Shelburne News - 11-10-22

Veterans Day

Shelburne woman votes for first time

From Liberia to Shelburne, Linda Yekeh shares her story

LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER

Behind Shelburne resident Linda Yekeh’s infectious smile and joyous person ality is a story of hope, perseverance and determination in the face of hardship. Yekeh came to Burlington in 2013 from Liberia. Since she was 13 years old, Libe ria has been plagued with war, famine and a lack of safety for her and her six family members that remained in the country. Her move to America nine years ago was just the beginning of a new life.

She initially arrived in the U.S. without her husband and two daughters, but recon nected with her mother, father and sisters who were already living in Burlington. Taking classes with Mercy Connection, an educational and values-driven social impact organization, she was eventually natural ized as a U.S. citizen on June 25, 2021 — her birthday.

“It was tough working and learning at the same time,” Yekeh shared, noting that her coworkers and others were quick to

See YEKEH on page 12

CVU beats Middlebury for Division I football title

LAUREN READ SPORTS CORRESPONDENT

All season long, the Champlain Valley Union High School football team has been led by its offense.

The high-powered Redhawk offense has helped CVU blow teams away.

But on Saturday night in Rutland in the Division I state championship game and with a title on the line, it was the defense that saved the day.

Champlain Valley won the title game 24-19 and captured the program’s first state championship by stopping a Middlebury

comeback on the goal line as time expired.

“We legitimately lost our mind,” CVU coach Rahn Fleming said. “The ball gets knocked away, the clock ticked to zero and everybody on the defense began to run toward the sideline and everybody on the sideline began to run toward the defense. It was so symbolic of how it didn’t matter if you set foot on the field for a single compet itive rep, we got there together.”

For most of the second half, it looked like the No. 1 Redhawks would not need any late game drama to ensure a title win.

PHOTO BY LEE KROHN

Retired Col. Bud Ockert of Shelburne was the keynote at Shelburne’s Veterans Day ceremony on Friday at the Shelburne Veterans Monument. More photos on page 10.

Holiday Without Hunger campaign gets underway

Feeding Chittenden is call ing for support in its effort to feed 10,000 food-insecure fami lies during its Holidays Without Hunger campaign through Dec. 31.

Feeding Chittenden direc tor Rob Meehan says the agency saw an increase in people seeking assistance since the pandemic, and many households are facing rising costs of housing, food and heating.

Donations received through the campaign will be used to purchase holiday fixings such as turkeys, mashed potatoes, stuffing and potatoes.

Donate online by visiting feedingchittenden.org or texting “give” to 802-242-5953. Dona tions can also be made in person

at 228 North Winooski Avenue in Burlington, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Here are some key upcoming dates in the hunger campaign:

• Feeding Chittenden Thanks giving meal: Community Resource Center, Wednesday, Nov. 23, 1-3 p.m.

• Hours for donors and commu nity supporters: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

• Hours for those needing food assistance: Nov. 17, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., and Nov. 18, 21, 22 and 23, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Donors can still drop off turkeys and donations at 228 North Winooski Avenue in Burlington. Donations of turkey breasts and roasts, as well as holiday fixings such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, sweet potatoes, corn and green beans will also be accepted.

Community Notes

Williston Federated Church hosts holiday bazaar

The Williston Federated Church, at 44 North Williston Road, will hold its annual Christ mas bazaar on Saturday, Nov. 19, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

The bazaar will feature crafts, a bake sale, soups to-go, plants, attic treasures and a silent auction. Local artist Nancy Stone will be selling her book “251 Vermont Vistas.”

Call 802-862-7400 or visit steeple.org for more information.

Homestead hosts talk on botanist Fanny Allen

On Sunday, Nov. 20, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., Ethan Allen Home stead’s head gardener, Tom Shar pley, discusses the accomplish ments of Allen’s wife, Frances, Vermont’s first known native bota nist.

The presentation at the home stead will explore what 18th-cen tury gardeners were growing and how they used their gardens to provide more than just food for their communities.

For more information, email ethanallenhomestead@gmail.com.

Age Well, church offer grab and go meal

Age Well and St. Catherine’s of Siena Parish in Shelburne will provide a meal to go for anyone

age 60 and older on Tuesday, Dec. 13.

The meal will be available for pick up in the parking lot at 72 Church St. from 11 a.m. until noon. The menu is stuffed chick en breast with apple and cran berry stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, sliced carrots, cranber ry sauce, wheat dinner roll with butter, pumpkin cake and milk.

To order a meal, contact Sheryl Oberding at soberding@ yahoo.com or 802-825-8546

Deadline to order is Wednes day, Dec. 7.

Download the necessary meal registration form at bit.ly/3UR c4U3.

An Age Well representative will not be available with $5 donation restaurant tickets to dine at one of its participating restau rants. This month, they can be purchased at the Age Well Office in Colchester or an Age Well representative will be available at the Charlotte Senior Center from 11:30 to 12:30 p.m.

Burlington Garden Club wins awards from peers

The Burlington Garden Club received several awards at the recent annual meeting of the New England Garden Clubs.

The club won the Sears Beau tification Award for its care of several gardens in the community, including Vermont Garden Park in South Burlington, and Ronald

MacDonald House and Hope Lodge, both in Burlington.

The second award, The Mary Stone Garden Therapy Award, holds a special significance for club member Gail Lang and, in turn, the whole club. With the award being named for Lang’s mother, winning the garden therapy award proved especially rewarding with the cita tion “for making the residents of Birchwood Nursing Home smile, by delivering ninety floral arrange ments.”

The third award, The Pamela C. Hebert Garden of Youth Award, is designated for club members to work with children on projects involving beautification and youth education.

United Church of Hinesburg holds holiday bazaar

The United Church of Hines burg will hold its annual holiday 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.

Total reported incidents: 72

Traffic stops: 2

Warnings: 3

Arrests: 1

Medical emergencies: 23

Suspicious incidents: 10

Domestic incidents: 1

Agency assists: 6 Citizen assists: 1

Automobile incidents: 2

Car crash: 3

Animal problem: 1

Fire: 2

Theft: 6

Harassment: 1

Assault: 1 Alarms: 3

Pending investigations: 7

Oct. 27 at 9:26 p.m., Theodore Hopper, 20, of Shelburne was arrested for driving under the

CRIME & COURTS

influence, first offense, and was released.

Oct. 30 at 8:06 a.m., Patrick Buffet, 84, of Shelburne, was found unresponsive at Wake Robin. Police and EMS later determined Buffet had died, and officers determined the death was not suspicious.

Nov. 7 at 12:34 p.m., a two-car crash was reported earlier in the day on Harbor Road.

Nov. 7 at 2:01 p.m., a retail theft was reported at Kinney Drugs. Police found the individual and issued them a no-trespass notice.

Nov. 7 at 2:15 p.m., Shelburne fire extinguished a trash fire at the Route 7 deli.

Nov. 7 at 3:14 p.m., a one-car crash was reported earlier

in the day on Shelburne and Shagbark roads.

Nov. 7 at 6:56 p.m., police inter vened in a verbal dispute between multiple guests at the Countryside Motel.

Nov. 8 at 4:35 a.m., a domes tic disturbance was reported at Harbor Place, but officers could not find the individuals upon arrival.

Nov. 9 at 9:52 a.m., a caller reported a theft from several vehicles at Green Mountain Kenworth. A theft report was taken, and the case is under investigation.

Nov. 9 at 10:22 a.m., police received another report of theft from several vehicles at Modern Design on Shelburne Road. The case is under inves

tigation.

Nov. 9 at 11:52 a.m., a guest was reportedly creating a distur bance at the Quality Inn and was refusing to leave. The individual left the scene prior to officers’ arrival.

Nov. 9 at 3:56 p.m., police arrest ed Robert Duchaine, 41, of Shelburne, for a reported domestic assault that occurred in October, police said, after officers found Duchaine having a verbal dispute with a woman on Falls Road.

Nov. 9 at 4:49 p.m., a caller reported a retail theft from Tractor Supply.

Nov. 9 at 5:57 p.m., Kinney Drugs reported a retail theft. Police could not locate the individu al, but the case remains under investigation.

Nov. 10 at 12:32 a.m., an Exec utive Drive resident reported seeing individuals “dumpster diving,” police said. No action was taken.

Nov. 10 at 9:33 a.m., thefts from vehicles were reported at Modern Design.

Nov. 10 at 2:12 p.m., a trans former fire was reported on Shelburne Road. Shelburne

fire was dispatched, and Green Mountain Power was notified.

Nov. 11 at 6:14 a.m., a caller told police they were assaulted by an individual at the bus stop near Harbor Place. Police from Shelburne and South Burling ton were dispatched.

Nov. 11 at 11:25 a.m., a caller reported finding a campsite near his residence and the T-Bird Motel, and officers found what appeared to be an abandoned campsite.

Nov. 11 at 6:51 p.m., a two-car crash was reported on Shel burne and Pine Haven Shores roads with no injuries.

Nov. 12 at 10:07 p.m., a caller reported a loud party at a Locust Hill residence. Officers spoke with the homeowner about the noise.

Nov. 13 at 7:51 a.m., police witnessed a suspicious person entering a residential window on Mt. Philo Road, but when police spoke with the home owner, they said it was only her son.

Nov. 13 at 5:56 p.m., a caller reported receiving threatening calls at Harbor Place. The case is under investigation.

Shelburne News

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Shelburne Police Blotter

Police disrupt catalytic converter theft ring

An investigation by Bradford Police and a half dozen other police agencies has led to several arrests in connection to hundreds of thefts of catalytic converters, including ones in South Burlington and Shelburne.

At the urging of police in Bradford, state troopers seized a vehicle involved in a one-car crash on Oct. 30 in Newark they said was related to the rash of catalytic converter thefts across Vermont and New Hampshire.

On Nov. 2, armed with a search warrant, state police, with the assistance of police from Bradford, Lyndonville and St. Johns bury, seized several stolen catalytic converters and other evidence at a home at Franklin Estates in Newark, police said.

They also seized over 1,000 bags of heroin, varying quantities of cocaine, more than $10,000 and numerous firearms, several of which were stolen.

The next day, Bradford police searched the vehicle involved in the crash and found several more stolen catalytic converters and some tools they said were used in the thefts. Police said their investigation

revealed that the vehicle was the same one used in other thefts of catalytic converters across the two states.

Police arrested Rusty Perry, 33, of Newark on several unspecified charges related to the thefts, Gary Bolton, who police describe as a transient, and a 15-year-old juve nile male, who, along with Bolton, was arrested by state police only hours earlier in a suspected cata lytic converter theft in St. Johnsbury.

Bradford Police later arrested Adam Hale, 42, of St. Johnsbury for his involvement the alleged theft ring. He was issued citations to appear in courts in Orleans, Caledo nia, Orange, Windsor and Chittenden counties.

Police claim the men and juvenile are responsible for stealing approximate ly 200 catalytic converters in Shelburne, South Burlington, Orleans, St. Johnsbury, Lyndonville, Ryegate, Wells River, Brad ford, Norwich, Berlin and Barre, and in several towns in New Hampshire, including Lancaster, Lebanon, Keene and Swanzey.

More arrests are expected, police said.

Adam Hale

OPINION

Fork in the road: an obligation to secure our own liberty

next election.

Yogi Berra is credited with the maxim, “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.” He was giving fellow catcher Joe Garagiola directions to his house. He was saying that either choice at the fork would lead to Berra’s place where Garagiola needed to go.

Our dilemma today is fatefully differ ent. As Americans in our third century, we too face a critical decision, but the choice too many of us and too many of our politi cal leaders are making ends in our destruc tion. Where our destiny now divides, only one road leads to safe harbor for our people and survival for our self-governing republic.

I don’t mean there’s only one accept able position on most public questions. I favor reasoned compromise on all but the most morally unambiguous issues. And it’s not hard to find lots of Ameri cans, including me, who call for an end to partisan stalemate. I wish more voters and politicians, both progressives and conser vatives, were willing to place the common good above jockeying for position in the

That’s assuming, of course, that there is a next election. These things don’t happen automatically.

The fork in the road that I’m talking about isn’t a matter of competing public policy options. The choice that’s upon us touches nothing less than our country’s preservation.

Liberty is my right to worship freely and declare my opinions about public issues. Liberty is the rule of law, respect for the law and equality before the law. It’s my right to vote without contrived impediments. It’s the unalienable ideal that makes slavery anathema.

he lost. He instigated an armed assault on Congress to prevent the certification of the new president-elect. MAGA allies in Congress and state capitals likened the insurrection’s televised brutality to a visit by tourists. When called to testify, a cast of complicit Trump aides refused to comply with lawful subpoenas.

Nothing in the sphere of civil govern ment ranks above our solemn, constitu tionally ordained obligation to “secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.” Our posterity means our children. Liberty doesn’t mean my right to refuse to wear a mask and thereby expose other Americans to disease. It certainly doesn’t grant me license to impose my religion on you, a tyranny forbidden by the First Amendment.

If you don’t believe me, don’t consult representatives Lauren Boebert or Marjo rie Greene. Check with James Madison. He wrote the First Amendment. It prohib its the establishment of an official govern ment religion. Or ask his friend Thomas Jefferson. Our third president wrote that the government of the United States “gives to bigotry no sanction” and “to persecution no assistance.”

It sickens me that mine may be the last generation to live out our lives in a free America. I grieve for American children who never know liberty as I have known it, and for parents who lose their liberty in the name of liberty. I shudder at the resur gent persecution increasingly unleashed on special victims.

Political violence is growing more commonplace every day. From local school board members to the highest federal officials, public servants and their families are targets of death threats. The husband of the speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives is attacked in his home, and his skull fractured by hammer blows. A chorus of Republican candidates, office holders and leaders including the 45th president responds with jokes and mock ery. Rally audiences laugh and cheer.

Poor Elijah’s Almanack Peter N. Berger See BERGER

What kind of people are we becoming? That same former president respond ed to losing an election by denying that

Back in our republic’s early days, Congress imposed a tax on whiskey. When farmers in western Pennsylvania refused to pay, George Washington rode out from Philadelphia with Alexander Hamilton and an army numbering 13,000 to compel respect for lawful federal authority. The whiskey rebels submitted, and the tax was paid, but many Americans applauded the farmers and regarded them as patriots, just as many Trump supporters today exalt the seditionists who stormed the halls of Congress.

Our first president had a different take. He condemned the rebels’ rash, intem perate actions as “the treasonable fury of so small a portion of the United States.” He asserted his conviction that yielding to that coercive mob would violate our Constitution’s fundamental principle that

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Visit cswd.net for locations and materials accepted.

Vermonters voted for balance, collaboration, governor says

Guest Perspective

Gov. Phil Scott

At 4 a.m. the day before every election, my team and I set out on a 14-county tour, visiting all of Vermont’s 14 counties in one day. This 500-plus-mile tour has a way to put things into perspective. It reinforces how beautiful our state is and how much it has to offer. It reminds us that the differences between counties and communities can be stark.

We’ve been making progress to close this gap, but we must do more to make sure every family, in every part of our state, has the tools needed to be healthy, safe and successful. So, with the elec tion behind us, I hope everyone elected to serve in Montpelier will work with me to level the playing field from region to region, restoring economic secu rity and prosperity statewide.

Vermonters want us to work together. They want balance and moderation. They made that clear when electing me with about 70 percent of the vote and Democratic super-majorities in the Legislature.

Of course, they don’t want me to be a rubber stamp for the Legislature, nor do they want the Legislature to blindly go along with whatever I put forward. So that means we’ll be debating the issues, which I will continue to do with civility, seeking consen sus where possible, compromis ing when necessary and agreeing to disagree or let the process

run its course when we cannot resolve our differences.

Vermonters want us to put their needs ahead of politics.

This type of thoughtful, balanced government — with less partisanship and political positioning — is what gets the best results. Unfortunately, hyper-partisan political parties are driving Americans further and further apart and seem to get the most attention from the media.

They feel the strategy focusing on issues that divide us is easier to motivate more people to go to the polls, donate to campaigns and click on head lines.

But I don’t believe that’s where most Vermonters and Americans are. Most of us are somewhere in the center. Most of us could live without all the labels and name calling.

cal labels.

Just because we don’t agree on every issue doesn’t mean we’re enemies.

Most people with whom we disagree are, in fact, good people. They want to make a difference in their communities and things better for their kids, family and friends.

Whether we’re seasoned poli ticians or newly elected officials, each of us has the power to stop the cycle of partisan politics that is poisoning our nation.

Vermonters want us to work together. They want balance and moderation. They made that clear when electing me with about 70 percent of the vote and Democratic super-majorities in the Legislature.

Think about it. Would you ask your neighbor who they voted for before lending a help ing hand in their time need? Of course not. We need to remember to view each other as people first — fellow Americans — and judge each other by our basic decency, kindness and generosity toward each other and not politi

We can lead by example by treating each other with dignity and respect, living up to the responsi bility we’ve been given and remembering that our chil dren are watch ing. We need to put aside gamesmanship and divisive national agendas to make the people we serve our priority. I’ll do my part by continuing to work every single day to get the results Vermonters deserve, by listening, learning and leading, and always putting people before politics.

Phil Scott, a Republican, is governor of Vermont.

Above: The Champlain Valley Union High School football team before a game this fall.

Opposite: Jack Sumner started the scoring for CVU in Saturday’s title game capping off the game’s opening drive with a 9-yard touchdown run. Here he is turning the corner on Essex’s Joshua Brown during the Redhawks’ Division I semifinal win over the Hornets.

FOOTBALL

continued from page 1

But with just over three minutes remaining in the game, Middle bury cut the CVU lead to 24-19.

Then the Tigers defense made a stand with a chance to put together a game-winning drive.

No. 3 Middlebury moved up the field — a 26-yard pass and a penalty on the CVU defense helped — until they got to the 8-yard line.

But Redhawks answered, keeping the Tigers out of the end zone and clinching the win.

“In those final plays when it mattered most, they gave every thing and it was enough,” Flem ing said. “It was a bend but don’t break performance at a moment when the breaking would’ve been irreparable.”

Jack Sumner started off the scoring for CVU, capping off the game’s opening drive with a 9-yard touchdown run.

The Tigers tied the game up early in the second quarter, then took the 13-7 lead on a 21-yard TD run later in the frame.

Quarterback Ollie Cheer put the Redhawks back in front with under two minutes to play in the first half, hitting Brian Rutherford with a 15-yard touchdown pass.

Aidan Morris hit the extra point to put the team ahead 14-13.

CVU forced a turnover with 15 seconds left in the second and Morris hit a 43-yard field goal as time expired to give the Redhawks a 17-13 lead at halftime.

Sumner helped extend the lead, scoring on an 11-yard run midway through the third quarter to put the Redhawks up 24-13.

But Middlebury stopped CVU on the goal line in the fourth quar ter, then scored to close the gap at 24-19 with 3:01 left in the game, setting up the late defensive hero ics from the Redhawks defense.

The Redhawks can be excused for having flashbacks from last season’s championship game when they lost to Essex late in the game.

“I think that there were certain ly among those who were there for the game last year, there was a kind of collective, ‘Oh no, not this, not again, no way,’” Fleming said. “It was an interesting time of increased urgency and of a very painful memory that made it stron ger when we most needed it.”

Cheer went 23 for 36 for 287 yards and completed passes to six different receivers. Jack Sumner

caught six for 89 yards and Alex Provost ran 69 yards on six catch es.

The championship was a culmination of a multi-year march to the top of Division I. After CVU did not make the postseason in 2018 and 2019, COVID-19 put a hold on the 2020 season. The sport played a 7-versus-7 touch football season to get the athletes on the field and the Redhawks advanced all the way to the final.

“I really don’t look at the Covid season as a lost year,” Flem ing said. “It was a year for build ing character and beginning to establish character as a team and beginning to experience ourselves differently, which was you look around the locker room, you see a group of winners, you see guys who get it.”

They turned that success into an appearance in the champion ship game last season, falling to Essex in a heartbreaker in the snow.

But that loss served as fuel for CVU as the team pushed for a return to the title game.

CVU went unbeaten in the regular season against Vermont opponents, with a 10-0 record.

PHOTOS BY AL FREY

“the will of the majority shall prevail.”

He further contended that the rebels’ ill-conduct reflected more than their mere opposition to the specific whiskey tax and was actually prompted by their hostility to order and government authority generally, a far more troubling, perilous motivation.

Republican candidates loyal to Trump have publicly declared that they’ll only accept 2022’s election results if they win. He calls them “proud election deniers.” MAGA voters nod in

agreement. They believe their leaders’ entirely unsupported lies about stolen elections. Their leaders, however, know the only lies are in the leaders’ own mouths.

We have come to our fork in the road. It’s past time to acknowledge the truth to each other and to the still, small voice that is our conscience. On Jan. 6 we survived an attempted coup d’état launched by a traitorous president. That’s what we call it when it happens anywhere else. That’s what we should call it

when it happens here to us.

This is no time for impo tence or personal ambition. It’s a better thing to lose a democratic election than to lose democracy itself.

The evidence before our eyes is overwhelming and incon trovertible. Our memories are fresh. Justice must be served and satisfied.

The election dust is settling this morning. Democrats are giddier than they expected to be. Republicans are trying to put the best face on what must be for them a disappointing result. The same bile and the same clichés are already springing shameless ly from politicians’ lips.

What will we do when last night’s losing candidates pretend they didn’t lose? What will we do when we’re asked to swallow the first lie?

What does it say about us that we need to ask?

We have all around us chil dren, grandchildren and grown children, our children and the children of others. They are the heirs of our republic, an imper fect wonder that belongs to us only because it was kept safe for us.

Now it’s our turn. All we need is courage, wisdom, and decency.

Peter Berger has taught English and history for 30 years. Poor Elijah would be pleased to answer letters addressed to him in care of the editor.

Open daily 10am –7pm Santa arrives Friday, November 25 at 11am!

Shelburne holds Veterans Day ceremony

Veterans and residents listen as Col. Bud Ockert of Shelburne, bottom right, speaks at Shelburne’s Veterans Day ceremony on Friday at the Shelburne Veterans Monument.

PHOTOS BY LEE KROHN

Shelburne’s fire chief resigns

Jerry Ouimet is latest to leave key town position

LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER

Shelburne’s Town Manager Lee Krohn announced the resig nation of the town’s fire chief, Jerry Ouimet, to employees in an email on Oct. 31. The news came in the same email that noti fied employees of Adele Gravitz’s resignation as the planning direc tor for the town.

“I regret to inform you that Jerry Ouimet has resigned as Fire Chief,” read the email from Krohn. “We are grateful that he will remain an active volunteer firefighter, contributing his years of dedication and experience to our community.”

Ouimet is originally from Chateaugay, N.Y., and joined the fire service in August 1992. He is a certified firefighter, level two, and was an assistant chief more than a decade before becoming chief of the department in August 201, a role he held more than 10 years until his resignation last month.

News of the resignation adds Ouimet’s name to the list of resignations and slew of staffing changes within the town over the last few years. Krohn, who also serves as a member of the fire department, said that Ouimet has stepped down from his posi tion for “personal reasons,” but declined to elaborate.

Krohn appointed Dwight

Mazur acting fire chief until the fire department’s regular elec tion of officers in February, and deputy chief John Goodrich and assistant chief Andrew Dicker son have stepped up to help with managing the department and preparing a budget for next year.

Mazur has served with the Shelburne Fire Department for nearly 15 years, beginning as a firefighter and working his way up to assistant chief, a position he later resigned in order to spend more time with family.

Mazur has also worked with the Richmond Fire Department, as well as departments on the West Coast.

After department members elect new officers this winter, confirmation of their choice for a new chief is at the discretion of the town manager.

“Lee asked me to step back in temporarily because I’m one of the few people with command staff experience,” says Mazur. “I don’t feel I have the time to dedi cate fully, so I do not anticipate I will be running come February,” he continued.

“The department remains in good hands and will continue to operate in the same manner as it

did before, just without Jerry as our chief,” said Krohn.

The Shelburne Fire Depart ment has been providing emer gency services to the residents of the town since 1941. On top of fire suppression, heavy rescue, marine rescue, hazardous mate rial control and fire prevention, the fire department also provides education services.

“It’s amazing that this summer we were able to gain some new members, we have one member who is close to serving 45 years, and a member who passed away this past year who had been a member for over 50 years,” Krohn said.

Although the town’s fire department is all volunteer, members receive a small stipend based on their volunteer hours. Krohn emphasized that there is no lack of dedication from those who are members.

“Last year we calculated in aggregate that members have volunteered something like 6,400 hours,” he said.

Ouimet did not respond for requests for comment, but accord ing to Krohn he will remain a volunteer for the foreseeable future.

“I regret to inform you that Jerry Ouimet as resigned as fire chief.”

— Lee Krohn

YEKEH

continued from page 1

offer help as she studied. “I appre ciate all of them, they truly were amazing.”

During this time, she was also working hard to pursue her life long goal of a career within the medical field.

“As a child I loved helping people,” she said. “I knew that when I came to the U.S. that I needed to be in the medical field.”

She began work with the Univer sity of Vermont Home Health and Hospice where she began training to become a personal care assistant and to become a licensed nurse assistant. She currently works in the Miller building at the UVM Medical Center, as well as Wake Robin,

a nonprofit senior community in Shelburne.

Yekeh moved from Burlington, where she had been living with her sister, to find a home in Shel burne that would better suit her husband and two daughters once they arrived from Liberia.

“I truly love Shelburne, every one is just so kind,” she said. Her biggest accomplishment has been watch ing the success of her daughters, who are 21 and 24 years old. “I am able to give my children the life I didn’t have in Africa,” she said.

It was in Shelburne that she voted for the first time as a U.S. citizen during the 2022 midterm

Linda Yekeh was excited to vote in her first General Election this month since becoming an U.S. citizen.

elections. Although it seemed overwhelming, she shared that upon her arrival at the polls, she was greeted by helpful poll work ers who made the experience less intimidating.

“Everyone helped me and they were so nice. They explained everything for me to be able to

understand everything that was going to happen,” she said. “I was truly speechless watching my ballot go through.”

Recalling the moment that she presented her completed ballot, Yekeh said everyone in the room cheered as she walked to the ballot box.

As someone who would have never thought she could expe rience the freedom that voting brings, Yekeh shared that this right should never be taken for granted.

“Just one vote can change everything. Do not overlook it,” she urged. “Get out there and vote!”

PHOTO BY LIBERTY DARR

“I truly love Shelburne, everyone is so kind. I am able to give my children the life I didn’t have in Africa.”

— Linda Yekeh

TOWN OF SHELBURNE, VERMONT - SHELBURNE SELECTBOARD

Pursuant to 17 VSA 2641, the Shelburne Selectboard will hold two public hearings to consider an amendment to the Town Charter that if approved by the voters and eventually by the Vermont Legislature, would authorize the Town to adopt one or more local option taxes. These hearings will be held as part of regular Selectboard meetings that begin at 7:00 P.M. on both Tuesday, December 6, 2022 and Tuesday, December 22, 2022 at Shelburne Town Offices and via Zoom. The proposed Charter amendment is as follows:

The Town Selectboard shall be authorized to levy a one percent tax on sales, meals, and alcoholic beverages, and rooms. Any tax imposed under the authority of this subsection shall be collected and administered pursuant to 24 VSA ss 138 (Amended 2009, No. M-23 (Adj. Sess), ss 24, eff. May 20,2010; 2019 (Adj. Sess.), No. M-10 (Adj. Sess.), ss 2.)

To participate: This will be a hybrid meeting. To participate via Zoom: Join SELECTBOARD Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89373928191?pwd=c3pZcWVtRUNrTmJJMlViKzFndkRnQT09

Meeting ID: 893 7392 8191; Passcode: x4gP1v

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Meeting ID: 893 7392 8191; Passcode: 044733

CLASSIFIEDS

Positions include a sign on bonus, strong benefits package and the opportunity to work at one of the “Best Places to Work in Vermont”.

Service Coordinator: Continue your career in human services in a supportive environment by providing case management for individuals either for our Adult Family Care program or our Developmental Services program. The ideal candidate will have strong clinical, organizational & leadership skills and enjoy working in a team-oriented position. $47,000 annual salary, $1,500 sign on bonus.

Residential Program Manager: Coordinate staffed residential and community supports for an individual in their home. The ideal candidate will enjoy working in a team-oriented position, have strong clinical skills, and demonstrated leadership. $45,900 annual salary, $1,500 sign on bonus.

Direct Support Professional: Provide 1:1 supports to help individuals reach their goals in a variety of settings. This is a great position to start or continue your career in human services. Full and part time positions available starting at $19/hr, $1,000 sign on bonus.

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.

Shared Living Provider: Move into someone’s home or have someone live with you to provide residential supports. There are a variety of opportunities available that could be the perfect match for you and your household. Salary varies dependent on individual care requirements. $1,000 sign on bonus.

Join our dedicated team and together we’ll build a community where everyone participates and belongs https://ccs-vt.org/current-openings/

WE’RE HIRING! WE’RE HIRING!

Immerse your self in the world of gourmet chocolate! LCC uses business as a force for good. We listen, learn, and adapt to ensure that we provide an equitable and inclusive work environment where all people experience be longing, opportunity, respect, and dignity. We’re seeking motivated team members who want to join us in that effort!

Seasonal Shipping/Manufacturing - Williston

Seeking: A person who enjoys physical work, takes pride in the details, and enjoy the thrill of a busy holiday season in a chocolate factory!

Duties: producing, packaging/gift-boxing, and/or shipping our products with care and detail in a safe and supportive work envi ronment.

Qualifications: Ability to stand on your feet for long periods of time, lift up to 50 lbs, and have reliable transportation.

Retail Sales Associate – Waterbury

Seeking: A people person that will strive to provide an exceptional in-store experience for the diverse community of chocolate-lovers who visit our Waterbury store.

Duties: Assists store Manager, ensure customers receive out standing service, take inventory, assist with tours, etc.

Qualifications: High School, Cashier Experience, dedicated to quality

Community Bankers Chittenden County

BUILDERS | MAKERS | DOERS

There is no better time to join our Team!

Northfield Savings Bank, founded in 1867, is the largest banking institution headquartered in Vermont. We are committed to providing a welcoming work environment for all. Are you looking to start or continue a career in the finance industry? Consider joining our team as a Community Banker! To see all our available positions, please visit www.NSBVT.com/careers/open-positions.

Job Responsibilities & Requirements

This frontline position is crucial in creating a positive, welcoming and inclusive experience for NSB customers. The successful candidate will have exceptional customer service and communication skills. The Community Banker will be responsible for receiving and processing customers’ financial transactions as well as opening and maintaining customer accounts and services. We are looking for someone who can develop and maintain relationships with our valued customers, protect bank and customer information, and uphold customer confidentiality. A high school diploma, general education degree (GED), or equivalent is required.

If you have customer service, previous cash handling, or banking experience we encourage you to apply!

Opportunity for Growth

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

What NSB Can Offer You

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

We understand the importance of having evenings and weekends with our friends, families, and the communities we serve!

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

Human Resources | PO Box 7180, Barre, VT 05641

https://ccs-vt.org/current-openings/

Champlain Community Services, Inc.

Why not have a job you love?

Make a career making a difference and join our team today!

ARIES

March 21 - April 20

You may become impatient with the slow progress of a project at work, Aries. Before you get your feathers all ruf ed, gure out if bringing more people on the team may help.

TAURUS

April 21 - May 21

It may have taken a while, but you’ll start to see some results from actions you initiated weeks ago, Taurus. Your steady pace will pay off in a big way.

GEMINI

May 22 - June 21

Lean on all of your social contacts this week, Gemini. If you’re looking to get out of the house and have fun, they will probably have some ideas on where to go.

CANCER

June 22 - July 22

Be on guard with issues concerning your love life and relationships, Cancer. Things that were working out smoothly may need a little extra attention for the time being.

LEO

July 23 - Aug. 23

Luck will manifest itself in some surprising ways over the course of the next few days, Leo. Seemingly out of nowhere you will have a good turn of events that propel you forward.

VIRGO

Aug. 24 - Sept. 22

Negotiations will go in your favor this week, Virgo. Therefore, if you’ve been seeking a raise or a promotion, you may see that the tides have nally shifted in that direction.

LIBRA

Sept. 23 - Oct. 23

Watch out for overspending that can derail the careful budget that you have set in place, Libra. It may be wise to leave a credit card at home for the next few days.

SCORPIO

Oct. 24 - Nov. 22

Brace yourself, Scorpio, as things could get a bit wild this week. Energy levels rise and tempers may are. Figure out the best way to stay calm amid this confusion.

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

Plenty of good vibes are coming your way, Sagittarius. You just need to gure out if you’re going to share some good fortune with others and when that will occur.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22 - Jan. 20

A sweet connection with someone else could happen this week, Capricorn. This may be the start of a lasting relationship, whether it is romantic or platonic.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 21 - Feb. 18

Don’t be afraid to showcase your natural talents, Aquarius. Your unique skill set enables you to have a little fun with others and show off a bit at work.

PISCES

Feb. 19 - March 20

Figure out ways to connect with the life force that is all around you, Pisces. Try meditation in the outdoors to blend two experiences.