Shelburne News - 5-4-23

Bleeding heart

Shelburne

Shelburne business brings ‘meadowscaping’ to light

The Shelburne selectboard has once again endorsed the No Mow May initiative — just in time for the rainy forecasts that are no friend to mowers but a boon for pollinators.

The initiative, which first began

in the United Kingdom, promulgates the concept that by eliminating lawn mowing and other lawn maintenance practices — including pesticides and other chemicals — during the entire month of May, it offers bees and other pollinators a playground of resources at an important time during their lifecycles. Other popular phrases that

hold to virtually the same ideals are rewilding or wildscaping.

For the Shelburne-based seed business, American Meadows — whose owners are also from Shelburne — No Mow May is an ideal time for the company’s new motto of “Meadowscaping Makes it Better,” to challenge the limitingi beliefs surrounding lawns and

what that open space should be used for.

For nearly two decades, the company has been campaigning that even small improvements in pollinator habitats add up to healthier ecosystems.

See NO MOW MAY on page 20

OK’s

round of ARPA spending

After nearly five months, the Shelburne selectboard gave the green light to a second round of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) pandemic relief money allocations.

The selectboard last Tuesday approved spending $60,000 for fire station air compressor fill stations, $200,000 for efficiency improvements to the town office buildings, $15,000 for library plumbing repairs and $25,000 for medical equipment to the fire department.

The six-member ARPA committee formed in October and has met once a week over the last year to synthesize community input and recommendations for how the town should spend the $2.2 million to address multiple capital needs in Shelburne. One of the its primary goals was to use the money to benefit as many Shelburne residents as possible without creating ongoing costs.

“We want to benefit as much of the community as possible since this money is for the town, it’s for everybody,” Jeff Loiter, chair of the committee, said. “The intent here is to really make the best use

See ARPA on page 20

PHOTO BY LEE KROHN

Spring flowers start their show as temperatures warm and the rains come.

LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER

LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITERS

Towns should establish ash borer strategies, says extension system

GINGER NICKERSON UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT EXTENSION

The week of May 22-28 has been designated National Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week to help increase public awareness of this tree-killing beetle and the damage it can cause to all species of native ash trees within the Fraxinus genus.

The emerald ash borer, a native of southeast Asia, was first detected in Michigan in 2002. It was initially confirmed in Vermont in 2018 in Orange County and has now been confirmed in all counties except Essex County.

We have learned from municipalities in the Midwest that have been dealing with the emerald ash borer for two decades, that the more time a town or city has to plan for the removal or treatment of ash trees on municipally managed lands, the better they are able to manage the impact of the borer.

Towns may choose to treat some public ash trees with pesticides, which is costly, but may be the only viable option to save a tree. However, this must be done before the beetle is well-established in the tree. If not treated, ash trees will die and potentially create a hazard along roads and other public areas.

Once an adult beetle starts laying eggs in an ash tree, it can take 3-5 years for enough larvae to build up under the bark for the

tree to start showing symptoms. Because of this, the emerald ash borer can be hidden in plain sight and ash trees in an area with confirmed infestations may still look fine.

It can take up to 10 years from when the borer first arrives in an area before ash trees begin dying off at a large or landscape scale. That is why communities throughout Vermont should start planning now for how they will deal with ash trees on municipal lands.

The first step for any municipality to establish an ash management strategy is to inventory the ash trees on municipal lands. This includes shade trees on streets, parking lots and green spaces, town forests and municipal rights-of-way. Inventories can range from simple paper-based tally sheets to using GIS software to create digitized maps.

The Vermont Urban and Community Forestry Program provides resources and direct technical assistance to design and conduct ash inventories. Its website, bit.ly/44m5o6b, has many resources including templates for writing ash management plans, tools to calculate the costs of different management scenarios, case studies from other municipalities and examples of documents, such as letters to residents and contracts with tree removal companies.

Program staff Ginger Nicker-

son and Joanne Garton are available to give presentations on the emerald ash borer and provide technical assistance to municipalities, including assistance with ash tree inventories.

Community members can do their part to scout for this pest and report any trees suspected of being infested with the emerald ash borer by uploading photographs via the “Report It!” button at vtinvasives.org. You can learn how to identify ash trees and the signs and symptoms of the pest at bit.ly/3NdFBXA.

This website also links to a map of borer infestations, created by the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, which shows a 10-mile radius around each confirmed infestation. Areas marked in yellow indicate a high likelihood of other ash trees being infested. The areas in orange and red have a more established beetle infestation level.

Over time, the emerald ash borer infestation in Vermont will continue to spread. State agencies and conservation organizations are helping manage this pest, but more needs to be done to avoid accelerating its spread and unnecessary management costs. Recommendations can be found at bit.ly/446CBST.

Ginger Nickerson is the forest pest education coordinator for the University of Vermont Extension.

PHOTO BY STEPHEN AUSMUS

The emerald ash borer, which has been confirmed in 13 Vermont counties, is an invasive pest that infests and kills trees of several native ash tree species.

An Open Letter to our Valued Members, Customers, and All Vermonters:

For more than 40 years, our nonprofit health plan has had a simple, powerful mission: make health care work better for all Vermonters. To fulfill that mission far into the future and better respond to rapid changes in health care, we plan to affiliate with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to best meet the needs of Vermonters.

We will remain a local, financially independent organization. Affiliating with a fellow nonprofit Blue Cross plan will allow us to share resources and expertise, reduce the cost of future investments in technology and operations, and provide innovative benefit programs and enhanced services. Making these necessary investments, at the scale and speed required, would simply not be feasible on our own without increasing pressure on premiums.

We arrived at this decision through a rigorous evaluation of our options. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is an industry leader in developing new technology and innovative products that directly benefit members. Our member-first philosophies and commitment to local values and leadership are keystones of our decision to affiliate. Our organizations have a history of successful collaboration. We share a claims processing system to streamline administration and partnered to launch Vermont Blue Advantage for Medicare beneficiaries.

While this affiliation has many clear benefits, there are very important things that won’t change:

• We will remain a Vermont organization, keeping our name and Berlin headquarters.

• Our local leaders and more than 400 employees will continue serving our neighbors.

• Members and customers will experience the same excellent health coverage, and our local relationships and extensive network of providers will remain in place.

• All premiums, financial reserves, and health care decisions will remain in Vermont.

• The grants and investments we make to support local organizations, charities, and our state’s public health initiatives will continue to be as strong as ever.

Looking forward, this affiliation creates a clear path to serve Vermonters with greater strength, stability, and innovation. As we work with local leaders and regulators through this process, we want to keep you informed. We invite you to visit www.BlueCrossVT.org/Together for more details.

Sincerely,

Don George

President & CEO

CRIME & COURTS

Shelburne Police Department back to 24/7 services, staff

LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER

Following several turbulent years that forced the Shelburne Police Department to temporarily eliminate 24/7 service due to staffing shortages, police chief Michael Thomas says the department is now back up and running with round-the-clock coverage and 12 full-time officers.

At its lowest ebb, Shelburne was down to four full-time officers.

Thomas said the department has been lucky to bring in a slew of experienced officers, including four who are returning to the department.

“Four people had actually worked for us in the past. Three within the past year and a half, and the fourth one a while ago, but they saw the changes that were occurring and the opportunities that were laid out, and fortunately, we got them to come back,” said Thomas.

In addition to a police and dispatch union contract signed last May that cemented pay increases through 2026, Thomas explained that the department is also focusing on fostering growth in posi-

tions. He said the department worked hard at getting “back to the basics” while focusing on opportunities for officers to move up.

Shelburne News

Serving

“It’s like getting in on the ground floor of a new business,” he said.

Thomas took the reins of the department in 2022 when Aaron Noble, Shelburne’s former police chief, took a leave of absence after

town officials expressed a lack of faith in his leadership. At the time, the department was operating on a skeleton crew when more than 15 officers and dispatchers left the department in the months prior to Thomas’ appointment.

The mass exodus can be traced back to a report compiled by former Vermont State Police Director Jim Baker in February, which revealed

See POLICE on page 20

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COURTESY PHOTO

Shelburne town clerk Diana Vachon recently swore in two new Shelburne police officers, Keith Gonyeau and Brian Fox, who both had previously worked as officers in town.

Shelburne Police Blotter

Total reported incidents: 59

Traffic stops: 15

Warnings: 5

Tickets: 10

Medical emergencies: 21

Mental health incidents: 2

Suspicious incidents: 4

Domestic incidents: 2

Agency assists: 5

Automobile incidents: 1

Car crash: 3

Fire: 1

Theft: 2

Harassment: 1

Alarms: 5

Pending investigations: 3

April 24 at 6:24 p.m., a one-car crash was reported on Pierson Drive with no injuries.

April 24 at 7:49 p.m., Shelburne fire and rescue assisted Charlotte fire and rescue with a structure fire on Greenbush Road.

April 25 at 3:17 p.m., a group of teenagers were reportedly harassing individuals in the Shelburne Shopping Park parking lot, police said. Police found a group of juveniles and spoke with them but was unable to determine whether they were involved.

April 26 at 12:13 p.m., a caller told police that an individual was trespassing on his construction

site at the former Champlain Lanes. The individual was issued a trespass notice.

April 26 at 3:22 p.m., a man was creating a disturbance at Harbor Place. Outreach assisted the man and he agreed to return to his room.

April 27 at 4:40 p.m., a theft of personal items from a car at Danform Shoes was reported to police. The case is under investigation.

April 27 at 4:56 p.m., a Harbor place guest was escorted off the property and refusing to leave.

April 28 at 12:45 a.m., Vermont State Troopers assisted in mediating a domestic dispute at Countryside Motel.

April 28 at 12:59 p.m., a one-car crash that occurred earlier in the day on Bostwick Road was reported to police.

April 29 at 9:04 a.m., a caller reported a theft of items from their car at the Countryside Motel.

April 29 at 3:11 p.m., a harassment report was taken after a caller reported receiving threatening messages, and the case is now under investigation.

April 30 at 4:14 p.m., a two-car crash was reported on Shelburne Road and Cynosure Drive with no injuries.

Towns can’t limit emergency hotel housing under HOME bill

CIARA MCENEANY COMMUNITY NEWS SERVICE

This legislative session’s major housing bill drew a lot of attention last month for its impact on Act 250 reform and single-family zoning. However, housing advocates also see the bill as a chance to protect people who would otherwise be homeless — by telling towns they can’t prevent hotels from renting rooms to those in a state emergency assistance program.

The “Housing Opportunities Made for Everyone” — or HOME — bill would also prohibit municipalities from interfering with efforts to set up emergency shelters. The measure overwhelmingly passed the Senate last month and has been widely supported by housing groups looking to address the state’s housing crisis.

Vermont has a shortage of 40,000 housing units, the second-highest homelessness rate in the country and the lowest vacancy rate in the country, according to Anne Sosin, interim director for the Vermont Affordable Housing Coalition.

“Vermonters are entering

homelessness faster than they’re exiting it, and we are concerned that these numbers will only continue to grow as pandemic supports come to an end this year,” said Sosin.

Since the start of the COVID19 pandemic in 2020, motels and hotels have been providing housing for 1,800 households through the state’s emergency general assistance program, people who would otherwise be homeless, according to Alison Calderara, chief of programs and advancement for Capstone Community Action.

“Hotels play a critical role in sheltering Vermonters experiencing homelessness,” said Sosin. “More than 80 percent of Vermonters experiencing homelessness are in shelters and motels. There’s a critical gap in that motel shelter capacity.”

Emergency shelters across the state have provided resources and housing in the last few years too, but proposed shelters in the past have been shot down by restrictive zoning rules or outright bans in some communities.

“We have heard of examples

around the state where emergency shelters have not moved forward because there have been barriers for zoning and permitting,” said Katarina Lisaius, senior advisor to the commissioner for the Department for Children and Families.

“The idea of not limiting the language for emergency shelters in S.100 is to not have zoning and permitting limit the viability of a shelter in hours or seasonality.”

Groups that work with Vermonters struggling to find housing also worry about the July 1 ramp down of the Emergency General Assistance Program, the pandemic-era policy that is funding stays in hotels and motels. Housing and homelessness advocates are hopeful the deadline will push legislators to act fast.

“I think that in terms of where we are right now, particularly with the pandemic programs ending, we’re in a serious place,” Calderara said. “I know that legislators care deeply about this, and they’re paying attention to this and recognizing that inadvertently … regu-

See HOUSING on page 10

Let’s make Vermont less expensive to live, work, play

Guest Perspective

Joan Goldstein

It’s fair to say we are living in an unusual economic environment. Historically high interest rates and inflation are creating challenging conditions for businesses large and small, and impacting the wallets of individual Vermonters. You don’t have to work in economic development to see how squeezed folks are feeling — just go grocery shopping.

These new challenges come after a lengthy pandemic wreaked havoc on health care, hospitality, education, arts and cultural institutions and the small business community. This exacerbated our pre-existing labor shortage, housing shortage and added supply chain disruptions that persist across all sectors of the economy.

With this economic environment as the backdrop, the Legislature is currently considering: $117 million payroll tax for mandatory paid leave; $100 million tax increase for child care; $20 million in Department of Motor Vehicle fee increases; and $30 million in property tax increases for school meals.

When people point out to me just how expensive it is to operate a business here or to live here, I usually say “we do not compete on price.” However, these latest initiatives have their costs: one proposal to increase the corporate income tax by 10 percent to pay for child care would make us one of the most expensive places to do business in the nation.

While the Legislature considers these spending plans, which would increase costs on workers and employers, they are also hard at work ordering studies to limit the only economic development tools we have for the state to grow its revenue through job growth and economic revitalization without raising taxes. These economic development tools that are currently under the microscope total less than $3 million per year — 100 times less than the spending increases they are proposing.

According to Stanford University’s Institute for Economic Policy Research, taxes do affect a company’s hiring decisions. Even if a company can pass along payroll or other taxes to employees in the form of lower wages, increased taxes affect their ability to compete against employers in states with a lower tax

MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH BUFFET

burden, including neighboring states, like New Hampshire. It also impacts their decisions on where to invest when expanding and locating facilities.

This isn’t just about businesses because less business translates to fewer jobs and less opportunity for our youth — who we are trying so hard to retain. Stanford also notes that “people tend to leave high-tax areas and move to areas where taxes are lower.”

More out-migration also means fewer people to share the enormous tax expense of these well-meaning benefits for our residents. It’s a vicious cycle, because fewer people make it harder for our businesses to grow — or even survive.

The impact of these costs will also fall directly on workers. According to data from Bureau of Labor Statistics and the MIT living wage calculator, 81 percent of Vermonters already earn less than living wage of $68,000. An increase in payroll tax will decrease take-home wages for all working Vermonters and have an outsized impact on those below the living wage.

Add increased income taxes, property taxes and DMV fee increases on top of the payroll tax, and it is easy to see how these proposals will continue to squeeze those folks who are already struggling.

The Scott administration hears daily about the financial strain families and businesses are having, but we need to get this message to many in the Legislature.

So, if you feel that you can personally handle more taxes or your business can leap yet another hurdle — adding to inflation, supply chain disruption, workforce and housing shortages and the complicated, expensive and restrictive permitting process — then do nothing.

If the rising tax burden is jeopardizing your ability to live, work, play or own a business in Vermont, share your concerns with your state legislators. Let’s make sure all voices are heard in the democratic process.

I am a human being conditioned to want extra. I’m hooked on it. Extra cream in my coffee? Extra cheese on my pizza? Extra pickles on my sandwich? Or the very apex of extra-ness, extra crispy fries? Yes, please! More, more, more. I mean, extra must be better than no extra, right?

Case in point, you can now buy “Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Flavor Blasted” with “an extra sprinkle of oomph.” Who wouldn’t want extra oomph? Or if you prefer your snack not resembling marine-life, buy “Cheez-It Extra Cheesy Cheese Crackers.” Not only will you get extra cheese, but cheesy-cheese. How extra is that? Personally, I never thought to describe cheese as cheesy, but you better believe me, the next time I’m in the supermarket I’ll be on the lookout for meaty meat, milky milk, and fishy fish. OK, maybe not that last one.

Let’s face it, I use extra virgin olive oil every day — without smirking. You’d think the “extra virgin” status came from some sovereign papacy, but no. It’s called extra virgin because it’s made from pure, first-pressed olives. Judged “preferred and of the highest quality,” I blanch at the inference. Number one, is there any such thing as more virgin? And number two, I feel bad for the un-pure olive that may have been pressed more than once. Let’s not shame the olive, people.

The Wrigley Company blew past any attempt at nuance and simply named their entire product “Extra.” You know, just in case us dumb-dumbs, namely me, missed the ultra-potential of their gum. But really, what do you expect from a company who came up with “Hubba Bubba?”

Hygiene products are another area rife with extras. Extra-fresh toothpaste, extrabody shampoo, and extra-strength lotion to name a few. I actually buy extra-smooth razors. Why select the “extra-rough” ones? That’d be like pooh-poohing extra-soft toilet paper for the cheap stuff, as if someone would want to sandpaper their privates.

After all, there are times when extra is eminently better, like “Double Stuf Oreos.” Why in heaven’s name do they even sell the regular ones? Oh, I know, my husband likes them. But he’s the kind of guy who considers half an apple dessert, so really, does his opinion count?

Sorry to inform you there’s no double the stuff in “Double Stuf.” According to a news-breaking, no-kidding, study, these supposedly twice-stuffed cookies contain only 1.86 times the creme as the original. A whopping 7 percent less than expected. Oh, the shame of it all. Perhaps to make amends, the company created “Mega Stuf Oreos” and “The Most Stuf Oreos.”

Even I, a connoisseur of extra, think that’s a filling too far. Besides, with all this “extra” business going on at Nabis-

‘Extra, extra, read all about it!’

Carole Vasta Folley

In Musing

Carole Vasta Folley

Joan Goldstein is the commissioner of the Vermont Department of Economic Development.

House, Senate wrap up priorities: climate, housing, child care

From the House Rep. Kate Lalley

We are in the last part of the 2023 legislative session, and work on key priorities continues across the House and in collaboration with the Senate, as both bodies debate bills prior to an anticipated adjournment on or about May 12.

Balanced budget

The fiscal year 2024 budget covers state government and its community partner organizations from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. The Legislature and the governor always pass a balanced budget, even though Vermont does not have a statutory requirement to do so. The budget reflects revenue growth due to federal pandemic stimulus and recovery dollars.

In the House the challenge has been making strategic use of one-time funds to meet state priorities. Those priorities include provide a state match to leverage federal funds to support improvements in infrastructure, and other targeted statewide priorities that will deliver longterm dividends for Vermonters, including investments in housing, workforce training and expanding access to child care. Several major tasks lie ahead: aligning the Senate and House versions of the budget to send to Gov. Phil Scott, and voting on S.56, the child care bill and S.100, the housing bill.

Child care, early childhood education

Vermonters pay more of their income for child care than any other state. Even if someone can afford it, finding child care is tough, particularly for children under 2. The lack of affordable, high-quality early childhood education profoundly impacts Vermont and its economy. Increasing investment in this core area will develop our existing but underutilized workforce capacity, a key reason many employers now support expanding child care investment.

Housing

S.100 — An act relating to housing opportunities made for everyone — has two distinct sections: housing and land use. The House Committee on

General and Housing’s amended version of S.100 wraps in H.184, a bill that exempts owners of most rental housing units from the insurance provisions of the renovation, repair, painting and maintenance licensing requirements. On Monday, the environment and energy committee reported its amended bill, which focuses on land use aspects of building housing, especially affordable types.

Other bills

• Protecting health care providers and patients — With the passage of Proposition 5 last November, Vermonters overwhelmingly voted to enshrine reproductive liberty as a constitutional right. Two shield bills (H.89 and S.37) reinforce the Legislature’s ongoing efforts to protect safe access and standard of care for reproductive and gender affirming care for Vermonters at a time when these essential and personal health care choices are under attack in many states.

• VT Saves — VT Saves is a new Roth IRA savings program that will make it easier for Vermonters to save for retire

assist employees at risk of being left behind, by automatically enrolling them into a Roth IRA to be administered by the state treasurer. This would come at no cost to businesses and the savings plan will be portable for the employee. The House version of S.135 will be reported out of committee shortly.

• Investments in transportation — Vermont will receive $1.6 billion over five years through the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act. These funds provide Vermont the opportunity to make transformational investments in transportation infrastructure and to address climate change.

Over 40 percent of Vermont’s carbon emissions come from the transportation sector. This year’s transportation bill will continue to help Vermonters transition to more fuel-efficient vehicles, including all electric vehicles. It also provides additional investments in public transportation and infrastructure that supports more walking, biking and public transit options throughout the state. Purchase incentives that are income sensitive will provide $21 million over five years for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. This will ensure all Vermonters can

• S.5, affordable heat — The transition to a clean energy economy is happening. In the transportation sector rebates for electric vehicles and bikes create a level playing field by reducing costs for middle- and low-income Vermonters. Car dealerships today are just as happy to sell you an electric vehicle as a combustion one. And if you buy a gas car, it will be more efficient than ever. A similar transition is underway in thermal sector with many new clean technologies available. However, market forces in this sector continue to mostly benefit those with means who can reap benefits of investments that pay over years and as less volatile and lower energy costs. Those with fewer resources are less able to upgrade their homes, putting them at a disadvantage.

You can still heat with oil and gas as your primary source.

However, more Vermonters will be able to afford greener energy options than can now.

right requires time and resources. S.5 authorizes a study to figure out how to create such a marketplace. The study will present findings and recommendations to the Legislature and then if the it agrees, it will need to prepare and vote on a bill. There will be several pathways. You can still heat with oil and gas as your primary source. However, more Vermonters will be able to afford greener energy options than can now. The marketplace will support businesses too, giving them financial incentives to promote green technologies that can create new business opportunities.

S.5 addresses this problem of how everyone who wants to can get access to affordable clean

SPRING OPEN HOUSE

Sunday, May 7th

Along with Rep. Jessica Brumsted and senators Tom Chittenden, Ginny Lyons and Kesha Ram Hinsdale, we meet the fourth Monday of every month from 4-5:30 p.m. at the Shelburne Pierson Library in the community room. I also encour-

Rep. Kate Lalley

We all deserve health care Legislature just gave itself

Guest Perspective

Kelly Cummings

With lightning speed. That’s how quickly S.39 — an act relating to compensation and benefits for members of the Vermont General Assembly, including health insurance — passed in the Senate. It didn’t hang on the wall or get sent to another committee to die, there were no hearings or studies done.

Heck, the legislators didn’t even have to rally on the Statehouse steps to get their own attention. Leadership must have liked S.39 because, as we all know, there’s not a bill that goes anywhere without their OK.

I really want to support S.39. Truth is, it’s the access to health insurance that’s the problem for me.

I can’t help but think of all the years Vermonters have been desperately trying to get the members of the Vermont General Assembly to help them with their

health care needs.

We have rallied on the Statehouse steps for their attention. We have attended hearing after hearing — telling desperate stories ranging from bankruptcy to death and have endured study after study only to end up with a majority turning a blind eye and a deaf ear.

Then, there are the excuses, always the excuses.

For years we have watched health care bills hang on the wall or be sent to committees to never be heard of again. In fact, there are two hanging on the wall right now. These are H.156 and its companion bill S.74 — an act relating to incremental implementation of Green Mountain Care.

These bills phase in a universal health care system, starting with universal primary care.

H.156 has almost 60 sponsors.

Senators Ruth Hardy and Becca White wrote an opinion piece in VTDigger on April 14 arguing that many people can’t afford to be state legislators. They say that “while over 95 percent of

Vermonters have health insurance coverage, some state legislators do not.”

It’s meant as a sales pitch I guess, but it’s a poor one at that because the reality is — health insurance is not necessarily good or helpful to many Vermonters, it’s just expensive. I couldn’t help but wonder if they understand that health insurance is not the same thing as health care.

I have health insurance, health insurance with a deductible more than $14,000. Do I have health care? I would have to say no. I do not use my health insurance; it’s only an expensive safety net if something goes terribly wrong. I don’t go to the doctor unless it is absolutely necessary.

I wonder how many potential health problems Vermonters could avoid if they had health care instead of health insurance? Senators Hardy and White forget to mention how many, out of that “over 95 percent,” are underinsured.

According to the 2021

Vermont Household Health Insurance Survey, almost 44 percent of privately insured Vermonters, under age 65, are underinsured. That means, their insurance is not sufficient to cover current medical costs. Not good. Not helpful.

The thing is, I understand legislators are concerned about their health coverage. Who isn’t? What I wish they wanted, instead of health insurance for themselves, is health care for all of us.

Ironically, this could have already been achieved. The solution has been right there in front of them, just hanging on the wall, all these years. Instead, as a majority, they have continually rejected the pleas of Vermonters for a health care system that is affordable, accessible and covers everyone. The health insurance plan senators Hardy and White want for legislators is the same as the state employees insurance plan. It’s one of the best insurance plans available and is quite generous with a minimal co-pay and deductible, a plan many Vermonters cannot afford for themselves and their families. Ultimately, they are asking us to pay for their significantly better health insurance plan

while at the same time we can barely afford to pay for our own inadequate plans. It just doesn’t square. Senate bill 39, as it stands now, leaves a sour taste in my mouth. The health insurance component feels hypocritical and unprincipled. It feels disrespectful to all those who have put in years of work to improve health care for everyone, not just legislators and especially to all those voices telling all their stories in vain. If S.39 remains unchanged, becomes law and the members of the Vermont General Assembly get their raise, their perks and their health insurance benefit, then surely, the first thing on next year’s agenda will be to take H.156 and S.74 off the wall and then, with lightning speed, pass these bills for the benefit of everyone.

It seems to me it would be only fair that the Vermont General Assembly help all Vermonters as they have helped themselves. Health care is and always will be a necessity for all.

Cummings lives in Fletcher.

Letters to the Editor

Legislator is wrong on climate bill

To the editor: Rep. Jessica Brumsted’s article defending her vote for the Clean Heat Standard “carbon tax” on home heating fuels is misleading in many places, false in others. (“Lawmaker explains details of climate action legislation,” April 20, 2023”)

Brumsted writes, “The standard requires fossil fuel sellers to reduce emissions created by the fuels they sell.” This is her misleading attempt to distract from who is ultimately impacted by and responsible for covering the costs of this program — us. Consumers who heat with oil, propane, natural gas or kerosene are forced to pay significantly higher prices for those fuels, and the revenue raised from these consumers — us — will be used to fund the clean heat standard program. The best estimates we have now say that the impact of the clean heat standard on a gallon of heating oil will be between $0.70 and $4 per gallon.

Brumsted’s most flagrant error comes when she says, “inaction threatens to hurt small fossil fuel dealers and their most vulnerable customers.” This is insulting as well as false. Small fuel dealers are the most vulnerable to being put out of business by this program, and because of this, they are the ones leading the fight against it. The kicker is that the clean heat standard puts vulnerable low-income Vermonters between a rock and a hard place, either having to pay a sizable portion of the upfront costs to weatherize homes and install heat pump systems that will be difficult to retrofit in older homes, will not work when the power goes out and augmented by subsidies such as tax dollars and fuel fees — or vulnerable Vermonters paying additional $0.70 to $4 per gallon fee for heating fuel.

Brumsted is also wrong when she says, “once the study is complete, the Legislature would

Kelly

I have health insurance, health insurance with a deductible more than $14,000. Do I have health care? I would have to say no.

VSO conductor bids farewell

Jaime Laredo, the Vermont Symphony Orchestra’s Music Director for the past 20 years, returns to the Flynn in Burlington on Saturday, May 6, to conduct his farewell concert.

Originally scheduled for 2020, this program features longtime friends of the Vermont Symphony Orchestra, violin soloist Bella Hristova and composer David Ludwig, in an evening of music selected by Laredo to celebrate his tenure with the orchestra.

“It’s a bittersweet moment in time. I’m very sad that I have left

Shelburne hosts Green Up Day activities

Shelburne’s Green Up Day activities will run on Saturday, May 6 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

To sign up for an area to green up visit bit.ly/3nqJfTg.

Drop off filled Green Up Day bags and trash at the town highway department, 114 Turtle Ln. off Harbor Road across from the Shelburne Community School. Bags are available at the town clerk’s office, town offices vestibule on the ground floor, the library and the Shelburne Market.

Send photos of your Green Up Day adventures to dvachon@shelburnevt.org.

Pierson hosts evening of music, prose, poems

On Wednesday, May 10, at 6:30 p.m., enjoy music and poetry with

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the orchestra, and I’m very excited for the orchestra. It will always be part of my family,” he said.

The concert begins with the very first piece Jaime Laredo ever conducted with the orchestra, the poignant “Lyric for Strings” by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer George Walker. Violinist Hristova then joins the symphony to perform “Saturn Bells,” a planetary science-inspired work written by Ludwig, her husband.

“Jaime has been the greatest mentor, role model and friend David and I could have possibly

Community Notes

Jane Kittredge, a chamber concert where composition meets exposition, at Shelburne’s Pierson Library town hall.

The evening of chamber music features Kittredge and Ben Lively on violin, Ana Ruesink on viola and John Dunlop on cello, and works by Borodin, Mayer, Even Promo and a selection of Nordic folk music.

Susan Cooke Kittredge will narrate.

There will be prose by Niall Williams, and poems by Amanda Gorman, Billy Collins and Julie Cadwallader-Staub.

Shelburne Age Well hosts Grab

and Go meal

Age Well and St. Catherine’s of Siena Parish in Shelburne are teaming up to provide a meal to go for anyone age 60 and older on Tuesday, May 9.

The meal will be available for

imagined in our lives,” Hristova said. “He is not only one of the greatest musicians I know, but one of the greatest people, and he builds love and community everywhere he goes.”

“The concert on May 6 will be a fitting tribute to a wonderful and talented friend and artistic leader,” Vermont Symphony Orchestra executive director Elise Brunelle said. “Vermont is coming together with musical accolades for someone who has been generous, inspiring and deeply loved by all.”

MOTHER’S DAY IS SUNDAY, MAY 14...

Love Out Loud!

CHAPPELL’S FLORIST

pick up in the parking lot at 72 Church St. from 11 a.m. until noon and are available for anyone 60 or older. Suggested donation is $5.

The menu is lasagna roll-up with tomato marinara meat sauce, vegetable blend, wheat bread, strawberry cake and milk.

To order a meal contact Kathleen at agewellstcath@gmail.com or 802-503-1107. Deadline to order is Wednesday, May 3. If this is a first-time order, provide your name, address, phone number and date of birth.

Learn more at agewellvt.org.

Emergency animal sheltering training

Have you ever been interested in becoming an emergency responder for animals when natural

See COMMUNITY NOTES on page 11

Semi Annual Open House

Saturday, May 13, 1-4 p.m.

Self-guided tours will be available as well as a manager on duty for questions. Look at a 1-bedroom unit, view our beautiful grounds, peek at our activity rooms, and walk through our exercise room, dining room, and other common areas that serve all our residents and all their vast hobbies and interests. Self-guided tours at your own pace! • No registration necessary!

COURTESY PHOTO

Jaime Laredo

IN MUSING

continued from page 6

co, you’d think they’d get some extra f’s so they could spell stuff correctly.

Appliances are also in on this extra craze. My dishwasher offers “Extra Heat,” my washing machine, “Extra Spin.” Absurdly, Maytag currently sells a washer with comically giant “Extra Power” button. Seriously, are our clothes dirtier today than 10 years ago? Besides, if I get that washer, I’ll have to buy their accompanying “Extra Power” dryer. How else to dry my extrawashed clothes?

All these extra options probably came from boardrooms where wheeler-dealers conspired to concoct more and more bells

HOUSING

continued from page 5

lations that we put into place many years ago, in a different time, are now working against us, and that it’s reasonable for us to (re-examine) some of these rules that we may have set up and think these aren’t working for us anymore.”

LETTERS

continued from page 8

examine its results and make decisions whether to move forward on any sort of clean heat standard.”

The very first line of S.5 reads, “statement of purpose … this bill proposes to establish the Clean Heat Standard.” The standard is established upon passage, not sometime later after representatives gather facts and study the impacts. That’s what Brumsted and her fellow legislators who voted yes on S.5 would like us to

and whistles in order to sell more and more products. These marketing and design wizards know what they’re up to. Of course, I’m going to use the extra “A Bit More” button on my toaster. Later, I’ll chomp on my burnt toast not even noticing the ridiculousness of it all.

Even our own lovely state produces the finest, and my extra-favorite, extra-sharp cheddar. Do not ask me to give that up. It’s the cheesiest-cheesy-cheese there is.

Carole Vasta Folley is an award-winning columnist and playwright. More at carolevf. com.

Ciara McEneany is a reporter with the Community News Service, a program in which University of Vermont students work with professional editors to provide content for local news outlets at no cost.

believe, but it is not the case.

The purpose of clean heat standard and its mother law, the Global Warming Solutions Act, are designed to totally upend our economy, our energy infrastructure and our very lifestyles at a cost of multiple billions of dollars. Such a proposal deserves honesty and transparency. We get neither.

Susan Bowen Shelburne

PHOTO BY LEE KROHN

flowers, including this mid-bloom display of purple and violet.

Petal power

COMMUNITY NOTES

continued from page 9

or man-made disasters strike?

The Chittenden County Disaster Animal Response Team will be holding a free training for interested volunteers on emergency animal sheltering at the South Burlington Police Department. Email info@ vermontdart.org to register or for more information or go to bit. ly/44jJiBa to register.

Red Cross, church team up for blood drive

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

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

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

Streamline your donation experience and save up to 15 minutes by completing a pre-donation reading and health history questions on the day of your appointment.

For more information, contact Laureen Mathon at lmathon104@ gmail.com.

Rokeby Museum holds benefit concert

The Rokeby Museum is excited to host Music with the Museum, an evening of food and music with renowned musicians Paul Asbell and Bob Stannard at the historic Ferrisburgh Town Community Center on Thursday, May 25, from 6-9 p.m.

A silent auction will also be held to raise funds for Rokeby Museum’s exhibition fund, which supports the institution’s dedication to sharing the stories of the people who lived and worked at Rokeby. Thanks to the generosity of the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, funds raised will be matched up to $10,000.

For more information and tickets, visit bit.ly/3VmUuZE.

Enjoy Age Well meals at Charlotte Senior Center

The Age Well meal pickup for Thursday, May 4, is from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Charlotte Senior Center features chicken with marsala sauce with mushrooms, mashed potatoes, carrots, wheat bread with butter, blueberries and strawberries in yogurt and milk.

You must pre-register by the prior Monday with Carol Pepin, 802-425-6345 or meals@charlotteseniorcentervt.org.

The meal on Thursday, May 11 features lasagna roll-up with tomato marinara meat sauce, vegetable blend, wheat bread, strawberry cake and milk.

The suggested donation is $5. Check the website for last-minute cancellations at bit.ly/3FfyLMb.

Local chorus, Hinesburg band offers concert at CVU

As part of its celebration of 25 years of local performances, the Hinesburg Artist Series will present to the community a spring concert on Sunday, May 14, at 4:30 p.m. in the Champlain Valley Union High School auditorium featuring the Hinesburg Community Band and South County Chorus, both under the direction of Rufus Patrick.

The Hinesburg Community Band will present selections by Robert Sheldon, Brant Karrick, Steven Reineke and a great arrangement of Copland’s “Appalachian Spring.”

The South County Chorus will sing selections by Joseph Martin, Eric Whitaker, Mark Hayes, David Lantz, Jacob Naverud, Mac Huff and highlights from “Porgy and Bess” by George and Ira Gershwin.

Shostakovich waltzes will be performed by Brooke Carleton on flute, and Margaret Roddy, clarinet and Evan Allen, piano.

The concert is by donation.

Step right up for plants, pies

The United Church of Hinesburg’s plant sale tradition continues with its in-person sale on Saturday, May 13, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Brighten up your gardens with annuals. Old and new favorites in 4-inch pots and six-packs in a variety of colors will be for sale at competitive prices. The annuals are sourced from Paquette Full of Posies Nursery in Williston.

If you missed the online sale of locally grown perennials last month — or if you want more — a selection of perennial plants will also be available.

New this year and just in time for Mother’s Day are homemade pies.

Contact the United Church at 802-482-3352 or unitedchurch@ gmavt.net with questions.

Governor makes April appointments to boards

The following people have been appointed to state boards and commissions, Gov. Phil Scott’s office has announced.

Appointees include Pamela Levin, Shelburne, Animal Cruelty Investigation Advisory Board; and Kim Gobeille, Shelburne, Vermont Economic Progress Council.

Norwich honors oldest living Tuskegee airman

Shakespeare plays in Williston barn

Get on down to the Isham Barn Theatre over Memorial Day weekend, May 25-27, and enjoy live Shakespeare.

Vermont Repertory Theatre and the Isham Family Farm in Williston have joined forces to celebrate the 400-year anniversary of the publication of the “First Folio,” and with it, humanity’s first encounter with Shakespeare’s first, shortest and funniest play, “The Comedy of Errors.”

“We didn’t want to just produce it in a regular theatre,” director Michael Fidler said. “We’re in Vermont, and it seems entirely appropriate for it to be played in a barn, especially one of the oldest in the state.”

In fact, the barn itself dates to the late 1700s, and has been converted into a theatrical space by fifth-generation farmer, Mike Isham and his wife, Helen Weston.

“The play has about 150 years on the barn, but it’s lasted just as well,” Weston said. “

Vermont Repertory Theatre was founded by actor, Connor Kendall, and Fidler, to bring some Shakespeare back into the local Burlington scene.

“We want young people to be able to see these plays and discover for themselves why they’ve lasted 400 years,” Kendall said. “They are relevant and totally

understandable to everyone, as well as absolutely hilarious.”

“Comedy of Errors” tells the simple story of a single day in the fantastical Mediterranean town of Ephesus along the Turkish coast. A cast of crazy characters fall into a farcical plot that has more in common with an episode of TV comedy than anyone’s idea of an Elizabethan drama. As the day continues, identity and self-worth

twist and warp with horrifying hilarity.

Shows are at from May 25-27 at 7 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, May 27 at the Isham Barn Theatre, 3515 Oak Hill Rd, Williston. Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for students and free for anyone under 16.

Contact halpinkylie@gmail. com or call 802-310-1124 for more information.

PHOTO BY DURWOOD M. COLLIER

Brig. Gen. Enoch Woody Woodhouse Jr., one of the last members of the all-Black World War II fighter pilot unit known as the Tuskegee Airmen, was honored with an honorary doctorate from Norwich University during its 2023 commencement on April 29 in Northfield. Norwich University is the oldest private military university in the U.S., is the birthplace of the ROTC, and is the alma mater of Harold “Doc” Martin, the first Tuskegee Airman.

How to design a bird-friendly garden

BONNIE KIRN DONAHUE UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT EXTENSION

One of the great joys and challenges of gardening is seeing creatures inhabit and eat from our gardens. However, in some cases, animals and insects are unwelcome visitors.

Woodchucks, deer and cabbage worms can be relentless and frustrating to manage. Protecting a summer berry crop from hungry birds can make you question whether it is worth all the work to defend it in the first place.

However, attracting birds to your garden can be incredibly satisfying.

Why attract birds to your garden?

Birds are fascinating to watch. They offer hours of entertainment and connect us to the natural world. They also need food to feed their babies and store up for long migrations. Growing native plants that provide nourishment and shelter for birds also can bring a

great deal of joy and purpose to your garden.

To grow a bird-friendly garden or landscape, you don’t need a ton of space. Enough space for a shrub or two could be just enough to start. Shrubs that grow berries tend to need sun, so select an area that gets at least six hours of sun a day.

Pick native shrubs that produce berries or seeds or even attract caterpillars and other insects that birds will be drawn to for food. Shrubs with attractive berries include red twig dogwood, black chokeberry, nannyberry, common elderberry and highbush cranberry.

Many of these native shrubs tend to naturalize, so plant them in an area where you don’t mind them spreading a bit. Some prefer moist soils, so be sure to learn the characteristics of each to match it with your site conditions.

Red oak, white oak and swamp white oak host countless caterpillars and insects as well

as grow nutritious acorns. Although these species grow slowly, they offer exceptional long-term ecosystem services.

Birds also need shelter. Native evergreen trees including white spruce and white pine can provide protection from predators. Deciduous trees such as oaks, walnut, cherry or willows offer shelter and food sources.

Interested in attracting or supporting a particular bird species in your landscape?

Use the bird guide from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology (bit.ly/3AljIh6) to learn more about their habitat and food preferences. Ask your local nursery about the native plants that they offer that would be suitable for your site.

Shrubs can be expensive to plant. A more affordable way to include them in your landscape is to plant them in small containers or as bare-root — young shrubs come without soil and must be kept moist and planted right away.

Although it will take time for a small

shrub to grow, it is worth the wait to see birds and insects enjoy them.

If you are looking for quicker results, try perennial and annual plants that grow seeds that attract birds. Sunflowers, black-eyed Susan and purple coneflower all have tasty seeds.

The trick is to leave the seed heads of these plants up through the fall and winter. This is the time of year that birds will visit these plants. The plants can be cut back in the spring once the soil dries out.

Birds also need water. Consider offering a simple water source like a bird bath or shallow dish of water in your garden. Replace the water frequently.

Spring is a great time to plan for a bird-friendly garden. The birds will thank you year-round.

Bonnie Kirn Donahue is a UVM Extension master gardener and landscape architect from central Vermont

PHOTO BY BONNIE KIRN DONAHUE

To attract birds to the garden, plant black-eyed Susans and purple coneflowers and leave the seed heads of these plants up through fall and winter, so birds can snack on their tasty seeds.

Make your spring garden checklist

DEBORAH J. BENOIT UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT EXTENSION

Spring may be upon us, but the chilly rains are reluctant to let go. In the meantime, we’re all eagerly awaiting the time when we can head back to our gardens and get them into shape for the coming growing season.

If you didn’t do so during garden downtime in January and February, now is the time to order seeds, plants, shrubs and trees online or make a to-get list for shopping at your local nursery. While you’re at it, sketch out plans for new beds or additions to existing garden plots.

Temptation is all too real when browsing garden catalogs. The old adage that begins with “a place for everything” can help keep random purchases and dreaming too big under control.

Before the ground is workable, take some time to clean out and organize your garden shed or greenhouse. Make an inventory of garden supplies and tools in particular. If you didn’t do so in the fall when you stored them for the

winter, clean tools and perform any needed maintenance.

Do you need to replace hoses, or are you planning on putting in new beds? Make a note of anything that needs to be replaced and put those and any new items on your shopping list.

Now is also a good time to consider what additional gardening supplies you may need. Are you planning on growing crops that require support such as tomatoes?

A wide variety of tomato cages and trellises are available. If you decide now, you can put supports in place at the time you plant to avoid disturbing the roots later on.

Once you have access to your garden, prune trees and shrubs as needed, but leave those that bloom in spring alone. If you prune spring-blooming shrubs such as lilacs and azaleas now, you’ll be cutting off this year’s flowers. Wait to prune those shrubs until after they’ve bloomed.

Even though you’ll be tempted to clean up the garden when the snow clears, wait until after daytime temperatures reach 50

degrees Fahrenheit for about a week before removing leaves and flower stalks that weren’t dealt with last fall. That will give beneficial insects that have been overwintering in the garden time to emerge.

If you don’t already have a compost pile, now is the time to start one. It’s the perfect way to recycle food scraps and yard waste with many options available for container size and type of composting. For more on composting, see bit.ly/3ZTEpff.

While you’re cleaning up the garden, watch for signs of perennial weeds and newly emerged annual weeds popping up in beds and along pathways. Remove them now while they’re young.

They’ll only hold on tighter the longer you wait. A few minutes of weeding now is far easier than spending an afternoon fighting established weeds once warm and sunny spring weather has settled in. Spring also is a good time to divide or transplant perennials. Take note of which plants need dividing and where you’d like to put them. Prepare any new beds.

Build, repair or replace trellises and other plant supports. Consider using tree and shrub prunings from the garden to build your own.

If you’re planning on starting seeds indoors, check to see if you have all the supplies you’ll need. Seed packets should include information on when to start those seeds.

For more on starting seeds indoors, see bit.ly/40gNjDG.

Before you know it, the garden will be awake, and it will be time to venture outside and get down to work.

Deborah J. Benoit is a UVM Extension master gardener.

Starting a backyard compost pile helps keep food scraps and yard waste out of the landfill while providing nutrient-rich matter for the garden.

OUTDOORS

State fishery stocks trophy trout

Vermont’s trophy trout stocking program this year includes nine river sections and 37 lakes and ponds receiving the 2-year-old trout, some over 18 inches long.

“The program provides exciting fishing opportunities for anglers of all ages and skill levels,” Vermont’s director of fisheries Eric Palmer said. “Trophy rainbow and brown trout will be stocked in the Black, Winooski, Lamoille, Missisquoi, Walloomsac and Passumpsic Rivers as well as East and Otter creeks. Trophy brook trout will be stocked into the Deerfield River. Large 2-year-old brookies and rainbows will also be stocked in many lakes and ponds.”

Trout harvest season opened this year on April 8 and will continue through Oct. 31. There is no length limit, and the daily creel limit is two trout for the trophy trout stream sections listed below.

Lake and pond stocking began in April as ice cleared while river stocking began at the start of May and will continue through the month. Anglers can check Vermont Fish and Wildlife’s website (vtfis-

handwildlife.com) to see the stocking that has occurred and see the lakes and ponds that are being stocked with trophy trout.

• Black River along Route 131 in Weathersfield and Cavendish, from Downers covered bridge upstream, approximately 4 miles, to the next bridge across the river, the Howard Hill Bridge.

• Deerfield River in Searsburg from the downstream edge of the East Branch Trailhead Bridge upstream 4 miles to the downstream edge of the bridge on Somerset Road near junction with Forest Road 71.

• East Creek in Rutland City from the confluence with Otter Creek upstream, approximately 2.7 miles, to the top of the Patch Dam in Rutland City.

• Lamoille River from the downstream edge of the bridge on Route 104 in the village of Fairfax upstream, approximately 1.6 miles, to the top of the Fairfax Falls Dam in Fairfax.

• Otter Creek in Danby and Mt. Tabor from the Vermont Railway Bridge north of the fishing access

upstream, approximately 2 miles, to the Danby-Mt. Tabor Forest Road Bridge (Forest Road #10).

• Missisquoi River in Enosburg and Sheldon from the downstream edge of Kane Road (TH-3) bridge upstream, approximately 5.7 miles, to the top of the Enosburg Falls Dam in Enosburg Falls.

• Passumpsic River in St. Johnsbury, from the top of the Gage Dam upstream to the top of the Arnold Falls Dam. This section includes the Moose River from its confluence with the Passumpsic River upstream to the Concord Avenue bridge.

• Walloomsac River from the Vermont-New York border in Bennington upstream to the top of the former Vermont Tissue Plant Dam (downstream of Murphy Road) in Bennington.

• Winooski River in Duxbury and Waterbury from the top of Bolton Dam upstream to the Route 2 Bridge east of Waterbury Village. This section includes the Little River from its confluence with the Winooski River upstream to the Route 2 bridge.

Hikers and Bikers: Respect closed trails during mud season

Despite the late arrival of winter to Vermont, the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation wants to remind the public that mud season is here and many trails around the state are closed.

During mud season, which can run until Memorial Day in upper elevations, hiking and biking trails

are extremely wet and muddy due to the combined effects of snow melt, thawing ground and seasonal rain. The public should avoid muddy, soft trails to protect sensitive vegetation and ensure trails are in good shape for the upcoming hiking and biking season.

“Mountain bike trails are

extremely susceptible to damage during mud season,” Nick Bennette, executive director at the Vermont Mountain Bike Association, said. The department asks the public to follow these guidelines:

• Check trail status. • Avoid hiking in the alpine zone to protect rare and fragile vegetation. Foot

traffic through the mud causes soil compaction and erosion.

• Respect trail signage. Local biking chapters often post signs regarding closures. Respect these signs, and even if a trail appears to be open, if you arrive and discover muddy conditions, turn around and ride elsewhere.

• Weather conditions differ at higher elevations. It may be sunny and warm in town but windy, slippery, snowy or cold on the mountain.

• Turn around in muddy conditions. If you encounter conditions that you are not prepared for, turn around.

PHOTO BY JOHN HALL

Trophy trout like these are being stocked this spring in eight Vermont river sections and 25 lakes and ponds.

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It’s spring, so that means a visit from the Carpenters

Why do ants suddenly appear every time spring is near? Just like bees, they long to be close to you — especially if your home is made of wood. Carpenter ants and the eastern carpenter bee both nest in wood and are frequent visitors to my log home. The Northeast is home to one native carpenter bee species and four native carpenter ant species, and these are the largest of the native ants and bees in the region. The carpenters overwinter as adults and become active as the weather warms. As their common name suggests, these insects spend their days constructing — or, rather, deconstructing — wood. While this can be beneficial to forest decomposition, it is not a desirable trait for our homes.

Carpenter ants excavate nesting chambers in damp and decaying wood, from stumps and rotting logs to dead trees and live standing trees with rotting interiors. They will also nest in damp

wood within human homes. Individual queens establish colonies by first laying eggs that develop into worker ants. These sterile female worker ants carry food such as insects and honeydew — a sugary excrement of aphids — into the colony to feed the ant larvae of subsequently laid eggs. The queen continues to lay eggs throughout the summer.

Colonies can become large and may last for several years, with adults overwintering in the nest. In spring, winged reproductive males and females emerge and mate. The males die, and the females, or queens, lose their wings and move on to establish new colonies. Parades of worker ants may also move between infested trees and homes as they establish satellite colonies.

Reproductive carpenter ants are winged and are often confused with termites, which also swarm in the spring. You can distinguish them by looking at their abdomens, antennae and wings. Ants have a constricted waist, elbowed antennae and their fore and hindwings differ in size,

while termites are broad waisted, with straight antennae and wings that are similar in shape and size. Unlike termites, carpenter ants and bees do not consume wood; they chew into wood for the sole purpose of excavating nests where they lay their eggs.

Carpenter bees are more solitary than ants and prefer to nest in dead, but not rotting, tree limbs and snags — sometimes, in non-rotting wood in people’s homes. Fertilized females bore half-inch, perfectly round holes into wood and create chambered galleries where they lay their eggs. Each chamber houses one egg and is provisioned with pollen from spring-flowering plants. Carpenter bees are excellent pollinators of garden plants and flowers. They look like bumblebees but have a hairy yellow thorax and a hairless abdomen, whereas both the thorax and abdomen are hairy on bumble bees. Carpenter bees are not aggressive and are unlikely to sting.

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How forests can help mitigate climate crisis

Into the Woods

Ethan Tapper

In the midst of a climate crisis, many people are interested in forests’ ability to help mitigate climate change by sequestering and storing carbon. While managing forests for carbon may seem simple, in practice it is incredibly nuanced, complex and unintuitive.

What is forest carbon? While we may picture carbon as some shapeless, amorphous substance, most carbon in the forest is, in short, wood. As a tree photosynthesizes, it sequesters carbon — sucking carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. Combined with a few other elements, that carbon is transformed into sugars and starches which are used to help the tree grow, much of it ending up stored in the tree’s branches, trunk and roots. When that tree dies, some of its carbon will be released into the atmosphere through the process of decomposition, and some of it will be stored in the forest as dead wood and eventually as organic material in forest soils. Incredibly, only about one-third of the carbon in a typical Vermont forest is found in living trees. The majority – about 60 percent – is stored in the soil.

In the form of living trees and plants, carbon feeds and shelters thousands of species of living things, forming the living structure around which the forest community is built. In the form of dead wood, carbon benefits forest hydrology, provides habitat for mammals, amphibians, insects and fungi and enriches forest soils. Forests are not carbon factories: carbon is a co-benefit of healthy forested ecosystems, one which must be considered alongside wildlife habitat, biodiversity, and many other vital qualities, functions and values. Forest management will always be a balance between many things — we cannot responsibly manage forests solely

OUTSIDE STORY

continued from page 15

While both carpenters — bees and ants — play an important role in the forest, where they help to decompose wood and to pollinate plants, their presence in and around our homes can be quite damaging. As carpenter ants remove wood to construct their nests, they can weaken the structural integrity of buildings. While carpenter ants do not kill trees directly, their presence within a tree signifies rot and structur-

for carbon any more than we can manage them solely for timber or for any other individual resource.

While research suggests that unmanaged forests store more carbon than managed forests in the short-term, our forests are young and altered, vulnerable to largescale natural disturbances and to an expansive array of threats and stressors which fundamentally challenge their ability to grow, to thrive and thus to sequester and store carbon in the future. While it would be comforting to believe it, leaving all our forests unmanaged is not a viable or responsible long-term strategy for carbon or for climate mitigation.

Instead, we need to focus on resilient carbon, which is stored in healthy, diverse, resilient forests. In many — if not most — cases, management will be necessary to help forests develop qualities like multi-generationality and diversity as well as to respond to the countless forest health and biodiversity threats that they face. This will often mean removing some carbon from forests in the shortterm (cutting trees) to safeguard their ability to sequester and store carbon in the long-term. This carbon will not be a loss — it will be an investment in a more abundant and resilient future.

As we consider the nuances of forest carbon, we must also recognize the present and future carbon costs of our lives. When we use carbon as a justification for saying “not in my backyard” to forest management, we often trade local wood for wood produced in industrial forests which use much less carbon-friendly practices, and/or for resources like steel and concrete which have massive carbon footprints.

The future of forest carbon is not a landscape of unmanaged forests — it is a landscape where forests are managed for resilience and adaptability, for biodiversity, for local, renewable resources and for resilient carbon, all at once. As

we try to protect our forests and ourselves in a changing climate, it is critical that we reject simple and incomplete solutions. Resilient carbon is another example of what the case in our forests is so

often: that what is simple is rarely true and what is necessary is rarely easy.

Ethan Tapper is the Chittenden County forester for the Vermont

Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation. See what he’s been up to, check out his YouTube channel, sign up for his eNews and read articles he’s written at bit.ly/3LAnda4.

al damage. Trees with carpenter ant colonies should be removed to prevent them from falling and damaging nearby structures.

Carpenter bee nests are smaller than ant nests and therefore less likely to cause structural damage to trees and homes on their own; however, woodpeckers seeking the bees’ larvae may cause additional damage.

Annual monitoring of your home can help prevent a carpen-

ter infestation. Keep an eye out for holes and sawdust piles on structural wood, including beams, siding and porches. Remove stumps near buildings, store firewood away from your home and fix interior water issues to keep your home dry. Carpenter bees and ants are less likely to bore into wood that has been finished, so protect exterior wood with paint or stain. Removing wood with carpenter bee holes in

the spring will eliminate an infestation before the larvae mature.

Gel or liquid sugary bait traps placed along ant trails in the spring may help to eliminate small colonies of carpenter ants in your home. You can purchase traps for carpenter bees or make DIY traps from simple materials to hang on your home. Insecticides may be warranted if you find structural damage to your home but be sure to follow the

label or contact a professional if colonies are large.

Jen Weimer is a forest health expert, photographer and writer living in the forests of New Hampshire. Illustration by Adelaide Murphy Tyrol. The Outside Story is assigned and edited by Northern Woodlands magazine and sponsored by the Wellborn Ecology Fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, nhcf.org.

PHOTO BY ETHAN TAPPER

Managing forests for carbon is nuanced, complex and unintuitive.

Berger wins debut on the mound

With the win, the Redhawks move to 5-0.

Baseball

Champlain Valley 5, Rutland

0: Elise Berger won in her Champlain Valley varsity debut as the Redhawks beat Rutland 5-0 on Saturday, April 29.

Berger pitched five innings and gave up no runs on three hits. Travis Stroh paced the CVU offense with a home run and two RBIs, while Lewis Kerest and Declan Cummings each scored.

Circus skills camp

Learn juggling — with balls, clubs, rings and scarves — stilt-walking, unicycling, flower sticks, diabolo, balance skills and acrobatics at circus camp.

It’s a creative way to learn or

CVU also won Thursday, beating Mount Mansfield 8-5 with a four-run second inning effort.

Christopher Robinson was the winning pitcher after giving up one run on one hit and striking out four.

Declan Cummings went 2-for-4 and had two RBIs, while Robbie Fragola had an RBI.

Softball

Champlain Valley 13, Rutland

11: The Champlain Valley softball

Shelburne Parks & Rec News

improve your circus skills. Camp will be held July 24-28, 9-11:30 a.m. at the Shelburne Town Gym. Wear comfy clothes for movement and bring your smile and desire to try new things. Registration deadline is Monday, July 3.

The cost is $360 per person age

team scored four in the fifth inning to come back and beat Rutland in a high-scoring affair Saturday.

Shelby Companion sparked the comeback effort with a home run in the fifth inning. Kate Boget and Amber Reagan each went 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs, while Alex Wemple also drove in two runs.

Juliette Chant won in the circle, striking out five in seven innings of work. Chant, Lily Mincar and Morgan Gallup each drove in a run. CVU moves to 2-3 with the win.

Green Up Day Sandal Sale!

Saturday, May 6th

Sale Hours: 10am to 5pm

8-12 years old. Visit bit.ly/3neHSHi for complete program details and online registration.

Participants may also register through the recreation office with a hard copy and payment of check or cash.

20% OFF

PHOTO BY AL FREY

A Mt. Mansfield runner gets safely back to first as CVU’s Lewis Kerest readies for the throw. CVU won 8-5.

Carol Adams

A memorial service for Carol R. Adams, 93, who died peacefully on Dec. 30, 2022, will be held on Saturday, May 20 at the Shelburne Methodist Church at 3 p.m.

A reception will follow.

Carol was born in Shelburne on Dec. 24, 1929, to parents Harold and Mildred (Bixby) Adams. She attended Shelburne schools and graduated from Burlington High School. She married William G. Boldosser on Sept. 30, 1950. Together they raised three children.

Carol worked as a bookkeeper for several local businesses, ending

her career at Marcotte Appliances in Shelburne. This being the pre-computer age she kept the handwritten ledgers in her beautiful penmanship.

At retirement, she volunteered at the Shelburne Museum offices doing mailings and cutting fabric squares for the museum store. She also knit more than 500 sweaters and hats for the Knit for Kids organization. With her son and his wife, stationed in the U.S. Air Force overseas, she was able to visit the British Isles, France and Belgium. Carol also enjoyed a good road trip and was an unofficial member of the Vermont 251 Club.

She was predeceased by her husband Bill; sisters, Hilda Carpenter and Barbara Kent; brother, Hugh Adams; and her grandson, Samuel deWahl.

She is survived by her three children, daughters, Patricia Fournier of Vergennes and Jocelyn deWahl and her husband, John of Enosburg; son, Michael Boldosser and his wife, Karen of Easton, Md.; two special granddaughters, Carol Stone and Lucy deWahl; and several close nieces and nephews.

A memorial gathering is planned for the spring.

Teresa

Hadd

Teresa Hadd of Shelburne died on Nov. 22, 2022.

A graveside service will be held at the Missisquoi Cemetery in Enosburg Falls on Sunday, May 14, 2023, at 11 a.m.

Please read the full obituary on the Stephen C. Gregory & Son Cremation Services at gregorycremation.com.

Sally Deming Howe

Sally Deming Howe, 78, an avid athlete, musician, gardener, world traveler and retired guidance

counselor in the Winooski school system, died on Saturday, April 8, 2023, at her home in South Burlington, surrounded by family. The cause was cancer.

Sally combined a love of the outdoors and adventure with an acute intellectual curiosity. She loved to be in motion and could rarely be found not engrossed in an activity. Her luminous vitality, the joyful power and grace with which she pursued her many enthusiasms, her warmth and humor, and the depth of her caring about the welfare of others, are legendary among all who knew and loved her.

Born on July 19, 1944, Sally was the younger daughter of Joan Deming Howe and Paul Willard Howe, of Redding, Conn., where she grew up. On her mother’s side she is a great-great-granddaughter of Nathaniel Hawthorne.

Sally graduated from Joel Barlow High School in Redding, Class of 1962, and from Vassar College, Class of 1966. After college she worked in New York City as a social worker. In 1968 she married Stephen W. Pollak and settled in Vermont, where she would spend the rest of her life.

Sally and Steve had two sons, Seth and Noah. They divorced in 1991. She earned her master’s degree in education and worked for three decades as a guidance counselor in the Winooski public schools. She traveled to Russia and Japan on teacher exchange programs. In 1992 she met Rick Hubbard, who would become her life partner and companion on many travels and other adventures.

Sally’s athletic achievements included prowess in horseback riding, running, triathlons,

See OBITUARIES on page 19

Sally Deming Howe

Carol Adams

Teresa Hadd

We’re back!

Osprey

OBITUARIES

continued from page 18

cross-country skiing, long-distance hiking, and bicycling.

In 1994 she completed the New York City Marathon. A lover of outdoor adventure, Sally joined Rick in hiking large parts of the Appalachian Trail, 1,200 miles of the Pacific Coast Trail, and the Grand Randonnée (GR5) trail in Europe from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean. Along with a group of friends, they hiked, bicycled and canoed many times in the Northeast and Canada.

They cross-country ski raced in masters age-level groups in Norway, Finland, Switzerland, Italy and Canada, and bicycled and hiked in England, Europe, Peru and New Zealand. Their most recent adventure, in the autumn of 2019, was a trek in the mountains of Nepal.

A fine amateur cellist, Sally delighted in playing music and performed for years in the string sections of the University of Vermont Orchestra, Burlington Civic Symphony, and with a string quintet of friends.

She sang in choruses in New York City, with the Aurora Chamber Singers of Burlington and at Temple Sinai in South Burlington, where she was an active member of the congregation.

Sally is survived by her 31-year

life-partner, Rick Hubbard; her two sons, Seth and Noah; her sister, Imogen Howe of Redding, Conn.; her niece, Katie Haddock of Brooklyn, N.Y.; two grandsons; several cousins; and many devoted friends.

There will be a celebration of her life for family and friends in

Stowe in early July, and another in West Redding, Conn., in September.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Sally’s memory to any of the following organizations would be gratefully accepted: Temple Sinai, 500 Swift St., South Burlington VT 05403; Stowe Nordic, c/o George

SELF LOVE

Whether you’re considering clear aligners, retainers or today’s braces, an orthodontist is the smart choice. They have 2 to 3 years of education beyond dental school. So they’re experts at helping you get a great smile—that feels great, too.

Jackman, 291 East Tamarack Road, Stowe VT 05672; Burlington Civic Symphony, P.O. Box 2005, South

Burlington VT 05407; or Aurora Chamber Singers, Inc., PO Box 64753, Burlington VT 05401.

Community Bankers – Chittenden County

Temporary Positions Available

BUILDERS | MAKERS | DOERS®

There is no better time to join our Team!

Even better… if you have prior banking experience, we encourage you to apply!

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. Consider joining our team as a Temporary Community Banker!

Relevant Skills:

• Customer Service

• Cash Handling (we’ll train you!)

Even better… if you have prior banking experience, we encourage you to apply!

If you are 18 or older and have a high school diploma, general education (GED) degree, or equivalent, consider joining the NSB Team!

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

PHOTO BY LEE KROHN

return to their Champlain Valley nesting site for the breeding season.

“Meadowscaping is our biggest focus,” said Tabar Gifford, the company’s customer experience and partnership cultivator. “It’s not a new term, we didn’t invent it, it’s been around. But it really encompasses the many different types of gardening styles and really embraces the naturalistic styles of planting and honoring the different lifecycles, making sure you’re planting not just for aesthetics, but also to support the environment and the pollinators that live in those habitats.”

The company emphasizes that meadowscaping is part of three concentric circles of “doing good” for yourself, the community and the world at large.

“It starts internally with yourself, both the emotional and physical well-being of your indi-

vidual, and then it ripples out to the community — how gardening and meadowscaping foster unlikely friendships and really bring people together,” Gifford said. “That ripples out into the environment and that’s the big pollinator habitat restoration.”

Bee the Change, a family farm focused on pollinator habitat restoration, is using American Meadow seeds in an effort to create an acre of pollinator gardens in every town in Vermont.

Mike Kiernan and his wife Tawnya — who is a Shelburne native — have successfully created many acres of habitat restoration in Shelburne, including at the Shelburne Museum as well as two solar fields on the museum grounds.

Through an initiative the team has dubbed Our Town Pollinator

Community Bankers - Chittenden County BUILDERS I MAKERS I 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!

Job Responsibilities & Requirements

This frontline position is crucial in creating a positive, welcoming and inclusive experience for NSB customers. The successful candidate 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 mail to:

Northfield Savings

Bank Human Resources

PO Box 7180, Barre, VT 05641

Project, they are asking towns to look at spaces that are being mowed repeatedly — municipal spaces or school spaces — and instead create an acre of pollinator habitat.

“It’s also important to look at lawns as the way we express ourselves. A lawn has language,” Kiernan said. “A sort of bizarre way that humans express dominion over their landscape is to put in a monoculture but I think it’s time for us to change that aesthetic and ask the question, why are we creating acres of lawn? It’s the largest crop in the United States of America, more than all the corn and soybeans combined. Lawn is everywhere.”

Kiernan said that there are 352 native bees in Vermont and the rate at which they’re disappearing has been accelerating

POLICE

continued from page 4

that employees were unhappy with the initial decision to pick Noble as chief and did not feel confident in his leadership.

During that time, the department — which always budgeted for 24/7 coverage — contracted with the state police for midnight and overnight shifts, but state police only respond to violent crimes or other serious calls as opposed to patrolling the town, Thomas said.

Monday was the first day back to 24/7 services for the department, a status Thomas says the department hasn’t been at in a year

ARPA

continued from page 1

of these funds but don’t create something that’s going to continue to need funding.”

Committee member said they also spent a significant amount of time matching spending with the goals of the Shelburne town plan, balancing economic development and protection of natural resources.

The committee created a public survey that asked residents to rank nine project areas from highest to lowest priority. Categories included infrastructure, open spaces, recreational spaces, climate resilience, bike paths, affordable housing, natural resources, municipal operations and tourism.

“It took a lot to get to those nine areas actually in terms of the amount of debate to create a list of categories that we felt was comprehensive but also not overwhelming,” Loiter said.

rapidly in recent years, specifically a once popular species known as Bombas fervidus, the golden northern bumblebee.

“So, if you’re looking at, for example, bumblebees, we have 17 species of bumblebee and 25 years ago, we had all 17 species and now we’redown to 10,” he said. “In a 40-acre field just south of Shelburne, we created a pollinator habitat. For four years of surveys we never once saw that (Bombas fervidus). Then in September 2021, I saw four of them in a 20-minute period.”

The goal of the organization is to bring these habitats almost everywhere that open space would allow, including surrounding solar fields that are mostly covered with stone or planted grass.

“We feel that this is a missed

and a half.

Sgt. Josh Flore explained that the difficult hiring climate, particularly for new police officers, was a massive hurdle the department had to overcome.

“Trying to get new people into the law enforcement profession continues to be difficult right now,” he said. “We used to have 100 people apply for two positions. Now, you’re lucky if you’re getting two or three people.”

To help with recruitment, the department offered $5,000 sign-on bonuses along with a $2,500 retention bonus for the four employees

opportunity,” he said. “Everywhere we see monoculture, we should be asking does that need to be monoculture? Could it not be something supporting many other species so that our own species can survive?”

The American Meadows team works closely with the American Horticultural Therapy Assosication to raise awareness surrounding the emotional and mental well-being that comes from gardening. And, in terms of planting, May is the ideal time to support open space in a creative way.

“It’s a good time to get in touch with your space and see what’s currently there,” Gifford said. “May is a great time to observe and see if there is something blooming that can be supported.”

and dispatch who stayed on.

“I will just send our gratitude and thanks out to (Vermont State Police), our dispatchers for hanging in strong. There were nights where there was only one in the building,” said Thomas. “So that puts some stress on them, they’ve got calls happening and they’e still trying to get resources out to them.”

He also thanked Shelburne residents for their continued support. “It’s really important, that people understand just how thankful we are for those organizations and people,” added Flore.

The survey garnered more than 400 responses and a 13 percent response rate and revealed a strong support for infrastructure, open spaces and recreational spaces, but limited support for tourism and economic development and mid-level support for virtually every other category.

Of the responses, there were also more than 200 write-in comments that coincided with overarching themes of safety, quality of life and connectivity.

Some recommendations presented to the selectboard came directly from town organizations and employees, while others came from people weighing in on the capital improvement plan as outlined by the finance committee.

“The really excellent work the committee has done will have a long useful life because the

survey results, we’re going to be using that to inform the capital improvement program and other things for community enhancement down the road,” Don Porter, finance committee chair, said.

The first found of ARPA money allocations approved by the selectboard in January included $250,000 for the new beach house, $250,000 for cycling and pedestrian paths and $150,000 for rescue building repairs.

“There was a lot of hard work, a lot of insight, and a lot of great discussions that went into this,” said Matt Wormser, selectboard liaison to the committee.

In addition to ARPA money used to ease the blow of capital needs coming down the pipeline, Shelburne residents approved a 1 percent local option tax at this year’s annual meeting that is projected to bring in nearly a million dollars in revenue.

CLASSIFIEDS

GARAGE SALE

3 FAMILY GARAGE

SALE: May 5 and 6, 8 a.m.

- 3 p.m. 500 Oak Knoll Road, Williston. Antiques, jewelry, quilts, children’s clothes, toys, rubber stamps, ink pads, collectibles.

R

VEHICLES

TRAILER: 2021 Carry On 6x12, single axle. 2,500 miles, excellent condition. $5,000 OBO. Call (802) 864-3535.

RABIES BAIT

continued from page 2

The week-long bait drop is a cooperative effort between Vermont and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services to stop the spread of the potentially fatal disease.

Rabies is a deadly viral disease of the brain that infects mammals. It is most often seen in raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats, but unvaccinated pets and livestock can also get rabies.The virus is spread through the bite of an infected animal or contact with its

A nonpro t upscale resale shop in the of Shelburne Village

SCHIP is seeking two candidates to join our dynamic team:

• Part Time Warehouse/ Merchandise Associate beginning immediately

• Part Time Sales Associate beginning 8/15/23

For full job details and to learn more about our mission visit TheSchip.org

Email us at Operations@theschip.org

SHELBURNE

DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD

Notice of Public Hearings to be held May 24, 2023, 7:00 PM Town Center Meeting Room #1 and Remote Meeting Via Zoom

A23-02 – Appeal by Adele Gravitz of a Notice of Violation for an unpermitted accessory apartment at 5166 Shelburne Road. Property is located in the Village Center Mixed Use District, Village Design Review Overlay District, and Stormwater Overlay District.

Join Zoom meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84962480782?pwd=b2pzRTBpZlgvUkk 2c1dPSkxWUG5idz09

Meeting ID: 849 6248 0782 Passcode: JE9KYj

By phone: Dial 1-929-205-6099

Meeting ID: 849 6248 0782 Passcode: 154580

May 4, 2023

& Jessica Trautwine

Cell/Txt: 802-233-1451 • Office: 802-497-1681 Hyperreliccards@gmail.com • hyperrelic.com

ANTIQUES WANTED

saliva. If left untreated, rabies is almost always fatal in humans and animals. However, treatment with the rabies vaccine is nearly 100 percent effective when given soon after a person is bitten by a rabid animal. So far this year, 23 animals in Vermont have tested positive for rabies, and 14 of those have been raccoons.

According to wildlife officials, rabid animals often show a change in their normal behavior, but you cannot tell whether an animal has rabies simply by looking at it. People should not touch or pick up wild animals or strays – even baby animals.

SHELBURNE DAY

continued from page 4

Shelburne Historical Society will have a display and president Dorothea Penar will lead a cemetery tour at 1 p.m. Food vendors round out the event with everything from coffee and lemonade to burgers and creemees. Kids will enjoy meeting animals from Shelburne Farms, craft projects, and

face painting. Towards burne-Hinesburg head to the Fire Golf Ball depending land. Proceeds Rotary’s

Experienced Caregiver

ARIES

March 21 - April 20

Aries, even though you have been making great progress, you have some more work ahead of you this week. Overcome any distractions that get in your way.

TAURUS

April 21 - May 21

Taurus, you may want to avoid crowds this week. Use this opportunity to enjoy some quiet, alone time to recharge. There will be time for socialization in the weeks ahead.

GEMINI

May 22 - June 21

You may be called in as a mediator this week, Gemini. It may be challenging to remain impartial, as you are friendly with both people involved. Tread carefully.

CANCER

June 22 - July 22

Cancer, there are a few decisions that you will need to make in the days to come and they are not to be taken lightly. Give each ample time and consider all angles.

LEO

July 23 - Aug. 23

An opportunity all but falls into your lap, Leo. Make sure you jump on this because opportunity may not knock again. The bene ts are too big to pass up.

VIRGO

Aug. 24 - Sept. 22

There is not much more help you can lend to a situation, Virgo. This week you may have to accept that you have simply done all that you could do. Move on and focus on the future.

LIBRA

Sept. 23 - Oct. 23

Expect some strange things to happen to you this week, Libra. The unexpected could be the breath of fresh air you need, especially if your schedule has been stagnant.

SCORPIO

Oct. 24 - Nov. 22

Scorpio, assist a loved one as much as you can this week. You may need to be a devoted caregiver or a listening ear. Whatever the case, handle it with undivided attention.

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!

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 23 - Dec. 21

Sagittarius, a deep focus on health may compel you to get around to making some changes you’ve been planning. Embrace this newfound resolve.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22 - Jan. 20

Capricorn, allow others to take the lead when a project ends up coming across your desk.You could learn something from the expertise of others if you emulate their actions.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 21 - Feb. 18

Aquarius, you have left no stone unturned in a situation that involves relocation. Now it is just a matter of wait and see. Give it a few weeks, then move on.

PISCES

Feb. 19 - March 20

Pisces, others have very positive things to say about you, especially during the course of the next few days. Relish in their attention.

CLUES ACROSS

1. Dull and at

6. Baking measurement (abbr.)

9. Education-based groups

13. Not behind

14. Runners run them

15. Japanese ankle sock

16. Grave

17. Japanese industrial city

18. People of southern Ghana

19. Particular designs

21. Device tted to something

22. Infections

23. Pirates’ preferred alcohol

24. Expression of sympathy

25. Rock guitarist’s tool

28. Neither

29. Ancient city of Egypt

31. You __ what you sow

33. Ruined

36. Narrations

38. Body art (slang)

39. Fencing sword 41. Apartment buildings 44. Type of missile 45. Fathers

46. Extremely high frequency 48. Type of school 49. Incorrect letters 51. Two-year-old sheep 52. Nasty manner

54. One who accepts a bet

56. Indian prince

60. Asian country

61. Rhythmic patterns in Indian music

62. “Uncle Buck” actress Hoffmann

63. Detailed criteria

64. Son of Shem

65. Talked wildly

66. Discount

67. Not good

68. Growing out

CLUES DOWN

1. Actor Damon

2. A call used to greet someone

3. Part-time employee

4. Emaciation

5. “Westworld” actor Harris

6. Gains possession of

7. Relaxing spaces

8. 23rd star in a constellation

9. Northern grouse

10. Monetary unit of Bangladesh

11. Manila hemp

12. Unites muscle to bone

14. Makes deep cuts in

17. 18-year period between eclipses

20. Member of a people

ANSWERS

inhabiting southern Benin

21. Synthetic rubbers

23. Unwelcome rodent

25. Expression of creative skill

26. Some is red

27. Seems less in impressive

29. Harry Kane’s team

30. Gland secretion

32. Action of feeling sorrow

34. Disallow

35. Deceptive movement

37. More dried-up

40. Crimson

42. Actress Ryan

43. Adherents of a main branch of Islam

47. Accomplished American president

49. Side of a landform facing an advancing glacier

Sheep breed 52. Appetizer

Broadway actress Daisy

In uential lm critic

NY Giants ownership family 57. Type of script

Assist

London park

Bar bill

In reply indicator

Why Williston Place?

Green Mountain Bike Club upcoming rides, longer tours

Beginner, intermediate rides

• Saturday, May 6 — introductory ride for new riders. A 12-20 mile leisurely ride to teach new cyclists the rules of the road and how to ride in a group. Meet at 10 a.m., Veterans Memorial Park, South Burlington, Wheeler lot. Leader: John Bertelsen, 802-557-4633, jo.bertel@gmail.com.

• Saturday, May 20 — introductory ride for new riders. A 12-20 mile leisurely ride to teach new cyclists the rules of the road and how to ride in a group. Meet at 10 a.m., Veterans Memorial Park, South Burlington, Wheeler lot. Leader: Tim Pearson, (443) 745-0605, pearson.tim.j@gmail.com.

• Chef-prepared daily meal

• Weekly housekeeping

• Raised community garden beds

• Daily social opportunities

• Full life enrichment calendar

• 24-hour onsite staffing

• Transportation

• Conveniently located

• Local ownership

• Saturday, June 17 — introductory ride for new riders. A 12-20 mile leisurely ride to teach new cyclists the rules of the road and how to ride in a group. Meet at 10 a.m., Veterans Memorial Park, South Burlington, Wheeler lot. Leader: Amy Otten Amy Otten, 802-878-4070, amyotten@netscape.com.

• Saturday, June 24 — introductory ride for new riders. A 12-20 mile leisurely ride to teach new cyclists the rules of the road and how to ride in a group. Meet at 10 a.m., Veterans Memorial Park, South Burlington, Wheeler lot. Leader: John Bertelsen, 802-557-4633, jo.bertel@gmail.com.

Regular touring rides

• Sunday, May 7 — Kingsland Bay: 35-mile ride rolls from Shelburne through Charlotte to Kingsland Bay Park and back. The 51-mile ride heads toward Vergennes and climbs to Monkton Ridge, returning through Hinesburg and a 65-mile option heads into Huntington but will not have a leader. Meet at 9:15 a.m., Shelburne Shopping Park. Leader: Brian Howard, 802-3040610, bjhowd@gmail.com. Social ride option: Donna Leban, 802-862-1901, donna. leban@gmail.com.

• Sunday, May 14 — Vergennes Voyager: 26-mile rolling or 39-mile flat to rolling rural ride running along Otter Creek to Middlebury. The longer ride heads toward Kingsland Bay State Park before heading south to Middlebury. Meets at 9:15 a.m., Vergennes Union High School. Leader: Diane Meyeroff, 802-495-8883, diane@thirdsectorassociates.com. Social ride option: Donna Leban 802-862-1901, donna.leban@gmail.com.

• Sunday, May 21 — Covered Bridges of Chittenden County: 23-, 30- and 36-mile ride through Shelburne and Charlotte with the longer ride going through Ferrisburgh. Possible food stops include the Old Brick Store in Charlotte or a convenience store in Ferrisburgh for the long ride. Visit up to four of the five covered bridges in Chittenden County. The Shelburne Covered Bridge and the Holmes, Sequin and Quinlan bridges in Charlotte. Meets at 9:15 a.m., at Veterans Memorial Park, Wheeler lot, South Burlington. Leader: Dorothy Pumo, 802-829-8729, dpumo5@gmail.com. Social ride option: Donna Leban, 802-962-1901, donna.leban@ gmail.com.

• Saturday, May 27 — Gravel Ride: Hinesburg-Buck-Gilman-Baldwin. A mostly gravel 20-mile ride traversing the back roads of Hinesburg with 1,604 feet vertical gain. Meets at 9:15 a.m. at the Hinesburg Elementary School off Route 116. Leader: Brian Howard, 802-304-0610, bjhowd@gmail. com.

• Sunday, May 28 — St. Albans Explorer: Light, rolling hills with beautiful views by the lake. A 35-mile ride to Kill Kare State Park and back. The 50-mile route continues to Swanton and back. Both rides can break for food at St. Albans Bay. Meets at 9:15 a.m. at the Georgia Park and Ride, Exit 18 off I-89. Leader: John Bertelsen, 802-557-4633, jo.bertel@gmail.com.