The Citizen - 5-18-23

Dynamic succession Forest management helps build diversity Page 16

Charlotte begins second round of bylaw overhaul

Charlotte is once again beginning the hefty task of overhauling its land use regulations, this time with a focus on removing hurdles to development while placing an emphasis on re-envisioning the East and West villages into a dense, walkable district.

After being awarded a $13,600 bylaw modernization grant in February to help increase housing and affordability in the two village centers, the Chittenden County Regional Planning has created a detailed roadmap of work that is expected to take the next 18 months, in time for a Town Meeting Day vote in March 2025.

Last November, the town received an audit of its zoning bylaws from the regional commission that highlighted a slew of obstacles to new housing and development in the village centers, “some of which don’t really seem to be tied to anything logical,” town planner Larry Lewack said, emphasizing the 5-acre zoning requirements in both village centers.

Over 90 percent of new homes built in Charlotte in recent years have been constructed in the rural zoning district, although the town plan calls for new development

to be focused in village centers. But a lack of onsite septic capacity, restrictive bylaws and insufficient water supply pose significant constraints to development of any kind.

“While it may look like the focus in this audit is opening things up for development, I would state that that’s really because the existing village standard centers are really rural in nature,” Taylor Newton, a senior planner with Chittenden County Regional Planning, said. “Having a lot with 5 acres for example in a village, there are no villages in Vermont that have that as a typical minimum lot size. We see that much more in a rural residential situation.”

The town matched the bylaw grant by 20 percent raising the total funding to $17,000, and the regional commission, through the Unified Planning Work Program, plans to leverage those funds into $85,000. The draft work plan, which included this project in Charlotte, was approved in April and is expected to receive final approval this week.

Once that happens the town will jump immediately into finding a consultant this summer.

See BYLAW on page 11

PHOTO BY AL FREY

Peter Gilliam outmaneuvers an Essex player during a 7-6 win on May 12. Gilliam had four goals. More sports on page 10.

Hat trick plus one

LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER

‘Bloom Time Festival’

Council on Rural Development community social addresses issues vital to towns

The Vermont Council on Rural Development is inviting community leaders, volunteers and partners in Vermont to a community social on Tuesday, June 13, at the Lake Bomoseen Lodge & Taproom.

The event will include a short speaking program with updates on council initiatives and issues vital to towns across Vermont.

Rutland County community leader Melinda Humphrey will give the keynote address. Humphrey currently serves on the NeighborWorks of Western Vermont Board of Directors, executive committee and assistant trea-

surer for NAACP and a foster and respite provider with the Vermont Department of Children & Families. In prior roles, Humphrey was on the Rutland City Board of Alderman and a founding member of Rutland Young Professionals. In her full-time role, Humphrey is the manager of tariffs and rates for Green Mountain Power.

Other speakers for the program include:

• Lyle Jepson, executive director of chamber and economic development of the Rutland region.

• Lisa Ryan, associate dean for

diversity, equity and inclusion at Vermont Law and Graduate School and Vermont Council on Rural Development board member.

• Brian Lowe, executive director of Vermont Council on Rural Development.

• Julie Moore, secretary of the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources and Vermont Council on Rural Development board chair.

Register at bit.ly/417TMk2. Cost is $25 per person. Registration helps cover event expenses but should not be a barrier for anyone.

Sustainable Charlotte starts community talks

What brings you joy? How much stuff is enough stuff? Why do we keep buying what we don’t need? How much can humans live without? Or is it better to think of what we live with? What does it take to create harmony in our lives while we observe the changes taking place on Earth?

Sustainable Charlotte invites residents to join in a conversa-

tion, answering some of the above and bringing some of their own thoughts and concerns, at Backyard Bistro on Route 7 in Charlotte to drink, eat and share ideas, Wednesday, May 24, 6-7:30 p.m.

The purpose of the international movement of green drinks nights is to deepen community ties, get to know our neighbors, and even walk away with something new

to think about how we live on our planet.

Sustainable Charlotte hopes to schedule another night in the fall. Do you have a topic you’d like to share? Contact Sustainable Charlotte at info@sustainablecharlottevt.org and check out sustainablecharlottevt.org.

For more information contact Ruah Swennerfelt at 802-922-2259

PHOTO BY KITTY WERNER

Join the Friends of the University of Vermont Horticulture Farm for a tour of flowering lilacs, magnolias and azaleas. The annual festival will feature hayrides, face painting, plein air painters, music and activities for kids at farm, 65 Green Mountain Drive in South Burlington from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Plant curators will talk about special collections. Steve Shepard, one of the authors of “Our Better Nature: Hopeful Excursions in Saving Biodiversity” will talk about the loss of biodiversity and ecosystems and the resources and actions available to protect biodiversity. Bring a lunch for a picnic under the crabapples. Visit website bit.ly/3LZEfO1 or call (802)

for more info.

No adults charged for underage drinking party at home of state rep

LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER

Following a two-month investigation, police say no adults have been charged in connection to an underage drinking party at the Charlotte home of state representative Chea Waters Evans in March.

Following reports made to police at 11 p.m. on Friday, March 17, troopers arrived at the resi-

dence on Windswept Lane at 12:45 a.m. on Saturday where they found multiple intoxicated juveniles, according to a state police press release.

Troopers “issued diversion paperwork” to several of the juveniles for the alleged underage drinking, but they did not specify how many people were at the party and whether Evans or other adults were present at the time.

Evans, a Democrat who represents Charlotte and Hinesburg in the Legislature, wrote in a statement to the Citizen in March, “I fully cooperated with all questions from the Vermont State Police and will do so should the need arise in the future. The other matter is between those juveniles and their families.”

Evans was elected to her Chittenden-5 House seat in November.

Spring rabies vaccine drop on tap

State and federal officials will hold a special bait drop this month to address a local wildlife rabies outbreak in Chittenden County.

This effort is in addition to the statewide bait drop that occurs annually in August. Beginning Thursday, May 11, rabies vaccine — in the form of a sweet-smelling oral bait that is attractive to raccoons and skunks — will be dropped from a low-flying helicopter and placed by hand in residential areas.

Rabies is a deadly viral disease of the brain that infects mammals and without post-exposure treatment is fatal to both humans and animals. In Vermont, rabies is usually seen in raccoons, skunks, foxes, bats and woodchucks, but pets and livestock can also get the disease if they have not been vaccinated for rabies. The virus is spread primarily through the bite of an infected animal.

Since March 2022, 28 animals tested positive for rabies in Chittenden County, including 19 raccoons, seven skunks and two bats. In October, U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services responded to the uptick by hand vaccinating more than 700 raccoons, skunks and foxes before releasing them back into the wild.

“We typically expect to see only one or two rabid animals in Chittenden County in a year, most commonly in bats,” Natalie Kwit, state public health veterinarian for the Vermont Health Department, said. “This bait drop will help prevent further spread of rabies among wildlife, protecting people and domestic animals who may come into contact with them.”

Officials are still learning why more animals are testing positive for rabies but said ample alternative food sources in urban areas like greater Burlington present challenges in enticing the animals to eat the oral vaccine.

The spring oral rabies vaccine bait distribution will continue

through approximately Friday, May 19, in Chittenden County.

Residents of Colchester, Malletts Bay, Starr Farm Beach and the New North End of Burlington, Milton, Brookside and Essex may see low-flying helicopters dropping the bait. This effort will distribute approximately 37,800 baits before being repeated in August as part of a larger rabies baiting project.

Since March 2022, 28 animals tested

positive for rabies

in Chittenden County, including 19 raccoons, seven skunks and two bats.

The bait packs are not poisonous and are not harmful to people, pets or wildlife. If you find a bait pack, please don’t touch it unless necessary. Leave the bait undisturbed so it can be eaten by wildlife.

If the bait must be moved, use gloves or a plastic bag. If your pet eats a bait, or if a child brings one home, let officials know by calling the Vermont Rabies Hotline at 1-800-4-RABIES (1-800-4722437) or call the toll-free number printed on the bait.

If you are bitten by an animal,

wash the wound very well with soap and water and contact your health care provider immediately. If your pet or farm animal was bitten by a wild or stray animal that might have rabies, contact your veterinarian. State law requires dogs and cats to be vaccinated for rabies — even barn cats. Always feed pets inside the house and keep them indoors at night. If they are outdoors during the day, keep them on a leash or in an enclosed space. Pets that roam free are more likely to be exposed to rabies.

If you see a wild or stray animal acting strangely, or are concerned about rabies exposure, call the Vermont Rabies Hotline. Do not touch or pick up wild or stray animals — even baby animals — or try to make them into pets.

To learn more about rabies in Vermont, visit bit.ly/3O27O47.

Whether you’re considering clear aligners, retainers or today’s braces, an orthodontist is the smart choice. They have 2 to 3 years of education beyond dental school. So they’re experts at helping you get a great smile—that feels great, too.

COURTESY PHOTO

Officials started to drop rabies vaccine bait on May 11.

Hinesburg firefighter of 25 years dies suddenly at 63 Posthumously promoted to deputy fire chief

COREY MCDONALD STAFF WRITER

Eric Spivack, a longtime firefighter who served in the town’s fire department for nearly 25 years, died suddenly last Sunday at his home in Hinesburg. He was 63.

Spivack was at his residence in Hinesburg on Sunday, May 7 tending to outdoor chores when he experienced a medical episode resulting in sudden cardiac arrest, fire chief Nick Baker said. Firefighters responded to the scene.

Baker said Spivack “was well known for his dedication and pride of the department and his love of his family.”

“We would like to offer Eric’s family and friends our most heartfelt condolences as we begin to process this tremendous loss,” he said.

Born in Boston, Spivack grew up in Stoughton, Mass. and graduated from Bentley University. He began his firefighting career when

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he was 26 years old in Fairhaven, Mass. in 1986 — and continued in the profession for 35 years.

Spivack moved to Hinesburg in 1998 and joined the department in July of that year. Spivack quickly rose through the ranks of lieutenant, captain and assistant chief. He was promoted posthumously to the rank of deputy fire chief.

“We would like to offer Eric’s family and friends our most heartfelt condolences as we begin to process this tremendous loss.”

During his later years with the department, he served as the department’s education liaison and would regularly visit the Hinesburg Community School, driving the fire trucks to the elementary school to give the kids tours.

Spivack “was a proud firefighter, and loved the department

— Nick Baker

and his community,” his obituary reads. “He always insisted on driving himself despite being told that his rank allowed him to just ride and could often be found behind the wheel of Engine No. 1. He is described as being like ‘a kid in the toy store’ when he was talking about the engines.” Spivack is survived by his wife Margaret and their sons, Ronald, and Evan of Hinesburg; his parents, Jolyon and Dorothy Spivack; his sister, Faye and husband, Mark Kushinsky.

“Eric loved his town through and through,” his obituary reads. “His family thanks the town for all of their love and support in this time and over the years.”

The business next door donates nearly twice as much as big-box stores and online retailers to local non-profits, events and teams.

COURTESY PHOTO Eric Spivack

New legislator: It’s like school except a whole year takes place daily

Last night, I cooked a meal for my kids for the first time in maybe three weeks. The house looks like we might have been mildly robbed, the backseat of my car is full of blazers I took off the second I finished my workday and chucked over my shoulder, and my lawn looks like a dandelion farm. But even though no work took place in this house, plenty went on for the final few weeks of the legislative session at the Statehouse.

It was thrilling and boring and confusing and enlightening and complicated and an experience that makes the phrase “drinking from a firehose” seem synonymous with “sipping champagne from a little silver straw.” There was so much to learn, and such a short period of time to learn it in, but now at least I have six months to prepare for the next session.

And in this session, I only dropped one f-bomb and only cried a few times, but all in all, my first year as a state representative was the experience of a lifetime. (We’re heading back for a few days in June for a veto session.)

that instructed me to enjoy myself because I’m going to get voted out next time. Yay Democracy! I tried hard to reply to every email, especially to the people who weren’t happy with me, because I truly value all opinions and that’s what informs the way I vote and structure my priorities.

Over the summer, I’m going to work on a few things, including specific concerns that people need some help with. Did you know you can ask me to help you with stuff? I might not know the answer, but I made some friends and figured out at least who I can ask if I don’t.

I’m also going to work on seeing if we can develop a comprehensive system for animal cruelty reporting and animal welfare, look at modernizing open meeting laws, and learn everything I can about fossil fuel alternatives and the possible outcomes of the legislation that aims to move energy consumption away from them.

I know some are disappointed that I voted to override the governor’s veto on that bill, S.5, which some affectionately call the Affordable Heat Act and some, less fondly, call the Unaffordable Heat Act. It’s true that we don’t know if this will work as intended, and it’s true that this causes worry for many. I don’t want anyone to think I took this vote lightly, or blindly voted along party lines, or didn’t consider all points of view.

I only dropped one f-bomb and only cried a few times, but all in all, my first year as a state representative was the experience of a lifetime.

I’m proud of the work we did as a group on child care, climate change, school meals, VT Saves, and other bills that will hopefully make life better and easier for Vermonters. In my committee, House Government Operations and Military Affairs, we worked on legislation that was as simple as changes to town charters to as complicated as developing a statewide EMS dispatch system. We started the investigation process for impeaching a sheriff and a state’s attorney, we updated some cannabis laws (more on that next time), and we finalized legislation to legalize online sports betting.

I’ve heard from many Charlotters and Hinesburgers about legislation as it makes its way through the process, and I was surprised and delighted at how much feedback I got — even when it was feedback

The next two years on that bill will be a test, and I assure you that I’ll be cramming for this test like no other in my life, even more than that test freshman year of college when I had to fill in a blank map of all the countries in the entire world. The best way to understand a problem is to read about it and talk to people about it, and now I have a lot of time to figure out what we need to see two years from now when it comes up for a vote again. Assuming, hopefully, that the gentleman who wants me to only have one term doesn’t get his wish.

I hope to continue updating you until the next session, and I’m happy to get into the nitty-gritty on certain bills or issues if you’d like. Just let me know what they are: cevans@leg.state.vt.us or (917) 887-8231.

It’s Been A Hell Of A Ride!

AFTER FOUR DECADES

“THE BUGGYMAN” ANTIQUE SHOP HAS CLOSED!

——————————THANK YOU——————————

• To all our customers for their patronage and friendships for the past four decades

• To the thousands of Vermont homes and farms where we bought our antiques and 2,000+ horse-drawn vehicles from • And especially, to the Union Bank for their sage advice and support over the decades — true to their motto: “Stay Local. Go Far.”

SAVE THE DATES! TWO DAYS ONLY!

End of an Era

Antiques Auction

AUCTION OF THE BUGGYMAN ANTIQUE SHOP INVENTORY AND “WAREHOUSE TREASURES”!

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

MAY 27-28, 10A.M. TO 3P.M.

On site at The Buggyman, Route 15, Johnson, VT (Preview: May 26, 10a.m. to 3p.m.)

Widely acclaimed as one of the better antiques shops in Vermont and certainly one of the friendliest, Richard Degre “Vermont’s Favorite Country Auctioneer” will be selling furniture from every period: objects of virtue, porcelain, glass, pottery, country smalls, art and wall hangings, lighting, rugs, linens, replace items, military, childhood items, books, ephemera, photography, special estate collection of enterprise, coffee grinders and on and on. The “unusual” — and everything in between — that you would expect to nd in a four-decades-old antiques business, especially so, at “The Buggyman.”

PHOTOS AND LISTING ON DEGRE AUCTION SERVICE (auctionzip.com/VT-Auctioneers/15937.html)

debit; 13% buyers’ premium with 3% discount for cash/check plus 6% sales tax; absentee and phone bids welcome Richard Degre 802.673.5840 “The Buggyman” 802.635.2110 Email degreauction@comcast.net

Terms:

Chea Waters Evans, a Democrat, represents Charlotte and Hinesburg in the Chittenden-5 House district.

Rep. Chea Waters Evans

From the House Rep. Chea Waters Evans

Community Notes

Burlington Garden Club awards annual scholarships

On April 25, the Burlington Garden Club presented two University of Vermont seniors, Aiyanna Vargo and Abby Chastaine, each with a $500 scholarship award. Aiyanna Vargo and Abby Chastaine have been studying horticulture, landscape design and soil science under the direction of professor Mark Starrett.

They have been working at Clausen’s Nursery in Colchester for several years and recognizing their dedication and service, owner Chris Conant completed the ceremony by delivering two floral bouquets.

Burlington Garden Club scholarship chairwoman Margaret Bartholomew said both students plan to stay in Vermont.

Talk explores role of ‘elite’ women and slavery

Ethan Allen Homestead Museum offers the talk “Elite Women in the Business of Slavery” on Sunday, May 21, at 1 p.m.

St. Michael’s College professor Dr. Alexandra Garrett explores how socially elite women of the revolutionary and early federal

eras participated in commercial enterprises through slavery.

Admission is free. The talk will also be available via Zoom. Go to ethanallenhomestead.org to register.

Play every town tour comes to Shelburne

Pianist David Feurzeig, as part of his statewide community concert tour for a cooler climate, will pay on Sunday, May 21, 2 p.m., at the United Methodist Church in Shelburne.

He will be accompanied by Emily Taubl on cello and Paul Orgel on piano.

The concert is free. Donations are accepted.

More at thirdact.com or playeverytown.com

May programs continue at Charlotte Senior Center

• Wednesday, May 24, 3-5 p.• Month-long photographic exhibit by David Pearson, a collection of scenic and wildlife photography. Pearson’s artistic style conveys his belief that “sometimes all it takes is pausing to take a deeper and longer look at the simple and ordinary, to see it from a different perspective.”

• Wednesday, May 24, 3-5 p.m.

— Senior Resource Fair. Learn about all the great resources available to seniors in the community. So far, over 20 local organizations have registered to attend.

• Saturday, May 27, 9 a.m.noon. — annual plant sale. Stock up on a great selection of annuals and perennials at great prices. Rain or shine.

• Wednesday, May 31, 9 a.m. — birding expedition with Hank Kaestner. Join avid bird watcher Hank Kaestner and learn to identify the various bird species and habitats in Vermont. Group size is limited to 20 participants. Free, registration required.

Shelburne Age Well hosts Grab and Go meal

Age Well and St. Catherine’s of Siena Parish in Shelburne are teaming up to provide a meal to go for anyone age 60 and older on Tuesday, June 13.

The meal will be available for pick up in the parking lot at 72 Church St. from 11 a.m. until noon and are available for anyone 60 or older. Suggested donation is $5.

The menu is meatloaf with brown sauce, mashed potatoes. Mixed vegetables, wheat bread, apple crisp with topping and milk.

To order a meal contact Kathleen at agewellstcath@gmail.com or 802-503-1107. Deadline to order is Wednesday, June 7. If this is a first-time order, provide your name, address, phone number and date of birth.

If you haven’t yet filled out a congregate meal registration

form, bring a completed registration form with you or send one to: Age Well; 875 Roosevelt Highway, Ste. 210, Colchester VT 05446. Forms will be available at meal pick up.

Learn about restaurant tickets to dine at participating restaurants at agewellvt.org.

Charlotte Senior Center plant sale

The Charlotte Senior Center will host its annual plant sale on Saturday, May 27, from 9 a.m.noon.

Donations of perennials, annuals or house plants are accepted. If you are dividing perennials, it would be helpful to put them into pots.

Hinesburg holds welcome baby picnic for families

Hinesburg families with babies born in the past 12 months are invited to a free picnic outside the Carpenter-Carse Library on Saturday, June 3, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The event features refreshments, a raffle and an opportunity to meet others with kids the same age. Tours will be offered of the food shelf and library. Library books are dedicated to each baby born in Hinesburg and are circulated at the library for all to enjoy. Get the chance to pick out the library book that will be dedicated to your baby at the event. Older siblings are encouraged to attend and can take part in activities and a story time.

RSVP to Alexandra Koncewicz at koncewicz@hinesburgresource.org or 802-482-4649.

The Welcome Baby Picnic is sponsored by the Hinesburg Community Resource Center’s Friends of Families program.

Hinesburg Firefighters hold spring craft fair

Join the Hinesburg Firefighters Association for its spring craft fair, on Saturday, May 20, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hinesburg Fire Station.

The event includes local crafters as well as outside business consultants and many home-craft businesses. If you are interested in a space, contact dbarber7541@ gmail.com. Proceeds benefit The Hinesburg Firefighters Association.

Science Fun Day explores out of this world topics

Are you a student in grades three to five with an interest in exploring how things work?

If so, “Science Fun Day: Out of this World” may be just the event for you. It takes place at the Barre Civic Center in Barre on Sunday, May 21, from 2-4 p.m, and there’s only space for 25 participants.

The afternoon session will focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics activities. Learn what it takes to fly a helicopter on Mars, inves-

COURTESY PHOTO

Margaret Bartholomew of the Burlington Garden Club with scholarship winners Aiyanna Vargo and Abby Chastaine.

artisan market, ax throwing

The Friends of the Union Meeting Hall will host their third annual Taste of Summer event on May 19-21 at the Union Meeting Hall in Ferrisburgh.

This three-day celebration brings the community together to enjoy food, live music, antique cars and a market of artisan crafts. It’s an opportunity for neighbors to gather on the grounds to support efforts to restore the Union Meeting Hall.

On Friday, May 19, festivities frun from 4-7:30 p.m. The event kicks off with a public ribbon cutting from 4:30-5 p.m. to celebrate the completion of the second exit at the meeting hall. A family fun night with activities for the entire family will take place from

COMMUNITY NOTES

continued from page 6

tigate alien genetics and build an egg-drop lander to protect the “eggstronaut” you create.

The event is free, but registration is required. Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, firstserved basis until Monday, May 15 or when the event fills up. To register go to uvm.edu/extension.

Rokeby Musuem becomes

2023 Blue Star museum

Rokeby Museum in Ferrisburgh joins museums nationwide in the Blue Star Museums initiative, which provides free admission to currently serving U.S. military personnel and their families this summer.

The 2023 program will begin on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 20, and end on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 4.

Find the list of participating museums at arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.

Blue Star museums include children’s museums, art, science

5-7:30 p.m. Popular fair food will be served all day including fried dough and snow cones, as well as authentic Mexican and Guatemalan cuisine and wood-fired pizza.

On Saturday, May 20, the event will be in full swing with activities happening from 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Visitors can try their hand at ax throwing provided by Burly Axe from noon to 3 p.m. The market on the green, from noon-7 p.m., will feature a diverse selection of artisan products for sale. From 1-1:30 p.m., Sarah Frederikson from Elevate will hold a free 30-minute yoga session on the green for all ages and levels. No mat required.

Musician Mike Scott will play a mix of local tunes from 5:30-

6:30 p.m. The Ferrisburgh Historical Society will host an open house across the street.

On Sunday, May 21, run from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and include a classic car display by Snake Mountain Cruises. Steve Audy will perform live acoustic covers from noon-1 p.m.

Parking, including designated handicap parking, is available at the Union Meeting Hall, located at 41 Middlebrook Road in Ferrisburgh. Additional parking can be found at the metal building directly to the south. On Saturday parking will also be available at the historical society as well as at Ferrisburgh Central School.

For a full schedule visit unionmeetinghall.org.

and history museums, zoos, gardens and lighthouses in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Howard Center presents talk on racial healing

“Racial Trauma & Generational Healing,” a talk led by Catarina Campbell, director of diversity, equity and inclusion at Howard Center, takes place via Zoom on Thursday, May 18, 7-8 p.m.

The event will focus on the impact of racism on mental and emotional well-being and examine how social justice can help individuals heal from past traumas and create a better future for all. Campbell will lead a presentation, followed by a discussion questions. Participants will be invited to explore personal experiences, ancestral wisdom and consider techniques such as meditation and self-reflection.

Campbell’s talk is part of the center’s community educa-

tion series to provide a space for community members to learn and engage with others, offering opportunities to educate, expand understanding and reduce stigma in the community.

Registration for this event is free but required. Visit howardcenter.org.

Go birding with Audubon at Geprags Park

Come spend a morning with the Hinesburg Conservation Commission and Mark LaBarr of Audubon Vermont and learn how to spot and identify shrubland birds, including golden-winged and blue-winged warbler, on Saturday, May 20, 9-11 a.m. Also, learn about the work done in Geprags Park to restore habitat for these birds and what you can do on your own property to create better habitat for these important species. This event is free but donations to Audubon Vermont are welcome.

Junapr acquires Standing O events

Junapr, a public relations and communications firm, has acquired Standing O, an event firm in Vermont.

Both businesses operate from Charlotte.

Nicole Junas Ravlin, founder of Junapr, will become the CEO of the parent company, Junas Ravlin LLC.

In her new role, Ravlin will oversee the operations of Junapr

and Junas Ravlin LLC.

Antonia Hinge of Shelburne, the founder of Standing O, will continue the role of president of Standing O and vice president of Junas Ravlin LLC.

“I am excited to welcome Standing O into the Junapr family,” said Ravlin, who lives in Shelburne.

The merger is expected to create three new full-time jobs.

‘Taste of Summer’ features fair food, music, classic cars,

COURTESY PHOTO Nicole Ravlin and Antonia Hinge.

Grow basil for eating, preserving

Basil is an easy-to-grow annual herb that thrives in

Vermont summers and has several culinary uses. Many varieties are readily available. Plant some in your garden this summer to enjoy year-round.

Plant basil seeds directly in the garden after all danger of frost has passed and water thoroughly. Enrich the soil before planting with compost. The seeds will germinate quickly, in 5-7 days. Wait until the soil has warmed and air temperatures average in the 70s before planting basil transplants.

Basil loves sun and heat but may need afternoon shade if planted in an exceptionally sunny spot. The plants need to be kept moist but do not overwater as the roots are prone to rot.

Pinch back leaves once the plant reaches about six inches tall. To do this, look for a point where two leaves branch off from a stem. Clip just above this point. Continue pinching back to encourage bushy growth and leaf production — but avoid harvesting more than one-half of the plant.

Genovese basil, or other sweet basil varieties, are the go-to varieties for pesto. If you end up overrun with basil and want to

Basil is easy to grow and provides a multitude of uses.

continued from page 8

try something different, try storing some in your freezer. This adds a spicy touch to pasta, soups and vegetables. Any variety can be preserved this way.

To freeze basil, add oil to prevent the leaves from turning black. Trim and clean the leaves. Add the leaves and olive oil to a food processor and process until the basil is finely chopped.

Put the mixture into small ice cube trays to freeze. Remove the cubes when frozen and store them in a freezer-safe container.

Basil also can be dried for later use. Using a food dehydrator preserves the vibrant color. Separate individual leaves along trays and follow the instructions for your dehydrator.

In addition, clean leaves can be dried in the oven. Spread the leaves on parchment-lined baking trays. Set your oven to its lowest temperature setting, below 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Check frequently for dryness and remove when leaves crumble easily.

can be grown and dried using the methods described above. However, they have slightly different culinary uses.

In addition, clean leaves can be dried in the oven. Spread the leaves on parchment-lined baking trays. Set your oven to its lowest temperature setting, below 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Check frequently for dryness and remove when leaves crumble easily.

Some other varieties of basil to try this year are Thai, lemon and cinnamon. All

Thai basil has a subtle anise or licorice flavor that enhances the flavors of Asian dishes. The fresh leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. Add to salads, stir-frys or simmer in curries. Dried Thai basil can be added to your cooked meals.

Lemon basil has a subtly tangy citrus flavor. Try blending it into salad dressing, using it as a garnish or muddling it in cocktails or lemonade. Lemon basil is best used fresh.

Cinnamon basil is another interesting variety that adds a sweet, cinnamon-y flavor. Fresh or dried leaves can be added to baked goods, steeped for tea and used as a garnish. Try including some cinnamon basil in baked applesauce for a twist on your usual recipe.

View additional resources on growing and using herbs at bit.ly/41rcy6f.

Andrea Knepper is a UVM Extension master gardener.

Redhawks recap

three goals for the Redhawks (6-0) and DJ Steinman added three assists.

Softball

BFA-St. Albans 20, Champlain Valley 0: After keeping the BFA-St. Albans offense contained for most of the game, the Comets scored 15 runs in the sixth inning to pull away for a win over Champlain Valley Monday.

With the loss, the Redhawks fall to 4-7.

CVU won Saturday, beating Mount Mansfield 23-11. Mackenzie Yandow won on the mound while Kate Boget had four RBIs, and Shelby Companion hit a home run and drove in four runs.

Girls’ lacrosse

Champlain Valley 17, BFA-St. Albans 7: The girls opened with a 11-0 run on Saturday and did not look back in a win over BFA-St. Albans.

Amelie Scharf, Dicey Manning and Emerson Rice each had a hat trick for the Redhawks (9-0). Tess Everett tallied twice, while Grace McNally, Bibi Frechette, Stella Dooley, Kate Boehmcke, Sophie Madden and Carly Strobeck each added a goal.

Clare Stackpole-McGrath and Ava Medici combined to make five saves in goal.

Boys’ Ultimate

Champlain Valley 15, Middlebury 0: The boys remain undefeated after a win over Middlebury on Monday, May 15.

Grayson Blom-Clarke had

Girls’ Ultimate

South Burlington 15, Champlain Valley 7: Grace Thompson had two goals and two assists, but it was not enough for Champlain Valley in a loss to South Burlington Monday.

Ella Polli and Megan Rexford added two goals, while Abby Bunting tallied once, and Stella Ewald dished out four assists in the loss.

Baseball

Mount Mansfield 12, Champlain Valley 8: Champlain Valley baseball dropped its second game in a row, falling to Mount Mansfield Saturday.

Lewis Kerest had a double and two RBIs in the loss, while Declan Cummings drove in four runs. Travis Stroh added a double and an RBI.

CVU is now 8-2.

Track and field

The Champlain Valley track and field represented well at the 50th Burlington Invitational on Saturday, May 13, placing fifth place overall as a team.

On the girls’ side, Estella Laird finished in first place in the 3,000 meters and Harper Danforth was first in the javelin throw. Kate Kogut came second in the pole vault and Audrey Neilson grabbed a second spot in the 1,500-meter race, while Lilyanna Mittel-

stadt was second in the freshman 100-meter race.

Fellow first years Kari Congnalton (fourth) and McKenna Rettew (fifth) also placed in the

freshman 100 meters.

Grace McNally came in third in the 800 meters, while Isabella Gravina-Budis was third in the high jump. Mahoune Felix (100-

meter dash), Maddie Connery (1,500 meters) and Avery Murray (high jump) all earned fifth place finishes. Amelie Scharf (400 meters) and Amelia Novak (triple jump) finished in sixth.

On the boys’ side, Matthew Servin was the top finisher, coming in first place in the 800and 1,500-meter races. Jack Crum came in third in the 3,000 meters and sixth in the 1,500. Avery Rogers grabbed a top spot in the long jump, then came in fifth place in the 100-meter dash. Quintin Fortier rounded out the top CVU competitors, coming third in the freshman 100 meters.

Boys’ lacrosse

Champlain Valley 7, Essex 6: Champlain Valley got a narrow win over Essex on Friday, May 12, to capture the Battle of the Bucket trophy.

Peter Gilliam had four goals and an assist to pace the Redhawks, who remain undefeated at 10-0.

Connor Malaney, Max Brumsted and Max Destito each added a goal for CVU, while Harper Anderson stopped 12 shots.

PHOTO BY AL FREY CVU blanked Middlebury Monday 15-0.

Spring beauty

Key habitat parcel granted to Green Mtn. National Forest

The Trust for Public Land has transferred Rolston Rest, the largest private unprotected parcel remaining in Vermont’s Green Mountain National Forest, to the U.S. Forest Service for permanent protection.

Adding the property to the Green Mountain National Forest will shield the land from development and guarantee public access.

Encompassing 2,744 acres of forest habitat, hiking trails and aquatic resources, the Rolston Rest property serves as the viewshed for the nearby iconic Appalachian

National Scenic Trail and has long been a popular destination for hikers, hunters and skiers.

The future vision for the property also includes partnering with Vermont Huts Association to build a year-round cabin at South Pond, at a previously disturbed site where a residence was destroyed by an arsonist in 2018. Part of a four-season hut-to-hut network linking rural communities across the state, the proposed hut will create a new point of access to the outdoors.

The property hosts three miles of the Long Trail, two miles of the

BYLAW

continued from page 1

Work will kick off in September, beginning with “village visioning” that will include extensive public forums and feedback sessions surrounding changes residents would like to see within the village centers.

The consultant will then compile a conceptual master and street design plans, that will include bike and pedestrian infrastructure, which is required mostly because funding linked to the Unified Planning Work Program uses federal highway transportation funds.

Although Charlotte has undertaken similar studies in the past, this is expected to be the most extensive bylaw work the town has ever done. Newton explained that part of the reason why some of the town’s past bylaw modernization projects failed was mostly due to a lack of funding and resident engagement.

“For this project, we are boxing this all together into one scope of work with the idea to keep the momentum going,” Newton said. “There is no getting a grant to do planning and getting a grant to do coding work two years later.”

However, when the planning commission attempted to remedy some of these issues in the past, they were met with opposition by residents. Two proposed amendments to the town plan and zoning bylaws in March 2021 that would have enhanced housing opportunities in the East Village were adamantly rejected by Charlotte voters.

“What happened is that there were a lot of signs put up saying, ‘if

you don’t understand the proposals vote no,’ and accusations of this being an attempt to spot zoning, which it wasn’t,” Newton said. “It was a fight that was waged, unfortunately, mostly online on Front Porch Forum and social media, actively promoting what I would call misinformation about the nature of the proposed changes.”

Lewack said the experience underlines the need for more intense public outreach and engagement to properly address resident fears of over development and hopefully mobilize resident support for aligning land use regulations with the housing and density objectives that are embedded in the town plan — which is also set to be updated in 2026.

Newton noted that several towns in Vermont are undergoing this land use regulation work, including the neighboring town of Shelburne, which has undertaken a similar bylaw overhaul this year including hiring a consultant with a $25,000 state bylaw modernization grant meant to encourage more housing variety, affordability and opportunities.

“For so long Shelburne has taken the load of development because it’s adjacent to Burlington and Williston and now here you are in Charlotte and we are on the next targeted area for development,” planning commission member Linda Radimer said. We don’t have as many active farms and that’s open space that developers are now viewing as potential developments.”

SALES EXECUTIVE

Catamount Trail and is proposed to include a section of the new, multi-use Velomont Trail that one day will connect mountain bike networks and local communities along the entire length of Vermont. It also supports habitat for bobcats, moose, otters and threatened northern long-eared bats.

To date, the trust has protected more than 52,500 acres in the Green Mountains, with a goal to conserve an additional 20,000 acres in the next decade, particularly along the Long and Appalachian trails.

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PHOTO BY LEE KROHN

Forget-me-nots are a sure sign summer is on its way.

“For this project, we are boxing this all together into one scope of work with the idea to keep the momentum going.”

— Taylor Newton

TOWN OF CHARLOTTE IS ISSUING A REQUEST FOR BIDS Resurfacing Tennis Courts at the Charlotte Beach

The Request for Bids can be viewed at www.charlottevt.org and can also be obtained by contacting Nicole Conley, Recreation Director, at Recreation@townofcharlotte.com or (802) 989-2929.

Sealed bids are due by Monday June 12th at 4 PM

Mailed or hand delivered to: Nicole Conley, Recreation Director, Charlotte Town Office, 159 Ferry Road, P.O. Box 119, Charlotte, VT 05445—envelopes should be labeled “Charlotte Beach: Resurface Tennis Courts”. If hand delivering, use the mail slot to the right of the front door.

Bids are to be opened on June 12th at 6:50 PM at the Town Office.

The Town of Charlotte reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids for any reason, and may not necessarily select the lowest bid.

Community Bankers - Chittenden County BUILDERS

I MAKERS I DOERS

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PUBLIC HEARING

Hinesburg Development Review Board

Tuesday, June 6, 2023 7:00 pm

Aaron Campbell - Conditional use review for expansion of a non-complying structure (addition of a deck) on a property located at 15 Shadow Lane, in the Rural Residential 1 zoning district.

NRG Systems, IncConditional use review/ revision for the erection of a 60-meter (197-foot) wind test tower with no time restriction on a 9.81-acre property, located on the south side of Riggs Road in the Village Northeast Zoning District. The meeting will be both in person and remote. See meeting agenda on town website with details on how to participate.

TOWN OF CHARLOTTE IS ISSUING A REQUEST FOR BIDS For Trail Construction

The Request for Bids can be viewed at www.charlottevt.org and can also be obtained by contacting Dean Bloch, Town Administrator, at townadmin@townofcharlotte.com or 425-3071 ext. 5.

Sealed bids are due by Monday June 12, 2023 @ 4 PM

Mailed or hand delivered to: Dean Bloch, Town Administrator, Charlotte Town Office, 159 Ferry Road, P.O. Box 119, Charlotte, VT 05445—envelopes should be labeled “Trail Construction Bid”. If hand delivering, use the mail slot to the right of the front door. Bids are to be opened on June 12th at 6:45 PM at the Town Office.

The Town of Charlotte reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids for any reason, and may not necessarily select the lowest bid.

Donald A. Bean

There will be a burial service for Donald Albert Bean at the Hinesburg community cemetery on Mechanicsville Road on Friday, May 26, at noon.

A reception will follow at the Osborne Parish Hall at the Unitarian Church on Route 116 in the center of town.

Eric Spivack

Eric Spivack of Hinesburg died suddenly on Sunday, May 7, 2023, at the age of 63.

Beloved by his family, he is survived by his wife, Margaret; sons, Ronald and Evan; parents, Jolyon and Dorothy Spivack; sister, Faye and husband, Mark Kushinsky; mother-in-law, Barbara Carter; brothers-in-law, Jonathan and wife, Veronica Carter, and Robert and wife, Lisa Carter; and nieces and nephews, Shaul

Obituaries

Kushinsky and wife Rebecca, Somach, Dahlia Kushinsky, Nex Carter and Kelsyn Carter.

Born in Boston, Eric grew up in Stoughton, Mass., and graduated from Bentley University. He was a longtime firefighter of more than 35 years, beginning his career in Fairhaven, Mass., in 1986.

He moved to Hinesburg in 1998 and has served with the Hinesburg Fire Department since. He worked his way through the ranks, including obtaining extra training as an EMT, and was actively serving as an assistant chief. He was posthumously promoted to deputy chief.

Eric also served as the education liaison for the Hinesburg Fire Department to the Hinesburg Community School and could be seen driving the fire trucks to the school and providing demonstrations to the students.

Eric was a proud firefighter and loved the department and his community. He always insisted on driving himself despite being told that his rank allowed him to just ride and could often be found behind the wheel of Engine No. 1. He is described as being like “a kid in the toy store” when he was talking about the engines.

Growing up, Eric was an active member of the Boy Scouts, and the ideals and principles that he learned helped guide him throughout his life. It was an important connection between him and his father, and later his

nephew, Shaul and more recently his sons, Ronald and Evan. Eric loved to participate in hiking and camping activities alongside both Cub Scout Pack 691 and Boy Scout Troop 690.

Eric deeply loved his wife and sons and was immensely proud of them. He could often be found bringing them back and forth between activities, including swimming, various band practices and Boy Scouts. He and the family loved building Legos together, and their house is full of their individual and family projects. They also loved watching movies together and was happy to put up with their Star Wars obsessions.

In his time off, Eric also loved watching fire and police related shows including “Adam-12,” “Emergency!”, “Chicago PD,” “Chicago Fire,” “Chicago Med,” “911”, “NCIS Los Angeles,” “NCIS New Orleans” and “Fire Country,” as well as other shows such as “Big Bang Theory.” He enjoyed playing games on his phone during his free time.

Eric loved his town through and through. His family thanks the town for all its love and support in this time and over the years. Donations in his memory can be made to the Hinesburg Firefighters Association or a cancer charity of your choice.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Eric Spivack please visit readyfuneral. com.

Community Bankers – Chittenden County

BUILDERS | MAKERS | DOERS®

There is no better time to join our Team!

Even better… if you have prior banking experience, we encourage you to apply!

Northfield Savings Bank, founded in 1867, is the largest banking institution headquartered in Vermont. We are committed to providing a welcoming work environment for all. Consider joining our team as a Temporary Community Banker!

Relevant Skills:

• Customer Service • Cash Handling (we’ll train you!)

Even better… if you have prior banking experience, we encourage you to apply!

If you are 18 or older and have a high school diploma, general education (GED) degree, or equivalent, consider joining the NSB Team!

Please send an NSB Application

call 985-3091

Donald A. Bean

RABIES BAIT

continued from page 2

The week-long bait drop is a cooperative effort between Vermont and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services to stop the spread of the potentially fatal disease.

saliva. If left untreated, rabies is almost always fatal in humans and animals. However, treatment with the rabies vaccine is nearly 100 percent effective when given soon after a person is bitten by a rabid animal.

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Rabies is a deadly viral disease of the brain that infects mammals. It is most often seen in raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats, but unvaccinated pets and livestock can also get rabies.The virus is spread through the bite of an infected animal or contact with its

So far this year, 23 animals in Vermont have tested positive for rabies, and 14 of those have been raccoons.

According to wildlife officials, rabid animals often show a change in their normal behavior, but you cannot tell whether an animal has rabies simply by looking at it. People should not touch or pick up wild animals or strays – even baby animals.

SHELBURNE continued Home Care Health & Fitness

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CORBIN & PALMER

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ARIES

March 21 - April 20

Aries, try to rectify an imbalance in a relationship with another person close to you this week. It’s never too late to make amends, and the rewards are fully worth it.

TAURUS

April 21 - May 21

Taurus, friction can be overcome with patience and perseverance. Take an even-keeled approach and give things time to simmer. Change will come.

GEMINI

May 22 - June 21

The brighter you shine, the more things will come your way this week, Gemini. Wear a big smile on your face and get out into the thick of things.

CANCER

June 22 - July 22

Cancer, you may have to change your way of thinking to get on the same wavelength as some others this week. Be open-minded to new experiences.

LEO

July 23 - Aug. 23

Important lessons about balance could come your way soon, Leo. You need to nd that happy medium between work and home responsibilities.

VIRGO

Aug. 24 - Sept. 22

Events this week could leave you a little dazed and bewildered, Virgo. Nothing seems to be going to plan and that could get on your nerves. Figure out a way to de-stress.

LIBRA

Sept. 23 - Oct. 23

Libra, your urge to take action comes on strong this week. Figure out a project you can put your efforts behind as soon as possible and then dive in with maximum effort.

SCORPIO

Oct. 24 - Nov. 22

Use this week as an opportunity to tend to your own needs, Scorpio. Indulge in a spa treatment or play hooky and go on a road trip all by yourself.

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

Sagittarius, your desire to get ahead is very strong over the course of the next few days. Now you only need to gure out the venture that you will take on.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22 - Jan. 20

Others may be begging for your attention, Capricorn. But this week is all about self-healing for you. Focus inward to bring about any personal change you desire.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 21 - Feb. 18

You can accomplish a great deal when you happen to get moving, Aquarius. This week the struggle may be nding the motivation to take the rst step.

PISCES

Feb. 19 - March 20

Pisces, take a break from reality by reading a good fantasy book, watching a movie or enjoying a stage show. You can use the respite.

CLUES ACROSS

1. Relative biological effectiveness (abbr.)

4. Chinese philosophical principle

7. Branch

8. Jewish spiritual leader

10. Slang for requests

12. “So Human An Animal” author

13. Rocker Billy

14. British Air Aces

16. Type of tree

17. “Tough Little Boys” singer Gary

19. State attorneys

20. Goddess of fertility

21. Localities

25. Beloved singer Charles

26. Clue

27. Ridge of jagged rock below sea surface

29. Helsinki neighborhood

30. Farm resident

31. Ocean

32. Where ballplayers work

39. Unable to hear

41. Cool!

42. Cape Verde capital

43. One point north of due east

44. Kilo yard (abbr.)

45. Middle Eastern nation

46. It yields Manila hemp

48. People operate it (abbr.)

49. Regenerate

50. Not healthy

51. Chinese sword

52. Mild expression of surprise

CLUES DOWN

1. Unit of angle

2. Headgear to control a horse

3. Clots

4. Follows sigma

5. A woman who is the superior of a group of nuns

6. Greek units of weight

8. Radio direction nder (abbr.)

9. Systems, doctrines, theories

11. Stony waste matter

ANSWERS

14. Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!

15. Hostile to others

18. U.S. State

19. Not wet

20. Something one thinks up

22. Where beer is made

23. Clumsy person

24. Belonging to us

27. Canadian yers

28. Greek goddess of the dawn

29. Snakelike sh 31. Unhappy

32. Fruit

33. Not good 34. Zero degrees Celsius 35. Goo Goo Dolls’ hit 36. Crawls into the head (folklore)

37. Legally responsible

38. Move in a playful way 39. Regarded with deep affection

40. Partner to owed 44. Native American tribe 47. Head honcho

Island Memorial Pet Service

We understand the love you have for your

and the importance they hold in your life. Our compassionate staff is devoted to easing the difficulties at this challenging time.

Forests follow pattern of dynamic succession

Into the Woods

Forests are dynamic communities, defined and enriched by change. As forests change, they tend to follow a pattern called succession: a series of developmental stages, each of which follows, or succeeds, the last.

Succession begins following a largescale — or catastrophic — disturbance. As the forest regenerates, it enters a stage known as stand initiation, becoming an early successional forest. Early successional forests are defined by an incredible diversity of trees as well as a variety of shrubs and plants which provide habitat for wildlife species from pollinators to birds, bats and black bears.

Just a Few Spring Flowers

After 20 to 30 years, trees rise above the shrubs and the plants of the early successional forest. As these trees grow, their crowns knit together and the canopy closes, casting the understory in deep shade. The forest enters stem exclusion, a stage of succession characterized by a single generation of trees engaged in intense competition with one another.

Depending on the species that comprise this initial generation of trees, stem exclusion can last anywhere from around twenty years to well over a century. As the trees in the forest’s overstory get older and taller, and as they begin to decline and die, light is finally allowed to reach the forest floor again. A new generation of trees, usually of more shade-tolerant species, establishes in the understory, marking the beginning of the understory re-initiation stage.

Following understory re-initiation, the forest slowly and inevitably goes haywire. Through tree mortality and natural disturbances, generations of trees establish themselves and grow, and the forest reshapes itself repeatedly. Over time, the forest becomes diverse and complex, with many different sizes and ages of trees, some large, old trees and a patchy, irregular canopy. Over decades, but more commonly centuries, the forest passes into late succession, a stage of forest development sometimes called old growth.

In truth, succession is not a straight line; it is a cycle that forests pass through repeatedly, with many detours and falsestarts along the way. While it is tempting to think of late-successional forests as the endpoint, pinnacle or climax of forest development, each stage of succession is normal and natural. Over millennia, the

tens of thousands of species that comprise the forest communities have adapted to every stage of forest development, from early succession to late-succession. A vibrant and resilient landscape is not a monolith, but rather a diverse mosaic of forests of all different ages and types and expressions. Each stage of succession is vital and none is a means to an end.

As a result of Vermont’s land-use history, nearly all the state’s forests are just 60 to 100 years old, still at the early stages of succession. As they try to move forward and regain the diversity and complexity that once defined them, forests are confronted with an array of threats and stressors, including non-native invasive plants, pests and pathogens, the loss or functional-loss of native species, altered disturbance regimes and a climate that is changing in unpredictable ways — all of which threaten forests’ vitality, their biodiversity and their resilience. As comforting as it would be to believe that forests will naturally continue down the road of succession, it is increasingly clear that we will not protect the forests and their biodiversity solely through inaction. We cannot afford to do nothing.

So, what can we do? There is no single solution. Protecting existing old-growth forests and allowing some forests to be relatively unmanaged are important tools in the toolkit but will not address all these issues. We must take radical action, both within individual forests and across the landscape, to simultaneously address the legacies of the past, the realities of the present and the uncertainty of the future. Forest management can help forests build diversity, complexity and resilience and create habitats — like early-successional forests — for wildlife species of concern. None of these strategies will be effective unless we also act to control threats and stressors like climate change, non-native invasive plants, deer overabundance, deforestation and forest fragmentation.

As always, forests challenge us to embrace nuance and complexity, to form a more expansive vision of what a forest is and what it means to care for it. As forest stewards, our job is not just to protect the trees in these forests, but to protect and to celebrate how they change.

Ethan Tapper is the Chittenden County Forester for the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation. See what he’s been up to, check out his YouTube channel, sign up for his eNews and read articles he’s written at bit.ly/3J6l4lf.

Diane Von Furstenberg, Shoshanna, Alice & Olivia, Shona Joy, Trina turk, Halston, Hutch, Julie Vos, Monique L'huillier, Toccin, Mac Duggal, Ted Baker, Joseph ribkoff, soia & kyo...

Ethan Tapper

As forest stewards, our job is not just to protect the trees in these forests but, to protect and to celebrate how they change.

Management helps build diversity, complexity, habitat