Shelburne News

Selectboard mulls cuts to services, employee benefits Budget talks

PATRICK BILOW STAFF WRITER

As budget season gets underway, Shelburne town leaders are walking a fine line between cutting services and raising taxes.

During a selectboard meeting last week, town manager Matt Lawless was asked to tighten the belt another notch after proposing a 4 percent tax increase for 2025.

Selectboard members said they were uncomfortable raising property taxes again and opted to revisit the budget next week before delivering an official draft.

The selectboard spent most of last week’s meeting investigating where to cut expenses, focusing on “major buckets” like law enforcement, capital plans and health care, and how to increase revenue.

Shelburne is expected to pay $1.26 million on health care for 54 employees and their families next year. As one of the town’s largest expenses, that figure is a 10 percent increase from last year, and Shelburne, like many Vermont towns, is hard pressed to keep up year after year.

“We need to have a serious conversation about benefits packages,” selectboard chair Michael Ashooh said.

The selectboard discussed potential benefit cuts to bring down the overall cost of health care, while maintaining a scheduled 4 percent raise for employees next year.

“I think the message that Vermont is too expensive rang loud

See BUDGET on page 12

Passion 4 Paws finds homes for more dogs than ever

In her 20 years of rescuing dogs, Robin Shover says she’s never seen so many needing a home.

“It is such an epidemic that people don’t even understand how bad it is, especially right now,” she said.

Animals across the U.S. are experiencing longer stays in shelters, according to the group Shelter Animals Count.

Shover is the founder of Passion 4 Paws, a Shelburne-based, nonprofit, volunteer-run rescue organization. She says a variety of factors are responsible for the increase.

“I think it’s due to the inflation of mental health and people just not being accountable for their commitments,” she said.

After personally rescuing dogs for 10 years, Shover started Passion 4 Paws in 2014. Since then, she says the organization rescued over 3,000 dogs.

Passion 4 Paws relies on volunteers willing to help, whether fostering dogs or transporting them.

See PASSION 4 PAWS on page 13

NOW SERVING BREAKFAST

PHOTO BY LEE KROHN

Shelburne Craft School celebrates the season with its Winter Festival Dec. 7 at its location on Harbor Road. People enjoyed workshops, demonstrations in clay, fiber, glass, metal, wood and more, artisans’ crafts, a silent auction and roasted chestnuts. More photos , page 3.

Celebrating winter!

DECEMBER 26 DEADLINES

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Lewis Creek wraps up season in field

KATE KELLY AND PORTIA BUTRYM CONTRIBUTERS

For yet another summer, volunteers of all ages hopped in kayaks and canoes to remove European frogbit, a non-native invasive plant species that spreads rapidly in bays and wetlands.

In 2007, Lewis Creek Association initiated the Water Quality Stewardship Program and has since worked annually to manage the invasive plants and water quality of the rivers and streams that drain directly into Lake Champlain. The volunteer-driven frogbit project is the result of cooperation between many individuals and groups, including the towns of Charlotte, Shelburne and Hinesburg, Shelburne Bay Boat Club and a supportive Charlotte property owner.

European frogbit, a common aquarium plant, spread to the United States via the St. Lawrence River after it was introduced to arboretum ponds in Ottawa in 1932. It is now considered an aquatic invasive species because it dominates native species in the competition for sunlight, nutrients and surface area.

In 2007, frogbit covered 50 percent of Town Farm Bay. Annual paddling and weeding trips, with a side of bird- and turtle-watching, have reduced the coverage of frogbit to just under 4 percent. In contrast, when frogbit was discovered in the wetlands of the LaPlatte Natural Area, it had a much lower percentage cover, which gave the Lewis Creek Association’s program and volunteers the oppor-

Volunteers remove European frogbit plants and load them into boats.

tunity for early detection and a rapid response.

Though the invasive plant will never be eradicated in either location, maintaining this low population allows native plants and animals to thrive.

This summer, volunteers spent 159 hours removing 720 pounds of frogbit from Town Farm Bay, more than what was harvested in 2023. Volunteers spent 63 hours harvesting 450 pounds of frogbit, more than seven times the amount from last year, in the LaPlatte River wetlands.

Multiple precipitation events throughout July affected the water

level of Lake Champlain, greatly increasing the amount harvested by volunteers. The water quality program also includes the annual monitoring of water quality in the LaPlatte River, Patrick Brook, McCabe’s Brook, Thorp Brook, Kimball Brook and Lewis Creek and its tributaries, by volunteers for South Chittenden River Watch. This year’s results will be available at lewiscreek.org next spring.

Kate Kelly is the Lewis Creek Association program manager. Portia Butrym is the group’s non-native invasive plant coordinator

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Registered Nurse on sta Roof Terrace / Market & cafe

PHOTO BY PORTIA BUTRYM

PHOTOS BY LEE KROHN

A weaver offers a demonstration at the Shelburne Craft School’s recent winter festival. Two young men hold up a map of Vermont created from wood.

Total reported incidents: 84

Traffic stops: 0

Warnings: 0 Tickets: 0

Arrests: 0

Medical emergencies: 17

Mental health incidents: 4

Suspicious incidents: 9

Directed patrols: 42

Citizen assists: 11

Motor vehicle complaints: 1

Car crash: 6

Animal problem: 4

Noise disturbance: 2

Unlawful Mischief: 0

Theft: 1

Harassment: 1

Vandalism: 1

Property damage: 0

Fraud: 3

Alarms: 9

Pending investigations: 4

911 Hang-up calls: 2

Dec. 2 at 6:08 a.m., police assisted Vermont Fish and Wildlife when a duck hunter reported being harassed by an individual on Lands’ End Lane. The officer forwarded the information to the game warden.

Dec. 2 at 10:49 a.m., a caller reported that a walker for an elderly person fell from the back of car on Executive Drive. The property was returned to the owner.

Dec. 2 at 12:14 p.m., an intoxicated guest refused to leave the Quality Inn. Officers transported them to a family member’s residence.

Dec. 2 at 12:38 p.m., someone

reported a suspicious person knocking on doors near Penny Lane. The individual was transported to the hospital for evaluation.

Dec. 2 at 5:09 p.m., a two-car motor vehicle crash resulted in injuries on Shelburne Road. The patient was transported to the hospital by Shelburne Rescue.

Dec. 2 at 8:25 p.m., a tow truck driver retrieving a vehicle reported being harassed and threatened on Laplatte Circle. The officer mediated the dispute with the property owner.

Dec. 3 at 10:23 a.m., a caller on Spear Street reported receiving threatening messages. The case is under investigation.

Dec. 3 at 10:42 a.m., someone reported being the target of identity theft, resulting in the loss of money. The matter was forwarded to Vermont State Police for investigation.

Dec. 3 at 1:05 p.m., the animal control officer was notified of a stray dog running loose on Simmons Drive.

Dec. 4 at 4:25 p.m., individuals were reportedly too loud at the North Star Motel. Officers and mediated their dispute.

Dec. 4 at 5:53 p.m., police were called to a domestic dispute between family members on Laplatte Circle. Neither party

See BLOTTER on page 13

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OPINION

Vermont Fish and Wildlife reveals how trappers are really in charge of policy

Guest Perspective

John Aberth

A recent article published by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department entitled, “A Word of Thanks to Vermont’s Trappers,” illustrates the inherent bias and resulting obstacles to truly scientific, objective management of Vermont’s furbearer species like otters, bobcats and foxes. (Vermont Hunting and Trapping Guide: Official Regulations, 2024; Vermont Furbearer Management Newsletter, Spring 2022)

Among the encomiums lavished on trappers are: “conservation-minded,” “community scientists,” “responsible” and “self-regulating.” This is all part of fish and wildlife’s marketing ploy to elevate the image of trappers, whose numbers are dwindling and represent just 0.15 percent of Vermont’s population. What’s even more concerning is that Brehan Furfey, the department’s furbearer biologist, and commissioner Christopher Herrick starred in a trapping propaganda film created by the Vermont Trappers Association that was full of misinformation and fear tactics.

Herrick and Furfey drew a political line in the sand, referring to most Vermonters who oppose trapping as “animal rights extremists,” which couldn’t be further from the truth. They are supposed to work for all Vermonters, not for any special interest group.

Every one of the department’s claims as to how trappers “contribute” to furbearer conservation in Vermont can be refuted or shown to be without foundation. For example, trapping is not an effective means of population control of furbearers because it indiscriminately targets members of a species, and indeed can hardly target one species over another in the typical leghold or conibear trap. A lynx or a marten can just as easily be caught in a trap set for a bobcat or a mink.

A healthy animal is just as likely to be caught in a trap as a diseased one; a male is just as likely to be caught as a female; a young animal is just as likely to be caught as a mature one; and so on. In general, furbearer species self-regulate their populations based on the carrying capacity of the land, or in other words, depending on the quantity of prey or other food available, and in accordance with the internal dynamics of the colony or pack. There is therefore no need for trapping to keep these populations in balance with the landscape; indeed, trapping can interfere with these self-regulation dynamics and therefore be counterproductive. There is also no need for trapping to resolve human-animal conflicts when so many non-lethal and more sustainable solutions are available and have been for a long time now. Trapped carcasses provide data for the department, such as how many animals are poisoned by environmental toxins like rodenticide. But this is also a Catch-22, in that trapping also places its own stressors on furbear-

er populations and the trapping lobby inhibits the department from acting on this data. For example, it has been found that 100 percent of fishers, a key predator species that plays an important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems, tested positive for rodenticide.

At the same time, the Catch Per Unit Effort data, a way to measure population trends, has indicated that the fisher population has been in decline since at least 2000. Such data argue strongly for two actions: that rodenticide use be curtailed; and that trapping of fishers be temporarily suspended until the population recovers.

The Department and Fish and Wildlife Board has thus far refused to do either of these things, despite petitions submitted in support. Indeed, when Protect Our Wildlife petitioned the board in 2021 for a suspension of trapping of fisher, the department and board denied it. When the department fails to act upon the clear implications of its own data, how can the public trust their intentions? A new petition for a moratorium on fisher trapping was heard at the most recent Vermont Fish & Wildlife Board meeting in October. However, I don’t hold out much hope that they’ll respond any differently to this one than they did back in 2021, despite further evidence that the fisher population is at risk.

Although the department claims that trapping is humane, the bottom line is that the actual mechanics of the steel-jawed leghold trap argues against this: The trap’s powerful jaws will slam shut upon whatever limb or portion of its face that an animal uses to trigger the trip pan of the trap. Even when the department was tasked with coming up with best management practices for trapping in accordance with Act 159, it came up short. When reviewed by the Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules, which is charged with reviewing rulemaking by all state agencies, the department’s proposed trapping regulations were deemed insufficient. All this strongly suggests that management policy decisions regarding wildlife are being made out of political deference to the Vermont Trappers Association, rather than in accordance with sound scientific principles and the wishes of most Vermonters.

For this reason, the best thing lawmakers could do is to ban recreational trapping, which is counterproductive to so many of the department’s goals, including protecting wildlife habitat such as the wetlands created by beavers, and protecting endangered species like the lynx and marten. Lynx and martens don’t stand a chance in Vermont when they can be just as easily ensnared in a trap set for a bobcat, coyote, mink, or other furbearers. Making up reasons to justify trapping is not only disingenuous, but also harmful to true conservation.

John Aberth lives in Roxbury and is a board member of the advocacy group, Protect Our Wildlife. He is also a licensed volunteer wildlife rehabilitator.

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In consideration of these nineteen

In Musing

Carole Vasta Folley

Nineteen days remain until the end of the year. That is all I will focus on right now. Really, for me, it’s all I can focus on presently, although many would recommend I should only pay attention to today, the hour or the minute of right now. Others would advocate for thinking ahead and the necessity of making a plan for next year.

Me? I’ll hold firm on the 19 days. I shall consider each one an opportunity. Not in a self-help catchphrase, seize-the-day, kind of way, but more in simply being aware of each day, its passage of time. My time. My life. Nineteen dawns and 19 dusks. Approximately 57 meals, 152 hours of sleep, if I’m so lucky, and the myriad of things that come in between. I want to notice all of it, as much as I can. Nineteen days seems a reasonable amount, an achievable goal for my driven-to- distraction self. It’s a good compromise between “the power of now” and masterminding the future.

ing turkey out of the oven? The commercialized Yuletide that strong-arms the meaning of the season and wears out your credit card? That one.

This means I will add to my overstuffed life decorating, shopping, attending events, making dinners, baking cookies and pies and, oh, don’t forget to buy a tree. I’ll probably throw in a bevy of carols and most definitely celebrate the winter solstice. A real must this year as it honors the return of light, hope in the face of darkness. This mightily ups the ante for my 19-day endeavor. OK, life, I see you — all provoking and anxious-making. But, no, I’m not going to bite. In fact, you’re on! I will now take this 19-day consciousness-thing as a challenge. I’ll even raise the stakes and add in a few extra gauntlets as well. Maybe in the next 19 days I’ll get a colonoscopy or have a busted boiler? Imagine the dire possibilities.

all, life is already generous in its struggles and plot twists. So, what will my plan be? Well, first let me rid myself of any faddish, hackneyed ways to proceed. There’ll be no “19 Steps to Awareness,” no gratitude journal, no mantras and absolutely no cleansing. Or fasting! I’m counting on the eggnog and tourtière for fortification.

Letters to the Editor

Deer camp, hunting great Vermont traditions

To the Editor:

At dusk in November, lights will flicker on in thousands of deer camps in the hills, dales and deep woods throughout rural Vermont as hunters gather for Vermont’s unofficial 16-day holiday otherwise known as rifle season.

This could be a gargantuan task or even mission impossible, because almost two weeks into these 19 days rests Christmas. You know, the holiday that starts when you take your Thanksgiv-

“Wait a minute! Hold on there,” my better-self yells. And she’s right. Please, there’s no need to add probing procedures or furnace failures to the holiday season. I’m more than content to stick with simply paying close attention to each day of the 19 days left in this year. I do not want extra stressors. No need to be all “Games of Thrones” about it, after

Instead, my plan is uncomfortable to practice and revealing to admit. Here it is: I don’t know. I don’t know how I’ll suddenly manage to be mindful and present for 19 days in a row. Currently, for me, this is a good thing. Believing I have to know how to do something ahead of time has been the incessant fool’s errand of my life. When I’m willing to be uncomfortable not knowing how and still endeavor toward a goal, it turns out to be the magic formula I’d been missing all along. There are so many things in my life I’ve wanted but because I didn’t know how, I let them go, until they were nothing but an echo of desire in absentia. I have learned the long, hard way it is in the not-knowing where the how is found.

I look forward to the discovery. How will I notice each of these next 19 days of the year? This precious 456 hours? Check back next year. I can’t wait to tell you.

Carole Vasta Folley is an award-winning columnist and playwright. Visit carolevf.com.

Many hunters take a two-week vacation so they can be at camp for the entire rifle season. Some are so in love with the hunting way of life that they will hunt deer in more than one state. Some camps are many decades old, some a century or more. Generations of family and friends have been part of camp lore.

Come Saturday morning, after a big hunter’s breakfast at camp or at a local breakfast spot, hunters will filter into the woods, some under the cover of darkness, in hopes of bagging the ever-elusive white tail buck at first light. Soon, shots will ring from the hills.

If a hunter hears nearby shots, he or she hopes it was one of their campmates who bagged a first-day buck. Or, if the shots missed, the hunter hopes the deer is heading on its way.

Shortly after dawn, deer reporting stations in small towns throughout Vermont will come alive with hunters reporting their bucks per state law. The stations record weight and other information. Many also run buck pools and post photos of each successful hunter. There is a buzz from all the activity that opening day creates.

Even though in recent years there has been an option to report deer online, there is still something special about the camaraderie and pageantry surrounding these check stations, and many

folks are eager to see, be seen and swap stories at these social hubs. Back at camp, it will be a festive 16 days where participants hunt hard — some harder than others — eat hearty and enjoy leaving life’s daily problems far behind. Rural businesses throughout the state benefit from all the hunters suddenly in their midst — tourist revenue for non-tourist towns.

Camps generally have a large dining area to accommodate everyone, and many heartwarming and hilarious hunting stories get told around those tables. Wild game meals are common. Camp participants range from kids to some of Vermont’s oldest citizens and from first timers to those who only join us in memory.

Steve McLeod Bolton

Steve McLeod is former executive director of the Vermont Traditions Coalition, and president of the Champion Lands Leaseholders and Traditional Interests Association.

Gun sense: Is Burlington above the law?

To the Editor:

On Nov. 18, the Burlington City Council passed a resolution and then adopted an ordinance to ban possession of firearms in any establishment that sells liquor. By taking those two actions, Burlington City Council broke Vermont law, known as the pre-emption statute. The law is clear:

“Except as otherwise provided

See LETTERS on page 7

REPAIRS

Carole Vasta Folley

continued from page

by law, no town, city, or incorporated village, by ordinance, resolution, or other enactment, shall directly regulate hunting, fishing, and trapping or the possession, ownership, transportation, transfer, sale, purchase, carrying, licensing, or registration of traps, firearms, ammunition, or components of firearms or ammunition.”

By enacting that statute, the Legislature wisely decided that Vermont would not become a patchwork of conflicting ordinances that change at town lines, thereby ensuring uniformity and consistency of firearm laws as Vermonters travel around the state.

Burlington is experiencing more violent crime, and Vermonters, in general, are bypassing the city for shopping and entertainment. Many Vermonters believe this shift in crime is the result of the questionable move by the city council to defund and reduce the size of the Burlington Police Department, coupled with the desire to never incarcerate people even though they may repeatedly do bad things.

For many law-abiding citizens, the result of these changes regarding the punishment of criminal activity, both minor and major, has encouraged more people who have

never owned a firearm to purchase one. It has also encouraged gun owners, law-abiding people who can pass background checks without any problem, to conceal carry for their own protection.

In recent memory, there has been only one well-publicized incident of a woman shooting a man outside of a bar in Burlington. She pulled a pistol from her purse and then committed cold-blooded murder.

The creation of a gun-free zone, which is not enforced, will

How

Detect a Gas Leak

Natural gas is normally odorless. VGS adds an odorant similar to the smell of rotten eggs, so it can be easily recognized.

You may see a white cloud, mist, fog, bubbles in standing water, or blowing dust, or vegetation that appears to be dead or dying for no apparent reason.

You may hear an unusual noise like a roaring, hissing, or whistling.

Sly Tips for Gas Safety This Winter

Protect Meters and Vents from Ice and Snow

Don’t push or pile deep snow around meters and ensure whoever removes snow from your property knows meter and appliance vent locations. Use extreme caution when clearing snow and large icicles near meters and vents. If your meter gets encased in thick ice, please call us.

If you suspect a leak:

Move immediately to a safe location. Call VGS at 800-639-8081 or call 911 with the exact location. Do not smoke or operate electrical switches or appliances. These items may produce a spark that might result in a dangerous condition. Do not assume someone else will report the condition.

Have a happy and safe holiday season!

More safety information here:

December starts the bird feeding season

“Winter bird feeding is a great way to observe and learn about our year-round bird residents such as black capped chickadees, nuthatches and blue jays. It’s also a great time to learn about winter visitors such as evening and pine grosbeaks,” Jillian Kilborn, Vermont Fish and Wildlife’s bird project leader, said.

Here are some basic bird-feeding tips from Vermont Fish and Wildlife:

• Make your own feeding mixture to maximize the number of species visiting your yard. Black oil sunflower seed is a favorite of many birds, but when mixed with “thistle” (or “nyjer”) or cracked corn you will be sure to attract a wide variety of species. Don’t forget the suet to attract woodpeckers and even chickadees.

• Mix up the type of feeders you use. Hopper feeders are great for large birds such as blue jays, while tube feeders are best for smaller birds. Elevated tray feeders will attract birds that usually feed on the ground including juncos and larger bodied winter visitors such as evening grosbeaks.

• Place your feeders near natural habitat, or even add a habitat for birds to hide. A Christmas tree is a great addition to a snowbank next to your feeder to provide quick cover.

• Keep your feeders clean. Only put out enough food for a day, and wash feeders every couple of weeks in a 10 percent bleach solution and let dry to prevent the spread of bacteria and disease.

If you decide to feed birds, remember:

• Feeding can expose birds to hazards they might otherwise avoid. The risks of predation are higher close to people, especially from domestic cats — the lead-

Bird feeders offer an easy and safe way to interact with wildlife and installing them after Dec. 1 limits the potential to attract bears, keeping you and the birds safe.

ing cause of bird deaths in North America. Keep cats inside and take feeders down if predators become frequent visitors. Also, place feeders within three feet of windows to minimize high speed window strikes.

• Don’t feed birds when bears are active. Most bears are in dens from Dec. 1 to April 1, but some will delay hibernation or re-emerge to feed during periods of warmer weather. Remove bird feeders immediately if you see signs of bears or know a bear is active in your community. Bears that learn to associate food with a house will continue to return, potentially leading to property damage and dangerous encounters with people. Further, it is illegal to feed bears in Vermont.

• Once you’ve started feeding the birds, keep your feeders stocked. Although wild birds are not entirely dependent on bird feeders, they can become accustomed to this easy food source. If you wish to stop feeding during

winter months, gradually taper off the amount of food you provide rather than stopping abruptly, giving the birds a chance to find other food sources.

This is especially important when food is scarce in late winter or during periods of extreme weather. Immediately remove feeders if there are reports of avian influenza or even a bacterial infection outbreak. Concentrating birds at a feeder only contributes

LETTERS

continued from page 7

be nothing more than a false sense of security for anyone who chooses to enter an establishment that sells liquor. Passing a law that says “no guns allowed” does nothing more than create a zone of illusionary protection, which is no protection at all. Beyond that, this is not just “guns in bars,” it bans guns in any establishment that sells alcohol, which would

to the spread of diseases.

If you find a dead bird visit the avian influenza wildlife health bulletin on the Vermont Fish and Wildlife website for more information on when to report, and what to do.

• Finally, report your observations. While watching your bird feeders, you can participate in one or more bird monitoring projects by looking up the Audubon Christmas Bird Count, Great

Backyard Bird Count and Project Feeder Watch and eBird. All collect important information for understanding bird populations. As winter sets in, find a comfortable spot inside where you can watch the birds visiting your feeders. Figure out what birds they are, observe how they interact with each other, and see what they prefer to eat. It’s a perfect way to get to know the birds around you better.

also mean restaurants and other venues.

In a utopian world, there may not be any need for firearms, but in today’s world that is not the case. Innocent people are being horribly affected by violent crime across Vermont and especially in Burlington, and people have a right to defend themselves. Now, it would seem appro-

priate for Vermont’s attorney general to inform the Burlington City Council that it has broken Vermont law, with these actions properly set aside as being illegal.

Chris

Bradley President and executive director Vermont Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs

CHRISTMAS TREES, NATURAL DECOR & MORE

PHOTO

JOHN HALL

Community Notes

Shelburne Historical Society gets grant to preserve collections

The Shelburne Historical Society has received a grant from the Lake Champlain Basin Program to help it archive historical records.

The $4,900 grant will help to preserve special collections of the society. This project will provide metal-wire shelving to archivally store individual items and collections while also documenting the items in the CatalogIt collection management software.

The society started to organize and catalogue the materials in its collections in January 2022. Since then, the society has researched and installed a management software, pre-organized and inventoried the collection and attended courses given by the Vermont Historical Society on how to catalog items

Vermont’s roving archivist reviewed the collections and archiving efforts and provided additional support, resources and recommendations. The society also worked with the collections manager of the Vermont Historical Society to help develop processes and procedures for cataloging and managing its collections.

Once the project is complete in October, it will be easier for members and others to locate items in the collection. The project will also better support research requests for those interested in Shelburne history, both in the museum and online.

To visit the historical society online, go to shelburnehistoricalsociety.org.

Solaris Vocal Ensemble offers ‘A Joyful Sound’

Ring in the season with Solaris Vocal Ensemble as it presents “A Joyful Sound,” featuring guest artists Northern Bronze Handbell Ensemble.

Concerts will be held Saturday, Dec.

Waterbury, or Sunday, Dec. 22, at 4 p.m. at College Street Congregational Church, 265 College St., Burlington.

“A Joyful Sound” will feature festive holiday selections for voices and instruments and five octaves of handbells. The concert opens with a new arrangement of “Joy to the World” by Solaris’ composer-in-residence, James Stewart.

An array of songs of Christmas and Hanukkah by Eleanor Daley, Andre Thomas, Dan Forrest, Neil Ginsberg, Elaine Hagenberg, Alice Parker and Robert Shaw join a variety of wind, string and percussion instruments to reflect the joyous sounds of the season. Learn more at solarisensemble.org.

Charlotte fire, rescue service welcomes Santa

Santa’s coming to the Charlotte Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service on Sunday, Dec. 15, 4:30-5:30 p.m., 170 Ferry Road.

Come help Santa light up CVFRS. Enjoy cocoa and a candy cane, and write your letter to Santa before he arrives around 5 p.m. to turn the switch on the new seasonal light display.

Get your gifts wrapped at University Mall

The gift wrap booth in the food court at University Mall in South Burlington is back this season, with all proceeds from the service benefitting the homeless services agency at ANEW Place.

Bring your gifts to be wrapped by volunteers in quality papers and gift boxes, decorated with bows and ribbons. Drop off any item of any size and chill out in the food court or pick them up later.

The gift wrap booth is open from Friday, Dec. 6, through Christmas Eve during mall hours.

Rest Assured

ANEW Place’s mission is to help create in the lives of the homeless.

Families deserve peace of mind knowing their loved ones are well cared for, at an aﬀordable price. There may come a time when day-to-day tasks that were once enjoyable are a challenge or that conditions become unpredictable.

At Mansﬁeld Place, residents enjoy the best of both worlds, a wide range of amenities and activities, as well as excellent services and support as needed.

Solstice concert with Rowan

Celebrate the upcoming winter solstice with a concert by the band Rowan. It’ll be an evening of resonant tunes in the Celtic, folk, traditional, Appalachian and Americana genres. The band utilizes guitar, mandolin, bouzouki, cuatro octave-mandolin, Celtic harp, harmonica, claw-hammer banjo, and more.

Known for its full sound and heartfelt arrangements, Rowan has graced stages like Flynn Theater and St. Michael’s College. Light up the dark evening with this musical journey in the beauty of town hall on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Space doula Tana Paddock

How do you relate to your belongings? Are they simply a backdrop to your life or do they spark particular emotions like joy, comfort, anxiety or grief? How do you part ways with something you cherish but no longer have the space or use for?

Whether you are transitioning to a senior living community, experiencing loss due to a climate catastrophe, desiring some Marie Kondo-style action, or just interested in better understanding your relationship to your belongings, come ready to explore these questions and more, with deep curios-

News from Pierson Library

ity and an open heart.

Seltzer and hot pizza will be provided in a variety of glutenfree and vegan options. This intimate conversation will be led by space doula Tana Paddock on Thursday, Dec. 12, 6-8 p.m. Space limited to 10 people. To register call 802-985-5124.

Upcoming book clubs

Come find community and reflect on great literature and hot new nonfiction at the Pierson Library at three upcoming book clubs.

On Saturday, Dec. 14, at 10 a.m., the discussion will be on Jake Bittle’s climate refugee book, “The Great Displacement.”

On Monday, Dec. 16, at 10:30 a.m., book clubbers will chat about Sally Rooney’s latest,

“Intermezzo.”

On Tuesday, Dec. 17, at 6 p.m., the chat will be about Natasha Boyd’s “The Indigo Girl.”

Everyone is welcome to attend the conversations that are sure to spawn connection and fire-up the cerebral cortexes.

Holiday events for kids, families

On Friday, Dec. 13, the library is showing an early 1980s seasonal family film as part of its multicultural movie night series. It’s about an arctic locomotive and a pair of kiddos on an adventure to find jolly old St. Nick.

The film is by director Bobby Zemeckis, who utilizes innovative-at-the-time motion capture effects, and based on a perennial kid’s book classic.

Then, on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 10:30 a.m., kids how sign up can come decorate a cardboard Charlie Brown Christmas tree. To register, call 802-985-5124 as space and supplies are limited.

And that ain’t all!

There’s also an afternoon of tech support, a certified therapy dog that digs picture books, a teen writing group, an after-school PlayStation 5 hang, a death cafe, and more. For a full list of events visit piersonlibrary.org.

News from Charlotte Senior Center

• December art exhibit, “The Magical World of Birds Photography” by Barbara Motyka.

• Coffee and canvas: snowy winter landscape, Thursday, Dec. 12, 12:30-2 p.m. $30. Registration and payment required by Dec. 6. With Sherry Senior. Explore and create your own unique painting. All materials included.

• Men’s breakfast, Friday, Dec. 13, 7 a.m. Suggested donation is $6. There will be no guest speaker, but rather this will be a social breakfast as an opportunity to slow down and connect during the hectic holiday season. To attend, email Lane Morrison at lmorrison@ gmavt.net by Nov. 5.

• Gen-Hub, Friday, Dec. 13, 1 p.m. Free, but registration required. Gen-hub is a new group of social gatherings for seniors interested in building friendships and making new connections in a safe and cozy environment. Light refreshments and lots of conversations and mingling.

• Beaded eyeglass necklace workshop, Monday, Dec. 16, 1:30-3:30 p.m. $15, registration and payment required by Dec. 12. Are you always losing your reading glasses? Or are you looking for a holiday gift idea for someone who can’t keep track of their reading glasses? Join beader Pat Riesner and create a beaded necklace for glasses.

• Play reading, Wednesday, Dec. 18, 1-3:30 p.m. Free, but registration required. Join Sue Foley and Wally Gates for table-reading fun. No tryouts, no rehearsals, no critical reviews. The group meets monthly and is for people who enjoy reading plays aloud or listening to others perform. To attend, email ssnfoley@icloud.com.

• Charlotte death café, Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2:303:30 p.m. Free, but registration required. Celebrate life by voicing concerns and sharing questions, ideas and stories around death and dying.

• Gingerbread house building party, Wednesday, Dec. 18, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Free, but registration required. Hosted by Champlain Valley Union High School Senior Community Service Club. Materials provided to decorate gingerbread houses with students and peers. Space is limited.

• Winter solstice meditation with Charlie Nardozzi and Heidi Kvasnak, Friday, Dec. 20, 5-6 p.m. Suggested donation is $5-$20. A candlelight meditation starting with seated, gentle movements, followed by soft chanting, a longer sitting meditation and a closing chant. Registration suggested.

For more information about any of the programming, go to charlotteseniorcentervt.org. Register at 802-425-6345.

Shelburne Parks & Rec News

Toddler open gym

Come play and connect with others. No pre-registration necessary, just sign in at the door. A parent or caregiver must always be present.

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 free open gym for toddlers and preschoolers. The session is Sunday, Dec. 15, 9:30-11 a.m. More dates are scheduled for 2025 so check our website for more details.

Volunteer coordinator is Aisha Mueller, and the program is held at Shelburne town gym.

Free senior walking program

Stay active and healthy during the icy and cold winter months by walking in a safe and warm environment — the town gym — on Monday, Wednesday and Friday through April 2, 9-10:30 a.m. Bring a pair of clean, dry soft-soled shoes with you and change before entering the gym. No registration is required. Shelburne residents only. Note that the schedule is subject to change. Call 802-985-9551 for updated schedule or check calendar on gym door as there are blackout dates due to other scheduled events.

Learn more at shelburnevt. org/160/parks-recreation or call 802-985-9551.

Tana Paddock

Arnold P. Griffis

Arnold Phillip Griffis, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brotherin-law and friend died peacefully on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, at the age of 89, in his home in South Burlington, surrounded by loved ones and the caring support of Bayada Hospice. He bravely fought end-stage metastatic cancer and fulfilled his wish to died comfortably at home.

Born on June 5, 1935, in Arlington, Arnold was the cherished son of the late Dudley Griffis Sr. and Mary Griffis. He was predeceased by his siblings, William “Bill” Griffis, Dudley “Dud” Griffis Jr., Tom Griffis, Colleen Griffis and George Griffis.

Arnold is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Christine “Tina” Griffis; his loving children, Arnold “Rusty” Griffis Jr. and his wife, Kelly, Mark Griffis, Julie Griffis and her partner, Dan Bigos and Adam Griffis and his wife, Whitney Warstler; grandchildren, Jake Griffis and his wife, Angie, Andy Griffis and his wife, Michele, Shannon Turner and her husband, Rob, Cody Griffis, Arianna Parish,

Lillian Griffis, Hazel Warstler and Phillip Griffis; and caring brother-in-law, Timothy Lindsey. He was the proud great-grandfather to nine great-grandchildren, and a cherished uncle to numerous nieces and nephews.

Arnold honorably served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1953 to 1956 during the Korean War. His sense of duty and patriotism were evident in his service and remained a proud part of his identity.

A lifelong and skilled tradesman, Arnold built a remarkable career in stone masonry, tile work, general contracting and kitchen design. As the owner of his own business for most of his professional life, he took immense pride in delivering the highest quality work — from small remodeling projects to designing and constructing multi-million-dollar homes. His strong work ethic and passion for his craft brought him purpose and pride throughout his life.

An avid outdoorsman, Arnold found his greatest joys in nature. He was a familiar figure in Vermont’s state parks, spending countless weekends camping with his wife, Tina. The Green Mountains were his second home,

where he pursued whitetail deer and turkey with patience and skill honed over decades. His hunting adventures took him far beyond Vermont, exploring the Rockies and untamed wilderness of northern Ontario, where he had the joy of hunting elk alongside many wonderful companions. When not in pursuit of game, Arnold could often be found along Vermont’s rivers and streams, rod in hand, seeking the perfect fishing hole. Winter never stifled his love for the outdoors as he frequently went ice fishing on Shelburne Bay. Many may not know that Arnold was also a talented artist. During his youth in Arlington,

he received mentorship from Norman Rockwell. Arnold would produce drawings to present to Rockwell for feedback, fostering his artistic abilities. In his later years, he applied his drawing skills to create designs for remodeling and new building projects.

After retiring from his contracting business, Arnold continued to serve his community as the sexton for the Shelburne United Methodist Church for 18 years. His dedication and service were deeply appreciated by the congregation and community alike.

Arnold was the kind of person everyone knew and loved. His outgoing, kind-hearted nature made friends wherever he went. A man of few words, his wisdom and sincerity resonated deeply with those around him. He was strong-willed and persevering, and he faced challenges headon, always finding a way to “fix” things or overcome obstacles. His good humor, easy-going demeanor, honesty and loyalty made him a pillar to those who knew him. He always strived to do the right thing.

One of his favorite sayings, especially to his children, was “Don’t worry, be happy.” This

simple phrase encapsulated his optimistic outlook on life and ability to find the silver lining in any situation. He taught those around him to view challenges as lessons and opportunities for growth.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, at 1 p.m. in the fellowship hall at the Shelburne United Methodist Church in Shelburne.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Bayada Hospice, whose exceptional care comforted Arnold and his loved ones in his final days. To place a donation in his name, please mail a check made out to Bayada Hospice, 463 Mountain View Drive, Suite 100, Colchester VT 05446.

To honor his final wishes, family and friends will scatter his ashes at his favorite hunting spot, the Kelley Stand in Arlington in early June 2025. A subsequent celebration of life gathering will occur at the Arlington Recreation Park pavilion.

Arnold touched the lives of many with his kindness, humor and zest for life. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those who loved him.

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Arnold P. Griffis

continued from page 1

and clear this year,” board member Matt Wormser said. “It’s a bit like robbing Peter to pay Paul, but paying more and being a little less generous with benefits seems more in line with people’s priorities right now.”

Lawless agreed.

“If the main struggle is to buy gas and pay rent, then my insurance card doesn’t help me at the gas pump,” Lawless said.

The selectboard discussed a sliding scale benefits package that would adjust based on employee income, although nothing was decided during last week’s meeting.

While new benefits packages are on the horizon, town cost sharing on platinum-level health care plans is locked into union contracts and wouldn’t change, according to Lawless.

Another major expense for Shelburne is police officer overtime.

The town strives to offer 24-7, two-officer coverage, but with only seven officers right now, the department can’t offer that type of coverage without paying overtime.

The town spent $187,000 on officer overtime this year, and that figure is projected to nearly double next year to $340,000, according to Lawless, presenting figures from chief Mike Thomas.

Lawless said overtime fluctuates with recruitment. At one point this year, the department was almost fully staffed with 10 officers and overtime payments weren’t as high. The department is budgeted for 11 officers and is hoping to hire more next year.

The selectboard discussed whether the department could drop to one-officer coverage, particularly during quieter times. Lawless said the police department is reluctant to take that step.

The town will also begin chip-

The Stern Center’s expert team works with children, teens, and adults who need communication support of all kinds. To learn more about what speech therapy can do, check out our free guide.

ping away at a 10-year capital improvement plan next year.

Year one of the plan calls for $1.7 million in proposed spending. Projects include HVAC and roof repairs at town hall, communication upgrades for the fire and rescue department, which are currently operating with a faulty radio tower, a new street mower and brush chipper and improving Pond Road.

Pond Road is gravel road that eats up $100,000 in maintenance expenses every year. Located near wildlife corridors for amphibians and land creatures, attempts to pave the road — and potentially reduce maintenance costs — have routinely been thwarted.

“It’s like night of the living dead with Pond Road,” Ashooh said. “Clearly this is going to be another conversation because the issue hasn’t gone away.”

Selectboard members

discussed a wildlife study to determine the best course of action with Pond Road. The idea is to reduce annual maintenance costs while protecting wildlife in the area.

Highway department superintendent Paul Goodrich, who has worked for Shelburne for over five decades, is a proponent of paving the road.

“We are wasting so much money on Pond Road,” he said. “You can go to any other town with gravel roads, and they’ll tell you the best way to maintain them is blacktop. There are just as many deer on Bay Road and other paved roads.”

which brings in roughly one million dollars each year, will contribute toward capital projects, according to Lawless, but the selectboard is also considering a bundled bond for next year’s projects.

“It’s like night of the living dead with Pond Road. Clearly this is going to be another conversation because the issue hasn’t gone away.”

— Michael Ashooh

Shelburne’s local option tax,

The town could also save a little money by reducing the amount of salt used on frozen roads this winter.

Lawless said the price of salt has increased significantly to $88 a ton. The town buys salt from Cargill Salt, one of a few distributors in Vermont that can meet municipal demand during the winter.

Goodrich was strongly opposed to this proposal. “You might as well crank that police budget up,” he said, “because there are going to be more accidents if we cut down on salt and we’ll need more than one guy out there handling that.”

Lawless proposed two new town hall positions for next year. One position would be designed to manage construction projects and grant applications, and the other would serve as a receptionist for the town hall.

Along with discussing expenses, the selectboard mulled about ways to bring in more revenue so it doesn’t have to rely on property taxes to pay for services.

The current version of the draft proposes a 5-percent increase in dispatch charges, which Shelburne manages for 32 towns in northwestern Vermont, and a six to 10 percent increase in leases for property owned by the town.

The town is also investing $40,000 next year to revamp its structure for impact fees, or a fee charged to large developments over years. While Shelburne currently has impact fees, the selectboard’s consensus is that it is dated, and, as the number of developments go up in town, money is being left on the table.

“This is a worthwhile investment,” Lawless said. “We’ll make that money back one-hundred-fold over the years.”

It partners with shelters in areas like Greenville, S.C., to bring dogs to Vermont. Volunteers agree to transport them, and dogs typically live with foster families temporarily until they can find a permanent home.

However, with the recent influx of dogs and growing financial constraints for many families, it’s hard to find foster homes for every dog. Some dogs stay at local boarding facilities.

Donations are crucial to funding and caring for the dogs. Several local partners help fund their work; other donations come from small and large fundraisers, like one held at Burlington Country Club earlier this year.

“The bar is high, but we know we can do it. Our community has been amazing, and they love us,” Shover said.

“There’s not a job in this world I could choose that would be more rewarding than this one,” said Morgan McCuin, vice president of Passion 4 Paws.

McCuin joined Passion 4 Paws after adopting a dog with them in her junior year of college just a few years ago. From there, she became more involved in fostering and running the organization’s website and Facebook page.

Adoptions are the highlight of the rescue. Passion 4 Paws held an adoption event on Nov. 17 at Heri-

BLOTTER

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would provide a statement to the police.

Dec. 4 at 7:19 p.m., a caller reported a stray dog running loose on Nashville Road. The animal was impounded.

Dec. 5 at 2:19 a.m., an officer issued warnings for several cars parked on Greenhill Drive, Hedgerow Drive, John Street, Lakeview Drive, Longmeadow Drive, Oak Hill Road, Summit Circle, Timber Lane, Tracy Lane in violation of the winter parking ban.

Dec. 5 at 9:30 a.m., a person was refusing to leave Village Wine and Coffee. Officers escorted

tage Toyota in South Burlington, where four dogs were adopted.

For McCuin, events like these make the rescue work so rewarding.

“I also love adoption events,” McCuin said. “We do this big clap, and Robin is in charge of our big clap every time a dog gets adopted. It’s my favorite thing.”

McCuin said it’s hard not to fall in love and take home each

dog herself. She currently has six dogs staying with her. Out of the eight dogs she has fostered, she has “failed” three times and adopted them.

McCuin and Shover said the past year has been tough, struggling to raise enough money to save the influx of new dogs.

For Shover, every dog counts. “The most rewarding part of rescue is saving one life,” she said. “Even

when we’re full, if we think that we can stretch the boundaries a little bit to save one more life, we do it because that’s why we do it.”

If you are interested in fostering or dog sitting with Passion 4 Paws, you can find the application link form.jotform.us/

them off the property with the assistance of outreach services.

Dec. 5 at 3:26 p.m., officers mediated a domestic disturbance on Penny Lane.

Dec. 6 at 2:47 p.m., a caller reported vandalism at the Countryside Motel.

Dec. 7 at 9:06 a.m., police and emergency services were called to Wake Robin Drive where Ann Page, 85, of Shelburne, had died.

Dec. 7 at 1:37 p.m., someone reported to being sexually assaulted on Shelburne Road. The case was forwarded to the Chittenden Unit for Special

Investigations.

Dec. 7 at 2:42 p.m., someone on Hedgerow Drive was issued a warning for violating the winter parking ban.

Dec. 7 at 6;32 p.m., a stray dog running loose on Laplatte Circle was reunited with its owner.

Dec. 7 at 6:38 p.m., a retail theft at Kinney Drugs resulted in someone being issued a trespass notice.

Dec. 8 at 12:03 a.m., several people on Hawley Road and Old Orchard Lane were issued warnings for violating the winter parking ban.

form/41284459827162.

Check out dogs available for adoption at passion-4-paws.org.

Via Community News Service, a University of Vermont journalism internship, on assignment for Shelburne News

Payments must be RECEIVED or POSTMARKED by MIDNIGHT, December 13, 2024. Late payments are subject to penalty and interest. Payments can be left in lock box at Police Department Dispatch until Midnight, December 13, 2024.