Shelburne News - 2-22-24

Unopposed

Hall of fame

School board candidates navigate troubled waters

Shelburne’s LePage tapped for sports honor

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Page 12

Volume 53 Number 8

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shelburnenews.com

February 22, 2024

In Shelburne

Candidates weigh in at forum LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER

Two Shelburne Selectboard candidates and one Champlain Valley School Board candidate covered a variety of topics — affordable housing, regionalization, zoning bylaws, Act 127 and other issues — during an hour-and-a-half-long community forum last week.

Matt Wormser is seeking reelection to the selectboard for a two-year term, and diversity and equity committee member Chunka Mui is running unopposed for the three-year seat being vacated by board co-chair Cate Cross.

Kate Webb, the town’s former House representative, is also running unopposed for Champlain Valley School District school board.

Affordable Housing With the town in the thick of regulatory reform, a main point of conversation has been how the town can increase affordable housing and also balance open space.

Mui said that as he’s been attending planning commission meetings, he is left with some big questions. While the town desperately needs more workforce housing, he wonders how the town actually can build more affordable housing.

“It’s not just a question of density,” he

PHOTO BY LIBERTY DARR

Jim Maille and his son, Benjamin stand in their barn originally built in 1939 that houses the last family-owned dairy farm in Shelburne.

Other side of the tracks

Mailles run last family-owned dairy in town LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER

Jim Maille opened his barn door and held his weathered pointer finger in the air. “One minute,” he said, his voice soft before yelling over the sounds of machines to his youngest son Benjamin about some

farm chores that they would be onto next.

For the Mailles, farm duties don’t stop for anyone. And really, it’s been that way for the last 105 years since the farm was first bought in 1919.

“It was originally 185 acres,” he said, noting that the barn where their smallscale dairy operation currently stands is

the fourth iteration of the building built by his grandfather in 1939. “They lived through the depressions and the wars.”

The farm, located on Dorset Street, is a testament to Vermont’s early history, See FARM on page 11

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School board candidates hope to guide district through turmoil COREY MCDONALD STAFF WRITER

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Perhaps no issue has caused as much turbulence in the brief history of the consolidated Champlain Valley School District as the current budget dilemma facing the school board and administration.

The loss of federal COVID19 funds has put pressure on the district to retain critical support positions, the absence of state funding is forcing the district to spend millions on aging building and infrastructure upgrades, and Meghan Metzler — the cherry on top — a new state education formula, passed in 2022, everyone, so that we don’t fall of has left the district with decreased the fiscal cliff.”

From Charlotte, she’s running pupil weights and decreased fundunopposed for reelection to her ing as a result.

New developments in the second term.

In an interview, she said she Statehouse in the past three weeks have only complicated that. Now, decided to run for reelection to candidates running for Town finish that work of guiding the Meeting Day elections for the plane, and says she has the right district’s five member towns — skillset to do it. She is a certified public accounShelburne, Hinestatnt “and I bring burg, Charlotte, “I thought that a lot of that that Williston and St. perspective to George — will perhaps my four the board.” be faced with the “Education years chairing the tremendous finanfinance is a top cial challenges education committee priority for me present for the and one of the district. in the Vermont reasons why I’ve In Willisdecided to stay ton, newcomer House, as well as my on the board and Sarah Showalfigure out how ter-Feuillette is 25 years working in we implement running unopthat throughposed to reprethe district might out CVSD,” sent Williston, she said. “I while incumbent be helpful as we really believe Brendan McMain the work that hon is running for navigate some of this district is reelection. doing.”

The two candithese challenges.”

The district dates running had been preparfor election and — Kate Webb ing for Act 127’s reelection from implementation Charlotte and Shelburne are both running unop- for the past two years but that work posed, and they’ve both seen the has been tossed out the window in development of Act 127 from a matter of weeks, as the Legislature, in the 11th hour, moved to opposite vantage points.

Meghan Metzler, the current rework the education formula.

Act 127 and its current iteravice chair on the school board and a member of the finance commit- tion — which allowed a 5 percent tee, has spent the better part of two tax rate cap for all districts in years learning the ins and outs of the state — remains the law as Act 127, and has been a part of of press deadline. But a new law devising a way to “land the plane being fast-tracked through Statein a spot that’s comfortable for house committees would replace the 5 percent cap with a one-cent tax rate discount for every percent decrease loss in the district’s taxing capacity since Act 127’s The Pierson Library talk implementation. with Pulitzer Prize finalThe new law would only apply ist Daniel Mason is Friday, to districts, like Champlain Valley, March 1. The date was wrong that are negatively affected by Act last week. The talk will run 127’s new pupil weighting. from 7-8 p.m.

“Once Act 127 was passed, we, including the finance committee,

Correction

Kate Webb

made that a board priority. The district had a five-year strategy that we were starting to implement. Everything that’s happened in the past few weeks has really upended it in many ways,” Metzler said. “We thought we had a five-year cap, we thought we had all these other things, and that has been upended.”

For Metzler, the new formula, if passed into law, will “have to become the new priority.”

“We are going to have to look at everything,” she said. “Everything’s on the table about how we educate our students.”

Meanwhile, Kate Webb is running for election from Shelburne. After spending 14 years as the state representative for the Chittenden-5-1 legislative district, she has seen the flip side of Act 127 — the process of moving it into law, a process which she feels was implemented far too quickly without taking a harder look at the consequences.

“We went quickly to implementation without looking at some of the unintended consequences,” Webb said. “We’re living with the unintended consequences now.”

Webb says she’s running for election to the school board to address those consequences. “I feel like I kind of owe it to the district,” she said.

On top of her time in the Legislature, Webb also has 25 years of experience working in the schools that now make up the Champlain Valley School District. She worked as a special education case manager and speech language pathologist, primarily in Williston, with stops in Charlotte and Shelburne, until her retirement in 2013.

“I thought that perhaps my four years chairing the education committee in the Vermont House, as well as my 25 years working in the district might be helpful as we navigate some of these challenges,” she said.

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Students from Williston Central School and Hinesburg Community School joined over 160 youth Vermonters in The Annual OVX/VKAT (Our Voices Exposed/Vermont Kids Against Tobacco) Youth Statehouse Rally in Montpelier on Feb. 13. The event provides youth from around the state a platform to educate and inform key decision-makers and fellow Vermonters about tobacco and nicotine-related issues, as seen and experienced firsthand. Specifically, their call to action was in support of S.18 — Vermont’s bill to ban flavored tobacco products. Students shared their stories on the Capitol steps, spoke to legislators caucusing on the floor, and generally had an unmissable presence in the Statehouse all morning, supported by Champlain Valley School District’s Connecting Youth mentoring program.

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CVSD continued from page 2 If the fast-tracked law, titled H.850, gets passed into law, the district would likely end up having a higher tax rate than the original 18 percent that was first proposed. But officials say it remains difficult to pinpoint what the exact tax rate would be because, if H.850 passes and school districts are allowed re-warn their budgets, district officials won’t know what the final yield will be.

According to Metzler, the finance committee has recommended staying the course with a Town Meeting Day vote, and keeping the current budget as is, but that will have to be approved by the school board at their meeting Tuesday night held

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For Webb, the question for the district is what sort of effects their financial decisions will have on students’ education.

“What is the impact of reducing support for children? What are the long-term implications of that? What are some of the short-term implications of our funding challenges? How can we address those funding challenges over the next five years, which needs to happen and really needs to happen at the level of the state,” Webb said. “I would hope that I would be working with, and be in contact with, some of my colleagues in the state to help answer some of those questions.”

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Page 4 • February 22, 2024 • Shelburne News

Shelburne Police Blotter: Feb. 12-18 Total reported incidents: 63 Traffic stops: 8 Warnings: 8 Arrests: 1 Medical emergencies: 22 Mental health incidents: 2 Suspicious incidents: 10 Directed patrols: 2 Agency assists: 4 Citizen assists: 4 Welfare check: 1 Motor vehicle complaints: 2 Car crash: 1 Noise Disturbance: 1 Theft: 2 Fraud: 3 Vandalism: 2 Assault: 1 Alarms: 1 False alarms: 3 Pending investigations: 7 Feb. 12 at 11:39 a.m., a caller reported a theft from the Champlain Valley Antique Center.

The case is under investigation.

Feb. 12 at 9:05 a.m., Megan Weston, 40, of South Burlington, was arrested on an outstanding warrant at the Countryside Motel and was transported to the Shelburne police station before being jailed.

Feb. 13 at 11:58 p.m., a Hedgerow Drive resident told police they heard gunshots or fireworks area but police could not find the source of the noise.

Feb. 14 at 3:29 p.m., a Tracy Lane resident reported a fraud to police and the incident is under investigation.

Feb. 14 at 4:25 p.m., a two-vehicle crash with no injuries was reported on Shelburne Road near Church Street.

Feb. 15 at 9:34 a.m., a Harrington Avenue resident told police her car had been vandalized. The case is under investigation.

Feb. 15 at 12:21 p.m., a 911 caller told police a vehicle had been stolen from a gas station in South Burlington and was heading southbound on Route 7, but police could not locate the vehicle.

Feb. 16 at 8:22 a.m., a fraud was reported to police from general Greene Road and is pending further investigation.

Feb. 17 at 1:16 p.m., Aubuchon Hardware reported a theft. The case is pending.

Feb. 17 at 9:45 p.m., a 911 caller from Lakeview Drive said he had been assaulted and that the individual had left the scene.

Police eventually identified all the people involved and took statements. The case is under investigation.

Feb. 18 at 11:53 a.m., someone was apparently doing donuts in the field at the Shelburne Community School. A vandalism report was taken, and the case is under investigation.

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

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State eyes South Burlington for new state juvenile center COREY MCDONALD STAFF WRITER

South Burlington is on a shortlist of cities and towns being eyed by the state for a new juvenile treatment facility, although the proposed locations of the facility remain under wraps.

Chris Winters, the commissioner of the Department for Children and Families, recently told lawmakers that the state was eying properties in South Burlington and Vergennes to build a new facility. Department employees have had several meetings with South Burlington officials, city manager Jessie Baker said, to discuss their exploration of a site in South Burlington.

The facility would house youths in the state’s justice system who have shown destructive behavior or are a risk to themselves or others.

“To date, our conversations have focused on our municipal capacity — primarily public safety and infrastructure capacity — to support among our most vulnerable young neighbors in South Burlington,” Baker said. “(Police chief Shawn Burke) and I believe we have this capacity.”

The Department for Children and Families’ request for proposal

for developers of a facility closed on Feb. 9.

Nya Pike, the communications and operations manager with the department, said that the responses to the request for proposal are under consideration, but that the department is “unable to release further information about the sites being considered until one has been selected and we are under contract.”

The state’s previous facility, the Woodside Juvenile Rehabilitation Center in Essex, opened in 1986 and housed children ages 10 to 17 but closed in October 2020 because of a dwindling number of young people receiving services.

The facility was also the target of federal lawsuits that alleged staff there used restraints against children being held at a facility and used isolation techniques and excessive force.

The state ended up paying $4.5 million to settle a lawsuit filed by seven youths who were previously held in the facility. They had claimed that staff there used excessive force, cruel and unusual punishment, and retaliation against those who reported abuse, according to previous reporting.

An earlier lawsuit, filed by Disability Rights Vermont, challenged the use of restraints at the

facility. The state, in an April 2020 settlement, agreed to make changes in the treatment of youth in custody.

Following the facility’s closure, the state has struggled to find beds for children in the system. The state had plans to open a juvenile boys detention center in Newbury, but that project faltered after the town’s development review board said the town didn’t have the resources — such as such as police, fire and ambulance response — to meet the facility’s needs.

The Vermont Agency of Human Services, which oversees the Department for Children and Families, appealed that decision to Superior Court and, later, to the state’s Supreme Court, which in December gave the project the green light.

The Supreme Court ruling allows the state to build a facility there, but, according to earlier reporting, officials with the department have said they are continuing to explore other options and are aiming to move away from a central facility to having multiple options.

Four potential sites would provide 27 beds under a state plan.

The facilities would be run by private contractors.

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OPINION Bill offers accountability, ensures wiser spending Once a bill becomes law, in many ways, the Legislature passes the baton to the executive branch.

Rep. Jessica Brumsted Across dozens of state agencies and partner organizations, the Every year, the Legislature statutes are enacted, the rules convenes for five months at and regulations are written, the the Statehouse in Montpelier. policies and programs Our committees take are developed, and the detailed testimony, dollars are spent. debate and revise bills As policymakers, we and bring them to the need to know how well floor for a vote. this system is working.

During any given Are Vermonters getting session, perhaps 100 the results they expect bills win final House and deserve? How do and Senate passage and we hold the Legislature are signed into law by and our state governthe governor. These Rep. Jessica Brumsted ment accountable while range from tiny technigiving our hard-working cal corrections — updatstate employees the ing an errant phrase in tools and resources they need?

Vermont statute — to the “Big The Legislature has many Bill,” which appropriates more oversight tools. First, all new than $8 billion in state spending administrative rules, which lay for the coming fiscal year.

From the House

out exactly how a program or policy is going to work, are developed by a public process and reviewed by a joint House-Senate committee before implementation.

Second, we request and review many studies, reports and updates.

Finally, public testimony — asking hard questions and getting honest answers — is the heart of our daily committee work.

But it’s an imperfect system, and one the Legislature continually seeks to improve.

Act 53, signed into law in June 2023, established a Joint Committee on Government Accountability. In December, our final report offered a series of common-sense recommendations that will allow legislators and the public to keep closer track of what happens after a law is passed. The House and Senate are working together to

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into Vermont’s long-struggling enact those recommendations in child care system. The act takes 2024. effect in stages, with the first The bill (H.702) would estabinvestments in July and Septemlish a more systematic approach ber 2023, more funds rolling to government accountability, out to providers this month, and reducing the Legislature’s reliexpanded financial assistance ance on institutional knowledge, individual legislators and individ- for families in April and October 2024. ual committees.

The new law tasks Building Several of the report recomBright Futures, mendations focus the state’s early on process. We While this kind of childhood need to set up public-private checklists and data-gathering and partnership timelines to and official ensure all key check-back is hardly legislative and legislative reports new, we’re interested administrative and deadlines are early childmet and are easily in making sure it’s hood adviser, accessible to the with tracking Legislature and embedded into all outcomes of Act the public. We 76. need to ensure our work.

In just that committhe first few tee members months, 202 new child care slots (and staff) formally review past opened across four programs legislation, legislative reports alone — a sample size of what’s and relevant data before enacthappening across the state. In the ing new legislation. We need a five programs surveyed, all five more systematic way to review are increasing compensation for the previous year’s budget data early childhood educators.

— across multiple committees In the months and years to — and historical budget data, too. Have the funds been spent as come, Building Bright Futures will continue to track hard, intended? If not, why not? quantifiable data — the result of We’re also interested in accountability measures that were requiring a performance note for built into Act 76 and will be used all legislation that’s a priority to inform future child care policy or costs more than a threshold in the Legislature. dollar amount. This document While this kind of data-gatherwould include a clear statement ing and check-back is hardly new of legislative intent, overall to the Legislature, we’re intergoals and anticipated change; ested in making sure it’s embeddata that needs to be collected to ded into all our work — every measure results; and an estimate day, every committee and in of anticipated savings, return on investment or quantifiable benefit every important bill. We need to systematically review past legisresulting from adoption of the lation and ensure it’s working the legislation. way Vermonters need it to work.

On top of this, we would We need to use that information like to provide training for all to generate new ideas. members of the General AssemWe need to infuse oversight bly on the importance of governand accountability into our citiment accountability, how to use zen’s Legislature, so we can say data to inform decisions and with assurance that the laws we measure outcomes, and how to pass in the Statehouse are being embed this work into all legisrolled out effectively by the execlation. We also hope to establish utive branch, that your tax dollars a dedicated Joint Government are being spent wisely and that Oversight and Accountability your state government is working Committee. Among other duties, — for you. the committee would investigate cases of significant oversight Rep. Jessica Brumsted of Shelfailure — like juvenile justice or burne is vice chair of the House the EB-5 scandal — and make Committee on Human Services recommendations about how the and co-chaired the Summer state could avoid such serious Government Accountability problems in the future.

By way of example: In 2023, Committee. The committee’s final the Legislature passed Act 76, report was delivered to the Legisa landmark bill that invests lature on Dec. 13, 2023, and is significant additional funding posted at legislature.vermont.gov.

Shelburne News • February 22, 2024 • Page 7

Beachhouse views

PHOTO BY LEE KROHN

It might be wintertime, but construction on a new Shelburne beachhouse is moving forward and the new facility should be ready for summer.

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.

Yoga flow for mobility Find some calm in your body and your mind. Join Jane Taylor for an accessible, fun, energizing yoga flow that brings students out of their daily grind and into their true nature of goodness. Get the heart rate up with vigor, and then wind down and relax in a balanced class designed to make you feel better than when you came in the door.

All levels welcome. Bring your own yoga mat and whatever props you need. Taylor has been practicing for more than 20 years and has been assisting the University of Vermont yoga teacher training for 12 years. She teaches with alignment, humor and ease.

Sessions are on Tuesdays, March 26 to April 30, 9-10 a.m., Shelburne town gym. Cost is $90.

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.

House bill would create superfund for recovery from climate disasters NORAH WHITE COMMUNITY NEWS SERVICE

Legislators are discussing a bill that would require large companies to pay for environmental harm they caused by fossil fuel emissions. That money would make up what lawmakers are calling a climate superfund to help pay for natural disaster recovery in Vermont.

It has become obvious to most Vermonters, said Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale, one of the sponsors of the bill, S.259, that fossil fuel companies continued to push for the use of their energy products well after they knew the damage that it would cause to the climate

and tried to bury the research for as long as they could.

“You make a mess, you clean it up,” Johanna Miller, energy and climate program director for the Vermont Natural Resources Council, said. “This is all about ensuring that the largest fossil fuel companies — who have long known for decades the harm they caused — are held accountable.”

The bill, which has 20 sponsors in the Senate Committee on Judiciary, would trigger an assessment of the greenhouse gas emissions of companies engaged in fossil fuel extraction or refinement from Jan. 1, 2000, to Dec, 31, 2019. Any companies whose products were responsible for the release of more

than 1 billion metric tons of greenhouse gasses during those years would be handed a fine.

To figure out each payment demand, the state would look at how much a given company contributed to greenhouse gas emissions during that 20-year period. The state would also determine the total cost to Vermont from fossil fuel industry emissions over that time, and then ask the company to pay for a matching percentage.

So, if a company contributed 10 percent of the total emissions calculated under the bill, it would See SUPERFUND on page 9

Page 8 • February 22, 2024 • Shelburne News

COMMUNITY Community Notes Shelburne students hold food drive through Feb. 24

Va-et-Vient

COURTESY PHOTO

Community Concerts at First, 39 Main St., Essex Junction, presents Va-et-Vient, an all-female Addison County trio that celebrates the many colors found in music from several French cultures on Sunday, March 10, 3-5 p.m. These musicians will take you through the centuries from France to Québec and New Orleans with lively dance numbers, touching love songs, kickin’ Cajun and Créole tunes, and rollicking Québecois favorites.

The group includes Carol Reed (voice, guitar and mandolin), Suzanne Germain (voice and percussion), and Lausanne Allen (voice, fiddles, flute, penny whistles, harmonica and mandolins). Suggested donation is $20.

More at fccej.org.

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 Shelburne 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.

Pulitzer finalist speaks at library in Shelburne on March 1 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 1, 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.

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Training will be held May 17-19 at the Shutesville Hill Wildlife Corridor in Waterbury and Stowe, and Sept. 13-15 at the Kehoe Conservation Camp in Castleton.

To learn more, see a sample agenda or download an application visit vtcoverts.org or contact Lisa Sausvilleat lisa@vtcoverts. org.

Grab and go meal in Shelburne, March 12 Age Well and St. Catherine’s of Siena Parish in Shelburne are teaming up to provide a meal to go for anyone age 60 and older on Tuesday, March 12.

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

The menu is beef round, boiled potatoes, cabbage and carrots in beef stock, wheat roll and butter, leprechaun cake with frosting and milk.

To order a meal contact Kathleen at agewellstcath@gmail.com or 802-5031107. Deadline to order is Wednesday, March 6. If this is a first-time order, provide your name, address, phone number and date of birth.

If you haven’t yet filled out a congregate meal registration form, bring a completed registration form with you or send one to: Age Well; 875 Roosevelt Highway, Ste. 210, Colchester VT 05446. Forms will be available at meal pick up.

Learn about restaurant tickets to dine at participating restaurants at agewellvt.org.

Pie for Breakfast: It’s that time of year again The Charlotte-Shelburne-Hinesburg Rotary club will host Pie for Breakfast on Saturday, March 16, 8 a.m.-noon.

The annual all you can eat event will once again be held at Shelburne Community School.

Do some winter birding at Ethan Allen Homestead Join the members of the Green Mountain Audubon Society for some winter birding in the fields and forests of the Winooski River floodplain at the Ethan Allen Homestead on Saturday, Feb. 24, 8-10 a.m.

Starting out from the parking area near the museum, the group will head out on surrounding trails in search of a variety of avian species. The outing will cover less than two miles over mostly flat terrain.

Participants should dress for whatever

See COMMUNITY NOTES on page 9

Shelburne News • February 22, 2024 • Page 9

COMMUNITY NOTES continued from page 8 conditions the day brings. To ensure an enjoyable birding experience, this trip is limited to 20 participants.

To register, go to bit.ly/4bK7foI.

Showcase explores range of STEM topics STEM Showcase 6.0, presented by University of Vermont STEM Ambassadors, offers a fun, hands-on learning opportunity for students in grades three to nine interested in exploring science, technology and engineering.

The March 23 event will be held on the UVM campus in Burlington from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Although free, registration is required as space is limited. Registrations will be accepted until March 20, or until the showcase is filled.

Students may sign up for two workshops, which include “3...2...1...Blast Off! Recyclable Rockets,” “Lift and Force: Paper-Plane Olympics; Biomimicry: Where Nature Inspires Invention,”; “Robo Dance Off: Robots Groove; Slime Defenders: The Power of Antibodies,” and “Digestive Power and Medicine Coating: Exploring Engineering and Anatomy.”

To register, go to go.uvm.edu/stem6.

Interfaith Projects grant applications now available The spring deadline for Shelburne, Charlotte, Hinesburg Interfaith Projects grant applications is Friday, March 15.

Since SCHIP began making grants, many nonprofits have used their awarded funds to continue their mission to improve

the lives of their neighbors and strengthen their communities. Grants range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

In addition to the standard grant process — up to $3,000 — the group has added a major grant category, to fund the necessary seed money to be used for future self-sustaining projects. Grants funded in this category can range up to $15,000.

Applicants must be a 501c(3) or submit the application through such an organization; serve residents of Shelburne, Charlotte or Hinesburg; and the funds cannot be used for annual operating budgets or permanent staffing.

Major grants also require a detailed business plan. For an application, go to schipstreasure.org.

Winona Smith Scholarship opportunities now open The League of Women Voters of Vermont Education Fund is now accepting applications for its Winona Smith Scholarship program.

Created in 1998 to honor the legacy of league leader Winona Smith, the scholarship is awarded annually to local high school seniors who embody the characteristics and qualities Smith displayed of civic participation and community service.

Three $2,000 scholarships will be awarded to students who demonstrate financial need, scholastic achievement and are highly recommended by their teacher.

Applications, due on May 1, can be completed online at lwvofvt.org. Students need to submit two 500-word essays, one concerning voting rights and the other on

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SUPERFUND continued from page 7 be asked to give the superfund an amount tive counsel Michael O’Grady said in a equaling 10 percent of the costs to Vermont. judiciary committee meeting Feb. 8.

The fund would be managed by the The fund would pay for infrastructure Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, projects “designed to avoid, moderate, which would use a federal Environmental repair or adapt to negative impacts caused Protection Agency tool to calculate emis- by climate change and to assist communisions. ties, households and businesses in preparVermont has suffered from 19 ing for future climate-change-driven climate-related disasters since 2017, said disruptions,” according to the bill.

Miller, costing Vermonters significantly.

Examples of funded infrastructure projOne example is the ects would be stormwater catastrophic flooding drainage upgrades, sturSupporters hope the Vermont faced last year, dier roads and bridges forcing residents out of and renovated sewage superfund would their homes and costing treatment plants — all of help landowners them thousands in damagwhich may help flooding es. victims. pay for their own “This is going to impact Supporters hope the our health, our tourism, superfund would help recovery as well as our scenic beauty, not to landowners pay for their mention our homes and own recovery as well as climate restoration. overall economy,” Ram climate restoration.

Hinsdale said.

Stephanie Brackin, a Those costs extend to recovery efforts spokesperson for the Agency of Natural by government groups.

Resources, said the agency will be moni“For just our program, we’re looking at toring the bill as it evolves. over $10 million just to help landowners,” Bob Thompson, state conservation engiThe Community News Service is a neer for the U.S. Department of Agricul- program in which University of Vermont ture in Vermont, said. students work with professional editors to The bill would put into effect a master provide content for local news outlets at no plan for the use of the superfund, legisla- cost.

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Page 10 • February 22, 2024 • Shelburne News

FORUM continued from page 1 said. “It’s a question of what’s implementation.

“I think that it needed another going to drive the development to create that housing. It’s a long- year,” she said. “I think that it was the pandemic and the chaos that term game.”

Wormser said the lack of was going on that people started housing statewide is preventing to just run with the idea of immeemployers from being able to diate implementation. I think this recruit workers to Vermont, and is very difficult road that we have part of the issue is existing legisla- ahead of us. I think we need some tion that makes it difficult to build help from the state.” in the first place.

As a former school board “When I moved here 20 years member, Wormser said that educaago, we were lucky enough to find tion funding in the state is broken a place for under because of the $200,000,” he disconnect “When I moved here said. “The smallbetween local er places down decision-making 20 years ago, we the road from us and taxation. are going for well “At a certain were lucky enough to point, over $600,000 at we’re 7 percent mortfind a place for under going to have to gage rates. Not talk more activeincluding taxes ly about consol$200,000,” that you need to idating schools,” have on an annual he said, noting — Matt Wormser that Vermont basis, not including a significant effectively has six-figure down payment in order “250 teeny, little organizations” to afford that. Part of the issue is — towns — which is “a recipe just a supply-demand issue,” he for a whole lot of inefficiencies said. in terms of getting the job done.

Since he’s been on the board, One of the things I hope to work he said he’s been trying to under- on in our next in our next session stand why Shelburne sees so is really talking to neighboring “much of the unhoused from Burl- communities to look at some of ington and across the state,” and the consolidation opportunities said the lack of housing is because that we have.”

Vermont makes it difficult to build through well-intentioned measures Regionalization like Act 250.

Mui said that although he still has a lot to learn in terms of departAct 127 ment consolidation, the operationOn the other hand of afford- al effectiveness of consolidating ability, as towns that make up resources makes a lot of sense, he the Champlain Valley Union said.

School District brace for large tax Webb, on the other hand, changes due to the implementa- discussed looking at diversified tion of a new education funding ways to fund things like health formula known as Act 127, Webb care — which makes up a large explained that the first mistake budget increase for school districts with the new law was its immediate — other than just by homestead

tax rates that covers only about 27 percent of school budgets.

“Forty percent is covered by non-homestead property taxes, and 33 percent is covered by other fees such as the sales tax,” she said. “Can we look at other ways to fund those kinds of things that aren’t necessarily coming out of the homestead property taxes?”

Zoning changes With the passage of Act 47, the Legislature’s effort to increase housing supply, some residents voiced concern that town’s

proposed zoning regulations would authorize two to four times the housing density now mandated by the state in certain areas.

Wormser said that ultimately, he has had to learn to adapt to changes within Shelburne, even in his own neighborhood. He said the town must balance the critical need for housing that balances the interests of neighbors.

“One of the things I really want to be sure about as we change is that we do it in a way that is very community friendly, that is neighborhood friendly, that is focused

on aesthetics. … You can have density that is very beautiful and attractive.”

Mui expressed a similar sentiment and said that more people in town means an even greater taxing capacity to fund things like schools and infrastructure.

“How can we look at the positive side of that ledger and develop in the right way?” he aksed.

“That’s a conversation that we’re not yet having.”

See FORUM on page 11

Obituary Gregory B. Peters It is with heavy hearts that his family announces the death of Gregory Peters, 78, of Shelburne, who lived every day with intention, dedication to family and wanting to make a difference. He died Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024, after several years of multiple health challenges, at home surrounded by his devoted wife and children.

Greg was born Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22, 1945, in Boston to Ruth and Philip Peters. He grew up in Wellesley, Mass., with his older brother, Philip, and younger brother, Jeffrey, enjoying close knit family celebrations including cousins, aunts and uncles who all lived nearby.

Greg’s maternal grandmother lived and traveled with his family for her last 15 years, adding more love and family values to the mix.

They built a modest mountain ski home in Jackson, N.H., in 1956, which would become the family sanctuary and gathering space for family and friends and where many memories were made, including Greg’s marriage to Diane Parker (also from Wellesley) on the deck he built overlooking Mount Washington, on a fall day in 1977.

Greg graduated from Wellesley High School and Harvard University (1967) where, in addition to studying European history, he excelled in alpine ski racing and baseball. From 1967-1969, Greg served as 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army in Germany.

Returning to the states, he earned his Master of Business Administration in 1972 from Harvard Graduate School of Business. He worked in New York City and in Europe before being lured to Vermont to take on marketing for Rossignol Ski Company.

In Shelburne, he and Diane put down roots, started a family and joined a community of treasured lifelong friends. Briefly, he moved to North Andover, Mass., (more treasured friends) to work for Investments Orange Nassau, a

Gregory B. Peters

Boston-based venture capital firm.

In 1986, he returned to Vermont to start his own Venture Capital firm, North Atlantic Capital Corporation, with business partner David Coit from Portland, Maine.

Together they built a venture capital management company raising funds and providing capital to growth oriented, privately owned companies, principally in the Northeast. Their early risks and determination resulted in some of today’s most successful Vermont brands, including Westminster Cracker Company, Earth’s Best Baby Food and Casella Waste Systems.

Not being one to sit still, Greg’s second career was dedicated to making a difference in Vermont health care reform. He chaired the Public Oversight Commission for Vermont, served on the early Green Mountain Care Board and contributed to the Vermont BluePrint for Health Initiative.

Besides chocolate, Greg’s passion was sports. He was a participant, competitor, coach, spectator and TV fan and he loved baseball, tennis, skiing, golf, paddle, football and basketball.

He always showed up and was never the guy that canceled. He played golf in windy rain, skied on ice and begged the tennis courts to stay open in inclement weather.

His favorite pastime was enjoying sports with his family: Coaching Shelburne Little League, teaching his children to ski and then support-

ing them on the race hill at Mount Mansfield Ski Club. In addition to helping move the only community paddle tennis court from behind the old Sirloin Saloon to Burlington Tennis Club, he tried to make a difference by lending his guidance and perspective to the boards of the Burlington Tennis Club and the Burlington Country Club.

Greg’s quiet, fair advice and leadership was sought after by community boards and educational campaigns, including United Way of Chittenden County, Burlington Rotary Club (past president), Shelburne Farms, VPR, Middlebury College and Harvard Business School. His entrepreneurial spirit was awakened when Bread and Butter Farm literally became his neighbor. He gave them his financial support as well as his patronage.

Greg was constantly active, fun and very present for his family and friends, sharing his quiet strength, integrity and love. He was a kind, true gentleman known for his endearing hugs. In his later years, he found great joy in being a part of his granddaughters’ everyday lives.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 46 years, Diane Parker Peters; their children, Andy Peters and Faith Peters James (John) and grandchildren Addison and Hadeigh; his brother, Philip Peters (Tamie); sister-in-law, Cici Peters; and many loving nieces and nephews dear to his heart.

He was predeceased by his parents, Ruth and Phil; brother, Jeffrey; and Andy’s partner, Lester Gribetz.

A celebration of life for Gregory Peters will be held on Friday, May 10, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Charlotte Congregational Church. A reception will follow. Friends and family from near and far are invited to join in honoring his memory.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Shelburne Farms or to Bread and Butter Farm in Shelburne in memory of Gregory B. Peters.

Shelburne News • February 22, 2024 • Page 11

FARM continued from page 1 one grounded in early mornings and late nights spent milking cows — the norm for the farm that used to be just one of 4,000 such operations in the state and now stands as the last remaining family-owned dairy in Shelburne.

“I will bet at least 50 farms around us had been out in my lifetime,” he said through a distinct Vermont twang only those born and raised here would recognize.

Maille, 63, has been at the farm for his whole life, and some of his earliest memories are marked by tractor rides with his grandfather watching sunsets over Shelburne’s expansive horizon — a much different view than those seen today.

“Mom used to tell us when we’d haul down the field as fast as we could go, she’d say, ‘Don’t you ever enjoy the sun, the sunset, or just the green grass blowing in the wind?’” he recounted, leaning against the wall of the barn. “We’re always in a hurry.”

While Maille is responsible for all farm operations, he also acts as the unofficial family historian, keeping alive the stories of the more than a century’s worth of history. While the family has made some renovations to the barn since 1939 — like redoing the stalls 20 years ago and lowering the cement floor — most of what stands today is the original makeup of what his grandfather and mother built after a couple of barn fires and a tornado took out the first three iterations.

“When they broke the cement, you could see two, three layers of cement in there,” he said. “It was wild. It’s neat to see some evidence, something other than just hearing the stories.”

Maille’s mother, Marguerite, held a deep love for the farm her father built, miraculously mustering the $4,000 deposit needed to buy the property from her parents in 1969. Maille officially became the third generation to take over operations in 2014 — or better known to Maille as “the year the price of milk was high.”

Being a farmer is something that either runs in your blood or doesn’t, he said, and “mom” certainly had it.

“I talked to an old timer, and he said, ‘You’re the last farm I would have ever put my bets on.’ Because, I mean, when they bought it back in ‘69, what were the thoughts about a girl being able to grow a farm,” he said.

But growing up the work was really a team effort, although his father Joseph mainly worked in carpentry, Maille knew taking over the farm was his future path.

“Mom would make us 18-yearolds roll the bales, you couldn’t pick them up,” he said. “We all worked, all us kids.”

Although the farm has had relatively good luck this past year, the realities for a farmer are growing

increasingly more difficult and expensive. As the landscape of Vermont shifts and developmental pressures to meet the demand for housing grow, the cost of everything — taxes, maintenance repairs and labor — is high.

“That’s another thought, you know, how will he continue?” said Maille, nodding in the direction of his 25-year-old son Benjamin, busy fixing a water line on the other side of the barn. “I don’t have a lot of answers.”

Shelburne is not the agricultural territory it used to be, which makes for an isolating existence for a farm that has steadily remained for more than a century and for the farmer who has seen many of his friends exit a shrinking business.

“Neighbors have helped us when they were farming, but they’re gone,” he said, speaking about the farms that used-to-be.

“When I was kid, whenever we got stuck or something, we knew we could go there, and they would come and pull us out of the mud with their tractor.”

He mentioned his neighbor and friend Bernie Guillemette, who sold the last of his dairy cows last January. “We’ve worked together off and on through the years,” he said. “I would have never thought of asking him if he was still milking cows.”

“It’s also discouraging because I see all my neighbors with all nice fancy choppers and self-propelled trucks and we’re still farming like it’s the 1980s,” Benjamin said, the only one of Maille’s three kids to express an interest in taking over the farm. “We can’t buy a new tractor. His grandfather bought three, four farms in a lifetime. You can’t buy a single one nowadays.”

Stricter environmental regulations remain a growing concern for farmers like the Mailles. Although the technology for more efficient farm equipment is available, it doesn’t come without a cost. But Benjamin is excited to implement some of the new practices, especially since the farm received a $30,000 grant to buy a used no-till drill.

“He’s excited because he’s embracing the new, trying to embrace the newer technology,” Maille said. “You have to embrace the future.”

Zoning changes As Shelburne remains in the thick of regulatory reform and as the state passes new laws around increased housing density, Maille’s wife, Sylvia Maille, has been actively attending planning commission meetings to advocate for the farm and the select few around them.

As the commission mulls changes to the Rural Resource

PHOTO BY LIBERTY DARR

On top of the 50 cows at the Maille Farm, a few friendly barn cats can also be spotted rolling around on the hay bales. Here, Jim Maille, holds one of the cats as a heifer looks on.

Protection District, which encompasses conserved farmland around Shelburne Pond, there has been growing concern over the proposed increase of the 5-acre requirement to 10 acres.

“There’s nobody that can maintain 10 acres of land,” said farmer and resident Bernie Guillemette.

“If it wasn’t for the LaPierres, the Mailles or me, there’d be a lot of land that would be unmaintained.”

“My husband’s family has had land in Shelburne and farmed for over 104 years. It’s sad that our

family is the last family-owned operating dairy in the town. Protect us,” Sylvia Maille said. “We farm all this land; 10 acres hurts us.”

For Maille, his farm on “the other side of the tracks” in a town often characterized by $800,000 houses, will remain as long as it can with the help of his son and a few University of Vermont science students who help with milking 50 Holsteins twice a day.

“Everybody tells us we should be happy we have an opportunity to farm. Even if it’s small scale,

we do have that opportunity,” he said. “We’ve come across people who say they wish they had that opportunity, but you can’t buy land anymore. I think it’s sad for the young generation.”

As the last remaining dairy in town, Maille is more matter of fact than sentimental.

“I’m too busy working to think about it all the time. We just work,” he said, a playful grin spreading across his face. “It’s neat when I listened to mom talk about what grandpa had to go through.”

to regionalization and shared services. With most municipal employees in high demand, including police officers, it’s easy for employees to go from one department to another.

“One of the ways we can drive broader services, including 24/7 coverage, is to partner with neighboring communities to share services,” which would benefit us all by allowing “specific policing tasks forces that can much more aggressively and specifically target drug networks.”

Mui, said that although spots on the police department remain open, coming from the South Side of Chicago where he locked his door consistently, he thinks the town is relatively safely protected by the Shelburne force.

Monday, March 4 when residents will vote on the floor for selectboard compensation and hear a presentation on both the school and town budget.

Residents will vote on remaining ballot questions, including the municipal budget,

by Australian ballot on Tuesday, March 5.

The town is also excited to bring back the annual dinner that will be held for community members prior to the annual vote. On Monday, March 4, at 5:30 p.m. at Shelburne Community School, Cucina Antica will cater a dinner with lasagna, salad and cookies followed by an update from a local contingent of legislators. There will also be table displays from town committees, boards and commissions.

The cost for dinner is $10, and $5 for people under 12 years old. The cost will be capped at $25 per family.

FORUM continued from page 10

Schools, public safety Candidates were asked to weigh in regarding public and school safety, as well as the role that law enforcement plays in ensuring safety in town.

Webb said it’s always important for educators and administration to understand students who might be struggling. Just as important is ensuring those students are surrounded by a network of people where students are comfortable to come forward.

She referenced a situation in Fair Haven where a student told a counselor about another student who threatened a school shooting. “I think that awareness of students that are struggling is essential,” Webb said.

“I’m not even going to get into guns and our crazy laws around guns.”

Wormser said the conversation conveniently circles back

Town Meeting Day Town Meeting Day this year will begin at 7:30 p.m. on

Page 12 • February 22, 2024 • Shelburne News

SPORTS Maple Sugar Bowl announces rosters The stage is set for the 71st Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl.

The two Shrine teams representing the finest high school football talent of New Hampshire and Vermont have been announced and include several players from Champlain Valley Union High School.

This summer’s classic is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 3, in Dave Wolk Stadium at Vermont State University in Castleton, with kickoff at 11:30 a.m.

More than 200 graduating high school seniors from both states were nominated by their head coaches. In each state, screening committees led by the Shrine head coaches selected their respective teams.

Twenty-five schools are represented on the New Hampshire team and 21 on the Vermont team. Players from Cham-

plain Valley include Oliver Cheer, 6 foot, 175 pounds, quarterback, Williston; Jacob Bose, 6 foot, 185 pounds, running back/linebacker, Williston; Connor Simons, 6 foot, 290 pounds, offensive line/defensive back, Shelburne; Brian Rutherford, 6 foot, 185 pounds, wide receiver, Williston; and William Kearney, 6-foot, 1 inch, 245 pounds, defensive lineman/offensive line, Shelburne.

The two teams will meet with coaches in March to review game plans. Both teams will report to Castleton University July 28 to begin formal practice.

The Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl is played for the benefit of the Shriners Children’s facilities and has raised millions of dollars. This twin-state game is sponsored by the two Shrine Centers of Vermont, Cairo (Rutland) and Mt. Sinai (Montpelier).

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE LAYING OUT OF A PORTION OF CHAMPLAIN DRIVE AS A CLASS 4 TOWN HIGHWAY Interested persons and persons owning or interested in lands through which a certain section of a road named Champlain Drive, as described below, may pass or abut are hereby warned of a public hearing to be held by the Selectboard of the Town of Shelburne to consider whether to lay out a portion of Champlain Drive as a Class 4 Town Highway. The portion of Champlain Drive to be considered begins at the termination of the existing Town Highway, which point is the eastern edge of the State owned railway right of way, and continues in a westward direction a total of one hundred and twenty (120) feet, on the existing alignment of Champlain Drive.

Pursuant to 19 V.S.A. § 709, the proceedings will commence with an examination of the premises, convening at the place and time outlined below. No testimony shall be accepted at the site visits. Following the examinations of all the premises, the Selectboard of the Town of Shelburne will meet at the Shelburne Town Office to receive testimony from any interested parties. The Selectboard shall issue a written decision within 60 days of the hearing.

Date of Examination and Hearing: March 26, 2024 Time of Examination: 5:00 p.m.

Location of Examination: Site visit to meet at the intersection of Champlain Drive and Sunset Court.

Time of Hearing: 7:00 p.m.

Location of Hearing: Shelburne Town Office, 5420 Shelburne Road, Shelburne, VT

Description: A portion of Champlain Drive beginning at the termination of the existing Town Highway, which point is the eastern edge of the State owned railway right of way, and continues in a westward direction a of one-hundred and twenty (120) feet, on the existing alignment of Champlain Drive.

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COURTESY PHOTO

An early photo of Kevin LePage of Shelburne from the Thunder Road Milk Bowl.

Vermont Sports Hall of Fame announces 2024 inductees Champions of racetracks and Nordic trails, record-setters in football and the links, top scorers from hoops, ice hockey and soccer, an award-winning broadcaster, the hall’s first lacrosse player and three legendary high school coaches make up the 12 newest inductees of the 2024 Vermont Sports Hall of Fame.

The inductees are record-setting football and track athlete, David Ball of Barre and Orange; five-time Vermont Men’s Amateur golf champion Shawn Baker of Brattleboro; state and national champion Nordic skier Andrew Johnson of Greensboro, a two-time Olympian; high school and collegiate ice hockey standout Jim Larkin of Wallingford, also a member of the U.S. Junior National Team; auto racing champion Kevin Lepage of Shelburne, who competed at NASCAR’s highest level; a women’s soccer star who was all-state in high school and all-region in college, Kristi (Lefebvre) Huizenga of Colchester; Division I women’s lacrosse All-American

Alyssa Trudel of Shoreham; Dr. Kim Silloway of St. Johnsbury, a hoops star in the state and then in the Atlantic Coast Conference; and legendary high school coaches Gail Jette of Middlebury, Donald Maley Sr. of Burlington and Brattleboro’s Andy Natowich.

Award-winning sports broadcasting veteran George Commo of Burlington is this year’s Mal Boright Media Inductee.

The class will be formally inducted at the 2024 Vermont Sports Hall of Fame Induction Dinner and Celebration at the Delta Marriott Burlington Hotel on Williston Road in South Burlington on Saturday, April 27. The evening begins with a reception at 5:30 p.m. and the induction ceremony follows dinner at 6:30 p.m.

More information can be found at vermontsportshall.com. Proceeds from the event go to Prevent Child Abuse Vermont.

Past dinners and other fundraisers have raised over $33,000 to support the group’s work statewide.

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Vermont Community Newspaper Group: Stowe Reporter • The Other Paper • Shelburne News • News & Citizen • The Citizen

Shelburne News • February 22, 2024 • Page 13

COMMUNITY NOTES

WARNING ANNUAL TOWN MEETING TOWN OF SHELBURNE

continued from page 9 Last year, Winona Smith Scholarship scholarships were awarded to students from Thetford Academy, and Windsor, Otter Valley Union and Middlebury Union high schools.

Questions can be directed to Becky Miller, lwvofvt.edfund@gmail.com.

Shelburne church hosts blood drive in March Make a “paws-itive impact” and give the lifesaving gift of blood at the Shelburne community blood drive sponsored

by St. Catherine of Siena Parish.

Much like pets provide comfort and support, so does the Red Cross in our community.

Get a $10 e-gift card to a pet supply merchant of choice when you come to give blood in March. Plus, donors will be automatically entered for a chance to win a $3,000 gift card to use as a treat for themselves or a trusted companion. There will be five lucky winners nationally.

The drive will be held Tuesday, March 19, from noon-5 p.m. in the church parish hall, 72 Church St., Shelburne.

Appointments are strongly recommended as walk-ins cannot always be accommodated. To give, call 800-7332767 or visit redcrossblood.org.

Contact Laureen Mathon with questions at lmathon104@gmail.com.

Federated Garden Clubs host trip to Boothbay garden In the quest to offer scholarships to college students and place a Blue Star Memorial Marker in the northwest part of Vermont, Federated Garden Clubs of Vermont is hosting a Coastal Main Botanical Garden adventure on June 24-26.

Take a two-day coach trip to the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay, Maine, with host Charlie Nardozzi, a nationally recognized writer, speaker and TV and radio personality. More at vermontfgcv.com.

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

NOTICE OF HEARING AND ORDER FOR PUBLICATION Estate of: Barbara Ann Donnelly

Article 3: To elect all Town Offices as required by law.

TO David Atwood, son of the late Patricia Atwood, grandson of the late Barbara Ann Donnelly, and his heirs at 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?

The following petition/motion, Petition to an Open Estate and Appoint Fiduciary, has been filed in the Probate Division of the Superior Court: October 13, 2023.

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?

A hearing on the petition/motion will be held at the above-named Court on April 03, 2024 at 9:00AM. The hearing will occur virtually unless the Court is notified as provided herein. If you wish to appear at the hearing, you must notify the Court not less than five business days prior to the hearing and obtain a link to appear at the hearing. If you wish to appear in person at the Court, you must notify the Court not less than five business days prior to the hearing of your intent to appear in person at the hearing.

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?

If no one appears at the hearing to object, the relief requested may be granted. If you wish to receive notice of future events in this proceeding, you must notify the Court by filing a Notice of Appearance form that can be found on the Vermont Judiciary website at http://www.vermontjudiciary.org.

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?

It is hereby ORDERED that the notice of hearing as set forth in this Order be published in Shelburne News a newspaper of general circulation in Chittenden County Vermont.

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

Publication date: February 22, 2024 /s/ Judge Jeffrey Kilgore Electronically signed on Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 1:36PM pursuant to V.R.E.F. 9(d).

/s/________________ Michael Ashooh, Chair /s/___________ Andrew Everett /s/___________ Luce Hillman

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Page 14 • February 22, 2024 • Shelburne News

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Shelburne News • February 22, 2024 • Page 15

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Page 16 • February 22, 2024 • Shelburne News