The Citizen - 4-25-24

The Hinesburg Selectboard last week approved the long-awaited construction bid for its new wastewater treatment facility.

The bid, which came in at $12.5 million from Naylor and Breen, was one of four new bids that were returned to the selectboard earlier this month, nearly $2.5 million less than the lowest bid received in April 2023.

All three of those bids that the town received and later rejected in May topped $15 million. They were rejected, in part, because the town could not move forward with a proposal to borrow more than what voters approved.

“It’s a pretty big deal, but we’ve been working on this for quite a long time now,” selectboard chair Merrily Lovell said. “We had to do some finagling and Aldrich and Elliot went back to the drawing board and figured out how to lower the prices and then we got bids, and they were all too high. So, we’ve just got gotten the second bid, and the lowest

one is acceptable.”

Since 2018, Hinesburg has faced a mandatory order to rebuild its wastewater treatment facility after a state discharge permit was issued that required the town to reduce the amount of phosphorus and ammonia in wastewater discharged into the LaPlatte River.

Voters two years later approved a borrowing capacity of $11.7 million for the new facility, 1,810-98. At the time of the vote, officials estimated a new facility could be operational by 2025.

At a pre-construction meeting after the selectboard meeting, town manager Todd Odit confirmed that the construction team are set to get started on April 29, since the town has already spent $2 million on site work at the Lagoon Road site. The property has since been tiled and drained in preparation for the new building.

“The initial effort is going to be mobilization and modification of Lagoon number one, and

See WASTEWATER on page 16

Charlotte ties up tree planting debacle, looks for new warden

Following a contentious tree-planting debacle in Charlotte that overtook several recent meetings, the selectboard is now working to tie up loose ends before appointing a new tree warden. What began as an effort to plant trees along State Park Road revealed a deep-seated issue over process, contracts and how exactly the funds used to plant trees should be doled out. More

important, the selectboard started to explore the process under which tree planting decisions are made — especially if they happen on private property — and who

should control the distribution of Rutter Tree Fund money, the fund

LIBERTY DARR STAFF

LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER

Shelburne author speaks about memoir at Pierson

Marilyn Webb Neagley will speak about her memoir, “Attic of Dreams” on Thursday, May 2, 7 p.m., at the Pierson Library in Shelburne.

Neagley will recall her time at Shelburne Farms when it transitioned from a private estate to a public educational resource. Her work there spanned 20 years, including 1976-1988 when she served as president.

“Marilyn Neagley’s memoir addresses issues so critical now: how to take care of our natural world, of each other, of ourselves — we need magic attics of imagination and stories that inspire our activism. In addition, her book touches on a beloved place in Vermonters’ hearts, and by extension all the beloved places on our planet home we have neglected for far too long,” said Julia Alvarez, Dominican American poet, novelist and essayist.

“Attic of Dreams’ traces a life of healing from family dysfunction to jumping headlong into a life of natural curiosity, activism, restoration and wholeness. Themes include home and community, addiction and secrecy, recovery and restoration, the arts and the natural world, and how the changing times and culture are perceived through older eyes.

She is the author of two previous books and the co-editor of another. Her 2007 book, “Walking through the Seasons,” received an Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPY) gold medal for best northeastern nonfiction. She has been a Vermont Public Radio commen-

tator and has written essays for her local newspaper. Neagley was raised in Ascutney and has lived her life in Vermont. She and her husband currently live in Shelburne where her father, grandparents and great-grandparents lived.

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Howard Center is county’s designated agency

Howard Center has been redesignated by the Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living.

The redesignation process included assessments through interviews with various stakeholders and reviews of service delivery, policies, strategic initiatives and management practices.

“We feel honored and validated by the redesignation. It serves

PHOTO BY LEE KROHN

Hyacinth and daffofils make a lovely spring display in the landscape.

Marilyn Webb Neagley

Earth Month coalition celebrates month of activities in Charlotte

As Earth Month comes to a close, The Earth Month coalition has planned a celebration for Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Charlotte Library with special guest speakers, activities, prizes and information about future events and ongoing volunteer opportunities.

Join the coalition to learn more about the work local groups do to care for the planet and consider a long-term relationship with your favorite town committee or commission.

The morning starts with a presentation from Ethan Tapper, Chittenden County forester, on the benefits of intact forests and how conservation and smart planning can help protect and connect our forests.

Then participants can peruse the tables to see what Charlotte community groups have been focusing on — building trails, wildlife tracking, stormwater management, pollinator gardens and more.

Help create some soup from gleaned veggies and learn how food waste reduction can be a tool to stop the climate crisis. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy along with Disco Soup and Backdoor Bread.

There will be prizes awarded to those who have participated in Earth Month events and filled out “bingo cards.” These are available online or at the Charlotte Library. Redeem bingo sheets documenting partic ipation in activities this month for some earth-friendly prizes that may include a flying squirrel house, a blue-

bird house, a bare-root tree or a bee hotel kit — a four-week community supported agriculture subscription for flowers and berries.

Several town committees, commissions, nonprofits and other groups will be on hand to share information about their environmental efforts.

The Charlotte Energy Committee will give away free energy saving devices such as low-flow shower heads and outlet gaskets and make-your-own insect hotels.

Guided tours of the rain garden at the Charlotte Library will be led by Linda Hamilton. The Lewis Creek Association will its new landowner’s guide, “How to Manage Stormwater to Promote Healthier Watersheds: An Ahead of the Storm Guide,” on hand.

The event wraps up with Alicia Daniel, founder of the Vermont Master Naturalist Program, who will share some thoughts about the importance of Earth Month and its continuance throughout the year.

Take a look at the activities planned for the rest of the month at bit.ly/earthmonthcharlottte or join the eco-challenge team at bit.ly/48Vx4Qj.

The Earth Month coalition includes the Charlotte Public Library, Charlotte Energy Committee, Lewis Creek Association, Sustainable Charlotte, Charlotte Tree Stewardship group, Pollinator Pathways, Charlotte Grange, Charlotte Land Trust, Charlotte Park and Wildlife Refuge and the Charlotte Conservation Commission.

Lewis Creek group releases stormwater guidance manual

What is stormwater and how can you help manage it to promote healthier watersheds?

“How To Manage Stormwater to Promote Healthier Watersheds: An Ahead of the Storm Guide” was recently published to assess and understand where problems might occur and the opportunities available to address them.

Lewis Creek Association, along with its partners, has released this new manual to help answer these questions.

In the last two years, the association has collaborated with SLR Consulting, Lake Champlain Sea Grant, Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation and the Lake Champlain Committee to develop materials, photos and examples of how to assess land and find solutions to better manage stormwater and improve

HOWARD CENTER

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as a good reminder that our dedication to quality and compassionate care is making a difference,” Tonya Mason, director of developmental services, said.

The redesignation committee found its developmental services adhere to the

water quality.

The manual is now available on Lewis Creek Association’s website, as well as in local libraries in the Lewis Creek and LaPlatte watersheds: Bristol, Charlotte, Hinesburg, Monkton, Shelburne, Starksboro, Vergennes and Williston.

It specifically applies to properties in the Lake Champlain Basin, including New York but its concepts are relevant to any area in the Northeast or beyond.

You can learn more about the problem and what landowners can do to improve water quality in a 17-minute presentation at bit.ly/lca-wq-videos. These include things like slowing water down, spreading it out and sinking it into the ground — the “three Ss” that are central to the association’s Ahead of the Storm program, which you can learn more about at bit.ly/lca-aots.

standards set forth in current administrative rules on agency designation, aimed at ensuring the delivery of efficient and high-quality services while fostering continuous improvement in the statewide system of care.

Total Incidents: 34

April 16 at 7:20 a.m., officers responded to Hayden Hill West for an animal complaint.

April 16 at 8:45 a.m., police helped a person with a lockout on Magee Hill Road.

CRIME & COURTS

Hinesburg Police Blotter: April 16-22 MIKE

April 16 at 8:07 p.m., an officer assisted first responders with a medical emergency at Kelley’s Field.

April 17 at 4:37 p.m., police investigated a report of erratic operation on Charlotte Road.

April 17 at 4:40 p.m., a resident was assisted with a civil issue.

April 18 at 8:30 p.m., police investigated threats by electronic communication.

April 19 at 1:15 p.m., an officer

responded to an animal problem on Route 116.

April 19 at 7:00 p.m., officers assisted first responders and state police with a traffic crash on Route 2A in St. George.

April 20 at 6:52 p.m., officers responded to a citizen dispute at Kelley’s Field.

April 21 at 11:45 a.m., an officer assisted first responders with a medical emergency on Hawk Lane.

April 21 at 3:49 p.m., an officer assisted first responders with another medical emergency on Hawk Lane.

April 22 at 5:50 p.m., police investigated an animal complaint on Charlotte Road.

Arrested at protest Family speaks out about teen who killed two in 2020 Charlotte crash

A teenage driver fined $220 for her part in a double-fatal car crash that killed an elderly Addison County couple in September 2020 in Charlotte was among those arrested at an anti-Israel encampment at Columbia University in New York City last week.

Meanwhile, the family of the two dead victims still aren’t happy that Isabel Jennifer Seward of Atlanta, Ga. never went to prison for the crash.

Public records show Seward, then 16, received a Vermont civil traffic ticket for an offense listed as “driving on roadways laned for traffic” during the double fatal crash.

Seward’s mother later paid the $220 fine. Seward pleaded no contest to the violation.

Her father, William J. Seward, was a longtime high-ranking executive at United Parcel Service and the family lived in a $2.2 million home in Georgia.

“The only reason she wasn’t charged with murder is because she has a rich daddy. She should be behind bars,” the New York Post quoted Eve Taylor, a niece of the victims, in its Sunday edition.

Seward, who was visiting her grandfather, a doctor in Charlotte, was a two-sport varsity athlete at Paideia, an exclusive private school in Atlanta at the time of the crash. She was in her junior year.

Attempts to reach the Hawkins family members through their lawyer before the deadline were unsuccessful.

Connie Hawkins died at the scene of the crash, while Chet Hawkins died five hours later at the hospital. Both died from blunt trauma to the head, body and extremities, a medical examiner said.

Seward provided at least three conflicting stories about her cellphone use leading up to and after the crash near Church Hill Road

The family of the couple killed in the crash — Chet Hawkins, a longtime town official in Ferrisburgh, and his wife, Connie — say they are furious that Seward was never seriously held accountable for killing the elderly pair, who were married for almost 55 years, according to news accounts.

about 4:05 p.m. Sept. 8, 2020, according to the Vermont State Police accident report.

A northbound driver trailing Seward captured the crash on his dash-camera video. It showed Seward in a Toyota Tacoma crossing the double yellow line and crashing into the Hawkins’ car as he tried to pull as far right into the breakdown lane to avoid Seward’s vehicle, records show.

Facing two felony criminal charges of careless and negligent driving with death resulting, Chittenden County State’s Attorney Sarah George directed Vermont State Police to issue the teen the civil ticket, records show.

Seward arrested at Columbia University

Over the past weekend, both the New York Post and the Daily Mail reported the Hawkins family was shocked that Seward was back in the news.

Seward was among 114 protestors arrested at an anti-Israel encampment at Columbia University in New York City last week, where New York police arrested Seward, handcuffed her and led her away, the Post reported.

Taylor said she called Vermont State Police Saturday morning to see if they would re-open the investigation into the fatal crash.

“Chet and Connie’s family are all incensed,” Taylor said. “I want her charged with murder. She has no remorse; she received no punishment. ... After basically getting away with murder, she’s now promoting murder, with no understanding of what she’s promoting,” the Post quoted the niece as saying.

Seward may also have faced some kind of juvenile hearing in Vermont Family Court for the double fatal, but officials at the time said no serious action could be taken.

“The footage clearly shows Vehicle #1 leaving its lane of travel, continue travelling (sic) north in the southbound lane of US Route 7, before colliding head-on with Vehicle #2. There did not appear to be any attempt by Vehicle #1 to correct its course prior to the crash,” trooper Nate Quealy wrote in his preliminary crash report. He said Seward estimated she was driving 56 mph in the 50-mph zone.

Lawmakers debate ghost gun bill, property tax rates, policies

From the House

Rep. Chea Waters Evans

I’m writing this column as I sit in seat No. 2 on the House floor — don’t worry, I can write and listen at the same time — as we head into our fourth hour of discussing and voting on H.887, which is an act relating to homestead property tax yields, non-homestead rates and policy changes to education finance and taxation.

This is also known as the yield bill, which is also known as the bill that is adding some taxes into our daily lives to lower property taxes. There were 10 amendments. That is, believe me, a lot of amendments.

that real, serious and long-term change needs to happen.

I also want to point out one more thing before I move on to other bills and issues: I’ve heard some people grumbling about universal school meals and how much they cost. It’s true that they ate into (sorry, that was an unintentional pun but I’m leaving it because it’s funny and what I’m about to say is not) our education fund dollars this year.

A lot of it isn’t ideal. I wish there were a way to pay for things without having to spend our money on them, but that’s not how it works. Property taxes were supposed to go up last year, but we paid to offset them with money moved from the general fund into the education fund. We don’t have that money this year because we had to pay for flood relief and other unexpected costs, so here we are.

The Champlain Valley School District budget passed, which is terrific. We don’t need to penalize students because of whatever disaster is going on in Montpelier. And this disaster is going to be mitigated within the coming years. I’m optimistic that this unfortunate moment has led to a realization that we can’t keep putting education funding and the education system together with duct tape and butterfly kisses, and

I will listen to everyone’s concerns but to be honest, I don’t want to hear any more complaining about feeding kids. Children shouldn’t be hungry. We learned very quickly during the pandemic that there are kids out there whose only nutritional meal comes from school. There are kids who are hungry all day because there’s no breakfast at home and getting school lunch that makes you look different from everyone else is embarrassing, so they skip it, and those kids shouldn’t have to bear the hunger or the shame, ever. Not ever.

me with their questions and their concerns, and I hope this conversation continues over the coming years.

Another bill that’s seen a lot of conversation and debate on the House floor is one that came over from the Senate, S.209, which prohibits unserialized firearms, frames and receivers. This is also known as the ghost gun bill, and it requires people who make their own guns, through a 3D printer, metalsmithing, or other means to register that firearm and get a serial number.

It wouldn’t be a criminal offense to not get it serialized, but there are civil penalties if you don’t. It would be a criminal offense, however, to trade or sell that gun without a serial number. To get a serial number, one needs to get a background check. And getting a background check means that you won’t get a gun if you’re not supposed to have one.

I don’t want to hear any more complaining about feeding kids. Children shouldn’t be hungry.

So yes, we’re paying for all the kids to eat, but the benefits far outweigh any perceived negatives, and it’s simply not right for children to be hungry.

Anyway, we just passed the yield bill until the final vote out of the House tomorrow. I’m sure there will be changes and struggles when it gets to the Senate, but ultimately, I’m hopeful. I appreciate everyone reaching out to

Why, you might be asking yourself, as I asked the people who introduced this bill, would a criminal take a ghost gun to a firearms dealer for a serial number or a background check if that person was going to get busted? The answer is that’s not the point. The point is these guns frequently make their way to other people and then are used in crimes. It’s not ideal to have untraceable guns used in crimes. We vote on this tomorrow, and I’m in full support.

My email is cevans@leg.state. vt.us and my phone is 917-8878231. Be in touch any time.

It’s time to rethink how Vermont develops education policy, spending

Guest Perspective

John Clifford

First, a huge thank you to all those who openly expressed their thoughts, reservations or opinions in support of Champlain Valley School District schools or about the out-of-control school spending plaquing our great state. As always, community involvement and better information will always drive better decision-making.

I hope our combined voices had some impact on voting taxpayers and stakeholders, and hope that we continue the good

fight. The battle over the next budget has started already. My thoughts now go out to the lowand middle-income residents who are about to receive a substantially larger property tax bill.

See CLIFFORD on page 7

Rep. Chea Waters Evans

Ram Hinsdale’s defense on ‘conflict’ is flawed

To the Editor:

In the April 18 issue of The Other Paper (“Ethics panel: no violation against Sen. Ram Hinsdale”), Sen. Ram Hinsdale tried to defend herself against the conflict-of-interest complaint filed by 14 Vermonters. Here are examples of the senator’s flawed defense.

She said, “I try to keep (that) separate from my husband’s line of work. But we share a last name. People still have elected me knowing that.”

Does anyone believe that a husband and wife do not talk about their daily work, especially when the arenas are professionally connected? In most relationships, working couples share and listen to each other so there is no separation.

Further, the senator believes that because voters elected her knowing of the connection between her family’s vast real estate holdings and her work on the housing committee, it’s now OK to chair the committee, propose legislation and then vote on those proposals.

Since when does the voting public dictate personal ethical standards? Ethical politicians govern from their heart, not from the perceived opinions and values of their constituents.

Worse yet, here is another of the senator’s statements excusing her decisions not to recuse herself: “If everyone did (that), there would be no one left to vote. ... If everything was investigated because there was the appearance of a conflict, we wouldn’t be able to function.”

Wrong again, senator.

I’m sure there are plenty of senators and House members who have a knowledgeable background and contribute to a committee of their interest.

However, I doubt there are other multi-millionaires who have their own personal family interest in mind as they perform their duties as a legislator. If there

are, I am certain they have been smart enough to rise to their own ethical standards and recuse themselves from voting on their committees’ proposals so there is no conflict of interest or even an appearance of one.

Ram Hinsdale’s actions and now her words have stained her reputation and may have unfairly undermined the trust Vermonters have for her colleagues in the Legislature.

“Everyone has a conflict, so it’s OK” is an unacceptable standard for any representative to excuse a potential conflict of interest. One has to wonder why the senator has not yet realized that.

John

Bossange South Burlington

CV School District thanks voters

To the Editor:

On April 9, the Champlain Valley School District community voted in favor of the fiscal year 2025 school budget, 4,358-2,947. With the passage of the proposed budget, the school district can return to focusing on preparation for the end of this school year and the beginning of the next one.

We know that the past few months have been difficult. We had to make hard decisions affecting programming and services supporting our students in our schools — directly or indirectly — every day. We value and care for all the people who hold positions that are impacted and appreciate all they have done for our schools.

Seeing how our community came together to support our schools has been a bright spot. We would like to thank everyone who engaged in the effort — the educators who held visibility events, parent groups who organized budget meetings, students who voiced their concerns, community members who spoke to neigh-

bors about the school budget, and every other person who supported our schools. Hearing what you love about the district, what you feel is most valuable to students, and the importance of the district’s collective work will continue to guide us.

We know we still have more work to do over the coming years to control costs. We are committed to this work and are actively working through these strategic decisions both at the district level and advocating for Champlain Valley School District at the state level. We encourage you to stay engaged in this process going forward.

Again, thank you, voters, for supporting our schools.

Rene Sanchez, superintendent

Meghan Metzler, chair Champlain Valley School District board of directors

Trapping setbacks show no measurable gain

To the Editor:

Senate bill S.258 has passed and is now in the Vermont House of Representatives. This bill was pushed by and written in cooperation with animal rights groups.

One feature of this bill is setbacks. A setback would allow traps no closer than 50 feet to all roads and trails. Although reasonable and logical at first glance, it is not what it seems. It is meant is to create an unjustified burden on trappers, and not supported by sufficient evidence of harm to domestic pets or raise any issues of public safety.

Previous legislation provided for some setbacks. There is no data that suggests even these setbacks were warranted or are solving any known issues.

The setback provisions of S.258 would come close to ending trapping in the state. Often a key place to trap is near streams

that parallels or crosses under roads. Requiring setbacks there would clearly exclude some of the most important areas trappers rely on — the key goal of animal rights groups.

Unofficial hiking and bike trails and cross-country ski tails have proliferated and very often zig zag back and forth, at times coming within 30 feet of each other. They can cover a great percent of the acreage involved on any given property. These trails often are not permanent and are often redirected, creating a labyrinth of trails, new and old.

Animal rights groups know that a setback rule will make trap placement extremely difficult to impossible, which is why they have pushed for these unjustified changes from existing policy.

Hunting and trapping are already highly regulated. No public safety gain will come from this bill. However, it will create great harm to traditional outdoor culture so important to so many of our citizens, urban as well as rural. Please oppose it.

Ray Gonda South Burlington

Reader offers tribute to Coach Ute Otley

To the Editor:

Hoop Phi is the playful name of the fraternity of Ute Otley’s Champlain Valley High School girls’ basketball players. Let me tell you why Hoop Phi will never die. We’ve had mixed emotions after hearing of Otley’s new adventure. There was grief but mostly gratitude. Gratitude for all that coach did for our program, school, community and our girls and their futures.

To be around an adult who has a vast passion for anything is a gift for any kid.

LETTERS

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When that passion is for you, your development and a beautiful game you love the gift becomes a treasure. We learn most from the presence of inspiring people. Feeling how they live. Learning how life might be done.

The girls carry Coach Otley inside them. She will be there as they find their callings and pour themselves into their passions as she poured hers into them. Think of how many lives our girl’s positive passion will touch?

It’s a good thing to be proud of your high school. When someone asks these girls, “Where did you go to high school?” it will spark joy. A bright smile.

Our girls are fortunate. I’ll bet a higher-than-average percentage of CVU grads of all kinds feel that spark in the decades after graduation. Otley is part of that. For these girls, that spark will be a burning sun, bursting forth with championship trumpets.

And it’s not just the kids. Parents feel it too. We were the lucky ones. Our kids went to CVU. We had Coach Otley.

Winning was a critical Otley element. In fact, the unapologetic pursuit of victory at a high level may be among coach’s greatest legacies, in an age and state that can feel guilty about success. But she was never all about winning. There was compassion in her delayed

gratification, said to be one of the cornerstones of a successful life, according to the famous Stanford marshmallow study.

It takes a strong leader to embrace moments of unpopularity. Take it from Winston Churchill. But those watching carefully saw 10,000 tiny moments of tenderness that are the reality of adventures in team greatness. These acts appeared during games, between games and even between seasons.

Coach consistently attended to the kid at the end of the bench. First and foremost, Otley is a great educator.

The lessons of CVU hoops will pass directly from our girls’ palms into the ball as they pass it onto their kids, biological and otherwise, and the grandchildren of Hoop Phi will learn to shoot lefty layups starting about age 5.

We will be there with Coach Otley at maroon-andgold Norwich University, to celebrate her new maroon and gold shoes. And we will smile at her in the stands as we support our enduring program next year and in the years that follow. We will celebrate next year’s team, which is so well prepared for their unique life challenge.

Hoop Phi will never die.

By Erik Thompson St. George

CLIFFORD

continued from page 5

But like a noble knight riding in on a white horse, committees in the Vermont House are about to offer relief. I think. But powerful political lobbying efforts by Vermont teachers and school administrator associations are making their impact already. My hopes for a great bill are quickly becoming hopes for a good bill.

Attention now shifts to the House Committee on Ways and Means and its work on the fiscal year 2025 yield bill, which has been expanded to “education finance; education policy; district quality standards; taxation; education property tax; property tax yields; property valuations and sales tax.”

The 37-page, 24-section proposed act, now on draft 10.1, sets tax rates for this year but also looks to fundamentally change the education funding system in Vermont.

new state commission to study and make reports about education and education spending in Vermont; a new common level of appraisal-based property tax calculation; creation of an education opportunity payment system to school districts; changes to better educate and inform voters on education spending by school districts; and the return of school district excess spending thresholds.

I think the state’s many education and teacher associations have been running policy and spending for far too long, and we are where we are, in part, because of it.

To help support the huge education fund are two new taxes.

The first is a tax on prewritten computer software that is accessed remotely with 100 percent of tax revenues going to support the fund. The second is a new shortterm rental impact surcharge of 1.5 percent collected by the Vermont Department of Taxes and all revenue sent to the education fund. This applies to temporary rental rooms or houses but not lodging establishments or businesses.

Some of the biggest changes of interest for me are the creation of a

First, the huge and expensive commission with 26 members under the leadership of a steering group appointed by House and Senate leadership and the governor. The creation of “The Commission on The Future of Public Education in Vermont,” is responsible for basically studying everything to do with education laws, policies, equal quality education, financing, school buildings, education fund, wrap-around services for students, affordability and a lot more.

Section 1 of the draft yield bill takes 11 pages to fully cover all the membership and duties of this commission, and the first written report is due to the Legislature by Dec. 15.

All I can say is better get the move on. This is a huge undertaking.

I really don’t have room to fully cover all the important changes in this proposed yield bill, but fear not, the effect of the common level of appraisal (CLA)

on homestead property tax rates is to be effectively neutered by adding a denominator statewide average common level of appraisal to the calculation.

The change or goal would make pre-common level of appraisal and post-common level of appraisal tax rate calculations closer to each other. A Vermont Association of School Business Officials representative offered six significant changes to the draft bill, and wouldn’t you know it, the chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means accepted all of them without much discussion.

Fear and politics at work, or sound educational policy from state experts in education? Just one person’s opinion, but I think the state’s many education and teacher associations have been running policy and spending for far too long, and we are where we are, in part, because of it.

Perhaps it’s time to start thinking about the job of education more like a big business, which it is. And perhaps it wouldn’t be the worst thing to have a new secretary of education with a business background running for-profit charter schools. Maybe it’s what we need. Maybe the governor is smarter than all of us in this appointment.

I wish that the chair of the ways and means committee would reinstate the new proposed ballot language because it serves voters better. Why are schools so afraid of releasing business statistics? If you’d like to see how that looks, go to the Essex Westford School Board website. That’s the way it should be done.

John Clifford lives in Hinesburg.

Marcel Beaudin dies, leaves lasting legacy Architect and visionary

LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER

“Form follows function.”

Those are the words that renowned Vermont architect Marcel Beaudin lived by during his 70-year career. Although he died in his home at the Residence at Shelburne Bay March 29 at the age of 95 and 11 days, Beaudin and his modernist design legacy live on in the more than 1,000 projects he completed in his lifetime.

When one thinks of the quintessential architectural landscape in Vermont, white church steeples peeking through fall foliage or a perfectly dilapidated barn with a few cows on a grassy knoll come to mind. But what many may not realize is that the booming modernist movement that swept much of the country during the mid-20th century also came to Vermont, and Beaudin was one of many influential architects who brought the design aesthetic to the state.

Devin Colman, historic preservationist and architectural historian for the state, first came across Beaudin while earning his graduate degree at the University of Vermont. His graduate research, in part, focused on an exploration and analysis of McAuley Hall on the University’s Trinity campus, a large dormitory built in the late 1950s — under Beaudin’s design hand — that follows closely to what he referred to as international style, also known by many as mid-century modern design.

The term, which tends to leave

furniture and design zealots foaming at the mouth, was popularized by architects like Frank Lloyd Wright and largely influenced by the early 20th century Bauhaus style, a German artistic movement focused on sleek, abstract, angular and geometric design with little ornamentation.

“Certainly, he was trained in the international style, the modernist international style, but he wasn’t beholden to it,” Colman said of Beaudin. “But it’s definitely a through line in all of his work. They’re very clean, very pure forms with no extra decorative flourishes. The form of the building expresses what its function is. The building itself is the aesthetic appeal, not some applied decorative gingerbread work or fancy shingles.”

Knowing the history of Beaudin’s style, it should be no surprise that his sleek design would make its way to Vermont.

Beaudin’s family, originally from Québec, was involved with the quarrying and fabrication of granite for nearly four centuries. Beaudin was born in Barre and went to Spaulding High School in Montpelier, where his lifelong passion for design and drafting coalesced while working as a junior draftsman and monument fabricator. At the time, he was also honing his craft by taking courses at the Barre Evening School.

At the time, Barre was an inspirational mecca for creative

See BEAUDIN on page 9

Saturday, May 4 • 9:30 am - 4 pm

Above: Chris Burns, manuscript curator for the University of Vermont’s Jack and Shirley Silver Special Collections Library, sifts through a portion of the collection of Marcel Beaudin’s works.

Below: Holiday postcards, some dated as far back as 1978, featuring some of Beaudin’s residential builds. “The house looks beautiful from every angle,” one reads.

Admission: $3 per adult donated directly to the Vermont Food Shelves (under-12 enter free)

PHOTOS BY LIBERTY DARR

BEAUDIN

continued from page 8

types and craftsmen, and arguably one of the greatest influences for Beaudin’s illustrious career.

“In the early 20th century, Barre must have been an amazing place,” Colman said. “The granite industry was full tilt, it had scores of artisans from Italy carving granite, making these monuments, making sculptures. There was a full art school to train draftsmen on how to design and depict the sculptures and monuments that the carvers would then fabricate. I think it really must have been an exciting place to be. It was probably a pretty good place for someone like Marcel to flex those muscles and realize, ‘Hey, I’m good at this.’”

Without an architecture school in Vermont, Beaudin set his sights on New York City, where he enrolled at the School of Architecture at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, a school staffed with teachers who were disciples of the design greats from Harvard School of Design: Edward Barnes, Huson Jackson and Sidney Katz, to list a few.

Before entering college and working as a junior mausoleum designer in the city, Beaudin crossed paths with Le Corbusier, a Swiss-French architect who was a pioneer in the modernist movement and, at the time, in the United States designing the United Nations complex.

“It took less than ten minutes in his studio to decide to become an architect,” Beaudin said in a 2005

interview with Bill Lipke, a professor of art history at the University of Vermont.

Many great architects have come out of Vermont, Colman said, but what is most interesting about Beaudin is that although he found success in other places, he still came back home, practicing here for more than half a century. In fact, his second love, sailing on Lake Champlain, provides a more complete understanding of his sleek, elegant approach to architecture with some of his buildings mirroring the design of boats.

“I think Marcel had a distinctive feel for the Vermont context,” Colman said. “He certainly always had a very modernist approach and instead of looking backward for inspiration to previous historic styles of architecture, he looked forward — what are the new technologies, what are the new materials, what are the new ways of living that I can incorporate into my building.”

A good example and arguably the most well-known Beaudin design is the Burlington Boathouse, completed in 1988. It’s a design Colman says bridges the gap of referencing a historic building built decades earlier but using a fresh approach to complete a more contemporary design.

In addition to hundreds of private homes, other prominent architectural projects of Beaudin’s include the design of the new

Community Sailing Center, originally housed in Burlington’s old Moran plant on the waterfront that came to life in 2018, All Saints Episcopal Church in South Burlington, and the Creamery Building in Shelburne.

Colman spoke with Beaudin quite a few times throughout his career, the last time about eight months ago while he was recording a podcast about architects in the state and where he was able, for the last time, to hear the enthralling stories of Beaudin’s life.

“He was sharp to the end, in good spirits, telling stories,” he said.

Family ties

While her father’s design legacy is something she sees almost everywhere, his storytelling is something his daughter Becky Beaudin will miss the most. She recalled growing up in a home on Shelburne Point designed by her father that housed the family of seven until 1970, when the family moved to Main Street in Burlington.

“To grow up in such a magical setting was really wonderful for us,” she said.

Being the only the girl in the family, she said she used to follow

her dad around “like a puppy,” and distinctly remembers his routine summertime swims in the lake after work, a place he loved almost as much as his drafting office. Beaudin, she said, spent a lot of time with his work, but when he was there, he was a very “loving person in his own way.” When the family came into hardship as her brother Marc battled mental illness, her father always kept track of him, she said.

“One of the interesting things about my dad, even though he didn’t seem to always be there, he knew so much about each of his kids and what they did, he was really paying attention,” she said. “He’s my greatest inspiration, you know. I loved my father.”

His stepdaughter, Sheryl Shaker, also lived in a home in Connecticut that was redesigned by Beaudin.

“I mean, every conversation was a lecture in design and architecture,” she laughed, reminiscing on her memories of him. “I learned so much from him. His other passion was sailing, and we always felt like those two passions really aligned, because things were very functional. He was not into embellishments.”

During his time as a Vermonter, Beaudin found residency in Burlington, Shelburne and South Burlington, where he served on planning commissions and became a sort of community figure.

As Colman puts it, his design drafts, which are currently being archived by the special collections library at the University of Vermont, are a reminder of Vermont’s built environment and stand as a testament to the miracle of architecture.

“Really, it’s incredible that anything gets built,” said Colman, speaking about the process of design.

But more than anything, they are a retrospective look into the mind of a man who helped launch Vermont’s great landscape into the modern world.

“I always remind people that the 20th century happened here also,” he said. “We don’t live in the 19th century. There’s a whole segment of the built environment that reflects the 20th century, which was probably the most pivotal century of progress and growth in the United States ever. We really can’t overlook it. We can’t pretend it didn’t happen. I think Marcel’s buildings really fit nicely into that context.”

ABOVE: BURLINGTON CITY ARTS; OTHERS: UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT ARCHIVES

Top left: A photo of Marcel Beaudin taken in 2005 featured in a Burlington City Arts catalog from a retrospective show titled, “Decades of Design: Marcel Beaudin.”

Top right: An early rendering of a proposed adaptation of the Moran Building designed by Beaudin that showcased the early vision for the Community Sailing Center.

Left: A rendering of the Burlington Boathouse, which Beaudin is most known for.

COMMUNITY

MycoLab, the community branch of MycoEvolve, is holding ecological restoration workshops at Shelburne Farms, 1611 Harbor Road. Volunteers will grow skills in non-chemical removal of nonnative plant species, tool safety and plant identification. Aspects of this work are strenuous, but many hands will lighten the load. No experience is needed. Upon entering the farm at the central entrance and use the designated parking. To register, go to forms.gle/Q7z2Ly6TMpScTu7v9. Questions? Email breezybeegardens@gmail.com.

Upcoming webinar offers study of Indigenous hunting

Community Notes

Abenaki families all with good documented historical Vermont provenance.

Enjoy Age Well meals at Charlotte Senior Center

and cannellini beans, brussels sprouts, wheat roll, cookie and milk.

American Abenaki people in Vermont were and are culturally competent in many types of Indigenous hunting and trapping techniques as well as the use of traditional hunting spirituality. They have used sophisticated Native American technologies such as canoes and snowshoes to get to hunting grounds, stayed in the field in wigwams or tents, fished with spears and handlines, hunted and killed game with lances, bows and guns, and brought it back to camp for processing.

In an upcoming Zoom talk, “Hunting and Fishing: A Case Study in Cultural Continuity,” Dr. Frederick M. Wiseman presents abundant evidence of these activities in the form of objects, tools, historic photographs, family stories and distinctive skills passed down through generations of

Register in advance for this webinar, which will be held Thursday, May 2, 6:30 p.m., at bit.ly/4aKVs8M.

This event is free, but donations are appreciated. For information, contact Francine Poitras at communications@abenakiart.org.

Green Up Day gears up in Charlotte

Charlotte Central School is the location for the 54th annual Green Up Day, on Saturday, May 4, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Green bags will be available starting Wednesday, April 27 at the Charlotte Library, Old Brick Store and Spear’s Corner Store. Sign up for a route on at charlottevtgreenupday.com through Friday, May. 3. Or get bags and find a route to clean up at the event on the 4th.

Junior and Tyler Lewis will have trucks at the school for the trash that is collected, and Sustainable Charlotte will also hold its annual electronics recycling collection.

The day’s events are coordinated by Ken Spencer and Kim Findlay.

The Age Well meal pickup for Thursday, April 25, is from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Charlotte Senior Center features meatloaf with brown sauce, garlic home fries, green beans, pumpkin custard with cream and milk.

You must pre-register by the prior Monday at 802-425-6345 or meals@charlotteseniorcentervt.org.

The suggested donation is $5. Check the website for last-minute cancellations at bit. ly/3FfyLMb.

The meal for Thursday, May 2, features

Sign up now for Shelburne grab and go meal

Age Well and St. Catherine’s of Siena Parish in Shelburne are teaming up to provide a meal to go for anyone age 60 and older on Tuesday, May 14.

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

The menu is chicken breast with sweet and sour sauce, brown rice pilaf with veggies

To order a meal contact Kathleen at agewellstcath@gmail.com or 802-503-1107. Deadline to order is Wednesday, May 8.

Charlotte Senior Center hosts April programs

For more details, go to charlotteseniorcentervt.org or call 802-425-6345.

• Red Cross blood drive, Thursday, April 25, 1-6 p.m.

At the Charlotte Senior Center. Call 800-RED-CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org to schedule an appointment.

• “The Sky’s The Limit!” watercolor class with Ginny Joyner, Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m.-noon

If you’ve always wanted to try watercolor but were too intimidated, this is the class for you. Learn the properties of the blue shades and experience the Zen of watching paint dry. Each month, add to your repertoire of subject matter and learn new techniques. Registration required. The cost is $35, plus a

COURTESY PHOTO

Ecological restoration workshops

Frederick M. Wiseman

News from Charlotte Library

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

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

ONGOING

Preschool storytime

Tuesdays in May, 10-11 a.m.

Preschool stories, crafts and activities. No registration required. Age 2 and over.

Preschool free play

Wednesdays in May, 10-11 a.m.

Kids explore the sensory table, sorting, playing with blocks, play dough and more. Ages 2 and over.

In stitches: after-school embroidery

Wednesdays in May, 2:15-3:30 p.m.

From frogs to footballs, lilies to lightning bolts, make something amazing with a needle and thread. Learn stitches, plan a design and create an embroidery project. For fourth to eighth graders. Registration required to susanna@charlottepubliclibrary.org.

Let’s Lego

Saturdays in May, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Drop-in play. Loads of Lego bricks with books and prompts for inspiration. For all ages. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.

Babytime

Saturdays in May, 10-11 a.m.

Unstructured hour for parents, caregivers and babies to play and chat. Explore books and toys and general conversation. Birth to 18 months.

ADULTS

Book chat

Wednesdays in May, 3-4 p.m. Join Margaret Friday on Zoom to discuss new books, old books and books missed.

Crochet and knit night

Wednesdays in May, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Stillwater meditation

Saturdays in May, 9-10 a.m.

Poetry and meditation. All invited for quiet reflection, contemplation and gentle meditation instruction. For beginning and experienced meditators.

Steve Hill:

Working at the border Tuesday, May 14, 7-8 p.m. Charlotte

spent part of the winter in the Sonoran Desert, volunteering with No Mas Muertes to provide humanitarian aid and survival supplies to migrants and asylum seekers in the U.S. borderlands. Hear about Hill’s experience and participate in a conversation on migration.

Mystery book group: ‘The Graveyard Position

Monday, May 20, 10-11 a.m.

From master of mystery Robert Barnard comes a witty and piercingly observant new suspense novel featuring one of the most dysfunctional families ever to grace crime fiction. But is one of them

also a killer? Copies at the circulation desk.

Charlotte Senior Center resource fair

Wednesday, May 22, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Better together discussion: ‘Flight of the Puffin’

Wednesday, May 22, 7-8:30 p.m.

Men’s book discussion

Wednesday, May 22, 7:30-9 p.m.

Get the Zoom link at the library’s website.

News from Carpenter-Carse Library

69 Ballards Corner Road, Hinesburg. 802-482-2878, carpenter carse.org

To register, reserve books or for more information, reach out to library@carpentercarse.org.

Weekly storytime

Tuesdays in May, 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Stories, songs, rhymes, and crafts.

Lego club

Wednesdays in May, 2:15-3:30 p.m.

Work on your own project or with others on weekly challenges or own creations. To reserve a spot, call 802-482-2878, email jen@carpentercarse.org or visit the circulation desk. For students in kindergarten to fourth grade.

Monthly fiber arts club

Friday, May 3, 3:15-4:30 p.m.

Club for students in grades three to seven. Ever wanted to learn how to knit, crochet, needle felt, embroider and sew? Want to come and share skills you already have others? Sign up at the circulation desk or contact jen@ carpentercarse.org.

Saturday storytime

Saturday, May 11, 10-10:30 a.m.

Stories, crafts and singing for young children and their caregivers. Coffee, snacks.

Afterschool story and craft time

Friday, May 17, 3:15-4:30 p.m.

Children in grades K-2 read stories and enjoy snacks. Contact jen@carpentercarse.org to register.

Community Bankers

Community Bankers

Community Bankers BUILDERS | MAKERS | DOERS®

BUILDERS | MAKERS | DOERS®

Community Bankers

BUILDERS | MAKERS | DOERS®

There is no better time to join our Team!

There is no better time to join our Team!

BUILDERS | MAKERS | DOERS®

Community Bankers

There is no better time to join our Team!

There is no better time to join our Team!

BUILDERS | MAKERS | DOERS®

There is no better time to join our Team!

North eld Savings Bank, founded in 1867, is the largest LOCAL BANK in Vermont. We are committed to providing a welcoming work environment for all.

Northfield Savings Bank, founded in 1867, is the largest LOCAL BANK in Vermont. We are committed to providing a welcoming work environment for all

Northfield Savings Bank, founded in 1867, is the largest LOCAL BANK in Vermont. We are committed to providing a welcoming work environment for all

Northfield Savings Bank, founded in 1867, is the largest LOCAL BANK in Vermont. We are committed to providing a welcoming work environment for all

Consider joining our team as a Community Banker at our Taft Corners or Richmond location!

Northfield Savings Bank, founded in 1867, is the largest LOCAL BANK in Vermont. We are committed to providing a welcoming work environment for all

Consider joining our team as a Community Banker at our Taft Corners or Richmond location!

Consider joining our team as a Community Banker at our Taft Corners or Richmond location!

Relevant Skills: Customer Service, Cash Handling (we’ll train you!)

Relevant Skills: Customer Service, Cash Handling (we’ll train you!) Even better… if you have prior banking experience, we encourage you to apply!

Consider joining our team as a Community Banker at our Taft Corners or Richmond location!

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

Relevant Skills: Customer Service, Cash Handling (we’ll train you!) Even better… if you have prior banking experience, we encourage you to apply!

Relevant Skills: Customer Service, Cash Handling (we’ll train you!) Even better… if you have prior banking experience, we encourage you to apply!

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

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

Opportunity for Growth

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

Opportunity for Growth

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

Opportunity for Growth

Opportunity for Growth

NSB has training opportunities to engage employees and assist with professional development within our company. The average years of service for an NSB employee is 9! If you’re looking for a career in an environment that promotes growth, join our team!

NSB has training opportunities to engage employees and assist with professionaldevelopment within our company. The average years of service for an NSB employee is 9! If you’re looking for a careerin an environment that promotes growth, join our team!

What NSB Can Offer You

What NSB Can Offer You

NSB has training opportunities to engage employees and assist with professional development within our company. The average years of service for an NSB employee is 9! If you’re looking for a career in an environment that promotes growth, join our team!

What NSB Can Offer You

NSB has training opportunities to engage employees and assist with professional development within our company. The average years of service for an NSB employee is 9! If you’re looking for a career in an environment that promotes growth, join our team!

What NSB Can Offer You

Competitive compensation based on experience. Wellrounded benefits package. Profit-Sharing opportunity. Excellent 401(k) matching retirement program. Commitment to professional development. Opportunities to volunteer and support our communities. Work -Life balance!

Competitive compensation based on experience. Wellrounded benefits package. Profit-Sharing opportunity. Excellent 401(k) matching retirement program. Commitment to professional development. Opportunities to volunteer and support our communities. Work -Life balance!

Please send an NSB Application & your resume in confidence to: Careers@nsbvt.com

Competitive compensation based on experience. Wellrounded benefits package. Profit-Sharing opportunity. Excellent 401(k) matching retirement program. Commitment to professional development. Opportunities to volunteer and support our communities. Work -Life balance!

Please send an NSB Application & your resume in confidence to: Careers@nsbvt.com

Competitive compensation based on experience. Wellrounded benefits package. Profit-Sharing opportunity. Excellent 401(k) matching retirement program. Commitment to professional development. Opportunities to volunteer and support our communities. Work -Life balance!

Please send an NSB Application & your resume in confidence to: Careers@nsbvt.com

Please send an NSB Application & your resume in confidence to: Careers@nsbvt.com

Equal Opportunity Employer / Member FDIC

Equal Opportunity Employer / Member FDIC

Equal Opportunity Employer / Member FDIC

Boys hold off late comeback

LAUREN READ

CORRESPONDENT

Boys’ lacrosse

Champlain Valley 9, Middlebury 8: The Champlain Valley boys’ lacrosse team held off a comeback attempt by Middlebury to win Thursday night under the lights at South Burlington.

Peter Gilliam had three goals to lead the Redhawks, who had a 9-1 lead at halftime. Jacob Bose added two goals, while Matias Williams, Alden Endres, Darragh Curley and Roman Evans each added one.

CVU moved to 2-0.

Boys’ tennis

Stowe 4, Champlain Valley 3: Champlain Valley fell to Stowe 4-3 in boys’ tennis on Wednesday.

Oscar Andersson and Ziggy Babbitt each got a win in No. 1 and No. 2 singles, respectively, for the Redhawks.

Henry Frost and Nile Blaisius nabbed a straight set win in No. 2 doubles.

CVU fell to 1-2.

LIBRARY continued from page 11

Mid-grade book club

Thursday, May 23, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Read and discuss past or current Golden Dome Book Award nominees or winners. For 9-to12-year olds. Interested in joining? Contact jen@carpentercarse.org.

ADULTS

Hands and needles

Mondays in May, 10 a.m.-noon

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

SongFarmers of Hinesburg

Thursday, May 2, 6-8 p.m.

Do you play an acoustic instru-

Redhawk

Girls’ tennis

Champlain Valley 7, St. Johnsbury 0: The girls swept St.

ment or just love to sing along to old time, blues, country and folk music? Join SongFarmers during its monthly gathering and participate in a live music offering. Free and open to the public in the library’s community room.

Seniors Meetup

Friday, May 3, 10, 17 and 24, 1-2:30 p.m.

Do you remember rotary phones? Cigarette smoke in diners? Bike riding without helmets? Then this meetup is for you. Come gather and talk, schmooze, and kvetch, share and laugh with other seniors. First Friday of every month. Coffee and tea and games provided.

Mystery book group

Wednesday, May 8, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Informal group meets second

April 17.

Johnsbury on Wednesday, April 17.

The team is now 1-0.

Cassie Bastress, Anna Dauer-

Wednesday of each month to chat about a book together.

Not your traditional book group

Thursdays, May 9 and 23, 11 a.m.-noon

Bring a book, read aloud for three minutes or not, talk about your reading life, share a reading topic you pursue or just stop in. Second and fourth Thursdays of the month.

Technology help group

Fridays, May 10 and 24, 10:30 a.m.-noon.

Kenneth Russell leads a group exploration of facing the common frustration points in using personal technology: smartphones, computers, tablets, smart TVs, etc. Bring your devices. Contact rachel@carpentercarse.org to RSVP.

mann, Sage Peterson and Addie Maurer all earned wins in singles for the Redhawks.

Ariel Toohey and Ella Lisle

‘Comics and Queerness’

Thursday, May 16, 6:30-7:30 pm. Vermont cartoonist laureate Tillie Walden presents a look at the intersection of indie comics with queer identity through her many graphic novels — from science fiction to memoir to historical retelling.

Explore process and power through visual narrative and learn why comics are relevant to Vermonters and beyond.

Board game night

Friday, May 17, 5-7 p.m.

Looking to meet some fellow board game enthusiasts? A variety of board games provided; just bring a competitive spirit.

Feel free to bring your own game. Suitable for all ages. Refreshments served.

won in No. 1 doubles, while Millie Boardman and Leonie Schwetlick grabbed a win in No. 2 doubles.

COMMUNITY NOTES

continued from page 10

$6 supply fee.

• Shape-note singing, Sunday, April 28, 12:30-2:30 p.m., Traditional a capella, four-part harmony sung for the joy of singing. Free, no registration required.

Introduction to shape notes and scales is recommended and offered 30 minutes before each first Sunday singing. Contact Kerry Cullinan at kclynxvt@gmail.com to schedule.

Charlotte student wins first in competition

Juna Segel, a 16-year-old homeschooler from Charlotte, competed in the American Association of Christian Schools national competition in Greenville, S.C., at Bob Jones University. She won first place in the category of sacred piano, and featured her piece, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” during the awards ceremony on April 11.

PHOTO BY AL FREY

Calvin Steele eyes the ball in a pre-season scrimmage agains Essex on

Bike club’s May rides

All riders must sign an annual waiver. Cyclists should sign up for each individual ride so ride leaders know how many people to expect.

For club rules and to join, visit the gmbc.com. Contact Donna Leban at donna.leban@gmail.com for social ride sign-ups.

Sunday, May 5

Covered Bridges of Chittenden County: 23-, 30- and 36-mile options of rolling hills through Shelburne and Charlotte with the longer ride going through Ferrisburgh.

Meet at 9:15 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, South Burlington, Wheeler lot. Social ride option.

The leader is Dorothy Pumo, 802-829-8729, dpumo5@gmail.com.

Sunday, May 12

Vergennes Voyager: 26-mile rolling or 39-mile flat to rolling rural ride running along Otter Creek to Middlebury for a possible bakery stop. The longer ride heads toward Kingsland Bay State Park before heading south to Middlebury.

Meet at 9:15 a.m. at Vergennes Union High School, Monkton Road, east parking lot. Social ride option. The leader is Kevin Batson, 802-825-2618, kevbvt@ gmail.com.

Sunday, May 19

Kingsland Bay: 35-mile ride rolls from Shelburne through Charlotte to Kingsland Bay Park and back. The 51-mile ride heads toward Vergennes and climbs to Monkton Ridge, returning through Hinesburg and a 65-mile option heads into Huntington but will not have a leader.

Meet at 9:15 a.m. at Shelburne Shopping Plaza. Social ride option.

The leader is Josh Simonds, 802-355-4352, jsimonds9@gmail.com.

Saturday, May 25

Gravel Hinesburg: Buck, Gilman and Baldwin. This roughly 20-mile, mostly gravel ride traverses quiet roads of Hinesburg.

Meet at 9:15 a.m. at Hinesburg Park and Ride behind the town offices. The leader is Brian Howard, 802-304-0610, bjhowd@gmail.com.

Sunday, May 26

St. Albans Explorer: light, rolling hills with beautiful views by the lake. The 35-mile route goes out to Kill Kare State Park and returns while the 50-mile route continues to Swanton and back.

Meet at 9:15 at Georgia Park and Ride. Exit 18 off I-89. Social ride option. The leader is Josh Simonds, 802-355-4352, jsimonds9@gmail.com.

Aurora Chamber Singers: ‘Seeds of Modernism’ presents Fauré, Bruckner

The Aurora Chamber Singers will present its spring concert, “Seeds of Modernism,” at the College Street Congregational Church, 265 College St., in Burlington, on Saturday, May 11, at 7:30 p.m.

The program of late Romantic European music by Gabriel Fauré, Charles Gounod, César Franck and Anton Bruckner features the voices of the Aurora Chamber Singers, soloists and organ, under the leadership of conductor David Neiweem.

The selections are perfectly suited for the acoustics of the church where it will be performed, built at roughly the same time as the music was conceived.

artists formed in spring 2018 to continue the mission of the Oriana Singers upon founder William Metcalfe. Aurora’s choral repertoire spans ages and cultures, including choral masterworks, contemporary music and thematic programs.

continued from page 2

Aurora is a group of experienced choral

Neiweem has been involved in choral music since his earliest years in Chicago. He has been a member of countless ensembles and enjoyed a lengthy career as a baritone soloist. He was professor of music and chair of the music program at the University of Vermont until 2023.

saliva. ways fatal treatment

For ticket information, visit aurora chambersingers.org.

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

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

100 percent a person

So far have tested those have According animals mal behavior, an animal it. People animals

David Neiweem

Help your young adult align personal interests, academic, and work needs. Standardized occupational tests, assessment measures, and personal guidance increase confidence in planning and decision-making. 35 years of experience. Please contact Ben Mason at (617) 283-6010

ANSWERS FROM THIS ISSUE

TREES

continued from page 1

set up in 2006 for tree planting on public lands.

The controversy that ensued left the town without a tree warden or deputy tree warden as all three resigned from their roles, with two of them citing selectboard mishandling of the State Park Road planting plan.

While the exact roles of a tree warden are laid out in state statute, Mark Dillenbeck, the town’s former tree warden, explained that in Charlotte, the “job description” includes more than what is outlined in statute.

“The tree warden is responsible for approving tree removals on leased properties on Thompson’s Point,” he said. “The tree warden also has access to the Rutter Tree Fund monies and is responsible for making decisions about dispensing money from that and planning tree plantings. And then also we have an emerald ash borer preparedness plan,” which he added was only currently partially implemented, but would be an ongoing responsibility for the person looking to take over his role.

According to the selectboard, the plan to plant trees along State Park Road highlighted issues with the contract used between the tree wardens and private property owners, and issues with the way Rutter Tree Fund money is dispersed and documented.

To remedy some of these issues, town administrator Nate Bareham and selectboard chair Jim Faulkner have been working with Dillenbeck on developing a tree planting agreement and application for the use of the Rutter Fund to clarify the process

for planting trees on public lands and provide an opportunity for public notice and comment.

A draft tree planting agreement was presented at a selectboard meeting earlier this month and is currently pending legal review.

Additionally, the application of use would include the amount of money to be disbursed from the Rutter Fund; the proposed number, type and location of the trees to be planted; the intended purpose the trees; the number of volunteers required to facilitate the planting of trees; and what, if any, contractors can be hired to facilitate the planting.

“The intent of the application is to provide the applicant, the board and the public with a concise list of information relative to why Rutter Funds are being spent,” Bareham said. “So, moving forward, the selectboard would be able to review that information during a public meeting and approve it.”

Faulkner said at the board’s meeting on Monday that he is aware of at least one person who is interested in the position, but for now, the selectboard is only advertising for a volunteer tree warden and may later appoint additional volunteer deputy tree wardens.

Candidates will be interviewed at the town’s May 20 meeting.

The first order of business for the new tree warden will be to help develop the town’s shade tree protection plan, which had been in the works with Dillenbeck before he resigned.

WASTEWATER

continued from page 1

then excavation and starting construction on the easterly end of the lagoon number one,” Jason Booth, engineer with Aldrich and Elliot, adding that the sludge system features the deepest excavation on the site.

The expectation is that buildings will be completed by December when the team will start looking at interior electrical and mechanical work, but equipment won’t start showing up until spring, said Booth. An exact completion date is uncertain at this point, said Booth, since it’s contingent mostly on delivery times.

While the bid came in almost $1 million over what voters approved, Odit confirmed that that money will be made up in grants, subsidies and loan forgiveness.

With the bid now accepted, the town is down to the wire to get the project constructed, since in an updated permit, the state has required that the town have an operational wastewater treatment facility by October 2026.

Odit said he had delayed a little bit to get more reassurance from the state about its funding because everything the town has to pay for upfront is on a reimbursement basis.

“We need to have access to cash to pay bills, and then get reimbursed,” he said.

The board approved a one-year bond note from Union Bank for $8 million to pay for upfront costs for the year. Odit added that there is going to be a continual churning of funds seeking reimbursement.

“It’s just going to mean just a quick

turnaround. It takes a couple of weeks from when you submit a reimbursement request to the state to get the money back and then we’ll have to pay it back,” he said.

He anticipates that funds will be accessible by May, and costs will likely be billed monthly.

“The first month or two we could probably flow with our own cash, but I don’t want to go beyond that,” he said.

The town is also still challenging updated permit conditions imposed on the town in environmental court. In September, a renewal of the state’s discharge permit contained significantly more testing and lower limits than what the previous permit carried.

The town previously argued, among other things, that the additional permit stipulations require that the town monitor the river once a month from June 1 through Oct. 31, which attorneys have argued “falls on the agency to obtain the funding and to train staff to undertake this type of sampling to bolster their programs.”

The town currently has one employee on hand for river sampling and testing. The permit conditions, Odit said, would continue to increase that employee’s workload.

In appealing, Odit hopes that the town could get more favorable operating conditions.

That appeal remains in court, Odit said last week.