The Citizen - 5-30-24

Group will tear down Vestry Building

HABIB SABET STAFF WRITER

The community group behind the effort to restore the Vestry building has decided to fully reconstruct rather than renovate the historic Hinesburg building.

Last week, the Vestry Community Center, a nonprofit dedicated to refurbishing the Vestry, sought and received permission from the town’s Development Review Board to completely demolish the structure.

According to Rolf Kielman, chair for the group, it had originally intended to renovate the existing building, a pricey endeavor that would have involved lifting the complete structure off the ground and

See VESTRY on page 10

Musical sounds of summer get underway around the area

Nothing says summer in Vermont like live music!

For Charlotte resident and the unofficial “fun guy” around town, Bill FraserHarris, grabbing your friends and family for a night of music in town is exactly what

summer is all about. That’s also part of the reason that he started music at the beach, which has been happening at the Charlotte town beach for the past 12 years.

“The sun setting over the lake, a beverage of your choice in your hand and beautiful music in the background,” he said.

“To me, that’s what summer in Vermont, or summer in Charlotte, is all about.”

He said the event has grown in popularity in recent years, with sometimes nearly 200 people showing up to enjoy a peaceful Wednesday night on Lake Champlain. Most important, he said, the event costs nothing — but donations are encouraged. Aside from some of the big-ticket venues like Higher Ground in South Burlington or the Champlain Valley Exposition

in Essex, towns in Chittenden County have set up their own summer music shindigs. There is no shortage of entertainment this summer season. In fact, the real struggle might be finding the time to get to all of them.

See MUSIC on page 12

LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER

PHOTO BY AL FREY

In Hinesburg

New library director just wants (visitors) to have fun

EMMA GODDARD COMMUNITY NEWS SERVICE

In late February, visitors to the Carpenter-Carse Library in Hinesburg showed up not just for the books but for a chance to score a hole in one.

The library hosted a miniature golf special event as the kind of “fun, outsidethe-box” program that its new director, Rob Broder, said he wants to incorporate more at the 77-year-old Carpenter-Carse.

“My goal would be to make this a very vibrant, welcoming place,” Broder said. “It already is.”

The former programming director at the Pierson Library in Shelburne, Broder took the Carpenter-Carse director position in October and said he tries to be funny and silly in an otherwise serious job. His approach is aided by his background as a children’s picture-book author and publisher.

On the release day for his most recent book, “Reading Together,” he narrated it for children’s storytime, said Katherine Kjelleren, a third-grade teacher at Hinesburg Community School who sits on the library’s board of trustees.

“Something that sets Rob apart from other library directors in the area might be his writing and publishing skills,” Kjelleren wrote in an emailed response to questions about the board’s hiring of Broder. “Rob is well-liked and comes with library experience and great and sometimes playful, fun ideas, such as the library becoming a golf course over school vacation.”

Besides creating his own children’s picture books — seven so far — Broder started his own publishing company, Ripple Grove Press, to produce them. He also works as a consultant with other writers and publishers.

“I’ve always been drawn to books,” Broder said.

Broder grew up in New Jersey and visited Vermont on family ski trips. After graduating from Monmouth University, he moved to Vermont, later left the state, and returned. Working as a salesperson for Lake Champlain Chocolates, he met his future wife, and together they launched Ripple Grove in 2013 from their home in Shelburne.

That has given him experience with the products that go into the library stacks. At the Pierson Library, he saw the inner workings behind those stacks. He spent four years there, wearing many book-related hats.

“I started cataloging books,” Broder

WHERE COMFORT MEETS FLAVOR

The Red Mill is a true family favorite, providing cold drinks and casual dining made with fresh local ingredients, all in a renovated old sawmill.

said. “I started working the circulation desk.”

He also handled interlibrary loans, shelved books and ordered book kits for the library. As the Covid-19 pandemic began to subside and readers began to return to

in-person activities, he stepped into the role of program coordinator.

Broder developed and hosted library events, such as story times, movie showings, and guest lecturer and author visits. Kate Bosley, current youth services librarian at Pierson, described him as “an innovator, and perhaps, the most organized person I know.”

Broder left his mark on Pierson, Bosley added. “His legacy continues here in Shelburne as we carry on programs he introduced, as our young readers check out his books, and as we sort through the closet of meticulously labeled tech supplies.”

Broder carried his background into the director role at Carpenter-Carse. Since his start there, he said he has focused on the needs of the Hinesburg community and the maintenance of what he called “a very vibrant, impressive collection.”

Broder said he would like to bolster the library’s general programming and events. He’d bring in more speakers and amp up the family-oriented activities. One of his current projects is this year’s summer reading program, which he and Carpenter-Carse staff began planning in February. Discussions about fall programming take place in May and June.

“Come the summer,” Broder said, “I’ll be thinking about the very busy Thanksgiving-Christmas time.”

Broder said he tries to incorporate the same lightheartedness with library employees and supporters as he does with visitors.

“I hope it comes across when I have staff meetings and when I interact with patrons and the community,” he said. He stressed the importance of communicating and working as a team to accomplish library goals. Crucial to success, he said, is “listening to them, listening to my staff, and hearing what they have to say and what they want” and then putting their feedback into practice.

The board is pleased with Broder’s performance, Kjelleren said. “I think the thing that stands out most of all about Rob is his ability to listen to everyone and then, with others, take action.”

And he keeps an open mind, Broder said: “Each day I learn something new about the community and the job.”

FILE PHOTO

Carpenter-Carse Library director Rob Broder in a file photo with one of his books and a Shelburne leaf peeper.

Former Vermont Teddy Bear warehouse set to close

LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER

Just two months after the Vermont Teddy Bear Company sold the assets of its three apparel companies to New Jersey-based company PJ Acquisition LLC, the distribution center’s warehouse is set to close June 5, laying off roughly 30 employees.

The distribution center in Shelburne is a separate warehouse building just north of the iconic Vermont Teddy Bear Factory that brings hundreds of tourists to the Shelburne area every year. The factory will remain unaffected by the warehouse’s closure, and continue stuffing its plush toys, giving tours and hosting events.

“That’s all going to continue as everybody knows it to be,” Katie Langrock, senior vice president of operations for Vermont Teddy Bear since 2022, said.

PJ Acquisition, an affiliate of Lionel Capital, acquired the assets of the pajama companies PajamaGram, PajamaJeans and The 1 for U on April 3, the same time that the teddy bear-making side of Vermont Teddy Bear Company was sold to USA Brands, the owner of Vermont Flannel.

“One of the things I’m doing is I’m supporting both of the buyers as they get the companies up and running,” Langrock said. “We’re splitting it all up and making sure they have what they need to run their businesses.”

According to a May 16 letter sent to Shelburne town manager Matt Lawless and the state’s Department of Labor, PJ Acquisition was unable to negotiate a new lease for the warehouse location at 6653 Shelburne Road, owned by Miller Realty Group LLP, according to Shelburne’s 2023 grand list.

Layoffs for employees in

Hinesburg considers climate resiliency in town plan rewrite

LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER

With the realities of climate change all around, is it a mistake for Hinesburg to plan and encourage more growth in its village center?

That was the looming question during a community forum last week focused on climate resiliency as planners prepare for the town plan rewrite set to be adopted next year.

The event, which gathered nearly 30 residents to town hall on Wednesday night, gave residents and staff an opportunity to hear from three experts in the field — Marian Wolz with the state’s climate action office, Staci Pomeray, lead scientist with the state’s river program, and climatologist and professor Lesley-Ann Dipigny-Giroux — on how the state and other towns are responding to the realities of climate change.

Hinesburg has been planning for and encouraging residential and commercial growth in its village centers to grow its tax base. Specifically, the town’s village area, 40 square miles of land off Route 116 between the LaPlatte River and Patrick Brook, has for decades been targeted for new growth.

Those plans are quickly coming to life, and town officials have banked on the more than 300 units of housing, and added commercial development, to inject needed tax

accounting, human resources, contact center, inventory and information technology departments began May 23 and will end by June 5.

Although most of the distribution center was used for the apparel company, some of the warehouse was dedicated to the packing and shipping of the company’s teddy bears. Because of the closure, Vermont Teddy Bear moved its entire operation into the factory building, Langrock said.

The warehouse packing and shipping operation for the apparel companies is now being turned over a third-party logistics provider, she said.

“We have a product development team and designers that have been designing (the pajamas) for years, and then we have offshore partners that make them and then we import them throughout the year,” she said.

Although certain aspects of the pajama company will leave Vermont, Langrock said that the company is currently planning to open an office on Pine Street in

Burlington and has already hired over 20 people.

“The product development team, the sourcing team, the designers are all going to have an office in Burlington,” she said.

USA Brands president Matt Bigelow said that the Vermont Teddy Bear team was surprised to learn the news of the layoffs, but its company’s human resources department is helping those affected find new jobs.

As residents and neighbors heard the news, fears began circulating that the entire Vermont Teddy Bear Factory was shuttering, which is why town manager Matt Lawless spent much of the day Wednesday last week doing “damage control,” he said, repeating the mantra, “Vermont Teddy Bear as a tourist experience is not affected. Nothing is changing there.”

He said since the news broke, he’s already heard that some of affected employees in Shelburne had already found new jobs.

“With this warehousing and distribution type of job, that’s an

in-demand sector. It’s the third largest job category in the Burlington metro area. There’s lots of demand for warehousing packaging, truck driving, all those logistics-type jobs,” he said, adding that with regional unemployment at 1.5 percent there are more open jobs than there are available workers.

“The prospects of getting new jobs quickly are pretty good.”

The warehouse building itself is also something of a hot commodity, he noted. He anticipates that it won’t sit vacant for too long since there aren’t many buildings like it in the area.

“Part of my role is to provide a good explanation of what’s allowed by town zoning and try to matchmake and help a new business get in there as quickly as possible,” he said. “I want to help local businesses grow and maximize the economic impact of properties like that, and we’ve already been having some of those conversations.”

He also noted that the Shelburne Food Shelf remains open as a resource for those in Shelburne affected by the layoffs.

revenue for the town of roughly 4,600 people. But concerns over this strategy have grown in recent years given the village area’s proximity to the Patrick Brook floodplain.

In a recent survey that drew 500 responses, nearly 50 percent of residents said that stormwater control and flood resiliency should remain a top priority as the town considers spending money on potentially new and improved municipal services.

While much of Hinesburg was spared from the historic flooding last year, the event did sound an alarm to town planners as they focus on goals and priorities for smart growth. The town’s director of planning and zoning, Alex Weinhagen, was keeping tabs on exactly how much damage Hinesburg experienced last summer.

“That first storm that flooded Montpelier, Hinesburg got about three inches of rain. Montpelier got about six,” he said.

The second round of rainfall that immediately followed was when reality struck, Weinhagen said. Although not much significant damage was done to roads, buildings or businesses, the water at the Patrick Brook crossing was the highest he had ever seen in town.

“What we saw in the village area, especially right at the Patrick

Help us meet our goal of raising $100,000 for the McClure Miller Respite House to provide over 110 days of highquality hospice care for our community.

Saturday, June 8, 2024

Run/Walk: 9:00 am Malletts Bay School

Register today: uvmhomehealth.org/run

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

Advertising Director

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

News Editor

Tommy Gardner

Staff Writers

Aaron Calvin Liberty Darr

Production Manager

Stephanie Manning stephanie@shelburnenews.com

Editor/Publisher Gregory Popa gpopa@stowereporter.com

Billing inquiries Leslie Lafountain leslie@stowereporter.com (802) 253-2101

Advertising submission deadline: Friday at 5 p.m. advertising@thecitizenvt.com classifieds@thecitizenvt.com

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

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

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

Local man defies cancer, gives back

In December 2011, Eric Gilcris was diagnosed with grade 4 glioblastoma brain cancer and given 6 to 12 months to live. On Saturday, June 1, he will tee off at the Williston Country Club for his nonprofit’s 8th Annual Cancer Canknot Golf Classic.

Gilcris is considered an extreme survivor, a term used to describe the less than 1 percent of patients who live with glioblastoma for 10 or more years. It’s a moniker Gilcris and his family welcome.

“The diagnosis was devastating. Nothing can prepare you for that,” Gilcris’ wife, Anna, said. “But the good that has come out of it is more than we ever could have dreamed.”

Cancer Canknot is part of that good. Founded by the South Burlington couple in 2014, the organization is dedicated to supporting cancer patients and their families and has donated over $100,000 to the Dana Farber Cancer Research Center.

Cancer Canknot’s 10th anniversary coincides with Eric Gilcris’ 13th year living with glioblastoma and the nonprofit is growing.

“Cancer Canknot is more than our story,” Gilcris said. “It’s a mindset and a reminder to those

fighting that cancer cannot take away what matters most.” That message has resonated with people locally and across the country, including members of the Vermont Lake Monsters, who recently lost their manager, Pete Wilk, to the same disease. The two organizations are partnering to host Cancer Canknot Night at Centennial Field on Thursday, June 27.

In addition to the golf classic, the couple created jewelry and apparel lines to spread the Cancer Canknot message and authored “Bear Hugging and Cancer Crushing,” a children’s book inspired by conversations with their son. For more information about the event, go to cancercanknot. org.

Saturday, June 11

Saturday, June 10

9:00 - 3:00 in Shelburne

9:00 - 3:00 in Shelburne

June 8 9:00 - 3:00 in

Total incidents: 46 Arrests: 0 Traffic stops: 15

North Road.

May 23 at 12:45 p.m., an officer investigated the report of damage to property on CVU Road.

Household Items plus Thousands of Books

Household Items plus Thousands of Books

Household Items plus Thousands of Books

May 21 at 7 a.m., police investigated suspicious activity on North Road.

May 21 at 11:09 a.m., an animal problem on Boutin Road was reported and investigated.

May 23 at 5:58 p.m., police investigated illegal burning on North Road.

Cash or Check Preferred Masks Required! WakeRobin.com

Cash or Check Preferred Masks Optional WakeRobin.com

Cash or Check Preferred Pets not Allowed WakeRobin.com

5:36 p.m., police assisted someone with a VIN verification.

May 23 at 12:43 p.m., an officer investigated the report of damage to property on

May 24 at 6:23 p.m., an officer assisted Vermont State Police with a traffic stop on Route 116. May 27 at 4:22 p.m., an officer investigated the report of property damage on Ledgewood Lane.

COURTESY PHOTO

Eric Gilcris wears a Cancer Canknot shirt he designed. The nonprofit’s 8th Cancer Canknot Golf Classic is June 1.

OPINION

Hinesburg rep outlines lawmakers’ accomplishments

From the House

It was a busy year with a lot of moving parts, differing opinions and information that needed to be sorted as we worked to meet the critical needs of Vermonters. While I caucus with the Democratic party, I always consider what is best for Hinesburg when making my voting decisions on issues.

The Legislature chose to invest, strategically and carefully, in housing, transportation, public safety, infrastructure, broadband, health care, child care and the environment. These investments help support all Vermonters, regardless of their income. This strategy differs significantly from the governor’s approach of maintaining the status quo. I believe underinvesting in public systems ends up costing more for those people who make less. This report will touch on significant legislative highlights, including those that impact the residents of Hinesburg.

our funding issues, the House Committee on Education created a Commission on the Future of Public Education. This commission will examine Vermont’s entire public school system including the structure, cost drivers, system size and the services that must be provided. It will make actionable recommendations on how Vermont can create a world class education system at a cost our communities can afford. Another issue driving up school district budgets is the need for capital funds to update school buildings. Lacking any state funding since 2007, dozens of Vermont school districts have significant capital funding needs. It is estimated that Vermont’s school buildings need more than $6 billion to bring them up to date, replace worn-out systems, achieve code compliance and address PCB and other hazardous contamination. In some cases, buildings would be cheaper to rebuild than repair.

We passed a balanced $8.57 billion budget, which was within half a percent of the governor’s proposed budget. It targeted dollars at what Vermonters said were priorities: housing, climate resilience, health care and public safety. The budget included $17 million for flood and disaster relief to help neighboring communities hit hard in the 2023 floods.

Education

Due to the expected double-digit property tax increases, this year’s most discussed issue was education. While the reasons for these increases are understandable, there is not a quick fix to the complicated system Vermont uses to fund education. Any system changes require the complete cooperation and commitment from the administration and the Agency of Education, which is ultimately responsible for leading every local school district.

The Legislature did its best to fund local school budgets using some one-time money and identifying new funding sources. Both approaches helped to trim everyone’s property tax increase. Unfortunately, we know finding more money to fund a broken system is not a sustainable solution.

To address the root cause of

opment in downtowns and village centers, and protected forests and open lands. With the need for more housing, increasing threats from climate change and the general realization that Act 250 needs to be modernized, the house passed H.687.

This bill starts by identifying areas of the state that should not need Act 250 for well-planned development. These are places like Hinesburg, that have existing planning, sewer and water infrastructure, along with local review and permitting processes. Other areas of the state where there is a lack of infrastructure or long-range planning can still be developed with some appropriate oversight.

And finally, there are those areas which have critical natural resources and lack any local

planning and infrastructure. These areas will continue to have close oversight prior to permitting any significant development. I believe this bill found the right balance by allowing development and growth in places like Hinesburg while protecting our most critical and vulnerable natural resources.

We all know Vermont is under increasing risks for flooding due to climate change. Because our rivers meander and don’t respect town borders, we need holistic statewide regulations to guide safer development. The Flood Safety Act (S.213) will bring more state resources to towns for managing development in river corridors and floodplains. It also increases state engineering staff to inspect and evaluate over a thousand dams in our state and brings dam oversight under one agency.

Vermont’s Renewable Energy Standard is an energy policy passed in 2015. H.289 builds on this success and reflects a remarkable collaboration among electric utilities, environmental groups, and legislators to bring more renewable energy into our grid faster. To make sure all Vermonters have access to the benefits of renewable energy, the bill also has a focus to support programs to help affordable housing developments and electric customers with lower incomes.

Housing

Every state in our nation is struggling with a lack of affordable housing. Vermont has invested over $1 billion dollars

See POUECH on page 6

Legislature anticipates veto session on energy standard, maybe housing bill

As a state we need to determine which schools should get infrastructure investment funds so individual school districts are not fighting each other for those limited funds and we don’t spend state money on shrinking school districts. H.871 creates a legislative working group to prepare draft legislation for January 2025 to design a new state construction aid program. This will build a program that incentivizes projects to address cost drivers in education such as number of schools, energy and heating costs and replacing school buildings at the end of their lifespan.

The Legislature also passed H.630, which allows school districts to establish Boards of Cooperative Education Services to collaborate on common needs such as specialized student services, joint supply procurement, professional development or regional busing contracts. Many other states use this type of program to lower costs, especially in small school districts, which Vermont famously has. Environment, energy

Along with education, Act 250 was front and center for this legislative session. Since 1970, our statewide land use law has preserved Vermont’s rural character, supported compact devel-

From the Senate

Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale

It was a privilege and pleasure, as always, to reconnect with constituents this past Memorial Day weekend. Often seen as the official kickoff of summer, it was a great way to honor our fallen heroes, spend time with family and celebrate the best of our communities. It was also a wonderful Dragon Day Parade in St. George, where their entire legislative delegation was present for the festivities.

his deep respect for retiring Sen. Jane Kitchel, chair of Senate appropriations and former secretary of human services. On both the responsible, balanced budget and the recognition of the huge loss of institutional knowledge with Kitchel’s departure, we are in full agreement.

The 2024 legislative session, along with the two-year legislative biennium, has now ended. We accomplished a great deal, from flood recovery and climate resilience to economic development and public safety. We will return to Montpelier on June 17 for a veto session, though we are likely to find out more this week about the legislation the governor has vetoed. Notably, the governor has signed the budget into law, which contains critical investments in affordable housing, workforce development and meeting the needs of the most vulnerable. In his communication, he expressed

So far, the governor has vetoed two pieces of environmental legislation — a ban on bee-threatening neonicotinoid pesticides in 2029 and a revamped renewable energy standard that would prioritize more investment in local energy production and jobs. These two bills received broad support in the Legislature this session and my hope is that we will be able to override the governor’s veto on these strong environmental protection and climate mitigation measures.

As I write this, we do not know the Governor’s intentions on two landmark bills that originated in my committee — Act 250 reform and the kids code. Hopefully by the time you read this, we know more, and there is reason to believe that both will be signed into law or allowed to become law without a signature. If they are vetoed, I will

work hard to ensure we have the two-thirds majority needed to override on these critical pieces of legislation.

H.687, which represents meaningful compromise between economic and environmental stakeholders, provides greater protection for ecologically sensitive areas while relaxing state oversight in our population centers and employment corridors. H.121 contains data privacy measures that will protect Vermont consumers and joins a national effort to protect children from the predatory nature of social media. These two bills embody the best of our bipartisan and bicameral process and make change Vermonters have been counting on for decades.

I look forward to speaking with you about what we accomplished and what lies ahead. At 25 weeks pregnant and with a precious 1-year-old daughter, please just extend patience and grace with my response time.

Thank you for the privilege of serving and enjoy the warm weather.

Kesha Ram Hinsdale, a Democrat from Shelburne, serves the towns of South Burlington, Shelburne, Charlotte, Hinesburg, Burlington, St. George, Underhill, Jericho, Richmond, Williston and Bolton in the Legislature.

Rep. Phil Pouech

Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale

Rep. Phil Pouech

from March 2020 through June 2023 using mostly federal stimulus funding. The Legislature dug deep this year to continue these historic investments which include:

• $19.2 million to develop permanently affordable housing.

• $8 million to renovate existing structures to create new rental units.

• $58 million to expand and support emergency shelter and services for unhoused Vermonters, plus $30 million in contingency funding in the likely event of 2024 surplus revenues.

• $1 million to support grants for First Generation Homeowners.

• Almost $4 million in eviction diversion pilots, with the understanding that it is far better and cheaper to enable a family with housing to stay in it.

• $1 million to support manufactured housing updates or repairs.

• $3 million for recovery housing, transitional housing for refugees, and community stabilization beds.

Agriculture

Neonicotinoids are insecticides introduced in the 1990s that have proven to be extremely harmful to insect pollinators. The House and Senate passed H.706, which phases out the use of this class of insecticides. Hundreds of studies have shown that treating corn and soybean seeds with this pesticide has little positive economic benefit but is a real threat to our critical pollinators.

The bill would ban the use of seeds treated with “neonics” beginning in 2029, the same year that New York State is prohibiting their use. Restricted use will still be permitted for some critical crops like apple orchards, when no equally effective alternative exists.

Health care

Health care is a constant concern for all Vermonters, with its continued rising costs along with a severe shortage of healthcare providers. H.766 will eliminate the red-tape burden that requires providers to obtain prior insurance authorization for services, tests and specialized care they have already determined to be appropriate health care for their patients. Most Vermonters would prefer those decisions be made by their health providers rather than for-profit insurance companies. This will allow providers to spend more time with patients and less time on the phone with insurers or filling out paperwork.

Another issue faced by low-income aging Vermonters is the benefits cliff they experience when they reach the age of 65. In transitioning from Medicaid to Medicare, these folks see a sudden jump in costs of premiums and copays. The 2024 budget will help nearly 10,000 eligible Vermonters see a yearly savings of over $2,000 per person starting on Jan. 1, 2026. With the state investing $4.7 million dollars we will obtain over $45 million in federal funds. This is a good example of wise investing.

Public safety

We appropriated $8 million in the budget to address the huge backlog of cases in the judiciary system. This will ensure individuals can be held accountable for their actions as soon as possible by expanding all the state agencies who make up our judiciary system. H.563 is a bill that prohibits a person from entering another person’s car without consent and creates a criminal violation for driving someone else’s car without permission. Another, H.534, establishes increasingly severe penalties for repeat offenses of retail theft, one area where crime rates have risen.

Transportation

As an active member of the House transportation committee, I helped build climate resiliency and carbon reductions policies into this year’s transportation bill. We continue incentives programs that help income qualified Vermonter’s transition away from high-cost gasoline-powered vehicles.

Additionally, with $21 million in federal funds, Vermont is building a state-wide fast-charging infrastructure network to support more electric vehicles. To help Vermonters who live in apartments or condominiums, we redirected state funding to invest in level 2 charging for multi-unit dwellings and workplaces.

The transportation bill invests in more resilient transportation infrastructure to

enable all Vermonters to access jobs, walk safely to school and age successfully in our communities, all while improving our health and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We also increased funding for local towns like Hinesburg to help them maintain their municipal roads and structures. I know residents appreciate how this funding helps to make our own village more livable.

It has been a real honor to serve my fellow Hinesburg citizens. I do so with the best intentions to help my neighbors and improve our communities. I am fully aware that many of you struggle with expenses and taxes. I will always work to make sure tax systems are progressive by making those with the most resources support those with less.

I also insist that any tax breaks or incentives are income sensitive so that those who struggle benefit the most. I appreciate whenever anyone reaches out to me with your questions or concerns. I’ve addressed and responded to nearly 300 emails from constituents over the last two years. I’ve also made myself available anytime anyone from Hinesburg visits or has business in the Statehouse. I continue to encourage everyone who has questions, concerns, or issues, to contact me directly though my legislative email, ppouech@leg.state.vt.us.

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

1-89 exit study gets started; will affect traffic countywide

LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER

South Burlington residents and those passing through the city on a busy workday are all too familiar with the bumperto-bumper traffic congestion near exit 14 on Interstate 89. This area is now the basis of a study called I-89 2050, which takes a long view of what this 37-mile stretch of highway could look in 25 years. But in the short term, regional planners have hyper-focused on one major problem area: the exit 14 interchange.

“We are really thinking about this interchange as being a gateway and a hub of activity in the middle of one of our most populated areas in the state, and there’s a lot of development that’s being contemplated in the immediate area surrounding the interchange,” Karen Sentoff, a consultant with the transportation consulting firm VHB, said.

The exit 14 study will evaluate various interchange alternatives that address capacity, operational, accessibility and safety issues as identified in the larger I-89 2050 study. The final goal is to recommend a preferred interchange alternative to the Vermont Agency of Transportation.

The regional planning

commission held a public kickoff in South Burlington last week to gauge where exactly resident concerns fall and hear feedback on what they’d like to see in the exit 14 area. Most residents at the meeting voiced concern over the area’s lack of bus lanes, congestion and the speed of vehicles merging from both the on- and off-ramps.

“Even though we looked at the entire interstate, we did focus our energy on the exit 14 area because of congestion issues, delay issues, safety issues, especially the difficulty of bicycles and pedestrians to cross the interchange area. There are just a number of issues with this interchange,” Eleni Churchill, transportation program manager with Chittenden County Regional Planning and the project manager for the exit 14 study.

trian crossings and infrastructure, tight weaving sections of the interstate near exit 14 that are nearing capacity, along with deficient merging lengths.

Looking over a snapshot of the last five years, there have been a total of 369 crashes in that area,

studies are projecting and planning for a nearly 8 percent traffic growth rate between 2022 and 2042.

“We did focus our energy on the exit 14 area because of congestion issues, delay issues, safety issues, especially the difficulty of bicycles and pedestrians to cross the interchange area. There are just a number of issues with this interchange.”

— Eleni Churchill

with some of the most serious happening as cars exit the highway going east toward Dorset Street.

As population in South Burlington continues to grow, the team is actively monitoring just how the area’s traffic patterns are shifting. The team identified several areas as high-crash locations, with uncontrolled bicycle and pedes-

While traffic on I-89 grew nearly 12 percent between 2000 and 2019, the team evaluated significantly less movement throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and the years that have followed. Similarly, morning and evening commute traffic patterns have changed as more people work from home and the typical 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. work model diminishes.

The group spearheading the

CVU names interim principal

Katherine Riley has been named interim principal of the Champlain Valley Union High School for the next school year.

Her appointment takes effect July 1.

Riley joined CVU in 1998 as a social studies teacher and has worked as the curriculum director and Snelling House director. As an administrator, she has played a role in the school’s transition to a proficiency-based system, the design of the school’s action plan and the development of current graduation requirements.

She received a bachelor’s degree from St. Lawrence University and a Master of Education from Plattsburgh State University. She taught in New York prior to coming to Vermont and has international teaching experience in both Bhutan and Peru. At CVU, Riley has led numerous international student trips and advised both Amnesty International and the student council for over 20 years.

“With twelve years of experience at the administrative level

Katherine Riley

and fourteen years as a teacher at CVU, I feel that I am qualified to step into this leadership role. I know the systems and the people,” Riley wrote in her application for the position. “I am confident that I will step into the role of interim principal and allow for a smooth transition for our CVU community.”

After accepting the job, she added: “I look forward to working closely with the students, faculty, staff and community to

grow the culture of belonging and high academic standards which have been the hallmark of the high school since long before I began my teaching career at CVU.”

She replaces Adam Bunting as principal. Bunting was made interim superintendent in May after Rene Sanchez resigned.

Bunting is expected to lead the school district in an interim capacity for fiscal year 2025, but he suggested that he might be interested in applying for the role for the longer term.

“The nice part about this transition is that the district gets the chance to see whether I’m a good fit and I get to understand whether the position is a good fit for me,” Bunting said. “At the end of the day, I just want to serve the district as best I can.

According to Metzler, the school district will likely begin its broader search for a long-term superintendent in the fall, and said she hopes the district will have a selection by early next spring.

“We’re starting to see folks working from home half the day and then going to an office or a public meeting or whatever. It’s really busy from when school lets out at 2:50 p.m. through to 6 p.m. but we’re not getting that peak traffic and congestion period right at 5 p.m. like we had historically,” Sentoff said. “We are starting to see that spread over a longer period of time and more activity through the middle of the day.”

What’s interesting, she noted, is that there’s just about the same number of people coming off the interstate in South Burlington and Burlington in the morning as are coming in the evening.

Alternatives that have already been evaluated are an enhanced clover leaf to slow down motorists, and a diamond traffic concept, like what is seen at exit 12 coming into Williston.

“If you can picture the Williston exit where instead of having the loops when you get off you just get off on a straight shot,” said David Saladino, another consultant with VHB working on the study. “That diamond interchange is a very tight configuration, then you’d have all those circles freed up to do something else in those areas.”

Final recommendations are expected by winter following a final public meeting in early 2025.

Sign up for our Friday EMAIL NEWSLETTER

Headlines and news sent directly to your inbox every Friday at 10 a.m.

COMMUNITY

Impact lab Community Notes

Civil War reenactment takes place in Shelburne

Champlain Valley historical Civil War reenactors descend on Palmer’s Sugarhouse, 332 Shelburne-Hinesburg Road, Shelburne, on Saturday, June 1, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., as the 2nd Vermont Infantry and the 1st Vermont Cavalry host a living history weekend.

Learn about Vermonters serving in the Army and on the home front during the American Civil War. Demonstrations will be held throughout the day.

For more information, go to bit.ly/3WUE0uz or contact Michael Cairns at mcairns@uvm. edu or 802-310-3003.

Shelburne Museum kicks Free First Friday

Free First Friday Eve is a summer tradition at Shelburne Museum. From June through August on the first Friday of the month, admission to the museum is free from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

It’s the perfect time to visit galleries, enjoy a picnic on the grounds, stroll through gardens and take in the splendor of a summer’s evening.

Musical performances include:

• June 7 — Andriana and the Bananas: Andriana Chobot, a Burlington-based singer-songwriter, offers indie-pop and heartrock sounds that ruminate in jazz, with her band the Bananas.

• July 5 — Mal Maiz blends

traditional cumbia, Latin, reggae and Afro-Caribbean sounds.

• August 2 — Dwight + Nicole play American soul and blues.

For more information, visit shelburnemuseum.org.

Enjoy Age Well meals at Charlotte Senior Center

The Age Well meal pickup for Thursday, May 30, is from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Charlotte Senior Center. The meal selection has not been announced as of press time.

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, June 6, features roast pork loin with mashed potatoes, green beans, applesauce, wheat bread with butter, birthday cake with lemon sauce and milk.

The meal for Thursday, June 13, features meatloaf with brown sauce, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, wheat bread with butter, apple crisp with topping and milk.

‘Eat, Poop, Die’ author hosts book signing in SoBu

Biologist and author Joe Roman presents his new book “Eat, Poop, Die: How Animals Make Our World” at the South Burlington Public Library auditorium on Thursday, June 27, 5:30-

REPAIRS

The Levine Impact Lab will host its second annual retreat at the Inn at Shelburne Farms June 3-6. This retreat brings together the lab’s inaugural group of grant partners and guests, including speakers from Vermont-based environmental organizations. Founded by local Shelburne and Charlotte resident Peter Levine on the belief that nonprofits deserve the same resources as tech startups, the Levine Impact Lab builds a bridge between the business and nonprofit world, combining unrestricted grant funding with tailored coaching and consulting services. This year’s retreat will center around connection, learning, and visioning for nonprofit leaders. Guest speakers will include Kate Williams from 1% for the Planet, Samantha Langevin from Vermont Releaf Collective and Mickey Wiles from Working Fields. For more information, go to levineimpactlab.org. Above, Levine Impact Lab’s grant partners pose for a group photo at last year’s retreat in California.

6:45 p.m.

Roman is a conservation biologist, marine ecologist and “editor ’n’ chef” of eattheinvaders. org. Winner of the 2012 Rachel Carson Environment Book Award for “Listed: Dispatches from America’s Endangered Species Act,” Roman has written for the New York Times, Science, Audubon, New Scientist, Slate and other publications.

Like many of the animals he studies, Roman is a freerange biologist. He has worked at Harvard University, Duke University Marine Lab, Univer-

sity of Iceland, University of Havana, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the University of Vermont, where he is a fellow and writer in residence at the Gund Institute for Environment.

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, June 11. 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 meatloaf with gravy, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, wheat bread with butter, apple crisp with topping and milk.

To order a meal contact Kathleen at agewellstcath@gmail.com or 802-503-1107. Deadline to order is Wednesday, June 5. If this is a first-time order, provide your name, address, phone number and date of birth.

COURTESY PHOTO

News from Charlotte Library

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

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

ONGOING

Preschool storytime

Tuesdays in June, 10-11 a.m. Preschool stories, crafts and activities. No registration required. Age 2 and over.

Preschool free play

Wednesdays in June, 10-11 a.m.

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

Babytime

Thursdays in June, 9:30-10:30 a.m.

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

Let’s Lego

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

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

ADULTS

Book chat

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

Crochet and knit night

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

Garden circle

Fridays in June, 8:30-10 a.m.

Join the garden circle volunteers who tend the educational gardens around the library. Contact stewards Karen Tuininga and Linda Hamilton at seed@charlottepubliclibrary.org to sign up and join in the merry group work sessions this growing season.

Stillwater meditation

Saturdays in June, 9-10 a.m.

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

Artist talk: Karin Small

Tuesday, June 4, 5-6 p.m.

Local artist Karin Small will share her vision and creative process in this informal gallery talk featuring her work on display through the end of June.

Short story selections

Wednesday, June 5 and 19, 1-2 p.m.

Join library director Margaret Woodruff to share and discuss short stories old and new.

Get the Zoom link at the library’s website.

Preservation of the lost mural

Wednesday, June 12, 1-2 p.m.

A Jewish mural painted in 1910 in the old Chai Adam Synagogue in Burlington was covered by a wall to preserve it for future relocation and finally uncovered in 2013. This illustrated presentation explains the preservation, relocation, conservation and restoration of the mural. Presented by Richard Kerschner, coordinating conservator for the Lost Mural Project. This program takes place at the Charlotte Senior Center.

Mystery Book Group: ‘The Shape of Water’

Monday, June 17, 10-11 a.m.

Silvio Lupanello, a bigshot in Vigàta, is found dead in his car with his pants around his knees. Enter Inspector Salvo Montalbano. With his characteristic mix of humor, cynicism, compassion and love of good food, Montalbano battles against the powerful and corrupt who are determined to block his path to the real killer. Copies at the circulation desk.

Mt. Philo’s 100th birthday party

Tuesday, June 18, 7-8 p.m.

Learn the story of the amazing act of generosity that created Mount Philo State Park and started the entire Vermont State Park system with Judy Chaves, the author of “Secrets of Mount Philo: A guide to the history of Vermont’s first state park.”

Better together discussion: ‘I’ll Show Myself Out’

Wednesday, June 19, 7-8:30 p.m.

In New York Times bestselling author Jessi Klein’s second collection, she hilariously explodes the cultural myths and impossible expectations around motherhood and explore the humiliations,

poignancies and possibilities of midlife.

Library garden tour

Thursday, June 20, 6-7 p.m.

Tour the pollinator garden and rain gardens with UVM Extension master gardener Karen Tuininga. Refreshments will be provided, and no registration necessary.

Men’s book discussion: ‘Oath and Honor’

Wednesday, June 26, 7:30-9 p.m.

In the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election, Donald Trump and many around him, including certain other elected Republican officials, intentionally breached their oath to the Constitution: they ignored the rulings of dozens of courts, plotted to overturn a lawful election, and provoked a violent attack on our Capitol. Liz Cheney witnessed the attack first-hand, and then helped lead the Congressional Select Committee investigation into how it happened.

Copies at the circulation desk. Get the Zoom link at the library’s website.

Raptor road trip

Wednesday, June 26, 1-2 p.m.

If you had wings like a hawk, where would you fly? Birds of prey are found all over the world, in all kinds of environments. Join this imagined journey across the United States, and encounter some resident raptors in their ecosystems. With the Vermont Institute of Natural Sciences.

Grange on the Green: Will Patten Quartet

Thursday, June 27, 5:30-7 p.m.

Gypsy jazz and Brazilian styles as well as straight up bebop and many original compositions on the Charlotte Town Green. Rain location: Charlotte Senior Center.

Thursday night book club: ‘Stormy Weather”

Thursday, June 27, 7:30-9 p.m.

Oil is king of East Texas during the darkest years of the Great Depression. The Stoddard girls know no life but an itinerant one, trailing their father from town to town as he searches for work on the pipelines and derricks. That is, when he’s not spending his meager earnings at gambling joints, race tracks and dance halls. Copies at the circulation desk.

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 June, 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Stories, songs, rhymes, and crafts.

Baby and me

Fridays in June, 10-11 a.m.

Social gathering where parents or caregivers and their babies can come and meet other caregivers and connect, share and be together.

Summer reading club

Thursday, June 20, 3:30-5 p.m.

Kick of the summer reading club with Jerry Schneider who will talk about local pollinators and how to protects. Make your own pollinator T-shirt. Registration required.

Summer reading club

Wednesday, June 26, 10:30 a.m.-noon

Take a raptor road trip with the Vermont Institute of Natural Science. If you had wings like a hawk, where would you fly? Join the library on an imagined journey across the United States and encounter some resident raptors in their ecosystems.

ADULTS

Hands and needles

Mondays in June, 10 a.m.-noon

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

required. No meeting on Memorial Day.

Seniors meetup

Mondays in June, 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.

Welcome baby picnic

Saturday, June 1, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Hinesburg’s annual welcome baby picnic for those who’ve welcomed a baby in the last year. Meet other families and kids, and learn about the library and food shelf. RSVP to Alexandra Koncewicz at koncewicz@hinesburgresource.org or 802-482-4649.

Folk Jam with SongFarmers of Hinesburg

Thursday, June 6, 6-8 p.m.

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.

Eclectic book club

Thursday, June 13 and 27, 11 a.m.-noon

Bring a book, read aloud — or not — share a topic. All are welcome.

Take charge of your life Wednesday, June 5, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Life coach Jim Koehneke explores the seven steps to help you find true joy in life and to clarify your purpose.

VESTRY

continued from page 1

replacing its decaying foundation.

Now, however, the organization plans to tear down the Vestry and rebuild it from scratch, ideally integrating as many components of the original as possible.

“Our plan is to dismantle the building, store the parts that we think can re-use, clear the site and excavate and construct a new foundation,” Kielman said. “Then we can re-erect the building in its current configuration.”

According to Kielman, the decision to reconstruct entirely rather than renovate comes after the Vestry Community Center failed to secure a grant from the Preservation Trust of Vermont, which would have helped cover the high cost of the renovation effort.

for members of the Congregational Church, the Vestry as it stands now was constructed around 1840, although some of its components, like its famed Palladian window, date back as far as 1810.

After serving as a gathering place for Hinesburg residents for around century and a half, the structure fell into disrepair and was largely forgotten until a collection of local residents — what would eventually become the Vestry Community Center — banded together in 2022 to bring the historic building back to life and turn it into a community gathering space.

Vestry won’t have the allure of the historic original, Kielman, an architect by trade, said that building from scratch will ensure a sturdier and more sustainable meeting place for Hinesburg’s residents.

“When you build a new building, you can do new things with regard to the envelope of the building,” he said. “You can make sure it’s well insulated and that it doesn’t leak. You have some other options. It makes it simpler, say for example, to put a solar array on the roof.”

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 our neighbors, our schools and our businesses.

get delivery or shop online, keep your spending local and keep your community healthy.

When you support your local newspaper, 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.

“The building was in such poor condition that I think they decided they just couldn’t support the project,” he said.

Originally built as a chapel

“We think that for Hinesburg to have a community center with various purposes is deserving of its population,” Kielman said.

“We wanted to be able to do it in a building that’s significant in our community.

Although the reconstructed

Kielman said that he expects the project would take about three years in its entirety, meaning Hinesburg could have a new community center as soon as 2027.

The group expects to dismantle the structure and replace its foundation by the end of this year, hoping to begin the reconstruction of the building in spring 2025.

When you support your local newspaper, you support your community.

SUPPORT LOCAL SUPPORT YOUR NEWSPAPER SUBSCRIBE TODAY

SUPPORT LOCAL SUPPORT YOUR NEWSPAPER SUBSCRIBE TODAY

Contact Wendy Ewing at

COURTESY PHOTOS / PRESERVATION TRUST OF VERMONT

Above: The Vestry building, built around 1839, as seen from Hinesburg’s Main Street.

Left: The building’s Palladium window dates to 1810. Below: The current state of affairs. The group looking to save the old structure now anticipates salvaging what it can and staring anew.

CVU’s boys’ Ultimate team still unbeaten

LAUREN READ

CORRESPONDENT

Boy’s Ultimate

Champlain Valley 15, Essex 5: The Champlain Valley boys’ Ultimate team remained undefeated with a win over Essex Friday.

Nic Menard had two goals for the Redhawks, while Danny Goldsmith had three assists.

CVU moved to 7-0 with the win.

Boys’ lacrosse

Champlain Valley 16, Rutland 4: Champlain Valley continued to rebound from its first loss of the season, beating Rutland Friday to win its second in a row.

Peter Gilliam scored six goals for the Redhawks, who opened a 12-3 lead at halftime. Matias WIlliams chipped in four goals.

CVU moved to 12-1 with the win.

Girls’ lacrosse

Champlain Valley 15, Rutland 5: Champlain Valley scored nine goals in the first half beat Rutland Friday, May 24.

Stella Dooley had two goals and four assists for the Redhawks, who moved to 11-2. Marlie Cartwright and Emerson Rice each had three goals and one assist for CVU, while Rose Bunting added a hat trick.

Clare Stackpole-McGrath and Morgan Keach combined to earn the win in goal.

Baseball

Champlain Valley 5, Rutland 2: Russell Willoughby hit a two-run home run in the fifth inning to help Champlain Valley pull away from Rutland Saturday.

Travis Stroh went 2-for-4 at the plate with an RBI to help the Redhawk offense. Aaron LaRose won on the mound after giving up one earned run on two hits in five innings of work.

The Redhawks moved to 12-1.

Boys’ tennis

Champlain Valley 5, Rice 2: The boys won their third match in a row over Rice on Friday.

Ziggy Babbott, Ethan Croke and Luke Sampson all won in singles for the Redhawks (9-3).

Kyle Krieger and Silas Cohen also grabbed a win in doubles.

Girls’ Ultimate

Champlain Valley 13, Montpelier 3: The girls moved to 7-1 with a win over Montpelier on Friday.

Grace Thompson paced the team with

Cast off: It’s free fishing day

Vermont’s annual, statewide summer free fishing day is Saturday, June 8, and it will be highlighted by a free family fishing festival in Grand Isle and the state’s regular bass fishing season’s opening day.

“Vermont’s free fishing day gives resident and nonresident anglers the opportunity to go fishing without a license for the day in Vermont lakes and streams,” Fish and Wildlife commissioner Christopher Herrick said. “It’s a great opportunity for an experienced angler to be a mentor to

three goals and six helpers, while Zoey McNabb chipped in three goals. Ella O’Neil tallied twice, and five different players added goals for CVU.

Ruby Opton dished out two helpers and Kate Sayre and Greta Friesen each added an assist.

Softball

Champlain Valley 26, Rutland 4 (5): Champlain Valley softball won its fourth game of the season, beating Rutland Satur-

friends who have not gone fishing before. A day on the water could lead to a lifetime of great experiences and healthy local food.”

The day will be celebrated at the Grand Isle Family Fishing Festival at the Ed Weed Fish Culture Station, 14 Bell Hill Road. The festival will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Designed for young or novice anglers and families, the event offers basic fishing instruction and the chance for kids

day, May 25, in five innings.

Mackenzie Yandow got the win for the Redhawks, who moved to 4-9.

Baylee Yandow had three RBIs, while Tegan Scruggs, Autumn Francis, Cordelia Thomas and Amber Reagan each had a home run and three RBIs.

Nina Zimakas added two more and Morgan Gallup had a double and an RBI. Girls’ tennis

Champlain Valley 4, Stowe 3: A three-

to catch big trout in a hatchery pond. No prior fishing experience is needed, and Vermont Fish and Wildlife will be supplying fishing rods, reels and bait for use by participants.

Vermont’s regular bass season also opens on June 8, marking the start of some of the hottest bass fishing action in the northeast. The season opens each year on the second Saturday in June and extends through the last day of November.

set win in No. 1 singles was the difference as Champlain Valley narrowly defeated Stowe in girls’ tennis Saturday.

Tabitha Bastress won a third set breaker, 10-8, to clinch the singles win for the Redhawks (12-1). Addie Maurer also won in her singles match, 6-1, 6-0.

Ariel Toohey and Leonie Schwetlick won the first doubles match and Ella Lisle and Millie Boardman won the second for a CVU sweep.

With the win, CVU moved to 12-1.

PHOTO BY DAN LOVELL

Vermont’s summer free fishing day and the Grand Isle Family Fishing Festival will be on June 8 this year. It’s also the opening day of Vermont’s bass fishing season.

Here’s a glimpse at some of the fun going down in Chittenden County this summer.

Grange on the Green, Charlotte

2024 Concerts will be on Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. on the Charlotte Town Green (rain location: Charlotte Senior Center). The Charlotte Grange invites friends and neighbors to enjoy four evenings of music and merriment on the green. Bring a picnic.

June 27 - Will Patton Quartet

July 11 - The Buck Hollers

July 18 - Nick Carter and Carole Wise

July 25 - Forest Station and Friends

Music at the Beach, Charlotte

“Skylark,” musicians from the Vermont Symphony Orchestra, play Wednesdays, July 24 and 31 , and Aug. 7 at the Charlotte town beach. Picnicking at 5 p.m. and music starts around 6 p.m. Free with season parking pass or paid day pass, but cash donations are encouraged.

Bring your friends and family and enjoy a summer sunset over Lake Champlain.

Lake Champlain Chamber

Music Festival

Join the chamber for nine days of exploration into how classical musicians celebrate their love of folk music from around the world.

Performances take place Aug. 17Aug. 25 across three stages: Elley-Long Music Center at St. Michael’s College, St. Paul’s Cathedral and All Souls Interfaith Gathering.

Summer Concerts

in the Park, Hinesburg

There’s no need to leave town to hear great music, with a slew of talent-

ed performers right in Hinesburg. Enjoy this 25-year annual tradition put on by the Hinesburg Recreation Department.

Grab a blanket or chair, some snacks, and a few friends and enjoy a free concert in the park starting at 6:30 p.m.

July 10 - Rodney Putnam

July 17 - Lost Edges

July 24 - About Time

July 31 - Atlantic Crossing

Aug. 7 - Hinesburg Community Band

Burlington City Arts

Summer Concert

Series

The BCA Summer Concert Series is an annual celebration of Vermont’s wide-ranging roster of local talent. Every Wednesday and Friday throughout the summer, the series provides a lunchtime concert from 12:30-1:30 p.m. in City Hall Park, energizing the downtown district with vibrancy while supporting local musicians.

SB Nite Out

One of South Burlington’s most anticipated events of the year is back for its eighth season. SB Nite Out this year features more than just grub and good tunes. From fire performances to pickleball clinics, each Thursday will be something a little different than the last. Cancel plans and head to Veterans Memorial Park every Thursday starting at 5 p.m.

June 20 - IncaHOOTS

June 27 - UltravioletCirque de Fuego performance

July 11 - Hitmen and SB Bikes Out

July 18 - The Devon McGarry Band

July 25 - A House on Fire with fireworks

Aug. 1 - Sticks & Stones and pickleball clinics

Hart & Mead Energy and All Star Fuels in Hinesburg/Bristol area is looking for an individual with a clean CDL-B / Hazmat endorsement. Able to pass federally mandated drug screening. DOT physical required. Competitive wage, paid holidays and sick time.

or 802-482-6666

COURTESY PHOTO

Nick Carter, joined by Carole Wise, play Grange on the Green in Charlotte on July 18.

Aug. 8 - Quadra

Aug. 15 - Barbie-n-Bones and a back-to-school drive

Aug. 22 - Grippo Funk Band

Old Round Church, Richmond

A full season of summer and fall concerts at the Old Round Church is in the works, including both indoor and outdoor events.

Suggested ticket donations at the door.

June 1 - Forest Station, 7 p.m.

Aug. 24 - Social Band, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 21 - Mama Tried, 7:30 p.m.

Concerts on the Green, Shelburne Museum

While most of the concerts are sold out, there are tickets still available for these shows available at shelburnemuseum.org

June 13 - Greensky Blue

June 29 - Guster

Sept. 1 - Goth Babe

Summer Concert Series, Shelburne Farms

The 27th annual summer concert series is back. Set up your lawn chair and blanket, bring a picnic dinner or enjoy food for sale on site at the Farm Barn. Kids love dancing on the lawn and visiting the animals in the children’s farmyard. For safety, all children must be

accompanied by an adult, and no dogs.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with music starting at 6:30 p.m.

July 10

July 17

July 24 - Buckshot

July 30 - Finale with fireworks.

Food trucks and picnicking open at 5 p.m. Concert starts at 7 p.m. and lasts until dusk. Fireworks after 9 p.m.

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.

August 14, Double E at the Essex Experience will be firing up the grill on the green from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Bring the family, bring a friend, or just bring your appetite for cool music on a hot

Bethany Conner opens

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 saliva. ways fatal treatment 100 percent a person So far have tested those have According animals mal behavior, an animal it. People animals

June 19 - Dave Keller

June 26 - Danny and the Parts

July 3 - The Full Cleveland

July 10 - Satyrdagg

July 17 - Good Gravy

July 24 - Lara Cwass Band

July 31 - Hard Scrabble

Aug. 7 - Dobbs’ Dead

Aug. 14 - End of Summer Bash

PHOTO

The Buck Hollers play Grange on the Green in Charlotte on July 11.

It’s Time To Plant at Vermont’s Finest Plant Nursery

CLIMATE RESILIENCY

continued from page 3

Book crossing where Route 116 goes over Patrick Brook, we saw very high water. It was within a couple of feet of the doorstep of the Kinney Drugs building. I’ve never seen the water that high before,” he said.

As the town considers where to spur development, Weinhagen said placing any new building next to a flood hazard area should raise anybody’s eyebrows. But the town is incredibly strategic about where it zones for greater density, he said.

“The areas that we have zoned for new growth, I would say maybe 5 percent of those areas are in the flood hazard area,” he said. “Probably 95 percent of what we have done with our zoning is to keep development out of the flood hazard areas.”

But the town is beginning to see just how flood hazard and floodplain areas can affect their trajectory of growth. A large development project, Hinesburg Center II, which features 73 new homes, was recently denied by an Act 250 commission over flooding concerns. Although the developer took extra steps to mitigate flooding concerns, the denial cited an undersized culvert, a failing diversion structure further upstream, and raising flood levels due to the new development as flood hazards.

But Weinhagen said that that project is really the only planned development that close to a potentially flood-hazardous area, as the town has its own set of stringent zoning rules due to the village’s proximity to water. Most village growth can’t be in the flood hazard areas due to setbacks, he said.

For Patrick Brook, new builds must be 100 feet away from the bank, and 150 feet from the LaPlatte River.

“Those stream setback provisions are so

robust that the flood hazard area to the north of Patrick Brook and the LaPlatte River, is smaller than those stream setback areas,” he said.

But when it comes to a development in a flood hazard area that is outside of those stream setbacks, which is the case with Hinesburg Center II, the town’s current regulations do allow for development if engineering can demonstrate that there will be no adverse impact on surrounding properties or water quality.

“Our development review board at the local level is very stringent on that front,” he said, “We’ve required the developers to spend tens of thousands of dollars on engineering studies to make the case, but there’s no getting around the fact that the Agency of Natural Resources did not agree with us.”

While much of the forum was focused more on overarching concerns with climate change around the state, Wolz said at the forum that just because an area or neighborhood may be in a place of risk, does not mean that it has to be inherently vulnerable. Things like dry proofing, wet proofing and raising structures can help ensure historic downtowns still thrive under this new climate reality.

“I think to a layperson, they would look at us having a forum on climate resiliency and flood hazard resiliency and say, ‘Why on earth would you allow for a project like Hinesburg Center II that’s in the flood hazard area,’” Weinhagen said. “The easy answer is, let’s just not develop in the flood hazard area at all, but the nuance is we kind of have to at least for that one project. It can be done. It just has to be done right. The engineering has to be proper.”

Alexandra Z. Lazar of Charlotte captured a spring explosion of color in her family’s garden over the Memorial Day weekend.