Falls Road improvements move forward
PATRICK BILOW STAFF WRITER
The Shelburne Falls Road Working Group gave its recommendations on improving pedestrian conditions along Falls Road following a year-long community survey that ended last week.
Since February 2023, the group has been looking at ways to improve Falls Road based on common complaints about the area for decades, including sidewalk gaps and poor sidewalk conditions, underutilized social space and fast-moving traffic.
The project was inspired by residents’ desire to improve walking and bike connectivity and pedes-
trian safety throughout Shelburne, which was expressed as one of three priorities in last year’s community envisioning study known as Shelburne Forward Together.
Susan Grasso, a Shelburne resident and employee with Local Motion, a statewide pedestrian advocacy group, presented data from the survey and recommendations to the selectboard on Oct. 22. Grasso has facilitated the Falls Road Working Group since its inception.
The project included a demonstration of potential safety and beautification improvements. It
See FALLS ROAD on page 12
School districts differ with changing student enrollment
Two neighboring school districts in Chittenden County — Champlain Valley School District and South Burlington School District — have seen conflicting enrollment trends over the last five years.
According to a state education profile report published by the Agency of Education in August, total enrollment in Vermont public schools — including pre-kindergarten through 12th
grade — has steadily declined between 2003 and 2023 by a little over 6 percent. The decline in kindergarten through 12th grade during that same period was nearly 14 percent, although much of this change occurred pre-pandemic.
Schools in the Champlain Valley School District — the state’s largest district — have kept on par with the statewide trend with total enrollment declining nearly 7 percent between 2019 and 2024, according to data provided by the
district. Most notable is Hinesburg Community School, where enrollments in pre-kindergarten through 8th grade dropped more than 11 percent during that time-
See ENROLLMENT on page 16
BREAKFAST • LUNCH • DINNER
COURTESY PHOTO
Vermont Day School in Shelburne took part in the town’s annual Halloween parade Sunday, celebrating the theme of “Willy Wonka,” a play that older students will perform in January at Main Street Landing. See more photos on page 10.
A Wonka good time
Nordic Farm signs lease with USDA, University of Vermont
LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER
When Benjamin Dobson and Kaspar Meier bought the sprawling 600-acre Nordic Farm property in July, they had a “serendipitous” opportunity on the horizon, but the deal was officially signed, sealed and delivered just earlier this month.
Representatives from the University of Vermont signed a 30-year lease for approximately 400 acres of the farmland for long-term agricultural research use in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service (ARS), which has a unit based on the college campus.
“Nordic Farm has got some poorly drained soils, and that’s a good place to be doing research.”
years ago here on the campus,” Richard Cate, vice president of finance and administration at the university, said of the Burlington unit. “They do independent research. It’s not part of UVM’s research, but our faculty collaborate with their faculty in some instances. If we have a faculty member that is studying the same types of things, there are collaborations. But it is their research that is ongoing, in this case, here at the university and now on this farm.”
— Christian Peters
This collaboration builds on UVM’s partnership with the research service through its Food Systems Research Center, the first USDA-funded center dedicated to studying all aspects of the food system.
“It was created about three
Re-elect
To further signify the partnership, the entire deal was penned on an antique desk that belonged to Vermont Sen. Justin Morrill, the father of the land-grant university system that has provided UVM its agricultural mission.
“We are supposed to be in this business to help lead both research and implementation of good agricultural practices here in Vermont.” Cate said. “This supports that in many ways.”
But signing the deal wasn’t the first time Cate and the research lead with the research service’s Burlington unit, Christian Peters, had visited the property. The whole ordeal began with a simple conversation in late May, when the property was, at the time, still for sale.
“At about the same time we went down to look at it, Ben and Kaspar made the offer, and it was accepted. So, it became clear the purchase wasn’t an option, but I just was trying to think of a way
whereby we could still accomplish the same goal for the university and for the Agricultural Research Service,” Cate said.
The work that the research service plans to do is expected to span decades, maybe even more than a century. While the $1.9 million lease is now set at 30 years, there are three options for renewal beyond what is currently stipulated in the agreement.
There are two aspects of research currently in motion. One side is focused on plant science
and forage productivity along with soil health and the other is focused on animal science with beef cattle and grazing livestock, Peters said.
“It’s not only close, but it’s in this really important region within the state of Vermont for agriculture, one of the most densely farmed parts of the state,” Peters said. “We looked at the soils and they’re diverse, as you’d expect for this part of Vermont. It’s got
COURTESY PHOTO
University of Vermont CFO Richard Cate, center, signs the lease for 400 acres of Nordic Farm land in Charlotte during a ceremony Oct. 3. He’s flanked by Ben Dobson, co-owner of Nordic farm, on the right, and Christian Peters, research leader for the USDA Agricultural Research Service in Burlington on the left.
See NORDIC FARM on page 3
some poorly drained soils, and that’s a good place to be doing research.”
The farm looks much different than it did in July when Dobson and Meier officially closed on the property. The antique barn that sits directly on Route 7 has been cleared and swept, with some initial work to stabilize the building underway. An original Nordic Farm sign Meier found when cleaning out the barn sits proudly propped against the building farthest to the back of the property that currently houses office space.
What’s even more notable are the trails through the back of the property that have been tended and cleared by Meier, who, alongside Dobson, is working to bring new life back to the expansive acreage’s soil.
“It’s awesome news for us because in so many regards, we’re aligned with what they want to do and it’s really what we would like to do,” Meier said.
The property has seen a frequent shift in ownership and ideas over the years, but at one point was home to one of the state’s most prolific dairy operations with nearly 300 milking heifers during its prime. In 2004, it became the first farm in New England to install robotic milking equipment under the ownership of Clark Hinsdale III.
The high-profile farm went through a few different owners who offered a variety of ideas for its future. In 2018, Andrew Peterson, owner of Peterson Quality Malt, partnered with a group of investors led by Jay and Matt Canning of Hotel Vermont to buy the property, although that venture never got fully off the ground.
But the most notable endeavor, up until this month, came just three years when Will Raap, the visionary behind ventures like Gardeners Supply and the Intervale Center, bought the massive undertaking forged under the name Earthkeep Farmcommon. The project was poised to usher in a new era of collective farming that balanced nonprofit research, innovation and education all within a single hub. But before plans could
fully evolve, Raap died in December 2022.
The farm has sat relatively vacant, minus a few businesses that were still operating out of the barn spaces, until this summer. Meier said that those businesses are no longer there as a new leaf for the property turns.
The duo hails from the Hudson Valley of New York, and have farming and research in their blood. From managing farming efforts in the Hudson Valley and across the globe to spearheading research into the impacts of regenerative farming practices on carbon sequestration through his company Hudson Carbon, a partnership like this was a no-brainer for Dobson.
Although Meier has spent most of the last two decades in the contracting and building business, farming is just what he loves to do. The plan now is for the team to have their own farming operation on roughly 200
“I will work tirelessly for Vermonters to improve our economy, education and safety, under the United States Constitution.”
• West Point Graduate
• MBA Temple University
• Graduate of Army Command and General Staff College
• Georgetown University Graduate Program
• 22 years US Army active duty
• 16 years Gov’t Defense Industries
• Husband and Father of 4
GERALD MALLOY
Grow jobs, reduce taxes EDUCATION
Empower parents, support school choice SAFETY
Secure borders, back law enforcement CONSTITUTION
Protect individual rights RELIABLE LEADERSHIP
43 years of proven experience
acres of the Nordic Farm land.
“The USDA hasn’t always been my favorite institution, but there’s one part of it — and I’m a pretty organic radical — that I’ve respected called the ARS,” Dobson said. “These ARS stations are where the USDA does its often more innovative research set within an eco-region, or a bioregion. That’s what their plan here is.”
Despite the team’s extensive back-
grounds in organic farming and biodynamics, the partnership didn’t ultimately happen because of them. Instead, the opportunity just knocked on the front door.
“I’ll be frank, it came up serendipitously,” Dobson said. “I would’ve applied for and looked for things like this with Hudson Carbon. But instead, it drove down the driveway and Mr. Cate came in and introduced himself.”
PHOTO BY MAURA KELLEY
Camels Hump peaks out above a view of Lake Iroquois last week.
Shelburne News
Serving the community of Shelburne A publication of Vermont Community Newspaper Group LLC shelburnenews.com
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News Editor Tommy Gardner
Staff Writers
Aaron Calvin Liberty Darr Patrick Bilow
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Editor/Publisher Gregory Popa gpopa@stowereporter.com
On Friday, longtime Shelburne firefighter and a former chief, Frank Galipeau, was laid to rest in Shelburne Cemetery. The traditional firefighter’s “Last Alarm” ceremony concluded a somber event on a beautiful autumn day.
Shelburne Police Blotter: Oct. 21-27
Total reported incidents: 66
Traffic stops: 17
Warnings: 16
Pending investigations: 2
Oct. 21 at 4:39 p.m., a caller reported a crash involving two vehicles on Shelburne Road. No injuries were reported.
Billing inquiries Leslie Lafountain leslie@stowereporter.com (802) 253-2101
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Contact: 1340 Williston Road South Burlington, VT 05403 (802) 985-3091
Oct. 21 at 8:43 p.m., a caller reported theft of items from their home on Edward Drive. The case is under investigation.
Oct. 21 at 9:14 p.m., a caller reported a threat made to them by another guest at the T-Bird Motel. Officers mediated the dispute.
Oct. 21 at 10:56 p.m., a caller reported screaming and yelling from a neighborhood home on Ockert Lane. Police helped to mediate the situation.
Oct. 22 at 3:25 p.m., police secured a Shelburne Road business that was reportedly unlocked with its lights still on inside.
Oct. 23 at 8:28 a.m., a caller reported an individual harassing customers at Dunkin Donuts on Shelburne Road. Officers were unable to locate the individual.
Oct. 23 at 2:53 p.m., a caller reported that people were stuck in the elevator at Shelburne Bay senior living. Shelburne fire and rescue helped to get the people from the elevator. No injuries were reported.
Oct. 23 at 6:48 p.m., a two-vehicle crash happened at the intersection of Shelburne and Pine Haven Shore roads. No injuries were reported.
COURTESY PHOTOS
Education agency seeks input on future policy
TOMMY GARDNER STAFF WRITER
The Vermont Agency of Education last month released a data-rich report detailing how the state’s public school system got where it is. Now, the agency is trying to figure out where it should go next.
The agency’s Listen and Learn Tour is something of a fact-finding mission for the recently formed Commission on the Future of Public Education. The commission is sending its agency emissaries to seven different high school along the length of the state before holding a pair of virtual meetings next week.
If the scant attendance at Stowe High School last week was any indication — fewer than 50 people attended what was the closest stop on the tour for people living in Lamoille and Chittenden counties — the best chance for folks in the area to have their voices heard will be the Nov. 4 and 6 virtual meetings.
According to the commission, the goal of the tour is to “engage deeply with local and regional education leaders and school communities to ensure our work aligns with stakeholder needs and priorities.”
To register, visit the Listen and Learn Tour page at education.vermont.gov/agency-education-listen-and-learn-tour. As of press deadline, no links were available for the virtual sessions. The online version of this story will be updated when the agency provides those details.
Smaller district, higher spending
The listening tour was preceded by the “State Education Profile Report,” published Aug. 30 and borne out of a statewide tour that Interim Education Secretary Zoie Saunders made earlier this year. The agency is touting the report as “a first, high-level look at the state of education” in Vermont.
The report contains data-driven snapshots of key education indicators, like enrollment, demographics, student test scores, staffing levels and education spending.
Among the report’s key findings:
• Enrollment in kindergarten-12th grade over the past two decades has declined by 14.2 percent, much of it occurring pre-pandemic. Last year, Vermont had a public-school enrollment of 82,828 students, spread out over 288 public schools in 119 districts, which are part of 52 supervisory unions.
There were an additional 9,679 students attending independent schools, about one-third of whom get public tuition. And there were 3,505 home-schooled students.
• Vermont has some of the smallest schools in the country, ranking 46th in terms of school size across the U.S., but has the nation’s highest staffing levels, in terms of teacher-to-student ratios. The report ties this to supervisory union or school district size — the smaller the district, the more teachers per 100 students.
Although the state has long seen small class sizes, the report suggests it the ratio became even more pronounced during the pandemic. This may be problematic, the report suggests.
“It is important to note that the infusion of federal funding to address the pandemic may have influenced the staffing levels during this time period and raises questions about the sustainability of staff levels in future years,” the report states.
• Smaller supervisory unions and school districts have higher percentages of students in special education and students who are economically disadvantaged. It’s a statewide demographic picture that looks much the same for the 2023-23 school year as it was going into the pandemic, in the 2019-20 school year.
and geothermal heat pumps that power not only the garage but several other buildings in town. The Vermont Bond Bank
between the USDA and rural Vermont by offering low-interest loans to
• Larger districts tend to pay their employees more than smaller districts, with salary differences as high as $10,000 or more, on average, for some staff.
• However, smaller districts tend to pay more per pupil, since spending is linked to student need, and smaller districts with higher levels of poverty spend more per student. Economic disparity may also lead to gaps in
academic performance, too — the report notes higher performing and lower spending districts tend to have fewer economically disadvantaged students.
• Vermont students generally test as well as or better than students in other states taking the same standardized test — the National Assessment of Educational Progress, taken by all U.S. students in fourth and eighth grades.
This is especially true in eighth-grade reading, where Vermont ranks fifth — fourth graders are ranked 11th. Math scores are more lackluster, with eighth graders ranked 21st and fourth graders ranked 28th.
The State Education Profile
COURTESY PHOTO
Officials in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Energy Savings Program, including U.S. Peter Welch, gathered at the Charlotte town garage Monday to announce an influx of cash that will trickle down to rural Vermont. The $40 million is intended to fund clean energy projects in rural Vermont schools and municipal buildings. The Charlotte town garage benefitted from the program a few years ago after the old garage burned down in 2021. Today’s garage is almost net-zero, with solar panels
acts as an intermediary
municipalities to fund projects. Welch was joined by Michael Gaughan, Bond Bank executive director, and Sarah Waring, Vermont’s USDA representative, at the event. — Patrick Bilow
Letters to the Editor
Brumsted lends support to Lalley re-election
To the Editor:
Please join me in supporting wwKate Lalley for Vermont House, Chittenden-6.
Having worked with her in the Legislature over the past two years, I can vouch for her true commitment to Shelburne. She speaks up both on the House floor and in the House Democratic Caucus expressing the hopes and concerns of residents.
I have worked with her as we have helped to forge a compromise on important issues. Examples include the environment, education funding, child care, creation of flood resistant housing, among many others.
As many of you know, Lalley’s passion for transportation is unmatched. She serves on the House Committee on Transportation where she strengthens provisions that support walkability and economic development while addressing the state’s transportation needs. Her committee works on a bipartisan basis with bills unanimously reported out.
Lalley has served Shelburne for over 20 years, participating in the paths committee, on the planning commission and the Shelburne Selectboard. She is also a longtime volunteer at the Shelburne, Charlotte, Hinesburg Interfaith Projects (SCHIPS).
Our state faces significant challenges: affordability, education, health care, housing and resilience in the face of climate change. We need to work together to solve these challenges, and Lalley is ready for these chal-
lenges. She knows how to work with members on both sides of the aisle and is respected among her colleagues throughout the Statehouse.
I hope you will re-elect Kate Lalley for a second House term.
Rep. Jessica Brumsted Chittenden-7 Shelburne
Cyclist appreciates drivers who share the road
To the Editor:
It is still biking season and I just wanted to say thank you to all the drivers who passed by me this spring, summer and fall. Thank you for giving me the four feet of room required by Vermont state law.
You may not realize this but if you, as a driver, simply put the left wheels on the yellow line you’re likely giving me and others enough room to feel safe. I drive far more than I cycle and know there are careless cyclists, as well as drivers, out there on local roads, but I just wanted to let you know that when folks pass me and other cyclists closer than four feet it feels as if I could reach out and touch the vehicle passing me. That’s scary.
When I’m on my bike I wear bright clothing, use lights and always ride as far to the right as conditions and the road allow. I also use a mirror, which is very handy for allaying any fear I may feel as I hear cars approaching. Most drivers give plenty of room. Those that don’t baffle me.
“Was that driver on their
News from Pierson Library
• Zentangle workshop, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2-3 p.m. Join Julia Davenport to explore the relaxing art of Zentangle. All materials provided.
• Read to a dog, Saturday, Nov. 2, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Enhance literacy skills by reading with Taffy, a certified therapy dog. Space is limited; call 802-985-5124 to register.
• Write together for NaNoWriMo, Monday, Nov. 4, 10-11 a.m., Friday, Nov. 8 and 22, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Join fellow writers for a quiet space to craft your novel. Tea and coffee provided.
• Creative collaborations workshop, Monday, Nov. 4, 6-7:30 p.m. Engage in fun writing games and collabora-
phone?” “Were they trying to hurt me, or worse?” I’m aware that it can be slightly annoying to slow down, briefly, to pass us safely, but please remember that a quick touch to the accelerator makes up the “lost time” in a matter of seconds.
Thanks for your attention, and for caring about us, just a little, as you move past us. And cyclists, thank you for doing your part by not riding side-byside, not riding erratically and making yourselves visible as we share the road with vehicles.
Ned Getchell South Burlington
Wastewater project: Shelburne’s done its due diligence
To the Editor:
I am writing to address a few of the issues raised around the wastewater bond by the Schwetlicks in the Oct. 24 Shelburne News (“Wastewater bond: Educate yourself before you vote”)
The $66 to $68 million cost estimate referenced in the engineering study are lifetime capital and operating costs, not capital costs alone. The option in front of voters represented the lowest cost option from a lifecycle perspective, and that’s why this higher number was referenced in the study.
tive creativity in a supportive environment.
• Pierson playdate, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Join us for playtime with your little ones (ages 2-4) in the town hall. No registration needed.
• Writers unite, Thursday, Nov. 7, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Teens ages 11-15 gather to improve writing skills and share their work. Snacks provided.
• Multicultural movie night, Friday, Nov. 8, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Enjoy a family movie with pizza, sponsored by the Shelburne Equity and Diversity Committee. This month’s film: A boy with a facial difference finds friendship at school.
(Rated PG, 113 minutes)
What if costs run over the $45 million capital cost estimate? That estimate includes ample contingencies already, and the reason the board is going to voters with a $38 million approval (as opposed to a number closer to $30 million, which we anticipate after we secure all grants) is to further decrease the risk to go back to taxpayers for additional approvals if there are yet more unforeseen costs associated with the project.
Our wastewater rates have indeed increased in recent years in preparation for financing the replacement facility. Future increases will be in line with inflation. It is likely that as neighboring communities likewise make capital investments to replace aging equipment their rates may escalate further. If there is anything we’ve learned from recent experience it is that further delay — and replacement of this critical infrastructure is a must, not a want — will only further increase our costs.
The plant capacity is designed for current and projected growth needs, and to maximize
CVU performing arts presents ‘Footloose the Musical!’
Get ready to kick off your Sunday shoes as Champlain Valley Union High School presents the electrifying musical, “Footloose!”
This high-energy production will run four performances from Friday, Nov. 15, to Sunday, Nov. 17, in the school’s theater, 369 CVU Road in Hinesburg.
Based on the iconic 1984 film, “Footloose” tells the story of Ren McCormack, a teenager who moves to the small town of Bomont, where dancing is banned. With vibrant choreography and a catchy score, McCormack teams up with local students to challenge the oppressive rules and bring the
LETTERS
continued from page 6
output based upon the current discharge permit of fully treated sewage into Lake Champlain. Increasing the plant size further to size for some future postO’Brien or other development’s capacity would require increasing the discharge permit, which is a prolonged and expensive process, and would likewise represent a significant cost increase for a hypothetical, and likely contentious, further expansion of housing and sewage needs. Again, many, many years of research and study have led to the vote that we’re
BLOTTER
continued from page 4
Oct. 24 at 4:58 a.m., a caller reported an individual harassing customers at Dunkin Donuts on Shelburne Road. Officers escorted the person off the property and issued a trespass notice.
Oct. 24 at 12:04 p.m., a caller reported a theft of items from their home on Harbor Road. The case is under investigation.
Oct. 24 at 12:15 p.m., a caller reported a stray dog running loose on Woodbine Road. It was reunited with its owner.
Oct. 25 at 4:11 p.m., a caller reported a stray dog running loose on Bay Road. The animal was reunited with its owner.
joy of dance back to their lives.
Under the direction of Elisa Van Duyne and featuring a talented cast of students, this production promises to be a celebration of freedom, friendship and the transformative power of music. With unforgettable songs like “Let’s Hear It for the Boy” and “Holding Out for a Hero,” audiences should expect to tap their toes as they sing along.
The play is recommended for those 13 and up. The shows are Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m.
Tickets are $10, $8 for students and faculty at ticketsource.us/cvutheater.
Matt Wormser Shelburne
now facing, by experts in the field tasked with nothing more than determining how we meet wastewater needs in the most environmentally friendly and cost-effective way possible. I encourage you to support the wastewater bond by voting on Nov. 5 or before.
Matt Wormser serves on the Shelburne Selectboard.
Oct. 26 at 4:14 p.m., a caller reported a disturbance between guests at Harbor Place. Officers helped to mediate the dispute.
Oct. 26 at 5:17 p.m., a caller reported cows running loose near Shelburne Road and Executive Drive. The animals were located, and their owner was notified. Oct. 26 at 8:21 p.m., a caller reported receiving threatening text messages. The case is under investigation.
Oct. 27 at 12:47 p.m., a caller reported a domestic dispute at the North Star Motel involving a male and female. Officers mediated the dispute.
Bruce Roy
“Bruce Roy is committed to working with me to make Vermont a more affordable place to live, work, raise a family, do business and retire in.
Colonel Roy has already dedicated much of his life to serving our country in uniform, and I know he would continue to serve Vermonters well in the State Senate. I encourage the people of Chittenden County to send Bruce to the Senate to help build a stronger Vermont.”
COURTESY PHOTO
The cast of “Footloose,” which plays this month at Champlain Valley High School.
COMMUNITY
Community Notes
Shelburne celebrates bike, pedestrian bridge, sidewalk
The Shelburne Bicycle and Pedestrian Paths Committee is holding an event on Sunday, Nov. 16, 10-11:30 a.m. to celebrate the new pedestrian bridge that connects Falls and Irish Hill roads and sidewalk to Thompson Road.
Gather at the community garden parking area on LaPlatte Circle at 10 and walk or bike from there to the Falls Overlook. There will be music and activities starting at 10:30 a.m. Rain or shine
There is no parking available at the bridge so you will need to get to the Overlook on foot or by bicycle.
For information, reach out to Nicole Carpenter at carpentercoker@yahoo.com or 802-338-0626.
Learn to contra dance in Shelburne
Queen City Contras is once again hosting a contra dance in the Shelburne Town Hall on Friday, Nov. 22, 6:45 p.m.
Helen Kuhar and Rose Jackson will play with caller Don Stratton.
All are welcome, all dances are taught, and no partner or experience is necessary. Bring a pair of clean, soft-soled shoes to dance in and a water bottle to keep you hydrated.
Learn more at queencitycontras.com.
Alpha film series shows at St. John Vianney
Discuss life and faith in an informal, fun and friendly environment at the Alpha weekly film series, St. John Vianney Parish Center, 160 Hinesburg Road, in South Burlington, beginning on Nov. 8, at 6:15 p.m.
Each session begins with a meal, followed by a brief video on a broad question of the Christian faith. Guests are welcome to participate in a small group discussion and share views on the topic. All faiths are welcome.
To register, visit stjohnvianneyvt.org.
Note that the series will not be held Friday, Nov. 29. The Friday, Dec. 20, session has been moved to Wednesday, Dec. 18.
For information, contact Connie McDonald at sjvgoodnews@gmail.com or call 802-864-4166.
Ohavi Zedek hosts Musical Memories Series
On Thursday, Nov. 14, Ohavi Zedek Synagogue and the Lost Mural Project will host a concert featuring saxophonist Marty
Law school scholar talks recent court decisions
The League of Women Voters of Vermont presents the lecture, “Recent Supreme Court Decisions,” on Wednesday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m., with Rod Smolla, president of Vermont Law School. He will discuss the potential impacts of five important court decisions since 2022, including a decision to grant near total legal immunity for any official actions taken the president of the United States. The league’s lecture series, in its ninth season, is designed to bring speakers to discuss contemporary issues related to democracy and social justice. This will be a virtual presentation. To register, go to kellogghubbard.org.
Fogel and his quintet, Thread of Blue. The group includes Tom Cleary on piano, Dan Silverman on trombone, Jeremy Hill on bass and Geoff Bernstein on drums.
The program will include improvisational jazz music emanating from Jewish sourc-
See COMMUNITY NOTES on page 9
2024 Shelburne Recreation Halloween Costume Contest Winners
COURTESY PHOTO
Obituary
Paul L. Daniel
Paul L. Daniel, 78, of St Albans, died on Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, at the University of Vermont Medical Center Hospital following a short illness, surrounded by his wife, Karen E. La Flam Daniel, their son, Bradley M. Daniel, and Paul’s brother and sister-in-law, Thomas and Linda Daniel.
Paul was born on July 14, 1946, in St. Albans, to Edward C. (Mike) and Mary Penell Daniel. He graduated from St Anne’s Academy of Swanton, Class of 1966. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He was in the military for four years from 1966 to 1970. He volunteered to go to Vietnam in November 1967-1968. His rank was sergeant, and he worked as a process operator.
On Feb. 22, 1975, he married the love of his life, Karen E. LaFlam at the Church of the Nativity in Swanton.
Their first son, Bradley M. Daniel, was born 15 months later on Dec. 22, 1976, and their second son, Bryan C. Daniel was born on March 18, 1979.
Paul was employed for 30 years at IBM as a manufacturing operator.
Paul is survived by his loving wife, Karen; son, Bradley; granddaughters, Nevaeh Grace Kemp Daniel and Mackenzie Rose Kemp Daniel; brothers, Edward and his wife, Sandra Daniel of Swanton, Maurice and his wife, Micheline Daniel of New Hampshire and Thomas and Linda Daniel of Essex. He is also survived by many
COMMUNITY
from page 8
es: liturgical melodies, original pieces inspired by religious text, Eastern European tunes and original arrangements of songs by American Jewish composers Jerry Bock, Leonard Bernstein, George Gershwin and Kurt Weill.
The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. at the synagogue, 188 N. Prospect St., in Burlington. Proceeds benefit The Lost Mural Project and Full Circle Preschool.
Learn more at bit.ly/4fmGPdZ
Learn how to spot dis- and misinformation
“Sorting the Spin: How to Spot Made-Up, Murky, and Misleading Information” is the next in the series of Education and Enrichment for Everyone talks.
It will be held at Faith United Methodist Church, 899 Dorset St., South Burlington on Friday, Nov. 1, 2-3:05 p.m.
Learn more at eeevermont.org.
nieces, nephews and cousins.
Paul was predeceased by his son, Bryan, in 1998; brother, James Daniel of St Louis; and parents, Mike and Mary Daniel.
Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, from 4-6 p.m. at the Ready Funeral Home, 261 Shelburne Road, Burlington. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, at 11 a.m., at St. Catherine’s Church of Siena, 72 Church St., Shelburne. Immediately following an interment with military honors will take place in Shelburne Village Cemetery.
The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers contributions be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4550 Post Oak Place Drive, Suite 100, Houston TX 77027 or to a charity of one’s choice.
To send online condolences please visit readyfuneral.com.
Shelburne holds blood drive on Nov. 19
St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Shelburne is hosting a Red Cross blood drive on Tuesday, Nov. 19, noon-5 p.m., 72 Church St.
To give, call 800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org and enter Shelburne to schedule an appointment. Appointments are strongly recommended as walk-ins cannot always be accommodated.
Sign up now for Shelburne grab and go meal
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, Nov. 12. Meals will be available for pick up in the parking lot at 72 Church
Paul L. Daniel
Halloweening
Shelburne’s annual Halloween parade, sponsored by Charlotte Shelburne Hinesburg Rotary, always draws a big crowd of kids of all ages. At right, Dorilee and Sean Lavin were retro school photos straight outta the 1980s with bold patterns, big hair, laser background and all. Below, center, one couple poked fun at the Falls Road demonstration project to improve pedestrian safety by dressing as traffic calming measures.
PHOTOS BY LEE KROHN
Girls’ cross-country captures third straight title
LAUREN READ
CORRESPONDENT
“We put our blood, sweat and tears into this” is one of those time-honored sayings, but on Saturday in the Division I cross country state championship in Thetford, the saying was truer than anyone would have expected.
Despite running a large part of the race with a bloody nose, Champlain Valley’s Audrey Neilson finished in fifth place overall to help the Redhawks capture the D-I state title for the third year in a row.
“Her nose just started bleeding, and she thought about stopping but she decided to keep going and she was all bloody and she ended up getting fifth place,” CVU coach David Baird said. “It just showed the grit this team has.”
CVU teammate Lydia Donahue came in second overall and Charlotte Crum was right behind in third place.
Annalise Wood came in 11th for the Redhawks and Justyna Amblo was 16th overall.
“This team just has championship character,” Baird said. “They talked before the race and talked about positive talk, and that was a big part of their mindset during the race.”
It was the third state title for the Redhawks and the 20th championship in the last 22 seasons. And they did it all without last year’s defending individual state champion Alice Kredell, who missed the race due to an injury.
“They have this confidence about them,” Baird said. “The best way to explain how this team performs in these big moments is they have what we call championship character. It is how you perform at your best in the biggest moments and this group is incredible.”
Essex placed second and Mount Mansfield Union was third. South Burlington came in fifth.
Redhawks head to playoff games
LAUREN READ
CORRESPONDENT
Girls’ soccer
(1) Champlain Valley 1, (9) Burlington 0 (OT): Top-seed Champlain Valley needed overtime to beat Burlington in the quarterfinals on Saturday.
The Redhawks needed just 16 seconds of extra time to get the game-winning goal. Rieanna Murray had the lone goal of the game, with Reese Kingsbury earning the assist.
Champlain Valley faced No. 5 Mount Mansfield in semifinals Wednesday after the press time.
The Redhawks beat the Cougars 5-0 in their first meeting but settled for a 1-1 tie in the second meeting — the only non-win for the 14-0-1 Redhawks.
Football
(1) Champlain Valley 63, (8) Mount Anthony 6: Champlain Valley’s offense led the way to a win over Mount Anthony in the Division I quarterfinals on Saturday, Oct. 26.
Billy Bates led the way with
Boys’ cross country
In the D-I boys’ cross country state championship on Saturday, Champlain Valley came in third place as a team.
an 80-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, had also had a 50-yard touchdown catch and an interception. Nolan Walpole added two rushing touchdowns, and Daniel Tuiqere also ran for two TDs.
Orion Yates threw two touchdown passes, one to Bates and another to George Taylor. Harrison Whitmore added a 2-yard TD and Jake Barrett had an interception and a rushing touchdown.
Champlain Valley faces No. 4 Middlebury in the D-I semifinals on Saturday.
The undefeated Redhawks beat Middlebury 41-7 in their regular season matchup.
Field hockey
(5) Champlain Valley 2, (4) Colchester 1 (2OT): Cordelia Thomas scored in overtime on a penalty stroke to lift Champlain Valley over Colchester in the field hockey quarterfinals on Saturday.
Colchester had a 1-0 lead heading into the second half, but the Redhawks tied the game up and forced it into extra time.
Cole Hart was the top finisher for the Redhawks, coming in 10th overall. Treason McEnaney was 11th, Charles Garavelli was 18th overall and Jack Snyder came in 18th.
The Redhawks finished with 81 points, behind first-place St. Johnsbury (23) and second place BFA-St. Albans (79 points).
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PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID BAIRD
The Champlain Valley High School girls’ cross-country team is the 2024 Division I state champion.
FALLS ROAD
continued from page 1
was installed to provide the working group with public feedback that will eventually inform permanent upgrades.
The demonstration included a handful of measures that inspired a variety of community feedback, including two new crosswalks, speed bumps in four locations, walking lanes on the road and Adirondack chairs.
According to survey data, respondents received both crosswalks well, with the vast majority voting to continue testing them at both locations, which are in front of the Shelburne Country Store and at the Shelburnewood Drive intersection.
Residents also favored the pedestrian island at the Shelburne Shopping Park crosswalk, a notoriously long crosswalk that exposes pedestrians to traffic.
Respondents liked the newly painted parking spaces in front of the country store and walking lanes at multiple locations along Falls Road, although with less favorability than the crosswalks.
Selectboard chair Michael Ashooh said that while the walking lanes are a step in the right direction, he would eventually be more comfortable with actual sidewalks that rise above the road.
A major hurdle to eventually installing sidewalks are centuries-old and incomplete right-ofway documents, which make it difficult to determine where sidewalks can be built without impinging on private property.
Respondents vehemently disapproved of speed bumps, which have been the subject of many complaints this summer.
Less than half of respondents also voted in favor of street art and flowerpots that were part of the demonstration.
There was also a speed study to monitor traffic at two locations on Falls Road before and during the demonstration that found most vehicles exceeded the speed limit of 25 mph at both locations. However, that figure dropped significantly during the demonstration.
At the southern end of Falls Road, the percentage of speeding vehicles fell from 67 to 3, and at the northern end, from 52 to 6.
“Overall, if our goal was to bring down speeds, this data shows that we’ve done a good job,” Grasso said. “It doesn’t mean that what we’ve done is the right thing, but we were successful in that project goal.”
Going forward, the working group is not recommending speed bumps on Falls Road, which were removed earlier this year, although Grasso said the group will explore other ways to slow vehicle traffic.
The group recommended that the crosswalks at Shelburne Country Store and Shelburnewood Drive remain, based on approval from the community, although the country store crosswalk needs to be repainted to keep it safe in the near term. Grasso presented long-term and more costly measures to permanently improve the crosswalk in front of the store.
The group recommended no action on the pedestrian island near the shopping center. Grasso said the group is working to develop a better solution to pedestrian safety at the crosswalk.
The Adirondack chairs are also recommended to stay in place, even during the winter, and the group is exploring alternatives for street art and flowerpots.
Following Grasso’s presentation, Carmone Austin, owner of the Shelburne Country Store, expressed her concerns with the
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project, stating that sales declined this summer during the demonstration. She blamed the speed bumps, which she believes rerouted traffic away from Falls Road.
Selectboard member Matt Wormser said it is not the board’s intention to decrease foot or vehicle traffic, but rather to decrease traffic speed and improve pedestrian
safety.
“This is just a trial run,” he said. “Eventually we’d like to see this area transform into a vibrant economic corridor.”
REDHAWKS
continued from page 11
The Redhawks faced No. 1 Rice on Tuesday, after press time. The Green Knights handed CVU one of its four losses this season.
Boys’ soccer
(1) Champlain Valley 3, (8) St. Johnsbury 0: The boys advanced to the semifinals with a win over St. Johnsbury on Friday, Oct. 25.
Ethan Revoir and Sebastian Bronk each had one goal and one assist for the Redhawks, while Kyle Krieger also tallied.
The Redhawks advanced to the D-I semifinals to face No. 5 Mount Mansfield on Tuesday, after press time, looking to book a spot in the championship game.
The two teams split their
EDUCATION AGENCY continued from page 5
Report can be read on the Commission on the Future of Public Education’s page of the agency website, along with the information on next week’s virtual listening tour sessions.
The commission was formed with the passage of this year’s education yield bill, the annual property tax legislation, which was enacted over Gov. Phil Scott’s
regular season matchups. CVU lost the first, 4-2, and then won the second, 2-0.
George Charlson added an assist for the Redhawks against St. Johnsbury, while Ziggy Babbott won in goal.
Boys’ volleyball
(2) Champlain Valley 3, (7) BFA-St. Albans 0: Champlain Valley advanced to the semifinals after beating BFA-St. Albans on Thursday, Oct. 24, in the quarterfinal matchup.
CVU won the first set, 25-14, the second set, 26-24 and wrapped it up with a 25-17 win in the third.
The Redhawks advanced to face No. 3 Essex on Tuesday in
the semifinals after the newspaper went to press.
The two teams split their regular season matchups.
Girls’ volleyball
(5) Champlain Valley 3, (4) Lyndon 0: The girls swept through Lyndon in the quarterfinals Friday. The Redhawks won in straight sets, 25-16, 25-20 and 27-25, over Lyndon.
CVU faced top-seeded Essex in the semifinals on Wednesday after press time. The Hornets are undefeated and the defending champions, making it a tough matchup for the Redhawks.
Essex won both regular season matchups as well, beating CVU 3-0 and 3-1.
veto. The 13-person commission includes a swath of people from Vermont’s local and state education and government sectors — including appointed and elected officials in Agency of Education and the Legislature, professional and elected officials in local school districts, and people involved in education-oriented
organizations. The commission’s task, per the bill, is to “study the provision of education in Vermont and make recommendations for a statewide vision for Vermont’s public education system to ensure that all students are afforded substantially equal educational opportunities in an efficient, sustainable, and stable education system.”
PHOTO BY AL FREY
CVU’s Cordelia Thomas celebrates after scoring on a penalty stroke in the second overtime to give the Redhawks a 2-1 quarterfinal win over the Colchester Lakers on Oct. 26 in Essex.
COMMUNITY NOTES
continued from page 9
St. from 11 a.m. until noon and are available for anyone 60 or older. Suggested donation is $5.
The menu includes roast turkey with gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing, sliced carrots, cranberry sauce, wheat roll, pumpkin pie with cream and milk.
To order a meal contact Kathleen at agewellstcath@gmail.com or 802-503-1107. Deadline to order is Wednesday, Nov. 6. If this is a first-time order, provide your name, address, phone number and date of birth.
First Congo church hosts chicken dinner
First Congregational Church United Church of Christ in Burlington, 38 South Winooski Avenue, holds a traditional chicken and biscuit dinner on Saturday, Nov. 2, 5-8 p.m.
Tickets are available at the door for $14 per person; $50 for a family of 4; and $10 for college students. To reserve tickets, call 802-862-5010, ext. 4, for dining room or take-out, or email info@ firstchurchburlington.org with your name, phone, email and your reservation information.
Pickup for take-out is from 4-5 p.m.; reservations are required.
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TOWN OF SHELBURNE, VERMONT
NOTICE
& WARNING OF VOTE TO INCUR A BONDED DEBT
The legal voters of the Town of Shelburne, Vermont are hereby notified and warned to come and vote at a Special Town Meeting on
Tuesday, the 5th day of November, 2024
between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., at the voting place hereinafter named, for the following purpose:
To vote upon one bonding article placed on the ballot by request of the Selectboard by a resolution duly adopted and approved, said special article being as follows:
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT CONSOLIDATION
Payments must be POSTMARKED or RECEIVED in the TOWN OFFICES by MIDNIGHT, November 15, 2024. Late payments are subject to penalty and interest. Payments can be left in lock box at Police Department Dispatch until Midnight, November 15, 2024.
PLEASE NOTE: The Police Department cannot provide any information regarding your tax account or receipts for payments.
If any questions please call 985-5120
Office hours for payment in person are Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
“Shall general obligation notes or bonds of the Town of Shelburne in an amount not to exceed Thirty-Eight Million Dollars ($38,000,000), subject to reduction by available grants-in-aid or other funding sources, be issued to finance the cost of consolidating two aging wastewater treatment plants with one renovated treatment plant, and installing a connecting force main, a Lake Champlain outfall, and other system improvements (the “Project”)?
The following is designated as the polling place:
Town Center Gym, 5420 Shelburne Road
The polls open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m.
Publication Dates: October 17, October 24, October 31 Shelburne, Vermont.
Orderedprinted: Diana Vachon, Town Clerk
ENROLLMENT
continued from page 1
frame. Shelburne Community School similarly has seen a 7 percent decline and Charlotte Community School, a nearly 6 percent decline.
It
all
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LEARN HOW PUBLIC INVESTMENT IN CHILD CARE INCREASES SCHOOL READINESS FOR VERMONT KIDS:
“We are seeing a slow, steady decline across our elementary schools,” Gary Marckres, chief operations officer in the district, said. “Specifically, the trend is declining, although that was supported by the demographic report that we had done in 2022, but we are declining a little more than that demographic report suggested that we would.”
South Burlington, meanwhile, has seen a different trend with enrollment slowly but steadily increasing. This year, total enrollment for the school district is roughly 4 percent higher than it was in 2019, according to data provided by the district. Demographic reports commissioned by the district show that those numbers are only set to increase in the coming years.
South Burlington School District administrators have long been aware of the enrollment trend. In 2021, they switched most of their focus to finding solutions to overcrowded elementary schools that, at the time, exceeded the state-recommended 85 percent capacity by more than 100 students.
The school installed eight zero-emission modulars — four at Rick Marcotte Elementary School and four at Orchard Elementary School — that cost roughly $6 million. The portable buildings range in size and use, and school officials have previously said they can help to provide an immediate, albeit temporary, solution to a longer-term problem.
seen an 11 percent drop in student population.
Total enrollment at South Burlington High School in 2024 is 818. At CVU, it is 1,268.
For Champlain Valley, Marckres explained that those numbers make sense since the 9th-grade classes coming into the high school simply have not been as big as the senior classes going out.
But the root of the problem, he said, is much larger.
Interim superintendent Adam Bunting called the enrollment trends in the district since 2016 “daunting” and in a presentation to the Shelburne Selectboard in September said that an aging population in the state compounds the problem when less people are having children.
But each town also faces its own set of unique issues as most of the state grapples with an increasing affordability crisis. From the rising cost of living to increasing property taxes, stemming in part this year from a shift in the state’s education funding formula, school officials recognize that this all negatively affects school enrollment.
“It’s not a standalone issue. From my perspective, this is not a CVSD position. I look at jobs, economic development, the incentives to bring new people into Vermont, it’s a statewide problem.”
— Gary Marckres
The district’s three elementary schools — pre-kindergarten through 5th grade — have seen an increase of roughly 200 additional students since 2019. Chamberlin Elementary School has seen a nearly 6 percent increase in enrollment, while Rick Marcotte Central School has seen a 2 percent increase. But enrollment at Orchard Elementary School has decreased by roughly 7 percent. That elementary school also does not offer a pre-kindergarten classroom.
Keeping with the trend, the city’s Frederick H. Tuttle Middle School has also seen an increase of about 3 percent.
While elementary school statistics for both school districts may be different, high school enrollment has declined at both Champlain Valley Union and South Burlington high schools. Total enrollment at CVU has dropped 3 percent since 2019, while South Burlington High School has
Lack of available housing only adds to the issue, Marckres said. Enrollment trends between the two districts mirror the availability of housing within the towns that make up the districts. According to the Vermont Housing Needs Assessment, South Burlington has the third-highest number of total homes in Chittenden County — behind Burlington and Essex.
“My take is that South Burlington has emphasized and built quite a bit of affordable housing over the last five years. I think the connection with housing is at the root of this,” Marckres said.
But for the towns that make up most of Champlain Valley School District, the number of new homes being permitted slowed down during the pandemic and in the years since. Combined with a reduction in taxing capacity that came about through the shift in the education funding formula and adjusted pupil weighting with declining enrollment, “it’s a pretty big cause of concern,” he said, referring to when the district starts crafting its budget.
“It’s not a standalone issue,” Marckres said. “From my perspective, this is not a CVSD position. I look at jobs, economic development, the incentives to bring new people into Vermont, it’s a statewide problem.”