotte fire and rescue teaches family CPR course

The Charlotte Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service is a family CPR course on Saturday, Dec. 10, at 9:30 a.m. at the Charlotte Fire Station.

The curriculum will cover chest compressions, using an automated external defibrillator and how to provide interventions for choking

Hinesburg church hosts live Nativity

The Community Alliance Church is bringing back its live Nativity on Sunday, Dec. 18, from 5 to 8 p.m.

This outdoor drama tells the story of the first Christmas. Warm your hands at the shepherd’s fire, greet the innkeeper and head to the stable to see baby Jesus. You will even see the wise men and their gifts.

“2020 has been quite a year,

adults, children and infants. This class is ideal for learning what to do in an emergency without requiring professional certification. The class fee is $10 per person. To register or request more information email cpr@cvfrs.org.

to say the least. As the year winds down, our desire and prayer are to simply create an evening for families to experience the quiet, captivating and pristine moment of our Saviour’s birth,” said Pastor Scott Mansfield. “We would love to share this special moment with you.”

Tours leave every 10 minutes. Dress for the weath-

Enjoy Age Well meals at Charlotte Senior Center

The Age Well meal pickup for Thursday, Dec. 8, is from 10-11 a.m., Charlotte Senior Center, 212 Ferry Road, and features roast

3.66%

er. Free admission. Visit hinesburgcma.org to make a reservation.

Community Alliance Church, 190 Pond Road, Hinesburg, will also host its Christmas Eve, candle-lighting service on Saturday, Dec. 24 at 6 p.m. All are welcome.

For more information call 802-497-7326 or email maryrthon@gmail.com.

pork with warm sauce, applesauce, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables with lima beans, wheat bread with butter, chocolate chip cookie and milk.

See COMMUNITY NOTES on page 19

Community Alliance Church holds a live Nativity on Dec. 18.

Youth rowers compete at regional championships

Champlain Valley makes strong showing

On Nov. 19, nearly 70 youth rowers from Chittenden and Addison County middle and high schools competed in the Icebreaker Northeast Regional Youth Open-Water Rowing Championship in Fort Point Channel in Boston, Mass.

This race marked the end of a successful rowing season for high schools in Burlington and South Burlington, Champlain Valley Union High School and Mount Abraham Union High School as part of the youth rowing program with Lake Champlain Maritime Museum.

The teams competed alongside some of the best teams from the Northeast including those in New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Maine.

Each crew competed in a series of three sprint races with several sharp turns. The times from all three sprints were then combined into a cumulative time score to determine the winner for each event.

South Burlington had a strong showing in the novice high school six-oar event where it won by outpacing two crews from New York. Mount Abraham and Burlington High School competed in the intermediate four-oar event.

Mount Abraham challenged the Village Community Boathouse from New York for second place while Burlington High School fought hard for a fifth-place finish.

Vermont teams dominated the intermediate six-oar event with one of the two crews from Burlington High School taking home the victory with a decisive margin. The other Burlington crew placed third

in the event.

Champlain Valley Union High School also had two boats in the six-oar event, placing second and fourth.

In the experienced four-oar event, Vermont was also well represented. Mount Abraham placed second in the event, followed by Burlington in third and South Burlington in fifth.

CVU commanded the compe-

tition in the experienced six-oar event and won the overall race.

The day ended with a nautical mile race where 16 boats lined up for one massive start. Vermont teams eclipsed the intermediate six-oar event once again with two entries from CVU and three entries from Burlington.

One of the crews from CVU won the race, followed by all three of the Burlington High School

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crews in second through fourth place.

The final CVU crew rounded out the intermediate six-oar event in fifth place. South Burlington placed third in the experienced four-oar event.

CVU held the top position in the first six-oar event with a decisive victory.

The boats used by Vermont teams, as well as some used by

other competitors, were all built in the boat shop at Lake Champlain Maritime Museum by other local middle and high school students. This rowing season was a team effort by a community of rowers, parents, coaches, donors and dedicated staff at the museum.

If anyone is interested in joining a youth rowing team or supporting this program, learn more at bit. ly/3gDOdZK.

PHOTO BY NICK PATCH

Champlain Valley Union (left) and Mount Abraham Union (right) charge toward the finish line of the Icebreaker championship in Boston.

Champlain Valley athletes named to all-league teams

honorable mentions.

Boys’ soccer

It was a good year for three Champlain Valley boys’ soccer players as they earned multiple year-end rewards.

Seniors Eli Marden, Diego Robinson and Zach Spitznagle all earned spots on the VSCA All-State DI team and were named to the first team in the Metro Division.

Kyle Clairmont and Dylan Bokan each earned a spot on the second team in the Metro Division, while Sam Dennison, Meil Kanarick and Lucas Kelley all got honorable mentions.

Girls’ soccer

Champlain Valley’s Chloe Pecor was named the Metro Division Offensive Player of the Year and also earned a spot on the VSCA All-State DI team.

Ava Barron, Stella Dooley and Anna Morton all joined Pecor on the DI all-state team.

Barron, Dooley, Morton, Pecor and Zoe Klein were all named to the Metro Division first team, while Emma Allaire, Lauren Knudsen, Norah Munn and Zoe Zuller all earned spots on the second team.

Field hockey

The CVU field hockey team also wrapped up the 2022 season with some awards for their players and coach.

Coach Tucker Pierson was named Metro Division co-coach of the year after leading the Redhawks to the DI state title.

Tess Everett, Danielle Gamelin and Miranda Oppenheimer were all named to the Metro Division first team from CVU, while Emma Kim and Cordelia Thomas made the second team.

Grace Ferguson, Claire Marcoe and Carly Strobek all earned

In addition, Everett and Gamelin will represent Vermont in the Twin State game after making the senior all-star game roster.

Pierson will join the team as an assistant coach when they take on New Hampshire next summer.

Football

After capturing the program’s first Division I state title, the Champlain Valley football team brought home some extra hardware.

Multiple Redhawks earned spots on the coaches’ all-league teams after a standout season.

On offense, Ollie Cheer and Max Destito were both named to the first team as quarterbacks, while Asher Vaugh (running back), Alex Provost (wide receiver), Jack Sumner (wide receiver), Sean Kennedy (offensive line) and Trey Terricciano (offensive line) all earned first-team honors.

Jacob Armstrong and Billy Bates were both named to the second team as wide receivers and

Lucien Griffin, Connor Simons and Charlie Taylor were named to the second team from the offensive line.

Aidan Miller (wide receiver), Calvin Steele (wide receiver) and James St. Cyr (line) all got honorable mentions.

On defense, the CVU defensive line was well represented with Griffin, Terricciano, Kennedy and Simons all earning first team honors. Devon Gamelin and Taylor were both named to the first team as linebackers, while Cheer and Provost were named as backs.

Cheer was also named to the first team as a returner and Aidan Morris was named as the kicker.

On the second team, Ryan Boehmcke, Jacob Bose and Daniel Tuigere are linebackers. Bates (back), Dylan Frere (back), Chase Leonard (back) and Brian Rutherford (punter) were also named to the second team.

Kenyon Thompson (line), Destito (linebacker), Calvin Steele (linebacker) and Joe Merola (back) were all honorable mentions on defense.

Start the New Year with a

BINDING

Managing forests for bats ensures healthy ecosystems

Into the Woods

Ethan Tapper

Scientists from the University of Illinois recently studied the effects of removing bats from a forest, finding that a forest without bats had three times as many insects and five times as much defoliation as a forest with bats.

The researchers postulated that this increased defoliation would increase forest vulnerability — making trees more susceptible to other stressors at a time when forests are already stressed from climate change, invasive species, deforestation, forest fragmentation and more.

This research made me consider the many pieces and parts that make forests work and, more specifically, the role that bats play in forests.

There are over 1,400 species of bats, accounting for about 20 percent of the mammalian species on Earth. Besides being diverse, bats are extremely numerous: About 25 percent of all the mammals on Earth are bats.

Vermont’s bat species can live 20-30 years or more; the little brown bat has been documented to live as long as 34 years. Most species have only one pup (young) per year, making their populations especially vulnerable to decline. The United States is home to 50 species of bats, nine of which live in Vermont. Five of Vermont’s bat species are state or federally threatened or endangered.

All of Vermont’s bats are insectivores, eating about half their body-weight — as many as 1,000 insects — per hour. Though there are many predators of insects, bats are the primary predator of nocturnal insects, including many moth and beetle species. In forests, insect defoliation is normal and natural, but insects exist in a dynamic balance with ecosystems and with their predators.

Too many insects and too much defoliation — such as could be caused by the loss of bats — can create a major imbalance in our forests, with ecosystem-wide implications.

Bat populations in Vermont have been declining for a variety of reasons, but most dramatically from white-nose syndrome, a disease caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans. White-nose syndrome, first discovered in Albany, N.Y., in 2007, has killed millions of bats, includ-

ing 90-100 percent of the bats on some sites.

Of Vermont’s nine bat species, six congregate in large numbers in hibernacula —– caves and abandoned mines — for the winter, while the other three migrate to southern climes.

All nine species spend much of the summer in the forest foraging, mating and raising young. Besides protecting hibernacula and water sources, managing forests for bats largely consists of encouraging two types of habitat: roosting habitat (where bats sleep during the day and raise their young) and foraging habitat.

In the forest, bats roost under shaggy tree bark, in crevices and cavities in trees, in the foliage of large trees and on sunny cliffs and talus slopes. Active roost trees can be absolutely full of bats: some harbor hundreds of females with their flightless

young. You can improve roosting habitat by leaving or creating dead-standing trees, or snags, in a variety of sizes and at different stages of decay. If snags aren’t naturally abundant in your forest you can create some by girdling a few unhealthy trees per acre.

Additionally, retain legacy trees — large and old trees that are allowed to decline and die naturally — and all shagbark hickory, which are a particularly important roosting species for the federally-endangered Indiana bat. If you are planning on cutting any potential roost trees, avoid doing so from April through October, when bats are active in the forest.

In general, great foraging habitat for bats consists of diverse, complex and multi-generational forests. You can encourage habitat like this by cutting small groups of unhealthy trees, which will both create

canopy gaps (an important foraging feature for both bats and insectivorous birds) and encourage the development of new generations of trees. Between canopy gaps, you can improve bat habitat by thinning the forest: cutting unhealthy trees that are in competition with healthier trees. As you manage your forest, make sure to leave plenty of legacy trees, snags and cavity trees.

While it’s easy to forget about them, bats are an important piece of the complex community that is a forested ecosystem. Managing for bats is another way to help safeguard the health and the future of our forests.

Ethan Tapper is the Chittenden County forester for the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation. See much more at linktr.ee/chittendencountyforester.

PHOTO BY ALYSSA BENNETT

In the forest, bats roost under shaggy tree bark, in crevices and cavities in trees, in the foliage of large trees and on sunny cliffs and talus slopes.

COMMUNITY NOTES

continued from page 15

You must have pre-registered by Monday, Dec. 5, with Kerrie Pughe, 802-425-6345 or kpughe@charlotteseniorcentervt.org

The meal on Dec. 15 is the center’s Christmas meal and includes stuffed chicken breast with apple and cranberry stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, sliced carrots, wheat dinner roll, pumpkin cake and milk. Check the website for last-minute cancellations at charlotteseniorcentervt.org.

Vermont Fiddlers put on winter show at opera house

The Vermont Fiddle Orchestra directed by Peter Macfarlane will perform its winter concert on Saturday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m. at the Barre Opera House. Admission is by donation.

The orchestra will present traditional tunes including a mix of tunes from Ireland, Scotland, Appalachia and Quebec, as well

as marches, waltzes and a heart-rending slow air.

The orchestra is a community orchestra of fiddlers, violists, cellists and other musicians. For more information visit vermontfiddleorchestra.org.

Antiques Roadshow Vermont episodes air this spring

The 2023 Antiques Roadshow segments filmed at Shelburne Museum last summer will air in spring 2023.

Broadcast dates for the three episodes from Shelburne Museum are all on Mondays, April 24, May 1 and May 8, at 8 p.m. on PBS.

Antiques Roadshow visited the Shelburne Museum on July 12 to a crowd of more than 3,000 people. The filming of this sold-out antique appraisal event took place throughout the museum campus.

Ice-out challenge returns

The Lake Iroquois Association is now accepting entries to its third ice-out challenge through March 1.

Ice-out challenge tickets are $1 each, with discounts for 20, 30, 40 or 50 tickets. The winner receives 50 percent of the proceeds after expenses. In more than one person guesses the winning time, the 50 percent will be evenly split among those holding winning tickets.

Enter at bit.ly/3XCW761

Participants in the challenge guess the date and time a concrete block mounted on a pallet will break through the ice on Lake Iroquois. A line attached to the pallet and cinder block loops around a power cord that disconnects and stops a clock mounted on shore when the entire assembly sinks.

Ice out dates recorded on Lake Iroquois since 1987, including historic ice-out challenge dates, may be found on the association’s website, lakeiroquois.org.

Funds raised support the Lake

Iroquois Association’s advocacy and efforts to continue improving lake health. Through the Lake Iroquois greeter program and hot wash station, greeters at the fishing access inspected watercraft and trailers during the busy summer 2022 season. Greeter staff informed watercraft users about aquatic invasive plant species Friday through Sunday from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Greeters inspected nearly 1,000 more watercraft this summer compared to the 2021 season. The Lake Iroquois Recreation District manages the Lake Iroquois Beach, which saw a significant increase in the number of beach passes sold in 2022.

With the marked increase in boating, fishing and swimming on the lake, the need for additional funding to protect the water quality of lake is crucial, according to association officials.

Learn more at the website or email lakeiroquoisassociation@gmail.com.

Why not have a job you love?

Positions

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

Make

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

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

COURTESY OF SHELBURNE MUSEUM

Lark E. Mason, appraiser of Asian arts on Antiques Roadshow, at Shelburne Museum.

COURTESY PHOTO

That’s right, it’s time for the Lake Iroquois ice-out challenge.

Vermont is facing a public health crisis.

FACT: There were 210 opioid-related fatal overdoses in 2021.1

FACT: Alcohol is the #1 misused substance in Vermont.2

FACT: Recovery is possible.

Case Manager – Chittenden Clinic Provide case management and specialized intervention services to clients struggling with opioid use disorders.

Clinical Manager – Harm Reduction Lead Safe Recovery’s programs and provide supervision to clinical sta .

Case Manager – Harm Reduction Manage intervention services within the syringe exchange and low barrier buprenorphine program.

Health Home Services Coordinator Provide health home services to patients receiving medicationassisted treatment.

Senior Clinician – Chittenden Clinic Direct clinical services while providing crisis intervention for assigned populations.

Additional positions available. Visit howardcentercareers. org for more information.

Howard Center is seeking team members to ensure that help is here when it is needed. Our skilled and compassionate sta are committed to providing critical, life-saving services to individuals with substance use disorder. Howard Center is nationally recognized for excellence in addiction treatment and o ers comprehensive supports and services.

To apply or for more info: 802-488-6946

howardcenter.org

CVU grad recognized for art achievement

Charlotte’s Iain Mahaffey is featured in the 2022 AP Art and Design digital exhibit now online. The Champlain Valley School District graduate is one of 50 high school artists from six countries selected from more than 62,000 portfolios submitted to the 2022

AP Art and Design Exam. The exhibit is designed not only to showcase the rigor and excellence of the student portfolios but also serves as a teaching tool to be shared with students worldwide.

Participation requires that each

student’s work is informed and guided by observation, research, experimentation, discussion, critical analysis and reflection. Students document their artistic ideas and practices to demonstrate conceptual and technical development to create a portfolio. The

AP program supports students in becoming inventive artistic scholars who contribute to visual culture through art making.

The AP Art and Design program was founded in 1972. Today, more than 62,000 students participate annually.

Buying Sports Cards

COURTESY PHOTO

“Untitled,” 20x16 inches, by Iain Mahaffey. “I made this image in a calm environment representing my own acceptance of my place and homecoming,” Mahaffey said

Iain Mahaffey

get rabies.The virus is spread through the bite of an infected animal or contact with its it. People should not touch or pick up wild animals or strays – even baby animals.

creemees. Kids will enjoy meeting animals from Shelburne Farms, craft projects, and

ARIES

March 21 - April 20

Someone thinks you are up to a challenge this week, Aries. Dive right in and prove them correct. There’s much you’ll get done, but leave some time for leisure.

TAURUS

April 21 - May 21

There’s not much you can’t accomplish these next several days, Taurus. The key will be knowing just where to pull back so that you can do each job well.

GEMINI

May 22 - June 21

Think before committing to a project that is expected to take a long time, Gemini. While you may have a lot of free time right now, that may not be the case in a few weeks.

CANCER

June 22 - July 22

Cancer, health concerns may come to the forefront this week, whether it pertains you or someone close to you. Empty your schedule so you can devote the utmost attention.

LEO

July 23 - Aug. 23

Leo, despite many looming deadlines, you are surprisingly relaxed about all the things you need to accomplish. Maybe that is because you have a lot of help.

VIRGO

Aug. 24 - Sept. 22

Some unexpected time off has dropped into your lap, Virgo. Figure out if a small vacation or weekend getaway might be just what you need right now. Then make it happen.

LIBRA

Sept. 23 - Oct. 23

A career change could be on the horizon, Libra. Do your research before you take the full plunge into new waters. Maybe test things out before making a rm commitment.

SCORPIO

Oct. 24 - Nov. 22

Home improvements could be coming soon, Scorpio. They’ll interfere with your daily schedule for a bit, but the results will be well worth any disruption.

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!

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 23 - Dec. 21

Your hospitable nature is a perfect match for the entertaining you will be doing this week, Sagittarius. Expect a houseful of people on one or more days.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22 - Jan. 20

Spending certainly is up during the holiday season, but you may need to keep a closer eye on what is going on with your nances, Capricorn. Don’t lose sight of your budget.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 21 - Feb. 18

A few interesting possibilities may come across your desk, Aquarius. Look at them with a critical eye and get a second opinion before moving forward.

PISCES

Feb. 19 - March 20

Too many things seem like a priority right now, Pisces. You need to weed through all of your responsibilities and tackle the most urgent.

CLUES ACROSS

1. Chop up

5. Ones who utilize

10. Sings with closed lips

14. South American hummingbird

15. Serves as a coxswain

16. Liquor distilled from coconut or rice

17. Spur

18. Senile

19. Tanzanian people

20. Cruel

22. Boxing’s “GOAT”

23. Yokels

24. London soccer team

27. Chinese chess piece

30. Supervises ying

31. 007’s creator

32. Shaft horsepower (abbr.)

35. A spider makes one

37. Lique ed natural gas

38. Opaque gem

39. Brazilian palm

40. Periodical (slang)

41. You might step on one

42. Marvin and Horsley are two

43. Partner to cheese

44. Unpleasant smell

45. Field force unit (abbr.)

46. Fashion accessory 47. Cool! 48. Time zone

49. Songs to one’s lover

52. German river

55. Go bad

56. Sword

60. Very eager

61. Leaf bug

63. Italian seaport

64. Napoleon Dynamite’s uncle

65. Member of Jamaican religion

66. Large wading bird

67. Carries out

68. Eternal rest

69. It holds up your headwords

CLUES DOWN

1. Not low

2. Small water buffalo

3. A mark left behind

4. Archaic form of have

5. Fiddler crabs

6. Popular Hyundai sedan

7. Deport

8. Making over

9. Midway between south and southeast

10. Arabic masculine name

11. Type of acid

12. Popular 1980s Cher lm

13. Outdoor enthusiasts’ tools

21. Chinese city

23. “Star Wars” character

ANSWERS

Solo

25. The bill in a restaurant

26. Old, ugly witch

27. Burn with a hot liquid

28. To claim or demand

29. “A Doll’s House” playwright

32. Involuntary muscular contraction

33. Pea stems (British)

34. Double or multiple fold

36. No longer is

37. Lakers’ crosstown rivals (abbr.)

38. S. American plant cultivated in Peru 40. Cloth or fabric 41. Flanks 43. Dis gure 44. Angry 46. Baltic coast peninsula 47. Large, ightless birds

Plants of the lily family

Medieval Norwegian language

Polio vaccine developer

Not soft

Exchange rate

Voice (Italian) 57. Baseball’s Ruth

Famed guitarist Clapton

chance

handshake