Shelburne News - 2-15-24

Pulitzer winner

On the beam

Author will speak at Shelburne library

Gymnasts win, basketballers on a roll

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Volume 53 Number 7

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February 15, 2024

School district budgets in limbo

Prep work

State tries to rework education spending formula LIBERTY DARR AND COREY MCDONALD STAFF WRITERS

With less than three weeks until Town Meeting Day, legislators are proposing new changes to the state’s education funding formula that’s brought headaches for school officials this year, leaving South Burlington and Champlain Valley school districts’ budgets in limbo.

Budget season in Vermont has quickly become even more complicated — especially for districts that have already passed and warned budgets for the annual vote — with the effects of Act 127, a law passed in 2022

that changed the state’s education funding formula.

“It’s extremely unprecedented,” said South Burlington superintendent Violet Nichols, who added that boards and educators are having “extremely taxing conversations” and are “looking at decimating schools and programs that we’ve dedicated our lives to developing for the benefits of students in our community.”

A new law being fast-tracked through Statehouse committees would not only nix a major facet of Act 127, but also allow time See ACT 127 on page 10

In full swing: eclipse season in Shelburne LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER

PHOTO BY LEE KROHN

Shelburne firefighters conduct a walk through and training at Shelburne Community School to familiarize themselves with public sites and to practice various approaches to hose line deployment before an actual emergency. Interested in learning more about the Shelburne Fire Department? Go to shelburnefire.org/join.

When the Pierson Library’s newest director Michael Hibben was hired last August, he didn’t imagine he’d adopt the unofficial job title of “eclipse coordinator.”

But for an event that doesn’t come around very often, Hibben has garnered some help from Kit Luster, the town’s development review board coordinator and assistant zoning administrator, to help the town make a game plan for the expected influx of visiting spectators for the once-ina-lifetime total solar eclipse on April 8.

A solar eclipse — which happens much more frequently than the total eclipse — occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, casting a shadow on Earth that either fully or partially blocks the sun’s light in some areas.

A total solar eclipse occurs when the

moon passes between the sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the sun.

The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk and weather permitting, people in the path of a totality can see the sun’s outer atmosphere, which is otherwise obscured by its bright face, according to the National Weather Service.

The eclipse in Shelburne is forecast to reach totality at around 3:30 p.m., said Hibben. Because Shelburne is smack dab in the middle of the “path of totality” the town is already prepping for upwards of 200,000 visitors that could make their way to the state in less than two months.

“The next total solar eclipse that’s going to be visible in Vermont is in the year 2106,” Hibben said. “So, it’s a long way off. The last total solar eclipse that was visiSee ECLIPSE on page 12

Page 2 • February 15, 2024 • Shelburne News

Million-dollar bond vote for fire squad makes annual meeting ballot LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER

Aside from the general fund budget, the largest ballot question Shelburne residents will see on Town Meeting Day is a $1 million vote for a new fire tanker to replace the department’s 30-year-old truck.

Chief Andrew Dickerson said that although the 1995 truck has served the department well, with escalating maintenance costs, the decision to replace the tank has been circulating since last budget season.

“I asked for this tanker replacement last year as well,” he said.

“The selectboard didn’t think it was a good time and last year I asked for $980,000 and this year, we’re asking for the $1 million bond.”

While this year’s number is up $20,000, the fire department still had to cut features from the tanker due to rising costs.

Costs for the tanker, even in just a year, have escalated to what Dickerson called an “astronomical point.”

“I can’t believe that we have to pay that much for an apparatus but from a management perspective it’s got to get done,” said Dickerson, noting that ambulances that once cost $250,000 now exceed $400,000. “Every year that we keep pushing it off, we get closer to the time where not having it

PHOTO BY LEE KROHN

Shelburne firefighters with the squad’s existing tanker at Shelburne Community School.

in-house is going to become a significant problem. The costs are just going to keep going up.”

The department follows a carefully planned replacement schedule and abandoned earlier talk of expanding its three-truck fleet, deciding instead to keep its fleet smaller overall.

“We said all right, when we replace the tanker, let’s design it with a little bit more capability so that it not only suits the needs of a water supply apparatus that shuttles water back and forth, but it also can be used as a reserve engine when the engine goes out of service,” he said. “We’re focusing on keeping this truck as small as we possibly can in physical size.

Then when we look at the features

that we put on it, expand it to a more appropriate firefighting apparatus.”

The current tanker is a two-seater and it has a relatively small pump; it is rated at 500 gallons per minute, which the National Fire Protection Association says does not meet the classifications for structural firefighting purposes.

Dickerson said the town’s engine and ladder are both NFPA-rated first-due pumpers for structural firefighting purposes.

“So, when we look at our fleet, we really need to build in some redundancy not only from our operational perspective but also from an NFPA perspective as well.”

Should the bond vote get approved, Dickerson hopes to

have the new one in operation by 2026 and, hopefully, for the next 30 years.

“That’s part of the reason why the selectboard heard me bring it up last year as we were trying to maintain our replacement cycle, which meant when the manufacturer said, ‘Oh, by the way, instead of a one-year lead time, it’s now two years,’ we bumped up the request a year so that we stay on our cycle.”

The department’s overall budget reflects an almost $50,000 increase in expenses due to the increase in volunteer stipends and the addition of a full-time chief position.

Dickerson said he currently ends up working anywhere

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from 20 to 30 hours a week, but “this will be the first year that it’s budgeted to actually be Monday through Friday with someone in the office taking care of administrative work,” he said.

The department currently has 28 volunteers, which is historically low for the fire department. But the difference, Dickerson said, is that average participation is higher now than it has been in past years.

Additionally, response times and the average number of personnel responding to incidents are higher.

“So even though I have 28, which comparatively seems like a crisis, it’s not necessarily because those 28 people are doing a lot of really good work. They’re putting in a lot of time,” he said.

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PRICES SLASHED! Future school construction: STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD! EUREKA! EUREKA! ONCE IN A LIFETIME PRICING! EUREKA! Legislature eyes funding Shelburne News • February 15, 2024 • Page 3

Informing the task force’s work was Vermont’s school facilities assessment, which estimated Vermont’s schools will A long-awaited report on how Vermont need more than $6.3 billion just to fund should address its billions of dollars in in-kind replacements in the next 21 years, school construction needs arrived in the a number widely considered a significant underestimate.

Legislature Feb. 1.

The task force proposed creating an In short, the report suggests the state should consider incentivizing districts to independent governing board that would build in ways that align with the state’s oversee school construction project proposgoals. That could mean a “newer and als, deciding what percentage of each projfewer” approach, building healthier ect the state should subsidize, a model used schools (perhaps by remediating PCBs), in Massachusetts.

And though the task force’s report did and considering equity, such as supporting districts with more impoverished students not solidify criteria the governing board should consider, it did make suggestions. or a smaller tax base.

Among the prioritization criteria Informed by guidance from the Agency of Education and the Office of the State proposed, the report suggested the state Treasurer, the report also suggested that give consideration to a district’s poverty level and taxing capacity, Vermont use its bondand that the state should ing capacity to support “We also know that consider providing some the construction, at least money to districts that partially, and recommendmany, many bonds have engaged in construced directing the state’s economists to study sepafail. So, we know that tion projects in the years immediately preceding rate, perpetual revenue the yet-to-be-created streams. the local capacity … school construction aid Vermont ended its program. school construction aid is not there.”

Prioritization could program in 2007. Since also provide “bonuses” then, officials say, deferred — Jill Briggs Campbell for projects that “align maintenance has grown with Vermont’s education significantly, with an estimated $300 million in construction needed priorities,” such as a “newer and fewer” each year for the next 21 years if schools approach to school construction.

“We also know that many, many bonds were only to replace buildings as they fail,” Briggs Campbell said. “So, we know already are.

Jill Briggs Campbell, the education that the local capacity … is not there.”

The task force also recommended agency’s director of operations, and Ashlynn Doyon, the director of policy in the treasur- school districts be required to complete er’s office, presented the recommendations master plans and have some requirements and findings of the report to lawmakers to in place to help guarantee that they don’t the House Committee on Education and the put off maintenance of new buildings.

“If we’re going to do a state construction House Committee on Ways and Means.

Briggs Campbell called the findings aid program, we want to ensure that those “step one” of what will likely become a dollars are going to be invested wisely,” Briggs Campbell said. multi-year process.

The House Education Committee later “We’re hoping to lay out the road map met to digest the morning’s report and drum for all of you,” she said.

Vermont’s schools are the second oldest up its immediate action items. Its goal: in the nation, according to the agency, and continue the momentum toward creating a face declining enrollment. Yet increasingly, school construction aid program.

The list includes directing the Legislaschools have become hubs for more than just learning, functioning as community tive Joint Fiscal Office to begin researching possible perpetual revenue sources, thinksocial service centers, leaders say.

“We need these robust, resilient school ing about the future composition of the buildings to be able to serve those needs. program’s governing board, pausing PCB Many, many of our school buildings serve testing when the funds allocated to support as emergency shelters,” Briggs Campbell it near zero, and creating a working group said, illustrating the need for construction. to nail down the specifics of any future aid She also pointed to “mounting evidence” program.

If all goes according to plan, a workindicating that healthier school buildings ing group could present its findings at the lead to better student outcomes.

Legislation last year created the school beginning of the 2025 legislative session, construction aid task force with the goal of and the construction aid program could be considering funding options for a statewide created in the next biennium.

“We’re building the car,” said Rep. school construction program, how such a program would be governed, and how to Tesha Buss, D-Woodstock, pausing. “And the road.” prioritize funding, among other charges.

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Page 4 • February 15, 2024 • Shelburne News

Shelburne Police Blotter: Feb. 5-11 Total reported incidents: 46 Traffic stops: 13 Warnings: 14 Tickets: 1 Arrests: 2 Medical emergencies: 12 Mental health incidents: 2 Suspicious incidents: 5 Domestic incidents: 2 Directed patrols: 5 Agency assists: 4 Citizen assists: 4 Welfare check: 1 Motor vehicle complaints: 1 Automobile incidents: 1 Animal problem: 3 Fire: 1 Noise Disturbance: 1 Theft: 4 Fraud: 1 Alarms: 2 Pending investigations: 3 911 Hang-up calls: 1 Feb. 5 at 10:46 a.m., after a report of a retail theft at Tractor Supply, Shelburne police arrested Autumn Welch, 33, of Winooski, on an outstanding warrant and cited her for retail theft.

Feb. 6 at 11:18 a.m., Shelburne Fire and Rescue assisted Charlotte Fire and Rescue at a motor vehicle crash on Ethan Allen Highway and State Park Road in Charlotte.

Feb. 6 at 3:23 p.m., police responded to a domestic disturbance at the Countryside Motel and assisted in mediating.

Feb. 8 at 10:24 p.m., a fraud complaint is under investigation.

Feb. 9 at 1:36 a.m., police had to tell a guest at the T-Bird Motel to quit banging on the walls and keep the noise down.

Feb. 9 at 3:18 p.m., fire department officials extinguished a trash can fire on Hawley Road.

Feb. 10 at 2:29 p.m., a theft was reported from the Shelburne Tap House. The case is under investigation.

Feb. 10 at 2:50 p.m., another theft was reported, this one from the Shelburne Meat Market.

Police are investigating.

Feb. 10 at 4:14 p.m., yet another retail theft, from Premiere Performance, is being investigated by police.

Feb. 10 at 9:58 p.m., Makayla Hatch, 26, of Leicester, was pulled over along Shelburne Road, issued a citation for an outstanding warrant and released.

Feb. 11 at 8:14 a.m., police responded to a report of an animal stuck in a drainage pipe near Spear Street and Collamer Circle, but officers later determined that the animal had the ability to get out of the drainage pipe on its own.

Note: Charges filed by police are subject to review by the Chittenden County State’s Attorney Office and can be amended or dropped.

Shelburne News Serving the community of Shelburne A publication of Vermont Community Newspaper Group LLC shelburnenews.com Advertising Wendy Ewing wendy@shelburnenews.com (802) 985-3091 x12

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Shelburne scenes High water wraps a row of trees in ice, and an eastern bluebird arrives a bit early to scout for nest sites, both spotted at Shelburn Farms.

A dramatic sunset over Shelburne orchard.

Calendar submission deadline: Friday at 12 p.m. news@shelburnenews.com Contact: 1340 Williston Road South Burlington, VT 05403 (802) 985-3091

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Shelburne News • February 15, 2024 • Page 5

OPINION

COMPASSIONATE GROOMING for Dogs & Cats of all sizes

State, communities face varied challenges From the Senate Sen. Ginny Lyons Some Vermonters think legislative work begins and ends when we are paid between January and May. The reality is that legislators remain fully engaged in constituent and policy work throughout the year.

Out-of-session work contributes to my understanding of issues critical to all of us. This includes meetings about Sen. Ginny Lyons needed housing, health care, mental health, substance use, education funding and others. During the last out of session (unpaid months), I worked with local, state and national experts to develop legislation.

Some of this off session work is described below.

As a member of the Vermont Judiciary and Mental Health Council I attended a meeting convened by Vermont Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul Reiber in May. Judges, public safety, legal and mental health representatives met with national leaders to learn how to reduce wait times within the courts and about challenges facing people with mental illness and other disorders when they are involved with public safety or the courts.

A September summit on mental health and the judiciary allowed council members to share work done during 2022-23.

Related to this work, I sponsored, and we passed legislation in 2023 to improve competency evaluation and treatment procedures for criminally involved folks with mental health issues. This session, the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare is completing work on another one of my bills to clarify judicial process for folks with an intellectual disability who have committed a significant crime.

Each of these bills resulted from questions about how those with mental illness or intellectual disabilities should be treated when they commit a serious crime or might be incompetent to stand trial. Sending those with mental illness or intellectual disability to a safe place with treatment services is the right thing to do.

The alternative might be sending them to jail without support services.

In June I was invited to the White House to meet with legislators from across the country to share legislative policies that protect health care professionals and patients involved with reproductive health care. Our work gives

comfort to Vermonters that abortion access and gender affirming, and other reproductive care, is available in our state.

I have proposed legislation that expands protection and keeps personal consumer health care data from being collected, shared or sold. This protects patients from unwanted intrusion into very personal parts of their lives. I developed this legislation after meeting with legislators from Connecticut, Washington, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and other states.

My bill was introduced on Jan. 3.

Members of the House incorporated this proposal into a broader consumer protection bill. I look forward to working with members of the House and Senate to pass legislation that protects people from what has happened in other states — to prevent harmful intrusion or harassment when personal reproductive health care becomes public.

In June 2023 I convened a meeting of the Senate, administration and local and visiting national leaders to determine how Vermont can better support opioid addicted patients in community recovery centers. I met through summer and fall with national leaders from Kentucky.

They presented how community-based wraparound recovery programs are evaluated in other states.

A pilot program by Jenna’s Promise in Johnson, and work with local and national leaders will determine benchmarks to ensure success for Vermont patients and programs. Our goal is to identify best practice and outcome measures, and to help those in recovery avoid relapse and return to productive lives. I introduced and look forward to passing legislation that supports substance use recovery.

Recovery is prevention and is critical within Vermont’s continuum of care.

My work between sessions is ongoing.

Some of it is related to mental health, privacy of health care information and substance use as described. However, the combination of unremitting challenges confronting our communities drives a very challenging legislative session.

The combination of mental health, substance use disorders, access to housing, public safety, climate-driven debilitating weather events, inflationary pressures on food costs or school funding cannot be understated.

There is a lot to be done and always too little time. Please stay connected as we work through legislation.

Ginny Lyons, a Democrat from Williston, represents South Burlington, Charlotte, Hinesburg, Shelburne and several other towns in the Chittenden-Southeast Senate district.

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Page 6 • February 15, 2024 • Shelburne News

Letters to the Editor Dr. Jeanne Kellner, founder and owner of Shelburne Pediatrics, is retiring after 35 years in practice. The office is closing as of March 16, 2024. Dr. Jeanne, Paula, FNP Leah, and nurses Nancy and Martha wish you all the best. It has been an honor and a pleasure caring for you and your families.

Please check the website, shelburnepediatrics.com to request medical records after the closing date.

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Don’t close state’s fish hatchery To the Editor: The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is considering closing its Salisbury hatchery to meet fiscal goals for 2025. This decision would have a significant impact on the fishing community, as it would result in a halt to statewide fish stocking until new brood stock mature and can produce eggs. This means no catchable brook trout stocking for the 2027 and 2028 seasons, and no brown or rainbow trout stocking from 2027 through the end of 2029 season. Fishing is not just a sport in Vermont, it’s part of the culture, contributing significantly to the economy and tourism industry. I urge the department to reconsider this decision, find alternative ways to meet its fiscal goals without compromising our fishing heritage.

The hatchery in question is not just a piece of our national history, but also a vital part of Vermont’s ecosystem. As a National Historic Site, it requires proper maintenance and curation to preserve its historical significance. Furthermore, it serves as Vermont’s brood-stock station,

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producing approximately nine million trout eggs annually. This function is crucial for maintaining the biodiversity of our waters.

We don’t want to outsource eggs. Why are we getting rid of our “seeds,” if you will. I believe most Vermont citizens do not want genetically engineered seeds and they definitely don’t want eggs from out of state when we have a rich tradition of seeds that will grow into our shared bounty at our tables.

The hatchery also raises and spawns five different trout species for Vermont’s lakes and streams, contributing significantly to the local aquatic life. Moreover, it rears and maintains the oldest and largest fish of the hatchery program, which is an essential part of our state’s natural heritage.

We must ensure that this important institution continues to operate effectively while preserving its historical value.

It’s not just about protecting our past, it’s about safeguarding our future too. We call on relevant authorities to allocate sufficient resources toward maintaining this historic site while ensuring its continued operation as an essential brood-stock station.

The economic impact of fishing in Vermont is significant and growing. In 2018, fishing contributed approximately $141 million to the state’s annual economic activity, a notable increase from $131.2 million in 2012. A substantial portion of this contribution is attributed to stocking — $35.4 million in 2018, assuming a stable percentage from its $31.6 million contribution in 2012. Moreover, participation has seen further growth and should be promoted as a reason to visit Vermont.

These figures underscore the importance of decisions related to fishing and their impact on local economies across the state.

It is crucial that we recognize and protect this valuable industry for the sake of the economy and local livelihoods.

We urge decision-makers to consider these facts when making policies affecting fishing activities within state boundaries.

Call your local representative, senator and governor if you stand for protecting and promoting Vermont’s economically significant fishing industry.

Jeremy Ayotte Fletcher

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Shelburne News • February 15, 2024 • Page 7

COMMUNITY Community Notes Shelburne hosts candidate forum in town hall Attend the Shelburne candidate forum tonight, Thursday, Feb. 15, 7:15-8:45 p.m., at Shelburne town hall.

Attend in person or online at mediafactory.org/shelburne.

A rebroadcast will be available few days later.

The forum is an opportunity for residents to learn more about the candidates’ backgrounds, priorities, reasons for running for office and point of views about town government process and policy.

It is an opportunity to share your concerns and interests. Questions for the candidates will be generated from town residents and voters.

Candidates on the ballot have been invited to participate. They include: • Diana K. Vachon, town clerk • Chunka Mui, selectboard, three-year term • Matt Wormser, selectboard, two-year term • Bob Lake, constable • Peter Gadue, Champlain Water District representative • Kate Webb, Champlain Valley School District director • Thomas A. Little, town moderator Contact Nancy Baker, forum coordinator, nebakervt@gmail. com with questions, comments or suggestions.

The forum is sponsored by the Shelburne Democratic and Republican committees.

Shelburne students hold food drive through Feb. 24 Seventh graders at Shelburne Community School need your help.

Charlotte Flanagan, Grace Cowles and Lucy Lefrancois are leading a school and community project on a sustainable solution to hunger in Vermont.

“Almost 57,150 people are facing hunger in Vermont, and many of these people rely on food shelves and or homeless shelters near us,” the trio wrote in a press release. “We are working with COTS homeless shelter, Charlotte Food Shelf and South Burlington Food Shelf to get these people what they need.”

Here’s how you can help.

Students will be holding a food drive to help collect food, hygiene products and clothing for those in need in our community through Saturday, Feb. 24.

Drop off donations at Shel-

burne town hall, the school’s front office (students and families) or the coffee shop. Drop off donations when the town hall and coffee shop are open, or during school hours. Look for the light pink or dark blue boxes labeled for food and hygiene products.

Items needed include: • Canned goods like meats, fruits, soup, pasta, tomato sauce, vegetables, beans.

• Nonperishables like cereal, snacks, mac and cheese boxes, coffee, tea, sauces and salad dressings, rice, peanut butter and jellies and jams.

• Flour, sugar, cooking oils.

• Gift cards to local supermarkets.

• Can openers.

• Mittens, gloves, hats, coats, scarves, fuzzy socks.

• Paper towels.

• Shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, body wash, soap, lip balm, hand sanitizer, lotion, combs and feminine hygiene products.

Landscape designer talks spring in the garden Go beyond forsythia and look at other plants that can bring added color and beauty to your garden at winter’s end — shadbush, redbud, magnolia, lilac, woodland phlox, wildflowers and a rainbow of bulbs suitable for the Northeast.

Join speaker Charlotte Albers for “Spring Beauty” and take a virtual tour through lush gardens, learn how to use more natives and

COURTESY PHOTO

From left, Charlotte Flanagan, Grace Cowles and Lucy Lefrancois are leading a food drive at Shelburne Community School.

spring blooming shrubs beneficial to pollinators and consider layering certain key perennials to create a glorious opening performance in this talk by landscape designer.

For more information about this Burlington Garden Club event on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 1 p.m., at Faith United Methodist Church, 899 Dorset St., in South Burlington, go to bgcvt.org.

Love tested in Players’ ‘Long Live Love’ Essex Community Players offers the world premiere of “Long

Live Love,” opening Friday, Feb. 23, for eight performances.

The comedy cast includes local performers from six Chittenden County towns, including Margaret Allen and Ben Certa of South Burlington In this romantic farce, it’s opening night for playwrights Harold and Bright’s “Long Live Love,” and the cast is struggling through one last rehearsal, trying to strike a balance between its misguided letters, misplaced infants, saber duels and mistaken identities.

They’ve almost gotten it just right when one of the playwrights

arrives and declares, due to an argument with his wife, that he’s lost all faith in love and has written a new, devastatingly artistic ending. Gone is the happy ending with three couples kissing at the same time; now it’s a cauldron of misery and suffering. The cast has two hours to put it together.

They try, until playwright Marjorie Bright, Harold’s writing partner and estranged wife, arrives with her own new ending for the play.

See COMMUNITY NOTES on page 8

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Pulitzer Prize finalist and New York Time’s bestselling author Daniel Mason will speak at the town hall at the Pierson Library on Friday, March 5, at 7 p.m., to discuss his novel “North Woods.” Elizabeth Bluemle will join him in conversation and copies of his books will be available for sale.

COMMUNITY NOTES continued from page 7 Chaos ensues.

Performance dates are Friday to Sunday, Feb. 23-25 and March 1-3, and Saturday and Sunday, March 9-10. More at essexplayers.com.

Shelburne eighth grader wins spelling bee Felix Haskins emerged as the 2024 Shelburne Community School Scripps Spelling Bee champion on Feb. 1 after a 47-round showing — a school record.

Haskins was an eighth grader on the Yellow Team. Over 200 students participated in the written qualifying exam this year,

with the top 20 percent of spellers from each grade level being invited to compete in the school bee. The championship was decided after almost 700 words.

Haskins will join other school spelling bee winners from across the state at the Vermont State Spelling Bee on March 28, 3-6 p.m. at Middlebury College.

Fifth grader Henry Gordon and seventh grader Emmett Anderson were the second and third-place runners-up.

Scripps has consistently had the largest number of Shelburne Community School students participating each year across grades three through eight of any extracurricular activity.

Shelburne Parks & Rec News Shelburne Youth Lacrosse Registration deadline for kids in grade three through eight is March 4. There will be a $15 late fee added after March 4 and any registrations received after deadline will be placed on a wait list.

The kindergarten (coed) and first and second grade co-ed program registration deadline is March 9. Parent volunteer helpers are needed. Sign up at time of registration.

Toddler open gym Come play and connect with others.

No pre-registration necessary, just sign in at the door. A parent or caregiver must be present at all times.

Scooters, bikes and ride-on toys are not permitted. There will be balls, hoops and

tumbling mats. Wear indoor shoes or socks inside the gym. No food is allowed.

In case of inclement weather, call 802-985-9551 to check for cancellations.

The open gym is held the second and last Sunday of the month through May. 9:30-11 a.m. Dates are Feb. 25, March 10, April 14 and 28, May 12 and 26. There is no program on March 31.

A $5 suggested donation per family would be appreciated.

Volunteer coordinator is Aisha Mueller at Shelburne town gym.

Spring, summer registration Visit our website at shelburnevt. org/160/parks-recreation for online registration and complete details on summer camps, programs and special events.

Shelburne News • February 15, 2024 • Page 9

Obituaries James L. Bissonette James (Jamie) Lee Bissonette died on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024, as the musical group, Judas Priest, played his favorite song in his ear with his loving family and close friends by his side.

Jamie was born May 8, 1962, to Charles and Corrine Bissonette.

Jamie was a life-long Shelburne resident and graduated from Champlain Valley Union High School where he established many enduring friendships. He was a loyal Boston sports fan and idolized Larry Bird. In 1995, he opened The Dutch Mill Family Restaurant with his family, which continues to this day as The Dutch Mill Diner.

His larger-than-life personality was best demonstrated by his love of helping others under any circumstances. His spirit never waned, and he was very courageous during many health battles which he encountered during the past decade. As Jamie positively said to many, “I just keep chugging along.”

He was predeceased by his wife, Marilou, and brother, Steve.

He is survived by his parents, Charles and Corrine; sons, Michael (Jessica) and Jhammar (Gerlie); brother, Chris (Karen); sister, Nancy (Jim); sister-in-law, Janet; and his precious grandchildren, Jameson, Molly, Jhammarie, Victoria, Dominique, Raven, Ace and Emily.

Jamie is also survived by so many members of the Aube, Bissonette, Estacio, Cruz, Martel, Antonio and Bermejo families and special friends.

Visiting hours will be held at Corbin and Palmer Funeral Home on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024, between 5-7 p.m. in Shelburne.

A Catholic Mass funeral will be held at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024, at 11 a.m. in Shelburne with the reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Jamie’s honor to The Vermont Kidney Association, 1 South Prospect St., 2309 UHC Med-Nephrology Burlington VT 05401.

Ellen Woodward Dixon This January was the cloudiest since 1951. When blue skies

reappeared in February, the joy was palpable. For three straight days we enjoyed nothing but sunshine as our mother, Ellen Woodward Dixon, sorted her final business, expressed her love and said her goodbyes.

Bluebirds came to the window on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024, the morning she died, strikingly beautiful in a small flock, harbingers of peace and tranquility, singing “all will be OK” through the pain and grief of loss.

It is a big one, losing a good mother, and Ellen certainly was good — good to her family, good to her friends and good to her community — but not in a prissy way.

Born Ellen Rice Woodward in New York City, she lived with the frank and sincere confidence of a woman adored. She was adored by her parents, Stanley Woodward and Esther Rice; sister, Mary; husband, Bill and their five kids, Mary (Tom), Susan (Dave), Ann, Gordon (Robin) and Carrie; eight grandchildren, Sam, Lucy (Ryan), Will, Calvin, Billy, Kim, Eli and Henry; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Ellen was an extraordinary

James L. Bissonette

Ellen Woodward Dixon

volunteer and fearless organizer.

She had a keen sense of humor.

She was fun. She loved her home of Boonton, N.J., where she lived for 60 years before moving to Shelburne. She was a prolific knitter, an avid crossword puzzle-doer and a generous, thoughtful gift giver. Ellen loved her dogs and the birds at her window.

Monday, Feb. 19, would have been her 90th birthday.

Thanks to all who showered her with cards. Ellen kept lifelong friendships and loved hearing from you. So, wherev-

er you are, scoop a bowl of ice cream and savor it, remembering Ellen, Mom, Grandma El and Aunt Ellen for the sunshine she brought into this world.

We love you. Rest in peace.

There will be a memorial service at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at the Rockaway Valley Methodist Church in Boonton Township, N.J., with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the University of Vermont Health Network Home Health and Hospice or the Boonton Historical Society.

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Page 10 • February 15, 2024 • Shelburne News

ACT 127 continued from page 1 for districts to adjust spending by postpon- district’s chief operations officer, said the to actual property sale prices considered to ing Town Meeting Day school budget votes district would ultimately be worse off than represent their fair market value. until April 15. The proposed law offers it was under the current law, and the new The 5 percent cap made it difficult for $500,000 to offset election costs resulting calculations would likely leave tax rates school districts to find tax relief with budget from the delay. higher than what was projected in the last cuts since any spending up to a certain point Act 127, which adjusted the state’s couple weeks. would still reap the 5 percent increase, but previous equalized pupil weighting system, South Burlington, meanwhile, would the new methodology would allow districts allowed districts a 5 percent tax cap to soften receive only about a 5-cent discount under to “actually get tax relief with virtually any the blow for districts that saw pupil weights the proposed law. Under the new method- cut that we make from the adopted budget,” drop dramatically as a result. The law also ology, its $71 million budget would now Jarvis said. allowed districts a 10 percent per-pupil generate a tax rate increase of 24.15 percent, Both districts have yet to decide on spending limit — meaning that whether the Jarvis said. whether they will postpone their budgets Champlain Valley school district, for example, approved an $88.5 million budget or a “The problem for South Burlington is that once we push past this $105.8 million budget would have no difference in its $1.37 tax rate increase.

March 5 date, we’re still having to communicate information and Similarly, the South Burlington school district could have spent anywhere from $63 pass a school budget to staff our school. It benefits the district to to $71.5 million with the same exact effect on tax bills. have a passed budget on March 5, so that operationally we can staff But legislators took issue with that aspect of the law early in the legislative session, our schools. When there isn’t a finalized budget, that impacts hiring arguing that districts throughout the state were taking advantage of the spending and our ability to staff.” mechanism.

The new bill proposed by legislators in — Violet Nichols, school superintendent, South Burlington the House Committee on Ways and Means would replace the 5 percent cap with a one-cent tax rate discount for every percent “I feel a responsibility to the community or how they will revise them. There is decrease loss in the district’s taxing capacity who has live ballots out there to understand already little wiggle room in the budgets since Act 127’s implementation. what’s happening and to understand that the that are balancing various budgetary presAlthough the 5 percent cap was available just over $71 million (budget), that was once sures — inflation, negotiated contracts with for every district, this new discount would an 18.26 percent tax rate could very well not built-in increases, and double-digit percentonly be available to districts negatively be that in a very short time,” Nichols said. age increase in health insurance and other affected by the new funding formula.

The Champlain Valley district’s board employee benefits.

“The problem for South Burlington is Tim Jarvis, senior director of operations approved its $105 million budget in January and finance for the South Burlington School and had tacked on an 18 percent school tax that once we push past this March 5 date, District, said that of the 122 school districts increase to residents in Hinesburg, Charlotte, we’re still having to communicate informaand supervisory unions in the state, nearly Shelburne, St. George and Williston. South tion and pass a school budget to staff our 38 of them were deemed to be disadvan- Burlington approved a $71 million budget school,” Nichols said. “It benefits the district taged by Act 127, including just about every — a 14 spending percent increase over last to have a passed budget on March 5, so that school in Chittenden County aside from year — including an extra $2 million set operationally we can staff our schools. When Winooski and Burlington. aside in a capital reserve fund that produced there isn’t a finalized budget, that impacts hiring and our ability to staff.”

The Champlain Valley School District the 18.26 percent tax rate increase.

The Champlain Valley district is set to saw a 17 percent decrease in its taxing Regardless of Act 127’s provisions, both hold a finance committee meeting Tuesday capacity because of Act 127.Discover Under the new districts would have seen their tax rates the beauty of law being moved through the Statehouse, increase by 13 percent resulting entirely night, after press deadline, where it will looking Pêche! the district, instead ofnatural utilizing the 5 percent results from theatrecent common level of apprais- discuss budget and tax rate figures based cap, would see a 17-cent discount on its tax al figures.

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make some sense out of all this,” Marckres said.

The options for the district, he said, is to delay and rework the budget and start the communication cycle with constituents again. The other option is — since there’s no change in the law yet — to stay the course with the budget currently built for fiscal year 2025 and see if voters support it.

“Even with all the unknowns, both situations are challenging for various reasons,” he said.

He noted, however, that “the big unknown” in all this is the state’s yield, the number generated by the Agency of Education and approved by the Legislature, which represents the overall draw on the education fund and is how districts determine per-pupil costs. That usually isn’t set until sometime in May or the end of the legislative session.

“That’s super hard to predict, and it all depends on how many districts statewide decide, because of the potential law change, to delay and potentially reduce the budget,” he said. “That can have a big impact on the yield if you get $10 or $12 million statewide in reduction, that has a major impact on final tax rates for towns.”

Some South Burlington School Board members, during their recent meeting last week, expressed frustration with the process the Legislature is taking with this new methodology since it has yet to become law and some voters have already received absentee ballots.

“I’m just thinking a lot about the integrity of this process, which feels pretty troubling to me,” board Chair Kate Bailey said. “It’s not my practice to listen to testimony given in one House committee and then treat it as law and that’s sort of what they’re asking us to do in order to make decisions from a local budget standpoint. Never mind the integrity of just us having enough information that we can communicate with the community about making informed choices on voting day.”

The Champlain Valley and South Burlington school boards are expected to make more definite decisions at their board meetings next week on Feb. 20 and 21.

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Shelburne News • February 15, 2024 • Page 11

SPORTS Wolves basketball extends winning ways CVU gymnasts win recent competition LAUREN READ CORRESPONDENT

Boys’ basketball Champlain Valley 50, Burr & Burton 43: Champlain Valley outscored Burr and Burton 10-2 in the second quarter to pull away for a win on Sunday, Jan. 11.

Colby Morehouse scored 16 points to lead all scorers for CVU, which also outscored the Bulldogs 16-8.

Kyle Eaton added 11 points for the Redhawks, who moved to 15-3.

Girls’ basketball Champlain Valley 50, Brattleboro 28: Champlain Valley outscored Brattleboro 23-8 in the fourth quarter to pull away for a win on Saturday, Feb. 10.

Samara Ashooh led with seven points and 10 rebounds. Merrill Jacobs had eight points and seven rebounds while Elise Berger added seven points and six assists.

With the win, thee Redhawks moved to 14-1.

Champlain Valley beat Mount Mansfield 59-47 on Thursday, Feb. 8.

Zoey McNabb led with 18 points, while Ashooh added 13 and Jacobs chipped in with 10 points.

Girls’ hockey Champlain Valley-Mount Mansfield 3, Burlington-Colchester 3: Sophie Brien scored in the third period to help Champlain Valley-Mount Mansfield beat Burlington-Colchester on Saturday.

Eva Mazur scored two goals for the CougarHawks, while Mackenzie Rivard added an assist.

Goaltender Ella Gilbert stopped 24 shots.

CVU-MMU moved to 3-11-2.

Boys’ hockey Colchester 5, Champlain Valley 1: Champlain Valley lost its third game in a row, falling to Colchester on Saturday.

Nic Menard scored the lone goal for the Redhawks, who fell to 5-9-3.

Gymnastics Champlain Valley 137.95, Burlington 98.7, Burr and

Burton 91.25: Champlain Valley went 1-2-3 on the beam and beat Burlington and Burr and Burton in a meet on Friday, Feb. 9.

Ruby Opton came first in beam, Cadence Haggerty followed in second and Mckena Lesage was third.

Opton and Lesage also tied for second in floor exercise, while Lesage and Opton were second and third in vault.

Jasmine Dye was first on bars while Warner Barbic came in third.

In the all-around competition, Opton came in second and Lesage came in third.

Alpine skiing Champlain Valley came in second in the Essex Carnival on Thursday at Smugglers’ Notch.

For the girls, Kate Kogut came in first after the combination of the giant slalom and slalom runs.

Addie Bartley was sixth for CVU, while Elizabeth Nostrand came in 10th.

Sawyer Lake was second overall to finish as the top CVU skier for the boys, while Kai Schulz came in fifth place.

PHOTO BY AL FREY

Ruby Opton, Warner Babic and Cadence Haggerty at a gymnastics competition Feb. 9 where CVU beat Burlington and Burr & Burton.

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Page 12 • February 15, 2024 • Shelburne News

ECLIPSE continued from page 1 ble in Burlington was in the early 1930s. This is kind of a once-in-alifetime event for a lot of people unless you’re an eclipse chaser.”

Hibben held a town-wide planning event last month which drew nearly 30 people, mostly business owners and staff from other departments asking questions about how to coordinate an event this large, especially with little control over attendees and, of course, the weather.

Seth Kutikoff, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Burlington, said that, unsurprisingly, weather in April is mostly cloudy, but with just the right conditions the eclipse should still be visible.

“Looking through the past weather this time of year, although it does tend to be cloudy, we’re actually able to see the eclipse even if there are sparse clouds,” he said. “On some of these years, we have had cloud cover but not necessarily the type of clouds to make it impossible to see. It’s roughly a coin flip and it’s hard,

unfortunately, without knowing what the storm track is. It could be stormy, but not necessarily on that day and at that time.”

In addition to some ticketed events at Shelburne Museum and a few other spots, Hibben and Luster have planned a free eclipse event at the athletic fields next to the Shelburne Fieldhouse with a live DJ and multiple food trucks.

Lots of logistics One of the biggest questions during the planning meeting was exactly what the town could do about parking and driving for residents looking to navigate through town that day.

“People did ask about parking, and I think a few people were concerned about what if we do have a clear sky day and day-trippers come up. Most hotels are booked and there’s not many places to stay at this point.”

For local businesses in the hospitality industry, the anticipated influx is already being felt, especially since April in Vermont

TOWN OF SHELBURNE DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD Notice of Public Hearings to be held March 6, 2024, 7:00 PM Town Center Meeting Room #1 and Remote Meeting via Zoom FBZ 23-01R1: Application by Champlain Housing Trust to amend a previous approval to change stormwater system from underground stormwater chambers to a gravel wetland. Property at 3156 Shelburne Rd is in the Mixed Use District, Stormwater Overlay District and the Shelburne Road Form Based Code Mixed Use Street Overlay District.

FBZ 23-02: Application by David Shenk for a 24-unit multifamily residential building and a duplex. Property at 4309 Shelburne Rd is in the Mixed-Use District, Stormwater Overlay District, and the Shelburne Road Form Based Code Mixed Use Neighborhood Character Overlay District.

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Here’s what you’ll see in a total solar eclipse, starting with the upper left photo.

is mostly characterized by low tourism and large amounts of mud and rain.

“April in Vermont is mud season so not a huge time for a lot of tourism specifically, but we were sold out by right around New Year’s,” said Rose Polyakova, the co-owner of the nine-bedroom bed and breakfast Heart of the Village Inn that sits just kitty corner to the Pierson Library.

Polyakova said that 100 percent of those staying are people visitors in from out of town and the waitlist grows nearly every day.

“Some are coming a little before and staying through and then some are coming for that day and staying a little after. There’s always a little bit of staggering.

But it’s not typical, so this is definitely an outlier. We’re thrilled to have it,” she added.

Amy Spear, vice president of tourism with the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, said that most hotels in Chittenden County are already at 100 percent occupancy, which is set to drive millions of dollars of estimated impact to the state’s economy.

“Just to put this in perspec-

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tive, on an average year Vermont welcomes approximately 13 million visitors annually,” she said. “So, there’s a significant number of people that are coming in what is traditionally a relatively slow time of year, so with this influx of people were expecting millions in estimated economic impact.”

Hibben said he’s encouraged restaurants that may otherwise be closed on Mondays to take full advantage of the booming weekend. Barkeaters on Falls Road in Shelburne is already crafting its own eclipse-themed specials for the weekend and Fiddlehead Brewing Company is planning its own Beer of Totality Party.

As for residents and those who are used to the quiet streets of Shelburne, Hibben said he is encouraging everyone to bike and walk that day as much as possible and take the uncertainty of the weekend with patience.

“I think it’s been really great bringing people together talk about this historic event that’s going to take place and to get people thinking and to get prepared,” he said. “I think people don’t know what to expect. I keep going back to we’re just going to be patient and we’re going to be kind to each other, and we’re going to have a great day and have a lot of fun and make the best of it.”

Shelburne residents can get their eclipse viewing glasses free from the library beginning in mid-March.

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Shelburne News • February 15, 2024 • Page 13

WARNING ANNUAL TOWN MEETING TOWN OF SHELBURNE The legal voters of the Town of Shelburne are herby notified and warned to meet at Shelburne Community School or via Zoom (details below) on Monday March 4, 2024 at 7:30 PM to hear about and act upon any items not involving voting by Australian Ballot; and to hold a public hearing on items to be voted on by Australian Ballot. The Meeting will then be adjourned and reconvened in the Shelburne Town Center gym on Tuesday March 5, 2024 to vote for Town Officers and to transact any business involving voting by Australian Ballot from the hours of 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. To join Town Meeting Informational Hearing: Use link when event begins: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/7564380144?pwd=UmlNUVZGNCtWUEFDMHlMSTFnL21yQT09&omn=85691926962 Meeting ID: 756 438 0144 Passcode: 1763 Dial by your location 929-205-6099 (New York) 669-900-6833 (Texas) 346-248-7799 (California) Article 1: Shall the Town set the compensation to the paid to the Selectboard for Fiscal Year 2025 as proposed herein? [Note –proposed compensation is the same as in recent, prior years: Chair $1,500 and Members $1,200 each.]

Article 2: To transact any other business proper to come before said meeting.

BALLOT QUESTIONS – to be voted by Australian Ballot Article 3: To elect all Town Offices as required by law.

Article 4: Shall the Town adopt the Selectboard’s proposed budget of $13,027,637 of which $8,775,102 is to be raised by real estate taxes?

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Article 5: Shall general obligation bonds or notes of the Town of Shelburne in an amount not to exceed Three Hundred and Seventy Five Thousand Dollars ($375,000), subject to reduction from available grants-in-aid and other financial resources, be issued for the purpose of purchasing and equipping an ambulance for Shelburne Rescue?

Article 6: Shall general obligation bonds or notes of the Town of Shelburne in an amount not to exceed One Million Dollars ($1,000,000), subject to reduction from available grants-in-aid and other financial resources, be issued for the purpose of purchasing and equipping an engine tanker to replace an existing aging tanker for Shelburne Volunteer Fire Department?

Article 7: Shall the Town raise by taxes $100,000 for the purpose of obtaining options and/or acquiring land or rights in land to preserve natural resources and open space; any unspent of that amount to be put into the Open Space Fund?

Dated at Shelburne, Vermont as approved this 30th Day of January, 2024 by the Town of Shelburne Selectboard

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Serving all your metal needs for over two generations

Cutting, Punching, Drilling and Bending Services

802-864-0326 800-540-4692 35 Intervale Rd, Burlington

www.qcsteel.com

Painting

We’ll even recycle your ferrous and non-ferrous metal Delivery available

Pet Grooming

COMPASSIONATE GROOMING 4/29/2019 TONY BRICE for Dogs & Cats of all sizes PAINTING, LLC 3.5 x 2 AD for Shelburne News & The Citizen Full Service Spa Treatment or A La Carte Services

FAIR • DEPENDABLE • RELIABLE NDGAA and IPG Certified 24 Consecutive Weeks $18.00/week for both papers Master Cat Groomer • Poodle,$432.00 Doodle and Mix Specialist Free Estimates BIG SAVINGS on February painting!

Schedule NOW for Spring Exterior Painting

Renovations

802.777.8771 Sheds

Siding/Remodeling

Check out our large inventory in Wolcott.

We will custom build, too!

Bath ~ Kitchen ~ Home Renovations

802.355.7148

jeff@aatileandcarpentry.com Serving the Shelburne area for 20+ years

Dirty Paws Pet Spa

4050 Williston Rd 8:30 to 5:00 Tuesday thru Saturday To Schedule a spa treatment please call us at 802-264-7076 dirtypawspetspavt.com

BEAGLE BUILDERS, LLC Remodeling & Additions

ALL TYPES OF SIDING Vinyl/Wood/Composite

Storage Sheds - Gazebos Garages - Woodsheds Horse Barns - Run Ins Kennels - Chicken Coops 2083 N Wolcott Rd, Wolcott, VT

(802) 888-7012

Windows & Doors • Decks & Porches

Kitchens & Bathrooms Sunrooms & Garages

Monkton, VT

beaglebuilders@gmavt.net

802-453-4340 CALL US! 802-355-0807

Shelburne News • February 15, 2024 • Page 15

Horoscope February 15, 2024

ANSWERS FROM THIS ISSUE

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Page 16 • February 15, 2024 • Shelburne News

3 New Destinations in Florida!

Service to Tampa (TPA) began January 31 and flights to Orlando (MCO) will begin February 14. NEW Breeze-Thru service through Raleigh, NC to Jacksonville (JAX) will start this May on Breeze Airways. learn more at

flybtv.com