The Citizen - 1-12-23

Charlotte preps cannabis regulations

LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER

Since the Charlotte selectboard became the town’s local cannabis control commission in November, the planning commission has worked to create land use regulations that address the growing cannabis market.

After residents expressed concern regarding three cannabis cultivation sites that had received state licensing in Charlotte, town planner Larry Lewack said that the town was ill-equipped at that time to tackle any of the issues presented to the selectboard by residents.

“Because we didn’t have any specific zoning rules or even clear authority about what we could do to enforce the same standards that would apply to any other business in town, we started having some conversations internally about our next steps,” he said.

“I took it on myself as the town planner to do some research and consulted with our town attorney about what exact authority we have under state statute.”

In addition to legal guidance, Lewack said he also sought information from

New reps get committee assignments as Legislature opens

COREY MCDONALD & LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITERS

Chittenden County’s newest legislators are settling in and have been given their committee assignments as the 2023 legislative session convenes.

Freshman legislators last week stepped into their new roles amid a record turnover in both the House and Senate. Wednesday morning’s fully in-person session was the first since the pandemic began and forced

lawmakers to work from home.

“It was a really fun, exciting week — there’s so much passion, energy and enthusiasm in this group and everyone is ready to get to work,” Chea Waters Evans, the newest House representative from Chittenden-5 representing Charlotte and Hinesburg, said.

Evans is one of a slew of new House reps from Chittenden County communities to join the Legislature, including Phil Pouech, the Hinesburg Selectboard member

now representing Hinesburg in Chittenden-4; Kate Lalley, a Shelburne Selectboard member now representing Shelburne in Chittenden-6; and Noah Hyman, Emilie Krasnow, Kate Nugent and Brian Minier representing South Burlington in Chittenden districts 8, 9, 10 and 11, respectively.

“This is my first session, so it is all new to me, but I am enjoying the steep learning curve,” Pouech said. “I have also quickly learned how busy this time will be for me. There is a lot of information to digest, many

meetings that are held at night and on weekends, and we have many important issues to address for our state by the end of the session in May.”

Pouech and Lalley were both appointed to the House Committee on Transportation Commitee, which “combines jurisdiction over policy and revenue sources,” Lalley said.

“After K-12 education and health care,

news coverage for Charlotte and Hinesburg

COURTESY PHOTO

The Hinesburg Police Department spent a good part of the holiday season “tracking” The Grinch as he committed various “crimes” around town. Read more about the department’s campaign to connect with the community on page 2.

Town helped police remind everyone of community

To the Editor:

Thank you to everyone that helped make the Hinesburg Police Department’s Grinch story a success. So many people came together to make it possible.

When the idea came up, no one in the department hesitated. Officers went above and beyond as they always do, from coming in early before shift and staying late after on their own time. We heard a few criticisms, and I would just like to say that I don’t consider building a relationship with the community we serve a waste of taxpayer money. The few times we had to film during an actual shift was very minimal. We are short staffed, and every officer carries other responsibilities and they still stepped up to do something engaging and fun for our community.

The videos and posts may have been short, but a lot of behind-the-scenes work was done to make them happen. I want to add a special thank you to Sgt. Brett Flansburg as he did a tremendous amount of work,

often at home after hours helping to edit videos. I also want to give a special thank you to my wife and kids for their involvement in the planning and execution of many of the posts.

My kids are also proud of themselves and tell anyone that will listen that “they are famous now” — especially my little Grayson, the Who that lost his hat to the Grinch at Lantman’s.

Last, a thank you to all our businesses in Hinesburg that welcomed us, many of which helped with planning and use of their facilities. Spending even the smallest amount of time with the people who live and work in Hinesburg makes it easy to understand why Hinesburg is so special.

Also, if the people following along didn’t like, comment and share our posts, the Grinch wouldn’t have become what it did. Your support and kind words are what made all our work so fun and rewarding to do.

Happy New Year.

Chief Anthony Cambridge

COURTESY PHOTOS

Scenes of the Hinesburg Police Department Grinch campaign over the holidays meant to make connections with the community. More photos on the department’s Facebook page.

Kate Webb reflects on 14 years in people’s house

LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER

As Kate Webb steps down from 14 years as state representative for the Chittenden-5-1 legislative district, she shared some of her favorite moments with the Shelburne News.

Webb, a special education teacher, has always had an interest in politics, a trait she attributes to her father.

“I grew up in a house that was filled with politics. My father served in both the Nixon, Ford and Reagan administrations,” she said. “I learned the art of debate early and the need to understand a different perspective and why.”

Although she never thought being

involved in politics would grow to encompass so much of her life, when presented with the opportunity 14 years ago, she overcame fear and accepted the challenge.

“I had several folks from the Democratic Party come and talk with me and describe the work and my husband — he was wonderful — said, ‘Wow, Kate, you’d be great,’ and so I decided I would,” Webb recalled.

Webb served on the fish, wildlife and water resources committee — now called the House Committee on Energy and Environment — for her first eight years before moving on to becoming chair of the House Committee on Education.

Webb called “the work that we did to address services and funding for students

who struggled to learn and setting up a plan to address aging school infrastructure” one of her most important accomplishments.

“I think setting in place the opportunity for schools to really create a community school addressing literacy improvement,” she said, noting the universal school meals bill as an additional highlight.

Over 14 years she was able to help see through a number of policy changes, including “things like civil marriage and seeing end-of-life choices passed into law,” she said. “Other things like shutting down captivehunt facilities and I truly love the direct work that I did to pass the Clean Water Act following Tropical Storm Irene.”

transportation is the third largest government expenditure category,” she added.

Pouech said he hopes to work toward electrifying the transportation system to address climate change.

“Transportation is critical in our rural state, and we need a well-functioning and inclusive system for our families and businesses to succeed,” he said. “Transportation accounts for a large portion of greenhouse gas emissions, and our reliance on high-cost fossil fuels unjustly impacts those with limited incomes. Changing our transportation system through electrification and providing alternatives to single-occupancy vehicles, is necessary for Vermont to meet our climate and affordability goals and ensure everyone gets where they need to go.”

Evans and Nugent were both assigned to the House Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs, whose first order of business, Evans said, will be to work on a bill to extend laws created during the pandemic to allow municipalities to conduct town meeting and informational meetings remotely, as well as provide the option for Australian ballot should a town or city decide to do so.

“I feel terrific about it,” Evans said of her committee assignment. “It fits in well with my knowledge and experience with open meeting laws, the relationship between state and local government and elections, but it also handles things I don’t know much about like public safety, military issues and liquor and lottery. But I’m really excited to learn all about it.”

Krasnow, the freshman representative from South Burlington was assigned to the House Committee on General and Housing, which works in various matters including housing, labor relations and all matters relating to subjects for which there is no other appropriate committee, she said.

“Housing, and more specifically affordable housing, is critical to the health of our community and state. It’s inextricably linked to our local economy, moving Vermonters out of poverty, the physical health and welfare of families, and addressing climate change. This is why this committee is so important to me,” she said. “For the past decade I have worked with affordable housing groups and organized alongside legislative leaders, and currently serve on South

Burlington’s Housing Trust Committee. I am excited to bring that experience and passion to Montpelier.”

Brian Minier, meanwhile, was assigned to the education committee where, he says, he will draw on his experience as a South Burlington School Board member.

Noah Hyman was placed on the House Committee on Human Services, which considers matters relating to human services, public health and social and economic security. Their first order of business, he said, is to begin with a review of last biennium’s work and, following that, they will be meeting with the different departments under their scope and getting an overview.

“I am very excited to get started as there is so much important work that needs to be done,” he said.

South Burlington’s representatives will serve alongside Rep. Martin LaLonde, the only incumbent from South Burlington to return to the Statehouse. LaLonde serves as the chair of both the Legislative Committee on Judicial Rules, and the House Committee on Judiciary.

Hyman will be working with Shelburne Rep. Jessica Brumsted, a longtime representative of Shelburne, who last week was named vice chair of the human services committee.

She said that the committee will “spend the early part of the session addressing access to quality child care while assuring that it is affordable and build on the work begun in the last legislative session” and will “work on assuring human service supports for our homeless population so that when there is long term housing available, they have the tools and supports needed to be successful in our communities.”

“With more than 50 new members and significant turnover among committee chairs this session will be marked by change and opportunity,” she said. “The Legislature will be tackling some tough issues this year — child care, paid family and medical leave insurance, housing, workforce development, universal access to broadband services, gun safety measures and climate action. The era of federal stimulus for Covid recovery is ending so we will need to work creatively to address our challenges and fund our programs in a fiscally responsible and sustainable way.”

She also recounted one of her biggest wins the time when she testified before Congress as the lead sponsor of the genetic engineering “Right to Know” labeling law.

Her time as a legislator also overlapped with some of the hardest times for the country, the 2008 recession and the COVID-19 pandemic forced difficult budget and appropriations decisions for pandemic relief funds.

She chalked up the decision to step down to wanting “to spend more time with

my beloved husband, Marshall. And when I heard that Kate Lalley was interested in running I felt that the time was right.”

But months after the announcement, her husband Marshall Webb — founder of the educational nonprofit that owns and operates Shelburne Farms — died unexpectedly on Aug. 11 after suffering a heart attack while swimming in Lake Champlain.

Kate Webb said that her work now is “trying to stabilize my life,” adding that she’s considering serving in another capacity in local government, but emphasized that she hadn’t yet made any plans.

Recounting her time as a legislator, Webb underlined the gratitude she holds for the civil nature of political discourse in the Green Mountains.

“I realize how incredibly different we are, but Vermont is civil,” she said. “We disagree, but we come to terms. Work and develop relationships with members of other parties, and in Vermont we’re able to do that. I think I found that the work is inspiring.

“It’s exciting, it’s exhausting, it’s labor intensive,” she added. “It can also be hilarious.”

Kate Webb

Cyclist death in SoBu still under investigation

Police await state police report

COREY MCDONALD STAFF WRITER

The death of a Hinesburg resident who was hit by a car while riding his bicycle on Hinesburg Road in South Burlington remains under investigation more than two months later.

At around noon on Oct. 15, Gerard Malavenda, 65, of Williston was struck by a vehicle driven by Richard Lewis, 69 of Hinesburg, near the area of 1410 Hinesburg Road, police said.

South Burlington police

officers aided Malavenda until emergency medical services arrived. He was taken to University of Vermont Medical Center where he later died.

South Burlington Police Chief Shawn Burke said that they are still awaiting a final report from the Vermont State Police crash reconstruction process team, which was on scene after the incident occurred.

“We are awaiting their report, once we have that report we will be submitting the case to the Chittenden County State’s Attorney for review,” he said.

Vermont State Police Blotter

Jan. 4 at 3:28 p.m., police arrested Dillion Bothwell, 25, of Charlotte, with unlawful mischief after he allegedly

vandalized the sign and book drop box at the Charlotte Public Library on two separate occasions.

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Total incidents: 45 Arrests: 2 Traffic Stops: 24

Jan.2 at 3 p.m., Rory Gardner, 25 of Charlotte, was arrested for driving under the influence, first offense, relating to a crash that occurred on Dec. 1 in Hinesburg. Jan. 2 at 8:30 p.m., an officer responded to Hillview Terrace to investigate vandalism to a motor vehicle.

On Jan 2 at 8:45 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop on Richmond Road for a stop sign violation. The operator, Sheridan Durochia, 26, of Hinesburg was

Hinesburg Police Blotter

cited for operating a motor vehicle with a criminally suspended driver’s license.

Jan. 3 at 3:45 p.m., officers responded to Hillview Terrace for a juvenile issue.

On Jan 3 at 7:45 p.m., officers responded to a two-car motor vehicle crash in the parking lot of town hall.

Jan. 5 at 8:35 a.m., officers assisted a business on Route 116 with an employee issue.

Jan. 5 at 12:50 p.m., suspicious activity on Kelley’s Field Road was investigated.

Jan. 5 at 3:45 p.m., a noise complaint on Hillview Terrace was investi-

gated.

Jan. 6 at 7:37 a.m., officers investigated a report of threats and harassment to a business.

Jan. 6 at 12:35 p.m., officers responded to a one-car motor vehicle crash on Route 116.

Jan. 6 at 3:45 p.m., officers assisted another agency in attempting to locate an individual on North Road.

Jan. 7 at 8:25 a.m., an officer was advised of a residential alarm activation on Charlotte Road.

Jan. 9 at 3 p.m., found property was turned in at the police department and later returned to the owner.

When life gives you rocks … build a sculpture

In Musing

Carole Vasta Folley

Someone really hurt my feelings. I felt crushed, adrift in a sea of disbelief and sorrow. Yes, that sounds like an angsty episode of “The Gilmore Girls,” but surely, I can’t be the only one who suffers when disparaged. After all, isn’t it eminently human to feel bad when someone wounds us? Whether it’s an unthoughtful comment or deliberate malice, hurt feelings sting and linger.

It was a person I trusted who hurt me. After the surprise of it, I examined their behavior to an exhausting degree and came to one conclusion. They’re delusional. Then, I realized, oh no, I’m the delusional one. I’d been thinking they’d give me a thank-you, never expecting a boulder of crap feelings to carry around instead.

many times I sing that song, I can’t seem to do it.

First, I make the common mistake of asking others what they think. Do they see why this feels bad? Even as they empathize with me, I don’t feel better. Nope.

Never do.

Oh, I know how uncool this is. It’s hard to admit how emotionally stunted it makes me feel. Why don’t I just concentrate on the people in my life who love me oh-so well. Great, now I have a heaping side dish of self-recrimination.

ly wanted this person to acknowledge their hurtful behavior.

Fat chance, that’ll never happen. I should close my eyes and try again.

The whole thing reminds me of someone decades ago who told me flat out, “Not everyone is going to like you, Carole, get over it!” I’m still waiting to get over it.

impact of their words. Could it be they never saw the rock of hurt they handed me. Which begs the question, why do I even take the rock? Habit? Training? Unconsciousness?

newest rock has a vital purpose? A mission of a lifetime to help me notice this cairn so I can begin to dismantle it. One stone at a time.

Carole Vasta Folley

Yes, I’ve read “The Four Agreements,” particularly No. 2, “Don’t take anything personally.” The author Don Miguel Ruiz explains that even if a stranger shoots me on the street, it’s not about me. It’s about them.

But, Don, aren’t I still wounded?

Come to think of it, these two people have something in common. They both say whatever they think whenever they think it. It’s an alien characteristic to me. The way I was raised, you had to think twice before you spoke only to follow it up with three apologies and a curtsy. No wonder I’m sensitive.

Listen, I’m not clueless. I understand I am not everyone’s cup of tea. Nor is everyone my cup of tea. But wouldn’t it make a difference if we all at least care about each other’s tea?

Since I can’t seem to put the rock down, maybe I’ll make peace with it. Decorate it or something. To start, I can stop beating myself with it. So what? I carry a rock of hurt because someone was careless with my heart. How about I tend to that heart? Stop focusing on said person, for they’re certainly not thinking of me.

Also, I remind myself of the bigger truth. That this rock lies atop a cairn of childhood hurt from mistreatment. Perhaps this

When I do, I think I’ll build a sculpture with the remnants and paint it white. I’ll call it “Freedom” and “From Whence I Came.” In the meantime, I can stop collecting other people’s rocks.

Carole Vasta Folley’s In Musing column has won awards from the Vermont Press Association, The New England Newspaper and Press Association, and the National Society of Newspaper Columnists. More at carolevf. com.

Intellectually, I see the only remedy is to Elsa-fy the problem and “let it go.” But no matter how

I saw a documentary about a therapist of some renown who recommended I close my eyes and flood the person who hurt me with love. So much love, I love the pain away. I tried it and, although I felt forgiveness, I still desperate-

Meanwhile, I’m still carrying around a rock of hurt. Don’t bother telling me to put it down. It’s superglued to my back. I’m not proud of it. Besides, who needs the extra weight?

What’s funny is that this person seems unaware of the

Lake Iroquois wins gold status

To the Editor:

Many people familiar with Lake Iroquois know exactly how important the lake is to them. But in mid-November, the Lake Iroquois Association discovered a new way to gauge just how special one of the most popular bodies of water in Chittenden County is to its fans.

Alison Marchione, lake shoreland coordinator for the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, notified me, current president of the Lake Iroquois Association, that the lake had achieved Lake Wise Gold status.

The Vermont Agency of Natural Resource’s Lake Wise Award program “aims to inform, teach and change the current lakeshore development practices from clearing shores and building sea walls to practices that are more lake friendly and known to effectively protect the lake.”

The program was developed to educate lakeshore property owners and incentivize them to invest and

implement best management practices that enhance shoreline protection. Shoreline property owners undergo an assessment of their parcel of land, which must meet specific criteria set forth in the program to be awarded the coveted Lake Wise Award designation.

For a lake to achieve gold status, 15 percent of a lake’s total shoreline property owners must receive the Lake Wise Award.

Lake Iroquois is the third Vermont recipient of Lake Wise Gold status, joining Echo Lake and Seymour Lake in the Northeast Kingdom.

Shannon Kelly Lake Iroquois Association Hinesburg

McClaughry on wrong side of moral equation

To the Editor:

It seems John McClaughry of the Ethan Allen Institute in his opinion piece in the Jan. 5 edition of The Citizen would prefer that we not even try to do good. (“If it quacks like a duck, it’s still the

clean heat standard”)

Don’t attempt to do what is right if there is no noticeable benefit that accrues to yourself at every turn seems to be McClaughry’s message, one that I can’t imagine Ethan Allen himself would have said as he attempted to help forge a nation.

Should we only do good if all the rest of the world is doing good?

“Let us follow up in the rear” seems to be McClaughry’s moral position. Will others benefit besides myself? Might I be asked to pay more to help others?

It’s hard to imagine that Christmas just passed.

New Year’s wish for Vermont: a new crop of leaders

Bill Schubart

I don’t want any one thing in the New Year but rather a new way of understanding leadership and governing from the executive, legislative and judiciary branches.

I don’t have a checklist of tweaks, quick fixes or systemic overhauls that will revolutionize the endless but futile repair work.

I want a new governing vision for leadership and action — one that understands Vermont’s gradual descent into this troubling array of interwoven complex systems that plague us. I want leaders who can imagine a new set of values focused on the common good and who can lead and enact change to lift Vermonters.

In my 45 years observing Vermont politics, I’ve seen two types of politicians, managers who view politics as a business career — a way to make a living as a person of influence — and those who see politics as service to those who elected them. Sadly, I’ve seen more of the former than the latter.

Managers respond to problems as they present themselves. Leaders seek to understand the systemic origins of the problems and reenvisage and deploy a system that generates fewer problems — a stark contrast to the managers who wonder “what should I run for next?”

Service means a deep intellectual and emotional connection to

those served not noblesse oblige. It is born of shared experience and empathy.

Leaders listen carefully to diverse points of view, derive consensus (not total agreement), honor and record dissent and act. They clearly articulate the path forward and counter headwinds that oppose change. They acknowledge mistakes and amend in order to move forward. Their dominant characteristics are humility and courage.

Most important, they understand that our challenges are interwoven and that addressing the whole is the most efficient means of driving positive change. They know that it’s cheaper to educate, care for and prevent harm in real time than to try and fix them later.

The following initiatives are all interconnected:

• Public education from shortly after birth, staffed by early education specialists who understand human development and the value of play.

• Early intervention in adverse childhood experiences using trauma-informed counseling and robust family support systems.

• Integrated experiential learning, job-shadowing and internship opportunities in high school and access to higher education through a system of government-financed community and state colleges with flexible pathways into higher education or employment along with lifelong-learning access to educational or vocational opportunities.

• Universal and affordable access to primary care including physiological, mental health, dental and substance-abuse disorder treatment options as well as affordable access to safe housing and healthy food.

• A criminal justice system grounded in an understanding of human development — one which offers a redemptive path to young people who often make impulsive choices and prioritizes safe re-entry, restorative justice and local support systems over incarceration except in the rare cases where the public needs protection from violence.

Above all, we should permanently retire the aging doctrine of maximizing shareholder value at any cost — one that makes the unfettered accumulation of wealth the ultimate socio-economic prize.

I want new leaders who are informed and guided by the emerging governing philosophy that the well-being of the

commons produces a more stable society and environment.

With our one-time, outsized $8-plus billion budget and our majority political alignment, Vermont is poised to lead in this change in governing philosophy.

Endeavor and invention drive an economy, and regulated capitalism can drive personal, family and community prosperity — but we still need government regulation focused on the well-being of citizens and on sustaining the natural world to survive as a civilization.

I’ve wondered if there’s any significant difference in quality of life for those whose assets are $80 million or $7 billion? What’s left to spend money on?

Imagine if Vermont leadership were to measure success based on the safety, comfort, opportunity and happiness of Vermonters.

Vermont started down this path in 2015 with Act 113, establishing Vermont’s Genuine Progress Indicator metrics. The statute

defined these metrics as “the net contributions of economic activity to the wellbeing and long-term prosperity of our state’s citizens, calculated through adjustments to gross state product that account for positive and negative economic, environmental and social attributes of economic development.”

Its clearly stated mission is to improve the economic wellbeing and quality of life of Vermonters while maintaining our natural resources.

We’ve started down this path — how did we do?

My hope for the New Year is that a new generation of executive and legislative leaders will have the courage to instill a new philosophy of governing, one that is driven by the wellbeing of Vermonters, our world neighbors and our natural environment.

Bill Schubart grew up in Lamoille County and now lives in Hinesburg. He writes about Vermont.

Hinesburg representative appointed to House transportation committee

Hello Hinesburg. Happy 2023. Phil Pouech here, your state representative (Chittenden-4).

Again, thank you for your votes as I begin to serve as your representative. I will be writing regularly to keep you informed about Statehouse activities under discussion. Here is what I’ve been working on since the election and the activities I participated in during my first week in the House.

After the election, I was invited to many meetings from a variety of organizations and state departments that wanted to introduce themselves and share their goals, activities and concerns. These included state administration departments and agencies, local non-profit groups such as Vermont Public Interest Research Group and Let’s Grow Kids and organizations such as the regional planning commission. These meetings were extremely informative and made clear to me that we have a wide range of issues and factions who want to help steer state policy.

Preparation for the start of the session included a weeklong orientation in December. I was introduced to wide range of policies and processes that were essential to understand prior to

the start of the session. I also saw firsthand how professional and supportive Statehouse staff will be to my colleagues and myself.

As I mentioned in my communications as a candidate, I have many interests but there are three primary concerns I hope to focus on this session: affordable housing, high-quality affordable child care, and policies that will allow us to meet the state’s energy goals. Each of these areas has been voiced as priorities of many citizens with whom I have interacted both as a candidate and as a Hinesburg Selectboard member. Obviously, I bring with me many other concerns and issues of Vermont communities, specifically Hinesburg.

The first week included important constitutional activities and traditions. I took the oath of

office. We got House chamber seat assignments, elected the Speaker (Jill Krowinski, Burlington), received committee assignments, and voted in the House rules for this next biennium. I also had a front seat to witness Gov. Phil Scott’s swearing in and inauguration speech. The ceremony was both professional and touching, demonstrating Vermont’s respectful political process and a juxtaposition to the start of the House session in Washington, D.C.

I was appointed to the House Committee on Transportation, which fits well with my experience and where I hope I can bring Hinesburg’s transportation challenges closer to solutions. In the first committee meeting it was said that too many of Vermont’s state highways are operated as a pass through to communities rather than supporting a community’s needs, including safety and walkability.

That resonated with me and reflected how Route 116 impacts our town. I also attended this session’s first Climate Solutions Caucus, which included a wide range of representatives and senators who want to ensure state policies and rules allow Vermont to better meet its climate goals.

The session will be extremely busy with a ton of information,

Guest Perspective

From the House Rep. Phil Pouech

Rep. Phil Pouech

Lalley assumes legislative seat, gets transportation assignment

the House

My first week of the new legislative session was exhilarating and busy. Entering the Statehouse on the first day back, the anticipatory buzz in the building was palpable. Seasoned legislators greeted each other and moved about with tremendous sense of purpose.

New members stood around wideeyed, awestruck and wondering what to do next, as guests arriving to witness the swearing looked for seats. Somehow, everything fell perfectly into place as all the newly elected representatives, 100 returning and 50 new members, were seated.

The Vermont House of Representatives convened a new biennium and its very first order of business was to nominate Jill Krowinski of Burlington as the new Speaker of the House. She was swiftly elected with strong and inspiring bipartisan support. This was inspiring to me as a new member.

A short time later we adopted House rules for the new biennium and the clerk of the House administered oaths of office.

In the afternoon, I received my seat assignment (No. 38). There was air of mystery about this process that reminded me of the sorting hat in Harry Potter.

Committee assignments followed. I was very pleased to be appointed to the House Committee on Transportation, my first choice. Our committee room is No. 43, which is on the third floor.

Gov. Phil Scott’s inaugural address was the main event on day two. It took place in the House chamber, the largest space in the Statehouse and the room under the Golden Dome, in the presence of the full House and Senate, members of the Supreme Court, three former gover-

nors and other honored guests. The pomp and ceremony were truly splendid.

The governor’s speech was well-received. Scott identified crosscutting themes of concern, the significant challenges of addressing problems, but also the opportunities that exist to work to common purpose, delivering prosperity and well-being to more Vermonters and in a wider range of places in Vermont.

This week marks the beginning of the real work in committee. I’m looking forward to getting started in my new role and I will have a lot of material to master. The transportation committee’s leadership is bipartisan, and its membership is geographically diverse.

In contrast with other committees of the Legislature, which are “subject matter” or “money” committees, the transportation combines jurisdiction over policy and revenue sources. After K-12 education and health care, transportation is the third largest government expenditure.

For those who are interested or curious, committee meetings are livestreamed. To view the proceedings of the House Committee on Transportation, go to bit. ly/3ZoEuYv.

My Chittenden County south district colleagues and I will be holding regular community meetings the fourth Monday of each month at the Pierson Library in Shelburne. This month, on Jan. 23, our meeting will be 4-5 p.m., in the community room. I look forward to seeing you and hearing about opportunities and challenges in our communities. You can reach me at my legislative email, klalley@leg.state. vt.us.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you in the House.

Kate Lalley, a Democrat from Shelburne, represents Shelburne and a portion of South Burlington in the Chittenden-6 House district.

POUECH

continued from page 6

primarily proposed bills and supporting reports, to read and digest. The state has a very efficient and user-friendly website (legislature.vermont.gov) that provides easy access to this information. The website also provides live video of all House and Senate sessions and committee meetings. See bills get introduced, watch how they are investigated and discussed in committee, and witness final discussions and votes in both the House and Senate. I highly recommend you access this site to stay up to date and see how “the sausage gets made.”

I will continue to report on a regular basis. Expect my posts to include details about the status of bills and my leanings and plans on important votes. As always, I am available to all my constituents, so feel free to contact me with concerns or issues. Reach me at ppouech@leg.state.vt.gov. I look forward to serving you and taking actions to make our town and state more livable for everyone.

Phil Pouech, a Democrat, represents Hinesburg in the Chittenden-4 House district.

From

Rep. Kate Lalley

COURTESY PHOTO Rep. Kate Lalley during the opening days of the session.

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Catholic churches offer ‘Surviving

Divorce’ group

St. John Vianney Catholic Church of South Burlington and Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church of Williston are collaborating to offer “Surviving Divorce,” a 12-week support group program aimed at helping people deal with the difficulties of divorce.

The program begins on Thursday, Jan. 12, at 6 p.m. at St. John Vianney Church, 160 Hinesburg Road, South Burlington.

Co-facilitators Cathie Cassano and deacon Josh McDonald are Catholics who have been divorced and will bring their own experiences and understanding into these weekly sessions.

“Surviving Divorce” features 12 video presentations that cover topics such as shock and grief, anger and forgiveness, money issues, dealing with children or a former spouse, annulment and remarriage. This program is for the newly separated and divorced and those still struggling with issues many years later.

The cost of the program includes the “Surviving Divorce” personal guide and all program materials. Contact McDonald at

Community Notes

jmcdonald@vermontcatholic.org for more information.

Shelburne farmers market sets winter dates

Winter farmers markets begin this weekend in Shelburne.

The plan is to hold six farmers markets every other Saturdays beginning Saturday, Jan. 14. The markets will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Vermont Teddy Bear Factory on Jan. 14, Jan. 28, Feb. 11, Feb. 25, March 11 and March 25.

Farmers market manager Sarah Stillman said, “In addition to the bounty of our farmer producers, and the fine workmanship of crafters and prepared food producers, we plan to have live music at each one with the very talented Aida O’Brien scheduled to play at the first winter market.”

The markets are sponsored by the Shelburne Business and Professional Association.

Ethan Homestead hosts talk on Abenaki erasure

Join the Chittenden County Historical Society on Sunday, Jan 15 at the Ethan Allen Homestead

Museum for a presentation of “Abenaki Erasure, Eugenics and Ethnocide” by Vermont Abenaki Artists Association director Vera Longtoe Sheehan, a member of the Elnu Abenaki Tribe.

Longtoe Sheehan will cover the three Es of the Abenaki experience — erasure, eugenics and ethnocide — while sharing the history of the strength and continuing resiliency of the Abenaki people. An educator, activist and artist, Longtoe Sheehan is also founder of the Abenaki Arts and Education Center.

For more information visit abenakiart.org or abenaki-edu.org. The Zoom link for the presentation is available at bit.ly/3GIMJHO. The virtual doors will open shortly before 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 15.

Hinesburg firefighters hold drop-in CPR training

The Hinesburg Fire Department will host a hands-only CPR training on Saturday, Feb. 4, from 9 a.m. to noon.

This drop-in event is not a certification class, but those who are interested in certification may

COURTESY PHOTO

Artist Scott Lenhardt discusses his new Burton exhibit at the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum in a virtual talk.

Supreme Court Justice portrait moves from Chittenden to Lamoille courthouse

CONNIE CAIN RAMSEY AND JOEL PAGE CONTRIBUTORS

On Oct. 4, a portrait of Justice George M. Powers came home to the Lamoille County Courthouse in Hyde Park.

Powers served nearly 32 years on the Vermont Supreme Court, the longest tenure of any justice. He was born in Hyde Park in 1861 and lived most of his life in Morristown until his death in 1938. His father was an associate justice on the Vermont Supreme Court from 1875-1890.

According to “The Law of the Hills, A Judicial History of Vermont,” by Paul M. Gillies, Powers served in many capacities before rising to the state’s highest court. He graduated from the University of Vermont in 1883, served as assistant clerk of the House, secretary of the Senate, and state’s attorney for Lamoille County from 1888 to 1890.

Powers married Gertrude Frances Woodbury in 1893, and they had four children, Horace Henry, Mildred Dorothy, Elizabeth Lillian and Roberta Frances Powers. In 1902, he became reporter of decisions for the Vermont Supreme Court before serving from 19041906 as an associate justice of the same court.

After a five-year stint as a superior judge, Powers was elected to the Vermont Supreme Court in 1909, continuing to serve until his death in 1938, including nearly 11 of those years as chief justice. Powers had several opportunities to move higher but chose to remain in Vermont to serve his state and his hometown.

As a local lawyer and judge, Powers would have been well-acquainted with the Lamoille County Courthouse. While a portrait of his father H. Henry Powers has hung in the courthouse for many years, the same could not be said

for George Powers.

Lamoille County Assistant Judge Joel Page was quite familiar with Powers and his family, as Page’s grandmother, Mildred Woodbury Page was the sister of George Powers’ wife Gertrude. Also, Page’s aunt Phyllis Page Weinrich wrote a chapter of Powers’ biography, and Page had gone to school in Burlington with several Powers’ descendants.

When Powers’ great-granddaughter, Connie Cain Ramsey, a Chittenden County assistant judge, informed Page that she had a portrait of Powers that she’d like to donate to the Lamoille County Courthouse, Page and Lamoille County Assistant Judge Madeline Motta were happy to accept. The portrait was hung in the main courtroom, next to the bench where Powers may have presided.

Present for the ceremony

See PORTRAIT on page 16

COMMUNITY NOTES

continued from page 8

reach out to the department directly. For information, call 802-4822455 or email info@hinesburgfd. org.

‘The Quarry Project’ film shows at Pierson

There will be a free showing of the Quarry Project film at the Pierson Library in Shelburne on Friday, Jan. 13, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

The Quarry Project was a site-specific dance theater performance held last August at the Wells Lamson Quarry in Websterville. Performed on the surface of this deep and vast quarry, the film provides both an intimate as well as a long view of the piece in a nuanced beauty.

If you missed the performances, here’s a chance to dip into the ethereal world created in this unique setting.

Donations are accepted.

Enjoy Age Well meals at Charlotte Senior Center

The Age Well meal pickup for Thursday, Jan. 12, is from 10-11 a.m., Charlotte Senior Center, 212 Ferry Road, and features meatloaf with sauce, vegetable gravy, mashed potatoes, peas and carrots, dinner roll with butter, banana Craisin oat cookie and milk.

You must have pre-registered by the prior Monday with Kerrie Pughe, 802-425-6345 or kpughe@

charlotteseniorcentervt.org

The Age Well meal pickup for Thursday, Jan. 19, features oven fried chicken breast, diced potatoes with parsley, peas and onions, wheat roll with butter, date Craisin bar and milk.

The suggested donation is $5. Check the website for last-minute cancellations at charlotteseniorcentervt.org.

Red Bench Series presents Burton Snowboards artist

Join Chris Copley as he interviews graphic artist Scott Lenhard for the latest round of the Red Bench Speaker Series on Thursday, Jan. 19 at 7 p.m.

This Zoom presentation by the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum will spotlight the new exhibit “Scott Lenhardt: Artistic Contributions to Burton Snowboards 1994 to Present.”

Lenhardt, an artist from West Rupert, will speak about his work that includes over 55 snowboard graphics that he’s created for Burton over the last three decades.

Chris Copley is a 20-year Burton veteran as the pro team manager and announcer for the U.S. Open at Stratton. He has a history of witnessing, commenting upon and heckling the best riders in the world. Have your questions ready for the evening-ending audience Q&A.

RSVP at bit.ly/3ZeWMLL to receive an invite. A donation of $10 is encouraged.

Age Well needs volunteers to help seniors

Age Well needs volunteers to provide regular social interaction and assistance to seniors in their homes.

Help older Vermonters by delivering Meals on Wheels, providing visits, grocery shopping, running errands, helpoing with respite, and so much more.

Time commitment is based on availability and can vary from one day a week to two days a month (Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.)

Call 802-662-5249 or volunteer@agewellvt.org for information. Age Well serves Addison, Chittenden, Franklin and Grand Isle counties.

Shelburne community Red Cross blood drive

St. Catherine of Siena is sponsoring a Red Cross blood drive on Tuesday, Jan. 17, from noon to 5 p.m. at 72 Church St.

Charlotte church hosts community dinner

The Charlotte Congregational Church wants to hear from you during a community dinner on Friday, Jan. 20, at 5 p.m.

Save the date for a chili dinner and community conversation about the town.

For information email charlotte communityhands@gmail.com.

Visit us online at TheCitizenVT.com

American robins know how to weather winter

The Outside Story

Anna Morris

One January day, my husband and I set off on a walk around our neighborhood. The temperature was a bone-chilling negative 19 degrees and although we worked to get our blood pumping, our fingers and toes eventually revolted. As we turned back toward the warmth of home, I spotted a flock of birds bouncing through the branches of a sumac. When I looked more closely, I was shocked to see that the birds were American robins.

What were these heralds of springtime doing in our woods in January? These robins would be neither late migrators nor early arrivals at this time of year. I wondered how unusual it was to see American robins in winter in New England and how this dozen or so were getting by while their usual earthworm fare was burrowed, buried beneath a foot of snow and frozen mud.

Most people know American robins as migratory. After all, their scientific name is Turdus migratorius: the migratory thrush. A fun fact to impress your bird-nerdiest friend: American robins are actually thrushes, not robins, a group only found in Europe and Asia. We are used to saying goodbye to their red breasts and varied vocalizations by early November and welcoming them back with warming temperatures in late March.

Many of our summer bird species are complete migrants, meaning they vacate northern latitudes as a species in autumn, wintering much farther south. American robins are partial migrants. Some, hungry for worms and insect larvae, fly short distances south during the coldest months. Others, however, stay put and switch up their menu for the winter to suit their location.

It is not uncommon to see flocks of up to 50 American robins descend on a snow-dusted berry bush, even on the coldest winter days. The robins’ downy feather undercoats help keep them warm, but only if the birds have fuel to burn. Although berries do not provide as much crude protein as insects do, they make up for this with high amounts of sugar and fat. Native, fruit-bearing trees and shrubs provide the best food for robins in winter. In New England, these include staghorn sumac, downy serviceberry, American cranberry, red chokeberry, winterberry and eastern red cedar. Robins may also visit winter bird feeders if mealworms, waxworms, cranberries or other berries are part of the mix.

Anyone who has watched two male robins vie for the right to display their russet-red chests on the same patch of lawn knows that they are not exactly tolerant birds. But the infrequency of berry bushes, paired with the density of berries on each plant, means that the robins must learn to share and so their winter behavior changes along with their diet. This temporary truce may also help American robins keep warm, as they gather with a few fellows in tree roosts at night, conserving body heat. Their fluffed feathers trap heat and a countercurrent exchange system in their legs helps retain warmth, even though their feet are bare to the icy temperatures.

Even with these adaptations, the move-

ments of American robins in winter are changing alongside our climate. According to data collected by community scientists — through projects such as the National Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count and Project FeederWatch, run by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology — American robins are becoming increasingly common during winter in the Northeast. Thirty years ago, American robins were completely absent from censuses of backyard bird feeders in Vermont and New Hampshire in January. Last winter, ten percent of feeders had a robin visitor

in the same time period. In fact, American robins have now been documented in the month of January in every U.S. state except Hawaii and every Canadian province except Nunavut.

We can be good neighbors to overwintering songbirds by planting native, fruit-bearing plants such as the ones listed above. You might even plan ahead for spring by consulting The Audubon Society’s Native Plant Database (bit.ly/3XcT6sp). Keep in mind that native plants are important for pollinators, too. When I see robins in winter

now, I remind myself that these versatile thrushes of all seasons are common for a reason: just like us, they know how to weather the winter.

Anna Morris is an environmental educator at the Vermont Institute of Natural Science. Illustration by Adelaide Murphy Tyrol. The Outside Story is assigned and edited by Northern Woodlands magazine and sponsored by the Wellborn Ecology Fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, nhcf.org.

ILLUSTRATION BY ADELAIDE MURPHY TYROL

Redhawks roundup

LAUREN READ CORRESPONDENT

Girls’ basketball

Champlain Valley 47, BFA-St. Albans 30: Champlain Valley jumped out to a 25-13 lead at halftime and did not look back in a win over host BFA-St. Albans Monday, Jan. 9, in high school girls’ basketball.

Shelby Companion led all scorers with 13 points for the Redhawks. Elise Berger added 12 points for CVU, while Addi Hunter nearly had a double-double with seven points and nine rebounds.

With the win, CVU remains unbeaten at 6-0 on the season.

Girls’ hockey

Champlain Valley-Mount Mansfield 5, Missisquoi 1: The Champlain Valley-Mount Mansfield girls’ hockey team scored three times in the second period to pull away from Missisquoi on Saturday, Jan. 7.

Samara Tucker led the CougarHawks with two goals, while Tess Everett had a goal and two assists. Riley Erdman (two assists) and Karina Bushweller also scored, and Grace Ferguson stopped nine shots in goal.

CVU-MMU moved to 8-1.

The CougarHawks also won Jan. 4, beating Rutland 5-0. Everett, Bushweller, Erdman, Sophie Brien and Alyssa Benson each had a goal for CVU-MMU, while Ella Gilbert tagged the shutout.

Boys’ basketball

Champlain Valley 66, BFA-St. Albans 49: Champlain Valley rebounded from its first loss of the season with a win over BFA-St. Albans on Thursday, Jan. 5.

Kyle Eaton led all scorers with 19 points for the Redhawks, who moved to 6-1 with the win. Tucker Tharpe added 12 points.

Boys’ hockey

Champlain Valley 5, Missisquoi 2: Nic Menard netted a hat trick and Champlain Valley got a win over Missisquoi on Saturday.

Travis Stroh and Zach Vincent each had a goal for the Redhawks (4-4-1), while Jameson Yandow, Devon Fay, Trevin Keefe and Jacob Whitcomb each had assists.

Jason Douglas made 24 saves in goal.

CVU took a loss Wednesday, falling to Rice 3-1 with Keefe scoring the lone goal.

SHELBURNE

Public Notice

The Town of Shelburne seeks proposals for construction services for demolition of the existing Shelburne Beach House and construction of a new Beach House at the Town’s Shelburne Beach property.

The deadline to submit bids is February 10, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. EST at which time bids will be opened. Information for bidders and the complete RFP may be obtained at Blueprints, etc and the Town of Shelburne:https://www.shelburnevt.org/398/Bids-RFQs-RFPs. Questions from bidders are due by Feb. 1, 2023, and answers will be posted on the website above by Feb. 3, 2023. A nonmandatory site visit is scheduled for Jan. 24, 2023 at 9:00 A.M. For more information contact Al DiPietro (802) 862-8435 or al.dipietro44@gmail.com.

PHOTOS BY AL FREY

Above: Addi Hunger drives the ball in a game Jan. 3 against South Burlington.

Below: Tommy Barnes blocks a shot during a Jan. 2 matchup against Mt. Mansfield Union.

News from Charlotte Library

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

More information and links can be found on the library website.

KIDS

Preschool storytime

Tuesdays, Jan. 17, 24 and 31, 10-11 a.m.

Preschool stories, crafts and activities. Ages 2 and up.

Kindergarten and first grade storytime

Tuesdays, Jan. 17, 24 and 31, 3-4 p.m.

Preschool free play

Wednesday, Jan. 18, 10-11 a.m.

Kids explore the sensory table, sorting, playing with blocks, play dough and more. Ages 3 and 4.

ADULTS

Meditation with Rain Stickney

Saturdays, Jan. 14, 21 and 28, 9-10 a.m.

Beginning and experienced meditators are welcome. No registration required.

Book group: ‘The Verifiers’ Monday, Jan. 16, 10-11 a.m.

Book discussion series: Our Better Nature

Mondays, Jan. 16, 23, 30 and Feb. 6, 7-8:30 p.m.

Grounded in experience and science, “Our Better Nature: Hopeful Excursions in Saving Biodiversity,” presents readers with stories, essays and resources to guide and inspire action in favor of nature everywhere. For five consecutive

Mondays starting Jan. 9. Preregister. Books available at library.

Short story selections

Wednesday, Jan. 18, 1-2 p.m.

Join library director Margaret Woodruff to share and discuss short stories old and new. Copies of the stories available at the circulation desk.

Book chat

Wednesdays, Jan. 18 and 25, 3-4 p.m.

Join Margaret Friday on Zoom to discuss new books, old books and books missed.

Talk about parenting

Wednesday, Jan. 18, 7-8:30 p.m.

With Maya Burr, early childhood interventionist and author of “Little Siblings, Big Feelings.”

From 8-8:30 p.m., stay for cookies, conversation and connection with other parents. Registration required.

Your electronic waste: Where does it go?

Wednesday, Jan. 25, 7-8:30 p.m.

Come learn about the amazing journey of that waste from Charlotte to Good Point Recycling in Middlebury and beyond from Good Point’s owner Robin Ingenthron. Registration required.

Book discussion: ‘This is Happiness’

Thursday, Jan. 26, 7:30-9 p.m.

Change is coming to Faha, a small Irish parish that hasn’t changed in a thousand years. But now, electricity is coming. As the people of Faha anticipate its advent, a young boy navigates his own coming-of-age and hisw fallings in and out of love. Book by Niall Williams. Preregister.

News from Carpenter-Carse Library

To register, reserve books or for more information, contact Meg Malone at meg@carpentercarse.org. Masks required indoors.

Hands and needles

Mondays in January, 10 a.m.-noon

Bring whatever project you are working on — quilting, knitting, embroidery, etc. No registration required.

Chess club

Saturdays in January, 1-3 p.m.

Players of any age or experience drop in for a weekly game of skill and wits. Children under 10

must be accompanied by an adult.

Monthly craft club

Friday, Jan. 13, 3:15-4:30 p.m.

Students in kindergarten-grade 6 sign up for monthly after school craft club. Each month features a new seasonal craft, story and snack. To sign up, stop by the circulation desk. Also on Friday, Feb. 10, March 10 and April 7.

Weekly storytime

Tuesdays, Jan. 17, 24 and 31, 9:30-10 a.m.

Stories, songs, rhymes, and crafts. Contact jen@carpentercarse.org to sign up.

Sustainable Charlotte looks forward to projects in 2023

Closing out the year, the team at Sustainable Charlotte couldn’t help but think about the friends and partners who’ve done so much through the year to support the community.

In 2022, Sustainable Charlotte arranged and sponsored many community events, both online and in-person, to serve and engage the community. The organization has supported the collection of special recyclables at the library, maintained a connection to the worldwide transition community and launched an updated website, as well as setting up new web format to facilitate sharing upcoming events and community outreach efforts.

Sustainable Charlotte has big plans for 2023 — including starting a fourth Wednesday webinars and events program. Residents may learn more and

register for free events at bit. ly/3ZyEPbs. Events and speakers include Good Point Recycling CEO Robin Ingenthron on Jan. 25, Abenaki Chief Don Stevens on food security on Feb. 22, a talk on gardens and home biodiversity on March 22, and a film about Mongolia by Sas Carey on April 26.

Sustainable Charlotte is also collaborating with the Charlotte Library and the Charlotte Conservation Commission to host a reading discussion of “Our Better Nature” with stories about the work being done in Vermont. That discussion began on Jan. 9.

For the last evening of the discussion, the group will be joined by the authors of the book. Residents may register for this on the library or Sustainable Charlotte websites.

As the weather warms up,

Sustainable Charlotte hopes to be able to gather more frequently in-person and continue supporting the pollinator pathways community connection. Members look forward to opportunities to reach and partner more closely with other local groups to help build and support the community.

One of the key requirements for the group’s newly built website was to give people an easy way to help support events and programs.

Sustainable Charlotte is a 501(c)-3 non-profit organization, so all donations are tax-free and directly support themission. Donate online at thewebsite, or mail a check payable to “Sustainable Charlotte Vermont” to treasurer Wolfger Schneider, at 18 Common Way, Charlotte VT 05445.

‘Spirit Traffic’

Wednesday, Jan. 18, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

A reading and spirited Q&A with C. Jane Taylor, a writer, biker, adventurer and mom. “Spirit Traffic” recounts how, at 50, the author learned to ride a motorcycle and three days after her son’s college graduation, set off with him and her yoga-teacher husband on a

10,000-mile two-wheel adventure that took them all into uncharted territory-both as novice riders, and as a family. Preregister.

Learn how to knit Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2:15-3:30 p.m.

Children in grades two to six learn to knit with friends and

cocoa in the library community room.

Evening book talk: ‘The Boston Girl’

Tuesday, Jan. 31, 7-8 p.m. The pick for January is “The Boston Girl” by Anita Diamant. Reserve a copy of the book and sign up for the link at rachel@ carpentercarse.org.

COURTESY PHOTO

Sustainable Charlotte held an electronic waste collection on Green Up Day in 2018.

CLASSIFIEDS

AD TRAFFIC & GRAPHICS/PRODUCTION

Part-time & Full-Time options

Ad Traffic/General Office Support

• ad booking/data entry (display ads & line classifieds)

• liaison between sales and production departments

• running reports for sales reps to keep them on task

• processing tear sheets for advertisers

• general office support & customer service

• attention to detail is a MUST

• general computer skills - Microsoft Office: Word & Excel

• willingness to tackle tedious tasks when appropriate

• a team player with a positive attitude

Graphics/Production

• creating advertisements for print and web

• newspaper page layout

• loading web & social media content

• design/layout software (Adobe Creative Suite, Quark)

• attention to detail is a MUST

• willingness to tackle tedious tasks when appropriate

• a team player with a positive attitude

If one or both of these positions appeal to you, we want to hear from you.

Send a resume and cover letter to: Stowe Reporter, POB 489, Stowe VT 05672; katerina@stowereporter.com. No phone calls please.

FOR SALE

CKC Goldendoodle Puppies. Low shedding, health guaranteed, vetted. Excellent dispositions for families and as working, service and retrieving dogs. For more information visit www.LewisCreekGoldendoodles.com or call 802-324-2761.

Why not have a job you love?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Champlain Community Services, Inc.

ARIES

March 21 - April 20

Aries, you are willing to take risks and never afraid to try new things. This bene ts you as you seek new solutions regarding how to get things done.

TAURUS

April 21 - May 21

Taurus, gure out a new goal to pursue and start to make a list of how to get to the nish line. You may need to recruit a few volunteers to help along the way.

GEMINI

May 22 - June 21

Gemini, when a project at work lands on your desk, you may be ambivalent about it. You appreciate the challenge, but already have a long list of things to do.

CANCER

June 22 - July 22

Could this be the right time to think about making a career move, Cancer? The new year marks a fresh start, and perhaps you have had your eyes on a new work opportunity.

LEO

July 23 - Aug. 23

There’s more than meets the eye this week when someone from your past suddenly pops up on your radar again, Leo. Learn all of the facts before you make assumptions.

VIRGO

Aug. 24 - Sept. 22

Virgo, try to stay in the loop around the of ce. Doing so might pay professional dividends that could open the door to new possibilities.

LIBRA

Sept. 23 - Oct. 23

You’ve been keeping quite busy, Libra, but don’t forget to make time to touch base with friends and loved ones from time to time. Keep those lines of communication open.

SCORPIO

Oct. 24 - Nov. 22

Patience is a virtue of which you are in short supply recently, Scorpio. You have no control over the timeline on certain things and that can be frustrating. Wait it out.

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

It’s time to tackle all of those tasks you have been putting since the end of last year, Sagittarius. If you need help getting organized, reach out to someone you trust.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22 - Jan. 20

Think about all the possibilities you have before you, Capricorn. When you consider all of the positives in your life, the negatives just may fade away.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 21 - Feb. 18

Your name is on the lips of so many people. That is likely because you are affecting change wherever you go. Keep forging ahead because you are helping others.

PISCES

Feb. 19 - March 20

Now that spending has ceased, take a closer look at how you can budget for the new year. Make your money work for you, Pisces.

colleagues and other town’s regulations regarding cannabis. Current land use regulations are silent on the topic so he, along with the planning commission, had to start from scratch in drafting the new zoning bylaws.

“What we’re trying to do is create these fairly clear standards about what kinds of cannabis businesses can operate in what parts of town and what are the specific standards that we would apply,” said Lewack. “So when we do get an application before the town’s development review board, we have something to look at and to base our decision on because, right now, we’re essentially making it up.”

As of Jan. 1, with the town’s adoption of a local cannabis control commission, in order for a pot grower to get a state permit, the business must first get an OK from the town. Lewack said the three cannabis businesses already operating in Charlotte — Red Clover Canopies LLC, Boreas Ventures LLC and Heady Righton LLC — have not yet applied for a local permit.

John Stern, the registered agent for Red Clover Canopies said that although he is not sure exactly what sort of effect the local cannabis commission will have on his permitting process, he does plan to

renew in order to continue operating in Charlotte.

Malcom Greene of Boreas Ventures said, “We all share the goal of preserving a healthy and thriving agricultural sector in the town and state that keeps up with modern day demands for new products. We share the town’s disappointment that the state statute lacks clarity in its definitions, and we are hopeful that it will be updated this session.”

According to the drafted regulations, in order for a manufacturer or cultivator to gain conditional use approval, businesses are subject to a series of review standards that monitor buffer zones, air filtration and ventilation, light glare and spills, security plans and water capacity and supply. Once the application is approved by the development review board, the business would then immediately apply to the local cannabis control commission for local licensing before going to the state’s cannabis commission.

More than anything, this creates a longer wait time before manufacturing can begin.

Lewack explained that for a business to even come before the development review board, there is a four- to six-week waiting period to make it onto the agenda.

“Given our history of growing the same plant at this location for

years now, we can do more than just predict on paper what those impacts would be. We have already demonstrated our care for the land and our neighbors by never having any complaints or issues in those areas,” said Greene.

In order for local bylaws to be instituted they must either wait for a town vote or in a high-priority case, be adopted by the selectboard as an interim zoning bylaw. Lewack anticipates the drafted regulations will be completed at the next planning commission meeting on Jan. 19 and plans to bring them before the selectboard in February for a public hearing.

Although residents have urged the selectboard and planning commission to strictly regulate cannabis, with many opposing their operation in town, Greene said he is hopeful that the cannabis cultivations will thrive in an agriculture town like Charlotte.

“To us this seems like a no-brainer: it supports Vermont’s evolving agricultural character, preserves Charlotte’s working lands and is consistent with this property’s existing use over preceding years,” he said. “We believe the town of Charlotte genuinely wants to support farmers like us who have been contributing to a more diverse small business sector in this community.”

PORTRAIT

continued from page 9

were Motta and Page, as well as Ramsey, and her son J. Taggart Ramsey, Powers’ great-greatgrandson.

The portrait was at the Chittenden County Courthouse, but

Connie Ramsey didn’t think it belonged there. “Lamoille County Courthouse is a much better place for the portrait to hang. My great grandfather is home now, where he belongs.”

J. Taggart Ramsey and Connie Cain Ramsey, descendants of Vermont Supreme Court Justice George M. Powers, donated his portrait to the Lamoille County Courthouse.