The Citizen

In Charlotte, Hinesburg: floods wreak havoc on town roads

LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER

While most of Chittenden County skirted by relatively unscathed during historic flooding that wreaked havoc on the state last July, this year — exactly to the day — was an entirely different story, leaving road crews, residents and town officials in Hinesburg and Charlotte still working to assess damages and make repairs a week later.

A drive to the southern portion of Chittenden County on Thursday morning last week was filled with impassable roads, damaged asphalt, bustling road crews and a lot fewer cars than usual.

In Charlotte, which saw nearly 5.3 inches of rain overnight on Wednesday last week, road commissioner Junior Lewis — the hero of this town’s flood story — worked around the clock for most of the week assessing damage and making repairs.

As of Monday, he was still getting calls off the hook, with nearly 67 messages left on his phone during a peak repair time last week. Six roads in town were closed, but by Monday only two remained closed, with repairs on Thompson’s Point nearly finished.

But the most notable destruction

See FLOODING on page 10

Contentious zoning changes nixed by selectboard

LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER

The future of a controversial zoning change in Hinesburg remains uncertain after selectboard members rejected the proposal last week and kicked it back to the planning commission for more work.

Despite remaining split since a meeting last month, board members voted unanimously to send it back to the commission, which now must decide when to undertake revisions as it simultaneously works to revise the town plan. Changes to the Rural Residential 1

PHOTO BY LEWIS MUDGE

continued from page 1

district designation — an area that extends from the village growth area to the town’s northern border near Mt. Pritchard — have been in the works since 2021 and were revised and finalized by the planning commission last December.

The specific proposal, as outlined in the town plan, makes changes to the regulations to better reflect different patterns of development and land use priorities, Alex Weinhagen, the town’s director of planning and zoning, said.

That zone for years has been characterized by town officials and planners as having a “one-size-fits-all” approach to zoning in a district characterized by diverse settlement patterns and natural resources.

Under the plan, the Rural Residential 1 district would be sectioned off three ways: the Richmond Road corridor, an area just above the village growth area that is served by municipal water and sewer — and the most densely populated portion of town — would be changed to the Residential 3 district, allowing one home per acre.

The Residential 4 district would then extend above that area and would allow one home per 3 acres and act as a transitional zoning district between the village and more rural districts.

But the greatest distinction, and where most of the controversy lies, is the newly proposed Rural 1 district, which would encompass large portions of land to the north and east of Hinesburg’s downtown.

But the proposed change to Rural 1 has raised the ire of some landowners, who say that the changes devalue their land and infringe on their property rights.

Selectboard member Dennis Place reiterated his stance at last week’s meeting that he is not in favor of the acreage changes in the proposed Rural 1 district and said he would instead favor a compromise closer to 5 acres.

“I’m voting no because I don’t like the 10, 12, and 15 acres. I’d be willing to compromise for 5 acres. I don’t know if

A request, endorsed by Weinhagen, to extend the Residential 1 boundary line to include these 9 acres of property and allow his plan to remain as is, was voted down by the planning commission.

“A lot of people have been asking me why I keep coming back to the Mechanicsville Road property, and the fact is that increased densities where the infrastructure is, is just good planning,” board vice chair Maggie Gordon said. “We have the sidewalks, we’ve got adjacent wastewater, a five-minute walk to CVU. This is where

“A lot of people have been asking me why I keep coming back to the Mechanicsville Road property, and the fact is, is increased densities where the infrastructure is just good planning.”

— Maggie Gordon, Hinesburg Selectboard

most people realize, but we actually do a lot of conservation with the development review board now,” he said.

For the other members, the issue with the proposal boiled down to what the ramifications would pose for a 102-acre property on Mechanicsville Road purchased by Joe Laster in 2020.

we want the density. So that’s why I keep pushing against this, and I think it’s worth sending back to the planning commission with the request that they look again at that.”

She added that the town needs more wastewater district ratepayers, which this development could add to.

a major way, in my opinion, but it seems like it would be sensible to move that line so that the full master plan can be fulfilled for the reasons that have been said: more density, more housing in the village area, more customers for the wastewater.”

Board member Paul Lamberson had similar thoughts about the Mechanicsville Road property and said that moving the zoning district line would allow for more clustered and pedestrian-friendly housing and conservation of important forest land.

“Just like the rest of Chittenden County, Hinesburg needs more housing of all sorts,” he said. “Hinesburg’s municipal water and sewer system also needs more users to spread costs.”

Board member Mike Loner, who was not at the meeting, recused himself from the recent zoning discussions as he works in real estate and is working with Laster on this project.

It remains uncertain when the planning commission will take up the issue again since members are focused on updating the town plan, which has a mandatory completion date.

Limitations on subdivision and density requirements in this new zoning district would mirror the town’s Rural Residential 2 and agricultural districts — which occupy nearly 80 percent of Hinesburg — with only one home per 10, 12 or 15 acres based on the quality of the public road access, while also adding other layers of design review that have historically only been applied to Hinesburg’s most rural areas.

The property is split into two districts with the western portion in the Residential 1 district known as the village growth area, and the eastern portion — approximately 67 acres — in the Rural Residential 1 district. A master plan for the western portion to include 16 units on 9 acres in that eastern portion was approved in 2021.

Selectboard chair Merrily Lovell, who at a meeting last month said she was in favor of the proposed changes, switched her stance last week and ultimately voted to side with her fellow board members.

“My feeling is I don’t want this to die, and we’ve worked so long and hard on this,” Lenore Budd, vice chair of the commission, said. “I’d like to get it on our agenda as soon as we can, with deference to the town plan. But I don’t know when there’s a lull in the town plan action. November, December, whenever we can get back to it because our memories are just going to get dustier and dustier, and speed is of the essence.” ZONING

Phase one of the master plan was approved in 2022, and work on the first section of road began last month, and the new zoning proposals would bring unique challenges to his plans, which have already been approved.

Despite vehement public opposition to the proposal, she said that the feedback the board has received represents that roughly 90 percent are in favor of the RR1 zoning amendment.

“I was really in favor of just passing it the way it was. But I’ve looked a lot at this property on Mechanicsville Road, and it would be impacted,” she said. “Not in

Weinhagen said that the board is not tied to any sort of deadline for the proposed zoning changes, and it may be better for the commission to take the issue up sometime this winter with the hope of forwarding a new revision to the board by January or February.

Local elementary students attend National Invention Fair

In June, three Vermont Day School students traveled to the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn, Mich. for the U.S. National Invention Convention.

Shannon Capps (first grade), Whitaker Newton (third grade) and Theo Gonyaw (fifth grade) were each top finishers at the Vermont Invention Fair last February.

At the national fair, each inventor showcased their invention to the public and presented their idea to a team of judges. The inventions included a book puller offer by Capps, hello ring

by Newton and backyard farmer and egg collector by Gonyaw.

All three participated in the school’s Invention Club where they identified a real-world problem, conducted research, developed protypes, tested and refined ideas and practiced presentation skills.

Taking part in the invention process was an invaluable learning opportunity noted parent Amy Gonyaw.

“My child learned there’s a lot of trial and error in coming up with an idea that’s worth developing. He learned that there are inventions to be made around

him, he just needs to keep looking for them,” she said. “Approaching life with a creative, problem-solving mindset will serve him well no matter what he chooses to do.”

The next Vermont Invention Fair will take place in February 2025 at Vermont Day School in Shelburne. The Vermont Fair is open to all K-8 students in Vermont and is made possible through the school’s partnership with the Young Inventors’ Program at the University of New Hampshire’s Leitzel Center. Interested participants should visit vtdayschool.org for registration information.

COURTESY PHOTO

Theo Gonyaw and Whitaker Newton at the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation for the U.S. National Invention Convention.

Hinesburg Police Blotter: July 9-15

Total incidents: 44

Traffic stops: 16

Arrests: 0

July 10 at 6:01 p.m., an officer assisted with a traffic hazard on Route 116.

July 11 at 12:30 a.m., officers responded to a disabled vehicle on Route 116.

July 11 at 2 a.m., officers assisted Vermont State Police with a traffic crash in Monkton.

July 11 at 7:27 a.m., an officer assisted with a disabled vehicle on Route 116.

July 11 at 7:47 a.m., an officer assisted with a disabled vehicle on Charlotte Road.

July 11 at 12:34 p.m., police investigated a theft on Ballard’s Corner Road.

July 11 at 3 p.m., an officer assisted with a traffic hazard on Richmond Road.

July 11 at 6:18 p.m., officers responded to a juve-

nile problem on Hillview Terrace.

July 12 at 9:27 a.m., police investigated suspicious activity on North Road.

July 12 12:09 p.m., an officer responded to a single-car motor vehicle crash on Route 116.

July 12 at 9:35 p.m., a burglary was reported and investigated on North Road.

July 13 at 5:14 p.m., officers responded to a resident dispute on North Road.

July 14 at 7:30 p.m., a motor vehicle complaint on Route 116 was investigated.

July 15 at 7:21 p.m., an officer assisted Vermont State Police with attempting to locate an individual.

Note: Charges filed by police are subject to review by the Chittenden County State’s Attorney Office and can be amended or dropped.

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Gov. Scott waives regulations to expedite state flood recovery

PAUL HEINTZ VTDIGGER

Days after a deluge flooded a broad swath of central and northern Vermont, Gov. Phil Scott waived a series of state regulations to assist the recovery effort.

Scott signed an updated executive order Saturday morning temporarily lifting certain regulations pertaining to professional licensing, gravel and rock extraction, asphalt and concrete

production, debris removal, motor vehicle registration and work in streams and wetlands.

“With so much infrastructure damage, this is critical for towns and Vermonters to access the tools needed to move forward with repairs to roads, bridges, homes and businesses,” Scott said in a written statement.

The latest updates were added to an executive order Scott first issued in July 2023. At that time, the governor declared a state of emergency as another storm was expected to wreak havoc on Vermont. He amended that order many times over the last year and, on Wednesday, used it as a vehicle to address the latest emergency.

Wednesday’s version implemented the state’s emergency operations plan, activated the Vermont National Guard and suspended “relevant rules and permitting

Experience the 1759 siege of Carillon battle reenactment at Fort Ticonderoga

Through a combination of demonstrations, vignettes, narrated boat cruises and battle reenactments, visitors will experience the British advance for Lake George as Fort Ticonderoga presents the 1759 Siege of Carillon two-day battle reenactment Saturday and Sunday, July 20-21.

Become immersed in this 18th-century siege featuring the constant roar of cannon, battle reenactments and even a nighttime program where visitors are immersed in the battle for Carillon, named Ticonderoga by the British once they captured the fort from the French.

The reenactment will take place all weekend and is included as part of daily admission.

The weekend starts Saturday with “The Calm Before the Storm”

as visitors step into Fort Carillon on July 23, 1759, and discover how the French to block British invasion on Lake Champlain.

Visitors will discover Gen. Jeffrey Amherst’s plan to prevent the mistakes of 1758 as he advanced toward Ticonderoga with his 11,000-man army of British and American provincial soldiers. Watch as British regulars, American provincials, rangers and Native American warriors push from Lake George to capture the Heights of Carillon. See how French soldiers traded ground for time, as they carefully stalled the British advance in preparation to defend Fort Carillon.

Later that day, during an evening program, the twilight will be ablaze with gunfire as visitors experience the 1759 Siege of Carillon based on original eyewitness accounts on

both sides of the lines. See the British and American provincial soldiers continue to dig their cannon batteries and guard their position even as mortar bombs fall along with the darkness.

On Sunday, Explore the last hours of Fort Carillon, as the French prepared to evacuate, even as they continued to fire at the encircling in “The Aftermath.”

French soldiers sortie out from Fort Carillon one last time to disrupt British progress on their entrenchments and cannon batteries. After initially faltering from the surprise, British and American provincial soldiers regain their position, and the work of the siege continues. Get the rare sight of the French evacuating by bateau on Lake Champlain. Advance tickets are encouraged at fortticonderoga.org.

FILE PHOTO

Visitors to Fort Ticonderoga this weekend will experience the British advance for Lake George as the historic site presents the 1759 Siege of Carillon two-day battle reenactment.

OPINION

Lack of transparency means unchecked tax increases, school bill

Guest Perspective

Ben Kinsley

Don Tinney’s hit piece on Gov. Phil Scott is nothing new for the VT-NEA, although I’m surprised by the shrillness of his tone. Perhaps he realizes how much Vermonters have lost patience with rising property taxes and declining outcomes and is hoping to deflect attention away from his organization. (“Political courage, not popularity, will build a stronger Vermont,” July 11, 2024)

The basic facts are that we have more adults per student in our schools than any state in the country — and it’s not even close — resulting in the second highest cost per student. Over the past decades, we have seen steady spending increases, driven by staffing levels that have persisted despite Act 46. Further, and more alarming, test scores have declined compared to other states that spend less and have larger at-risk student populations.

We can see from the National Center for Education Statistics data that in the early 2000s we were spending below our peers in New England but achieving better results. By 2015, their eighth-grade math outcomes had surpassed ours despite our spending growing at nearly twice the rate — 61 percent versus 37 percent. Test scores have been trending downward across the board over the past decade, however Vermont’s scores are declining much faster than the nation at 5.9 percent compared to 3.4 percent.

This trend is similar when looking at other disciplines and grade levels and the trend is continuing despite a sharp increase in spending since the 2018-2019 school year. Today, we are spending nearly 79 percent more than the national average but getting only marginally better results.

To be fair, Scott has offered few actionable policy suggestions to address this problem and the most coherent one was offered by the tax commissioner at the 11th hour of the legislative process. Tinney rightly criticizes the plan to borrow against reserves, which would simply create a larger financial hole to dig out of next year.

However, the VT-NEA and its friends in other education special interest groups have also offered little in the way of meaningful reform. Tinney points to an income tax as the solution to our woes but the reality is that two-thirds of Vermonters pay based on their income today. Replacing the third

of taxpayers that pay based on the actual value of their homes would increase the volatility of education tax revenues (home values are more stable than incomes particularly for higher income households) and further exacerbate the property tax rollercoaster.

It is also concerning that he casts fiscal restraint as a partisan issue and attempts to tie Scott to Trump because he refuses to raise taxes. Vermonters know better than that. In fact, Sen. Jane Kitchell (D-Caledonia), who Tinney himself praises in his opening paragraphs, is known for steadily steering the ship of fiscal responsibility in the Senate. She even, as reported by VTDigger, opposed the Universal School Meals proposal in 2013 pushed by Tinney and his allies, which is now contributing to the current property tax crisis.

Tinney was right about one thing though. Vermonters have made it abundantly clear that they think the education funding system is broken. The problem is that the current system is so opaque it is not clear if increased taxes are the result of local spending, unfunded mandates or legislative taxing decisions.

That lack of transparency means that no one is held accountable and spending and property taxes both continue to increase unchecked year after year.

of Education that the Legislature went all-in on this session is made of up lobbyists for superintendents, principals, teachers and other special interests who helped to design the current system. I am

not optimistic they will produce a different outcome this time around.

Ben Kinsley has over a decade of public policy experience in Vermont. Working for nonprofit organizations, he has worked

on public policy in education, elections and ethics. He currently serves on the board of directors for Campaign for Vermont, a non-partisan advocacy group seeking to grow the state’s middle class.

CVU students open farmstand with sustainability in mind

CAMRYN BRAUNS

COMMUNITY NEWS SERVICE

Concerned about climate change and quality of life in Vermont, a group of Champlain Valley Union High School student volunteers have opened a farmstand to sell food grown at the school.

“We’re trying to start small and tackle this issue,” Amelia Oppenheimer, a junior at the school involved in the effort, said. “It’s hard to see the world destructing and not take action.”

Spearheading the latest part of the farm-to-school program are Oppenheimer and classmates Olivia Stewart, Yvonne Miceler and Zoe Norris. The four students have been volunteering with the school’s farm and sustainability programs since they were freshmen but only this year began thinking about creating a farmstand to complement their work.

The students and supporters see a chance to bring people closer to their local food system — and

narrow their focus on changes to the environment.

“There’s a lot of awareness, but we need action,” said Gerald Posner, owner of Swaying Daisies Honeybee Farm in Ferrisburgh and volunteer through the school’s sustainability hub.

Students were meeting on campus several mornings a week with Posner and natural resources teacher Dave Trevithick to prepare for the farmstand’s debut at the school on July 8. They’ve been working to maintain the school’s farm in the run-up, harvesting fresh produce, tending to the animals, improving advertisement of the farmstand and doing office work.

During the school year, the volunteers harvest fresh produce from the farm to supply the cafeteria with daily meals for students and families who are food insecure. The system continues through the summer, and any unused produce will now be sold through the farmstand.

“We want to do our part in

trying to keep Vermont sustainable,” said Miceler.

Trevithick, a sixth-generation Vermonter, has seen many environmental changes to the Champlain Valley area over his 20-year teaching career at the high school, such as local farms going away and hunting declining. He’s noticed a widening disconnect between consumers and their food sources, something he attributed to an influx of out-of-state students.

from, you have a better understanding of how people are living their lives.”

Educational awareness of sustainability is important for getting people to care about combating climate change, Trevithick and Posner both said.

“We want to do our part in trying to keep Vermont sustainable.”

— Yvonne Miceler

“I think the farmstand is connecting other students and parents to the food that we are growing here,” Trevithick said.

“When you are connecting food to community, you are creating a network for people to have a better understanding of where their resources are coming from. When you have a better understanding of where your resources are coming

“We know the numberone thing stopping action in climate change are cultural reasons,” Posner said. “Scientists have been very poor communicators, and we’ve only learned how to write technically and haven’t been able to communicate with the general public.”

As a farmer, Posner said he knows the value of good communication for selling his products.

“You have to be able to communicate well for people to know about it,” he said. “Your product has to look good, and it has to have a

great story. I think here, they have some great components.”

One component of the farmstand project volunteers especially like is how it builds community.

“There are clubs that are big and may be difficult to connect in, or just social spaces, and I feel like we have a small community but a strong one,” said Stewart.

Miceler adds, “I think that’s huge because what makes it important to me is that everyone genuinely feels like friends. It’s a way to break out of your classes and come to the greenhouse and have a communal experience.”

That is something the volunteers agree they wouldn’t typically receive in a traditional classroom setting.

“It’s a great opportunity, and the fact that not everyone knows about this and that they can do it is horrible. That’s why we’re trying to expand and build awareness,” Oppenheimer said.

PHOTOS BY CAMRYN BRAUNS

Above: Champlain Valley Union High School students Olivia Stewart, Yvonne Miceler and Amelia Oppenheimer weed a raised bed.

Right: Amelia Oppenheimer, Olivia Stewart and Yvonne Miceler stand by the sign for the farmstand.

Vermont Coverts offer woodlands, wildlife training

Vermont Coverts: Woodlands for Wildlife holds its fall training Sept. 13-15 at the Green Mountain Conservation Camp in Castleton.

This weekend retreat provides an opportunity for those who care about woodlands and wildlife to learn about the resources available to help them define and reach their land management goals. Over the weekend, information is shared on how to improve habitat for wildlife, maintain connected landscapes and improve forest health.

The mission of Vermont Coverts is to maintain and enhance diverse wildlife habitat and healthy ecosystems. Participants are those who have attended the training and work together to share what they have learned through local programs and outreach to neighbors and friends. With 78 percent of Vermont’s forests in private ownership it is through the management of these lands where the greatest impact is felt.

“Vermont Coverts is a peerto-peer network with participants looking to learn together and affect change on individual properties and in their communities benefiting Vermont’s woodlands and wildlife,” executive director Lisa Sausville said.

Coverts, an old English word for cover or thicket, provides a diverse network of resources to landowners and others to see healthy resilient, connected forests for wildlife.

The session features presentations by state and local experts in wildlife and forest management and issues facing the state’s woodlands. In lectures, demonstrations and field tours, participants learn about topics such as wildlife and forest ecology, habitat management, invasive control and land conservation.

FARMSTAND

continued from page 6

Having the farmstand, Posner said, will help attract other people with the same mindset.

Sustainability hub members are already considering a plan for the upcoming school year. Many of the current volunteers play fall sports and will have to juggle activities and schoolwork with the farm.

Trevithick said his natural resources class will visit the farm, along with other sustainability-based clubs, and Posner plans to bring in more volunteers. The team worries about frozen water and heat sources for the greenhouse as cold weather approaches, but they are determined to keep the farm functioning.

“We have to find a way to make it work,” Posner said. “Failure is not an option.”

Once trained, coverts cooperators become part of a statewide network connected through newsletters, field trips, reunions and workshops. Through their outreach efforts cooperators are

part of a team working to share a land stewardship ethic. Past participants have become or more active in their woods, made changes to their woodland management plan, hosted a workshop on their

land, served on their conservation commission, conserved their land or just talked to neighbors about wildlife habitat.

If you own, manage, are involved in land management

decisions, and want to learn how a healthy forest can enhance wildlife habitat as well as provide recreational and timber benefits then this training might be for you. Visit vtcoverts.org for more information.

COURTESY PHOTO

Vermont Coverts: Woodlands for Wildlife retreat teaches participants how to care for their woodlands and learn about land management.

Forest City and Friends Community Notes

Enjoy Age Well meals at

Charlotte Senior Center

The Age Well meal pickup for Wednesday, July 24, is from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Charlotte Senior Center. The meal features breaded chicken with gravy, mashed cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, white dinner roll, tapioca pudding with peaches 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 on Wednesday, July 31, features meatballs with marinara sauce over penne pasta, mixed vegetables with lima beans, wheat bread, pineapples, oranges, and milk.

Hospital board hosts community conversation

The Vermont Green Mountain Care Board hosts a discussion on the future of health care in Vermont on Monday, July 29, 4:30-6 p.m., at the South Burlington Public Library.

Despite rising insurance costs, Vermont’s hospitals and health systems face financial pressures and the health system requires revitalization, organizers say.

Join local community leaders, hospital leaders, legislators, state officials and neighbors in discussing the options your community has for supporting the future of

health care in Vermont.

Learn more at gmcboard. vermont.gov/act-167-community-meetings.

Homestead lecturer talks abortion, substance use

The Ethan Allen Homestead Museum offers a look back at the history of the health of Vermonters in the 19th century with the talk, “Substance Abuse and Abortion: Surviving Health Challenges in 19th Century Vermont” by Gary Shattuck, on Sunday, July 21, 2 p.m.

The presentation will discuss two of the most difficult challenges people faced during this time, substance abuse and abortion, demonstrating that “the more things change, the more they stay the same.”

Admission is free but donations are appreciated.

Shelburne church hosts

July 23 blood drive

Give the gift of blood at the Shelburne community blood drive sponsored by St. Catherine of Siena Parish on Tuesday, July 23, from noon-5 p.m., 72 Church St., Shelburne.

Appointments are strongly recommended as walk-ins cannot always be accommodated. To give, call 800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org and enter Shelburne to schedule an appointment.

Gomer & Gunther

If you are an eligible type O, B - or A - donor, consider making a Power Red donation. Red blood cells are the most transfused blood component.

Streamline your donation and save up to 15 minutes by visiting the website and completing a health history questionnaire.

July programs at the Charlotte Senior Center

For more information about any of the programming, go to charlotteseniorcentervt.org.

• July artist exhibit: Husband and wife Tom Wright and Liza

Memorial Pet Service

Woodruff exhibit their work through the end of the month. Wright is a fine artist creating abstract paintings with mixed media on paper and wood using mythological and psychological imagery, while Woodruff is a children’s book illustrator and artist.

• Women’s kayak trip, Friday, July 28. Registration is required for this free program with trip leaders Mary Silverman and Dorothy Pumo. The tentative location is the mouth of the Winooski. These trips are for active women who share a love of exploring local lakes, ponds and rivers. Trips listed are tentative,

dependent on water and weather conditions. To receive trip information, email Susan Hyde at susanfosterhyde@gmail.com.

• Learn to play pickleball for seniors, Saturday, July 20, 10-11 a.m., Charlotte Beach pickleball courts. Free; registration required. Are you curious about pickleball? Work on your balance, agility, reflexes and hand-eye coordination without putting excessive strains on your body. Come watch and have an opportunity to play. The rain date is July 27. You will need a beach season or day pass

We understand the love you have for your pets and the importance they hold in your life. Our compassionate staff is devoted to easing the difficulties at this challenging time.

Our staff is here for you 24/7 Tiger & Buster

• The Island Memorial Difference:

• Pet Funerals • Cremation Services

• Your Pet is Always in Our Care

• Dignified Pet Transportation from Your Home or Vet

• Immediate & Witness Cremation Available

• Full Line of Pet Loss Products

COURTESY PHOTO

On Thursday, July 25, Grange on the Green features Forest City and Friends and lively bluegrass music, 5:30-7 p.m. Picnics and merriment welcome. The rain location is the Charlotte Senior Center. Carole Wise plays tonight, July 18.

continued from page 8

to park. Wear comfortable clothing and sneakers; paddles will be provided. Call 802-425-4567 for information.

• Walking and gentle hiking group, Thursday, July 25. Free but registration appreciated. Walk at a gentle pace with other seniors. The group will meet each month for a congenial non-strenuous walk. Meet at 9 a.m. in the parking lot at Charlotte Senior Center. Questions? Contact Penny Burman at 916-753-7279.

“On the Rocks” with Ginny Joyner, Saturday, July 27, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. If you’ve always wanted to try watercolor but were too intimidated, this is the class for you. The cost is $40 plus a $6 supply fee. Registration and payment required by July 24.

Shape-note singing, Sunday, July 28, 12:30-2:30 p.m. Free.

Traditional a capella, four-part harmony sung for the joy of singing not as a practice for performance. The first hour will be sacred harp singing and the second from an alternate shape notebook. Books provided. For questions or to schedule your introduction to shape notes and scales, contact Kerry Cullinan at kclynxvt@gmail.com.

Overflowing with produce?

Come to Veggie Share

On July 23, share your surplus garden harvest with your neighbors at Veggie Share, 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Charlotte Grange Hall. Bring your surplus and enjoy a short demonstration on a yet-to-determined topic. No money is exchanged, and

All Saints Church hires new priest

Rev. Dr. Anne Hartley has joined All Saints Episcopal Church as its new priest in charge.

Hartley comes from St. Thomas Episcopal Church in St. Petersburg, Fla., where she’s been responsible for celebrating Eucharist each week, and assisting with youth ministry, pastoral care and other outreach initiatives.

She holds a doctorate in biogeochemistry and was an assistant professor in terrestri-

al ecosystem ecology at Florida Gulf Coast University. Following her tenure there, she completed a Master of Divinity degree from General Seminary in New York City. She was ordained to the Episcopal priesthood in August 2022.

Hartley starts at All Saints on Aug. 1. She will also serve St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Vergennes. She lives in South Burlington.

participants pick whatever they’d like for their families during the event. If you just need produce for your family and do not have anything to donate, come and shop. Any remaining items will be distributed by the Charlotte Food Shelf.

Arrive between 5:30-5:45 with your surplus harvest, lay it out on tables and label it as necessary.

A demo by a local food producer/homesteader will take place at 5:45 p.m., followed by shopping, chatting with fellow gardeners and sharing recipes.

Music at the Beach set for July 24

Enjoy a picnic before the Vermont Symphony Orchestra and Skylark perform at the Charlotte Town Beach on Wednesday, July 24, 5 p.m.

The music starts at 6 p.m. and it’s free with a season beach or a paid day pass.

In the event of rain, the concert will move to the Charlotte Senior Center. Questions? Email billandeva@gmavt.net.

‘Broadway in Vermont’

In its fourth year, “Broadway in Vermont” returns to Duxbury with some of Broadway’s leading stars for a special outdoor concert event, including Vermonter Merritt David Janes who most recently starred on Broadway in “Back to the Future.” He will perform with friends on Monday, Aug. 5, at 6 p.m. on the grounds at Moose Meadow Lodge in Duxbury. In addition to Janes, the performers will include Emma Pittman (“The Outsiders”), Amber Andolino (“A Beautiful Noise”), Nathaniel Hackman and Jelani Remy (“Back to the Future”) and more. Singers, accompanied by a live band, will perform songs intermingled with stories about their professional journeys. Learn more at moosemeadowlodge.net. Above, Merritt David Janes.

Rev. Dr. Anne Hartley

COURTESY PHOTO

Above: Galen Blodgett said he had a “heck of a ride into Essex” Thursday morning as parts of the Hinesburg-Richmond Road washed out.

Right: Water rushes through Beach Hill Road in Hinesburg, where floodwaters washed away a culvert.

Below: Responsible Growth Hinesburg took this photo of Commerce Street in Hinesburg after last week’s rains.

continued from page 1

happened on a section of Spear Street between Lime Kiln and Carpenter roads when a 10-foot by 60-foot culvert was washed away during the storm, leaving the road completely unpassable.

“There was so much water coming down through that undermined the culvert and moved it right out,” selectboard chair Jim Faulkner said on Monday. “The culvert as of this morning is history, it’s being trashed.”

As the town considers that these weather events may happen more often, Faulkner said that the team is now planning to put two big culverts in. “We’re trying to look toward the future, so we don’t have this happen again.”

Lewis said supplies are hopefully going to arrive by next week

but, after a storm of this magnitude, things are spread thin.

“Everybody else is looking for culverts too,” he said.

Faulkner also noted in an update to the community this week that cost estimates look to be about $1 million in damage, which comes at a time when the municipal budget is also challenged by other uncertainties.

He said that he, along with town staff, are exploring the town’s potential financial assistance options but have not yet heard anything definitive about Federal Emergency Management Agency reimbursements.

“Starting at 5:30 in the morning after the storm, I started taking pictures,” he said, noting the documentation process of assessed

employees with great customer service skills and a love for Vermont tourism. Duties include some custodial tasks and physical tasks including snow removal. Weekend and some holiday availability is required. To learn more or to apply, email welcomecenters@vermont.org

damage. “We think that we have somewhere around 120 pictures.”

“It’s going to be very expensive for the town.”

In Hinesburg

Although Hinesburg experienced some minor damage during the July 2023 flood, this year the town had some of the highest rain totals in Chittenden County with nearly 6.5 inches of rain overnight Wednesday.

Floodwaters closed 9 roads last week and even more private roads and driveways. Town manager Todd Odit said he had prepared contractors the day before the storm to remain on standby should the town need assistance.

“We certainly needed them, so they hit the ground running,” he said.

The day after the storm started with a bit of a delay for the town’s own road crew when the culverts on either side of the highway garage on Beecher Hill Road completely washed out.

“We had to get one of those repaired before we could get any highway equipment out,” he said.

Odit added that the hardest hit are in town was in the hills: Texas Hill, Lincoln Hill, Hayden Hill, North Road and Beecher Hill Road.

“There were a lot of roads that were no longer through roads. You couldn’t get from one end to the other,” he said.

The rain gauge at the highway department, located in the heart of the hardest hit area, read closer to 10 inches of rain.

According to Hinesburg’s fire

Severe storm resource center site now live

The Agency of Commerce and Community Development severe storm resource center is live and needs Vermonters’ help as it pursues a possible federal disaster declaration.

Visit accd.vermont.gov/ flood for the latest information on staying safe, getting help, giving help, clearing debris, documenting damage and how to protect your mental health during this time. The agency will be updating this site regularly.

The state will pursue a federal disaster declaration which, if granted, would unlock resources to make repairs or rebuilding. For that application to be a success, the state needs homeowners and businesses to document damage and report it

FLOODING

continued from page 10

department, there were a lot of flooded basements, along with stranded residents from impassable roads or washed-out driveways.

As of Monday, Odit said that the contractors were nearing the end of their cleanup work, but that doesn’t account for the long-term fixes the town will need to make in the near future.

An assessment of the roads by VTrans this week revealed that the town could face nearly $510,000 worth of repairs, Odit said.

“But that’s just basically the damage estimate, it’s not the

REGULATIONS

continued from page 4

requirements” to respond to the storm.

Saturday’s updates specifically waive regulations in several areas temporarily. Those include:

• Professional licensing: The secretary of state is directed to issue temporary licenses to out-ofstate engineers, foresters, surveyors, contractors, pharmacists, security personnel and others. Certain license renewal deadlines for in-state professionals have also been extended.

• Construction material: Certain restrictions on gravel and rock extraction, as well as asphalt and concrete production — including those related to operating hours, noise, volume of extraction and trucking — are lifted. The Agency of Transportation can make use of unpermitted gravel pits and rock quarries. The Coventry landfill can

to Vermont 211.

The data is needed for the state to make a case to the federal government for a disaster declaration. People can help by:

• Taking pictures, videos, and notes before cleaning up.

• Taking pictures, videos, and notes during cleanup.

• Saving receipts to keep track of expenses.

• Reporting damage, even if not submitting an insurance claim, using the resident or business form. You can also call 211 to report damage, but online reporting is preferred.

This data is only being used to help the state assess the extent of the damage as it applies to a federal disaster declaration.

cost to replace,” he said. “We are making good progress. But a lot of that is just putting things back together, certainly not making long-term improvements,” he said.

Private roads

What remains uncertain is how the towns will plan, if at all, to tackle damage for residents who live on private roads.

For both towns, the priority has been primarily focused on public roads, and as costs for repairs continue to escalate both may be limited in how much assistance

they can offer to private homeowners.

Faulkner noted that it takes Charlotte’s road crew roughly a week and a half – eight to 10-hour days — to grade the town’s gravel roads, “so it’s going to take a while before the town will be involved on any kind of private roads. The town will be some help, but it’ll be a while.

But he said for some private roads, the town won’t play any role.

Similarly, Odit said he is encouraging people to report damages to hopefully qualify for assistance, but his concern is the private homeowners won’t be able to find contractors to do the work.

He added that the town is currently looking into two poten-

tial ways to provide some assistance to private landowners, but those details are still being fleshed out.

“I would say the issue with that is there’s not everyone will qualify necessarily for individual assistance,” he said, adding even if someone is eligible for relief, it’ll be a while before they get the money.

extend its hours and accept more waste.

• Waterways and wetlands: The Agency of Natural Resources may waive notice requirements for infrastructure repair in waterways and changes to dam safety, and the agency shall allow certain emergency work in Class I and Class II wetlands.

• Motor vehicles: Those transporting key goods and services related to the emergency are exempt from maximum drive times.

• Debris removal: State agencies are allowed to clear or remove debris and wreckage related to the storm.

Some of these regulatory changes expire on a certain date, while others are more open-ended as the existing executive order remains in place.

LEWIS CREEK ASSOCIATION PHOTO

Lewis Creek overflowed its banks during last week’s heavy rainstorms, as shown here at the Silver Street bridge in Hinesburg.

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Bikers travel covered bridges, Quebec

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 gmbc.com.

Sunday, Aug. 4

Covered Bridges of Franklin and Lamoille County: Hilly 41-mile loop through Eden and Johnson, and 55-mile ride passes more covered bridges in Montgomery Center, returning through Bakersfield.

Meet at 8:45 a.m. at the Jeffersonville Fish and Wildlife Access, Route 108. The leader is Phyl Newbeck, 802-734-7016, vtphyl72@gmail.com

Saturday, Aug. 10

Gravel Grinder: Hollows, Ponds, and Falls.

Meet at 9:15 a.m. at Richmond Round Church across the street from Richmond Park area.

The leader is Brian Howard, 802-304-0610, bjhowd@gmail. com.

Sunday, Aug. 11

Venise En Quebec: Ride 40

Notice of Public Hearing

The Town of Hinesburg is/are considering making application to the State of Vermont for a VCDP Implementation Grant 2024 under the Vermont Community Development Program. A public hearing will be held at 6:00 pm on 8/7/2024 at 10632 VT Route 116 Hinesburg, VT 05461 to obtain the views of citizens on community development, to furnish information concerning the amount of funds available and the range of community development activities that may be undertaken under this program, the impact to any historic and archaeological resources that may be affected by the proposed project, and to give affected citizens the opportunity to examine the proposed statement of projected use of these funds.

miles from Alburgh across the border through farmland to Venise en Quebec, a summer resort on Missisquoi Bay. Lunch stop. ID required.

Meet at 9:45 a.m. at the Alburgh Community Education Center. The leader is John Bertelsen, 802-557-4633, jo.bertel@gmail.com.

Saturday, Aug. 17

Covered Bridges of Chittenden County: Gravel ride through rolling hills of Shelburne and Charlotte with the longer ride going through Ferrisburgh.

Meet at 9:15 a.m. at Shelburne Community School. The leader is John Bertelsen, 802-557-4633, jo.bertel@gmail.com.

Sunday, Aug. 18

Waitsfield and Waterfalls: Enjoy a scenic tour through the countryside of Waitsfield and Warren with a visit to Moss Glen Falls south of Warren.

Meet at 9:15 a.m. at Waitsfield Elementary School. The leader is Allan Kunigis, 802-324-9958, akunigis@gmail.com.

Saturday, Aug. 24

Our Trauma-Informed program o ers supportive living environments designed to change the lives of youths and families struggling with signi cant mental and behavioral health issues.

The academic sta will employ innovative strategies to help nontraditional students learn while being supported by trained mental health professionals. We o er academic support services for individualized learning and our students will have access to the general education curriculum, as outlined by the Vermont Agency of Education.

For more information please contact Tina Robinson at 603-960-4487 or email tr.humanresources@MPA.US Sentinel Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The proposal is to apply for $850,000 in CDBG funds which will be used to accomplish the following activities: Champlain Housing Trust and Evernorth plan to construct 36 newaffordable apartments in four buildings at the northeastern side of the Riggs Road and RTE 116 intersection. The buildings will be two—and three-story with surface parking.

Copies of the proposed application are available at Hinesburg Town Hall - 10632 VT Route 116 Hinesburg VT 05461 and may be viewed during the hours of 8 am and 4 pm. Should you require any special accommodations, please contact Todd Odit at 802-4824206 to ensure appropriate accommodations are made. For the hearing impaired please call (TTY) #1-800-253-0191.

Legislative Body for the Town of Hinesburg

Gravel Ride: Cambridge, Canyon and Bryce.

Meet at 9:15 a.m. at Underhill Central School. The leader is John Stuart, 802-734-9805, jhstuartsqn@gmail.com.

Sunday, Aug. 25

Buck Hollow and Beyond: 40-mile (route goes north to Fairfax, through Buck Hollow into Fairfield, returning via St. Albans. The 58-mile loop continues into Sheldon.

Meet at 8:45 a.m. at Milton High School. The leader is Dave Merchant, 802-825-3808, merchand59@gmail.com.

PHOTO BY LEE KROHN

Green Mountain Bike Club members head down a Shelburne Road.

Jeannette Thibault

Jeannette Thibault, 93, beloved mother, grandmother and friend, died peacefully on Saturday, July 6, 2024, in her Charlotte home surrounded by family.

She was born to Alfred and Maria Comeau on Dec. 10, 1930.

Family meant everything to Jeannette. She was a devoted mother to Norman, Marcel (deceased), Rene, Paul (deceased), Paulette, Jim, Gary and Claudette “Sis” and their spouses, Terri, Averil, Judy, Mary and Kenneth. Jeannette was also an adored Memere

to 22 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband, Claude.

Her home was a sanctuary where family gathered to share stories and create cherished memories. Jeannette’s Christmas celebrations were filled with warmth, delicious food and traditions. Memere had a special bond with her grandchildren, whom she loved teaching and playing games with. She was delighted to attend their sports events and activities, encouraging them to pursue their passions.

She was the definition of hard work and dedication, serving as the driving force behind

the Thibault Farm. She taught by example, approaching every task with determination, resilience and enduring faith. Instilling these values in her children, she raised them to believe they could achieve anything they set their minds to.

In addition to her dedication to the farm, Jeannette enjoyed life to the fullest. Known as the “Qwirkle Queen” to family and friends, she relished game nights. Other passions included bingo, dancing and casino trips, where she could test her luck and enjoy the excitement of the games.

ANTIQUES WANTED

To advertise in the

directory email: Advertising@thecitizenvt.com or call 985-3091

the Bayada Hospice team, with deep gratitude to nurse Melissa Chenier for her thoughtful, kind and attentive care.

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.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Charlotte.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Grand Central Station, PO Box 4777, New York NY 10163 (michaeljfox. org).

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

continued from page 2 saliva. ways fatal treatment 100 percent a person So far have tested those have According animals mal behavior, an animal it. People animals

A very special thank you to

Bob & Jessica Trautwine

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Jeannette will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her memory will continue to inspire and guide us.

PLEASANT VALLEY, INC.

since 1921

Jeannette Thibault

To advertise in the service directory email: Advertising@thecitizenvt.com or call 985-3091

Last year, Vermonters threw away 71,113 tons of food scraps which ended up in our only landfill. Equal to 242 pounds of food scraps per person per year.

CSWD’s Organic Recycling Facility (ORF) and our six Drop-Off Centers accept food scraps from residents and businesses to keep them out of Vermont’s only landfill.