The Citizen

Super search stays in house

LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER

The Champlain Valley School District School Board has a massive task on its hands this year: Hire a permanent superintendent.

The search officially kicked off last week when the board directed its human resources and labor relations committee to

JOHN CLIFFORD SPECIAL TO THE CITIZEN

I met with Hinesburg town manager Todd Odit recently to discuss the selection of our newly minted fire chief, and he told me that there were a total of seven candidates for the position. Five were interviewed and two became finalists.

Odit ultimately selected Prescott Nadeau

PHOTO BY LEE KROHN

Another beautiful Burlington sunset.

Setting sun

Burlington Airport hosts Green Mountain Aviation Field Days

Green Mountain Aviation Field Days is coming to the Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 14-15, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., to celebrate the “Past, Present and Future of Aviation.”

Presented by the Vermont Aviators Association, the weekend event will highlight the region’s rich aviation history and its contributions to the community, with a significant emphasis on education and STEM-related industries. Event festivities will focus on breaking down barriers for

youth to get involved in aviation, learn about career opportunities and celebrate what aviation means to Burlington.

“Pride comes to mind when I think about GMA Field Days,” Vermont Aviators Association president Chris Chicoine said. “The Vermont Aviators Association has been diligently working since 2022 to support the Vermont aviation community through events around Vermont.”

Event festivities will include the largest hands-on aircraft display in Vermont history, including BETA Technologies ALIA

Vertical Takeoff and Landing aircraft, plus the new Pipistrel Velis Electro. Additional aircraft include a 1942 Douglas C-53-DO Skytrooper, a 1941 B-25 Mitchel, fighter jets from the past and present, and a host of general aviation aircraft including single, multi-engine and jet planes.

Attendees can experience flight simulators, discover flights for kids ages 7-17 through the local Experimental Aircraft Association chapter and have opportunities to learn about career opportunities in the aviation industry.

There will be drone exhibitions, live music, food trucks and more. Additionally, the event will feature the Vermont Air National Guard. Operational missions permitting, the Vermont Air National Guard plans to highlight the F-35 Lightning, UH-60 Black Hawk and the UH-72 Lakota.

Additional event attractions include the Tuskegee Airmen Commemorative Air Force and Women Airforce Service pilots. For ticket information ($15), visit greenmountainaviationfielddays.org.

SIP & SAVOR

Mark Morello, © Fort Ticonderoga

A 1942 Douglas C-53-DO Skytrooper, a civilian DC-3 airliner drafted into service weeks after the U.S. entered World War II. It served in multiple theaters under multiple commands and worked under legends of the era and will be part of the upcoming Green Mountain Aviation Field Days at Burlington International Airport.

proposed cuts to services to deal with a $3 million budgetary shortfall during a press conference in Burlington

Green Mountain Transit proposes sweeping cuts in bus service

SHAUN ROBINSON VTDIGGER

Vermont’s largest public transit provider has proposed cutting at least a quarter of its local and regional bus services over the next year to save up to $3 million that the agency said would fill a projected gap in its operating budget.

The reductions, which Green Mountain Transit leaders announced at a press conference in Burlington on Aug. 21, are not yet final. The agency is scheduling five public hearings to take feedback on its plans over the next two months.

But Clayton Clark, the agency’s general manager, said the proposals reflect the reality of the agency’s finances, which were buoyed over the past several years by an influx of pandemic-era federal funding. Now, though, he said that funding is slated to run dry at some point next year.

“This plan that we’re putting together is one out of necessity — not because we’re looking to increase profits, not because we’re looking to do anything other than stay financially viable,” Clark told reporters.

The proposed cuts would take place in three stages and range from reducing bus frequencies and limiting weekend services to the complete elimination of three bus routes throughout Chittenden County by next summer. Clark said he hopes the last phase won’t be necessary, though, calling it a “worst case scenario.”

The agency tried to propose

reductions, where possible, on bus trips that had both relatively low ridership and relatively high operating costs, the general manager said.

The first phase, slated to go into effect in November and December of this year if the plan is approved, would reduce the frequency of weekend service on routes serving Burlington, Shelburne and Winooski and would eliminate Saturday service on the No. 10 bus between Williston and Essex. A commuter route that runs between Jeffersonville and Burlington would also be shut down.

Then in February and March 2025, the agency would do away with a little-used commuter route from Essex Junction to Burlington and would cut one midday trip on a commuter bus between Milton and Burlington. It would also reroute an existing commuter route between Burlington and St. Albans through Milton to reduce the number of buses operating north of the Queen City.

The final phase, in June 2025, would put in place the most drastic reductions — and so, if necessary, save Green Mountain Transit the most money, Clark said. It includes the complete elimination of three local bus routes: the No. 8 City Loop, which serves Burlington’s downtown and Old North End; the No. 10 Williston-Essex route, and the No. 11 Airport route, which runs between Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport and downtown Burlington.

That phase would also elimi-

nate weekend service on the No. 5 Pine Street route in Burlington and reduce weekend service on Burlington’s No. 7 North Ave. route and the No. 6 Shelburne, No. 2 Essex and No. 1 Williston routes.

Clark said he was especially concerned by the prospect of eliminating the No. 10 route in Williston and Essex because that would leave many Essex Town residents without any nearby public transportation options. He said Green Mountain Transit plans to meet with Essex Town officials to discuss alternative local transit options.

Clark was less concerned, he said, about the potential elimination of the No. 11 Airport route, noting that agency data shows that “very few” people use that route to travel to and from Burlington airport, specifically. That’s likely because the route’s schedule does not align well with some of the most popular times for departing and arriving flights, he said, acknowledging that makes it “not a great option.”

More people, Clark added, use the No. 11 route’s other stops on its way to and from downtown — and many, though not all, of those stops are within a short walking distance of stops served by other Green Mountain Transit bus routes.

Combined, the three bus routes that could be cut in the third phase saw more than 200,000 total trips in the 2023 fiscal year, which

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PHOTO BY GLENN RUSSELL/VTDIGGER

Clayton Clark, general manager for Green Mountain Transit, discusses

on Aug. 28.

Bear hunt starts in September

Population still abundant, state bear biologist says

Vermont’s bear hunting season starts in September and state wildlife officials are reminding hunters about the bear hunting regulations.

Vermont has two bear hunting seasons. The early season, which requires a special bear tag, starts Sept. 1, and continues through Nov. 15 with one exception. Nonresident hunters using dogs cannot start bear hunting until Sept. 15.

The late bear season begins Nov. 16 and continues through Nov. 24. A hunter may only take one bear during the year.

In addition to a hunting license, a bear hunter using a bow or crossbow must have a prior or current bow license or a certificate proving completion of a bow hunter education course.

The hunter must field dress the bear before taking it to a reporting station. It is also legal

to skin the bear and cut it up to carry it out of the woods.

Although the bear must be reported within 48 hours, fish and wildlife officials urge doing so quickly to cool the meat.

Hunters must also collect and submit a pre-molar tooth from the bear at the time the bear is reported or within 30 days. The tooth provides important data on the age structure and size of the bear population.

Upon the request of a game warden, a person harvesting a bear is required to return to the kill site with a game warden.

“Bears will be feeding along power lines and in forest openings and old fields where berries and apples can be found as well as in forested beech and oak stands,” Jaclyn Comeau, Vermont’s bear biologist, said. “They also are likely to be feeding on standing corn.”

Comeau says with bears being so abundant, this is a great opportunity for hunters who have never hunted bear to do so this year. She says properly prepared bear meat is highly nutritious. The key to successfully securing good meat is to skin the bear as soon as possible and process it immediately if you do not have access to a large cooler.

Comeau asks hunters to refrain from shooting a bear with cubs as well as bears observed in groups as they are usually made up of sows with cubs.

“Black bear cubs are dependent on their mother through the following spring. It is important to maintain these family groups,” she added. “We have tips for identifying sows with cubs on our website.”

State law prohibits the sale of paws or internal organs of a black bear.

Hinesburg Police Blotter

Total incidents:103

Traffic stops: 82

Arrests: 0

Incidents:

Aug. 27 at 4:03 p.m., a stolen vehicle from Middlebury was recovered on Route 116.

Aug. 27 at 4:09 p.m., a welfare check was conducted on Fern Road.

Aug. 27 at 8:36 p.m., an officer helped a resident with a disabled vehicle on Route 116.

Aug. 28 at 5:41 p.m., officers responded to a domestic dispute on Route 116.

Aug. 29 at 6:41 p.m., an officer responded to a juvenile problem on Pine Shore Drive.

Aug. 30 at 1:15 p.m., police inves-

tigated a report of shoplifting at the Mobil station on Commerce Street.

Aug. 30 at 3:03 p.m., officers responded to a two-car motor vehicle crash on Route 116.

Aug. 31 at 12:22 p.m., a loose dog was turned in to the police department and later returned to its owner.

Sept. 1 at 10:35 a.m., police investigated online threats.

Sept. 2 at 11:34 a.m., an officer assisted with a medical emergency on Lewis Creek Road.

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

Serving the community of Charlotte & Hinesburg A publication of Vermont Community Newspaper Group LLC thecitizenvt.com

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

OPINION

envisions healthy, abundant wildlife habitat in Charlotte

defensible and fair to applicants.

Seasonal Favorites

While Charlotte has made great strides to conserve farmland through land trusts, the town has a lot of work left to do to protect vital forest land. Tackling the climate and biodiversity crises will depend on our forests.

We need the mitigating effects of mature forest blocks to absorb carbon dioxide, filter air and water pollutants and protect us from floods. Better protection of forests will not only benefit biodiversity, but ultimately all of us. Forests are integral to Vermonters’ way of life.

Every Charlotte town plan, past and present, has clearly stated Charlotters’ desire to maintain the rural character of the town and protect its open landscape and natural areas. This desire is also plain to see from recent workshops and meetings for the Charlotte Village Planning Project. Despite this desire, the town’s rural district has become more fragmented and sprawling each decade, carved into 5-acre lots along rural roads while our villages remain largely unchanged. To reduce sprawl and fragmentation, Charlotters have voted to adopt land use regulations that help protect habitat blocks, corridors and other areas of high public value. Even with these efforts, town commissions and review boards have found it challenging to apply these regulations. Mapping these areas is essential. That’s why the Charlotte Conservation Commission is actively engaged in finding resources to update town maps.

We can make it easier for boards to apply regulations and avoid costly court challenges. We need to swap out ambiguous words like “should” or “may” for words like “shall” or “must.” Successful regulations need to be clear, specific and consistent to be enforceable, legally

We are now at a crossroads. With growing development pressure and legislation that moves planning authority away from municipalities, it is time to meet the moment and update our land use regulations. Charlotters need regulations that will protect the fields and forests that flora and fauna depend on and that make our town unique.

The current 5-acre zoning has led to sprawl and fragmentation. Nearby towns have adopted stronger regulations to preserve the rural character, open landscape and natural areas that Vermonters value. Charlotte can do that too, but successful regulations will need broad support.

To kickstart this important conversation, the Charlotte Conservation Commission has proposed updates to the regulations that reflect the policies in the voter-approved town plan. The commission crafted the updates after reading regulations in nearby towns and guidance from regional and state partners like the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, Vermont Natural Resources Council and the Chittenden Country Regional Planning Commission. The commission has met with the planning commission but needs your support to keep this conversation moving forward.

So, join us in this conversation and help us ensure our town’s forests and wildlife habitat are healthy and abundant for years to come. Share your support for Charlotte’s conservation vision at public meetings, with the Charlotte Planning Commission, on social media channels, in The Citizen and by email to conservation@townofcharlotte.com.

The Charlotte Conservation Commission includes Maggie Citarella, Maggie Korey, Susan Blood, Pete Demick, Claudia Mucklow, Sharon Mount, Dave McNally and Nate Caress.

Letters to the Editor

Roy will bring moderation to Senate to state

To the Editor:

I am pleased to provide my endorsement for Bruce Roy in his campaign for the Vermont Senate in Chittenden-Southeast.

Roy is a retired U.S. Air Force colonel with a professional background in finance. He knows how to get to the facts logically and rationally and look at both sides of the

equation, which is not an easy task in the world of partisan politics.

We are in a true affordability crisis in Vermont, with an overpriced education system, collapsing health care and property taxes and health insurance premiums that have seen double-digit increases every year. The policies of state senators Ginny

Sad day? Decades of wood-fired winters end

Guest Perspective

My first whiff of woodsmoke triggers a torrent of memories of an unlikely, 40-year infatuation with rural living, not necessarily off the grid but certainly off the school bus route.

For some reason this typically happens while I’m swimming as the shoreline maples offer the first whispers of what’s to come. For years it’s also served as one of the recurring signals that the several cords of wood languishing on the lawn all summer will need to be stacked sooner rather than later.

I’ve inadvertently experimented with both timetables and found sooner is the preferable

LETTERS

continued from page 5

Lyons and Kesha Ram-Hinsdale have certainly contributed to this affordability crisis.

It is time to elect someone like Roy, who can bring some moderation and Vermont common sense back into the equation.

Louis Meyers Shelburne

In Israeli conflict, please see both sides

To the Editor:

Are you silent today, the morning we wake to news that six Israeli hostages were executed? I am. Silenced by grief thinking of their families waiting for almost 11 months for their loved ones to safely return.

What are six lives in comparison to thousands of deaths in Gaza?

We didn’t need to come to this devastation and loss. In 2006, Israel returned Gaza to the Palestinians with working infrastructure, industry and agriculture. Millions of foreign investment dollars poured in and were used to purchase and smuggle arms, build tunnels, train terrorists

option. Better late than never doesn’t apply where wood stacking is concerned, particularly when winter arrives early as almost always happened back in the day. December 1983 was a snowy one with 2 feet on the ground when we began our flight from civilization in a converted hunting camp with several acres of land and a pile of log-length patiently waiting in the yard.

All I needed to do was cut it up, split it, stack it, and hump it up the stairs and we’d be warm as toast the entire winter. A chainsaw-wielding friend showed me how to use the thing without severing any bodily appendages and we spent a freezing weekend cutting it up in almost constant, wind-blown snow. The next steps

in the process — split, stack, hump — enlightened me on the adage about the different ways wood warms you well before you put a flame to it.

Splitting it required a maul that weighed 8 pounds, which, after a half hour, felt more like 80. Stacking wood that would remain ice encrusted until April provided an especially diabolical experience as each log got heavier and more slippery, gloves got soaked through and fingers became numb and nearly useless. The only thing left to do was to carry it into the house and put it in the stove — no small feat in a house especially unsuited for convenient wood storage.

Without a substantial redesign, the only logical place to have a

woodpile was outside, under the deck, with easy access to the walkout basement, with a staircase between you and the woodstove with no logical alternative to circumvent the climb. Although we eventually figured out that moving a cord of wood inside the basement would help us avoid going outdoors each time the stove needed to be fed, the stairs have remained unavoidable until this week.

While I’ve managed to throw my back out in a number of creative ways, thousands of journeys up and down the basement stairs, hefting wood on the ascent has never caused me even the slightest tweak, which is why in the waning weeks of winter, I decided to quit while I was ahead.

decreased by an average of five points. Researchers hypothesized that sitting fireside, all our senses become absorbed in the experience and this calming focus of attention could help reduce anxiety.

In an interview with the Huffington Post, Lynn suggested that “multisensory” stimulation of fire, including visual, auditory, olfactory, as well as smoke and food taste, “would have made a great focus of attention, particularly in the dark.”

and line the pockets of corrupt leadership.

All leading to an eruption of thousands of Hamas terrorists crossing into Israel on Oct. 7 to murder, rape, kidnap, destroy and terrorize.

Support for Israel after this horrendous attack was swift but fleeting as news and social media started reporting — the lopsided “numbers,” soldiers versus innocent civilians, the loss of vital water and electricity. Let’s look at this for a minute. If Hamas stopped using hospitals, schools and mosques as shields, fewer innocent people would perish.

The vast majority of Israeli soldiers are civilians serving as reservists who normally go to work, attend their children’s births, send kids off to school or study at university. By the afternoon of Oct. 7, these civilians came from all over the country and world to don uniforms to defend Israel. Who supplies Gaza with water and electricity? Israel. Hamas never diverted their humanitarian funding from their terrorist goals to create a grid or pipeline.

Journalists have a duty to provide objective and unbiased

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reporting. Listen to the news. Stories abound about Gazan suffering, anti-Israel protests, Zionist white colonialism. What about Israelis, not only Jews but Druze and Bedouin who are experiencing loss and suffering? Israelis are dismissed as zealots, radicals and fascists. Don’t equate the people with the government. Would you have done the same during the Trump years? (“J’accuse: a journalist and Jew responds to Israel’s war,” Aug. 29, 2024)

How easy to decry the situation from 8,000 miles away where your very existence isn’t questioned by the world, you aren’t threatened by neighboring countries daily or worry about terrorists harming your schoolchildren, fear going shopping, taking public transportation or attending a music festival celebrating peace and love.

I hope someday we can put these ideals ahead of all else to see Israelis and Gazans live side by side. Until then, take the time to see both sides of this tragic story.

Naomi Barell Charlotte

I know the decision was the right one. The older I get, the more likely a sprain, twist or rupture becomes, but I’m sad to see the Hearthstone Phoenix we’ve relied on for the past 25 years exit the stage.

As anyone who heats with wood knows, it’s special. One part of my winter morning routine I’ll sorely miss is putting on a pot of coffee and getting the stove going. In a satisfying daily ritual, I’ll slide open the damper and poke at the coals until that reassuring orange glow fills the fire box. If I played the previous evening’s cards right, there’s enough kindling along with a few logs remaining to sustain us through our hour or so of perusing our respective news sources as the living room warms.

The solace we find sitting around a fire is very real with a hint of the primitive. According to research at the University of Alabama conducted in 2014, relaxing in front of a crackling fire dates to prehistoric times and may be rooted in evolution. Led by anthropologist Christopher Lynn, researchers took blood pressure readings before and after they had adult subjects watch a video of a fireplace, asking participants to report on their experiences of the fire.

They found the longer subjects watched the fire, the more relaxed they became; blood pressure

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Humans enjoying sitting around fires may be attributed to fires’ historical importance as a means of fostering social cohesion, offering socialization as well as warmth and safety. Lynn explained that “especially in colder climates, keeping a fire going would have been an important job” requiring cooperation, especially in poor conditions. Groups that were more successful at maintaining a fire would have had a distinct advantage over those that didn’t. Considering that I’ve kept fires going for as long as I have, I figured I could easily be an honorary member of this cohort of evolutionary heroes despite flipping the switch to gas and maintaining the flame with a handy remote. Just as I was starting to feel fairly good about myself over the tons of wood I’d already moved, especially at my age, Helene sensed a bubble and showed up with a pin, recommending I read a piece in Seven Days about Jules Rabin.

A former Goddard professor, Rabin famously established Upland Bakers in Marshfield in the late 1970s, coordinated bringing Bread and Puppet Theater to Vermont, and has been a social activist, political commentator and progressive stalwart for years. The article revealed that “just this year, after turning 100, he gave up splitting five to six cords of heating wood with a hydraulic splitter, though he will stack the same quantity neatly in the garage.” He probably doesn’t do stairs, right?

Walt Amses is a Vermont-based writer.

Walt Amses

News from Carpenter-Carse Library

Carpenter-Carse Library, 69 Ballards Corner Road, Hinesburg. 802-482-2878 / carpentercarse.org

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

Weekly storytime

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

Stories, songs, rhymes, and crafts.

Board game club

Wednesdays in September, 2-3:15 p.m.

For those who love board games, making new friends and learning new skills. For kids in kindergarten to grade four to play different board games geared toward different abilities and age levels. Reserve a spot.

Baby and me time

Fridays in September, 10-11 a.m.

Designed for infants and early toddlers with their caregivers, this social group features a lap storytime with a picture book, songs, fingerplays and rhymes as well as time to play and socialize. Coffee and tea are provided for adults. No registration required.

Robot book club

Tuesday, Sept. 17, 3-4:15 p.m.

The new monthly after-school book club is for mid-grade readers. Read a robot themed book

each month, then get together for snacks and discussion. Reserve a spot in the club today.

Middle school book club

Thursday, Sept. 26, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

For middle schoolers interested in reading and discussing all kinds of books; geared toward students in grades six to eight. Email Jen to sign up at jen@ carpentercarse.org.

ADULTS

Hands and needles

Mondays in September, 10 a.m.-noon

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

Senior meetup

Mondays in September, 1-2:30 p.m.

Do you remember 8-track tapes? 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. Coffee and tea provided.

Folk Jam with SongFarmers of Hinesburg

Thursday, Sept. 5, 6-8 p.m.

Do you play an acoustic instrument, or do you just love to sing along to old time, blues, country

News from Charlotte Library

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

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

ADULTS

Crochet and knit night

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

Casual session of crocheting and chatting, knitting and catching up.

Garden circle

Wednesdays, 4:30 p.m.

Fridays, 8:30 a.m.

Join the garden circle volunteers who tend the educational gardens around the library. Signup at seed@charlottepubliclibrary.org to sign up.

Stillwater meditation

Saturdays in September, 9-10 a.m.

Poetry and meditation

Mystery book group

Monday, Sept. 16, 10-11 a.m.

This month’s book is “House of Silk” by Anthony Horowitz, the first time in its 125-year history that the Arthur Conan Doyle Estate has authorized a new Sherlock Holmes novel. No registration required.

Men’s book discussion

Wednesday, Sept. 25, 7:30-9 p.m.

“A Higher Call” by Adam Makos is the true story of the two pilots whose lives collided in the skies four days before Christmas in 1943. The book follows an American, 2nd Lt. Charlie Brown, a former farm boy from West Virginia who came to captain a B-17, and a German, 2nd Lt. Franz Brown, a former airline pilot from Bavaria who sought to avoid fighting in World War II. It was the encounter that would haunt both Brown and Brown for 40 years until, as old men, they would search for one

Suzie McCoy and her pup came across this “lovely lady — dinner plate size!” — on the

earlier this summer. “She was digging, possibly to bury her eggs?”

and folk music? Join SongFarmers during its monthly gathering and participate in a live music offering. Free and open to the public in the library’s community room.

Mystery book club

Wednesday, Sept. 11, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Informal group meets the

second Wednesday morning of each month to chat about a book together.

Eclectic book club

Thursdays, Sept. 12 and 26, 11 a.m.-noon

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

Hinesburg Fall Festival

Saturday, Sept. 21, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

The Carpenter-Carse Library will have a table set up during the Fall Festival on the town common. Find fun crafts, a raffle, tote bags for sale, and more.

COURTESY PHOTO

path next to the Hinesburg Post Office

COMMUNITY

Don’t forget your chance: Rotary

golf ball drop

Rotary Club of Charlotte-Shelburne-Hinesburg holds its annual golf ball drop and longest drive competition at The Kwini Club Driving Range in Shelburne on Friday, Sept. 13, 4 p.m.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will be distributed among the fire and rescue services in the three towns.

The person whose ball gets in

Enjoy Age Well meals at Charlotte Senior Center

The Age Well meal pickup for Wednesday, Sept. 11, is from 10

the hole or nearest the pin wins $1,000. The next closest win $500 and $250, respectively. The person with the ball farthest from the hole will get a large gift basket of golf-related items and Vermont products.

After the ball drop, enter the long-drive contest at the range.

To buy a chance, go to bit. ly/3yXJY4h or stop by the SidePony Boutique in Hinesburg.

The Charlotte-Shelburne-Hinesburg Rotary Club ball drop fundraiser returns.

Community Notes

to 11 a.m. at the Charlotte Senior Center. The meal features stuffed chicken breast with gravy mashed potatoes, glazed beets, wheat roll, vanilla pudding parfait with blue-

berries and strawberries 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, Sept. 18, features chicken and wheat biscuit with mashed cauliflower,

DEADLINES:

peas and carrots, apple berry crisp and milk.

The meal on Wednesday, Sept. 25, features roast pork with gravy, boiled potatoes with parsley, butternut squash, wheat bread, cookie bar with dates and Craisins and milk.

September programs at the Charlotte Senior Center

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

• Senior Art Show — A wide range of artwork produced by local artists of all skill levels, ages 50 and older. An artist reception will be held on Friday, Sept. 27, 1-2 p.m.

• Alzheimer’s Caregivers Monthly Support Group, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 4-5 p.m. Are you caring for someone with Alzheimer’s? Do you know someone who is? The meetings provide a safe place for caregivers, family and friends of persons with dementia to meet and develop a mutual support system. For information contact Susan Cartwright at cartwright.susan1@gmail.com.

COURTESY PHOTOS

COMMUNITY NOTES

continued from page 8

Free, no registration required.

• Italian for beginners with Nicole Librandi, Fridays, Sept. 13, 20 and 27, and Oct. 11, 18 and 25, 10-11 a.m. Are you interested in exploring the beauty of the Italian language and culture. Questions about whether this class is the correct level, contact Librandi at nicolelibrandi2@ gmail.com. The cost is $60 with registration and payment required by Monday, Sept. 9.

• Senior investment fraud, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 1-2:30 p.m. Learn about the three Ps of investment fraud: profile, persuasion and prevention. Join Eric Giroux from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for a seminar on investment fraud and financial scams and how you can protect yourself. Free handouts, including the S.E.C.’s official guide for senior investors, will be available to take home. Free. Registration appreciated.

• Men’s breakfast, Friday, Sept. 13. Doors open at 7 a.m.; breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Speakers will be Michael Hibben and Margaret Woodruff, library directors for the Shelburne and Charlotte libraries, respectively. They will be speaking about the evolving roles, challenges and opportunities that public libraries face in the 21st century. Suggested donation is $6. Registration is required by Tuesday, Sept. 10, to Lane Morrison, lmorrison@gmavt.net.

• Shape-note singing, Sunday, Sept. 22, 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.

• Walking and gentle hiking group, Thursday, Sept. 26, 9 a.m. 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.

Enjoy free coffee, muffins at The Grange

On the first Friday of every month through November, enjoy free coffee, tea and homemade muffins, 8:30-10 a.m., at the Charlotte Grange Hall, 2858 Spear St. There will be iced coffee, hot coffee, tea and homemade muffins. Stay for a moment or an hour.

The dates are Sept. 6, Oct. 4 and Nov. 1.

Grange members host potluck, social gathering

Grange members and their families gather at the Grange Hall, 2858 Spear St., for a potluck and social gathering on the third Tuesday every other month.

The next potluck will be held Tuesday, Sept. 17, 6:30-8 p.m. Bring any dish to share and your own plate, utensils and non-alcoholic beverage of your chowice.

Tea is available.

If you are Grange curious, come and see what it’s all about. Contact Tai Dinnan at charlottegrangevt@gmail.wcom.

Charlotte Walks:

Garden tour, part two

Want to get more familiar with the town’s public trails or meet and chat with other Charlotters? Join The Charlotte Grange for Charlotte Walks, every third Friday at a different trailhead at 8:30 a.m. on Sept. 20.

For September, park at the Quinlan Covered Bridge at the intersection of Monkton and Lewis Creek roads. Meet at the Pollinator Garden, then walk half a mile up Lewis Creek Road to a homestead and extensive vegetable garden for a garden tour. If you joined in June, you can see how things have evolved to this point at the end of peak harvest season.

Visit charlottegrange.org to learn the meet-up location each month. Want to be alerted to weather changes? Sign up at charlottegrangevt@gmail.com.

Mental Health Urgent Care to open in October

The public is invited to a virtual town hall on Tuesday, Sept. 10, on the Mental Health Urgent Care Center opening this October in Burlington.

With funding from the University of Vermont Medical Center and the Vermont Department of Mental Health, Howard Center, the medical center, community health centers and Pathways Vermont have come together to offer a mental health urgent care center where individuals can access supportive follow-up services, immediate peer support and medical care in a trauma-informed, suicide-safe setting.

Scheduled to open on Oct. 28, Mental Health Urgent Care will serve adults 18 and over seeking immediate support or in self-defined crisis.

Nature’s bounty

the end of October at the Wine Makers Gallery in Shelburne village. There will be an opening reception on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2-5 p.m. For the show, McIntyre, a Shelburne resident, painter and professor emeritus of art at the University of Vermont, picked a series of ocean and mountain-inspired paintings that explore the visual voices of natural landscape, including those inspired by the power of the ocean, the changing winds of the Azores, Bonaire and Kauai, the rivers and mountains of Vermont and the Adirondacks, the arid landscapes of Abiquiu and the Outback, along with the clay cliffs of Aquinnah and nearby, snowy winter hillsides. A percentage of proceeds from the exhibit will be donated to the MPN Foundation. For more information, go to lyndareevesmcintyre.com.

The virtual town hall will be held via Zoom from 1-3 p.m.

There will be a presentation by the project managers, Cathie Buscaglia and Charlotte McCorkel from the Howard Center, and Maureen Leahy and Karen Vastine of the University of Vermont Medical Center. Presenters will be joined by special guests Dr. Rob Althoff, chair of psychiatry, The University of Vermont Health Network; Sandra McGuire, CEO, Howard Center; Dr. Jeff McKee, CEO, Community Health Centers; and Hilary Melton, executive director, Pathways Vermont.

The event will be presented in a webinar format and registration is free but required. To register contact Paul Detzer at pdetzer@ howardcenter.org or 802-488-6911.

COURTESY PHOTO

“Abundance: Celebrating Nature’s Bounty, selected paintings by Lynda Reeves McIntyre, will be exhibited through

to fill the position based on his credentials, extensive background, reputation by other fire departments and high-level of professionalism.

“One thing I really appreciated about Prescott was his experience as public information officer for the Williston Fire Department where he was the voice of the department for the community,” Odit said.

On Aug. 26, I met with Nadeau, and some of my initial impressions of him were his warm smile, keen intellect and infectious go-getter attitude. Without exchanging a word, it was impossible not to like the guy and somehow appreciate that he was tailor-made for this type of position. So, I began to dig into his background and reasons for wanting to be Hinesburg’s next fire chief.

Some background

Nadeau was born in Long Lake, Minn., and lived there for about 10 years before his father, who was in the paper industry, uprooted the family and moved to Williston. His father thought the Montreal-to-Ver-

mont commute would be easier on him and his family, since his job took him daily to Canada.

He has two older sisters and a twin brother, who all demonstrated significant academic abilities that have taken them into professional post-college occupations. Nadeau lamented to me that he would likely be considered the “black sheep” of the family when it comes to educational achievement, given his siblings’ accomplishments.

He finished elementary and middle school in Williston and graduated from Champlain Valley Union in 2005. He told me that he never considered himself a strong academic, but he did take several AP courses and knew at some point he would attend college. His primary interest in high school, as it had been since the 4th grade, was the “fire” that stirred inside him for firefighting.

He told me that he was excited by fire trucks, firemen and everything to do with the occupation from a very early age, and he took

HONORING

every opportunity to learn more about firefighters and firefighting. His neighbor in Williston, fire chief Ken Morton, took him under his wing and answered his many fire-related questions, took him to visit the fire station and encouraged his ambitions. Nadeau read books and watched movies about firefighting, and eventually became a junior member of the department. One day, he was sent to the Mallet’s

OUR VETERANS

Nov. 7, The Citizen will be honored to publish photos of the

Bay Fire Department for a class and demonstration on vehicle extrication techniques. He told me he was amazed at the skill and use of specialized equipment to extricate someone from a mangled vehicle.

After graduating from CVU, Nadeau enrolled in a few courses at the University of Maryland but the constant draw to firefighting lingered. During a tour of the fire science building at the University of New Haven, he was totally hooked and eventually enrolled into the program. He completed his bachelor’s degree in fire science administration and returned to Vermont for additional training and experience in Williston.

He was hired by the Williston department and became certified as a Fire Officer II, completed Emergency Medical Technician and Advanced EMT programs, and was selected to attend the fire instructor program held at the National Fire Center in Emmitsburg, Md.

Chiefly duties

Nadeau comes to Hinesburg with over 19 years of fire service experience, and nine years as a public information officer. In addition to his everyday duties, he has been featured on numerous episodes of the YouTube “Disaster Tough Podcast.” He was introduced on episode 133, “Right Message, Right People, Right Time,” airing two years ago, where he discussed his ideas on the art of communication in emotionally charged emergency situations by senior fire officers and community officials. He even quoted Aristotle.

When asked why he wanted to become fire chief in Hinesburg, he said, “Hinesburg is a unique town, its people are always wanting forward momentum, and the citizens I’ve known are always warm and welcoming — that’s where I want to work.”

He finds being an EMS and firefighter rewarding and added that he values “the relationships I have developed with people I have had the privilege to serve and work with. I always have a lot of contact with people who know me or rely on my skills, knowledge and experience through phone calls, social media or in person. I always put everything on the table to help them in any way I can. I took great responsibility in my role as the voice of the department.”

While in Williston, Nadeau was promoted to fire captain. He also attended the public information officer course taught at the National Fire Academy, and later took its master course.

“The role of the public information officer is to get the right information to the right people at the right time,” he said. “You are working closely with area radio and TV stations, and social media to be their trusted source of safety information.”

He said his greatest accomplishment was revamping and running the recruit academy, where in his role as training officer he would take firefighter candidates with absolutely no knowledge or background in firefighting, and after eight weeks mold them into fully functional firefighters.

If you have a veteran

For him, it’s important to deliver the “right information at the right time to the right people.”

LIBRARY

continued from page 7

another, a last mission that could change their lives forever. Copies are available at the desk.

ONGOING

Preschool storytime

Tuesdays in September, 10-11 a.m.

Age 2 and over.

Babytime

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

Birth to 18 months.

Let’s Lego

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

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

First up for Nadeau as chief of the Hinesburg department is getting to know everybody and allowing them the opportunity to know him, he said.

“Training will be a priority for the department. I believe in it strongly, and through good and realistic training, firefighters are prepared for whatever they encounter at the scene. I’d like to see more youth involvement in some way. It’s a great way to learn a valuable skill, develop maturity and level-headed decision-making and to serve others,” he said.

Nadeau said he possesses the necessary skills to lead the department.

“I have attended many leadership courses in the past, and the messages are mixed as to what constitutes effective leadership. Without a doubt, for me, it starts with relationships, openness, and competence. I intend to be a good leader in the fire house and for the community as fire chief.”

Nadeau assumed responsibility for the 30-member department on Sept. 5.

John Clifford is a residnet of Hinesburg

Prescott Nadeau

SUPERINTENDENT

continued from page 1

start looking for the district’s new leader.

Former Champlain Valley Union high school principal Adam Bunting was appointed interim superintendent in May, just two months after former superintendent Rene Sanchez announced he would be stepping down in June after three years on the job.

Keith Roberts, a member of the committee, said details of the process have not yet been ironed out, but discussions are expected to continue later this month.

“I can assure you, as the board, and you, as the administrators, and you, as the public, that the process will be, for lack of a better word, thorough and involve all of our constituencies,” Roberts said. “We’re definitely going to include a community,

SERVICE CUTS

continued from page 3

spanned July 2022 to June 2023, agency data shows. The agency’s most-used routes — the No. 1 Williston and No. 2 Essex Junction, which would see reduced weekend service — served about 475,000 and 420,000 total trips, respectively, in the same time period.

Clark said that as the agency has eyed lesser-used routes for cuts next year, it’s aware of the impact eliminating public transit, at any level, can have on people’s lives. The agency is anticipating strong public opposition to some of its proposals, he said.

“They’re going to have an emotional response, because this means that their life may become harder — they may not be able to live in the place that they’re

and members of our faculty and staff and administration on input throughout the process.”

The committee has solicited offers for consultants during the summer months who may be able to help in the process. He warned that could end up costing the district $20,000 or more.

“The human resources committee reviewed them and had a very robust discussion at our meeting on Aug. 19 and, in many respects, couldn’t come to a conclusion about this,” he said.

Roberts noted that Laura Rice, the new human resources director for the district, is also qualified to aid in the search process.

“Ultimately, I think the committee felt that if Laura was willing and able to facilitate the process for and with us, that we could move forward without a

search consultant,” Roberts said.

The board briefly discussed what sort of conflict of interest that may pose, but Rice assured the board that she would simply be facilitating the process and ensuring that meetings are scheduled.

“I will not be on the committee that is making the decision to say yay or nay to the actual individual who is then selected and put forth,” she said.

Anticipating another difficult budget year on the horizon, the board ultimately voted to keep the search process in-house, with more details to be brought to the board after the committee holds a meeting on Sept. 10.

“It still shows an effort of the committee and the board to be mindful of fiscal issues and responsibilities,” Roberts said.

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currently living, because they may not have transportation,”

Clark said, referring to bus riders.

“And so that’s why we’re going to do everything we can to limit these cuts.”

Clark said that right now, the agency is projecting a budget hole closer to $2 million than $3 million when accounting for staff vacancies and additional federal money beyond pandemic-era relief funds secured with help from the state.

But there are other sources of uncertainty — including from some of the municipalities that pay to support Green Mountain Transit’s service. Hinesburg recently decided to pull out of the transit system, he noted. Meanwhile,

Clark said two other municipalities — which he declined to name — have expressed concerns at the amount Green Mountain Transit is charging them.

The agency relies on a mix of local, state and federal funding to support its service. It also started charging fares earlier this year for the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic, though Clark told reporters that revenue won’t be nearly enough to fill the gaps.

“We will only implement the reductions that are necessary based on our financial situation,” he said. “So, if our funding gap is $2 million, then you know that we won’t be cutting more than $2 million worth of service.”

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SPORTS

CVU fields strong teams as season begins

LAUREN READ CORRESPONDENT

Cross country

Coach: David Baird

Last season: girls, Division I state champions, New England Champions. Boys, third at state championships.

Key returnees: girls, Alice Kredell, senior; Annalise Wood, senior; Lydia Donahue, junior; Audrey Neilson, junior; Charlotte Crum, junior. Boys, Charlie Garavelli, senior; Treson McEnaney, sophomore; Ben Holoch, sophomore; Cole Hart, sophomore.

Key newcomers: girls, Claire Kim, senior; Justyna Amblo, sophomore. Boys, Dylan Elder, senior; Luke Buehler, junior; Jack Snyder, sophomore.

Outlook: The girls won the Vermont and New England regional championships, finishing with a rank of 25th in the nation. CVU will have to replace two runners from that squad but bring back two seniors, Alice Kredell and Annalise Wood, who will help lead the way. The group has its sights set on qualifying for the national championships, taking a step up from last year’s results.

“The girls run strong as a group, they race hard and are at their best when they face the toughest competition,” Baird said.

For the boys, the Redhawks graduated four runners, but the team is motivated to chase down a Division I state title. It will be a younger team this year, with Charles Garavelli looking to lead the team.

“The entire 2024 team is very motivated and excited after coming off of impressive distance accomplishments this past track season,” Baird said.

Football

Coach: Rahn Fleming

Last season: 7-1, lost in the D-I semifinals

This season: 1-0

Key returnees: Stuart Allard, RB/LB, senior; Lucas Almena-Lee, RB/LB, senior; Jacob Armstrong, WR/DB, senior; Billy Bates, WR/DB, senior; Dylan Frere, RB/DB, senior; Will Hilgerdt, OL/DL. junior; Sean Kennedy, OL/DL, senior; Chase Leonard, DB, senior; Josh Quad, OL/ DL, senior; George Taylor, TE/ LB, senior; Dylan Terricciano, RB/LB, junior; Daniel Tuiqere, RB/LB, senior; Nolan Walpole,

RB, senior; Orion Yates, QB/LB, sophomore.

Key newcomers: Owen Fowler, OL/DL, senior; Gabe Merrill, OL/ DL, senior; Wade Nichols, OL/ DL, senior; Ethan Plante, OL/DL, sophomore; Caleb Scrodin, OL/ DL, senior; Jake Barrett, RB/DB, junior; Alex Jovell, WR/DB, sophomore; John Saladino, RB/DB, sophomore.

Outlook: Footballers return with a senior-laden squad and, with that, some high expectations. One key position the Redhawks need to fill is quarterback, with sophomore Orion Yates stepping into the role for the first time at the varsity level.

“There is a sort of undefinable intangible that is senior statesmanship on the ballfield,” Fleming said. “We are fortunate to have the leadership, intensity, calm, and clarity of purpose that comes with so many seniors.”

Just two years removed from a Division I state title, the Redhawks move into the season with an experienced group.

Up next: Friday, Sept. 6, at Essex, 7 p.m.

Field

hockey

Coach: Tucker Pierson

Last season: 10-3-1, lost in the D-I semifinals

Key returnees: Alex Wemple,

midfield, senior; Cordelia Thomas, midfield, junior; Amelia Oppenheimer, defense, junior; Emery Thompson, midfield, sophomore; Sophie Comeau, goalkeeper, senior.

Key newcomers: Too early to tell

Outlook: The field hockey

See ROUNDUP on page 13

CVU girls’ soccer shuts out Mt. Anthony in fall season opener

LAUREN READ CORRESPONDENT

Football

Champlain Valley 17, Hartford 0: Champlain Valley pitched a shutout on defense to open the season with a win on Saturday, Aug. 31, against Hartford.

Nolan Walpole finished with two rushing TDs for the Redhawks, including a 51-yard run to the end zone. Alex Jovell added a 25-yard field goal. Joshua Quad recovered a fumble.

CVU moved to 1-0.

Boys’ soccer

Champlain Valley 8, Mount Anthony 1: Champlain Valley opened the season with a big offensive effort, beating Mount Anthony 8-1 on Saturday.

Ethan Revoir had a hat trick to pace the Redhawks (1-0), while Miles Bergeron added a goal and an assist and Sebastian Bronk had three assists. George Charlson, Caleb Greenslit, Julian Olin and Gavin Prada each scored one.

Henry McLean (two assists), Mason Barron (one assist) and Ajak Dau (one assist) also got one the scoresheet for the Redhawks.

Girls’ soccer

Champlain Valley 8, Mount Anthony 0: Champlain Valley scored four times in each half and opened the season with a win over Mount Anthony on Friday, Aug. 30.

Rieanna Murray had three goals and one assist for the Redhawks, while Ellie Antonucci tallied twice.

Elsa Klein added a goal and an assist, with Kate Robers and Flynn Sexton each chipped in a goal. Josie Ziter stopped four shots for the shutout (1-0).

PHOTO BY AL FREY

The CVU field hockey held a scrimmage against Essex Aug. 23 in anticipation of the upcoming fall season.

ROUNDUP

continued from page 12

team will look to combine its returning roster with new players as it looks to return to the top of D-I. The core of the group’s returning players are in the midfield, which will likely be a strength for the Redhawks this season.

“Our challenge is in our inexperience on the forward line, so scoring could be an issue, but I think our defense is strong and steady, as well as our goalkeeping,” Pierson said. “This is a really great group of people, and we are looking to build on each game and practice.”

Opener: Wednesday, Sept. 4, at Essex, 4 p.m.

Girls’ soccer

Coach: Stan Williams

Last season: 14-1; lost in D-I quarterfinals

This season: 1-0

Key returnees: Lauren Knudsen, midfield, senior; Abby Bunting, defense, senior; Lily Williams, forward, senior; Ezra Dziurzynski, defense, senior; Rieanna Murray, forward, senior; Sierra Rainey, defense, sophomore; Reese Kingsbury, midfield, junior; Elsa Klein, midfield, sophomore; Anya Johnson, goalkeeper, junior; Lillian McClain, defense, junior, Kate Roberts, midfield, senior.

Key newcomers: Too early to tell Outlook: Girls’ soccer is chock-full of returning players in all positions and will be riding all that experience all the way to the top of the division. With the team’s experi-

ence comes a load of chemistry and depth, along with a ton of scoring power.

Williams is looking for the team to build as the season progresses. “I am excited about this team’s chemistry, versatility and depth. We have great team speed, and this season has the potential to be a special team.”

After netting eight goals in the team’s opener, they are off to a great start.

Up next: Tuesday, Sept. 3, against Burr and Burton, 4:30 p.m.

Boys’ soccer

Coach: Shane Bufano

Last season: 16-1, D-I champions

This season: 1-0

Key returnees: Ziggy Babbott, goalie, senior; Mason Barron, midfield, junior; Miles Bergeson, defense, senior; Ajak Dau, defense, senior.

Key newcomers: Too early to tell Outlook: The defending state champs will be hunting for another title this season, with a strong returning core from last year’s squad. With a returning senior in goal, Ziggy Babbott, and key defenders, Bergeson and Dau, also seniors, the Redhawks will have experience anchoring the back line.

One slight question mark may be the team’s offense and where the scoring will come from, but an eight-goal outburst in the opening game of the season may have answered that question.

Up next: Thursday, Sept. 5, at the Jay Brady Kickoff Classic in Essex, 7 p.m.

The Town of Hinesburg, Vermont seeks qualified applicants for the following positions:

Highway Foreperson

This is a supervisory position that is responsible for overseeing and participating in the maintenance of the town’s highway infrastructure. A valid VT issued CDL Class B license is required. Required skills include proficient operation of a road grader, excavator, front-end loader, backhoe, and tandem plow truck. Starting pay is $34.00 - $40.00 an hour depending upon qualifications.

Highway Maintainer

This is a semi-skilled position of moderate complexity in highway maintenance and equipment operation. A Highway Maintainer performs a wide variety of manual and automotive equipment operation tasks involved in municipal road maintenance. Work extends to responsibility for maintenance and servicing of assigned automotive equipment, requiring strong mechanical and trouble shooting skills. A valid Vermont issued Class B CDL is required. Starting pay is $25.00 - $28.00 an hour depending upon qualifications.

Both positions provide health, dental, vision and disability insurance; paid time off; pension plan; and 13 paid holidays. Detailed information and an application form can be found at www.hinesburg.org under the employment tab. Applications can be mailed or delivered to Todd Odit, Town Manager, 10632 Route 116 or emailed to todit@hinesburg.org.

The Town of Hinesburg offers a comprehensive benefits package and very competitive pay. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Applications will be reviewed as received and accepted until the position is filled.