Life saver
‘Little beauties’
State police release video of heroic trooper
Marvel at enchanting, extraordinary winter light
Page 4
Page 16
January 18, 2024
POSTAL CUSTOMER
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #217 CONCORD, NH ECRWSSEDDM
Weekly news coverage for Charlotte and Hinesburg
thecitizenvt.com
CVSD moves forward Pinned with $3.6 million bond Residents to vote on budget, bonds in March COREY MCDONALD STAFF WRITER
The Champlain Valley school board and administration are moving forward with a $3.6 million bond to complete previously approved infrastructure projects and are asking voters to OK the district’s borrowing for the work. The bond, if approved, would go toward financing a list of capital improvement projects throughout the district’s schools. Residents gave the green light for the projects in March 2022 when they approved $7.5 million bond. But local market pressures resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic have driven costs up and slowed down the shipment of goods and materials, district officials said. “It’s a difficult ask when the community has already approved these projects,” Gary Marckres, the district’s chief operations officer, said. “It was really beyond the district’s control with the scarcity of companies, the amount of work that was out there ... and the escalation amount.” The school board’s approval means the district will move forward with three ballot items for residents in March. If the $3.6 million bond is approved, the district will continue work on a list of projects, such as the roof of Champlain Valley Union High School, and an upgrade to the school’s HVAC system, among other items. Residents in the school district’s five towns will also have to approve short-term debt financing for new school buses, as well as a budget that officials say may include a school tax rate increase of nearly 18 percent. Thirteen percent of that would result directly from the state’s newest common
level of appraisal, or CLA, figures. (See related, page 1) The CLA compares the assessed value of properties on the grand list to the actual property sale prices considered to represent fair market value. If the two are the same, the CLA ratio is exactly 100 percent. If the properties are sold at a price higher than what it is assessed for, then the ratio drops below 100 percent. Residents in Hinesburg are seeing a CLA of 67.65 this year compared to 78.23 last year. In Shelburne, the CLA dropped from 77.23 percent to 68.70. Charlotte, which had a reassessment last year, has a CLA of 104.49 percent compared to 119.26 last year. That, coupled with the implications of Act 127, put the finances of the school district and others in the area in a precarious position. “We did talk as a finance committee about whether or not we delay this,” Meghan Metzler, the vice chair of the Champlain Valley School Board, said of the $3.6 million bond vote. But, she added, the infrastructure needs are of critical importance for the school’s buildings. “This is life-safety, HVAC, it’s electricity, it’s sprinkler systems for fire safety,” she said. “We think that it’s important for our district.” Schools across the state are facing similarly challenging budget decisions as it pertains to their school buildings. Without funding from the state, districts are left to finance infrastructure improvements on their own. Vermont stopped a program to help fund schools in 2007. But lawmakers say they have a renewed interest in some kind of state-funding program, and it is expected to be addressed this session. School officials are expected to pass their budget this week.
PHOTO BY AL FREY
Champlain Valley Union’ High School’s Thomas Murphy (black) finished 5th in the 190-pound class by defeating Queensbury’s Gage Russell at the Michael J Baker Wrestling Classic on Jan. 13 in Essex. See sports roundup, page 11.
Chittenden school districts ask Legislature for fixes Common level of appraisal affects ‘dramatic’ tax rate hikes LIBERTY DARR AND COREY MCDONALD STAFF WRITERS
School district officials are calling on the Legislature to take immediate action to help alleviate potentially devastating school tax rate increases expected for South Burlington and towns that make up the Champlain Valley School District, driven largely by the state’s newest common level
of appraisal estimates that are compounding the implications of Act 127. In a letter to the state delegation, school district members and city councilors in South Burlington say that the impact of Act 127 “paired with a drastic decrease in the CLA this year has resulted in an unprecedented proposed homestead tax rate increase of more than 18 percent in South Burlington.”
“With budgets finalized in the next week and voters considering their options on Town Meeting Day, state relief is needed now,” the letter reads. The top brass with the Champlain Valley School District is drafting a similar letter, expected to be sent this week, that will ask for assistance from the state, See CLA on page 13
Page 2 • January 18, 2024 • The Citizen
Flutist, pianist team up for an afternoon of enchantment Eleva Chamber Players presents two celebrated Vermontbased musicians — flutist Laurel Ann Maurer and pianist Michael Sitton — in “Afternoon Enchantment,” a flute and piano program that includes works by Donizetti, Schubert, Franckenpohl and Piazzolla. They will also perform the world premiere of “The Fourth Highway” written by Vermont composer David Gunn for Maurer. The concert will take place on Saturday, Feb. 10, 3 p.m., at the United Church of Christ/Waterbury Congregational Church, 8 North Main St., Waterbury. Maurer has been lauded
by The New York Times as “a secure technician and an assured communicative interpreter.” She studied with Julius Baker, Jeanne Baxtresser and Samuel Baron, and participated in master classes of Marcel Moyse. Among her 13 commercially released CDs are “More American Flute Works” and the Jeff Mannokian “Flute Concerto,” both of which were nominated for a Grammy Award. Maurer was principal flutist of the Salt Lake Symphony for 12 years, and has more recently performed with the Vermont Symphony Orchestra, Vermont Contemporary Music Ensemble,
Montpelier Chamber Orchestra, and Vermont Philharmonic, where she is principal flutist. Sitton retired to central Vermont in 2020 following a career in higher education. His last appointment was as dean of The Crane School of Music in Potsdam, N.Y. Holding degrees in piano performance including the Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Illinois and the Diplôme de Concert from Paris’ Schola Cantorum, he has performed throughout his career as a solo pianist, chamber musician and collaborative artist. A board member of the Vermont Music Teachers’ Asso-
‘Come on in ...’
Laurel Ann Maurer
Michael Sitton
ciation, he teaches piano as a member of the faculty of Montpelier’s Monteverdi Music School and is active as a composer. Admission is $25, and $20 for
seniors and students. Tickets are available at elevachamberplayers. com or at the door. Concert information is available at elevachamberplayers.com.
Education and Enrichment announces spring lectures Education & Enrichment for Everyone kicks off its 2024 lecture series with Dartmouth professor of government Linda L. Fowler on Friday, Feb. 9, to offer her take on the current state of our democracy. EEE is a nonprofit lifelong learning organization founded in 1990 and open to all. Weekly lectures are held diverse topics each fall and spring on Fridays from 2-3 p.m., both live at Faith United Methodist Church, 899 Dorset St., South Burlington, and on Zoom.
Spring 2024 lecture schedule
COURTESY PHOTO
Another of Jim Fitzpatrick’s colorful, inspired wood pile projects, this time on Woodbine Street in South Burlington.
Friday, Feb. 9: “The Politics of Dysfunction: Is the State of America’s Democracy as Scary as So Many Observers Claim?” with Linda L. Fowler, professor of government and Frank J. Reagan Chair, emerita, Dartmouth College. Friday, Feb. 16: “The Great Vermont Flood of 2023,” Gabe Langbauer, meteorologist in charge, National Weather Service, Burlington. Friday, Feb. 23: “China and the West —– Historical Lessons for the Present,” Erik Esselstrom, professor of East Asian history and director of Asian Studies Program, University of Vermont. Friday, March 1: “What Can You Do with $20 Million: From Homelessness to Homeownership,” Michael Monte, CEO, Champlain Housing Trust. Friday, March 8: “Contemporary Policing,” Shawn Burke, chief, South Burlington Police Department. Friday, March 15: “The Underwater Archaeology of Lake
Champlain,” Chris Sabick, executive director, Lake Champlain Maritime Museum. Friday, March 22: “Inside the Capitol: An Update on Vermont’s 2024 Legislative Session,” Sarah Mearhoff, political reporter, VTDigger. Friday, April 5: “Artificial Intelligence: The Birth of a New Era,” Sergio Tenreiro de Magalhaes, chief learning officer, associate professor and chair of cybersecurity and digital Forensics, Champlain College. Friday, April 12: “Why the Middle East Will Always Matter?” Peter Henne, professor, Department of Political Science and Global and Regional Studies, director of Middle East Studies Program, UVM. Friday, April 19: “The Making of 1177BC: A Graphic History of the Year Civilization Collapsed,” Glynnis Fawkes, cartoonist. Friday, April 26: “Tech Hub Opportunities and Collaboration Plans for UVM and Global Foundries,” Kirk Dombrowski, vice president for research and economic development, UVM. For more information, visit eeevermont.org, email info@eee vermont.org or call 802-343-5177. To enroll in the Spring 2024 series, mail a check for $55 per person payable to EEE by Friday, Feb. 2, to EEE, c/o Cathy Chamberlain, 2504 Brand Farm Road, South Burlington VT 05403. Include your mailing address, phone number and email address. Memberships will also be accepted at the church. Non-members are welcome at the church lectures for a fee of $8, cash or check, payable at the door.
The Citizen • January 18, 2024 • Page 3
Stone’s Throw set to reopen in Charlotte LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER
For Charlotte resident and local entrepreneur Leyland Papa, the wheels of opportunity started turning around the same time that his trash truck’s did. When news hit in September that the Stone’s Throw pizzeria and beverage shop located on Ferry Road was set to close, Papa knew this was his opportunity to put his skills to work for the town in more ways than just as its concierge trash and recycling service, Trashaway. As he puts it, the proof was literally in the trash. “Sixty-five percent of my clients are in Charlotte, and I see the boxes going around,” he said. “I’m seeing the trash and I see how many boxes are coming out every week just for my clients and they can’t be the only clients.” Stone’s Throw has three other gourmet pizza shops located in Waterbury, Richmond and Fairfax, with a new location on the way for Jericho. The Charlotte location, which has been open since 2020, was slated to close due to staffing struggles. Although Papa doesn’t describe himself as an “eat a pizza every week” kind of guy, what drew him first to the store when he moved to Charlotte was its wine program and, of course, because it’s one of the very few places for residents to get a bite to eat in town. “This is a black hole for food out here,” he said. “It’s like a food desert. There’s nothing going on.” He said he heard about the closing on a Thursday and by Tuesday, the doors to the shop were closed. He thought to himself, “What am I going to do about this? The community needs this.” “I reached out and said, ‘Hey, what’s going on? What can we do to make it work here? Have you guys ever thought about licensing or franchising the idea,’ that sort of thing,” he said. “The owner, Tyler, got back to me and explained that they were honestly
COURTESY PHOTO
Stone’s Throw pizzeria in Charlotte is set to reopen by the end of January. Tyler Stratton, Allison Stratton and Silas Pollitt stand with Leyland Papa, center.
talking about that potentially being the next step for growth, to try to license the idea.” Papa said the trio — himself and owners Tyler Stratton and Allison Stratton — hit it off and struck up a partnership, something he calls a win-win for everyone. The food and weekly specials are set to remain the same as the other locations and the shop will continue to operate under the name Stone’s Throw. Papa has been training at the Richmond location to prep for the tentative opening day on Jan. 30.
NEW YEAR. NEW HOME. MAKE THIS YEAR THE YEAR YOUR HOME RENOVATION DREAMS COME TRUE!
CUSTOM BUILDING AND REMODELING
802.482.5777 | polliconstruction.com
Papa has extensive knowledge of the wine industry — he has a Level 3 certification with the Wine and Spirit Trust — and plans to spend a lot of time perfecting the store’s beverage program. He said the pipe dream is to own a series of wine and spirit stores, and although he tried that out in the New York area for years, he was running into a lot of dead ends. When he made the transition to his home state of Vermont, all the doors seemed to open for him.
“There were just ripe opportunities everywhere,” he said. There are currently six people training at the Richmond location who will hopefully make the transition to Charlotte by the end of the month, he said. “This community has really been very open to me and welcoming and I really like it. So what can I potentially do to keep this pizza place, that I think people want, and also be able to fool around with the small wine program to start,” he said.
Page 4 • January 18, 2024 • The Citizen
CRIME & COURTS Hinesburg Police Blotter: Jan. 9-15 Total incidents: 44 Jan. 9 at 1:11 p.m., an officer helped with a broken-down tractor trailer on Route 116. Jan. 9 at 8:25 p.m., police investigated suspicious activity on North Road. Jan. 9 at 8:56 p.m., a welfare check on Clover Lane was conducted. Jan. 9 at 9:57 p.m., an officer helped a motorist who had gone off the road on Silver Street. Jan. 10 at 7:00 a.m., an alarm activated on Ballard’s Corner Road. Jan. 10 at 7:05 a.m., an officer responded to a single-car crash on Pond Road. Jan. 10 at 7:25 a.m., an officer assisted with a traffic hazard on Hollow Road. Jan. 10 at 7:31 a.m., an officer responded to a single-car crash on Route 116. Jan. 10 at 9:53 a.m., a welfare check was conducted on Patricia’s Place. Jan. 11 at 10:45 a.m., police conducted a welfare check on Hillview Terrace. Jan. 11 at 5:40 p.m., police investigated suspicious activity on Hillview Terrace.
Jan. 12 at 7:45 a.m., an officer responded to a single-car crash on Sherman Hollow Road. Jan. 12 at 8:03 a.m., an officer was called to a single-car crash on Pond Road. Jan. 14 at 7:00 a.m., police investigated suspicious activity on Gilman Road. Jan. 14 at 8:25 a.m., police investigated suspicious activity on Ballard’s Corner Road. Jan. 14 at 2:21 p.m., officers responded to a single-car crash on Silver Street. Jan. 14 at 5:35 p.m., a resident was assisted with a civil matter stemming from a custody issue. Jan. 15 at 8:37 a.m., found property was turned into the Hinesburg Police Department. Jan. 15 at 9:33 a.m., a welfare check was conducted on Lewis Creek Road. Jan. 15 at 10:55 a.m., a motor vehicle complaint on Route 116 was investigated. Jan. 15 at 12:11 p.m., police investigated suspicious activity on North Road. Jan. 15 at 3:25 p.m., an officer responded to Pine Shore Drive for a resident dispute stemming from a custody issue.
The Citizen Serving the community of Charlotte & Hinesburg A publication of Vermont Community Newspaper Group LLC thecitizenvt.com Advertising Wendy Ewing wendy@shelburnenews.com (802) 985-3091 x12
Billing inquiries Leslie Lafountain leslie@stowereporter.com (802) 253-2101
Advertising Director Judy Kearns judy@otherpapersbvt.com (802) 864-6670 x21
Advertising submission deadline: Friday at 5 p.m. advertising@thecitizenvt.com classifieds@thecitizenvt.com
News Editor Tommy Gardner
Editorial submission deadline: Friday at 5 p.m. news@thecitizenvt.com
Staff Writers Aaron Calvin Corey McDonald Liberty Darr Production Manager Stephanie Manning stephanie@shelburnenews.com
Calendar submission deadline: Friday at 12 p.m. news@thecitizenvt.com Contact: 1340 Williston Road South Burlington, VT 05403 (802) 985-3091
Editor/Publisher Gregory Popa gpopa@stowereporter.com
The Citizen is published weekly and mailed free to residents and businesses in Charlotte and Hinesburg and rack distributed at select high traffic locations. The Vermont Community Newspaper Group LLC assumes no responsibility for typographical errors in advertisements and reserves the right to refuse advertising and editorial copy.
Video of lifesaving effort by state trooper released MICHAEL DONOGHUE CONTRIBUTOR
Vermont State Police have released the dramatic video of the lifesaving effort by trooper Michelle Archer pulling an 8-year-old girl from an icy pond last month. Archer dove into the freezing water off East View Road in Cambridge shortly before 9 a.m. Dec. 17, saving the girl. She was assisted by trooper Keith Cote. The girl, whose name was not released, was rushed to the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington with injuries initially believed to be life-threatening. She has since made a complete recovery and returned home. The Vermont State Police Victims Services Unit, which was engaged with the family from the start, shared the video with the family before it was released to news media outlets Jan. 12, spokesman Adam Silverman said. The release followed a series of requests under Vermont’s Public Records Law for the video. This week, Archer said that state troopers are trained to react. “There wasn’t a whole lot of thinking going on. Something was taking over, training. It was the opposite of panic,” the six-year police veteran said. Archer said she agreed with Cote’s assessment that trying to save a child is a basic reaction for most human beings. The girl and a few siblings were playing near and on the surface of the pond, which is on private property near their home, police said. The thin ice gave way, and two children fell into the water. The 80-year-old homeowner was able to reach and pull to safety a 6-year-old girl who was close to shore. The 8-year-old was further away, near the center of the deep pond and the homeowner called 911, police said. The department released just over three minutes of video from the body camera worn by Archer. The body camera video of Archer shows going to the back of her SUV cruiser and pulling out a life preserver with a throw rope and sprinting to the edge of the pond while getting information from a witness. Archer discarded her gun belt
40 degrees, according to Lt. Cory Lozier, the state police commander for Lamoille and Chittenden Counties. “As their commander, I could not be prouder of Trooper Archer and Trooper Cote. Their swift actions and efforts were selfless and heroic. Both troopers responded to the scene within minutes of the call and immediately went into action, with zero hesitation or regard for their own safety. Because of their actions that day, a very young girl is alive and well,” Michelle Archer Lozier said. Last July, Archer and Cote and waded into the near-freezing also were the primary responding pond without hesitation and even- officers to a possible drowning tually dove under water and swam complaint involving a 3-year-old to the girl. Cambridge boy at the Smugglers’ The underwater video shows Notch Resort waterpark. The Archer securing the girl and swim- child, who fell through an unseming back to shore. An unidenti- cured cover into an underground fied neighbor assisted her initially water storage tank for a splash pad, as Cote arrived. was taken on July 6 to the UniverAs she came ashore, Archer sity of Vermont Medical Center yelled, “Keith, in Burlington she’s making where he died The underwater noises. She’s one day later. He making noises.” was taken to the video shows Archer Cote can be UVM Medical heard twice tellsecuring the girl Center where ing Archer to get he died one day and swimming into some dry later. His drownclothes. Cote is ing was ruled an back to shore. An pictured picking accident. up the girl off the State police unidentified neighbor hired ground, wrapping Archer her in his arms in January assisted her initially and carrying the 2018 and she child through the subsequently as another trooper snow to the waitcompleted the ing ambulance basic 16-week arrived. from Cambridge course at the Rescue. Vermont Police Academy in PittsThe names of the property ford. During her career, Archer owners, including the 80-year-old was assigned mostly to the Williswoman, have not been released by ton barracks, responsible for state police. patrols in Chittenden and LamoilArcher eventually changed le counties. into warm, dry clothes and did not Cote joined the state police require medical treatment, police in April 2021 after working as a said. Archer was on routine patrol patrol officer for St. Albans City and happened to be nearby at the Police and as a corporal with its time and arrived on scene less than Street Crimes Unit. He was one five minutes after the call, state of three city officers honored in police said. 2018 with the police department’s Vermont State Police leader- highest award for bravery when ship have commended troopers they entered a burning apartment Archer and Cote and the home- building to rescue an elderly owner for their selfless, heroic double amputee, but not before his conduct, and all three have been oxygen tank exploded knocking recommended to receive the agen- the officers off their feet. cy’s Lifesaving Award, Silverman In the end they helped evacuate said. 11 others, then-police chief Gary The water was an estimated Taylor said.
The Citizen • January 18, 2024 • Page 5
OPINION House, Senate create path to beef up accountability The study committee’s recommendations for strengthening government accountability are: educate members of the Rep. Jessica Brumsted General Assembly on the importance of government accountability; create a Joint For years, the Vermont Legislature has Legislative Government Oversight and discussed having a meaningful system Accountability Committee; define a policy, to determine accountability for how tax planning and program evaluation staff funcdollars are spent but has struggled to settle tion to assist the General Assembly with on an effective way to improved accountability; adjust the timing do it. of the Programmatic and Performance During the 2023 Measure Budget Report, as well as other session, Act 53 reports; increase consistency and accountpassed, a bill that in ability in rulemaking with support from part established a the Legislative Committee on AdministraJoint Committee on tive Rules; develop processes, checklists Government Accountand timelines to ensure all key legislative ability. As many of reports and deadlines are easily accessible you know, over my last seven years in the Rep. Jessica Brumsted to the General Assembly and the public; establish a process to ensure that committee Legislature, I have members and committee staff regularly and been committed to the formally review past legislation, legislativeimportance of government accountabilily mandated reports and other materials; ty, so when Speaker Jill Krowinski asked establish a process that allows House and that I co-chair this committee along with Senate committees dealing with issues Sen. Randy Brock, I was very pleased and related to appropriations, institutions and honored to agree. A group of four representatives and four transportation to follow up on the previous senators spent the better part of the summer year’s budget and historical data; establish a process for legislative and fall working together committees to monitor on this important endeavor. The legislation, and report on deadlines This Summer Government relevant to enacted legisAccountability Commitexpected to be lation; require a perfortee put forth a series of mance note for legislation common-sense recompassed this year, that is a priority or costs mendations that will allow more than a threshold legislators and the public to will ensure that dollar amount; and define keep track of what happens and right-size the overall after a law is passed. any law whose staffing necessary for the The House and Senate legislative branch to carry implementation government operations out the recommendations committees have agreed to would be improved in this report. prioritize legislation this The intent of these year that will put in place by vigorous common-sense recomsystemic changes that are mendations is to reexsimple, clear, independent, performance amine the principle of objective and fact-based. government accountRep Michael McCastandards will have ability by focusing on rthy, chair of the House how evidence is used Committee on Government them in place, and to inform policy, how Operations and Military state laws are carried out Affairs, recently said, those standards will according to legislative “Vermonters expect transintent and how our laws parency and accountability be systematically can best be written going from government at all forward to achieve their levels, from town boards reviewed. intended outcomes. Many through to the executive laws already have built-in performance and legislative branches. Our committee is going to prioritize ethics and accountability standards. The legislation, expected to be passed policies this session to give Vermonters increased confidence that public institutions this year, will ensure that any law whose and officials are working well for them, and implementation would be improved by vigorous performance standards will have we are looking forward to taking up the them in place, and those standards will recommendations of the Summer Governbe systematically reviewed. Members of ment Accountability Committee in the the Legislature believe that the value of coming weeks.” McCarthy’s committee is the first committee addressing the report and subseSee BRUMSTED on page 6 quent legislation during this session.
From the House
Holiday Sparkle
91 MAIN STREET, STOWE ~ 802.253.3033 ~ FERROJEWELERS.COM ~ STOWE@F ERROJ EWELERS.COM @FERRO_JEWELERS_STOWE ~ FACEBOOK.COM/F ERRO.J EWELERS
Page 6 • January 18, 2024 • The Citizen
Vermont must resist ideas that would create full-time Legislature person from holding any office in this State until the person shall be restored by act of legislation.” Robert L. Walsh S.39, an act introduced and Serving in the Vermont General passed in the House and Senate pertaining to legislative compenAssembly is a privilege. It is not sation and benefits was vetoed by a profession. Chapter II of the Gov. Phil Scott at the end of the Vermont Constitution outlines a 2023 session. His stated reasonplan or frame of government that ing for vetoing the bill was it was is clearly a citizen legislature, inappropriate for the Legislature one that is based on the premise to be doubling that senators and its compensation representatives at a time when The Constitution will temporarily many Vermonters leave their primais clear. Serving are struggling ry employment financially, and to perform duties in the Legislature the state has an beneficial to the exceedingly high state. is not intended number of homeThe Constiless people who tution reads as to be permanent need care. follows: “As all Although persons of full age, employment. It is a his point is well to preserve their taken, I agree independence (if public service. We with the Legiswithout a sufficient lature’s concern estate) ought to should keep it that that the current have some professalary structure sion, calling, trade, way. limits the opporor farm, whereby tunity to serve in the House and they may honestly subsist, there Senate to those who can afford it. can be no necessity for, nor use in, I expect S.39 will be reconsidestablishing offices of profit, the ered by the Legislature during the usual effects of which are depen2024 session. Its salary recommendence and servility, unbecoming dations for compensation while free citizens, in the possessors or expectants, and faction, contention the General Assembly is in session meet the spirit of the limitation and discord among the people. “But if any person is called into expressed in the Constitution. They will ensure a diverse membership public service to the prejudice of with varying perspectives. They that person’s private affairs, the reinforce the concept that service person has a right to a reasonable in the General Assembly is a compensation; and whenever an public service and not a profession. office through increase of fees or However, adjournment otherwise, becomes so profitable as to occasion many to apply for it, compensation to members, when the General Assembly is not in the profit ought to be lessened by session, does not adhere to guidethe Legislature. And if any officer lines established in the Constitushall wittingly and wilfully, take tion. It should be stricken from the greater fees than the law allows, bill and given no further considit shall ever after disqualify that
Guest Perspective
REPAIRS APPRAISALS
eration. Assisting one’s constituents is clearly part of a member’s public service. Section 6 of S.39 is entitled Legislative Working Group. It is alarming in that it provides a window into members’ thinking with respect to future benefits. The items identified for consideration ignore the concern expressed in the Constitution. If adopted, they provide a roadmap to creating a full-time Legislature. Four recommendations that should get no further consideration are: • The recommendation for people selected to serve in leadership positions within the General Assembly to receive supplemental compensation is unnecessary. Those selected, for example, committee chairs, immediately
receive power and prestige. No one is required to serve in or accept a leadership position. • The recommendation to provide members funds to hire personal staff is unnecessary. Each member is provided with a personal computer as a source of information and as a time-saving device. Members also have access to the staff of the legislative counsel. • The recommendation to compare legislators’ salaries and benefits to those of other states is irrelevant. The Constitution is quite clear on compensation. • The recommendation to create an independent entity to adjust legislative compensation and benefits should be given no further consideration. The membership
must be accountable. Keeping in mind the goal of making service in the Legislature available to all, proposals pertaining to health insurance and child care should receive close scrutiny as to limitations and how they are structured. The Constitution is clear. Serving in the Legislature is not intended to be permanent employment. It is a public service. We should keep it that way. Robert L. Walsh of South Burlington served in the Vermont House of Representatives from 1983-1989. A retired U.S. Marine Corps officer, he also taught at South Burlington High School and as a member of the adjunct faculty at the University of Vermont.
Letters to the Editor Thank you to Charlotte, Hinesburg mentors To the Editor: January is National Mentoring Month, so now is a perfect time to reflect on the myriad of worthwhile outcomes that come from young people having engaged, positive role models in their lives. As the Connected Youth mentoring coordinators at Hinesburg Community School, Charlotte Central School and Champlain Valley Union High School, we are thrilled to recognize National Mentoring Month and the amazing contributions of our mentors. We officially recognize mentors by publicly saying thank you, but I know the impact of mentoring efforts require more than a month to show the proper level of appreciation. The adults
who are part of our school district’s mentoring program are responsible for making deep and lasting impacts that are felt every day in our school and community. Our community as a whole is better off because of these mentors. Between our three school communities we are fortunate to have 64 fabulous and dedicated adult mentors who spend almost an hour a week with 5-12th graders, plus additional mentors from Williston and Shelburne communities. Our mentors embrace the power of relationships. They know one person can change a young person’s life. They are empowered to make a difference. Our mentors have seen growth, boosted the trajectories of young lives, and made the community stronger. We are proud of them. They should rightly be proud
of themselves. There’s reciprocity in healthy mentoring relationships where both mentor and mentee develop a shared sense of purpose and respect. Those healthy connections spill out to the world at large, where positive, confident youngsters become amazing adults. On behalf of our communities, it’s our pleasure to extend a massive dose of thanks to those who make the Connecting Youth Mentoring Program truly remarkable.
bly can move forward with fresh ideas constructed with legislative language that will better serve the people of Vermont.
in the morning rather than at the end of the day to hopefully accommodate more people who might be interested in stopping in to share their thoughts — and a cup of coffee — with us at the beginning of their day. You can also always find out more about all the activity at the Statehouse at legislature.vermont. gov and, of course, you can always reach out through our emails at jbrumsted@leg.state.vt.us and klalley@leg.state.vt.us.
Kate Rooney, Charlotte Central School Livy Bulger, Hinesburg Community School, Alison Duback, Champlain Valley Union High School Connecting Youth Mentoring Program coordinators
Ring Sizing • Cleaning • Stone Tightening • Rhodium Plating
Performed by Our Graduate Gemologists
91 MAIN STREET, STOWE ~ 802.253.3033 ~ STOWE@FERROJEWELERS.COM @FERRO_JEWELERS_STOWE ~ FACEBOOK.COM/FERRO.JEWELERS WWW.FERROJEWELERS.COM
BRUMSTED
continued from page 5 government is proven through its accountability to the people and that there must be a system in place that supports that accountability. It is critically important to look back to determine if the laws that have been passed are having the intended impact and, if they are not, why not. By reviewing past legislation and past practices, the Legislature will be informed on what must be done to address legislative intent where necessary or to sunset laws no longer viable. At the same, working with newly acquired information about laws already on the books, members of the General Assem-
At the library On the fourth Monday of every month starting on Jan. 22 from 8-9 a.m., representatives Jessica Brumsted and Kate Lalley and senators Tom Chittenden, Virginia Lyons and Kesha Ram Hinsdale will be at the Shelburne Pierson Library in the community room to listen to concerns, answer questions and strategize next steps for Vermont. Note that we have decided to try having our meetings first thing
Rep. Jessica Brumsted, a Democrat, represents voters in St. George and Shelburne in the Chittenden 5-2 district.
The Citizen • January 18, 2024 • Page 7
LaPierre, rifle association leave legacy of death diverted and misused millions of dollars from the NRA’s “charitable mission” for personal use including private jets, pricy Walt Amses restaurants, private security, an expensive The Iowa school murders just over two wardrobe and extravagant vacations for he weeks ago came and went without much of and his family. Perhaps the single, most a ripple. In a country averaging more than shocking allegation of the initial phase of one mass shooting and 135 firearm deaths a the trial is that the institution at the heart day, it’s understandable we hardly raise an of a generation of escalating gun violence eyebrow anymore. believes its mission is We’ve inadvertently charitable, defined on its There is hardly come to accept that nearly website as: “preserving 50,000 of us are expendthe core of our American a level to which able each year — the values and traditions in ostensible price we pay for our steadfast effort to the NRA will not the freedoms outlined in Teach Freedom.” the Second Amendment, To be clear, mass stoop, frequently entitling Americans to murder on the scale shoot each other more we’ve seen in the United using tragedy as a frequently than anywhere States is not an American else on Earth outside of a value but without huge — catalyst for pumping war zone. and extremely unlikedisinformation and On the other hand, the ly — changes in the resignation of the Nationcountry’s gun culture, it shilling for the gun al Rifle Association’s has become so common a longtime leader, spokestradition that increasingindustry at the man and chief architect ly, reprehensible acts of of the nation’s murder violence go nearly unnoexpense of people rate, Wayne LaPierre was ticed as happened at the big news — lead story Iowa middle school. The who are already in in the New York Times NRA’s (and LaPierre’s) — coupled as it was with successful propaganda dire circumstances. his corruption trial that campaign and collusion began earlier this week in with the arms indusManhattan. try and Congressional Republicans has Charged with siphoning millions of facilitated the nation’s vast, civilian arsenal dollars away from the NRA to finance with over 400 million guns increasingly an extravagant lifestyle, LaPierre flouted becoming the ready answer to almost any nonprofit laws and dodged oversight for question. much of his 30-year tenure heading the gun LaPierre’s fear-mongering rhetoric rights organization. often reaches pinnacles of absurdity with A lawsuit brought by New York Attorrepeated assertions that the only reasonney General Letitia James alleges LaPierre able response to gun violence is the threat
Guest Perspective
of more gun violence by arming teachers, custodians and bus drivers. Unable to find the common decency in the wake of so many 6- and 7-year-olds destroyed by an AR-15 at Sandy Hook Elementary School, the response is, as always, “The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun.” However deplorable, the statement achieved its objective with gun sales increasing by three million in the fourmonth period following the carnage with especially high “buy gun” internet searches immediately after President Barak Obama spoke on the need for new gun control legislation from Congress. There is hardly a level to which the NRA will not stoop, frequently using tragedy as a catalyst for pumping disinformation and shilling for the gun industry at the expense of people who are already in dire circumstances. During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, LaPierre and company urged Americans to buy guns for protection: “You might be stockpiling up on food right now to get through this current crisis. But if you aren’t preparing to defend your property when everything goes wrong, you’re really just stockpiling for someone else.” According to a press release from Everytown, a gun safety organization, more guns don’t mean more safety: “If more guns made Americans safe then we’d be the safest nation in the world — but America’s homicide rate is 25 times higher than that of any other high-income country.” The NRA has stoked fear during disasters for years, citing the need to be armed to ward off “riots, terrorists, gangs and lone criminals,” often describing a nonexistent “absolute breakdown in societal order,”
Check Locally First Chances are what you need is available through local online ordering and curbside pickup or delivery. Our entire community is depending on your support.
a trope used to loosen gun laws in Texas after Hurricane Harvey. LaPierre faces a long overdue reckoning in a New York courtroom but the litany of charges he faces does not include anything related to his legacy of exploiting both the First and Second Amendments, creating a trove of manufactured threats: roving bands of murderous looters, rapists, foreign terrorists, domestic abusers and convicted felons, all of whom can still easily acquire firearms thanks to his and the NRA’s ministrations. He also raged against the well-heeled, suggesting at one point: “Elites threaten our very survival, and to them we say we don’t trust you, we don’t fear you and we don’t need you, take your hands off our future.” His targets included George Soros, the media, college professors who assign reading the Communist Manifesto, radical leftists and kneeling NFL players. The irony LaPierre skipped over was that he and the threatening elites shared some of the same ostentatious taste in life’s finer things, spending almost $40,000 on two suit-shopping sprees at Zegna in Beverly Hills. While it’s gratifying this deplorable scumbag is facing some accountability and the NRA is by any measure crumbling with over a million members jumping ship in the last couple of years, it’s unsettling that the organization’s twisted mission has largely been accomplished. Even as we face the proliferation of firearms slowly turning the country into the dystopian nightmare LaPierre has warned us about for years, we should keep in mind that a locked and loaded America is his dream come true. Walt Amses is a Vermont-based writer.
Island Memorial Pet Service Premium Compassionate Care for Your Pets Because
Gomer & Gunther
“LOYALTY DESERVES DIGNITY”
We understand the love you have for your pets and the importance they hold in your life. Our compassionate staff is devoted to easing the difficulties at this challenging time.
Our staff is here for you 24/7
VTCNG
WHY GO LOCAL?
Buying and shopping locally helps independent businesses, which in turn helps all of us shape our community’s distinct flavor, personality and character. We’re all in this together.
The Other Paper • Shelburne News • The Citizen • Stowe Reporter • News & Citizen
• The Island Memorial Difference: • Pet Funerals • Cremation Services • Your Pet is Always in Our Care • Dignified Pet Transportation from Your Home or Vet • Immediate & Witness Cremation Available • Full Line of Pet Loss Products
Tiger & Buster
1176 Main St. • Fairfax, VT 57 Main St. • Essex Jct., VT www.islandmemorials.com Northwestern Vermont’s Only Pet Crematory A Member of the A.W. Rich Funeral Home Family • www.awrfh.com
802-316-2284
thecitizenvt.com • Get the News of Charlotte and Hinesburg 24/7
Page 8 • January 18, 2024 • The Citizen
COURTESY PHOTOS
Above: Bob Bouvier came to see Theo Judge’s STEM display work at school. Top right: Judge turns his bat under Bouvier’s guidance. Right: Taking precise measurements.
Theo’s bat
A school project brings generations together For one student at The Schoolhouse in South Burlington, a simple school project turned into a story of tradition, craftsmanship and mentoring. Community and connection first came together when Theo Lyons Judge, 11, of Charlotte, a kid who lives and breathes baseball, met Bob Bouvier, 84, of South Burlington, an experienced woodturner with a knack for turning timber into treasure. For the school’s yearly STEM display, the middle school teaching team asked students to form a research question related to the school’s yearly science theme — forestry. Theo’s take on the project combined the topic with his own
passion for baseball. What kind of wood makes the best bat, he wondered. Then, right after that: What if I could make my own bat? “How I got the idea is that I wanted to test the bat out and see how it hit and what the difference was between metal and wooden baseball bats,” he said. He approached administrator Elsa Oppenheimer of Shelburne, a talented woodturner who gives introductory lathe lessons to middle-schoolers, about the possibility of making his own bat. While Oppenheimer did not have the necessary equipment, she did know Bouvier and set to work introducing the two.
“Every woodturner I know wants to pass their craft onto the next generation,” Oppenheimer said. “Bob’s willingness to work with Theo, to teach him, doesn’t surprise me. If you know Bob, you know kindness.” The woodturners met at Bouvier’s home workshop in South Burlington, a place known for sawdust and skill. Together they embarked upon a project: teaching Judge how to turn his own baseball bat from maple wood, just in time for the school’s annual STEM display. Somewhere along the way, a simple school project turned into a partnership between an enthusiastic kid eager to learn and a skilled craftsman generously willing to
teach. And the story became a tale of connecting the dots between education, tradition and the timeless joy of making something useful. “Elsa, I enjoyed doing it more than I can express,” Bouvier wrote to Oppenheimer. “Seeing Theo’s face and reaction. Thank you so much for making it possible for this old woodworker to enjoy himself so much!” For Theo’s part, he loved getting to use the tools in Bouvier’s workshop. His favorite was “probably using the roughing
gouge which is one of the big tools that scrapes off a lot of wood.” When the bat was finished, Theo proudly presented it at the school’s STEM display along with his research project. Bouvier was first in line to congratulate him. “It was fairly heavy,” Theo said of their finished product. “A little heavier than I thought it would be.” Will the bat see game action? “If I’m allowed to, probably,” Theo says, noting that his bat might take some growing-into. “It’s the next size up.”
The Citizen • January 18, 2024 • Page 9
COMMUNITY Community Notes Used book sale comes to United Church A used book sale fundraiser for the Hinesburg Youth Project, a program sponsored by the United Church of Hinesburg aimed at providing youth from Hinesburg with experiences in service and social justice issues, will be held at the United Church Parish House on Saturday, Feb. 10, from 9 a.m.-noon. If you have gently used books in good condition that you would like to donate for the sale, please drop them off by Feb. 2. Contact the church at 802-482-3352 or by email at unitedchurch@gmavt.net with any questions.
Historical society talk focuses on ‘blind merchant of Burlington’ “Anne Connelly: The Blind Merchant of Burlington,” a talk by John Thomas, development director of the Vermont Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired, will take place on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2 p.m., at Burlington High School, 67 Cherry St., presented by the Chittenden County Historical Society. Thomas will tell the story of Anne Connelly (1889-1939), who came to Vermont as a blind adult and worked at the association and who introduced trained guide dogs and white canes, ran her own business and supported the blind community. Applications are also open for Chittenden County Historical Society annual research grants of up to $1,000. The deadline is June 1. Learn more at cchsvt.org. There is free parking at city parking garage on Cherry Street. The program is free, and refreshments will be served.
Ethan Allen Homestead talk offers mystery, mayhem Ethan Allen Homestead Museum brings “Stories that Shaped Us: Tales of Vermont’s Queen City” to audiences on Sunday, Jan. 21, at 2 p.m.
Local author, historian and tour guide Thea Lewis will offer a look at life in Burlington through the years, via stories filled with mystery, tragedy and humor. Admission is free, but donations appreciated. More information is available at ethanallenhomestead@gmail.com or by calling 802-865-4556
Calling all students: Sign up for state chess championship The 37th annual Vermont State Scholastic Chess Championships will be held Saturday, March 23, at Craftsbury Academy, 1422 N. Craftsbury Road, Craftsbury Common. This is the selection tournament for Vermont’s nominees to the national Denker, Haring, Barber and Rockefeller invitationals. This tournament is open to Vermont students in kindergarten to 12th grade. Participants must be residents or be enrolled in a Vermont public or private school. Resident home school students are also eligible. Chessboards, pieces and clocks will be provided. No prior tournament experience is necessary. High school and 8th grade sections will be U.S. Chess Federation rated. Other grade sections will be unrated. Individual and team prizes will be awarded. All players must pre-register, and registration closes on March 17. Find complete rules and registration information at vermontchess.org.
School mentoring program seeks adult mentors The Connecting Youth Mentoring Program in the Champlain Valley School District, middle level, is looking for more adult community members to join its team of volunteer mentors for students in grades five to eight. If you’re considering becoming a mentor or want to learn more, email Kate Rooney, krooney@cvsdvt.org, (802) 425-6682, Charlotte Central School; or Livy Bulger,
lbulger@cvsdvt.org, (802) Hinesburg Community School.
482-6248,
Scout Troop 602 holds open house On Monday, Jan. 22, Scout Troop 602 of Shelburne will hold an open house for recruitment from 6:30-8 p. m. at the blue Scout Barn in Davis Park by the tennis courts. There will be information about what the troop does, Scout experiences and desserts! For information, contact Aedan Curley, senior patrol leader, Troop 602, at aedan.j.curley@gmail.com or 802-8814313.
January programs at the senior center The Charlotte Senior Center, 212 Ferry Road, has several upcoming programs in January. More at charlotteseniorcentervt. org. • January artist exhibit: Colorful representative and abstract paintings on panels and canvas by Theresa Petrow. • Winter spike hike, Wednesday, Jan. 31, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Get outside and enjoy winter hiking. Weather permitting, the group will meet every other week through February. The outings will be about two hours on trails around Charlotte and neighboring towns. Bring your own spikes or snowshoes, depending on the weather, snacks and water. To register or indicate an interest in leading a winter hiking trip, contact Susan Hyde at susanfosterhyde@gmail.com. • Veterans assistance, Tuesday, Jan. 23, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Join Bob Stock, veterans outreach specialist with the South Burlington Vet
Center, who will be available to veterans and their families about VA benefits and any other VA issues. • Play reading with Sue Foley and Wally Gates, Thursday, Jan. 25, 1-3:30 p.m. This is free table-reading fun. No tryouts, no rehearsals, no critical reviews. The group meets monthly and is for people who enjoy reading plays aloud or listening to others perform. If you have questions or would like to sit in, contact Sue at ssnfoley@icloud.com. • Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Wednesday, Jan. 31, 1 p.m. If you or someone you love is experiencing vision loss, it is still possible to enjoy reading with some simple adaptations. Dan Norris, director of adult services at the Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, shares the variety of large-print, digital and audio resources that are available to help you to access print. Registration suggested. Free.
Enjoy Age Well meals at Charlotte Senior Center The Age Well meal pickup for Thursday, Jan. 18, is from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Charlotte Senior Center features oven-fried chicken breast, diced potatoes with parsley, peas and onions, wheat roll, date Craisin bar and milk. You must pre-register by the prior Monday at 802-425-6345 or meals@charlotteseniorcentervt.org. The meal on Thursday, Jan. 25, features barbecue pork rib, home-fried potatoes, carrots, wheat biscuit, fruit crisp with cream and milk. The suggested donation is $5. Check the website for last-minute cancellations at bit. ly/3FfyLMb.
DIRECT CREMATION SERVICESSERVICES DIRECT CREMATION SERVICES DIRECT CREMATION
Our Locally Owned Owned & Operated On Site Crematory Our Locally Owned &isOperated is On Site Our Locally &Crematory Operated Crematory is On Site Your Loved One is always in Our Care Your Loved One is always in Our Care Your Loved One is Always in Our Care Providing Families with Compassionate an Affordable price. Providing FamiliesCare withat Compassionate Care at an Affordable price.
Providing Families with Compassionate Care at an Affordable Price AAmember of the W.AA.W. Rich Funeral Home member the A. W. Home Rich Funeral Home member of A. the RichofFuneral Family Family Serving families for over 100 years. Family Serving families for over 100 years.
Family Serving Families for over 100 years
No Cremation Society Fees 24 Hours Staff Available No Cremation Society Fees
Outside Chittenden, Lamoille, Franklin, Washington, Grand Isle,and Addison Counties, add $500
Compare our save Compare our pricesCompare andprices save ourand prices and save $1,065. Service Charge Service Charge: $1,065.00 Service Charge: $1,065.00 $390. Crematory Crematory Charge Crematory Charge $390.00 $390.00 $25. Medical Examiner Medical Examiner Permit $25.00Permit MedicalPermit Examiner $25.00 $10. Certified DeathDeath Certificate $10.00 Certified Certificate Certified Death Certificate $10.00 Transit Permit $5. $5.00 Transit PermitTransit Permit$5.00 Total Direct Cremation Charges: $1,495.00 Total Direct Cremation Charges: $1495. $1,495.00 Total Direct Cremation Charges
Also included at no extra charge is a cremation our signature Also included at no extra chargecontainer, is a crematon container, our signature high Also included at no extra charge is a cremation container, our signature high quality “Going Home” urn, newspaper obituary notice assistance andnotice assistance and life quality “Going Home” urn,quality newspaper obituary high “Going Home” urn, newspaper obituary notice assistance and life tribute placement on our website. Price effective January 1, 2020. placement on our website. Price effective tribute placement on life ourtribute website. Price effective January 1,January 2021.1, 2020.
(802) 879-4611 (802) 849-6261 www.dcsvt.com • (802) 878-2220• (802) www.dcsvt.com (802) 879-4611 (802)(802) 849-6261 (802) 879-4611 www.dcsvt.com 849-6261 878-2220 57 Main St. 1176 Main St. 57 Main St. 1176 Main 57 Main St.05452 1176 Main St.St. www.awrfh.com (802) 878-2220 Essex Jct., VT Fairfax, VT 05454 www.awrfh.com Essex Jct., VT 05452 Fairfax, VT 05454 Essex Jct, VT 05452 Fairfax, VT 05452 www.awrfh.com
FP-SPAD0128053938 FP-SPAD1009161937
FP-SPAD0128053938 FP-SPAD1009161937
Page 10 • January 18, 2024 • The Citizen
Vermont Huts Association connects people to outdoors ALISSA FRAME COMMUNITY NEWS SERVICE
For RJ Thompson, the seed of outdoor recreation started sprouting early on. He grew up camping with family and learning to ski — a passion that only grew as he got older, when as a student at the University of Vermont he helped form the ski and snowboard club in 2003. The college club, he said, kindled a desire to bring people together from different backgrounds to experience the outdoors in an approachable manner. Years later, in 2016, Thompson found himself with the opportunity to make that happen on a broader scale. That year, alongside Devin Littlefield, Thompson co-founded the Vermont Huts Association. The group manages huts — which, in the outdoor recreation realm, resemble rustic cabins or yurts with basic amenities like bunks, mattress pads and propane cooktops. Littlefield had worked on a network of huts in Maine. The association’s mission, Thompson said, is to “foster a deeper appreciation (for) the natural environment by creating an enriching experience for everyone.” To do this, the group has been working to build a statewide, hut-supported trail network in partnership with the Catamount Trail Association and Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation, among other groups. The idea is for folks to have a convenient, immersive place to stay while exploring Vermont’s trails and backcountry. “I was thinking, we have this resource in the backcountry, and let’s make sure everyone can use it,” Thompson said. In 2020, Vermont Huts started a program called Fostering Outdoor Recreation, Education, Sustainability and Teamwork (FOREST) that aims to bring together people who otherwise might not have the chance to explore the backcountry or feel comfortable doing so. In its first two full years, the program has offered more than half a dozen free retreats to students ages 11 to 18, bringing students to huts at Grout Pond and Chittenden Brook in the Green Mountain National Forest. Participants enjoy nature walks, cook meals, bushcraft lessons and more — activities vary based on what people want to do or learn. So far, the retreats have taken place through partnerships with school districts and other organizations like the Teen Center in Middlebury. Josh Fisher, one of Vermont Huts’ contracted outdoor educators, led a retreat with the latter. He described how it’s important to foster an accommodating environment and tailor the experience to particular groups. “My big focus is … how are they interacting with the outdoors as individuals and as a group?” Fisher said. “Because the goal is to get them to enjoy it. So hopefully we can keep building our populace of people who love to recreate in the outdoors.” Early on, organization leaders saw their focus on just young people was too simple. “We really quickly realized that there was a lot more than just underserved youths that were not getting access to the outdoors,” Maggie Twitchell, program and communication coordinator for Vermont Huts, said. “There were people of color. There was the LGBTQ community. There were indigenous
PHOTO COURTESY VERMONT HUTS ASSOCIATION
Students on a retreat at Grout Pond in the Green Mountain National Forest.
Americans.” It became clear that some barriers to recreation went well beyond economic restrictions. In fact, Twitchell believes, some barriers surrounding safety and inclusivity are “probably even harder than an economic restriction.” Vermont Huts is trying to better understand the needs and hesitations that some groups may have regarding backcountry treks — so the FOREST program is fluidly evolving. The initial vision folks like Thompson had for retreats — such as teaching skills like rope tying or fire-making — is not always what participants want or need from the outdoors. Now, Vermont Huts is reaching out to community organizations and saying, “Look, we have accommodation out there, and we have funding, and we can help you achieve whatever your goals are to access the space that is out there,” said Twitchell. Vermont Huts would like to expand beyond just youth retreats to serve a wider, more diverse demographic. A new partnership with Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports is one way to make this happen. Vermont Adaptive is an organization dedicated to empowering individuals of all abilities — including those with physical and cognitive disabilities — through sports and recreation opportunities. The group uses specialized equipment, alongside trained staff and volunteers, to fit the needs of participants doing everything from mountain biking to kayaking to skiing. Jeff Alexander, director of strategic partnerships with Vermont Adaptive, said the group plans to develop FOREST outings
accessible to those with disabilities. For example, retreat participants who have visual or motor function disabilities could use equipment modified to be more comfortable. Vermont Adaptive staff would be on site to support participants’ recreation and learning. The two organizations are also working to develop a more extensive network of accessible trails in the state, including those that lead to the huts. The two organizations are collaborating with the U.S. Forest Service to outfit huts with all-terrain wheelchairs. This way, if someone comes to the hut on an adaptive bike, for example, they will have an onsite wheelchair to help them move around the hut. Alexander said Vermont Adaptive plans to organize retreats through Vermont Huts for its veterans’ program as well, offering participants a sense of camaraderie they may have been missing. As Twitchell put it, “A lot of adult groups get overlooked … You are kind of expected to be an adult and figure it out yourself.” The partnership with Vermont Adaptive could counter that trend. “We just want to make sure that everybody has the opportunity to recreate, and partnering with Vermont Huts is amazing because they believe the same thing,” Alexander said. Vermont Huts also wants to expand the team of educators who facilitate retreats. “We (found) that our educators don’t represent the communities that we want to help. That’s a barrier in itself,” Twitchell said. “Not having educators who are people of color or (who) are from the LGBTQ+
community means that we really aren’t serving those communities as well.” So, Vermont Huts wants to partner with groups like Pride Center of Vermont, Outright Vermont and Huntington Open Women’s Land to offer members outdoor educator training, Twitchell said. The hope is to nurture new educators for the huts system and to bring certification opportunities to more people. Twitchell emphasized how the organization is actively looking for participants and groups interested in outings through the FOREST program. Outside the FOREST program, interested folks can book a stay in any of their huts — many of which are available year-round. “We’re really looking to do something special here in Vermont, and it’s not just going to be our organization who does it. It’s going to be all the partners working together,” Thompson said. He praised the role of volunteers in recreation opportunities: “We’re building a lot of this onto the success that they’ve achieved years before us.” Thompson is optimistic about what lies ahead. “It can grow into what I ultimately think it wants to be,” he said of the FOREST program, “which is creating this safe space for anyone to have that experience and to hopefully just feel comfortable in the outdoors.” The Community News Service is a program in which University of Vermont students work with professional editors to provide content for local news outlets at no cost.
The Citizen • January 18, 2024 • Page 11
SPORTS
OPEN FOR BUSINESS?
New Hours? Retail Online Ordering/Curbside Pickup Take out/Delivery
Free fishing
Let us help you reach Charlotte and Hinesburg customers in the next issue of The Citizen Email wendy@shelburnenews.com Call – 802-985-3091 Vermont Community Newspaper Group Your community partner “Moving forward, together”
VTCNG
COURTESY PHOTO
Vermont’s free ice fishing day is Saturday, Jan. 27, with an ice fishing festival to be held at Elmore State Park. The day is geared toward giving new ice anglers an opportunity to try ice fishing before purchasing equipment, but any angler may ice fish on any waterbody open to ice fishing statewide without a fishing license that day, according to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department. The festival will be held from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the state park on Lake Elmore. Fish and Wildlife staff, as well as instructors from Vermont’s Let’s Go Fishing Program, will be on-hand to teach ice fishing skills, including knot tying, baiting and using an ice fishing rod, and most important, how to stay safe on the ice. They’ll also operate a fish fry station to cook up participants’ catch, and there will be plenty of cocoa on hand. Registering online (register-ed.com/events/view/206074) will get people on the ice faster.
Girls hold off Burlington at home LAUREN READ CORRESPONDENT
Girls’ basketball Champlain Valley 46, Burlington 42: The girls’ held off a fourth quarter push from Burlington to get the 46-42win on Friday, Jan. 12. Samara Ashooh paced the Redhawks with 15 points, including a key layup and 3-pointer in the fourth quarter to put CVU in front. Merrill Jacobs added 11 points and Elise Berger added 10 for CVU, which is now 5-0.
Girls’ hockey BFA-St. Albans 3, Champlain Valley-Mount Mansfield 1: BFA-St. Albans scored once in the second period and once in the third
to best Champlain Valley-Mount Mansfield on Saturday. Sophie Brien had a goal for CVU-MMU, while KerriBeth Aldrich added an assist. Ella Gilbert stopped 21 shots in goal for the CougarHawks, who fell to 2-5-1.
Boys’ hockey Champlain Valley 8, Northfield 1: Champlain Valley’s offense powered it to a win over Northfield on Monday on the ice. Nic Menard tallied twice for the Redhawks, while Ayden Pillsbury and Eric Weinberg both added a goal and an assist. Calvin Malaney, Jackson White, Hunter Bernie, Ted Connery and Travis Stroh each chipped in a goal for CVU (2-4-3). Goalie Francois Menard made 12 saves.
The Redhawks skated to a 1-1 tie with BFA-St. Albans on Saturday, Jan. 13, with Hunter Bernie getting the lone goal and Tommy Barnes making 15 saves.
Boys’ basketball St. Johnsbury 54, Champlain Valley 44: The Champlain Valley boys’ basketball team dropped just its second game of the season, losing to St. Johnsbury 54-44 on Monday, Jan. 15. Colby Morehouse led the Redhawks with 17 points, while Tucker Tharpe and Jack St. Peter each chipped in 10. CVU fell to 8-2. On Thursday, Jan. 11, Champlain Valley beat South Burlington 56-48. Tharpe had 20 points and eight rebounds, while Kyle Eaton added 13 points.
Local businesses and restaurants need your support more than ever. Whether you visit stores, get delivery or shop online, keep your spending local and keep your community healthy. Newspapers are LOCAL. We are dedicated to keeping you informed, safe and connected and care about the issues that are important to ourand neighbors, our schools and our businesses. Local businesses restaurants need your support more than ever. Whether you visit stores, get delivery or shop online, keep your spending local and keep your community When you support your local newspaper, healthy.
you support your community.
Newspapers are LOCAL. We are dedicated to keeping you informed, safe and connected and care about the issues that are important to our neighbors, our schools and our businesses.
SUPPORT LOCAL
When you support yourNEWSPAPER local newspaper, SUPPORT YOUR you support your community.
SUBSCRIBE TODAY
SUPPORT LOCAL
SUPPORT YOUR NEWSPAPER Contact Wendy Ewing at SUBSCRIBE TODAY wendy@shelburnenews.com or 985-3091 America’s Newspapers is a national association supporting journalism and healthy newspapers in our local communities. Find out more at www.newspapers.org or follow us on Twitter @newspapersorg or on Facebook @americasnewspapers.
Page 12 • January 18, 2024 • The Citizen
Bill eyes Truth and Reconciliation Commission Press Association objects to possible closed-door meetings SHAUN ROBINSON VTDIGGER
Members of Vermont’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission are asking the Legislature for authority to limit public access to their meetings, in part, to ensure the safety of those who testify before the panel about experiencing racism and discrimination in the state. The new bill, H.649, would exempt some of the commissioners’ deliberations from Vermont’s Open Meeting Law, even if a quorum or more of the panel members are there in person or electronically. The House Committee on Government Operations took up the legislation for the first time Jan. 9. The commission is tasked with studying how racism, discrimination and eugenics have affected Vermont’s laws and suggesting ways the state government could repair those harms. Its work is focused on impacts to Indigenous, French-Canadian and Black people; people of color; and people who have one or more disabilities. The bill’s proposed exceptions to the Vermont law ensuring access to public meetings drew criticism Tuesday from the Vermont Press Association. Officials said H.649’s primary purpose is to allow the commission to operate more efficiently. The panel was established in 2022 and had its first public meeting in September; but commissioners have not yet started taking testimony from Vermont residents. A public body must comply with Vermont’s Open Meeting Law any time a majority of its members, also called a quorum, gathers to discuss its business or to take action. The law generally requires these meetings be warned in advance and that the public is allowed to participate. But since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission has three members — of which two constitute a majority — it is “impossible” for the panel to conduct much of its business without falling under Vermont’s Open Meeting Law requirements, officials said. Mia Schultz, one of the commissioners, said in an interview that it’s been difficult for her and her colleagues “to have one-onone conversations” without triggering the standards of an open meeting. She said she would not expect to hold closed sessions regularly. “Very rarely do I anticipate needing to be able to do that,” she said. “We look forward to a very participatory process — and by that, I mean a process where the public and the people who are impacted are centered, and their truths are finally able to be heard.” Tucker Anderson, an attorney in the state’s Office of Legislative Counsel, said the bill would create an exception to the Open Meeting Law that allows the panel to conduct “deliberations” — essentially,
PHOTO BY GLENN RUSSELL/VTDIGGER
Rep. Seth Chase, D-Colchester, speaks as the House Government Operations and Military Affairs Committee considers a bill pertaining to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission at the Statehouse in Montpelier.
he said, discussing and weighing evidence from testimony — in a session that is closed to public participation. The commission could not make decisions in a closed session, he said, and it would be required to livestream its proceedings as well as produce a recording for the public. (A “closed” session is different from an executive session, he noted, which the public could not access at all). But Lisa Loomis, president of the Vermont Press Association, said she was “deeply concerned” by H.649, calling it “a new effort to make state government less transparent and potentially give special treatment” to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. “The VPA has always opposed adding any new exemptions for closed door/executive sessions to Vermont’s Open Meeting Law,” she wrote in an email. “The Vermont Truth and Reconciliation Commission needs to do all its work and spending of taxpayer money in the open.” Loomis, who is also the editor of The Valley Reporter, said the press association was prepared to testify against the bill. Members of the judiciary committee
said that since there are many three-mem- its proceedings. The panel can hold execuber public bodies in Vermont, any changes tive sessions, and people can elect to testito the commission’s privileges could spur a fy before its members privately and on a recording that would not broader conversation about get publicly released, she the requirements for similar Panel members said said. entities statewide. H.649 would also According to the text that shielding these grant commissioners the of the bill, commissioners would be able hold a closed meetings from public authority to establish groups of people who meeting if they find that have shared life experithere are “material threats participation is ences, known as “affinity to the health or safety” of groups,” that would meet staff, witnesses or invitees. important to ensure on their own and could The commission could inform the panel’s work. still allow its staff, counthe safety of people Meetings of these sel and any people who are who are testifying. affinity groups “shall be subjects of the discussion confidential and priv— or whose information The Vermont Press ileged,” according to is needed — to access the the bill, and members closed meeting. Association has could face civil liability Melody Mackin, anothfor violating that seal of er panel commissioner, concerns. confidentiality. said in an interview the The bill also gives members have already been subjected to threats to safety, including at the commission 10 additional months to complete its work, meaning it now has a least one death threat. Mackin said existing law already allows deadline to submit recommendations to the commission to limit public access to lawmakers of April 15, 2027.
The Citizen • January 18, 2024 • Page 13
CLA
continued from page 1 according to Gary Marckres, the higher than what it is assessed for, chief operations officer with the then the ratio drops below 100 district. Board chair and House percent. The housing market has Rep. Angela Arsenault also says she has been involved in several skyrocketed in years since the conversations with other lawmak- pandemic, with home sale data continuing to rise by high single ers on the new CLA impacts. Like South Burlington, taxpay- or low double digit percentage ers in the five towns composing points for years. Because of this, the Champlain Valley district — towns’ CLA figures have seen Hinesburg, Charlotte, Shelburne, dramatic decreases, even after conducting Williston, and town- or citySt. George — are “Although there’s wide reappraisstaring down an als. 18 percent school nothing we can “The CLA rate tax increase. negatively Thirteen percent do, it’s certainly impacted roughof that would ly 90 percent of result directly impacting all of the school districts from the state’s in Vermont,” newest common taxpayers in our said South Burllevel of appraisington School al, or CLA, estidistrict.” Board chair mates, Marckres Kate Bailey. said. — Gary Marckres “Right now, as “It certainly we’re discusshas bigger implications statewide from an afford- ing fiscal year 2025, we need to focus on the CLA. I do think ability standpoint,” he said. Without a change, the districts we need to talk about Act 127 are left with few options. With because we’re getting the double the new spending formula and whammy of both, but I think that dramatic decrease in the CLA, our ask for this letter that we even if the school district had really need to get out as soon as presented a 0 percent increase possible should be very focused.” South Burlington, which in spending this year, residents would still see a nearly 13 percent conducted a full reappraisal in 2021, saw its CLA drop by 11 tax increase. The two districts are among percent from 92.97 last year to a handful in Vermont that are 82.54 — meaning South Burlfacing daunting financial reali- ington properties are considered ties over the next five years in the undervalued by 17.46 percent. One of the factors for this is the wake of Act 127, Vermont’s new education formula signed into law lack of adequate housing inventory in South Burlington, explained in 2022. Because of that legislation, Tim Jarvis, the district’s senior districts that have historically director of finance and operations. CLA changes in the Champlain benefitted from the state’s pupil weighting system — Champlain Valley are even more dramatic. Valley, South Burlington, Essex Hinesburg’s CLA dropped from and Mount Mansfield Unified 78.23 percent to 67.65 percent, Union among them — are now facing dwindling funding based on revised weighting counts. The state implemented measurements to give districts leeway to right size their budgets. A 10 percent per-pupil spending limit and a 5 percent pre-CLA tax increase discount until fiscal year 2030 was supposed to help PUBLIC HEARING prevent double-digit increases to Hinesburg Development their tax rates. Review Board But the new CLA figures are a Tuesday, February 6, 2024 gut punch to districts that expect7:00 pm ed to only add that 5 percent tax Austin Properties LLC – Final increase to their budgets. “Although there’s nothing we plat application to increase the can do, it’s certainly impacting all number of residential units from of the taxpayers in our district,” 24 to 26-units in a multifamily Marckres said. residential property, located The common level of appraison Village Heights Road in the al compares the assessed value of Village Zoning District. properties on the grand list to the The meeting will be both in actual property sale prices considperson and remote. See ered to represent fair market meeting agenda on town value. If the two are the same, the website with details on CLA ratio is exactly 100 percent. how to participate. If the properties are sold at a price
and Shelburne’s from 77.23 to 68.70 percent. Charlotte properties are overvalued, according to the state. Their figures last were 119.26 percent after conducting a reappraisal. That dropped to 104.49 percent. The tax implications of Champlain Valley’s budget would have residents in Hinesburg paying $356 more in school taxes per $100,000 of assessed value. Shelburne taxpayers would pay $304 more, while Charlotte residents would pay $216 more, according to school officials. “Although we support the spirit of Act 127 and appreciate the temporary 5 percent cap on the pre-CLA tax rate, it is difficult to celebrate a tax rate that could have been 28 percent lowered only to 18 percent as neither are popular nor feasible increases for our community to support,” South Burlington’s letter reads. South Burlington approved its budget for town meeting day at its last meeting. Champlain Valley is expected to approve its budget at a meeting later this month. In their letter, South Burlington officials are asking the state
to consider a CLA impact cap to prevent further dramatic increases to the tax rate. “This will provide more predictable budgeting and tax rates that our community can support,” South Burlington officials said. If the South Burlington district were to roll over the fiscal year 24 budget of $62 million, they would be forced to cut or reduce nearly $6.6 million in critical programming within the district: transportation, world language programs, arts and AP courses, athletic programs, and a pause in proposed advances in literacy programs. Through conversation with representatives, superintendent Violet Nichols said the CLA has been a factor that’s isolated as a lever for potential change. “Act 127 is an extremely complicated formula, and it took over a year to develop and the agency of education hired numerous staff members to craft it,” she said at a council meeting last week. “We’re not expecting any overnight shift on any of these factors for fiscal year 25 but am I hopeful that there could be a CLA
cap for fiscal year 26? Absolutely.” “Would that have serious positive impacts on our schools and our ability to maintain programming? Yes,” she added. Officials with the Champlain Valley district say they appreciate the theory of Act 127: “We think that resources should go where they’re most needed,” Marckres said. Still, the impacts are beginning to be felt. The district in its budget includes five teacher reductions based on enrollment projections. “There will be a process where those reduced positions will have placement options, and they may not be in the exact level or even sometimes the exact school that they have taught in the past,” he said. “But we anticipate having enough attrition in retirement to be able to place those positions.” Arsenault said the school board has “worked very hard with our administrators to craft a responsible budget that delivers the programming and support our kids and employees need, in the face of an extreme set of external factors.”
Charlotte and Hinesburg’s only weekly news source Mailed to every home and business in Charlotte and Hinesburg Teaching from home
gears Switching Bear
Get
Teddy Vermont masks staff makes
Votes for women
Classrooms go online PRSRT STD
100 years after suffrage movement
Page 2PERMIT #1
Page 5
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
ER POSTAL CUSTOM
Summer e Camp Guid
LL, NH N. HAVERHI DDM ECRWSSE
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID
‘Two schoPERMIT #1 ols, NH N. HAVERHILL, one team ECRWSSEDDM ’
POSTAL CUSTOMER
CougarHawk s’ season ends
Summer
Cam
ps What to know weather gets as the warmer
Pages 6-7
– safely outdoors
Pages 8-9
Pages 6-7
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #1 N. HAVERHI LL, NH ECRWSSE DDM
POSTAL CUSTOM ER
Page 2 March 26, 2020
TAL POS
ER TOM CUS
April 2,
ts? spor
Keeping
g Sprinkeeping
e n aliv future CVU wn petitio com e unkno despit
A place vt.com
thecitizen
RT STD E PRS TAG POS U.S. D PAI #1 MIT NH PER ILL, ERH M N. HAV EDD WSS ECR
sburg
Weekly
rage for
news cove
Charlotte
and Hine
2020
the space
ness ellstay Wto ind r mPlace foHarbor responds d botody an
Weekly news coverage for Charlotte and Hinesburg
thecitizenvt.com March
Bern
Berni ie ba ck in e home Sander for Sup s com VT er Tue es sday 5
12, 2020 Weekly
news cove
rage for
Charlotte
Page
and Hine
sburg
thecitizen
vt.com
Redh
Charlotte Selectboard regroups after votin g
emerging needs amid COVID-19 busiVermont
E CLARK MADELIN STAFF WRITER
Baske awks for nex tball tea recap t cha ms pre llenge pare 6-7
Pages
are While many and bars Mar the coronach nesses, 5, 20 outdoors changin the great 20 POS pandemic, business. eciti virus TAL are ing th g Harbors open Placefor motel in Shelburne CUS PRS TOM counselors le Comm remain flout ancin health ER will open its rooms as isolationavailab space U.S. RT STD Mental WILEYun POS READING Not l dist match themselvesexhibiting TAG for homeless individuals ity sh and yoga PAI E CORRES making PONDEN and gyms PER D COVID-19lysymptoms. The measure web for Wee socia ntine no r Tows N. HAV MIT to the remote up fo turningthe g kly is intended toare decrease spread to of get ERH #1 ur studios ILL, Quara te teache news The March in an effort ECR r all NH the virus in the community for the WSS nesb board meeting 9 Charlotte Town classes – together. EDD co for flu welfare of all it Vermonters, according M d Hi vera provided select- Meeti gasboard through an e a smorof to Sen. Tim Ashe (D/P-Burlington). ng Da ge tt New board informational updates open for are was 5 The decision announced on ses y 20 Parks arlo busines update and members, a COVID . Ch Page Ch 20 Thursday,With Marchmany 19. local time to get arlo the lingerinmore were discuss -19 for good a COURTESY PHOTO be ters tte “One of itthe most vulnerable may ge Vermon the meeting g daylight illumined as closed an While Second grade students greet visitors at their school in Uzbekistan. vera populations istothe homeless populaated nature. room. d Hi home, the co back After bidding to stay to nesb tion … in large partasked because typical ws been residents farewell Tegatz, who its g have ne ur allowin shelter is actually quite congested,” adherdid not run to Fritz kly g tion, the state is still on trails – while nes. for reelecAshe said. “Already being suscepWee Faulkner board welcomed hit recreati distancing guideliparks the virus, and then JESSIE FORANDtible to catching member, as the new selectbJames ing to social Burlington, all Rees, PHOTO BY who ran being in close to others South were. In proximity the 2-year unopposedoard ng to Holly SCOOTER the hikers r. MACMILLAN Miller is passionate about inno- the backseat with the Bukhara of them. In four weeks, they’d term. accordi puts them at aopen, heightened risk.”Parks directo for – let’s hope th are Matt Krasno d WRITER by officials DavidOn eciti tion and vative ways of teaching STEM is teacher between them. turned from teachers who didn’t STAFF Champlain Housing Trusthas– cancele Hurnethe w won the as directed term and and the Recrea zenv 20 6 feet apart was 3-year the city celebrateSTEM,” Miller said. an understatement. drive to the school, they shared Gemma understand which manages Harbor Place as and field Frank Tenney re-elected chair, having by no means However, 9, 20 t.c events When the embassy asked if their newfound enthusiasm for The week after complete he left,d training those Driving across the mostly of cars were notice. and temporary program lodgingming, for homeless om chosen as further The throng April vice chair. dry to and largely treeless land- Miller would make the almost the educational strategies Miller same 25 teachers were leading exercises successfully. , March 28. Coronavirus individuals reserva – in conjunction tion untilwith the adhere . on Saturday asked to are Services, concerns main-of Bukhara, Uzbekistan, four-hour train trip from Samar- had been espousing. STEM workshops around the State Park state’s Agency Human nes,scape Jensensystem Parkofusers to Mt. Philo Charlot e ing guideli Back at CCS, Miller said, country. and chatting with a talkative qand to Bukhara to teach teachers will offer rooms in distanc the Harbor Place ton PHOTO BY Visitors flock Jeanne ool stopped te Fire and feet of distanc social SCOOTER cer sch , Willisation Rescue MACMILL by to driver, Allan Miller realized there about STEM, he had asked “They gave her exactly what at least sixwho motel to homeless individuals AN Offi COVID give taining ults the res a quick ns -19 theplayconversation going on in if he could take two teachers with I’d been teaching them for three Why STEM? n each other. are s.exhibiting COVID-19 sympprepar been t atio ile to remem update: It’s importa t student betwee ent, like Wh for tes r the U had ber that weeks.” backseat might be a sign he him – Yelena ... and Susannah. to Vermon there Transforming the Uzbek toms. nt Park equipmset to betheclosed ove ing hands although enrichmenting to Clemmons, state ited s took that CV werepositive ng was washand staying They were met at the train Susannah, heSCOOTE said, “had educational system has become making a difference in the staff to Rees. Any guests whos, test they’re wa the e in sick Accord ground when home ool N and vic ivered R MACMIL 31, accordi urgingAsian country. station by the driver and a teach- become a convert.” Central best work secure and ILLA COVID-19onwill be moved to a more interest forhistory Sch meals March LAN wise and other precautionswhile d ser STAFF WRITER CM re has been e and complete make their ton is also small, lly re will See MILLER on page 8 “I worked intensely with 25 the first day of his class- er. Susannah and Yelena rode in of the ing. U foo are delinsecu Congregate Recovery Center or a groups On R MA , financia plans on coorfarm has compromised protect people are accurat South Burling tte Michelle OTE insecu ile to keep with prepar e CV which food es in Samarqand, where he went ons Family a hub of healthy , Clemmons make sure the on arlo d medical center. SCO WRITER LeBlan users d wh immun overall family. Vermon park Clemm a Ch Th to als h e system lately. foo for Harley Re FF of being to the housed resources to the t Paws & c, founder of events me bus for up at outingsthat s and for six weeks to teach teachers Hig r “The 8state has estimate s, STA limit on page what they to the flu virus is very for is the only and an Boots, says home when Soulia is working Littlecenter dinating a long history according nce have similar recremakes ool pick gh program See GRANT there may be up to 150 halted Union rke the many of the techniques nonprofit people in the saidtotheuse Althou ons, her artists-in-reside making excellent sch to people this and has killed ing at him. he notices Arthur at training program WILEY READING T and nity Meals were Valley vice wo-19. service dogit public good— Rees far by on ts onal hold, has new in the Champlain star- first practiced Lydia Clemm the U.S. ts ool mu Burlington area are thatonneed to havewebsite PONDEN t ser explained. year nationwide, less in ool and Soulia Arthur is a black poodle ng educati need to focus younger responders for military and CORRES around of studen al Schse com Sch ty they studenampla r a food COVIDs tes a tasteSchool Valley District, Miller and parksthe a place,” said Chris “traveled the 1950s and work and deliveri get in Vermon us hope ntr only ation Donnelly, expression realizes from his Emerge unitymmuni in help peoplehome. at Chool afte ted for mber’and thes- Ce oolhouorge. SCO dog’s in such organization t. It’s the with infectioexplained parents to commuhad given the Uzbek teachers in Housing Trust’s director are technicians ncy Medical 990s, and contentof OTE going on. that something must It was the United Comm Co she’s found and Sweden Sch Ge rs while at yclasslooking R Sch was tes ff meative on Tue Clemmons STA the 1980s-1 are getting Service a survey. rkers urg States, and be in Chitten nity relations. “It’s a tsunami outdoo updates FF WR MACM thelike opportunities Africa in experiences meeting in St. esb lburne e wo Soulia that Lydia certainl One of to it’s based there e stare neg ned from Vermon frequent ILLA den the new e 11 ITER Hin She work and d coming if we don’t stop it.” continue them, Susannah, had “We’re N Th we re-ope procedures his house walks into the front pag LeBlanc County. servic the new 0 recent grant from has had joyful learning about for ways toreturned a col ir to deal witht EMS on to their hers with the quesserved Abo E on Harbor Place for hascreative 57 rooms, Wh and are current food the door. and there’s someon of for five VIC new people, developing a loveoften connected a fantasve: a $100,00 Paul Foundation results kitchen ambul ether er had the y and ool years and in the Army Dho people ly using the virus, 7. U some of which arekeep currently occu-they tion: TO are “What the hell is STEM tions they D SER known this.He would never e at the Vermon ons Family cultures, and of what were or One-yea PHOTOS retired from the precauBay and CV April ff memb ke, andd the g Sch andwe need it in our arguab ance or not Y PHO us use for FOO have years.bedroom. Tues vote t State Police r because SCOOTER MACMILLAN and whyl do the Clemm , love of art in some pied and will not parks be immediately physica RTESdangero serv at Cha old Bob BY SCOinfectio See day, day e sta ’t sha mende stayin m He young ones his already painted art—in spitesometim allowed to cre issu ly n to respondany respiratory COUes for bothschool?” For it11three OTE Boo Th by may e the ice of ldn of those after 22 R you know. much is deaf. Arthur is In total, he painted STAFF WRITER available, Donnellytic said. The estate she said. rlot resourc and her time, her March to people g while Black. have Tow conside Farm to pursue. his ears for was a canine cou recom ey are r fro eryears she of the time. alsoa pretty importsaid 3. Ass te Tow Koriom MAC MILL been are those individuals, 9:30 p.m., she does dicey s of travelin most its ow ate an who are at health,” y e. travel This was officer n Me Another online museum I’ve times. ove is relocating he Th the expose virus. AN Parks a Czecho mental red anc Calling the sician of that with on Mo Soulia rec ief Op t. ing. “Some some d to the turn istant n Mee helps Cho t State ant dist Right: not n was camp- because STEM etin slovaki ia, where by took all t and shared teen- context question ting out Tow really likedhas is been the Art scavenger hunt I spent part of one morning visited andsince and The state has alsoVermon committed an shepherCasko, and Wellbe apart,added. Belgian phy the tes they SD Ch out of theA fun online “They off season l settled nday g. But Hin eworthy a safe was n Cler They from Tanzan on work with over Day said the 1959 and in Hin On an Malino fall d and Navyand your budding “astronfor However, (science, due to technology, engig educati strength- food to those on they have Chicago (artic.edu/ for you nce to Vermon in the old practicing self-isolation in Van Institute ofhearing kpotenti LLAN has wrestle mix. the esburg – from take e while d CV going to the manight open. individuChristinal In 2015, isart nutrition she was bubblin to beto providing suspended order, and ente esburg, unseaso R MACMI to voi issues masks s t experie their community in what omical.” d Sev has men sai been with patients going Casko SCOOTE neering and mathematics) was for going nab red has contact tter collection). On its site you can lovers might be to search for Gogh’s bedroom. als who will be in isolation at Harbor gowns and a hom cold, l age are injuring a are by voi en of had two cochlea years since. ing also by no ce vot at , retired after . age girls, and potentia Lovell, Tow candida ly sun Stay Safe art it with eye protect and masks, diskpaintHe’sof Van shop and And some Place. ity eng fundamental to why Miller had ny Tuestion to tracking STAFF WRITER Farm is tes the of Van which Gogh’s r implant Specifically, I was in “Van find a different meanse Union ce vot the 12 closed. robber. Stay Home, ms are Mic n Hal . ion mun tional of Authentica “It’spainting Jeff with plans,about com the latex an armed Lyric are intersec s. He passed virus ened. e you.” gotten day ons Family Tobrock hael Bissl. From greeted wear. parks gloves they in addibeen sent abroad. many of individuals he painted in his Gogh’s Bedroom in Arles,” one Gogh’s bedroom. March Hig e at Chaarticles Homeless should all to July ory, away in 2016. state mor the VA can’t to the pointings you think He park bathroo ned the corona es in surpris to share practicein Vermont. Andting the Clemm we n said to stronalready h Sch ning look forward and now, onette, left, Tom voters They e. to where and dec During April r hist postpo Erin LeBlan mp make use The digital learning leader Emerso toming them ourselv tion 2, “Right The first time that Van Gogh painting of longest his bedroom. of the works of art I saw on a ing the residen contact their primary care physician for your fascina for him,” c were a hearing lain ided doing today.” will allow to program we find leading ents from 46-yea ed or Catheri Aye as r serving issu dealt ool h about her t State this health center/hospiopen and Vermon the ts of Charlotprovidr, Merthey stud learnpandemic situation of histor- the things of his said own,his he was Ifaid you’re spending yourcanine days tour of the Musee d’Orsay — had a home prompt or during a community with on MoValley phone a performance-based free and to visit The grant on several projects ne Mol her course storiesropic family. But es. mance its cancell Directo ge ers wit ships from Floridawife Muriel by ment team in Vermon law enforcete with ed rilymedical attentio a bud you advanta on am Art In er s for is both ing coach at Charlotte Central unrelat willler update so excited that started paintwith young people who are att. ive online. tal if they are experiencing COVIDedir lett with ly an ironic tions – coming ger relation gone invite where they’ve get nday, to take They were way n and they icles and philanthons Family Farm that begin work describthe t and reality forhe and you in the bul nev Execut propor healing allo the pilot tive cas winter. are near fit unred ons Schooland was sent by a Fullbright public with 10 change in his bedroom walls the early reader – or ifalso youthe Touring art museums is a ing to fill Arthur 19 symptoms. -ReferralsPark to Harbor LeBlanstage g a Waver er ical caClemm crea St. anc had w, nonpro und its vol sha ail. ed time to stay apart. c said, n-lett of Clemm asm,andincludin ting and Soulia nature,” rejuvenating in Jan Michaee serviceand 11 a cultural import “We were busiest. to thethere, together will this extend do to quarantine. le, program the U.S. State artists-i VT EMS, procedure relayed any He painted so much just like doodling – Mo Willems great way to pass some time at with hisofart.Vermon Place be determinedof from active team time inwith it iswill a shorts said. a homeboic and produc by emthe are student is craf a farm and a black-led network t, enthusidum her Holote RK they spending from t State year uary 201 l’s Res for the focuse indisks down What the state of the most Paws & For examp your Per opteactohertrainwro CLA ownsaid. exhaustedt himself andBoots, has as great ofinlunchtime home alone or with kids while that henonprofi Donnelly too.series rworth effects of to Department The boardnoted. igner , Eva Despite e, Lyr a new al ma said tough d tonteach would We had the Vermon to share ways of coordinates throughout Vermonh- getworksh hunkering INE Vermont, the cue tow Bee ir n veof t 9 how sup des ing rela“have service up ng usually stag ut on DEL ITER rs. tha a to gic the e n. the ann Mo -period instead of amendm considered ply Julia spend a few days in dog bed. training doodle sessions 1 p.m. weeksocial distancing in an effort to had to program atre bha as discuss calls a at similar okteaching ant ed taken MA rke sur page. proficiency 150 artists ethnically or geograp ships? Siobha tum y to ialresidence withinAccording to Ashe,accordi ent to such free be the t June ounced year where over 120-125 tow ns abo for military . Sio Facebo rote memorization. FF WR encouragedn African RightsiftWaverinto relation distancing meansa viduality” , cos Lyric The discussed darkenhave g fabric ential wo or twose soc conversations— n. ches an ordinan an 30 ambul last When heers. was rested, he onhave the20Lincoln stop the spread of coronavirus. measures are being taken across respond thea wa Parks in il Vermon some teams STA dum cially who are all ted with users are and days s calls a Center questioCiv w t y in was High somep. first Social g touwhen Per—espe Farrellgton’s ance day it of this Am teer : makin n’s ess a thing a nur o State Park least selectboard during the Jan. ce ownAttime knoor anoshif After 35betwee yearstoof teaching two, SCO bedroom again – this Maybe this time at home will painted his the 4:30 p.m. on Friday, six feet are actuall prox- tionshi In 2019, year.” one, Actuall to ludedmay the slavery yourstate. ically connec there Union g Lydia us wo bul be hot on serv g at d OTE of gto n you as m. Kerry Burlin finishin y, wh asked inc star da” 27 meeting ve Casko uld anc und ws tion rlin kno topic “Havin March 20, nte are a seven-year hiatus whatmembers of the a. ybe nes there R firearm carryin ice to science n STA were painting on thelet’s wallsrestate … of be an opportunity to awaken a time the See VAN on page and House Park be her to maintai and6 LeBlan , regardi ds, ool st and wa aro userswith e “seen ng r seemany th the “Matil the classroo in where cau nonprofi diasporMa theGOGH FF WR MACM more extensi very n’t workin experi- for yourself, doing said Emerby Jack ng the Mo sinc service She in had for Bu rell al nee lin Sch rking of color healthy and African closer, and Wildlif g in Charlot allocati eve principal at Shelburne ILLA at Souputting for to spread n. ing program t service dog that: into the Nationafirst team inducte c each other. ifastheya feel Started ITER ents yzing ant, Vergen to subject st rec e. we’ve ever Far would helpedout ychildren te N es has plans on ment. dum wo train- in she Siobhaimity outside a trailbla stud her ons, doesn’tPLACE ongopage medic amber close; out only See HARBOR 9 nance was e refuge. The Park was costum began Community n- than love” is importthing Per to expandhashuman responders. for military and been y to a wa bleShe lyalso Porterdale, l K-9 Hall of Famed ies ere the board of threently it’s with peopleSchool, to say that whowapurchas Clemm All if who said presideenced ed ,”Black before. first about at Ch erience studang couple Ga. 1962, pretty month -19 a app wh en, aad on r, even money s are going son. “Every state law, adopted to sync ordiinalso iety.” I ask na not to carpool nsfera and meetin e wel been exp those from Americ N roved the 11 up with ting ut a confiand s “tra which be togethe of er see “Relationship said Jenna farmste nd artists. herselfpast ons grantd ssocto“Athe thin tea scre societyber Jan detwo ILLA will on page COVID e. gs on l-atten the ma keep ors Clemm Tow firearms includi permits carryin need to y d,” See SERVIC at CM ent re get abo nev at arti G WELL a multitu as a Charlot em 9 Lydia ote uire tin our Art . 29. has ntown face ls. e is to rk safe ing neirghb - clarifie farm service ballot be con Tow cles stud E DOGS g and sex R MA Jan.15ded sele jor the stat e we ly had were veras far ng in areas Ad on page See STAYIN to be Steve rem their y rem Vermon to spe icle e9 , daughte on page OTE ird I’veinalike ters her nt. The areareqlsVermon NSHIPS “W bab peace e The minregulat firm n Me Charlo at where Waverto n, health hospita hop to wo own onpreside in , Jan ctsity of thatonlwhitewe 2 – and Shine says that Luna helps SCO WRITER ng to digital istrato ions may “in app prohibi . “W were See RELATIO ed ambul nd alm10 author s on pag The ort etin told Emerso tte just discrim pro Eve April. PHOTO .” ond ges“I can . 22 mentally, skil,ls re skilbey challen is dthe current FF himdol seek to at the Univer rovedApril t firearm by workng to its website physically on goirything wante r De SKS n a face, helping him BY SCOOTER we she said we bhan on run STA . It’s like volun-ed ble a private s. ey’ fro Day housing educator Center for Health passed ance ost $95 izes Au g MACMILL st rep ls.” nera MA society, Sio do notcies One deal with lars. – getting in vote meeting from. “Th and is, s. accordi ulofficers skil educati eve d she practint pro an Blo f- ers See AN m 201 left,” in where the effects votup t go going down stralian rell cancell as mu transitio ld police e and Monda una service ,000 to the tow letter,of naccess Transf tion non-pro By 7 unt 201 peacefand With s and decide studentgradual 6 and cedure ch.attende hit meh The express buifrom tomatic stairs for gs. hasVermo more to tion instance nim dua to an thaare charterof post-trau concern this dent tumes.” nt, Far had s. But are, In herlack tion rth ’s bee thin iled provis tial e writing ownedgrafarm raisstress disorder. . ayes y wit ously for a provid n hig atio that K-12 h her selelegal this waover wa k it thes poten- Art e zer ent healthc said ination, that she ls is discrim ha that offers loopho d offpeople and cles spring, rule the cos confide project session w nearer, yeale connecBeerwo ool wit . As in family- foration by voi year. e con ionthat ctboar onal thin rning to gradmunic she was compet use propos icle ok, se skil min e not r. in sthe So o ly her firm in the the shop s dre perforThi nar reso mightd acciden ordinan d it organizcom textbo Becaus and educati becomconcer budget s, expirin Julia old sch school - tont racially retu for a see tho tions,” the e er ed. ambul s arti y a nay unding ce vot It ed 3 – the $3.ce to studies s on ning take still do be explain to te article g afte tally allow actualing vot cha has m. ethnic and commu nec ignmeshea lett ing e of the . s, 4 gen cho e cle ed e Ch let teer e costum the viruned the to go l old not anc “I the mil of effe con On hop nce the te may tch l program rus of arlo doe ass wri of her e exp rter 21 – ara l e Rea lion eral fun selectb iling s swi enrichm time entcal.engage ments.” by an tte unt ctive budgets or arti r Sel what effect See CHARLOfor the som threat of postpo e wa t I wil am stil last chaour sepwrote. ir munity s to im, be sup service sn’t spe for rth’s ent their n ailding oar on il ma was ire becTTEthe on page com rwo student . Som to the t- tha ool. I on Ap Austra il the in the do not - has ectboa was inte Tue s amend fiscal d budget d’s one all go ior usly the theater letters. d sna ore stud ch of nity-bu for cify the futu while the plied Bee 120 aus duc 10 ers wri son sda rd it’s bee sch An n bef and em we ool sen vio yea lian y are town mu during Hinesbhow ril re of the was said the chair nded. opposi e inc ed by y by ed from r 202 of not erald in Howev her erly per tten lett have ballot app Thi 7. h of am town uation before h sch o pre Union Eve learning, , but now y. urg 0year s wil Forme te rem reasin reside a mo the hin ash bor “than institu April AuLane wh Valley rapeu– this roved contrac er, it’s bulanc decides the inte ine literall filled wit d for an eld have wri many facility ote friends the hig don g is tion floo to ents nte nt ment of the l be the er ova g the is in the ut rem spent onl on – rth, stra Morris r year to com a couted to arents, dential t wit likely e service what therFire t I wa bud Walter intro- r on, ’t bud going is com day lian ways.” rwo ampla , “It’s te abo on have stud grandp ior resi Ga l by tion to inc town’s fourth was explosi their heets. box tha Bee Ch said we’re get eno to sto voting e out ple try to ballot ents . the and Res h Cha that the will ing wri But tes said$10,00 get for n Gates at becaus in the rease unique and hun get stud , s to e9 ” going ugh p it. , and inc west of cue to rlotte town be. virtual lot of works of the rworth.e ow to a sen. on last her neighbors last whichI have one , “I’m 0 to $20 ash tree “If wil e taught School student “A tree Tow town and pardred peomore lud exp voting town ten nes two of on pag s h s dowit costs to pay money we Res ing CVHighw cover theVolunt l online ing out said Bee s hav the due n Cle issu se in Jan most piece not a ,000. partici eriticipat ple eer ay ORTH early cue Vergen least rworth’ was ers are– Hig for the proces doing someth ine,” student rk Ma es. min cost of RW uary of you of exptree ma the eas cov U and 116 and town paMigra n and it’smore tomore late At to Bee ment e in 40 lett ents tic BEE s, said her. the to do them offl of the .” r been imal becthe Ap ry Me t side ering eve with ign a to See tin dan take dea r” own ash treeof this do not eriencen. no ging ere ril vot ad written ass ny of of her studKessleor gerous of Hig ryw Richm loop nprofi g gets some access s bug wh extra so sm ause d Votin The dan proper s rem year, I have , e has said ors . hway here else ond g in so ma Two gerous ty. Kobenext-do ly help. all she the turn had ove – “And onlinething waneighb ore the t bu been g. The ek, Som Bef d No and 116 ove s ited uld ver on Bef er dg vin we arri Art fro hasn’t out vem an lim . rth’ erly wo Wa et the tow icle 10 feere were to life e of the m my r was pasore the has Anothhas eld arlotte. , she ber? just n Eag Beerwo and needed was ballot n to 11 orig my t of mysome and se we gen She s in Ch tagion pro sed, Siobha te to Ronald me,” hou in hold inally garagethat we proper re $18,00 posed anothe eral the live s con ularly. FaceTi been – wro ors He se.” ty. non 0 tow mo r am budget serv town Novem a vote by author she viru m reg t on and re within year said wil an ber Au ized neighb 25 fee the profit org n donving the endme coronawith the visi nd I’ven has was tha ambulice. The l establis about stralian gen we t of not t $10 alm nt anizat atio visit ow, said. “Aisolatio wh h anc sele ,00 eno Sel eral “N rth ions n for ost importa e serv ctboar an ambul ether ugh 0 for now ect bud back 22 dents nt and ice for d dec ut how .” becaus one ma said board get. rwo ance Bee g abo elderly ide sho into jority , “Th chair e the At Mould vot costly the tow d the readinact on the of the e rationa Matt ing TO nda e on thisthat the n is so the Kra imp boa Y PHO rd thisle from s- wordin re was y night’s issu resiRTES See COU Tow e. CHA year the the clau g of Art a large n RLO obj was bal e. TTE lot in se call icle 11, ection Meetotyp on pag ing prot par first SelectbNovem for the ticularlto the e 10 e the oard ber. Austra y to s mak Cha lian e, help ir Phi See Burk HIN l Pou Leah ESB ists, ech URG ’s sew on pag Theatre e 10 of Lyric MADELINE CLARK restaurants
om t.c
6 Page
STAFF WRITER g plans during
zenv
One teacher’s adventures in Uzbekistan
od : Fo kids eres ding sev Fee ice per v r se
grant es $100k rm receivnities to cover hard topics Family Fa opportu Clemmons ides more teaching fund Foundation
w g ne ethin to masks som cus turns
g lted, fo ha Tryin ilda’ ‘Mat With
One
ing prov
ps relationshi Healthyectio while ns strong apart
in niorsby mail d se s an cting – e izen r cit ol conn io n Se scho high
Keeping connncing together … socially dista
Hin artic esburg its a ulates at Torticles Mee wn ting
Service do those who gs for served
Armchair tourism: Experience Van Gogh and more from home
or
Vot in
g fo
r ze
ro –
and
zero
opp
ose
d
We’ve got you covered.
Call 802-985-3091 or email wendy@shelburnenews.com to let us help you reach Charlotte and Hinesburg customers in the next issue of The Citizen.
Page 14 • January 18, 2024 • The Citizen
service
directory To advertise in the service directory email: Advertising@thecitizenvt.com or call 985-3091
Acupuncture
Decluttering? Downsizing? We can help you discover, learn about and sell:
WATCHES • JEWELRY • COINS • SILVER • ARTWORK
Champlainwellness.com 802-989-9031 527 Ferry Road - Charlotte, VT
Felipe Toro, LAc
Empowering people to achieve their best health and wellbeing
Brian Bittner • 802-489-5210 • info@bittnerantiques.com Showroom at 2997 Shelburne Rd • Shelburne Open Wed-Fri, with walk-ins to sell every Thursday. www.bittnerantiques.com
Construction
Y PE
Flooring
FLOORING
• Basement Waterproofing • Crawl Space Repair • Sump Pump Systems • Foundation Repair • Egress Windows
R
H
ANTIQUES WANTED
Acupuncture & Massage
Collectibles
Buying & Consigning
Sports Cards
R E LIC
Antiques
Flooring Inventory IN STOCK
HARDWOOD • LUXURY VINYL LAMINATES • CARPET • CARPET TILE TILE • FLOORING SUPPLIES
Hyper Relic Sports Cards Bob & Jessica Trautwine
Cell/Txt: 802-233-1451 • Office: 802-497-1681 Hyperreliccards@gmail.com • hyperrelic.com
1111-855-DRY-TIME • www.northernbasements.com
96 Commerce Street | Williston | www.floortraderwilliston.com | (802) 204-1080
Insurance
Knife Sharpening
Landscape / Lawncare
The Holidays Are Coming
THE SHARPER BLADE Covering Your Life’s Journey Home • Auto • Motorcycle • Watercraft Business • Contractor 802-862-1600 • info@turnbaughinsurance.com 188 Allen Brook Lane • Suite 1 • Williston, VT 05495
Kitchen Knives Sharpened
Fast Turnaround • Convenient Shelburne Drop Box at Village Wine and Coffee For more information contact Bill Lowell (802) 363-2447 • TheSharperBlade109@gmail.com
Metal
Painting
Full Line Steel Service Center
Serving all your metal needs for over two generations
TONY BRICE PAINTING, LLC
4/29/2019 3.5 x 2 AD for Shelburne News & The Citizen
FAIR • DEPENDABLE • RELIABLE 24 Consecutive Weeks $18.00/week for both Free papers $432.00 Estimates
Call NOW for Interior Painting - Winter 2024 Schedule NOW for Spring Exterior Painting
Cutting, Punching, Drilling and Bending Services
802-864-0326 800-540-4692 35 Intervale Rd, Burlington
www.qcsteel.com
Huge inventory of steel, aluminum and stainless in many shapes and sizes from sheets to tubing to angle iron
We’ll even recycle your ferrous and non-ferrous metal
802.777.8771
Delivery available
Renovations
Sheds
Siding/Remodeling
Check out our large inventory in Wolcott. We will custom build, too!
Bath ~ Kitchen ~ Home Renovations
802.355.7148
jeff@aatileandcarpentry.com Serving the Shelburne area for 20+ years
Painting
BEAGLE BUILDERS, LLC Remodeling & Additions
ALL TYPES OF SIDING Vinyl/Wood/Composite
Storage Sheds - Gazebos Garages - Woodsheds Horse Barns - Run Ins Kennels - Chicken Coops 2083 N Wolcott Rd, Wolcott, VT
(802) 888-7012
Windows & Doors • Decks & Porches
Kitchens & Bathrooms Sunrooms & Garages
Monkton, VT
beaglebuilders@gmavt.net
802-453-4340 CALL US! 802-355-0807
The Citizen • January 18, 2024 • Page 15
Horoscope January 18, 2024
ANSWERS FROM THIS ISSUE
Weekly Puzzles © 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.
Page 16 • January 18, 2024 • The Citizen
Winter light: so enchanting, extraordinarily beautiful star’s sunlight as tiny prisms bejewel the land with violet starbursts. Emily Dickinson elegantly expressed Michael J. Caduto the way winter light transforms the nivean In mid-winter 1988, I went contra-danc- world in her poem A Certain Slant of ing at the Congregational Church in Lyme, Light: “When it comes, the Landscape N.H. During intermission, I joined other listens / Shadows–hold their breath –.” dancers who stepped out of the overheat“Once the sun sets, a clear moonless ed hall into a star-studded night alive with sky is so dark. Should the skies clear, the shimmering waves of color, from blue to ebony velvet of night is pierced with the pinkish-red. We stood in awe, while lumi- diamond light of the distant stars,” said nous curtains of light performed a pas-de- Breen, noting that the angle of the moon deux across the arch of the sky dome. and its reflection onto snow also contribute Our home star was the director of this to differences in winter light. “A winter’s celestial dance, and atmospheric gases full moon bathes the snow-encrusted landchoreographed the show. Northern lights, scape with a surprising brilliance. Posithe aurora borealis — perhaps the most tioned as high, or even a little higher than spectacular display of winter light — are the summer solstice sun, its silver light, borne of light emitted though bright, almost when electrons in the seems imbued with the The best way to gases of Earth’s upper deep, penetrating cold atmosphere (nitrogen and of a clear, calm winter’s experience winter oxygen) are energized night.” by bursts from a solar Stillness reigns. Time light is to “sally geomagnetic storm. The stands still. Winter light northern lights are one enthralls with a face both forth,” as Thoreau of many forms of radiineffable and infinite. ance that color our lives The best way to might say, as in his throughout the shortexperience winter light literary saunterings est days, influenced by is to “sally forth,” as the angle of the sun and Thoreau might say, as of “A Winter Walk.” moon, as well as other in his literary saunterfactors. ings of A Winter Walk: “The sun angle certainly affects the “At length we awake to the still reality of quality of the light” during winter, said a winter morning. The snow lies warm as Mark Breen, senior meteorologist and cotton or down upon the window-sill; the planetarium director at the Fairbanks broadened sash and frosted panes admit a Museum and Planetarium in St. Johns- dim and private light.” bury. “When the sun tracks low across the Breen encourages people to experiskies, it has to travel a longer path through ence the changes of winter light. “Take the the atmosphere, filtering the brighter blues time, even 15 minutes, and simply observe and greens, and allowing a greater mix of and enjoy the ‘little beauties’ — how the the reds, yellows, and oranges that favor a sun shines on an icicle, how the alpengolden hint to the light.” glow (the pink-amber color of the sunlight That affects the brilliance of sunris- from the setting sun) gives the mountains es and sunsets, which often seem more an almost surrealist painting appearance. colorful during winter days. In addition, a Bundle up and find a dark location to let study conducted at the University of York yourself almost ‘fall’ into the stars that revealed that human perception of color surround you. And maybe, just maybe in the range of yellow actually shifts with through the immersion, realize that every the seasons due to changes we see in the one of us can find some beauty, and some natural world. During the summer, our peace.” eyes are exposed to an abundance of green Perchance winter light touches us leaves, but winter months are dominated deeply because it reflects, in the grand by grays and browns. In response, our tapestry of sky, the existential dualisummer color perception is more sensi- ty of darkness and light with which we tive to greenish yellows, while in winter it all struggle. Or maybe winter light is so enchanting simply because it is extraordihighlights reddish yellows. The sun’s angle also means that narily beautiful. sunbows, which resemble a rainbow Michael J. Caduto is a writer, ecoloaround the sun, are more common during cold winter mornings and evenings. As the gist, and storyteller who lives in Reading. sun arches low, high altitude ice crystals He is coauthor of Keepers of the Night: become tiny prisms that refract sunlight Native American Stories and Nocturnal into an aura around the sun. Snow and Activities for Children. Illustration by ice also provide color and sparkle during Adelaide Murphy Tyrol. The Outside Story winter. Minute ice-crystal spectrums can is assigned and edited by Northern Woodbe seen when viewing the brightly lit lands magazine and sponsored by the surface of powdery snow through polar- Wellborn Ecology Fund of the New Hampized sunglasses, fragmenting each snow- shire Charitable Foundation, nhcf.org.
The Outside Story
ILLUSTRATION BY ADELAIDE MURPHY TYROL
JOB FAIR SAVE THE DATE!
JANUARY 27, 2024 11:00am–2:00pm
O’Brien Community Center 32 Malletts Bay Avenue Winooski, VT BACK UP DATE: 2/3/24
Please visit our advertisers and tell them: “I saw your ad in The Citizen!”