Shelburne News - 11-3-22

Shelburne honors Marshall Webb

LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER

On Saturday, hundreds of friends, family members and resi dents of Shelburne packed the breeding barn at Shelburne Farms to capacity to celebrate the life of Marshall Webb, an “environmen tal hero” and “the best of Shel burne Farms.”

Webb died from a heart attack while swimming in Lake Cham plain on Aug. 11. He was 74.

Among the speakers at the nearly two-hour commemoration of Webb’s life were his immediate family — Kate, Molly, Lila, Sarah, Robert and Alec Webb — along

with lifelong friends Bob Kinzel and Jacob Scherr, among others.

Born and raised at Shelburne Farms, Webb loved the 1,400-acre land both as his home and as his professional career. Although he had been “doing chores” on the farm since he was just 3 years old, his true life’s work began the day in 1972 when he and his siblings founded the education nonprofit that now owns and operates the farm.

“The impacts of that single act of generosity would ripple out over the next 50 years and beyond,” according to a statement

See WEBB on page 10

After loss of son, Vallee family to fund long Covid research

COREY MCDONALD STAFF WRITER

It was only after his son had died that Skip Vallee learned how much he had truly accomplished.

Just 27 years old, Charlie Vallee, born in Burlington and raised in South Burlington, was a distinguished member of the U.S. intelligence community, and throughout his young life worked at prestigious institutions like the Institute for the Study of War, the Center for Strategic and

International Studies and, the United States Special Operations Command — earning its civilian of the year award in 2021.

Speaking at his memorial in May — attended by dignitar ies such as Gov. Phil Scott, U.S. Congressman Peter Welch, and former Gov. Jim Douglas — Vallee revealed he could “now relay who Charlie really worked for,” the Defense Intelligence Agency, the Department of Defense’s Intelli

State title

PHOTO BY LEE KROHN

Dorilee LeBlanc was “Misdemeanor” at the Rotary Club’s annual Halloween parade Sunday.

more photos at shelburnenews.com.

Miss Demeanor!

‘Environmental hero’

Shelburne sets two public hearings on option tax before March vote

LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER

The decision to implement a local option tax in Shelburne will be on the ballot for Town Meeting Day on March 7 following two public hearings set in December.

Since proposing the tax this summer the Shelburne Finance Committee has been working to educate local residents and busi nesses on what this could mean for the town as a way to provide additional revenue sources.

In short, a local option tax allows for a 1 percent tax on retail sales, and meals, rooms and alcoholic beverages which would generate additional reve nue for the municipality. State tax rates for alcoholic beverages (10 percent), meals (9 percent) and sales (6 percent) would all increase by 1 percent.

The levy is administered by the state, which keeps 30 percent of taxes collected, remitting 70 percent to the town. If adopted for the 2023 fiscal year, the town’s finance commit tee has projected it could generate $939,961 in local option tax reve nues.

According to a presentation given by the finance committee at the Oct. 19 Shel burne Business and Professionals Association meet ing, the effects of a local option tax on town infra structure needs would reduce dependence on the property tax, while also diversifying and expanding town revenue.

Mike Ashooh, chair of the Shelburne Selectboard, remind ed local businesses owners and residents at the meeting that there are “so many expenses behind us,” noting that it may be time to start looking for potential revenue

Election 2022: Know your polling place

In-person voting for the 2022 midterm election will be held on Nov. 8 throughout the state. If voting by mail at this point in the process, officials suggest dropping off ballots directly at your polling place

and not through the U.S. Postal Service.

Here are the hours and loca tion of where to vote in Shel burne:

Shelburne: Shelburne Town Center Gym, Open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

sources other than property taxes, which falls heavily on the residen tial sector in Shelburne.

The most likely possibility, as adopted by 25 municipalities throughout the state — 17 within a 60-mile radius and six neighbor ing communities — is the local option sales tax.

With many residents wonder ing where the money will be spent, the selectboard adopted a policy on Oct. 11 to ensure that “revenue derived from local option taxes be dedi cated to: capi tal expendi tures/projects, debt reduction, reserve funds for future capital proj ects, repairs or other emer gency needs related to disaster as declared by the selectboard or federal agencies, and land conser vation/open space protection for creation and or/utilization of public space.”

In order to authorize the tax, there must also be a voter-ap proved amendment to the town charter. Assuming the vote and charter amendment pass, it has to be approved by the Legislature

and signed by the governor in order to be enacted.

“That process can take a while and we hope it can be done expe ditiously. We hope that it will be approved this legislative session.” Don Porter, chair of the town’s finance committee, said. “Approv al needs to then be taken from the Legislature and governor to the department of taxes, so the depart ment of taxes can put in place all of the infrastructure that’s neces sary for that LOT collection to be accounted for on the department of taxes’ schedules.”

According to the presentation at the business association meet ing, the collection of the local option tax wouldn’t begin until months after town meeting, a timeline dependent on approval from Legislature.

“Just like sales tax now, collec tions will be able to be processed and the money comes back to the town. It’s a quarter delayed, so the collection won’t be received by January, perhaps February, of the next calendar year.” says Porter. “If we passed the local option tax in March, it’s not going to happen for a while.”

Prior to town meeting, the town has scheduled two hearings for review and consideration of the tax plan by the community. The first is set to be on Tuesday, Dec. 6, with the second following on Tuesday, Dec. 20.

Tax on local sales could raise $1 million for town coffers

“That process can take a while and we hope it can be done expeditiously. We hop that it will be approved this legislative session.”

— Don Porter

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Col. Carroll Ockert to speak at Shelburne veterans monument

There will be a celebration of Veterans Day at the Shelburne Veterans Monument on Friday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. The guest speaker will be Col. Carroll A. “Bud” Ockert, Ret.

Attendees are encouraged to bring your own chairs.

Ockert was born in Shelburne in 1935. He attended public schools in Shelburne and graduated from Shelburne High School in 1953. He graduated from the Universi ty of Vermont in 1957 with a bachelor’s degree.

Ockert held a variety of assignments throughout his career, and attended numer ous advanced and senior service schools.

His last assignment from the U.S.

Army was as the inspector general, 7th Medical Command, Heidelberg, Germany from 1983-1988. He retired from the U.S. Army in 1988 after more than 30 years of service. He received numerous awards for his service including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star and Meritorious Service Medal.

The culmination of Ockert’s interest and expertise in health care administration resulted in his becoming a life fellow at the American College of Healthcare Execu tives.

He is currently a member of the Univer sity of Vermont Alumni Association board of directors. In 2013 he was presented with the Distinguish Alumni Award by the UVM Alumni Association.

FILE PHOTO

Col. Carroll A. “Bud” Ockert, Ret.

Shelburne

Total reported incidents: 34 Traffic Stops: 5 Arrests: 0

Top Incidents: October 23 at 6:48 p.m., An offi cer investigated an animal complaint on Hillview Terrace.

October 23 at 8:25 p.m., A citizen was assisted with a custody issue.

October 24 at 9:20 a.m., A citizen was assisted with a VIN veri fication.

October 24 at 12:50 p.m., An offi cer responded to a domestic dispute at a residence on Route 116.

October 24 at 2:20 p.m., A motor vehicle complaint on Route 116 was investigated.

October 24 at 4:54 p.m., An offi cer investigated an animal complaint on Fern Road.

October 24 at 8:52 p.m., A suspi cious vehicle on Commerce Street was investigated.

October 25 at 8:05 a.m., Officers assisted a disabled vehicle on Charlotte Road.

October 25 at 9:40 a.m., A citizen was assisted with fingerprints for employment purposes.

October 25 at 11:07 a.m., A citi

Blotter

zen was assisted with a civil issue.

October 25 at 3:30 p.m., An offi cer investigated a single car crash on Richmond Road.

October 26 at 7:00 p.m., An animal complaint on Silver Street was investigated.

October 27 at 6:54 a.m., A 911 hang up on Sherman Hollow Road was investigated.

October 27 at 8:54 a.m., A stolen car from a residence on Rich mond Road was investigated.

October 27 at 10:00 a.m., Officers responded to CVU to assist staff there with a student issue.

October 27 at 10:37 a.m., Suspi cious circumstances on Route 116 were investigated.

October 27 at 8:11 p.m., An offi cer assisted first respond ers with a medical issue on Kelley’s Field.

October 27 at 9:40 p.m., Suspi cious circumstances on Shel burne Falls Road were inves tigated.

October 28 at 11:00 a.m., Damage to a motor vehicle on Route 116 was investigated.

October 28 at 4:25 p.m., Court paperwork was served to a resident on Oscar’s Lane.

Shelburne News

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

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

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

OPINION

Redeeming the chip on November’s cold shoulder

In Musing

Carole Vasta Folley

“November is usually such a disagreeable month.” So wrote Lucy Maude Montgomery.

In those words, the Canadian author captured the disappoint ment I felt as Halloween brought October to a close. Although summer is long past, once the calendar turned to November, it felt a death knell to coatless walks, al fresco dining, and that delicious quirky sense of freedom that seems to captivate on balmy days.

And why shouldn’t Novem ber cause melancholy? After

all, seasons are uncanny in their ability to remind us of our own mortality. “A time to be born, a time to die.” Whether read in church or sung by the Byrds, there’s no question about which time is November.

Besides, there’s the impend ing deadline of it all. Flower pots aching to be relieved of their wilted glory, spigots needing to be turned off, their hoses coiled for hibernation, and lawn furniture that looks plain embarrassed to be left outside.

Every year November begins with a bang. A one-two punch of vexation to announce its arrival like some harbinger of gloom wearing a waterproof fleece-lined

Letters to the Editor

puffer jacket from L. L. Bean.

First, November puts an end to Daylight Savings Time. How better to scramble our circadian rhythms all while making sure we can start and finish our work day in what appears to be the dead of night.

But that’s nothing compared to what’s next. Elections. As if November wants to remind us straight away of uncertainty and possible loss. Maybe, in a moment of schadenfreude, November jumped at the opportunity to have Election Day forever emblazoned on its calendar page. If so, what a grim sense of humor this eleventh month must have.

And this year’s election? It’s a

doozy. Thanks, November. There are close to 300 election-denier candidates on the ballot, many who support or dismiss the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, all while they argue against science, women and LGBTQ rights.

Laws were passed in 2021 making it harder to vote and almost 16 million voters were removed from the rolls, most of them in states with a history of voter discrimination. In effect, free and fair elections are on the ballot this year in America. Seri ously, November?

Ah, I know. I’m being too hard on this penultimate month of the year. It’s not November’s fault, especially considering it was originally the ninth month of the year. Its name is from the Latin “novem” meaning nine.

Cold-climate heat pumps: the rest of the story

To the Editor: What is the real cost of owning a cold-climate heat pump and does it make sense that we can become fossil fuel indepen dent soon?

I really think the concept of moving heat from one place to the other without having to create it

is part of the future. But, for a few reasons, I do not think the future is here yet.

Cold-climate heat pumps are not reliable enough to take over as a primary source of heat in the average home in Vermont’s climate. They are very susceptible to power fluctuations and are not always sold or installed with the necessary protection measures. Additionally, we do not have

enough trained technicians to service them. Also, most manu facturers are not in the United States, so supply chain issues remain a possible problem.

The true cost of ownership is not being told. The successful installation of these heat pumps must be done with best practices by a competent installer. I do

See LETTERS on page 7

Imagine the indignity of being the Roman calendar’s ninth month beginning in spring, then, thanks to some brand-spanking new months, you get pushed to 11th place. You’re not even top-ten anymore. You’ve gone from tender buds on the branch to dead leaves on the ground. It makes sense November’s gloomy. I’d be upset too. No wonder it’s the same month common for the onset of SAD, seasonal affective disorder. But here’s the amazing thing. Through all the dismalness,

November does its best to make amends. It’s hard to believe that this scrappy month brings us through its many challenges to nothing less than a Thanksgiving. There’s that sense of humor again, November. I see you.

What a perfect metaphor for life. How through the dark and dying, the ending and grieving, the bleakness and despair, there is still so much to praise. Indeed, as in Ecclesiastes, to everything there is a season, and it is our dear November that helps us complete that circle. Bless her heart.

So, on the 24th, when I sit at our table, I will look at those I love, the harvest that provides and the warmth that envelops. I’ll look outside at the landscape that sleeps only to nurture a burgeon ing spring.

I will look inside to my own beating heart and my bigger knowing that there is a need for November — for all the gyrations, the grand roller coaster of change, that indeed brings us life. And for that, I will give thanks.

Carole Vasta Folley’s In Musing column has won awards from the Vermont Press Associa tion, The New England Newspa per and Press Association and the National Society of Newspaper Columnists.

Champlain Valley School District is required by federal law to locate, identify and evaluate all children with disabilities. The process of locating, identifying and evaluating children with disabilities is known as child find.

Champlain Valley School District schools conduct Kindergarten screening each spring, but parents may call to make an appointment to discuss their concerns at any time. As the school district of residence, CVSD has the responsibility to identify and provide services to any child with special needs who may require special education and related services in order to access and benefit from public education.

If you have, or know of any CVSD resident who has a child with a disability under the age of 21 or a child who attends a private school located in Charlotte, Hinesburg, Shelburne, St. George or Williston, Vermont, we would like to hear from you. Sometimes parents are unaware that special education services are available to their children.

Please contact the School Principal (Charlotte Central School –425-2771, Hinesburg Community School – 482-2106, Shelburne Community School – 985-3331, Williston Central/Allen Brook Schools – 878-2762) or the Director of Student Support Services, Anna Couperthwait at 383-1234 or acouperthwait@cvsdvt.org.

Champlain Valley School District (Charlotte, Hinesburg, Shelburne, St. George & Williston) Child Find Notice

not see or hear anything about the cost of professional cleaning of the indoor and outdoor units, which must be done every two to three years.

While these heat pumps can have extended warranties, the cost of labor is not included, provid ed you can find someone that is trained to work on them. Most installers move from one job to another without looking back, leaving the cost of maintenance and service to the homeowner. What can we do to become less dependent on fossil fuels as soon as possible?

We have manufacturers in the United States that are trying to make more reliable and service able cold-climate heat pumps. We need to support and invest in more companies like them by investing in training for contractors and incentives to take care of the units they install. We need to realize that we can get to zero fossil fuel use, but for the near future we will need some form of back up until we can make heat pumps in cold climates more reliable and serviceable.

Gary DuCharme South Burlington

Physician, fact check thyself

To the Editor:

George Till, in his Oct. 27 guest perspective proclaims his outrage over supposed reckless and dangerous misinformation. His indignation regards abortion and maternal health positions that he attributes to anti-abor tion advocates. Till, in rebuttal to the nebulous misinformation, represents abortion as “one of the safest of all medical procedures.”

The fact is abortion is not very safe for the unborn baby. The anti-abortion objection is not about the 0.3 percent of mothers that experience medical issues, but with the 100 percent of unborn babies that experience death because of abortion. This, rather than the red-herring mater nal health issue, is the primary concern of abortion opponents.

Till wrote three columns justifying abortion based on health. In fact, very few abortions performed in the United States are motivated by health concerns. A recent survey published on pubmed.gov listed the most common reasons for abortion as having a child would interfere with work and education; finan cial reasons; did not want to be a single mother; relationship prob lems; etc. None of the women in that survey cited medical reasons.

There is one health concern that anti-abortion advocates do

talk about a lot: the mother’s mental health. Some women push aside their nurturing nature and moral considerations because of pressures and turn to abortion as a solution. This decision, often taken quickly and under duress, can have long-term negative effects of guilt and remorse.

I challenge the next abor tion advocate to address the real concerns of those who oppose abortion. I doubt I will get any takers, but that would be a first step toward an honest debate, and one based on facts.

John Childs Shelburne

Anti-abortion ad from church out of line

To the Editor:

I am disturbed and concerned about an ad that was in the Oct. 27, 2022, issue of The Citizen. It was an ad placed by St. Cath erine of Siena Catholic Church in Shelburne. It urged voters to vote against Proposal 5, in other words, against reproductive freedom.

I am not anti-religion. I believe in the religious freedom and in freedom from religion if chosen. Both my parents strug gled and fought during World War II for freedom from tyranny. I am pro reproductive freedom and am a 40-year peri-partum registered nurse.

I did not expect to see a paid ad touting a controversial political opinion from a religious organiza tion that is tax exempt.

The Catholic Church is a nonprofit and is guided by the Internal Revenue Service in terms of what it can and cannot do. If any church feels that it must enter the political arena, they can pay taxes just like we all do. Tax exempt status means that they get benefits from society by doing good works for the community.

The ad was placed with the skulls around the edge of the admonition, telling voters to not vote for reproductive freedom. Is this legal?

I am not an attorney, but I am a maternity nurse who has seen a lot. The skulls on the ad edge were a particularly gruesome touch. I have seen this same rhet oric on social media from other Catholic churches in the U.S., so it is not isolated to our one little church in Shelburne. It’s a nation ally organized campaign. The people who attend church, syna gogue or any other religion affilia tion are free to do so. However, if I am subsidizing churches (which claim to be 501 c3) they are required by IRS law to act like it. Don’t shovel your religion and

rules down the throats of others.

Please vote early or on Nov. 8 and bring a friend. This one is important. Democracy and our freedom to choose reproductive care such as abortion or birth control is on the line.

Kathleen B. Bruce RN Hinesburg

Heritage potluck was a big success

To the Editor:

Shelburne’s first annual heritage potluck took place Oct. 23 and was a rousing success. There was a delicious array of dishes reflecting heritages of town members, including tofu with tomatoes, scallions and rice; challah bread; Trinidadian pelau chicken; Irish stew and colcannon; Welsh/Vermont cakes; baked beans; pork pies; Romanian pickled watermelon rind; baked beans with macaroni and cheese; Shelburne Farm cheese; Shel burne Orchards apple and cider; and meat pie. Topo-Chico mineral water refreshed participants.

The Shelburne Equity and Diversity Committee and Shel burne Parks and Recreation Department are grateful to all those who attended and helped. Remember to join us next year.

Patricia Fontaine Shelburne

Don’t leave medical decisions to politicians

To the Editor:

Do you know anyone who has had a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy? How about infertility? Stillbirth, premature labor, prema ture rupture of membranes or a hemorrhage before delivery?

Is it your view — in any of these circumstances or other possible complications of pregnancy — that medical care over these conditions should be decided by their state legislatures or federal courts?

Think of it this way: if you or someone you loved were faced with needing safe and effective medical treatment, should you or your medical team have to wait until your life was at stake before they could legally deliver the necessary care?

Make no mistake, this is what is at stake with your vote on Amendment 22. Decisions about your life and health belong to you, not to the Legislature or the courts.

Megs Rosenberg Shelburne

Obituaries

Charles “Chuck/Charlie” Keefe of Shel burne, 66, died on Friday, Oct. 21, 2022, surrounded by his greatest treasures: his wife, Kathy, and grandson, Noah.

He died peacefully after fighting a courageous battle with cancer.

Friends and family are invited to cele brate Charlie’s life on Sunday, Nov.13, 2022, from noon-4 p.m. at the St. Johns Club, 9 Central Avenue, Burlington.

A full obituary can be viewed at greg orycremation.com. Stephen C. Gregory and Son Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.

A. Joanne Jarrett

A. Joanne Jarrett, 92, of Shelburne, died peacefully surrounded by her three devoted daughters at Wake Robin on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022, after a short illness.

Joanne was born in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., on Aug. 27, 1930, to Richard and Marcella (Reynolds) Leonard. Her father died from tuberculous when she was just 5 years old. Her mother later remarried, and Joanne was raised by Marcella and her stepfather, Robert (Bob) Capes and her large, extended Irish family in Saratoga.

They welcomed her sister, Marcia (Capes) Schallen into the family the year Joanne headed off to The College of Saint Rose in Albany, where she graduated in 1951.

She met Robert (Bob) Jarrett on a blind date at a summer picnic in Saratoga. They were married in 1953. In the early years of their marriage, Joanne and Bob lived in Kittery, Maine, Long Island, and Charlton, N.Y. In 1963, they settled in Shelburne, where they raised their family, became avid skiers, were faithful members of St. Cath erine’s Church, pursued their careers and developed deep friendships and roots in their community.

Joanne began teaching at Shelburne Middle School in 1967. Always open to grow and evolve, she taught typing and then, with the advent of computers, keyboarding, until her retirement. In retirement, Joanne became a dedicated volunteer at the food shelf (now Feeding Chittenden), where she received several awards in recognition for

her loyal service.

She and Bob skied into their 80s. Tennis became a passion of hers beginning in the 1970s, and she played until she was 90, when she and her tennis friends finally turned their focus to bridge.

Joanne will be remembered as a strong, independent, kind and fun-loving spirit. Most notable was her caring toward and commitment to her family. She was an involved and loving presence in her daugh ters’ lives. They will always remember and appreciate the effort she put into sewing up Halloween costumes and clothes, the hours she spent carting them and their friends to various high school activities and sport events, and the unconditional love and support she provided in good times and bad.

She was a devoted wife who became Bob’s primary caregiver in the last years of his battle with Parkinson’s disease. She moved to Wake Robin after his death, where she enjoyed walks around the lovely grounds, volunteered weekly at the gift shop and joined a bridge group.

Joanne is survived by her three daugh ters, Susan Smith (Vic), Nancy Jarrett Lee (Steve), and Mary Jarrett (Bonnie); her granddaughters, Jennifer Jackson (Greg) and Shannon Smith; her four great-grand children; her sister, Marcia Schallen; her sister-in-law, Mary McGirr; and her many nieces and nephews.

We will miss her dearly. A special thank you to the staff at Wake Robin, to the nurses and caregivers at University of Vermont Baird 3, to Miriam Sheehey and to the “Sweety Bettys,” particularly Mary Loney, Linda Hollingdale, Sally Dunkleman and Karen Hier for their friendship and care.

A Catholic funeral Mass will be cele brated on Friday, Nov. 4, at 11:30 p.m. at the St. Catherine of Siena Church in Shel burne. A luncheon reception will follow at St. Catherine’s reception hall.

Those who wish can make contribu tions in her name to Feeding Chittenden, 228 N. Winooski Avenue, Burlington VT 05401 (feedingchittenden.org); or Amer ican Parkinson Disease Association, Vermont Chapter, 1 South Prospect Street, Burlington VT 05401 (apdaparkinson.org/ what-is-parkinsons).

Charles Keefe

A. Joanne Jarrett

Charles Keefe

Grab a meal to go in Shelburne Nov. 8

Age Well and St. Catherine’s of Siena Parish in Shelburne are once again teaming up to provide a meal to go for anyone age 60 and older on Tuesday, Nov. 8.

The menu is roast pork with sauce, mashed red potatoes, butter nut squash, wheat roll with butter, apple crisp with topping and milk. The meal will be available for pick up in the parking lot at 72 Church St. from 11 a.m.-noon.

To order contact Sheryl Ober ding at soberding@yahoo.com (preferred) or 802-825-8546.

The deadline to order is Thurs day, Nov. 3.

More at agewellvt.org.

Richmond church serves up chicken pie supper

The Richmond Congregational Church is holding a chicken pie supper takeout on Sunday, Nov. 6, 1-3 p.m.

The pies are filled with local chicken and savory gravy and no vegetables added this year. Dinner includes savory chicken with gravy, biscuits, squash with maple syrup, special coleslaw made the morning of pick-up, and your

Notes

choice of a 9-inch apple or pump kin pie. Pick is Sunday, Nov. 6, from 1-3 p.m. at the the church, 20 Church St.

Order at rccucc.org/chick en-pie-takeout-dinner or call 802-434-2053. Suggested dona tion is$65. All proceeds support the Richmond Food Shelf and Rich mond Congregational Church.

Shelburne community hosts blood drive

Give the gift of blood on Tues day, Nov. 22 from noon-5 p.m. at St. Catherine of Siena in Shel burne.

To give, call 800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org and enter Shelburne to schedule an appoint ment.

United Church of Hinesburg holds holiday bazaar

The United Church of Hines burg will hold its annual holi day bazaar on Saturday, Nov. 19 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Osborne Parish Hall (next to the church on Route 116).

Come shop in the grand mother’s attic, jewelry corner and

arts and crafts center. There are also homemade baked goods from an array of local cooks, includ ing baked beans, pies, homemade breads, cookies and fudge. Lunch is offered at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., featuring soups and sandwiches and a free dessert.

A variety of Christmas wreaths will also be for sale in the parking lot.

Chittenden County looks to form 18U hockey team

Chittenden South Burlington Youth Hockey, in partnership with Essex Youth Hockey, plans a full season for a youth 18U team. If you’re interested, register at bit.ly/CSB18U2223.

League of women voters discusses climate change

On Thursday, Nov. 17, at 7 p.m. the League of Women Voters of Vermont, in partnership with Kellogg-Hubbard Library of Montpelier, presents “What Climate Change Means to You.”

To register for the free Zoom presentation, go to kellogghub bard.org/adult-programs. All guests must register.

A bit of Beethoven

The Burlington Civic Symphony presents its fall concert on Saturday, Nov. 5, at 7 p.m. at the Lyman C. Hunt Middle School in Burlington. The program features Beethoven’s Egmont Overture; J. S. Bach’s Passacaglia and Fugue in C minor and Antonín Dvorák’s Symphony No. 9 in E minor “From the New World.” Conducted by Daniel Bruce, the concert is free and open to the public. Donations accepted. For more information visit bcsovt.org. Above, Daniel Bruce.

Cochran’s Ski & Ride sale returns this weekend

The annual Cochran ski and ride sale will be held at Camels Hump Middle School in Rich mond on Saturday, Nov. 5, from

8 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 6 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Shop for gear including alpine skis, snowboarding, telemark skiing, Nordic skiing, backcoun try travel, boots, clothing and more.

We Can Take

From an armoire

COURTESY PHOTO

memorializing Webb posted on the Shelburne Farms website.

Over the years, he worked on the farm in a variety of roles as milker, assistant cheesemaker, field hand, and special projects coordinator. More than anything, he grew to love the woods on the farm.

“He was never happier than out with the trees,” lifelong friend Bob Kinzel recounted. “Preserv ing this land became his passion,” he added.

As the first woodlands manag er, he spent innumerable hours tapping sugar maples, tending the boiling sap in the sugarhouse, felling timber and charting and constructing the farm’s first walk ing trails, which ultimately opened the campus to thousands of people.

“Marshall’s generosity of

spirit, deep connection to place, and playful soul were a model for his coworkers and pure magic to program participants and visitors,” read Shelburne Farms’ statement.

“Over the years and with endless patience, he worked alongside and mentored so many staff in how to tap maple trees or run a chainsaw, then how to close the day with a fierce game of stickball.

“He met the world with a kind ness and curiosity that fed and inspired all who knew him, and all who learned from him.”

In addition to his work at Shelburne Farms, he has also served on the boards of several local non-profits, including the Shelburne Craft School, Pier son Library, and All-Souls Inter faith Gathering, where he sang in the choir. He also was a lifelong

photographer, and taught photog raphy through the “Lenses on the Land” workshops at the farm.

“We have lost an environmen tal hero,” mourned Jacob Scherr from the podium, emphasizing the recurring theme of Webb’s life. “Don’t just talk about the environ ment, take action.”

Webb was born April 22, 1948 — a date that just 22 years later would also be known as Earth Day, mirroring the mission that would grow to encompass his life: acting upon the earth’s pressing climate crisis. His final role at the farm became the carbon draw down coordinator, spearheading efforts to help the organization achieve carbon negative status by 2028, a goal that Shelburne Farms

WEBB continued from page 1

PHOTOS BY LEE KROHN

Members of Marshall Webb’s family remember him in song with members of the Brett Hughes Band. Webb died in August.

See WEBB

pledges to achieve in his memory.

“Throughout his life, he led with a heartfelt love and concern for the planet, which the nonprofit channeled and shared,” the organization wrote. “As a grandfather and as a citizen of this earth, he was a champion in the fight against global climate change.”

Webb’s fascination with nature was deeply personal. In a stroke of serendipity, he died on the afternoon of a harvest moon.

“The day that Marshall died, the weather was volatile. But it ended, as stormy days often do, with an amazing series of natural wonders: a rainbow, a glowing sunset and a super moon,” wrote Shelburne Farms. “It was easy to believe that the universe was honoring him with the show. He was an original and irreplaceable. Marshall’s legacy here has been profound.”

As the sun shone through the windows in the breeding barn, Kinzel remembered Webb’s, “infectious smile and the sparkle in

his eye.”

“He wore his family lineage lightly — mostly shrugged it off — but his long years

at the farm gave him endless stories to share, which he readily did with grace and humor,” according to a statement from Shel

burne Farms this week. “He was a bridge to the not-so-distant past, though his mind and heart were firmly fixed on the future.”

PHOTOS BY LEE KROHN

Bob Kinzel, above at left, a longtime friend of Marshall Webb, eulogizes his friend at a celebration of life at the Breeding Barn at Shelburne Farms Oct. 29

gence arm.

Vallee and his wife, Denise, learned after he died that Charlie had been named head of the DIA’s chief counterterrorism group, and discovered that Char lie’s efforts assisted in the U.S. raid on ISIS leader Hajji Abdallah in February.

“I always thought he was a leader at whatev er he did,” Vallee said.

But after contract ing COVID-19 in early January, Charlie’s symptoms persisted — growing more debil itating over time. By March, he was experi encing uncontrollable arm shaking, and brain fog so overwhelming he had trouble reading and retaining informa tion.

He was getting lost in grocery stores with trouble finding his way out, and while he was supposed to be deployed to Jordan in February, he ultimately requested a medi cal leave of absence, unable to handle his job responsibilities, Vallee said.

He returned home to Vermont to visit his parents in late April, a week before he died. “He didn’t really want to go out that much, but he sort of seemed normal,” Vallee said. “You just don’t know sometimes.”

He went back to Washington, and on May 3, after suffering through four months of long Covid symptoms, died by suicide.

“Nothing prepared us for the news of May 3,” Vallee said at his son’s memorial, “where not understanding what long Covid did to our son is almost as bad as the shock of death.”

In the wake of their tragedy, the Vallee family has channeled their grief into trying to help other families who may be in similar circumstances. They’ve started the Charles M. Vallee Foundation, a research organiza tion, to spread awareness of long Covid’s impact on the brain and mental health by supplying grants for research.

“We want to deploy as many resources as we can quickly,” Vallee said. “Because I think there are a lot of folks out there that need to be given some hope.”

‘No one understands why’

David Kaminsky, a pulmonary and critical care physician with the Universi ty of Vermont Medical Center since 1995, remembers Charlie as a young kid, playing hockey with his son in Chittenden County leagues.

He remembers seeing him in videos posted to Facebook from Slovakia, after he was plucked from the South Burlington community, at just 11 years old, to go to the eastern European country after Vallee was nominated in 2005 by former President George W. Bush to be the United States’ ambassador.

When he read Charlie’s obituary, it reminded him of how important his work has become in the past two years.

Kaminsky — along with Katherine Menson and Suzanne Lawrence, a pulmo nologist, and a physical therapist and clin

ical research educator at the University of Vermont Medical Center, respectively — started a Covid recovery group in February 2021. The group meets over Zoom once a month, where dozens of people in Vermont and from all over the country meet to share stories and talk.

“It’s just to have someone to talk to, so they feel they’re not totally alone,” Kamin sky said. “That’s been very valuable for the community.”

Individuals with long Covid experience a cocktail of symp toms, persisting for three months or longer after initial exposure to the Covid-19 virus.

Patients have

reported a wide range of neurological symptoms — numbness in the hands or feet, intense migraines, spontaneous muscle pains, loss of smell or taste, the list goes on and on — but the most common reported symptoms include brain fog, shortness of breath and extreme fatigue.

Early studies have suggested that anywhere from 10 percent to 30 percent of people infected with the coronavirus end up developing long-term symptoms, and recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that nearly one in five people who have been infected with COVID-19 have some form of long Covid — potentially thousands of people in Vermont and millions throughout the coun try

“There are definitely people out there have been sick over two years now, which is just unbelievable to think about,” Kaminsky said. “I mean, this is what devastates people — they turn into these chronically exhaust ed people who can’t get out of their house. They miss their friends, they can’t work.”

“We’re talking about highly functioning people who just get slammed,” he added.

These symptoms often take a pernicious toll. A paper published by the European Respiratory Journal found 13.8 percent of patients with long Covid screened posi tive for depression. While there is no data on the frequency of suicide rates among people with long Covid, according to a report by Reuters, scientists from organiza tions including the U.S. National Institutes of Health are beginning to study a potential link following evidence of increased cases of depression and suicidal thoughts among people with long Covid.

The illness has been likened to chronic fatigue syndrome, or myalogic encephalo myelitis, which, like long Covid, has been consistently hard to define and often over looked by physicians.

“And now suddenly, long Covid comes along at a much higher profile affecting people all around the world, and it’s caused researchers to look more closely now at chronic fatigue,” Kaminsky said.

Physical symptoms aside, perhaps the most frightening aspect of the illness are the neurological aspects — what patients have described as a disconnect between

their brains and their nervous systems to the rest of their body. Post viral has always been a theory for chronic fatigue syndrome, Kaminsky said, “but now that there’s more research going into it, I wonder if we’ll be able to nail that down more definitively.”

The National Institute of Health last year, after getting $1.5 billion in funding from the U.S. Congress, launched an initia tive to identify the causes and the means of prevention and treatment of individuals who have been affects by COVID-19.

President Joe Biden’s administration in July 2021 designated long Covid as a disability under federal civil rights laws. But so far, those with the illness say efforts have not been enough. A stalled long Covid bill has been stuck in the U.S. Congress.

Kaminsky’s own research has been tracking lung function in 50 patients who contracted COVID-19, some of whom were hospitalized and severely ill, and others who were asymptomatic.

He hopes to publish his findings in the next several months. But, in general, many of the people he sees who report shortness of breath have no identifiable abnormalities in their lung function at all.

“If you look at what’s been published so far, other people have been finding the same thing. It’s very, very worrisome because it means that somehow Covid is affecting the way we perceive our breathing, or somehow the signaling of what’s going on in the lungs to the brain is somehow off,” he explained. “So, the brain thinks you’re short of breath even though the lungs are working fine.”

“It’s very frightening because no one understands why.”

‘We just don’t know what to do’

Charlie had tried everything.

Psychological examinations, neurologi cal tests, a complete MRI, a wide range of medicines and supplements — and a visit to the George Washington University Long Covid Clinic.

But “at every turn, we heard the same thing — we just don’t know what to do, and time will heal this affliction,” Vallee said in his eulogy. “We will never know why more time to heal was not enough for Charlie. What we do know, is that he was one of the most wonderful people to ever walk the face of this earth ... he was a prince among men.”

Now, the Vallee family hopes to tackle this problem head on — to “fund research designed to produce treatments, or at least pathways to help these folks get some hope,” Vallee said.

Having survived his own bout with myeloma — initially diagnosed in 2017 with a return in 2021, but now in remission — Vallee will take another dive into under standing a perplexing medical condition, and what treatments exist.

Articles on the foundation’s website — which can be found at bit.ly/3FvaQtj — detail some of the research that’s been conducted, including an article from the Mayo Clinic on “dealing with ‘brain fog.’” Vallee said “a couple people” have expressed interest in donating to the foun dation, but they’re still working out the exact mechanisms for financing.

And while the grant program is just getting started, Vallee said he was encour aged by the National Institutes of Health funding, “but those programs take a while.”

“I think what we’re going to focus on is what kind of relief is available now to people that are struggling, just to give them hope,” he added.

At UVM, physical therapy has shown demonstrable improvements, but “this has to be a very different kind of physical ther apy than most people have encountered,” Kaminsky said, indicating a more gradual and less intensive therapy as demonstrated through research by the Mount Sinai group in New York City.

“Most people when they have physi cal therapy ... the physical therapist really pushes them to get them back into shape,” he said. “That strategy backfires when you try it in a long Covid patient, because as soon as they exert themselves too much, they get wiped out. Fatigue, extreme fatigue that can last for days and weeks.”

Meanwhile, getting the word out is para mount for Kaminsky and his colleagues, showing those afflicted with the illness that they should be taken seriously, that those treating them should take it seriously, and, most important, that patients are not alone.

“I think if Charlie had had some sense that there was hope — and I think there is because I think in the end, most people kind of get over it, it may take a while,” Vallee said. “But what pathways can we show these people?”

Charlie Vallee

COURTESY PHOTOS

Charlie Vallee, center, with his parents, Denise and Skip.

Girls’ cross country brings CVU first fall title

READ CORRESPONDENT

The top runners to cross the finish line at the Division I cross country state cham pionships on Saturday made everything

look red.

Champlain Valley placed five runners in the top 10 in the girls’ race to capture the state title, returning the Redhawks to the top spot in the state.

Alice Kredell led the way for CVU,

Champlain Valley Union Playoff Roundup

winning the individual state title and finish ing nearly two seconds ahead of the runner up.

Estella Laird came in next, finishing in fourth. Audrey Neilson was seventh, Amelie Scharf came in eighth place and Lydia Donahue was tenth for the Redhawks.

CVU saw its 12-year state title run ended last season when Burlington won the girls crown but after just one year, the Redhawks returned to the top of the heap.

Matthew Servin led the way for Cham plain Valley boys, coming in first place to win the individual state crown. Jack Crum was fifth for CVU and Dan Knight came in eighth.

Owen Deale was 11th and Charles Gara velli came in 23rd to round out the top five finishers for the CVU.

The Redhawk boys team came in second overall, just behind state champs St. Johns bury.

LAUREN READ CORRESPONDENT

Football

Champlain Valley 49, South Burlington-Burlington 20: Champlain Valley’s Jack Sumner scored five touchdowns to help the Redhawks grab a 49-20 win over Burlington-South Burlington co-op team in the Division I playoffs on Oct. 29.

Sumner had two touchdown catches and three rushing TDs for the unbeaten Redhawks, while Ollie Cheer threw three touchdown passes. Bill Bates had a TD catch and Chase Leonard had an intercep tion return for a touchdown.

The top-seed Redhawks now advance to the semifinals, where they will take on No. 4 Essex on Saturday, Nov. 5, at 1 p.m.

CVU will need to beat the Hornets to advance to its second straight title game. The two teams met in the seventh week of the regular season with CVU winning 28-21.

Girls’ volleyball

Champlain Valley 3, South Burling ton 0: The girls team edged out No. 10 South Burlington in the playoffs on Oct. 29.

The No. 2 Redhawks now advance to the semifinals where they will meet No. 3 Rice on Nov. 3.

CVU beat the Wolves 25-23 in the first set, followed by a 25-21 second set and a repeat score in the third to clinch the win.

The 14-1 Redhawks met Rice once in the regular season, beating the Green Knights 3-2.

If CVU beats Rice it will advance to the title match for the sixth straight time, which will be held on Sunday, Nov. 6, at Saint Michael’s College.

Boys’ soccer

Champlain Valley 1, St. Johnsbury 0: Champlain Valley struck early in the game and held off St. Johnsbury in the soccer quarterfinals Oct. 29.

Sam Dennison scored the lone goal for the No.2 Redhawks just under the seven-minute mark. Lucas Kelley had the assist and Evan Statton stopped two shots in the shutout.

CVU will now play No. 3 Colchester in the semifinals on Wednesday at 3 p.m.,

after press deadline.

The Redhawks and the Lakers had one matchup in the regular season, with CVU winning 4-2. They will look to duplicate that result and advance to the title game.

Girls’ soccer

Champlain Valley 2, Essex 0: The girls soccer team advanced to the semifi nals with a win over Essex on Oct. 28.

The top-seeded Redhawks got a goal in the first half and tacked on a second in the second to beat No.9 Essex in the quarterfi nals. Anna Morton and Lily Williams each scored for CVU.

Chloe Pecor had two assists, while Emma Allaire stopped two shots in goal.

CVU faced No. 5 Rutland in the semifi nals Tuesday at 3 p.m. after deadline. The 13-0-1 Redhawks did not play the Raiders in the regular season.

Field hockey

Champlain Valley 4, Mount Mans field 0: Champlain Valley jumped out to a 4-0 lead at halftime enroute to a win over Mount Mansfield in the DI quarterfinals.

Claire Marcoe had a hat trick to lead the Redhawks, with Miranda Oppen heimer adding a goal. Carly Strobeck, Sophie Madden, Tess Everett and Danielle Gamelin each had an assist for CVU (13-2).

Grace Ferguson and Rianne Nagelhout combined to get the shutout.

No. 1 CVU faced No. 4 Bellows Falls in the semifinals Tuesday at 5:45 p.m., after deadline. The two teams did not meet in the regular season.

The Terriers are looking to advance to their fifth straight DI title game and CVU is looking to return to final for the first time since 2020.

Boys’ volleyball

Champlain Valley 3, BFA-St. Albans 0: The Champlain Valley boys volley ball team beat BFA-St. Albans Oct. 27 to advance semis.

The Redhawks beat the Bobwhites 3-0 and the No. 2 seed advanced to next round.

CVU faced No. 3 Essex on Wednesday at 6 p.m., after deadline. The two teams played twice during the regular season, with the Hornets and Redhawks each taking one.

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Residential Direct Support Professional: Provide supports to an individual in their home and in the community in 24h shifts including asleep overnights in a private, furnished bedroom. You can work two days, receive full benefits and have five days off each week! Other flexible schedules available, starting wage is $20/hr, $1,000 sign on bonus.

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Champlain Community Services, Inc.

ARIES

March 21 - April 20

Aries, you’re normally content acting on a whim, but this week you may want to plan your schedule with a bit more detail. Think about what to accomplish.

TAURUS

April 21 - May 21

When considering a situation, remember there is more than meets the Taurus. Dig a little deeper and you may uncover the truth. Remember to ask the right questions.

GEMINI

May 22 - June 21

Gemini, you have an entire team rallying in your corner this week. You can use a little extra support. All you need to do is speak up and others will come to your aid.

CANCER

June 22 - July 22

Few things escape your notice, Cancer. However, this week something may just sneak by you. Don’t fret too much, as it’s not really vital. But try to focus better.

LEO

July 23 - Aug. 23

There’s a million things going on in your life this week, Leo. You need to zero in on one or two tasks and get down to business; otherwise, you can easily get overwhelmed.

VIRGO

Aug. 24 - Sept. 22

Virgo, listen to your heart this week. It will not guide you astray. You have some soulsearching to do right now to uncover some answers you have been seeking.

LIBRA

Sept. 23 - Oct. 23

Don’t let others bring you down, Libra. Focus and maintain a positive attitude and you can do just about anything you set your mind to this week. Start making plans.

SCORPIO

Oct. 24 - Nov. 22

A big change is coming your way, Scorpio, and you’ve never been more ready. Adopt a receptive mindset and await all of the excitement that is coming your way.

SUDOKU

Here’s How It Works:

Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must ll each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can gure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

CROSSWORD

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 23 - Dec. 21

Keep your eyes on the prize, Sagittarius. You are so close to the end result right now, so just a little more patience is needed. You’ll discover some surprising things.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22 - Jan. 20

There’s not much more you can add to a situation, Capricorn. When communication fails, it’s dif cult to overcome obstacles. A relationship may come to an end.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 21 - Feb. 18

Aquarius, when you put your hope in someone you can trust, the positive outcome shouldn’t be too surprising. Close friends and family will help out.

PISCES

Feb. 19 - March 20

There’s so much that you are eager to learn, so why not enroll in a class or take up a new hobby, Pisces? You can continue your education.

ACROSS

DOWN

Exclamation used for emphasis

Expel from one’s property

Philly transit body

Small amount of something

Retirement account

Holey type of cheese

Young pig

Climbing palm

Discomfort

Bull ghter

High-level computer language

Fleshy extensions above the throat

Request

Equal to 10 meters (abbr.)

Bruce and Spike are two

Precipice

Wombs

A radio band

Emphasizes an amount

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