Shelburne News - 9-21-23

On the gridiron CVU blanks Burlington, South Burlington Page 12

Shelburne funds communications union district

The Shelburne Selectboard last week approved the allocation of $50,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds toward the Chittenden County Communications Union District as it continues to set up its operation and map out coverage gaps in the region.

The $50,000 represents the third injection of funds into the communications union district — a state mechanism to either expand or introduce high-speed fiber-optic internet connection while addressing pockets of underserved areas that the private market has so far failed to address.

Shelburne Selectboard nixes changes at Parade Ground

Board chair urges more positive civic engagement

LIBERTY DARR

STAFF WRITER

After a contentious few months regarding a potential revamp to the town’s Parade Ground, the Shelburne Selectboard has ditched the idea, saying the process has revealed a level of dysfunction with the town’s civic engagement.

The unofficial plan proposed to erect a new 4-foot elliptical-shaped sidewalk through the grounds along with a 28-foot by

14-foot pavilion that would sit toward Falls Road. Other changes included the addition of benches, Adirondack chairs and a 3-foothigh fence consisting of granite posts and a black metal chain.

The $80,000 project, which was first introduced in June, has had residents casting a wary eye at the selectboard with many claiming that the five-member board had been conspiring to push the project through regardless of widespread push-back.

“Is nothing sacred anymore from the sprawl and the desire by individuals new to the town to use what little open space that remains in Shelburne as originally envisioned?” questioned resident Bud Ockert in June. “Frequently there is a homeless person who sleeps on the ground at the base of the large spruce trees. The construction of a pavilion may well add to

See PARADE GROUND on page 10

“That reflects positively on the collaborative nature of this,” said David Solomon, Shelburne’s liaison to the district, of the town’s allocation. “I’d like to think that perhaps we may have other funds coming from other areas.”

Since being approved by voters in November 2022, the district — the 10th of its kind in the state — has expanded to include a total of eight municipalities: South Burlington, Essex, Essex Junction, Jericho, Shelburne, Underhill, Westford and Williston.

It has since received a $300,000 grant from the state’s community broadband board, as well as a $10,000 grant from the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission, which has been providing staff support and other administrative functions. A public hearing is set for Nov. 8 before the district finalizes its fiscal year 2024 budget.

While the needs for internet access in Shelburne, South Burlington and other towns in

the district not as great as more rural parts of the state, there are still pockets of areas that have limited access to high-speed fiber (100/100 speed), or even basic broadband (25/3 speed).

“We’re in a much more privileged position than a lot of the state,” South Burlington city manager Jessie Baker said.

Less than 20 households in South Burlington are not fully connected to cable, Baker said.

In Shelburne, anywhere from 50 to 70 homes lack basic internet coverage, Solomon said.

“That may not seem like a lot, but the cost to bring service out to those can be astronomical,” he said. “The other piece of that is, if you look at that map of Shelburne, we have very few addresses meeting the 100/100 threshold that fiber offers.”

“One goal is getting people connected (to high-speed fiber),” Solomon said. “The second is getting people connected to sort of a minimum standard, if you will.”

The district this year brought on Mission Broadband, a telecommunications consulting group, to help the district “fine tune our mappings so we really understand what our coverage is right now between the existing providers, and where there are those gaps,” Baker said.

Once the district’s budget is finalized, and once the mapping has been complete, officials said the next step would then be looking for an internet service provider “to see how we might be able to meet the needs of the folks who are underserved,” Solomon said.

See INTERNET on page 10

COURTESY PHOTO

Isabel Abrams, a resident of Wake Robin, joined her daughter at last weekend’s Shelburne Farmers Market. “She was thoroughly enchanted with the music from the multi-generational band. We always enjoy the market. It’s really something special,” her daughter, Laurel, a longtime Shelburne resident, said.

COREY MCDONALD STAFF WRITER

Weather could make, break fall color

EMMA COTTON VTDIGGER

Vermont forests have experienced floodwaters, a general excess of moisture, wildfire smoke, unexpected frost and heat waves this growing season. Still, according to state officials, none of those conditions are expected to disrupt the fall foliage season.

“In general, things look really good,” Josh Halman, forest health program manager for the Vermont Department of Forest, Parks and Recreation, said.

On the heels of receding floodwaters that proved disastrous for many business owners, Vermonters are looking to the trees with their fingers crossed, hoping for a spectacle of red and gold that will bring tourists and confirm that much of Vermont is, indeed, open for business.

Earlier this month in some parts of the state, maple trees have already turned red — a potential symptom of all the moisture, Halman said, but not an entirely unusual phenomenon for late summer.

“It’s not crazy to see a few trees this time of year that have turned red in different locations. But with all this rain, I think people are picking up on it a little more than usual,” he said.

Moisture can impact the colors of the leaves in several ways, Halman said. The first is that too much water can stress trees.

When Vermonters watch trees change color, they’re watching the trees reabsorb nutrients and carbohydrates that the leaves have created in the summer, which the trees transfer back to their stems and roots.

“It’s a way of saving all that

Open studio

stuff that they worked so hard for during the growing season,” Halman said. “When that happens, they’re reducing the chlorophyll contents in the leaves. And that’s why the yellows and oranges are observed at that point.”

If trees are waterlogged, the trees become stressed and need the nutrients sooner, which could cause leaves to change color earlier in the season.

Moisture can also make leaves more susceptible to fungal diseases, which Halman said are not currently widespread but have impacted some of the state’s maples. Leaf fungi could have an impact on fall foliage colors.

In an annual fall foliage forecast for New England Magazine, Jim Salge, a former meteorologist at Mount Washington Observatory in New Hampshire, predicts that leaf fungi are the “biggest concern, and biggest question mark, about the season.”

Salge predicts that El Niño conditions may cause warmer temperatures during late summer and fall, which could cause the colors to last longer and peak later, producing a longer foliage season. He also predicts more pastel colors and fewer reds due to the warm, wet weather and the moisture.

Halman said the biggest indicators of the foliage season remain to be seen. A recipe of cool, crisp nights and warm, sunny days typically produwce the most vibrant colors.

COURTESY PHOTO

Artists Lisa Kent and Jennifer Ashline are participating in the Vermont Craft Council’s fall open studio in Shelburne on Saturday, Sept. 30, and Sunday, Oct. 1, from 10 a.m.5 p.m., at 255 Frogs End. Visitors can watch demonstrations of the pastel painting, learn about these mediums, and even try their hand at it. Open Studio Weekend is a statewide celebration of the visual arts and the creative process. This self-guided tour offers a unique opportunity for visitors to meet artists in their studios, many of which are open only during this event.

New Covid-19 vaccines are coming to Vermont

PETER D’AURIA VTDIGGER

Vaccines that protect against new Covid-19 variants are arriving in Vermont, Vermont’s top health official said.

The single-shot mRNA vaccine — available in two versions, by Moderna and Pfizer — is intended to provide protection against new strains of the coronavirus that have been circulating in recent months.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved the updated vaccines Tuesday. They are recommended for anyone age 6 months and older.

“It’s really being provided universally to people,” Vermont Health Commissioner Mark Levine said. “No matter what your estimation of your risk is, what your age is or anything. It’s really for everyone.”

Rather than COVID-19 boosters, Levine encouraged Vermonters to think of the vaccines as more akin to flu shots, offered annually to protect from an ever-mutating virus.

The new shots were intended to protect against the XBB.1.5 variant of Covid-19, which made up most cases within Vermont and the Northeast for much of the year. Other variants are now gaining ground in the state. But Levine said those new variants are relatively closely related to XBB.1.5, meaning the new vaccine will provide protection against those newer forms as well.

“The virus keeps mutating, as it will,”

Levine said. “But these most recent mutations are all within that same family tree. And that’s why the vaccine will be as effective against them as it is against the original (variant).”

After the CDC’s approval of the shots Tuesday, the vaccines are being rolled out across the country. In Vermont, large pharmacies were expected to begin administering the shots last last week, while smaller clinics and primary care facilities will likely receive them this week or later this month, Levine said.

The shots are free of charge. Vermonters’ health insurance should cover the full cost, and the shots are also available for uninsured people through federally qualified health centers, pharmacies participating in the federal Bridge Program, or district health department offices.

COVID-19 hospitalizations in Vermont are still low, but they have crept up over the past two months, following a national trend.

Vermont recorded 14 COVID-19 deaths in August, the highest number since April of this year. As of Sept. 13, four Vermonters had died of the virus this month.

As fall approaches, Levine urged Vermonters to get the new shots and to follow common-sense strategies for reducing transmission: wash your hands, stay home when you’re sick, cough into your sleeve.

“First thing is, of course, the basics,” he said.

PHOTO BY LORRAINE JOHNSON

Lorraine Johnson of Shelburne found a tree frog taking a siesta in her rose bushes. “This little tree frog has been visiting my roses for the past month. He’s there every sunny day!”

Siesta roses

Shelburne Police Blotter: Sept. 10 -17

Total reported incidents: 59

Traffic stops: 7

Warnings: 6

Tickets: 1

Medical emergencies: 21

Mental health incidents: 2

Suspicious incidents: 3

Agency assists: 1

Citizen assists: 5

Welfare check: 2

Motor vehicle complaints: 2

Automobile incidents: 1

Car crash: 5

Animal problem: 2

Theft: 2

Fraud: 1

Alarms: 1

Pending investigations: 2

Incidents:

Sept. 11 at 4:25 p.m., a caller on Northside Drive told police their car had been stolen. The car was entered into National Crime Information System as a stolen vehicle.

Sept. 12 at 5:24 p.m., a wrecker removed a disabled vehicle from Lower Webster Road.

Sept. 12 at 8:17 p.m., a Harrington Avenue resident told police that items were taken from their home. The incident is under investigation.

Sept. 13 at 1:57 p.m., a resident on Spear Street made a fraud complaint. The incident is under investigation.

Sept. 13 at 7:35 p.m., police issued a no trespass notice after a

“disorderly” man was causing a disturbance at Kinney Drugs, police said.

Sept. 14 at 8:39 p.m., a two-car crash was reported on Shelburne and Webster roads. No injuries were reported.

Sept. 15 at 3:44 a.m., police found a couple of horses in the middle of Spear Street and assisted in getting them off the road.

Sept. 15 at 11:16 a.m., a two-car crash on Shelburne Road and Executive Drive was reported to police. Injuries were reported but all patients refused transport to the hospital.

Sept. 15 at 4:55 p.m., another two-car crash was reported on Shelburne and Harbor roads. No injuries were reported.

Sept. 15 at 10:43 p.m., a third two-car crash with no injuries was reported from Bostwick and Shelburne roads.

Sept. 16 at 11:24 a.m., police responded to a report of a female creating a disturbance at Harbor Police. Officers assisted in mediating the dispute.

Sept. 16 at 4:10 p.m., a two-car crash on Shelburne Road resulted in an injury. The patient was transported to the hospital.

Sept. 17 at 2:53 p.m., police responding to a report of gunshots on Bishop Road found a hunter target practicing on his property.

Shelburne News

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The 2023 Charlotte Shelburne Hinesburg Rotary Club ball drop raised $8,000 for the fire and rescue services in all three of its member towns. Here are the winners: Closest, Leta Finch, Shelburne, $1,000; second closest, Gary Nelson, Jacksonville, Fla., $500; third closest, Dorrice Hammer, Shelburne, $250; and farthest away, Gerry Lawrence, Shelburne, local gift basket. If you missed the drop, you can watch the whole thing at fb.watch/ n4wVWECylC. The actual ball drop is about six minutes in.

PHOTOS BY LEE KROHN

James R. Donaldson Jr.

James R. “Jim” Donaldson Jr., 90, died peacefully at home on Monday, Sept. 11, 2023, with his daughters, Mandy and Dianna, by his side.

Jim was born Aug. 27, 1933, in Kansas City, Mo., son of the late James and Marion Donaldson. He lived in several states throughout his youth as the son of a naval captain.

He met his wife Merabeth L. Dogherty (Merry) at Colby College, Waterville, Maine. During his freshman year at Colby in 1954, Jim was drafted into the U.S. Army and served honorably between 1954 and 1962, both on active duty and in the reserves. He served in Germany and France. During Jim’s service he earned the Good Conduct Medal, Army of Occupation Medal and National Defense Service Medal.

After separating from active service, he married Merry on Sept. 8, 1956. He returned to college and graduated from Worcester State University with a bachelor’s degree in education. He worked in the field of aeronautics for Martin Marietta.

Some of his favorite memories during this part of his career

OBITUARIES

was his participation with numerous test missile launches on Cape Canaveral during the height of the space program. He and his wife lived in Florida, California and Colorado before settling in Shelburne in 1967.

He worked for General Electric as a manager of design assurance in the field of munitions.

In addition, he formed Lokenberg and Donaldson (L&D), a plumbing, heating and electrical contracting business.

Upon his retirement from General Electric, Jim continued to service customers through L&D. He enjoyed rescuing numerous residents in their time of need with their plumbing, heating or electrical emergencies. Many of his customers became good friends.

Jim was dedicated to serving others and his community. He gave his time and heart to the Shelburne area Lions Club, the annual Christmas tree sale in support of the Boy Scouts and the Shelburne Veterans Memorial. Jim was a regular presence on the Shelburne village green in all seasons and in all kinds of weather.

He joined the Shelburne Veterans Memorial committee in 2015 and quickly became an integral member in the design and construction of the memorial. He

was the “Brick Man,” coordinating the engraving of individual memorial bricks, and personally installed most of the bricks that surround the granite monument. He often stopped by to spruce up the monument and surrounding grounds. He felt it a privilege to honor each veteran in his work and considers his time with the Shelburne Veterans Memorial his greatest contribution.

As a father, grandfather, great-grandfather and husband, Jim showed his love for family through his steadfast guidance, presence, wisdom and participation in his family. He and his wife shared their love of skiing and supported their daughter’s interest in ski racing at Cochran’s Ski Area and throughout Vermont. They were often seen helping in the finish area and cheering from the frigid sidelines.

Favorite family memories include annual trips to Cape Cod, multiple camping trips, skiing together, shared holidays and birthdays, Walt Disney World family reunions, and laughter around the table. Jim encouraged and supported each individual family member to follow their own path, to keep an open mind and experience life outside their comfort zone.

Jim and his wife Merry shared a passion for the Boston Red Sox and a love of cats. In their retirement years, they journeyed to

Alaska, Newfoundland and Labrador. On their trips to Florida, they often took the road less traveled to explore another part of America.

After a heart attack at age 70, Jim gained a new lease on life through his participation with the University of Vermont cardiac rehab program. He was active with the program, exercising two to three times a week for 20 years. He enjoyed the shared comradery, and formed deep bonds and special friendships that he held dear to his heart. The highlight of the friendships formed was the monthly cardiac rehab breakfast where no one judged what was ordered, and special social gatherings.

Jim will be remembered for his kind and humble nature, putting others first, his love of life, his strength and independence, his fantastic sense of humor, intelligence and his detailed storytelling.

Jim was predeceased by his wife, Merabeth (Merry) Donaldson; his son-in-law, Peter Courtwright; brother-inlaw, Don F. Amen; and nephew, William (Billy) Glasgow.

He is survived by his daughters, Amanda “Mandy” Donaldson Courtwright of Chittenango, N.Y., and Dianna Donaldson McGreevy and husband, Neil, of Troy, N.Y.; four grandchildren, Hillary and Alexandra Courtwright and Zoe and Paul McGreevy; two great-grandchildren, Paisley Mills and Nolan Seltzer; sisters, Jeanne Glasgow and husband, Jon of Mountain Home, Ark., and Judy Amen of Sun City West, Ariz.;

a beloved nephew, nieces and friends; and his adoring and loving cat, Patrick.

A celebration of life service will be held at All Souls Interfaith Gathering, 291 Bostwick Farm Road, Shelburne on Thursday, Sept. 21, at 2 p.m.

Donations may be made in Jim’s memory to the Shelburne Veterans Memorial Fund, UVM Home Health and Hospice or a charity of your choice.

Nancy Haulenbeek

Nancy Beairsto Haulenbeek, 94, died peacefully on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023.

Born in Trenton, N.J., on Aug. 10, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Dr. Everett Benjamin Beairsto and Doris Atkinson Beairsto.

She was predeceased by her husband, Frederick Donnelly Haulenbeek; her sister, Barbara Huntington; and her brother, Everett Benjamin Beairsto.

She is survived by her children, Frederick D Haulenbeek Jr., of Hinesburg, Elizabeth Trivison of Jacksonville, Fla., Karen Wisell of Vergennes, and their families.

Nancy attended Trenton public schools and graduated from George School and Colby Junior College.

For many years she played tennis with her family and friends while vacationing on Lake Champlain. As a longtime member of the Trenton Country Club, she loved

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

James R. Donaldson Jr.

Nancy Haulenbeek

playing tennis, golf and bridge. As a resident at Pennswood Village, she continued to enjoy the company of lifelong friends, crossword puzzles, garden club and bridge.

Learning bocce and playing in tournaments contributed to fulfilling her competitive nature and her desire to be physically active.

There will be a gathering to celebrate Nancy’s life at the Prindle-Baldwin events barn, 1570 Baldwin Road, in Hinesburg on Saturday, Oct. 7 at 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions me be made to Pennswood Village Activity Fund, Pennswood Village, 1382 Newtown-Langhorne Road, Newtown PA 18940.

Karen Kohler

Karen Kohler, 68, of Shelburne, died peacefully at University of Vermont Medical Center on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, after a year-long battle with cancer.

Karen was born on March 9, 1955, in Boston to the late Raymond and Lillian Haskell. She graduated from Vestal High School, Vestal, N.Y., in 1973. She earned a degree as a medical office assistant from Broome Community College in Binghamton, N.Y. After several years working in that field, she went back to Broome Community and earned her degree as a registered nurse in 1979. She across various disciplines for over 43 years both in New York and Vermont, until she officially retired from University of Vermont Medical Center rehab unit in November 2021.

Anyone who met Karen over the years was attracted to her contagious smile, fun nature and her enthusiastic party-planner spirit for family and friends. She loved working in her gardens, enjoyed cooking and baking, was always willing to help and support her family and friends, and loved playing with and going on fun adventures with her grandchildren.

She was dedicated to helping countless patients through their healing process and was devoted to her medical colleagues — nurses, doctors and management — and made many lifelong friends along the way.

In 1979, she married John Kohler at St.

Vincent De Paul Blessed Sacrament Church in Vestal, N.Y. They were married for 44 years where they lived in Endwell, N.Y., until moving to Shelburne in 1993.

She is survived by her husband John of Shelburne; daughter, Melissa Kohler of Waterbury; son, Ben Kohler, daughter-inlaw, Helen, grandson, Alex and granddaughter, Ellie, of Auburndale, Mass; son, Jonathan and daughter-in-law, Kassie, grandson, Grant and granddaughter, Avery of , of Essex Junction; and her blocky headed English yellow Lab Jake.

She is also survived by sisters, Deb Seaman and husband, Mike Seaman of New Tazewell, Tenn., Cindy Simone and husband, Dennis of Monroe, N.Y., and Lisa Distin and husband, Mike of Binghamton, N.Y.; sisterin-heart and lifetime friend, Joyce Oziemina and husband, Tom of Apalachin, N.Y; cousins, Josephine DeSalvatore and Lori Ingliss of the Boston area; niece, Jessica White and husband, Lt. Col. Mac White of Hampstead, N.C.; late nephew, David Seaman of Kentucky; and aunt. Linda Pantridge of Gulfport, Fla.

Karen was a longtime supporter of the Vermont Marine Corps League’s Toys for Kids program that collected and distributed new toys to needy children during the Christmas season.

Without a doubt, Karen had a kind and gentle soul. She is in God’s caring hands now and one of his special angels, and her kind and loving spirit will look over her family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a tax-deductible donation in her name to Toys for Kids of Vermont, P.O. Box 4092, Burlington VT 05406 or go directly to toysforkidsvt.com and donate via PayPal.

A viewing will be held at Ready Funeral Home, 261 Shelburne Rd., Burlington, on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023, from 5-7 p.m.

The funeral Mass will be held at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 72 Church St., Shelburne, on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, from noon-1 p.m. After the interment ceremonies at the Shelburne Cemetery, the family asks that you join them for a small, informal reception in the church hall.

Arrangements are in care of the Ready Funeral and Cremation Services. To send

online condolences please visit readyfuneral.com.

Ann Smallwood

Ann Smallwood, 93, died peacefully with her family by her side on Sunday, Sept. 3, 2023, after living independently at Wake Robin in Shelburne since 2001.

Ann was born in Montclair, N.J., on Oct. 7, 1929, the daughter of James and Dorothy Logie. After graduating from Montclair High School, she attended Smith College and graduated in 1951. That September she married Frank Smallwood, who predeceased her in 2013.

Ann’s life was full of family, friendship, a quest for learning and love for travel, the arts, music and gardening. Ann and Frank raised their family in Norwich and lived in their home, which Ann designed, for almost 30 years before they relocated to the Burlington area in 1991. Other places that Ann and Frank called home for extended periods were England, Greece and Washington, D.C. Avid travelers, they spent many weeks each year for almost 50 years in her beloved Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands.

Ann cherished time with family, organizing many family reunions over the years. She also had a fulfilling career. She began working after college at the Design School in Cambridge, Mass. When the children were teenagers, Ann went back to school, receiving her Master of Education from the University of Vermont.

She worked for many years as an assistant dean of students at Dartmouth College, an opportunity that allowed her to support and mentor young adults. She held an interim deputy director position at the Hood Museum at Dartmouth, volunteered and served as chairman of the board at the Fleming Museum at UVM, helped with the recent Pierson Library renovation in Shelburne and was very involved in many committees and activities at Wake Robin, including the Gentry Lectureship and the art

selection committees.

Ann truly cherished the gift of friendship and joy so many gave to her. When asked to describe Ann, her friends offered the following: “She was an individual of exceptional grace, elegance, intelligence and generosity of spirit” and “She had a particular talent for making people feel deeply heard and genuinely appreciated.”

Ann was very generous and active with many local nonprofit organizations. Ann and Frank established the Smallwood Family Scholarship Endowment Fund at the Stern Center for Language and Learning in Williston. She was also a passionate supporter of the Lake Champlain Chamber Music Festival and was proud that the family donated the beautiful music sound shell in Frank’s memory, which was used on stage at the festival. Ann is survived by her four children, Susan and her husband, Warren M.S. Ernst of Dallas, Texas, Sandy and her husband, Don Rendall of South Burlington, Dave and his wife, Patti (Sullivan) of Essex Junction, and Don of South Hero.

She was known as “Mia” to her 10 beloved grandchildren and their spouses and partners, Joshua and Kathryn, David and Ariana, Sam and Emilie, Katherine and Ryan, Annie and Matt, Stephanie and Mike, Sarah and Walt, Carrie and Andrew, Derek and Maura and Kendra and Tristan; as well as her 10 great-grandchildren, Lydia, Nila, Teddy, Kate, Aza, Arthur, Margot, Oliver, Riley and Blaine. Ann is also survived by her brother, Jim Logie; and sister, Jane Logie Whitley.

The family would like to express special thanks to Dr. Gene Moore and the staff at Wake Robin. Those wishing to remember Ann with a gift, please contribute to the Lake Champlain Chamber Music Festival, the Stern Center for Language and Learning or a nonprofit of your choice.

A circle of remembrance will be held at All Souls Interfaith Gathering in Shelburne on Saturday, Oct. 14 at 2 p.m.

Karen Kohler

Ann Smallwood

H ME

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COMMUNITY

Community Notes

Kunin reads from new book

Three-term Vermont governor, ambassador, author and Shelburne resident Madeleine May Kunin will read from her new book of poems, “Walk with Me” in the Shelburne Town Hall on Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Hall. Books will be available for purchase, and all are welcome.

Student milestones

The following students have been named semifinalists in the 2024 National Merit scholarship program, making them eligible to compete for $28 million in scholarships next spring. They include Cassie Bastress, Elias N. Leventhal, William S. Lollis and Julia E. Shrier, all students at Champlain Valley High School.

Interfaith grant applications due in mid-October

The fall deadline for a Shelburne Charlotte Hinesburg Interfaith Projects grant is Sunday, Oct. 15.

Since the project began making grants, many nonprofits have used their awarded funds to continue their mission to improve the lives of their neighbors and strengthen communities.

Grants range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. In addition to a standard grant of up to $3,000, the group is adding a major grant category to provide seed money for future self-sustaining projects. Grants funded in this category can range up to $15,000.

Applicant requirements include 501c(3) status; that projects serve residents of Shelburne, Charlotte or Hinesburg; and that funds not be applied to annual operating

budgets or permanent staffing.

Major grants also require a detailed business plan. Apply at schipstreasure.org.

Jane Austen Society president gives talk

Jane Austen Society of North America president Mary Mintz is visiting the Vermont chapter to speak on “Jane Austen’s Reputation: Highlights of Her First Century in American Periodicals.”

The talk will be held at the Richmond Free Library, 201 Bridge St. on Sunday, Oct. 1, from 2-4 p.m. For information, go to fb.me/e/3MmAtVjwe.

Bike, sewing machine collection is Saturday

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.

More at /bit.ly/3P7JtZz. Or contact Paul Demars at 802-793-0888 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., Burling-

See COMMUNITY NOTES on page 9

COMMUNITY NOTES

continued from page 8

ton, and the walk kicks off at 11 a.m. followed by music, ice cream, raffles and awards.

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.

Walk for Diabetes to be held in Jericho

The Jericho-Underhill Lions Club is sponsoring a Walk for Diabetes event at Mills Riverside Park, Route 15 in Jericho, on Saturday, Oct. 7, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

This walking event on the park’s fields and trails is an effort to bring awareness about diabetes and its ramifications. There will be several walking trail options, informational tables from community partners at the Snowflake Bentley pavilion, and someone onsite will perform optional testing for diabetes.

Post-walk refreshments and snacks will be provided. The event is free and open to all ages.

Enjoy Age Well meals at Charlotte Senior Center

The Age Well meal pickup for Thursday, Sept. 21, is from 10-11 a.m., Charlotte Senior Center, 212 Ferry Road, and features turkey tetrazzini, Scandinavian vegetables, wheat dinner roll with butter,

Late lawyer honored

fruit cookie and milk.

You must have pre-registered by the prior Monday at 802-4256345 or meals@charlotteseniorcentervt.org

CVU students earn academic honors

Students at Champlain Valley Union High School recently earned academic honors from the College Board celebrating the students’ strong academic performances.

The academic honors for rural area, Black, Indigenous, and Latino students are an opportunity for students to share their strong academic achievements with colleges and scholarship programs that are seeking to recruit diverse talent.

Zorah Ngu was a National African American Recognition awardee.

National Rural and Small Town awardees (as of Aug. 17) at the high school include:

• Abby Niquette

• Ava Bouchard

• Brendan Fellows

• Charles Sprigg

• Charles Simons

• Elias Leventhal

• George Fidler

• Hannah Kuhlmeier

• Jacqueline Goldsmith

• Kaylee Bliss

• Kyle Stewart

• Lily O’Brien

• Veronica Miskavage

The criteria for eligible students includes a grade-point

average of 3.5 or higher and assessment scores in the top 10 percent for their states, and attendance in a school in a rural area or

small town, or those who identify as African American or Black, Hispanic American or Latino and Indigenous or Native.

COURTESY PHOTO

Many lawyers, judges, friends and family of the late Beth Danon were on hand for the unveiling of the plaque honoring her with the Vermont Association for Justice 2023 Frank G. Mahady Public Service Award. Danon received the award posthumously in recognition of her “vigorous advocacy on behalf of the people of Vermont and demonstrating the highest qualities of moral leadership and social justice.” The plaque will hang in the Chittenden County Courthouse just outside of the probate office where Danon donated much of her time and expertise as an attorney. Speakers included Vermont Superior Court Judge Helen Toor, Chittenden County Probate Judge Gregory Glennon, and attorneys Mary Kehoe, her sister, and Karen Allen, both pictured above as they unveil the plaque.

PARADE GROUND

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this problem. If such should occur, who will be responsible for policing the area?”

Other residents echoed similar sentiments in the months that followed.

At last week’s meeting, board member Andrew Everett assured the public that there is no hidden agenda, emphasizing that it is actually illegal for them to get together without warning a public meeting.

“The fact that people thought we were secretly coordinating something behind the scenes was kind of a bummer and just misinformation,” he said.

In reality, the project had not moved past the conceptual phase and would have needed to go to the

INTERNET

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“(Mission Broadband is) pulling together that map and then with that, we will develop a strategy of not only how to connect to those last mile customers, but also how

Shelburne Development Review Board before any structures could be built.

Selectboard chair Mike Ashooh said he has been the recipient of a slew of insults and berating comments in the last four months. Since he posted a joke on social media he said was meant as nothing more than a tongue-incheek comment to bring a little humor to the situation, some residents have asked how to remove him from the board.

“Who’s going to do this job when you get attacked for basically proposing something that is in our town plan,” he said. “The town plan calls for enhancements to the

Parade Ground. The spirit of the improvements was to implement the town plan and it was cost-effective. The reaction to it by a small group of people was really unwelcome and unnecessary and a poor sign of civic engagement.”

The issues may have started as differing opinions about what to do with the town’s Parade Ground, but the problems quickly grew into more about how to engage in these types of conversations in town.

“It’s just a way of engaging in the public that is not at all helpful,” said Ashooh, noting that the process is important, but preserving the integrity of the community is also just as paramount. “You see it all around the country and for some reason, you would think it wouldn’t happen here in Shelburne. But it does, and it’s disappointing.”

“Our community government won’t function if we can’t be civil, decent, respectful and have conversations that are meaningful and important,” he said.

we provide the best service for all of our residents,” Baker said. Partnering with a provider could still be months away, but the Chittenden County district’s

advantage comes from its communities working together and combining population size as it collectively looks to negotiate with a provider.

SALES EXECUTIVE

Award-winning group of community weeklies with offices in Stowe, Morrisville and South Burlington seeks a sales person. Ideal candidate should have a basic knowledge of the local towns, business and communities we serve. A proven track record in sales and an ability to offer topnotch customer service is a required. In addition to servicing established accounts, candidate must be able to generate sales from qualified leads as well as establish new ones. Our company offers health benefits, vacation time, and provides on the job training in newspapers sales. Generous base salary during training and ideal hours (few nights or weekends). If you possess these qualifications and would like to be considered, please send your resume and cover letter to: Bryan Meszkat at bryan@newsandcitizen.com.

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miles east of Taft Corner 1 mile west (exit 11), I-89 10236 Williston Raod Williston, VT 802.434.2794 vermontnursery.com

“You see it all around the country and for some reason, you would think it wouldn’t happen here in Shelburne. But it does, and it’s disappointing.”

— Mike Ashooh

SPORTS

CVU blanks Burlington-South Burlington 49-0

Sophie Comeau stopped five shots in goal.

Football

Champlain Valley 49, Burlington-South Burlington 0: The Champlain Valley football team jumped out to a 28-0 lead at halftime and did not look back in a win over Burlington-South Burlington on Saturday, Sept. 16.

Ollie Cheer threw for five touchdowns and 198 yards for the Redhawks, who move to 2-1. Calvin Steele, Billy Bates, Jacob Armstrong and Brian Rutherford each caught a touchdown pass for CVU.

Anderson McEnaney added a rushing touchdown and returned an interception for a touchdown. Aidan Morris went 7-for-7 in extra points.

Field hockey

Rice 3, Champlain Valley 1: Rice scored twice in the second half to pull away for a win over Champlain Valley on Thursday, Sept. 14.

Emily Gay scored for the Redhawks, who move to 2-1.

Champlain Valley got a win earlier in the week, beating Burlington 9-1.

Bibi Frechette had a hat trick for the Redhawks, while Sophie Madden tallied twice and added one assist. Gay, Carly Strobeck, Lonne Kolkman, and Marlie Cartwright each scored a goal.

Girls’ soccer

Champlain Valley 5, St. Johnsbury 2: Chloe Pecor scored a hat trick for Champlain Valley in a win over St. Johnsbury in girls’ soccer on Sept. 14.

Lily Williams and Skyler Kingsbury each scored for the Redhawks, who remain undefeated. Anya Johnson made four saves in goal.

Ella Knudsen, Lauren Knudsen and Ava Barron each had an assist.

Boys’ golf

Cooper Guerriere had the low score to earn medalist honors for Champlain Valley as the Redhawks came out on top in match at Ralph Myhre Country Club on Wednesday, Sept. 13. Guerriere finished with a

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36, while Jack Bryan (40) and Camden Ayer (41) had low scores for Champlain Valley.

Quinn Vincent (45) and Brendan Chevrier (46) helped round out the team.

PHOTO BY AL FREY

Anderson McEnaney runs the ball in the Redhawks’ 49-0 win over the Burlington-South Burlington team on Saturday.

Kelly Brush Ride raises $1.1 million Shelburne Parks & Rec News

Parents, youth athlete workshop series

• “Stay in the Game with 3 Fun Nutrition Tips to Boost Stamina,”

Tuesday, Oct. 17:

Good nutrition doesn’t have to be a chore. “Funify” your exploration as a family and watch your athlete get involved in healthy food selection and even meal prep. Boosting stamina is only the tip of the iceberg. The workshop also helps with strength, recovery and focus.

• “Handling Poor Sports Performance in Healthy Ways,”

Monday, Nov. 13: Does your budding athlete get down on themselves after making a mistake in practice or competition? Are they putting pressure on themselves? This workshop is designed to help parents and kids better manage their expectations and their emotions in sports.

For youth athletes, ages 13-24 and parents of kids of any age. All workshops are 7-8 p.m.

GARAGE SALES

GARDENSIDE NEIGHBOR-

HOOD GARAGE SALE: Sat., Sept. 23, 9 a.m. 1 p.m. Gardenside Homeowners Association in Shelburne will be holding their annual Garage Sale. Sale is happening on Acorn Lane, Gardenside Lane and Harvest Lane, all connecting streets.

MULTI-FAMILY GARAGE

SALE: 98 Littlefield Dr. Fri., Sept. 22 and Sat., Sept. 23. 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., rain or shine. Tons of kids’ clothing, games, puzzles, books, jewelry, housewares.

GARAGE SALE: Sat., Sept. 23, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. 357 Barstow, Shelburne. Area rugs, white wicker furniture, home decor, old books, Hubbardton Forge lamp, Charles Dickens Christmas village, Marilyn Monroe wine collection, snowshoes.

The facilitator is Steve Fuchs, a health coach and advice columnist for youth athletes ages 13-24. He can be reached at vermonthealthcoach.com. The series is free, but please register at 802-985-9551.

Brazilian jiu jitsu

Brazilian jiu jitsu introduces the fundamentals of self-defense and grappling techniques. Training sessions will consist of warm-up exercises, hands-on self-defense, grappling scenarios, along with an anti-bullying philosophy.

Jiu jitsu helps practitioners develop personal responsibility, discipline, self-awareness, respect and confidence, along with both physical and mental strength. No prior martial arts experience is required.

For grades six to eight. Registration deadline is Wednesday, Oct. 11. Session dates are Oct. 16 to Nov. 22; Mondays, 3:15-4:30 p.m. and Wednesdays 2:15-3:30 p.m. Fee is $140. Shayne Fenton instructs.

The annual Kelly Brush Ride raised more than $1.1 million to support the Kelly Brush Foundation’s mission of helping people with spinal cord injuries return to sport. The race, held Sept. 9, drew 953 participants, including 36 hand cyclists, making it the largest adaptive cycling event in Vermont. With 30 days left to fundraise, the foundation is hoping to hit its $1.2 million goal. Donations are welcome at kellybrushfoundation.org/ride.

CLASSIFIEDS

STAFF WRITER

Come work where you play! e Valley Reporter, a local, weekly newspaper serving the Mad River Valley as well as Sugarbush and Mad River Glen, is looking for a sta writer.

e ideal candidate will possess a curious mind, exceptional writing skills and an appreciation for small-town life. While a background in journalism is not required, the ability to write concisely and accurately is. is person will report on the people, places and events of the Mad River Valley, including local politics, education, sports, recreation, agriculture, business, cra beer, the environment and more. Must be detail and deadline oriented. A exible schedule is required; the individual will attend public meetings on some nights and weekends. Photography and social media skills required.

Send a cover letter, resume and two to three w ritin g samples to lisa@valleyreporter.com

Electrical, Optical and Firmware Engineers

Creative Micro (CMC) is a small company specializing in advanced augmented reality and artificial intelligence technology development. CMC is looking for highly motivated individuals to join our unique team. We build systems using microprocessors to control cameras, inertial guidance units, and custom hardware including ruggedized, outdoor Augmented Reality display systems. Multiple engineering positions available in Waitsfield, VT including electrical, optical and firmware. Come work on the cutting edge of technology development in the Mad River Valley!

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COURTESY PHOTO

RABIES BAIT

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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 21, 2023

Artist donates works to maritime museum

Gift includes research, other materials

Painter Ernest Haas has donated a collection of his original artworks, prints and materials to the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum.

An artist known for his historical paintings, Haas has been a longtime supporter of the museum. This donation brings the total number of Haas’s original paintings in the collection to 29.

“Ernie’s talent for capturing the beauty, action and vibrance of some of the most important moments in Lake Champlain’s history is amazing, especially those moments which don’t have any surviving contemporary illustration,” Chris Sabick, the museum’s director of research and archaeology, said.

Haas has spent his life around water and over 60 years painting. During his childhood in Albany, N.Y., he was first inspired by the large ships traversing the Hudson

River. Haas joined the U.S. Navy at age 17, just before the end of World War II.

After the Navy, he became an illustrator and an educator, teaching high school history in Connecticut for 20 years. Upon retirement, he moved with his late wife Betty Lou to Vermont to be closer to nature, which has always inspired his artwork.

Haas uses old photographs and historic records to inspire his artistic process. Paintings in the collection feature maritime scenes from the American Revolution, the War of 1812, and the canalboat and steamboat eras of the 19th and 20th centuries on Lake Champlain, as well as landscapes from throughout New England. His donation also includes two boxes of research and reference materials used in the development of his Lake Champlain-related paintings.

Above: “The General Butler on the Burlington breakwater,” Ernest Haas, 2000, acrylic on panel.

Below: “Winter Chores N.E. Kingdom, VT,” Ernest Haas, 2019, acrylic on panel.