Shelburne - 9-14-23

CVU school district crafts transgender guidelines

COREY MCDONALD STAFF WRITER

The Champlain Valley School District is crafting policy to affirm the rights of transgender and gender non-conforming students, one of the first policies of its kind among Vermont’s more than 90 school districts, board members said.

Since last winter, the district’s policy committee has been working on writing the policy. While much of the district-specific policy was adopted from the 2017 Vermont Agency of Education guidelines, committee members made it a point to insert affirmative language that transgender students, or gender non-conforming students, have a right under the policy to be permitted to use a locker room or restroom that aligns with the student’s gender identity.

“There’s such a really dangerous and negative movement in the country broadly — not so much in Vermont, but we’re not immune to the pressures and even coordinated campaigns that take place in other states and other districts,” Angela Arsenault, chair of the Champlain Valley School Board, said. “We have our equity policy, but we couldn’t say that it explicitly addresses any concerns that might come up around transgender students and gender non-conforming students. We felt it was important to do that.”

The policy, if adopted, would require the district use a student’s preferred name and gender on all school records, and that student participate in school activities, like sports teams, that are in line with their gender identity.

“We have very intentionally put affirmative language that transgender students, or gender non-conforming students, have a right under this policy to be permitted

Woodworker finds meaning in his craft

LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER

“I worked at an office block in London, a really dreadful, dreary office overlooking the Thames, and I sat there thinking, ‘There’s just got to be more to life than this,’” John Lomas said, his thick British accent seeping through a toothy grin, mirroring eyes that smiled along with it.

His woodshop in Hinesburg — built entirely by his own two hands — sits picturesquely off Shelburne Falls Road on a hill overlooking Camels Hump, and on any given day the piercing sound of wood tools can be heard.

But his success as an independent woodworker and furniture maker is one that took a whole lifetime to create, and now, as the years pass, he can’t help but wonder who

might be willing to take over his legacy.

Like most creative endeavors, his passion for woodworking came mostly from a childhood distaste for academics, and partially from finding solace in the part of the school day that focused on workshops and extracurriculars.

“I went to an English boarding school where I found the usual run-of-the-mill academics didn’t suit me particularly brilliantly,” he said, sifting through pieces of scrap wood, thoroughly inspecting each one between breaths. “I used to spend a lot of time in the workshops, and whenever I had a spare minute, that’s where I’d be.”

But as he grew older, the everyday pressure to secure a steady job kept creative pursuits on the back burner.

“I left school and I thought, ‘I’m supposed to be a professional in some kind

of way.’ I come from a family of lawyers,” he said. “Then one day, I remembered how much I loved being in the workshops at school, and I picked it up again in my mid-20s. I haven’t looked back since.”

So he dropped the business attire and went back to school to the London College of Furniture for two years before attending the West Dean College in Sussex for antique restoration.

“I did an apprenticeship in an antique dealers’ workshop for a couple more years,” Lomas recounted. “Then a partner and I set out to the West Country of England, and we started our own restoration business, traveled around visiting all the antique dealers picking up pieces.”

PHOTO BY LEE KROHN

A recent sunset casts a shadow at Meach Cove.

Dark shadows

Book festival celebrates free expression, written word

The Green Mountain Book Festival takes place in Burlington on Friday through Sunday, Sept. 29 to Oct. 1, during Banned Books Week at The Fletcher Free Library in Burlington.

Cartoonist and graphic memoirist Alison Bechdel will headline the festival.

Shelburne resident and Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale will appear on the American Dream Panel on Saturday, Sept. 30, at 10 a.m. at The Fletcher Free Library in Burlington. Ram Hinsdale and authors Nikhil Goyal, Felicia Kornbluh and Brad Kessler will discuss what the American Dream means today.

“As an American of Indian descent, I was always taught that books are sacred. We do not even bend their spine,” the senator said. “A society begins to lose its intellectual and moral foundation when it censors, bans, or limits the transmission of knowledge and the exchange of ideas. Book festivals are a wonderful reminder for people of all ages of the power and importance of books to unlock new worlds and possibilities.”

Last year’s inaugural event, headlined by novelist Ruth Ozeki, drew an enthusiastic audience of more than 700 Vermont-

Changing room

based book lovers to celebrate literature and draw increased awareness to the increasing threat of book banning.

This annual event, which offers its Satur-

day and Sunday programming for free, celebrates the written word, inviting participants to honor free expression, embrace diverse voices and encourage a deeper understand-

ing of self and community through a shared love of reading and books. For a full schedule, go to greenmountainbookfestival.org.

PHOTO BY LEE KROHN

Crews knock down the old Shelburne beachhouse in anticipation of its replacement, which is expected to be done in time for the next beach season.

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Former World Cup mogul skier Dr. Kelsey Albert, above, has joined our team

PHOTO BY KRISTIN JANGRAW

Kristin Jangraw of Shelburne visited her Shelburne Community Garden plot recently and found someone had “improved upon one of my cabbages. It looks like a big eye and made me jump and then made me laugh,” she said.

Golf ball drop Friday for local emergency services

Shelburne Police Blotter: Aug. 28 - Sept. 10

Total reported incidents: 129

Traffic stops: 53

Warnings: 39

Tickets: 20

Arrests: 1

Medical emergencies: 23

Mental health incidents: 11

Suspicious incidents: 8

Domestic incidents: 1

Agency assists: 8

Citizen assists: 12

Welfare check: 1

Motor vehicle complaints: 1

Car crash: 3

Animal problem: 1

Fire: 2

Theft: 4

Fraud: 1

Harassment: 2

Alarms: 1

Pending investigations: 5

Aug. 29 at 2:21 p.m., police responded to a report of loud music coming from a neighboring unit at Countryside Motel, but officers determined the music was not loud enough to constitute a violation.

Aug. 29 at 8:25 p.m., Shelburne fire and police were dispatched

to the area near Vermont Teddy Bear to extinguish a smoldering pile of fertilizer in a nearby field. Charlotte fire assisted in extinguishing the pile.

Aug. 30 at 3:54 p.m., the fertilizer pile started to smolder again. Shelburne Fire and Charlotte Fire were dispatched, and the pile was extinguished again.

Aug. 31 at 7:32 a.m., a caller reported that his vehicle was stolen. The car was later located in Burlington and returned to the owner.

Aug. 31 at 9:13 a.m., officers investigating the sound of gunshots near Bishop Road determined the sound came from a hunter’s gun.

Aug. 31 at 1:44 p.m., a caller reported a theft of items from their vehicle on Shelburne Road.

Aug. 31 at 7:15 p.m., a retail theft was reported at Kinney Drugs. Officers were unable to find the individual.

Sept. 2 at 10:30 a.m., the fertilizer pile near Vermont Teddy Bear

was once again extinguished after nearby residents noticed an odor.

Sept. 3 at 2:29 a.m., a caller from Shelburne Road reported a domestic incident that turned violent. Officers arrived and found a man injured and bleeding. The patient was transported to the hospital, and the case is under investigation.

Sept. 4 at 11:46 a.m., a two-car crash with no injuries was reported on Shelburne Road.

Sept. 4 at 4:39 p.m., Shelburne police assisted South Burlington with finding a runaway juvenile and bringing them back to their home in South Burlington.

Sept. 5 at 7:31 p.m., Shelburne police arrested Corey Francis, 42, of New York City, on an outstanding warrant.

Sept. 5 at 7:32 p.m., a retail theft was reported at Kinney Drugs. The individual could not be found.

See BLOTTER on page 13

The Golf Ball Drop in Shelburne is back. The Rotary Club of Charlotte-ShelburneHinesburg will hold a fund-raising event from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 15, at the Kwini Club Driving Range, at 5353 Spear St., Shelburne. Proceeds support the fire and rescue services of Charlotte, Hinesburg, and Shelburne. All labeled balls will be dropped from a local helicopter courtesy of sponsors Beta Technologies and driving range. More than $2,000 in prizes will be awarded and only 1,500 golf balls will be sold. There will also be long drive competition. Golf balls can be obtained at cshrotary. eventgroovefundraising.com/358d6d/Campaign/Details or prior to the event, or on the site Sept. 15. This event is open to the public.

Shelburne News

Advertising Wendy Ewing wendy@shelburnenews.com (802) 985-3091 x12

Advertising Director Judy Kearns judy@otherpapersbvt.com (802) 864-6670 x21

News Editor Tommy Gardner

Staff Writers

Aaron Calvin Corey McDonald Liberty Darr

Production Manager

Stephanie Manning stephanie@shelburnenews.com

Editor/Publisher Gregory Popa gpopa@stowereporter.com

Son to testify against mom next month in execution homicide

MIKE DONOGHUE CORRESPONDENT

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

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

Editorial submission deadline: Friday at 5 p.m. news@shelburnenews.com

Calendar submission deadline: Friday at 12 p.m. news@shelburnenews.com

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

The planned joint trial of a former Williston woman and her son on murder charges for killing her husband during a nighttime ambush in Hinesburg four years ago has taken an unusual twist after Korey Lee George pleaded guilty and said his mother pulled the trigger.

George, 35, struck a plea deal that is expected to get him a prison term of 18 years to life for pleading guilty to conspiring with his mother, Angela M. Auclair, to kill her husband David Auclair, 45, of Williston at a rural parking area off Gilman Road in Hinesburg on July 11, 2019.

George is expected to be a key witness against his mother when she goes on trial in October. The guilty plea in court Tuesday means what was believed to be the first joint homicide trial in Vermont in more than 50 years will now have only one defendant.

Deputy state’s attorney Susan G. Hardin outlined in Vermont Superior Court Tuesday afternoon the basis for the charge of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. Hardin said George conspired with

his mother, Angela Auclair, now 50, to kill her estranged husband by firing 11 gunshots into him as he tried to crawl under a truck to get away.

It marked the first time in either state court or federal court — where George also was prosecuted as a five-time felon in possession of a firearm — that Angela Auclair has been publicly identified as the trigger person. The investigation had pointed to George as the apparent shooter after he allegedly stole firearms from a Colchester home. There was some belief his mother was home at the time of the shooting, records show.

David Auclair’s bullet-riddled body was part of an execution-styled homicide orchestrated by his estranged wife Angela — who also is George’s mother — Vermont State Police and prosecutors have said.

George bought a pre-paid burner cellphone in Milton that was used to make two phone calls, including a late-night call that lured Auclair to the LaPlatte Headwaters Town Forest trailhead parking lot in Hinesburg, state police said.

No shell casings were left behind from the shooting,

police said.

Also, for the first time in public, Hardin said officials have been told three vehicles were at the shooting scene. David Auclair, who was found dead under his 2017 GMC pickup, George, who lured him there in a second vehicle, and a third vehicle that police believe belonged to Angela Auclair. A passing motorist is among those who reported three vehicles.

A nearby doorbell camera captured the sound of 14 shots.

George’s defense lawyer, Daniel M. Sedon, said after the hearing the evidence shows only one gun was at the scene.

Under questioning from Judge Kevin Griffin, George admitted the entire conspiracy scenario outlined by Hardin was true. It included him being at the scene, but he said his mother was the shooter.

Auclair’s defense lawyer, Rob Sussman, and the state plan to take George’s deposition within a week.

As part of George’s plea agreement, eight other criminal charges, including the Colchester home burglary, where handguns were stolen, two counts of obstruction of justice and first-degree murder, will be dismissed at sentencing,

See GEORGE on page 5

Korey Lee George

FILE PHOTO

Griffin said.

Four other counts involving violation of conditions of release will be dropped.

If the deal falls through, including George not testifying honestly, all nine charges will proceed, the judge said.

Jury selection for Auclair and George had been set for Oct. 2 in Burlington. The court had reserved up to five weeks at the Edward J. Costello Courthouse.

George is currently serving more than eight years for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Federal judge Christina Reiss sentenced him in November 2021 to 89 months in federal prison. As part of the plea agreement, he is serving his federal sentence in a Vermont prison.

In an unusual move, Reiss agreed to a request by chief federal defender Michael Desautels to

seal the sentencing memo because it outlined a troubling upbringing for George. The six-page memo and two exhibits outlined physical and mental health issues.

During the homicide investigation, Vermont State Police determined George was in illegal possession of two firearms — a stolen 9-mm Beretta used in the homicide and a stolen 12-gauge shotgun, records show.

George was subsequently charged in federal court in a two-count indictment. He pleaded guilty to possessing the stolen shotgun. His criminal record includes five felony convictions, which means he is prohibited from possessing any firearms.

Angela Auclair testifies

Auclair pleaded not guilty to aiding in first degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder

and obstruction of justice. The obstruction count maintains Auclair instructed at least one witness in the case to lie to investigators for her, police said.

After George changed his plea Tuesday, Auclair had a separate hearing and took the witness stand for about 15 minutes to attack the Vermont State Police investigation.

Auclair said security video from her former home in Williston would confirm statements that she made about her whereabouts, including the night of the homicide.

But on cross examination, Auclair was stumped when Hardin asked how she could be so sure that the uncollected video equipment owned by her former in-laws captured what she claimed when she maintains she knew nothing about how the system worked.

State police Det. Sgt. Ashley Barnes testified that investigators conducting a court-ordered search at Auclair’s former residence in Williston decided not to seize certain electronics. He said the house was vacant and certain monitoring equipment did not have any wires and did not appear to be operable.

Hardin grilled Auclair on why she never told police that she believed there were videos that would have proven her whereabouts leading up to and including the night of the killing.

“It’s not my job to tell the cops their job,” Auclair told Hardin. Police said the night before the killing Auclair and her estranged husband met a mutual friendat the Lighthouse restaurant for dinner. Meanwhile, Auclair’s boyfriend dropped off Korey Lee George near the dinner guest’s unattended

home on Arbor Lane, state police said.

Also with them was George’s then girlfriend Kirstin Stillwell, who he later married, police said. Police say George broke into the mutual friend’s home and was seen a few minutes later carrying a bag out of the residence. The homeowner returned home after dinner to discover the burglary and reported three guns missing, including the eventual homicide weapon, police said.

Many of the movements of George and Auclair’s boyfriend, as the driver, were captured on video going to and from the scene, while police also tracked their whereabouts through cellphone locations and text messages, records show.

Auclair remains held without bail at the South Burlington prison.

PHOTO BY LEE KROHN

The sun glancing off the sky frames the Shelburne Fire Department.

Activists call for hounding ban as bear hunt talks resume

AUBREY WEAVER COMMUNITY NEWS SERVICE

With bear season starting Sept. 1, and rising reports of bear encounters in Vermont’s more urban areas like South Burlington, the state is faced with new discussions on how best to manage its bear population, if at all.

Somewhere around 5,000 black bears live in Vermont, according to the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, and recent estimates suggest approximately 14 percent of the population is hunted and killed each year, with a 2020 high of about 20 percent.

David Sausville, the department’s wildlife management program manager, said the population “has actually grown over the last 50 years,” with state estimates bottoming out at around 2,000 bears in the early 1970s.

Despite the population statistics, animal rights groups worry how humane some of the bear-hunting practices are.

“I mean, they are just treated pretty horribly in Vermont,” Brenna Angelillo-Galdenzi, president and co-founder of the group Protect our Wildlife Vermont, said. To Angelillo-Galdenzi, taking a fifth of the bear population each year is “not a sustainable hunt.”

Her organization is seeking changes in bear-hunting laws in Vermont, “specific to the hunting of bears with hounds, (the) really long bear-hunting season and the fact that hunters can kill mother bears with cubs,” she said.

One Vermont trail camera caught a hunter shooting a bear sow with cubs last fall, prompting a petition back in April to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Board, a rule-setting body. However, the board moved to table the petition until this fall, and hunting a sow with her cubs remains legal in Vermont.

Douglass Devos, president of the Vermont Bearhound Association, said nobody he knows would hunt a sow with cubs. “What you

are looking for is a mature male,” Devos said, though he said he’s sure hunters sometimes kill moth-

ers with their young. “There’s bad eggs in every group that can make the other guys look bad.”

About the renewed discussion this fall, Angelillo-Galdenzi said, “We are not hopeful that they’re going to vote yes on the petition.”

She believes board members are too sympathetic to hunting. In a call to action emailed to members July 28, the group’s lead-

ership wrote that “it is clearer than ever that the VT Fish and Wildlife Board must be dismantled.”

One particularly thorny point of debate between the activists, hunters and policymakers has been the practice of bearhounding — setting dogs after bears

PHOTO BY JOHN HALL

As

HOUNDING

continued from page 6

during hunts.

“They’re chased through the woods in the cornfields until the hounds either, you know, corner them on the ground or lead it up a tree,” Angelillo-Galdenzi said, referring to bears. “That’s when the hunter tracks his dogs on his GPS device and shows up and literally shoots the bear out of the tree.”

But it’s a little different than shooting fish in a barrel, said Devos, the houndsman. If a hunter didn’t come up to the tree, they wouldn’t be able to tell the bear’s sex and weight and whether to shoot. Across a field, “you might think that’s a big bear and you shoot it and it’s an 80-pound female,” he said. “So ethically, it’s probably the most humane way.”

During the last legislative session, Vermont issued a temporary moratorium on hunters’ ability to use hounds to hunt coyotes. Deploying dogs for bear hunting, though, remains legal in Vermont. Rep. Larry Satcowitz, D-Randolph, introduced H.323 last session, which, if passed, would have prohibited the hunting of bears and coyotes with dogs across the board. But the bill didn’t leave committee.

A long tradition

Vermont’s long history of hunting, something once core to the state’s identity, means proposed rule changes can draw strong reactions.

“I don’t see how you can think of (bear-hounding) as something that should be stopped. It’s something we’ve been able to do forever,” said Devos, who added that houndsmen like himself “take only a very small percentage” of the bears hunted each year in the state.

A sense of tradition guides many hunters. Sausville, the state wildlife management head, said he treks out to hunt bears every year, something his family has done for decades.

“I have family members who do it, and we’ve been hunting in the same region for over 100 years,” he said. “It’s a good activity to have people get out on the land and be connected in a different way.”

Said Devos: “I’ve been doing it myself for 25 years, and I was taught from some old guys I used to hang out with. They’re gone now. My stepsons come hunting with us all the time. It is comparable to any other tradition any family would have.”

Angelillo-Galdenzi acknowledged the historic tradition of hunting in Vermont and described the difficulty groups like hers face in trying to restrict what hunters can do. “If any organization comes out threatening hunting in general, it’s a very polarizing discussion,” she said.

She stressed that her organization’s aim isn’t to ban hunting in general. The group supports “science-based hunting regulations,” she said, and opposes practices like hounding and leg-trapping that they view as inhumane.

Devos views regulation and limitation as one and the same. “Anytime somebody wants to adjust something, they typically take something away from you,” Devos said. “Your hobby, even if I don’t agree with it, it’s not my right to try and change it.”

For the future of bear-hounding, Devos thinks “anything can happen.”

“I’ve been doing it my entire life. It’s a huge part of my life. It’s not a hobby for me. It’s part of my life along with many, many other houndsmen in the state,” said Devos.

If the state bans hounding, he believes regulations will creep into “whatever else is next on their list.”

Aubrey Weaver 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.

PHOTO BY LEE KROHN

A few recent hot, dry days brought out the hay equipment on Meach Cove Farm.

COMMUNITY

Community Notes

All Souls hosts annual choral celebration

Burton hosts bike, sewing machine collection

Vermont returned Peace Corps volunteers will be collecting used bikes and sewing machines for developing countries on Saturday, Sept. 23, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., at Burton Corporate Headquarters, 180 Queen City Road, in Burlington.

A donation of $20 per item is requested with each item.

Since 1999, Vermonters have shipped more than 4,000 bikes and 1,000 sewing machines to community projects in the developing world through this project.

More at /bit.ly/3P7JtZz. Or contact Paul Demars at 802-7930888 or demers.paul6@gmail. com

Walk to help find cure for ALS

On Saturday, Sept. 23, people living with ALS, family members, friends, caregivers and others affected by the disease will join the fight to find a cure at the Vermont Walk to Defeat ALS. Check-in begins at 10 a.m. at Oakledge Park, 11 Flynn Ave., Burlington, and the walk kicks off at 11 a.m. followed by music, ice cream, raffles and awards.

ALS, often called Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive motor neuron disease, which gradually robs people of their ability to walk, talk, swallow and eventually breathe. ALS has no known cause or cure, but communities throughout Vermont are rallying together to

LOCALS ONLY.

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make change.

To register, donate or learn more visit bit.ly/vermontwalktodefeatals or contact event manager Tara Gottlieb at tara.gottlieb@als.org or 413-320-2075.

Bird diva explores magic of fall migration

Bird diva Bridget Butler will explore fall migration during a presentation using snippets of fall sounds and photographs from regional photographers in “Time to Fly: The Magical of Fall Bird Migration,” Tuesday, Sept. 26, 1 p.m., Faith United Methodist Church, 899 Dorset St., South Burlington.

From the challenge of identify-

ing fall warblers to laid-back days watching the aerial acrobatics of migrating raptors, there will be plenty of inspiration to keep even the most ardent birder engaged through the change of seasons.

Homestead talk recounts Revolutionary rescue

Ethan Allen Homestead Museum offers “The Capture and Rescue of Remember Baker” on Sunday, Sept. 17, at 2 p.m.

Roger Tegart, the current president of the Bennington Historical Society, recounts the March 1772 capture of Ethan Allen’s cousin by the Yorkers and the ultimate rescue by the Green Mountain Boys.

Admission is free; donations are

appreciated. More information at ethanallenhomestead@gmail.com or 802-865-4556.

Shelburne church hosts Red Cross blood drive St. Catherine of Siena Parish is holding a blood drive Tuesday, Sept. 19, noon-5 p.m., 72 Church St., Shelburne.

To sign up, 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.

Enjoy Age Well meals  at Charlotte Senior Center

The Age Well meal pickup for Thursday, Sept. 14, is from 10-11 a.m., Charlotte Senior Center, 212 Ferry Road, and features Swedish steak with mushroom sauce, seasoned penne pasta, chopped broccoli, wheat bread/butter, vanilla Fluff with /blueberries and strawberries and milk.

You must have pre-registered by the prior Monday at 802-425-6345 or meals@charlotteseniorcentervt. org

The meal on Thursday, Sept. 21, features turkey tetrazzini, Scandinavian vegetables, wheat dinner roll with butter, fruit cookie and milk.

The meal on Thursday, Sept. 28, features roast rork with gravy, boiled potatoes with parsley, butternut squash, wheat bread and butter, cookie bar with dates and Craisins and milk.

The suggested donation is $5. Check the website for last-minute cancellations at charlotteseniorcen-

tervt.org.

COURTESY PHOTO

All Souls Interfaith Gathering will host the 23rd Choral Celebration on Saturday, Sept. 16, at 6 p.m. in its sanctuary at 291 Bostwick Farm Road. Originally started by founding pastor Rev. Mary Abele, the celebration provides an evening of music and community connection. This year’s event will feature Vermont’s Freedom and Unity Chorus, joined by the All Souls Choir, with music designed to uplift and connect the community. Pastor Don Chatfield will provide a brief interfaith reflection and the celebration will end with fresh cider and apple cider donuts. Admission is by donation. Above, Vermont’s Freedom and Unity Chorus.

COURTESY PHOTO

Volunteers get bikes ready to ship to developing countries.

Walk, run some miles for migraines

CVU soccer girls make it three shutouts

LAUREN READ CORRESPONDENT

Girls’ volleyball

Champlain Valley 3, South Burlington 0: The team moved to 2-1 with a win over South Burlington on Saturday.

The Redhawks won the first set 25-9, the second set 25-19 and the third set 25-15 in the straight-set win.

Boys’ soccer

Champlain Valley 2, Essex 0: Champlain Valley scored twice in the second half to beat Essex on Saturday in high school boys’ soccer.

George Charlson and McKinley Martin each had goal for the Redhawks, who were looking for a win on the second day of the Jay Brady Kickoff Classic.

Miles Bergeson and Charlie Jennings each had an assist, while Ziggy Babbott made seven saves in the shutout.

The Redhawks fell on the opening day of the Jay Brady tournament, losing to Mount Mansfield 2-0.

Football

Champlain Valley 29, BFA-St. Albans 7: The Champlain Valley football team opened a 20-0 lead in the first half enroute to a win over BFA-St. Albans on Saturday night.

Nolan Walpole ran the ball for two touchdowns, one for 12 yards

out and another he punched in from four yards out. Dylan Frere caught a 90-yard TD pass for the Redhawks, while Ollie Cheer threw for 157 yards and scored.

CVU moves to 1-1.

Girls’ soccer

Champlain Valley 11, Montpellier 0: Champlain Valley delivered its third straight shutout to open the season, beating Montpelier 11-0 on Friday.

Chloe Pecor scored five goals to pace the Redhawks (3-0), while Skylar Kingsbury added two goals and one assist. Rieanna Murray had one goal and two assists, and Reese Kingsbury, Lily Williams and Abby Bunting each added a goal.

Zoe Klein, Ava Barron, Natalie Webster, Lily O’Brien, Maggie Connors and Elsa Klein each tallied an assist, and Anya Johnson stopped two shots on goal.

Cross country

Both the boys’ and girls’ cross country teams took first place at the Burlington Invitational on Saturday at Hard’ack Recreation Area in St. Albans.

Estella Laird captured first place in the girls’ race, with Lydia Donague coming in second, Charlotte Crum third and Audrey Neilson in fourth place. Annalise Wood was sixth overall to round out the top five finishers.

For the boys, Dan Knight came in second place overall and Owen Deale finished in third. Ethan

Morris came in 15th, Kody Guiterman was 16th and Charles Garavelli was 28th for CVU.

Field hockey

Champlain Valley 7, Mount Abraham 1: The Champlain

a row

Valley field hockey team used an offensive outburst to beat Mount Abraham on Saturday, Sept. 9, in the season opener.

Bibi Frochette and Lonne Koklman each tallied twice for the Redhawks, now 1-0. Claire

Marcoe led the way with four points — one goal and three assists. Emily Gay and Marlie Cartwright each added a goal for CVU.

Sophie Comeau stopped four shots on goal in the win.

PHOTO BY AL FREY

Lauren Vaughan gets the kill shot during the Redhawks’ three-set loss to the Essex Hornets on Thursday in Hinesburg.

to use a locker room or restroom that aligns with the student’s gender identity,” Arsenault said.

“We’re not saying ‘should be allowed,’ which was the guidance from the Agency of Education,” she said. “We’re saying, in policy, that students must be permitted to use a locker room a restroom that aligns with their gender identity.”

While still in draft form, the full school board is expected to discuss the completed policy at its September meeting, and possibly adopt it the following month.

“We want to be really thoughtful and deliberate because this has the potential to be a real lightning rod policy,” Erika Lea, a school board member and member of the board’s policy committee, said.

The policy has had a wide range of input from members of the broader school community, including counselors, nurses, administrators and principals. High school students have already offered input, and the district is

hoping to get more input from middle school students as well.

“This policy is one that we’ve taken the most time with and gathered the most community and interested party feedback and input of any policy that I’ve ever been a part of so far in four and a half years, which feels right,” Arsenault said.

The last step, she said, is to get a final round of teacher feedback.

“We asked them to tell us how this will support you and your work, and what, if anything, are we missing,” she said.

The district’s director of integrated wellness, Tony Moulton, is working at the school level to develop procedures that can be launched at the same time as the policy, board members said.

“We don’t want to put a policy out there and then leave people hanging with how we are going to manage this new policy,” Lea said, adding that they want to “have those be a parallel process.”

News from Pierson Library

Conservationists talk on Vermont’s wonders

Meet some of the heroes who are protecting Vermont’s wild places, wildlife and waters at a family friendly event on Thursday, Sept. 14, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the library in Shelburne.

The event will feature the book, “Our Better Nature,” a collection of photographs and stories about scientists, conservationists and creative citizens.

Author Alicia Daniel, executive director of the Vermont Master Naturalist Program, and editor Curt Lindberg, the founder for the Vermont Alliance for Half-Earth, will talk about the wonders of Vermont’s wild places and animal neighbors and the group of people dedicated to their future.

“This book could not be more timely, more charming, more useful, or more

needed,” said Bill McKibben, a Vermont-based writer and environmentalist. “Anyone who cares about our small and lovely state will want to spend time with it — and its impact will spread beyond Vermont’s borders.”

Four Shillings Short

On Friday, Sept. 22, at 6:30 p.m. in the Shelburne Town Hall, Four Shillings Short musical duo will play traditional and original music from the Celtic lands, medieval and Renaissance Europe, India and the Americas on a collection of world instruments: hammered and mountain dulcimer, mandolins, Renaissance woodwinds, north Indian sitar, recorders and tinwhistles, banjo, guitar, charango, psaltery, percussion, vocals and even a krumhorn. The program is free.

LOMAS continued from page 1

Lomas quickly became disillusioned with the anonymity associated with antique restoration and began instead to focus on creating unique pieces that could reflect the world around him. Growing up in England allowed a full immersion into influential art movements like the Arts and Crafts movement, which began in the Cotswolds, a place where he has deep connections.

“I lived in a village where those craftsmen had their workshop,” he said. “I became really obsessed with them all, so when I first started doing my own furniture, I based my designs on those designs. Nobody understood it at all. It was like, ‘What the hell is this stuff?’ So, I would occasionally sell a piece to somebody who was eccentric enough to go out on a limb and use that design.”

While his technique has changed over the years from using solely old tools — a process he likened to upholding a religion — to using more efficient machines, his style of classical influence from his years in restoration now combines an element of contemporary design.

“I’ve tried to separate myself with the way I interpret those designs and how I bring them into a contemporary environment,” he explained. “I’m not doing reproduction furniture. I’m trying to create things that are unique to me.”

When he moved across the sea to Vermont in 1992, he started Cotswold Furniture Makers, a six-person business with retail outlets in Stowe and Great

Barrington, Mass. But in 2011, he made the decision to close the retail stores altogether.

“I got to the point where I was sitting in the office, and I was running the business,” he explained.

For about seven or eight years, he didn’t go into the workshop at all.

“I was thinking, ‘I’m really almost back to where I was when I was doing my business degree.’ It was like, ‘Wait a minute, this is exactly what I was trying to get away from.’”

For Lomas, woodworking and furniture making is all about connection — to the wood, to the client and, ultimately, to himself. Not only is a great piece created by knowing exactly how to source the right wood for the job, but it’s also knowing the movements and techniques needed to turn something ordinary into a work of art.

“You get this sense of flow. You’re really trying to keep your mind ahead of your hands. If it goes the other way around, it’s a mess,” he laughed. “Your brain has got to be constantly one step ahead of your body.”

Since being in Vermont, he has found community as the former president and now current member

of the Guild of Vermont Furniture Makers, which has allowed him to continually expand his knowledge of the trade by staying up to speed with current techniques and processes — an aspect he says is necessary to maintain a successful business.

“People talk about where they’re getting materials, they talk about new techniques they’ve learned like different ways of finishing, different ways of joining, what tools they’ve discovered, that sort of thing,” he said. “We’re constantly sharing information.”

Now 65, Lomas is looking toward the future in a slightly different light knowing that while he will live on through his work, it may be time to consider passing the torch to someone who can keep his legacy and shop moving forward.

“One day, we’ll sell this whole thing and walk away from it. Somebody will take it over or not, we’ll see but, so far, these are still working,” he said, letting out a hearty laugh as he raised his two hands proudly in the air, a reminder of all that he has accomplished and all that is still yet to come.

Woodworker John Lomas puts finishing touches on a custom liberty desk.

“We’re not saying ‘should be allowed,’ which was the guidance from the Agency of Education. We’re saying, in policy, that students must be permitted to use a locker room a restroom that aligns with their gender identity.”

— Angela Arsenault

“You get this sense of flow. You’re really trying to keep your mind ahead of your hands. If it goes the other way around, it’s a mess. Your brain has got to be constantly one step ahead of your body.”

— John Lomas

BLOTTER

continued from page 4

Sept. 6 at 6:51 a.m., a caller reported an unresponsive family member at their home on Yacht Haven Drive, who police and EMS determined had died. Police said the death was not suspicious, but the name of the deceased has not yet been released.

Sept. 7 at 10:10 a.m., a caller reported receiving harassing messages on social media. Police are investigating.

Sept. 8 at 12:18 p.m., two callers reported a theft of items from their vehicles on Martindale Road.

Sept. 8 at 3:11 p.m., a two-car crash that occurred earlier in the day was reported to police.

Sept. 9 at 9:28 a.m., a fraud was reported to police.

TOWN OF SHELBURNE DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD

Notice of Public Hearings to be held October 4, 2023, 7:00 PM Town Center Meeting Room #1 and Remote Meeting via Zoom

CU 23-01: Application by Leon and Heather Nesti for Conditional Use Approval for a rebuild of a nonconforming single-family home. Subject property at 274 Pine Haven Shores Lane is in the Residential District, Stormwater Overlay, and Lakeshore Overlay District.

SUB 22-01R1/CU 22-01: Application by A&M Construction for Final Plan Approval of a 2-lot subdivision with a 5-unit multifamily building on Lot 2. Subject property at 913 Falls Road and is located in the Shelburne Falls Mixed-Use Zoning District, the Stormwater Overlay District, and the Village Design Review Overlay District.

Join Zoom Meeting

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to advertise call 985-3091 or email advertising@shelburnenews.com

September 14th, 2023

Acupuncture

SHELBURNE

QUARTERLY WATER & SEWER PAYMENT

Due Friday, September 15, 2023

Payments must be RECEIVED or POSTMARKED by MIDNIGHT, September 15, 2023. Late payments are subject to penalty and interest. Payments can be left in lock box at Police Department Dispatch until Midnight, September 15, 2023.

PLEASE NOTE: The Police Department cannot provide any information regarding accounts or receipts for payments.

If any questions please call 985-5120 Office hours for payment in person are Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Police Department is open 24/7

ANTIQUES WANTED

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Showroom at 2997 Shelburne Rd • Shelburne Open Wed-Sat, with walk-ins to sell every Thursday. www.bittnerantiques.com

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

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.

ANSWERS FROM THIS ISSUE

September 14, 2023

Discover the beauty of natural looking results at Pêche!

Our expert providers, Sarah Dietschi, NP and Kellie Malaney, PA specialize in injectables including neuromdodulators, fillers, biostimulators and more. Visit Pêche for a rejuvenating experience. Find us at pechemedical.com or call 802-304-9570 to book!

Student invention nets recognition

Whitaker Newton, a second-grade student at Vermont Day School in Shelburne, competed with over 330 students from across the country to attend the Invention Convention U.S. Nationals at The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Mich. He was the first student to represent Vermont at the convention.

Newton created a prototype for the Octo Ocean Vacuum, which is designed to help clean garbage out of the ocean or any body of water.

“Garbage in the ocean is really bad for animals and it can hurt them,” Newton said about the inspiration for his invention.

Prior to attending U.S. Nationals, the second grader competed in local competitions and the regional Northern New England Invention

“We couldn’t be prouder of Whitaker for forging the path to encourage more students from Vermont to participate in inventing as we continue expanding the Young Inventors’ Program throughout Vermont,” Tina

Parents, youth athlete workshops

Is sports specialization good or bad for kids? Youth sport specialization is becoming increasingly common. Is this in the child’s best interest? When is too soon to focus on one sport?

In this workshop, we’ll weigh the pros and cons of concentrating on one sport versus multiple sports. The free event will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 7-8 p.m., in the Shelburne municipal building.

It’s for youth athletes, ages 13–24 (novice to serious athletes) and parents of kids of any age.

Facilitator is Steve Fuchs, a health coach and advice columnist for youth athletes ages 13-24. He can be reached at: vermonthealthcoach.com. RSVP at 802-985-9551.

Beginning sun-style tai chi

Tai chi has been shown to improve flexibility, reduce stiffness and help keep joints mobile. It can also help with concentration, memory, balance, strength and energy levels. Learn to relax more with tai chi’s slow, gentle movements, while having fun

White, director for the Young Inventors’ Program and the Northern New England Regional Invention Convention, said.

Founded in 1986 by Dr. Robert H. Rines, the program, a partner of the University of New Hampshire Leitzel Center and an Invention Convention Worldwide affiliated program, hopes to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders by fueling excitement for innovation.

This year, Vermont Day School will partner with the Young Inventors’ Program to grow the program and invention education in Vermont and serve as host for professional development and other resources for Vermont educators and students who want to get involved with invention convention.

Vermont’s Invention Convention Fair will take place at Vermont Day School in Shelburne on Saturday, Feb. 10. Participation in Vermont’s Invention Fair is open to all K-8 students in the state. Visit vtdayschool.org for more information and registration details.

and meeting new people.

Class is sponsored by Age Well Vermont. Registration is required through Shelburne Parks and Recreation. If you would like more information about the class, contact the instructor, Chris Curtis.

The free classes will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays, Sept. 18 to Dec. 13, 11 a.m.-noon in the Shelburne town gym.

Adult volleyball

This is recreational coed pick-up play with emphasis on fun on Wednesdays, 7-9 p.m., through May 29 in the gym. The fee is $35.

An advanced league — 3-on-3 matches with higher level play — is more competitive and intense. The league is on Sundays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. through May 26. The fee is $35.

Table tennis

All ages and abilities are welcome to join informal instruction and organized play, Fridays through May 31, 6:30-10 p.m., also in the gym. The fee is $35.

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COME SEE KELLIE!

COME SEE SARAH!

Shelburne Parks & Rec News

COURTESY PHOTO

Whitaker Newton presents his invention of the Octo Ocean Vacuum.