Shelburne News - 5-11-23

Shelburne Fire seeks volunteers

Open house set for Thursday, May 11

Page 2

Construction begins on Shelburne beach house next fall

Construction on the new beach house on Shelburne Beach is set to begin sometime after Labor Day after the town finalized a contract last week with Farrington Construction.

The final costs for the construction came in at $586,638 with prices to be offset by a voter-approved bond of $350,000 with $27,873 in individual donations raised by the parks and recreation department, along with American Rescue Plan Act pandemic relief funds of $250,000 allocated for the project.

The historic structure was built by volunteers in 1956 after the Shelburne Beach was donated to the town in 1954 by Dunbar and Electra Bostwick and is well past its aesthetic and functional prime due to minimal maintenance and few upgrades in the decades since it was built.

Betsy Cieplicki, director of Shelburne Parks and Recreation said, “We plan to begin demolition the day after Labor Day and expect it to take two to three months for

See BEACH HOUSE on page 10

VSO picks new music director

Vt. orchestra chooses Andrew Crust

Page 8

Town manager says goodbye to Shelburne

As Lee Krohn bid the town of Shelburne goodbye after five years, he called his time as its town manager an “honor” and an “adventure.”

More than 50 residents, committee members and town officials gathered in Shelburne’s historic town hall on Wednesday to express gratitude and exchange

parting words to Krohn for his years of service to the town during a time of great uncertainty and change.

Krohn was hired in December 2018 as Shelburne’s town manager after a 7-month stint as interim manager and after nearly 24 years working in the town of Manchester in a variety of roles, including interim town manager, planning director, zoning administrator, tree warden and E911 coordinator.

Krohn said his last week on the job has been hectic and, at the same time, slightly unsettling to think that after so many years, the moment has come for him to remove the many different hats he has worn over the years.

“I’ve put my heart and soul into this job and every job I’ve ever had,” he said. “To suddenly, start thinking about stepping away from it is somewhat unsettling. This week I was feeling really

nervous coming into it because I have been doing my very best to clear the decks and clean up as many outstanding issues as possible before I walk out the door and leave.”

With a background in forestry and environmental management, Krohn says his interests, which land at the intersection of law,

See KROHN on page 10

PHOTO BY LIBERTY DARR

Dozens of Shelburne town staff and residents turned out to pay tribute to departing town manager Lee Krohn, who departed the town’s employ last week.

LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER

LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER

Fire department seeks new recruits

The Shelburne Fire Department is opening its doors at 5380 Shelburne Road to members of the community on Saturday, May 13, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a recruitment open house. Prospective members will be able to try out a range of firefighting activities and learn more about the many opportunities and roles available to Shelburne Fire volunteers. The open house is part of Operation Mayday, a statewide campaign to increase fire service recruitment in Vermont. Shelburne’s event will include a live vehicle extrication demonstration, as well as exhibits highlighting the broad range of calls the department responds to, from house fires to water rescues.

Everyone is welcome to come learn about everything that the 100 percent volunteer department offers to the community.

“As an all-volunteer department, we are members of this community making a commitment to serve this community,” chief of department Andrew Dickerson said. “We are lawyers and veterinarians, general contractors and project managers, parents and students, who stop what we are doing to help our neighbors when they are in need.”

Like with many fire departments, the job is much more than just putting out fires. Shelburne Fire responds to carbon monoxide alarms, motor vehicle acci-

dents, hazardous material incidents, emergencies on the lake and more. With five active apparatus designed for a broad range of roles, as well as two boats, the department is well equipped to tackle any emergency in Shelburne and in neighboring communities.

Opportunities for training and personal development are as broad as the department’s range of tasks. In addition to earning professional firefighting certifications, department members routinely achieve certifications in technical rescue, hazardous material management, ice and water rescue and a wide range of specialized skill sets.

“We have a rigorous but achievable training program,” said assistant chief Josh Estey, Shelburne’s training officer. “From initial fire school and onboarding training for new members, to weekly training throughout the year, we do much of our professional development in house, or in cooperation with neighboring departments,” he said. “But we also provide opportunities for members to participate in state or national training programs, earning valuable professional credentials along the way.”

Learn more about the Shelburne Fire Department at shelburnefire.org. More details about Operation Mayday can be found at bit.ly/3B2ByWT.

COURTESY PHOTOS

Above: Members of the Shelburne Volunteer Fire Department pose in front of the station.

Left: A boat used for water and ice rescues is among the apparatus used by the department.

Below: A Shelburne firefighter musters a hose past rows of gear.

Financial course open for teachers

Middle and high school educators in Vermont can increase their financial literacy and personal finance teaching skills by attending a free, online, asynchronous graduate level course that will be available from Monday, July 3 through Friday, Aug. 25.

“Teachers who complete the training will have the confidence, skills and curriculum tools to be successful personal finance educators,” says John Pelletier, director of the Center for Financial Liter-

acy, which is offering the course through its Financial Literacy Academy.

Pelletier says the financial literacy boot camp will cover saving and investing, credit reports and scores, credit cards and debt, managing risk, income and careers.

All of the available spots for this session are open to Vermont educators. Applicants will be notified of acceptance no later than June 2.

Nearly 200 Vermont educators have already taken this course, which has been recognized by the White House, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and U.S. Dept. of Treasury.

The three-credit course is a continuation of the Champlain Financial Literacy Academy’s nationally recognized educator training program conducted in-person from 2011-2019 for nearly 300 educators.

Vt. Council on rural development holds community social at Lake Bomoseen

The Vermont Council on Rural Development is inviting community leaders, volunteers and partners in Vermont to a community social on Tuesday, June 13, at the Lake Bomoseen Lodge & Taproom.

The event will include a short speaking program with updates on council initiatives and issues vital to towns across Vermont.

Rutland County community leader Melinda Humphrey will give the keynote address. Humphrey currently serves on the NeighborWorks of Western Vermont Board of Directors, executive committee and assistant trea-

surer for NAACP and a foster and respite provider with the Vermont Department of Children & Families. In prior roles, Humphrey was on the Rutland City Board of Alderman and a founding member of Rutland Young Professionals. In her full-time role, Humphrey is the manager of tariffs and rates for Green Mountain Power.

Other speakers for the program include:

• Lyle Jepson, executive director of chamber and economic development of the Rutland region.

• Lisa Ryan, associate dean for

diversity, equity and inclusion at Vermont Law and Graduate School and Vermont Council on Rural Development board member.

• Brian Lowe, executive director of Vermont Council on Rural Development.

• Julie Moore, secretary of the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources and Vermont Council on Rural Development board chair.

Register at bit.ly/417TMk2. Cost is $25 per person. Registration helps cover event expenses but should not be a barrier for anyone.

Local students place at Vermont History Day

More than 200 students from all over the state showed short documentaries, exhibitions, paper presentations, performances and websites at the University of Vermont’s Davis Center for Vermont History Day.

Vermont History Day is coordinated by Vermont Historical Society and is affiliated with National History Day. Students with the highest scores are invited to represent Vermont during the national event, which takes place June 11-15 at the University of Maryland.

This year’s theme was “Frontiers in History: People, Places, Ideas.” Students competed in two categories with special awards given for specific categories or topics, such as architectural history, military history or women’s history or for the use of primary sources.

The second group includes the event’s major categories: documentaries, group exhibits, performances, websites and papers.

Major category awards include:

• Senior group documentary, first place — Lucy Stadtmauer and Oli Roy; teacher, Drew Gordon. “A Swann’s Legacy,” South Burlington High School.

Special awards:

• Horace Greeley Foundation American Freedom Award — Grace Bowen, Charlotte. “Slavery in Vermont,” Christ the King School. Teacher: Henry Kellogg.

• George F. Edmunds Memorial Prize — Neesa Giulianelli, South Burlington. “Forgotten

Four,” Christ the King School. Teacher: Henry Kellogg.

• International Studies Award — Adaline Lawson, South Burlington. “Untitled,” Christ the King School. Teacher: Henry Kellogg. Learn more at bit.ly/3KCM IWz.

Shelburne Police Blotter

Total reported incidents: 72

Traffic stops: 43

Warnings: 33

Tickets: 11

Arrests: 1

Medical emergencies: 27

Mental health incidents: 1

Suspicious incidents: 15

Domestic incidents: 1

Agency assists: 4

Citizen assists: 11

Automobile incidents: 4

Animal problem: 4

Theft: 4

Harassment: 2

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Alarms: 2 Pending investigations: 5

May 1 at 2:16 p.m., an animal bite was reported to police and an animal control officer was notified.

May 1 at 2:42 and 3:11 p.m., two cars were stolen from Automaster. Police entered the vehicles into a National Crime Information Center database as stolen vehicles.

May 2 at 1:30 a.m., Shelburne police assisted South Burlington officers with a mental health incident on Shelburne Road.

May 2 at 8:34 a.m., a Littlefield Drive resident called the cops because a man was walking behind her neighbor’s residence, but it turned out to be their neighbor’s gardener.

May 2 at 9:04 a.m., a caller from Wake Robin reported a theft of items from their residence. The case is pending investigation.

May 2 at 7:58 p.m. a resident on Falls and Mt. Philo roads called the police and told them a neighbor’s dog was out in the rain and should be inside, but the pooch told police otherwise.

May 3 at 12:33 a.m., police pulled a driver over on Shelburne and Ridgefield roads and issued them a citation for driving under the influence. Police did not immediately provide the

Shelburne News

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Shelburne author publishes novel

At various times, Annie Seyler has lived in a train car, studied at an Ivy League university, dumpster dived, traveled with governors’ spouses, handmilked goats, lost hope and kept secrets. Now, the Shelburne resident has published her debut novel, “The Wisdom of Winter,” a coming-of-age story on family, human connection and healing.

Published by Atmosphere Press, Seyler’s novel tells the story of 6-year-old Beatrice, a nature-attuned child growing up in rural Vermont when tragedy strikes. After leaving the Green Mountains and building a career in California, Beatrice is drawn back to Vermont’s familiar landscape to examine her past and, with any luck, finally make a choice on what to do with her future.

name of the driver.

May 3 at 3:42 p.m., an unwanted guest was reportedly refusing to leave the Harbor Place property. Police were dispatched, issued the individual a trespass notice and escorted them off the property.

May 3 at 9:36 p.m., a caller on Shelburne Road told police they were receiving threatening letters. The case is pending investigation.

May 4 at 8:18 p.m., police conducted extra patrols near a Shelburne Road residence after the caller there reported

receiving threatening messages at their work.

May 5 at 9:26 a.m., a couple of cows reportedly wandered into the roadway near Ridgefield Road. Police notified the owner.

May 5 at 2:37 p.m., an elderly woman was walking along Shelburne Road, and a caller told police she needed help. Police brought her to the police station to wait for her ride.

May 5 at 6:52 p.m., a retail theft was reported at Kwiniaska. Police could not locate the individual involved. The case

Lauded by critics for a story that “unfolds in a thoughtful, literary mode, immersing readers in the forests and valleys of Vermont” by Booklife Reviews, reviewers have given Seyler an extra nod for how she “captures the essences of characters in quick, well-observed descriptions.”

Despite being her debut work, Seyler’s novel has since netted the 2022 Reviewer’s Choice Award from Feathered Quill Books along with the Silver Award for adult fiction.

“Its first-person usage creates a surreal atmosphere from the start,” wrote Midwest Book Review, “drawing readers into the world and perceptions of Beatrice and opening with birth.”

is under investigation.

May 5 at 8:58 p.m., two cars were reportedly racing along Harbor Road, but officers who checked the area could not find any of the vehicles involved.

May 6 at 10:14 a.m., a caller from Falls Road reported receiving threatening letters. The case is pending investigation.

May 6 at 5:03 p.m., a group of juveniles were reportedly harassing customers at Aubuchon Hardware.

May 6 at 8:17 p.m., an unwanted guest was escorted out of the Shelburne Tap House.

Editor/Publisher Gregory Popa gpopa@stowereporter.com

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

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

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Starting in the Vermont Assembly in my early twenties, I have always sought to put families first in my policy agenda, but it has been a challenge to start a family of my own. A citizens’ legislature can make it challenging for a young, elected official to ensure the time and resources to have a child.

On April 13, my husband and I welcomed our baby, Mira, into the world. She decided to make an early entrance, for which we received world-class care from the staff and providers at University of Vermont Medical Center and we are all doing fine.

As I reengage with the Legislature while also thinking about our financial

and professional realities as new parents, I feel fortunate to be able to help steward meaningful steps forward on affordable early childhood education and access to paid family leave. These are issues I have worked on for over a decade, but they take on new meaning as I think about Mira’s generation and our children’s collective future.

As the first pregnant legislator in two decades, I lament that the perspective of young parents is underrepresented in the Legislature, though that is changing. I hope to be able to continue bringing in the voices of families struggling to make it all work and to help advance our most precious resource of all, our children.

Vt. senator welcomes baby, votes on gun bill

From the Senate

Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale

On April 13, my husband and I were overjoyed to welcome a baby girl into the world. She is our first child, and this is the first time a legislator has been pregnant or given birth during the legislative session in nearly 20 years. With every piece of legislation I vote on as the session nears adjournment, I am looking at it through a new lens as a new mother. (See related sidebar)

Perhaps no issue causes me greater

concern for the future of our children, and now my child, than that of gun safety. Gun violence has now become the primary killer of children and teens in the U.S., as gun deaths among children have risen 50 percent from 2019 to 2021. Homicide was the largest single category of gun deaths among children in 2021, accounting for 60 percent of the total, followed by suicide at 32 percent and accidents at 5 percent.

So, it was with a deep sense of both gravity and privilege that I cast my vote

Rose Bushes and more.

Quality Plants

Vermont grown right here!

• Perennials

• Annuals

• Vegetables

• Herbs

• Flowering Trees

• Shade Trees

• Raspberries

• Blueberries

• Seeds

• Gift Cards for Mom

Family owned since 1967

Champlain Valley School District is offering publicly funded prekindergarten (PreK) for children between the ages of 3* and 5 who reside in the towns of: Charlotte, Hinesburg, Shelburne, St. George and Williston Now Enrolling for the 2023-2024 School Year

*Children must be at least 3 years old on or before Sept. 1 2023 to qualify for PreK funding. What is publicly funded prekindergarten education?

Publicly funded prekindergarten is defined as:

• Ten hours per week (for 35 weeks) of developmentally appropriate early learning experiences that is based on Vermont’s Early Learning Standards.

• Children who reside in Charlotte, Hinesburg, Shelburne, St. George and Williston and will be 3, 4 or 5 years old on or before September 1, 2023, and who are not attending kindergarten, are eligible for universal PreK funding from CVSD. Funding is limited to 35 weeks during the academic school year (September 2023 - June 2024).

• Publicly-funded PreK services can be found in schools and qualified communitybased programs (homes and centers).

• The state tuition rate paid to community-based private PreK providers on behalf of CVSD children attending prekindergarten during the 2023-2024 school year is $3,764.

How do I apply?

• The full registration packet is available on CVSD’s website at: https://tinyurl.com/c33rbswe

• You will need to enroll your child with the private pre-qualified prekindergarten program and register directly with the school district for Act 166 funding.

For additional information about publicly funded prekindergarten or if you have any concerns about your child’s development, please visit the CVSD website or contact Erin Gagne at egagne@cvsdvt.org. Our Early Education team provides developmental screenings in the areas of communication, social-emotional development, motor skills, adaptive development, and cognition.

If you have questions about the CVSD Act 166 registration process contact Suzanne Curtis at scurtis@cvsdvt.org or 802-985-1903.

‘Family first’ becomes even more important

COURTESY PHOTO Senator Kesha Ram Hinsdale recently became the first legislator to give birth during the session in nearly 20 years.

Tucker Carlson, Fox News and fresh visions of Orwell’s ‘1984’

Guest Perspective

Walt Amses

The abrupt dismissal of Tucker Carlson by Fox News shouldn’t be at all shocking, considering how very few employees get away with calling their bosses vile names including the C-word, which was evidently as common in the original fake newsroom as were decades of carefully concocted fabrication.

What is shocking though, not to mention disgraceful, is what Carlson wasn’t fired for — what he’d gotten away with for years and how it so neatly fell into the cable giant’s objective: making America safe for armed, white, heterosexual evangelicals.

Strident racism was Carlson’s calling card as he famously cultivated a puzzled look, beginning an abundance of queries with “is it possible?” Of course, nearly everything is, providing bogus perceptions of credibility, especially for the already indoctrinated who made up the bulk of his audience. As has been exposed these past few months, largely through the Dominion voting systems’ lawsuit, in the battle between ratings and honesty, lies were the currency that financed what most believe was the network’s hold on viewers, but, in reality, it was the other way around.

The corporation —- aptly dubbed “Bullshit Mountain” by John Stewart — was built on propaganda that viewers bought hook, line and sinker. With the emergence of POTUS emeritus’s disdain for truth, a new political reality took hold, where veracity was suddenly a thing of the past and careful examination of issues, party platforms, candidates or ethics gave way to vulgar punch lines and rhetorical thuggery.

The loyal audience became so steeped in self-serving lies that any deviation toward honesty — usually accidental on Fox’s part — engendered rage over perceived betrayal. Lies became what the viewers expected, the fact of which all the talking heads were well aware.

Learning a Fox reporter shared an actual fact about the 2020 election’s Big Lie on Twitter, Carlson texted: “It needs to stop immediately, like tonight. It’s measurably hurting the company. The stock price is down.”

CEO Suzanne Scott wrote to Fox executive Lachlan Murdoch of “letting the viewers know we hear them and respect them” via providing more stolen election content. Suggesting in another text

that this “respect” was not contingent upon agreement with what said viewers believed.

Senior writer at Salon, Amanda Marcotte, stresses the abundantly obvious: most people believe “it’s nonsensical that you respect someone by lying to them,” going on to point out that’s not precisely what Fox is doing. “It makes sense if you realize they’re not trying to deceive, not really. It’s more like they’re collaborating with their viewers to prop up a narrative the viewers prefer, since they don’t care about the truth, only about winning at any cost, this is a matter of Fox News respecting their wishes.”

Coupled with the admission under oath that he, along with colleagues Sean Hannity and Laura Ingram, never believed the misinformation they were pushing about Joe Biden’s win being illegitimate, these revelations confirm what Fox critics have maintained for decades: the network’s more than 20 years of falsehoods are the driving force behind what is now a national epidemic of irrational fears, extreme paranoia and the toxic ignorance playing out in increasingly dangerous ways.

of white people, LGBTQ rights, a socialist-Muslim president and anything else to inspire rage and fear.

So, it isn’t surprising that fact-deprived Fox viewers who already believed the USA-despising, God-hating libs and their pedophile-commie president represented a threat to the republic were primed and ready to accept the defeated former president’s declarations that the election had been rigged against him, especially with their favorite propagandists pushing the false narrative day after day after day.

Despite the FOX network stars swearing they’d not only lied but that they did so knowingly, 63 percent of Republicans still believe the election was stolen.

Despite the network stars swearing they’d not only lied but that they did so knowingly, 63 percent of Republicans still believe the election was stolen.

Fox News, with ample complicity with a power-mad Republican Party is reminiscent of George Orwell’s convoluted Ministry of Truth from “1984,” which manufactures lies in the service of power, considered the most valuable commodity in Oceania by erasing the truth and replacing it with whatever the party or Big Brother deems correct with those of the ministry defining the truth.

Newspeak, the language developed by the ministry, erodes English to the point it is essentially meaningless, rendering the population incapable of independent thought.

“The GOP has been exploiting and encouraging grievances, resentments and fears in its conservative base,” according to David Corn in Mother Jones. “Fox has been doing the same thing for 26 years, presenting a steady stream of paranoia and conspiracy theories,” demonizing Democrats and those on the left as being out to destroy America with everything from death panels to a war on Christmas, critical race theory, antifa, open borders, replacement

One less dirtbag spewing reality defying rhetoric on Fox will hardly make a difference. Whoever replaces Carlson will likely be worse, but the damage is already done. The monster is not only threatening its creator but holding the rest of America hostage too as the nation inches ever closer to combustion. With Republicans and red state governors laser focused on the culture wars and the “woke mind virus … a form of cultural Marxism that divides us,” a phrase void of meaning, we’ve gotten to the point where a knock on the door is catalyst enough to casually shoot someone.

Thanks to Fox and the GOP, millions embrace misinformation as though a birthright. Putin is heroic, Fauci is a criminal; rainbow flags are indoctrination while the Ten Commandments in classrooms are not. What they don’t like, from the LGBTQ+ community, children’s books, Black history to drag shows, women’s rights, immigration and mail-in voting are all more dangerous than 400 million guns.

Orwell’s dystopian novel remains one of the most frequently banned books of all time and it’s no wonder. Written as a political satire depicting an authoritarian government’s impact on society, it served as a warning in 1949 — given the threat of far-right ideology — that we should take very seriously today.

Walt Amses is a Vermont-based writer.

Guest Perspective

Abenaki Alliance

Race-based attacks and harmful stereotypes are putting Vermont’s Abenaki communities in jeopardy — it needs to stop. This week is Abenaki Recognition and Heritage Week, yet international special-interest groups are threatening state-recognized Abenaki tribes with cultural erasure to position themselves for recognition and rights within the United States.

Using their Canadian status as recognized First Nations, Odanak and Wôlinak in Quebec are using state and federally funded universities and media organizations to promote their propaganda — threatening to rewrite 12,000 years of Native heritage in the Abenaki homelands now known as the state of Vermont.

The past few weeks have seen Gov. Phil Scott and the full congressional delegation affirm their support for the four Vermont tribes and announce the launch of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to examine past

HINSDALE

continued from page 5

remotely on H.230, our major gun safety and suicide prevention bill this session, from my daughter’s second pediatrician appointment. Hanging on the wall in the office as I voted was a Dr. Seuss quote from Horton Hears a Who: “A person’s a person, no matter how small.” While it may seem obvious and simple, children — and the parents of young children — are highly underrepresented in the policymaking process, and it’s important we put our children’s personhood and safety at the forefront in this contentious debate.

H.230 includes three common sense provisions that will reduce gun violence and gun-related suicide if enacted into law: implementation of safe storage liability, enactment of firearm purchase waiting periods and strengthening extreme risk protection orders.

The one I have heard the most about is safe storage, as people wonder if someone will be inspecting their homes or preemptively enforcing this language. The answer is no, this

discriminations and state-sanctioned eugenics. At a time when Indigenous people should be united in celebrating these monumental strides, Odanak and Wôlinak seem intent on using the media and public education system to lobby for Nuremberg-like laws for verification and cultural annihilation.

Abenaki citizens are being called “pretendians,” asked to publicly verify their ancestry to attest they are native enough and unfairly scrutinized by the very organizations that were built to serve the people — Vermont Public and the University of Vermont. Is any other race or identity in Vermont required to prove they are Black enough, Jewish enough, Latino enough or transgender enough?

Why is a historically disenfranchised and protected community of Native Americans being subjected to unilateral aggression over an international border while state education and media institutions join the cause? We don’t know why, but we do know the following:

• This is an intrusion upon

Vermont law, established over years of growing awareness and measured consideration by the Legislature. The Odanak and Wôlinak do not respect Vermont, its legal processes or its recognized tribes. The amplification of these aggressions by state academic institutions is a clear overstep of ethical guidelines established for human subject research in both the U.S. and Canada.

Vermont’s Native recognition process is based on the U.S. federal model and considers the very different lived experiences of Native communities in the East, and specific to this state. Our right to self-governance is protected by law in the U.S. and Canada and by the United Nations.

• Increasing awareness of diversity, equity and inclusion has taught us that different isn’t wrong or illegitimate. In fact, it should be embraced, as diversity gives us strength and resilience. As Western Abenaki, our community bands may have differing

will create liability if a weapon is negligently or improperly stored and subsequently used in a crime, death or serious injury.

We are a gun-owning household, as my husband is an avid hunter and firearm enthusiast. His first project to prepare for the birth of our daughter was to move his guns from a key-locked display cabinet to a hidden, heavily protected safe. A majority of responsible gun owners understand the danger of leaving weapons in places that are visible and accessible, especially those who are parents or are likely to have young visitors present in their home.

Though Vermont’s greatest statistical danger is suicide by gun, especially among teens, we are not immune from the gun homicides sweeping the nation. Recent tragedies, from a boy who went to the wrong house to pick up a sibling to a young woman who turned around in the wrong driveway to a family that asked the wrong person to stop shooting guns while their baby was sleeping, weigh heavily on our psyches where the only

crime committed by the victims was being in the wrong place at the wrong time in the vicinity of someone with unimpeded access to guns and the belief that they could use them with impunity. For my newborn child’s safety and for all our children, let’s build a world where gun violence is a thing of the past. It may seem too hard or too low of an impact to do this, especially in our small state. But again, I would turn to the wisdom of my pediatrician’s office and the full quote from Dr. Seuss that there is no action or person too small to matter when it comes to saving lives.

Should I put this speck down? Horton thought with alarm. If I do, these small persons may come to great harm. I can’t put it down. And I won’t! After all a person’s a person. No matter how small.

Kesha Ram Hinsdale, a Democrat from Shelburne, serves the towns of South Burlington, Shelburne, Charlotte, Hinesburg, Milton, Burlington, St. George, Westford, Underhill, Jericho, Richmond, Winooski, Williston, Essex and Bolton in the Legislature.

Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale

Abenaki tribes: race-based attacks are on the rise for Vt.’s native community

See ABENAKI ALLIANCE on page 12

Vermont Symphony picks music director

Andrew Crust is the new music director for the Vermont Symphony Orchestra.

Crust was selected out of a pool of seven finalist candidates and succeeds Jaime Laredo, who stepped down in 2021 after a 20-year tenure leading the orchestra.

Crust’s first concert as the orchestra’s music director will take place on Sept. 30 at the Flynn Theater in Burlington.

“I want to also recognize the immense impact of outgoing music director Jamie Laredo, whose artistic vision shaped this orchestra over two decades and paved the way for exciting new growth in the future,” Crust said in a statement.

Andrew Crust

national career as a conductor of orchestral, opera, ballet, film, pops and choral programs.

In his recent and upcoming seasons, Crust conducts the Vancouver, Winnipeg, Calgary, San Diego, Arkansas, Elgin, Rockford, Chattanooga, Memphis, Hartford, Billings, Vancouver Island, Laval, Nova Scotia and Bozeman symphonies.

Community Notes

Crust has developed a versatile inter-

He has collaborated with numerous soloists including Rufus Wainwright, Michael Bolton, Tony DeSare and Dee Daniels, and is currently in his third year as music director of the Lima Symphony where he conducts grand series, pops and education programs.

May Flowers for Mother'sDay andallyour Special Occasions

Red Cross 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.

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

Emergency animal sheltering training

Have you ever been interested in becoming an emergency responder for animals when natural or man-made disasters strike?

The Chittenden County Disaster Animal Response Team will be holding a free training on Sunday, May 21, 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.

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.

Aurora Chamber Singers offer spring concert

Aurora Chamber Singers presents their spring concert, “All Generations Will Call Me Blessed,” music composed in honor of Mary, mother of Jesus, on Saturday, May 13, at 7:30 p.m., at the College Street Congregational Church in Burlington.

The program includes ancient, mediaeval and modern chant, works by Brahms, Bruckner, Vaughn Williams, Górecki and Rachmaninoff, and a new cantata by music director David Neiweem.

Ticketing and other information is at aurorachambersingers.org.

Go birding at Geprags Park

Come spend a morning with the Hinesburg Conservation Commission and Mark LaBarr of Audubon Vermont and learn how to spot and identify shrubland birds, including golden-winged and blue-winged warblers, on Saturday,

May 20, 9-11 a.m.

Also, learn about the work done in Geprags Park to restore habitat for these birds and what you can do on your own property to create better habitat for these important species. This event is free but donations to Audubon Vermont are welcome.

Knights of Columbus host pancake breakfast

Join the Knights of Columbus DeGosbriand Council # 279 on Sunday, May 14, for a Mother’s Day breakfast, 9-11:30 a.m., in the parish center of St. Joseph’s Cathedral, 29 Allen St., Burlington.

The cost is $10. More at stjosephcathedralvt.org.

Howard Center presents on racial trauma, healing

“Racial Trauma & Generational Healing,” a talk led by Catarina Campbell, director of diversity, equity and inclusion at Howard Center, takes place via Zoom on Thursday, May 18, 7-8 p.m.

The event will focus on the impact of racism on mental and emotional well-being and examine how social justice can help individuals heal from past traumas and create a better future for all. Campbell will lead a presentation, followed by a discussion questions. Participants will be invited to explore personal experiences, ancestral wisdom and consider techniques such as meditation and self-reflection.

Campbell’s talk is part of the center’s community education series to provide a space for community members to learn and engage with others, offering opportunities to educate, expand understanding and reduce stigma in the community. Registration for this event is free but required. Visit howardcenter.org.

Enjoy Age Well meals at Charlotte Senior Center

The Age Well meal pickup for Thursday, May 11, is from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Charlotte Senior Center features lasagna roll-up with tomato marinara meat sauce, vegetable blend, wheat bread, strawberry cake 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 18, features chicken breast with vegetable sweet-and-sour sauce, brown rice pilaf with veggies and cannellini beans, Brussels sprouts, wheat roll with butter, ricotta, cookie and milk.

The meal on Thursday, May 25, features roast beef with sauce, home fried potatoes with paprika, green beans with lentils, wheat bread with butter, pumpkin bar with raisins and milk.

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

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Girls’ lacrosse

Champlain Valley 18, Middlebury 3: Stella Dooley’s six-goal effort paced Champlain Valley in a win over Middlebury in girls lacrosse on Monday, May 8.

Dooley had six goals and two assists for the Redhawks, while Amelie Scharf added a hat trick. Emerson Rice (two assists) and Bibi Frechette each tallied twice, while Tess Everett, Carly Strobeck, Claire Marcoe, Maddy McDade and Rose Bunting all scored for CVU.

Rose Stackpole and Ava Medici combined to make six saves in goal for the Redhawks, who remain unbeaten at 7-0.

Softball

Champlain Valley 19, Mount Mansfield 2: The Champlain Valley softball team snapped a two-game losing streak with a win over Mount Mansfield on Monday.

The Redhawks scored nine runs in the fourth inning to pull away from the Cougars in the five-inning game.

Shelby Companion went 3-for-4 at the plate with a home run, two doubles and three RBIs. Amber Reagan added a home run, two RBIs and scored four runs, while Baylee Yandow and Lily Mincar each drove in two runs. Juliette Chant got the win in the circle after giving up on run on four hits. It was a rebound win for CVU, who fell to Essex 15-3 on May 5.

Boys’ Ultimate

Champlain Valley 15, Mount Mansfield 6: The Champlain Valley boys’ Ultimate team remained undefeated with a win over Mount Mansfield on May 5.

Victor Colon had four goals and Thomas Garavelli added four assists to pace the Redhawks (4-0) in the win.

Boys’ tennis

Stowe 6, Champlain Valley 1: Oscar Anderson got the lone win in singles for the Champlain Valley boys’ tennis team in a loss to Stowe on May 8. Anderson used a third set tiebreak to get the 6-4, 6-7, 10-6 win in No. 2 singles.

CVU also earned a win on May 5, beating Mount Mansfield 4-3.

Anderson, Nolan Sandahe and Fernando Tejera each got a straight set win in singles. Ben Fina and Dash Tori combined to win in No. 2 doubles.

Girls’ Ultimate

Champlain Valley 11, South Burlington 9: The girls earned their third victory in a row, beating South Burlington on May 8. Grace Thompson led the way with six scores and two assists, while Ella Polli had two goals and two assists.

Kaitlyn Jovell, Megan Rexford and Samara Ashood each added a goal and Stella Ewald dished out five assists. With the win, CVU moved to 3-2.

Girls’ tennis

Champlain Valley 5, Mount Mansfield

2: Two doubles wins helped Champlain Valley beat Mount Mansfield in girls tennis on May 5.

Stella McKay and Ella Lisle teamed up for one doubles win, while Maya Vander Els and Sage Kehr captured the other.

Tabitha Bastress, Sage Peterson and Addie Maurer each got a win in singles for CVU, who move to 5-1.

Boys’ lacrosse

Champlain Valley 7, Mount Mansfield

0: Six different players scored for the Champlain Valley boys lacrosse team as they got the win over Mount Mansfield on May 5.

Max Brumsted had two goals for CVU, who moved to 7-0. Peter Gilliam, Max Destito, Brian Rutherford, Ray Hagios and Charlie Buchwald each added a goal.

Harper Anderson and Tristyn Beliveau combined to make five saves and earn the shutout.

Baseball

Champlain Valley 6, Burr and Burton

5: Champlain Valley held off a rally from host Burr and Burton to grab a win on May 6 in high school baseball.

Stephen Rickert got the win for CVU after pitching five innings and giving up two

runs on three hits, as well driving in a run at the plate.

Kyle Tivnan was 1-for-2 with a triple and an RBI, while Robbie Fragola drove in the two runs for the Redhawks (7-0).

CVU also got a win over Essex on May

OurLocallyOwned

5, scoring seven runs in the first inning to put the game away early.

Chris Robinson got the win, pitching five innings and giving no earned runs on three hits. Tivnan had three RBIs and scored two runs to pace the offense.

CVU softball team walloped MMU, defeating them 19-2 to break a two-game losing streak.

To the man Behind the Desk and Lens

I would like to use these words

To take a picture of you. A man that still can smile

After all that he’s been through.

Not just our town manager, You’re a firefighter too. Extinguishing those fires

That every town goes through.

Photography your passion, Capturing what your eyes see. That moment frozen in time, Whatever the scene may be. We wish you the very best

As you journey on your way. Lee, we sincerely thank you And wish you peace each passing day.

— Rick Bessette

KROHN

continued from page 1

policy and practice, led to a slew of different jobs, including as senior planner with Chittenden County Regional Planning, volunteer planning commission member and, of course, a town manager.

“I always thought there needed to be somebody in the middle who understood enough about policy, engineering, environmental issues and construction management and all the rest of all those things who could bring all those pieces and players together to help good things happen,” he said. “I didn’t know what profession that might lead to.”

“Local, municipal government has always been really where the boots on the ground things happen. I always wanted to be where the action was. Not just in words, but in actual implementation,” he said.

While not easy, Krohn said that part of the magic of the everyday work is that he gets to see big projects come to fruition, like the Pierson Library project.

“I’ve managed big projects before, so I stepped right in to help that happen,” he said. “Another time when we had the sewer line replacement project on Harbor Road and part of the sidewalk wasn’t built properly. So I said, ‘what if we replace that piece of sidewalk now?’ We’re already tearing up the road, the contractors are already on site. It’ll probably cost us a lot less to do it together than to wait another year or two.”

Apart from just managing the demanding minutiae of municipal work, Krohn also led the town through the complexities and trials of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“You’ll recall back what seems like a million years ago, when the COVID-19 pandemic really hit, there was all kinds of anxiety and apprehension and fear and uncertainty,” finance committee chair Don Porter said at the community event. “In all that chaos, there was one very steady hand, and that was Lee Krohn. He was not fazed by pandemics or anything else, just full speed ahead. So that’s to me the nature of a very able leader, having that firm hand on the tiller and a firm hand on the camera to guide his community.”

While also serving in the town manager role, Krohn has also been a dedicated volunteer of Shelburne’s fire department — a role he plans to stay committed to after he leaves his municipal role.

“Over your tenure, I have witnessed firsthand your dedication to the members of this community and the sacrifices you have made serving the people of Shelburne,” fire chief John Goodrich said. “Your steady hand was always a reassuring presence in often uncertain times. On top of your commitment to the role of town manager, you will continue to be an integral member of the fire department.

“Your most important and lasting contribution to the town and the fire department

BEACH HOUSE

continued from page 1

the construction. There will be some followup site work that will have to wait until the following spring, but we expect the new building to be ready to use for the 2024 beach season.”

Although town manager Lee Krohn said that the original hope was to have the project begin early this spring in time for the summer season, he said, “that’s a risky thing to do because you can’t predict the start date.

“You never know what complications might arise in the project,” he said. “If we couldn’t get it completed, then there are no facilities at all for the entire summer season. Like many things, it’s important to take the long-run view and maximize opportunity and benefits.”

Krohn also said Shelburne Farms is donating all of the wood for the inside and outside of the facility.

“It’s a wonderful gift from the farms, both functionally financially and emotionally. Wood sourced from a local place, one of our partner institutions here in the town,” Krohn said. “So we did a site visit

may well be your contagious good humor and deep commitment to public service. You exude these qualities and by doing so raise the spirit and morale wherever you go.”

Mike Ashooh, chair of the selectboard, offered closing remarks at the gathering on behalf of the selectboard and himself.

“In my time working with Lee he’s always been a respectful, kind, truly dedicated civil servant who puts the town above his own needs and throughout the past year, as we began to transition to a new town manager, Lee’s professionalism and commitment to the town trumped all the other concerns.”

Although he has no definite plans, other than to take a much-needed summer vaca-

tion, Krohn hopes to continue to be involved in the community on a much lighter scale while also continuing to pursue his passion behind the camera lens.

“Maybe there’ll be some part-time consulting work, maybe I’ll go back to my part-time professional photography that I had pursued for many years,” he said.

In terms of the staff and officials in Shelburne, “it’s a great team here,” he said. “The ship will continue to sail, but I want to do my best when I jump off the deck to have the ship headed in the right direction as best as I can and have faith others will carry on.”

After a five-month-long search, Shelburne’s new town manager, Matt Lawless, is set to take the reins in June.

there a couple of days back just to see their air-dried wood supply and talk with their land forest manager about what the needs might be.”

The architectural design of the new beach house was done by Shelburne resident and architect Jeff McBride, owner of Sidehill Designs, at no cost to the town.

“He’s been absolutely instrumental in making this happen,” said Cieplicki. “He’s helped with things beyond what a normal architect designer would do.”

With his residence just miles from the beach, McBride considers himself lucky to be able to work on this project that will not only benefit the town but also his family.

“We did a number of design iterations in the spring and summer, narrowing in on what is ultimately going to get built. However, the overall idea behind the project is to make something that is much more functional than the existing beach house.”

The new beach house will feature four unisex bathrooms, two of which are fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, along with three outdoor showers

and an updated lifeguard storage room. In addition, the building will also feature a new covered porch area or a cantilever roof to provide shade and a more community-oriented feel.

“The functionality of it is vastly improved,” McBride said. “It’s a similar size footprint, but we’re moving the beach house 20 feet further away from the beach to a flatter piece of land that’s more centered onto the green and allows for access from each side.”

McBride has also improved the aesthetics of the building. “It’s this simple structure that’s really meant to kind of fit in with the Vermont landscape,” he said.

“The beach has been an incredible resource for everyone that lives here,” said Cieplicki. “Basic necessities are needed to serve that space, but we also want to make it efficient, usable, pleasant — it doesn’t have to be ugly. I just don’t think there’s any reason not to improve it so that the people who use the beach on a regular basis in the summer can enjoy the space and make it more user-friendly for everyone.”

PHOTO BY LIBERTY DARR

Shelburne town manager Lee Krohn bids farewell to town staff and residents during a goodbye party last week at Shelburne Town Hall.

Dorothy Anne Gray

Dorothy “Dotsy” Anne Gray, died peacefully on Tuesday, March 30, 2023, in the Brentwood Nursing Home of Yarmouth, Maine. She came in like a lion on April 15, 1928, (tax day) and went out like a lamb two weeks shy of her 95th birthday.

The only daughter of Anne Marie McLaughlin (Annie) and William (Willie) Caraccio, Dotsy was born and raised on the Upper West Side of New York City. An only child with a full-time working mother, she was schooled by the nuns and spent her youth accompanying them after school in an era when nuns were not allowed out in public without an escort. The school uniform was skirts and knee socks — freezing in winter but good preparation for the life that lay ahead.

Always a lover of uniforms, Dotsy forsook the nun’s habit for a nurse’s cap and apron that set off her dark Italian hair and big blue Irish eyes. After graduating from the Roosevelt Nursing School, she worked at the Roosevelt Hospital as the head nurse on a private ward. She said you could recognize the Roosevelt nurses; they were the ones walking down the hall putting on lipstick without a mirror. Dotsy’s was pink until the day she died.

She looked so good in her uniform that she became the poster child for the hospital and kept a newspaper clipping with an iconic photo sitting on a ladder in her white, pressed uniform holding the Hope diamond.

Her favorite patient wrote the

lyrics for many of the Broadway musicals she loved, but her favorite story was about the patient who pulled a gun from a policeman’s holster and used it to attempt an escape. Dotsy’s pink lipstick was later credited as one of the tactics used to reclaim the gun without injury.

Dotsy met her husband, Dr. David Henry Gray of New Canaan, Conn., at the Roosevelt Hospital, where he was interning. Life was about to change.

The couple left New York to eventually settle in Burlington on Lake Champlain. Four ravishing daughters soon followed, much to David’s dismay but to Dotsy’s delight. There they fell in love with Morgan horses and built Ledgemere, a breeding farm on 350 acres in Shelburne. At its peak, Ledgemere had 25 horses, 100 head of angus, four pigs, 12 German shepherds (raised for seeing-eye dogs), two golden retrievers, nine chickens and a revolving-door of barn cats. Dotsy retained a lifelong love for animals — her dogs above all.

Dotsy and Dave eventually bought a summer home in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, moved their sailboat from Lake Champlain, and spent many happy summers in the Boothbay community and out on the ocean. When the farmhands (four daughters) left home, the couple sold the farm and moved to their favorite town in Vermont — Stowe — where they spent their twilight years skiing and winning free donuts at their favorite coffee shop through Dotsy’s talent for trivial pursuits. They loved their Stowe and Boothbay friends and neighbors.

Dotsy was loving, cheerful, steady, stylish, smart, beautiful and the heart of the family. She was a product of a generation that is no more and one of the last to go. She will be missed and forever loved.

She is survived by four daughters and seven grandchildren, with a great grandchild on the way. Dotsy will be cremated and interred with David in the Riverbank Cemetery in Stowe to continue enjoying a magnificent view of their beloved Mount Mansfield.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the North County Animal League in Morristown.

Karen Lamothe

Karen Lamothe, 70, of Swanton, died on Saturday, April 29, 2023.

A treasured member of her community, she will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She touched countless lives with her kindness, humor and unwavering love.

Karen was a hard worker all her life and had a successful career as a paralegal. She made many lifelong friends and was well known in her area of expertise. She brought joy and positivity to the office and was able to help create a fun environment in which to work.

Karen grew up in Shelburne. Her favorite place to spend the warm months was on Butler Island. She created many delicious meals there and loved everything that had to do with Lake Champlain — kayaking, sailing, swimming, water skiing, swimming, boating, you name it.

Karen’s talent as a musician was truly remarkable. She had a gift for playing the piano, accordion and dabbled in the guitar. Her performances always captured the hearts of her audience. Her love of music was contagious.

In addition to her musical talents, Karen was also known for her green thumb. She had a natural ability to grow beautiful flowers and delicious fruits and vegetables, and she loved nothing more than sharing her bounty with friends and family.

Karen’s dedication to physical fitness was just as impressive as her other talents. She ran several marathons and was known for her endurance in even the toughest conditions. Her commitment to healthy living was an inspiration to all who knew her.

Of all her accomplishments, however, her role as a loving mother and grandmother was perhaps the most important. She adored her children and grandchildren, and nothing made her happier than spending time with them. Her legacy of love and devotion

to family will live on through her loved ones for generations to come.

Karen was a shining example of what it means to live life to the fullest. Her positive energy and unbridled enthusiasm for life will be deeply missed, but her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

She is survived by her husband; her children, a son and his family, Christin A. Ripley and partner, Josh Jackson and Bodhi of Crested Butte, Colo., and Jessica C. Ruschp and husband, Andrew and granddaughter Maizie of Stowe; Bryan C. Ripley of Elmore, the father of her three children; her mother, Joan Wooster of Shelburne; and her brother Craig Wooster and family of Shelburne.

She is also survived by her godmother, Mary Lou Colman of Miami, Fla.; uncle, Neil Gervais and family of Monkton; AUNT Noreen Miro and family Florida; and by Jamie Wooster and family of Fairfax, Tim Wooster and family of Jericho, and Sara Wooster and

partner of Milton.

She was predeceased by her father, Harry Wooster; brother, Kevin Wooster; grandparents, Mary and Harry Wooster Sr. and Harry and Thelma Gervais; as well as several aunts and uncles.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to McClure Miller Respite House. A private service will be held to celebrate Karen’s life.

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

Equal Opportunity Employer / Member FDIC

Karen Lamothe

Dorothy Anne Gray

ABENAKI ALLIANCE

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Job includes photography, research and customer service. Both in-office and local driving to appointments/tasks. Must be enthusiastic, efficient, enjoy meeting and working with the public and have a good driving record. Friendly work environment. Company vehicle provided. Please send your resume to info@nancyjenkins.com.

140 Kennedy Dr, Suite 102 South Burlington, VT 05403 802.846.4888 info@nancyjenkins.com

NancyJenkins.com

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!

Shelburne Parks & Rec News

Swimming lessons

The rec department will offer swimming lessons this summer at Shelburne Beach for children ages 3-7 years old. Each lesson group is 30 minutes long, with each class meeting eight times. Participants must attend all eight days.

Each class is limited to three students and is led by certified lifeguard Celi Barringer. Class fees are $58 per student and registration is due Monday, June 12.

Classes are at Shelburne Beach

and run Monday through Thursday, June 19-29, with Friday, June 23, and Friday, June 30 serving as rain dates.

Lesson times are by groups:

A: 10-10:30 a.m., ages 3-4; B: 10:30 a.m.-11 a.m., ages 5-7; C: 11 a.m.-11:30 a.m., ages 3-4; and

D: 11:30 a.m. to noon, ages 5-7. Visit shelburnevt.org/160/ parks-recreation for all summer camps and program details, including online registration. You can also register through the recreation office with a hard copy and payment of check or cash.

Communications and Outr each Coor dinator

City of South Burlington, Vermont

OUR MUNICIPALITY

South Burlington is home to over 20,000 residents and lies at the heart of Chittenden County, Vermont. The second largest city in the state, South Burlington is comprised of five districts rich with residential, economic, and recreation vitality. More than 170 employees of the municipality serve the community to make it one of the best places to live, work, and visit. Governed by a City Council of five citizens and operated under the direction of a City Manager, the FY23 operating budget is $52.5 M. South Burlington is a growing community with a commitment to building a vibrant downtown – City Center –and providing exceptional municipal services.

JOB SUMMARY

The Communications and Outreach Coordinator plays a vital role in delivering timely and strategic messaging to the residents and businesses of South Burlington. Listening, engaging, and receiving information and feedback from our community is also imperative to the success of this position. This position is a member of the City Manager’s team. Key duties include collaborating with City Departments to develop and implement communication strategies, development of informational materials, engagement of residents to understand the interest of the community, and clear and effective delivery of city-wide messaging. The Communications and Outreach Coordinator is responsible for the city’s website, brand, and brand management, as well as, the training and coaching of all staff to best communicate with our constituents.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A combination of education and experience in communications, marketing, and outreach. A minimum of three years of experience in public messaging and marketing with some personal or professional experience in local government preferred.

TO APPLY

Review of applications will begin April 24, 2023.

To learn more detail about these positions, see a detailed job description and apply, please visit our job opportunities website: https://southburlingtonvt.gov/jobopportunities

Apply Today – To apply today, please send a City employment application form, confidential cover letter, resume, and three references to:

US MAIL: Daisy Brayton, HR Director, 180 Market St., South Burlington, VT 05403

EMAIL: sbcityjobs@southburlingtonvt.gov with “Communications and Outreach Coordinator” in the subject line

continued from page 7

lived experiences, stories and place-based perspectives — and varying legal realities as citizens governed by neighboring countries — but we are all Abenaki and all have equally valid voices as a sovereign group of people.

We should be focused on sharing our cultural contributions and building up recognition and respect for indigenous people, not on tearing down and trying to delegitimize fellow native communities.

• The Vermont Abenaki have worked closely with governors, state legislators, our federal delegation, community partners and civic organizations to begin to build bridges across a wide chasm of historical trauma. We are making progress for the betterment of the Abenaki people and for all Vermonters. The Odanak in Canada want to erase our presence in the U.S. and have outwardly stated their intentions to “denounce the appropriation of Abenaki identity and culture, as well as to obtain recognition on the American side.” They seem to be working toward modern-day Nuremberg laws to deem us as inferior and unworthy of our state-granted recognition.

Ethnocide should have no home in Vermont, especially as we celebrate Abenaki Recognition and Heritage Week May 1-7. As the four recognized tribes within the state, we are asking our Canadian neighbors at Odanak and Wôlinak First Nations, in-state institutions like the University of Vermont and Vermont Public and all Vermonters who live within the Abenaki homelands to take time this week to learn about us — our culture, our contributions and our traditions.

We believe you will see that our experiences here as Abenaki have created the community we share with you today.

Wliwni. Thank you.

The Abenaki Alliance includes the four Western Abenaki tribes recognized by the state. The alliance includes the Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi, Elnu Abenaki Tribe, Koasek Traditional Band of the Koas Abenaki Nation and Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki Nation. To learn more, go to abenakialliance.org.

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

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

ways 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

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

PHOTO BY LEE KROHN Shelburne Farms’ breeding barn, currently undergoing some renovation, presents and array of windows, angles and lines during a recent sunny day on the farm.

nation

ARIES

March 21 - April 20

Aries, pay attention to the smaller details, as those are the ones most often ignored. You’ll be highly regarded if you pinpoint any errors in a timely manner.

TAURUS

April 21 - May 21

Work to the best of your ability, Taurus. Focus on your own work and serve as a source of encouragement to those around you who may be experiencing some dif culties.

GEMINI

May 22 - June 21

A loved one may be hinting at a few things he or she wants to do with you, Gemini. Find the time to make these things happen. Let loose and have fun.

CANCER

June 22 - July 22

It could be tempting to hole up in a bookstore or a coffee shop for hours in the days ahead, Cancer. However, avoiding certain issues is not the way to go. Confront them head on.

LEO

July 23 - Aug. 23

Leo, if you are going to leap, do so with both eyes open; otherwise, you may miss some of the dangers along the way. Always take the bigger picture into consideration.

VIRGO

Aug. 24 - Sept. 22

Virgo, accept that you may be different from most of the people with whom you associate, and that is perfectly ne. What makes you unique is what others like about you.

LIBRA

Sept. 23 - Oct. 23

Libra, explore all possibilities at work rather than pigeonholing yourself into one role. How will you know what things are like if you don’t try stuff out?

SCORPIO

Oct. 24 - Nov. 22

You may need to roll with the punches this week, Scorpio. Things are coming at you at a record pace and it could take a lot of effort to keep up. Learn and adapt as you go.

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, even though you have been faced with a number of challenges lately, you have managed to come through with your head held high. Keep up the progress.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22 - Jan. 20

There’s not much that will bother you this week, Capricorn. It seems you have all of your ducks in a row. Enjoy this good fortune while it lasts.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 21 - Feb. 18

Remarkable opportunities are coming your way, Aquarius. All you need to do is sit back and wait for them to start. There is no need to do much legwork in this situation.

PISCES

Feb. 19 - March 20

Big changes can sometimes be scary, Pisces. But change is just what you need to do right now to spice things up.

CLUES ACROSS

1. Midway between south and southeast

4. Fathers

9. Wine grape

14. Al Bundy’s wife

15. Organic compound

16. Venezuelan state

17. Interest term

18. Experts

20. Central cores of stems

22. Smooth and glossy

23. One-time S. Korean city

24. One from Damascus

28. Short message at the end of an email

29. It cools your home

30. Oh, God!

31. Intestinal pouches

33. Men

37. Popular English soccer team (abbr.)

38. Former CIA

39. Arrange in steps

41. A baglike structure in a plant or animal

42. The Great Lake State

43. Dog-__: to mark a page

44. Stop moving

46. Ancient Dead Sea region

49. Of I

50. Clerical vestment

51. Songs sung to a lover

55. Charges

58. Popular design program manufacturer

59. Where to park a boat

60. One who values reason

64. Slang for cigarette

65. Sailboats

66. Actress Zellweger

67. Screen material

68. Country music legend Haggard

69. Puts together in time

70. When you hope to arrive

CLUES DOWN

1. An involuntary and abnormal muscular contraction

2. Philly’s rail service

3. Leaves a place

4. No longer be a part in

5. Guitar players use them

6. Cease to exist

7. General’s assistant (abbr.)

8. Shaking of the earth

9. Strong winds

10. For each one

11. A bog

12. The creation of beautiful or signi cant things

ANSWERS

13. Af rmative

19. Pie _ __ mode

21. Nonclerical

24. Inspirational football player Hamlin

25. Learning environment

26. Khoikhoi peoples

27. Bring out or develop

31. Shows up

32. Theatrical device

34. Loads

35. Popular Hollywood alien

36. Distinguishes

40. College dorm worker

41. Secondary or explanatory title

45. Resembling wings

47. One who delivers a speech

48. In the middle

52. Loop with a running knot

53. Airborne (abbr.)

Forests follow pattern of dynamic succession

Into the Woods

Ethan Tapper

Forests are dynamic communities, defined and enriched by change. As forests change, they tend to follow a pattern called succession: a series of developmental stages, each of which follows, or succeeds, the last.

Succession begins following a largescale — or catastrophic — disturbance. As the forest regenerates, it enters a stage known as stand initiation, becoming an early successional forest. Early successional forests are defined by an incredible diversity of trees as well as a variety of shrubs and plants which provide habitat for wildlife species from pollinators to birds, bats and black bears.

After 20 to 30 years, trees rise above the shrubs and the plants of the early successional forest. As these trees grow, their crowns knit together and the canopy closes, casting the understory in deep shade. The forest enters stem exclusion, a stage of succession characterized by a single generation of trees engaged in intense competition with one another.

Depending on the species that comprise this initial generation of trees, stem exclusion can last anywhere from around twenty years to well over a century. As the trees in the forest’s overstory get older and taller,

and as they begin to decline and die, light is finally allowed to reach the forest floor again. A new generation of trees, usually of more shade-tolerant species, establishes in the understory, marking the beginning of the understory re-initiation stage.

Following understory re-initiation, the forest slowly and inevitably goes haywire. Through tree mortality and natural disturbances, generations of trees establish themselves and grow, and the forest reshapes itself repeatedly. Over time, the forest becomes diverse and complex, with many different sizes and ages of trees, some large, old trees and a patchy, irregular canopy. Over decades, but more commonly centuries, the forest passes into late succession, a stage of forest development sometimes called old growth.

In truth, succession is not a straight line; it is a cycle that forests pass through repeatedly, with many detours and falsestarts along the way. While it is tempting to think of late-successional forests as the endpoint, pinnacle or climax of forest development, each stage of succession is normal and natural. Over millennia, the tens of thousands of species that comprise the forest communities have adapted to every stage of forest development, from early succession to late-succession. A vibrant and resilient landscape is not a monolith, but rather a diverse mosaic of forests of all different ages and types and

expressions. Each stage of succession is vital and none is a means to an end.

As a result of Vermont’s land-use history, nearly all the state’s forests are just 60 to 100 years old, still at the early stages of succession. As they try to move forward and regain the diversity and complexity that once defined them, forests are confronted with an array of threats and stressors, including non-native invasive plants, pests and pathogens, the loss or functional-loss of native species, altered disturbance regimes and a climate that is changing in unpredictable ways — all of which threaten forests’ vitality, their biodiversity and their resilience. As comforting as it would be to believe that forests will naturally continue down the road of succession, it is increasingly clear that we will not protect the forests and their biodiversity solely through inaction. We cannot afford to do nothing.

So, what can we do? There is no single solution. Protecting existing old-growth forests and allowing some forests to be relatively unmanaged are important tools in the toolkit but will not address all these issues. We must take radical

action, both within individual forests and across the landscape, to simultaneously address the legacies of the past, the realities of the present and the uncertainty of the future. Forest management can help forests build diversity, complexity and resilience and create habitats — like early-successional forests — for wildlife species of concern. None of these strategies will be effective unless we also act to control threats and stressors like climate change, non-native invasive plants, deer overabundance, deforestation and forest fragmentation. As always, forests challenge us to embrace nuance and complexity, to form a more expansive vision of what a forest is and what it means to care for it. As forest stewards, our job is not just to protect the trees in these forests, but to protect and to celebrate how they change.

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/3J6l4lf.

As forest stewards, our job is not just to protect the trees in these forests but, to protect and to celebrate how they change.