Spooky show
Show some spirit
Shelburne Players’ new show takes on supernatural themes
Champlain Valley Union celebrated its annual Spirit Day this weekend
Page 3
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Volume 55 Number 40
shelburnenews.com
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Schools organize around new co-op mandates BRIANA BRADY STAFF WRITER
When the Legislature wrote into law the formation of Cooperative Educational Service Areas last year, it set into motion a long process. Over the coming months — and years — supervisory unions and schools districts will be standing up new organizations through which to share programming, services and finances. By law, Champlain Valley School District has been grouped with Mount Mansfield Union Unified School District and five Addison County districts — including the Hannaford Technical Center — to create one of the state’s seven new CESAs. The districts are still trying to figure out what that will look like. In its first meeting after establishing leadership among its board, the assembled district administrators of the Champlain South CESA heard from the leader of a similar New York educational institution and worked out some of the initial kinks in the process. “I think the sense of possibility is real,” Champlain Valley superintendent Adam Bunting said of being able to share certain See MEETING on page 7
PHOTO BY MARI HUGLIN
Sue Pinney poses with one of her favorite leaf people she created.
Love them or leaf them
People have opinions about fall foliage figures
MARI HUGLIN STAFF WRITER
Almost every year, familiar figures pop up as fall colors pop out. However, the iconic Shelburne leaf people — made of sticks, stuffing and colorful clothing — are
not beloved by all. Last week, as the leaf people arrived, residents on Front Porch Forum shared their opinions on the fall figures. Results were mixed. Some said they look forward to the leaf people every year, while others were concerned about their appearances.
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Page 2 • October 1, 2026 • Shelburne News
Shelburne seeks stormwater management funds MARI HUGLIN STAFF WRITER
Shelburne is seeking funding for updated stormwater permits through grants Vermont will release this month At its Sept. 22 meeting, the selectboard said the town will apply for state grants that will make 10 properties throughout town — affecting 313 homes — compliant with the state’s regulations on three-acre properties. In 2020, the state updated its regulations on stormwater to limit the rising levels of phosphorous flowing into Lake Champlain, where it can cause dangerous algae blooms. The regulations apply to all properties with more than threeacres of impervious surfaces — from roads to roofs — that have stormwater systems built before 2002, or none at all. Excess phosphorous flows into Lake Champlain after rainfall and is picked up from agricultural land, developments and streambank erosion. There are currently 25 threeacre sites in Shelburne that fall under needed updates — 10 of which are co-permitted with the town.
The selectboard is currently looking at updating the systems at Deer Run, Farmstead, Bay Colony, Maeck Farm, Longmeadow, Boulder Hill, Cedar Ridge, Littlefield, Heritage Lane and Upper Meadows. The state is requiring Shelburne designate the number of sites where updates are needed to be eligible for the grant but does not need to specify where it will direct the funds until later in the process. The grant amount will be specified after the 10 sites are designated and scope of work decided. Some examples of stormwater improvements include gravel wetlands and ponds that filter phosphorous out of rainwater runoff. The state is offering $8.8 million for needed stormwater improvements across the state but requires all the improvements be under the town-wide Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) general permit. The deadline for the grant application is Oct. 9. Shelburne can obtain between roughly $525,000 and $900,000 in funding, depending on the construction plans. This amount will not cover all the needed sites, but the town can choose which
projects to work on with the initial grant funding. If the funding is granted, the town can choose projects that are the most cost effective and efficient at a time. Shayne Geiger, Shelburne’s stormwater superintendent and environmental planner, recommended the town target the sites that will most effectively lower the levels of phosphorous. If the town follows through with that, the ordinances will have
to be updated to explain how the grant revenues would be specifically used on each property. The ordinance would be updated with the criteria for permit rollover and the utilities cost formula for future work. The selectboard agreed to roll six sites into the MS4 grant for funding, as well as Boulder Hill and Longmeadow. The town would share the cost with homeowners for maintenance and rebuilding. Specific costs and who will pay for
what depends on the grant amount and sites the town selects. Selectboard member Chunka Mui said the town should move forward with taking over responsibility of the upgrades but have a plan moving forward. “One, we need to apply without making premature commitments,” he said. “And the second thing is, we have to develop an ordinance that figures out how we are going to help these folks and spread the cost and who pays.”
News Briefs PR firm earns spot on national list Junapr, a Vermont-based public relations firm, was named to the 2027 PRNEWS Agency Elite Top 120, the sixth consecutive year the firm has earned a spot on one of the communications industry’s most competitive and respected lists. Every year, hundreds of agencies from every corner of the U.S. enter. Only 120 make the list, selected by the PRNEWS editorial team from a field spanning inte-
grated communications, media relations, digital strategy, public affairs and experiential PR. Junapr is the only Vermont-headquartered firm on the roster this year, sharing the honor with national and global agencies many times its size. “The Agency Elite Top 120 exists to answer a question every brand-side marketer is asking: who are the agencies truly worth paying attention to?” Kaylee Hultgren, associate publisher of content and awards at PRNEWS, said. “This year’s honorees aren’t just
good at PR, they’re good at evolving. They’re adding new capabilities, investing in their people and delivering real, measurable impact for their clients.” “We don’t take a sixth year for granted. It reflects the trust our client partners place in us and the people here who earn it every day,” Nicole Junas Ravlin, founder and CEO of Junapr, said. “To be a Vermont firm holding our own on a national list, doing global work for the clients we love, is something this whole team should feel proud of.”
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Shelburne News • October 1, 2026 • Page 3
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The Shelburne Players’ cast of “Hatchford Hotel,” opening Oct. 2 in Town Center.
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Supernatural themes color new stage show CLAUDIA CACACE COMMUNITY NEWS SERVICE
Around 6 p.m. in the castle-esque Trinity Episcopal Church, the cast of “Hatchford Hotel” waited eagerly in front of a newly stocked props and costume table as rehearsal began. They looked over a red, glittery feather boa and an array of chicken costumes. More specifically, “werechicken” costumes, for characters who would portray unique creatures — chickens crossed with werewolves. The actors slipped on the feather-clad chicken suits, flapped their wings and practiced a dance
number or two. The stage manager, Jane Lindsley, then called for places. It was go-time. Heartfelt, hair-brained and bonkers are all words the cast used to describe the original musical, “Hatchford Hotel,” which opens Oct. 2 at the Shelburne Town Center. Set in the fictional rural town of Hatchford, Vermont, residents are faced with a bizarre kind of danger: the werechickens. In the face of the threat, hotel owners Warren and Sonny band together with a doctor/lumberjill, city-born food influencers and a determined game warden to save their beloved town.
The project started as a soldout workshop at the Vermont Comedy Club back in 2022, written by Adam Rabin and Greg Skillman. The duo put on several more renditions of the musical, including a radio play-style production in 2024. This time, however, will be different. “This [production] is the real thing,” music director and co-creator Rabin said. “This is sets, costumes, effects, crazy lighting and everyone is just singing from the bottom of their hearts.” See THEATER on page 7
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Two leaf people stand in front of the Pierson Library on Route 7.
LEAF PEOPLE continued from page 1 block visibility at intersections and entrances. Sue “Gracie” Pinney, a 75-yearold Shelburne resident, is the one who keeps the leaf people tradition alive. The name was inspired by the nickname “leaf peepers,” given to Vermont fall tourists who ogle the changing trees. She doesn’t let the negativity get to her. “It’s not bothering me because I know how many hearts these touch and that’s all that matters to me,” Pinney said. “If there’s some negativity, there’s always going to be that, no matter what.”
Every fall, Pinney spends around 60 hours constructing the figures and accessorizing them. With the assistance of a few volunteers, she places them around town to celebrate the fall season. There are 65 figures this year. Pinney said the figures have been vandalized this year — more than the usual number of leaf people have been cut down or had their accessories or clothing stolen. Pinney makes repairs to the figures and replaces damaged or missing clothing. The tradition began in 1997
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when a group of wives created the figures for the Shelburne Business Association. The tradition was around for a few years then stopped until Pinney began it again around 20 years ago. She said if she misses a year, locals let her know. She usually puts the figures up as the leaves begin to change color and takes them down a few days before Halloween since she is concerned about vandalism or theft on Halloween. All the clothing and accessories the figures wear are thrifted or from her personal closet, often buying new items each year, adorning each figure with dresses, pants, blouses, scarfs, jewelry, flowers, hats and anything else she can find. Pinney said she donates unused clothes and accessories to area thrift stores. Each figure is redesigned each year. This year she tried to make them extra colorful. One Front Porch Forum commenter declared the leaf people should look like Shelburne residents — wearing Carhartt overalls and flannels. Pinney disagreed. She said the colors would be too muted and boring for the “whimsical” nature of the leaf people. Plus, she said, there is no one way that Shelburners dress. She also debunked a claim that the leaf people carry political messages. “The only close to political is that I have the red, white and blue one up by the veteran’s memorial. I have no sports, no nothing,” she said. “It’s just whatever I decide to put on. It’s got nothing to do with anything.” She also said she does create male, boy and girl figures, but the gender of each figure can be up to See LEAF PEOPLE on page 6
Shelburne News • October 1, 2026 • Page 5
OPINION
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Journalism groups condemn new White House press restrictions Guest Perspective We, the undersigned journalism organizations, strongly condemn President Donald Trump’s decision to ban CNN, Politico and MS NOW from the White House. A free and independent press is fundamental to our democracy. Journalists must be able to report on government officials and hold those in power accountable without fear of retaliation or restrictions based on the content of their reporting. Presidents have the right to respond to criticism and challenge reporting they believe is inaccurate. However, using the power of the presidency to restrict access
for news organizations because of their coverage threatens the principles of press freedom and government transparency. The White House is a public institution, and access to it should not be conditioned on whether journalists or news organizations produce coverage that is favorable to the president. The press is a proxy for the public. When the press is denied access, the people are denied access to information. We stand with journalists and news organizations committed to informing the public. We urge the administration to respect the independence of the press and recognize that a free press is essential to a healthy democracy. Protecting press freedom is
not about supporting one political party or opposing another. It is about defending the constitutional principles that allow journalism to serve the public, regardless of who occupies the White House. As organizations representing and supporting journalism throughout New England, we remain committed to defending the First Amendment and supporting the vital role of an independent press. Connecticut Daily Newspaper Association, Maine Press Association, Massachusetts Newspaper Publishers Association, New England First Amendment Coalition, New England Newspaper and Press Association, Vermont Press Association
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Letters to the Editor Trump will not lower gas prices To the Editor: During his 2024 Presidential campaign, Donald Trump repeatedly promised to bring gas prices down to under $2 a gallon 18 to 24 months into his term. The nationwide average at that time fluctuated between $3.15 and $3.20 per gallon. At this writing on Sept. 22, that average is $4.45 and climbing. In the words of that far right flash-in-the-pan Sarah Palin, “How’s that workin’ out for ya?” One could argue that Trump didn’t anticipate the Iran War. Whether he did or not is irrele-
vant. No one person, no matter how powerful or influential, can guarantee the price of fuel given the unpredictability of international politics and economics. That genie is out of its lamp, and it’s not going back in. To believe it ever will is naïve and dangerous. Remember this whenever you vote. Neal Burdick Shelburne
Jamie Two Coats must be preserved To the Editor: A thriving and beloved locally
owned business in the heart of Shelburne’s commercial district, operating out of a historic building: A great example of adaptive reuse, something preservationists strive for. Why screw this up? Is it absolutely necessary for the town to remove Jamie Two Coats from the Pierson building? Instead, why not design for more than one goal? Yes, make necessary upgrades and repairs to the building, and maintain this unique and wonderful business in the heart of the village. The latter was not included in the request for design proposals issued by the town, but See LETTERS on page 6
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LETTERS continued from page 5 if enough Shelburne residents tell their selectboard that it is important to them, maybe this goal can be seriously considered and met. The project is moving along, a construction manager has been chosen, plans are being made. Now is the time to let the selectboard know you support the ongoing use of the Pierson building as a location for Jamie Two Coats. According to online documents a bond estimated at $10 million will be proposed next spring to fund the renovation of the Pierson and two other town buildings. If enough people
speak up in support of keeping Jamie Two Coats in the Pierson building yet their voices and opinions are not taken seriously, that is a point of leverage where you can vote no. I sincerely hope that both goals will be achieved: the Pierson building upgraded and Shelburne and the greater community can continue to shop at Jamie Two Coats, a store that always has what you need and more, and which embodies the unique sense of place so many of us treasure. Karen Frost Charlotte
LEAF PEOPLE continued from page 4 anyone’s interpretation. This year, she said, there are seven male figures and 10 children, and the rest are women. She prefers dressing the women because it’s more fun and she can be more creative. It’s also easier — since the figures are so tall, she can opt for dresses. “The women are just more fun to dress, if you want to be whimsical, and that’s what this is all about,” she said. Pinney said that most people love the figures and the annual tradition. She said she enjoys when people take photos of them or with them. Pinney closely follows town and state regulations and instructions. In the past, she once put some of the leaf people too close to the road and on a speed limit sign. This caused the state to confiscate many of her creations, but
she rescued them and placed them elsewhere. Pinney said she keeps the figures far from the road and crosswalks and makes sure to not block drivers’ visibility. Usually, business owners want leaf people on their property, but Pinney picks and chooses where each one will go and said she never puts it on anyone’s property who does not want one. She plans to keep the tradition going as long as she can — she only took one season off in recent years. When she passes the torch, she will also pass along the figures, their clothes and all their accessories. “I will keep doing it as long as I can,” Pinney said. “If something happens, well, it’ll be up for grabs, and however they do them, if they want to do them, go for it.”
Shelburne News • October 1, 2026 • Page 7
MEETING
continued from page 1 services or programming across districts. However, he added, those benefits weighed against the amount of work it will take and the logistical hurdles involved. “Folks in the state recreating the same thing seven times over at the same time doesn’t feel logistically very smart,” he said. Boards of Cooperative Educational Services — analogous to the system recently adopted by Vermont — have existed in New York State since 1948, although the organizations have gone through transformations and consolidation over the more than 70 years since they were established. Lauren Gemmill, from New York’s capital region BOCES, presented to the Champlain South CESA and took members through the financial set up and services offered by her organization. The New York groups rely entirely on funding passed up from their participating districts. Depending on the district, Gemmill told the board, a school district will be reimbursed the following year a certain number of cents on the dollar for its BOCES spending — funding that is separate from the state’s foundation formula. The services that districts buy into at the BOCES level in New York range from special education services and administrative assistance to technical education or translation services for non-English speaking families. None of this is infrastructure that Vermont has built out yet. While the Capital Region BOCES may give Champlain South CESA an idea of where it might be going, there are more basic pressing questions that the group has to address first — such as which district might initially
take on acting as the fiscal agent; when the group should look to hire an executive director; and when and how to access the state’s $15,000 start-up grant. Some members of the group reflected that they may need to temper expectations. “Since we’re talking about startup money and scaling support, it was not unnoticed by me that the Capital Region BOCES serves the same number of students that we have in the entire state, and it was also not unnoticed by me that they have a budget that is larger than the entire Vermont Agency of Education to do so,” John Muldoon, the superintendent of Mount Manfield Union Unified School District, said. Muldoon added that Gemmill had emphasized that the New York BOCES system has also reached this point after decades of precedent. For now, the Champlain South CESA is trying to pull together resources from its various districts and map out where each district might have deficits or advantages it could share with the group. “I’m curious if others are feeling the same way with the Medicaid transformation going on right now — I am almost fearful to walk down to my business office and ask for anything. Are other folks feeling that way? When I start thinking about one of us becoming a fiscal agent, it’s daunting,” Bunting said to the group. Other districts in the cooperative don’t even have their own business offices to carry the stress of a changing financial landscape — they contract out. This is, coincidentally, something that a CESA might be able to help with down the line.
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THEATER continued from page 3 Rabin and his wife are members of the 251 Club, an organization that challenges participants to visit all Vermont’s cities and towns. During their mission to become part of the club, Rabin took stock of all the kooky inns and hotels they stayed in. He then thought of a simple concept: a hotel in rural Vermont experiencing unexplainable supernatural activity. When Skillman mentioned werechickens, they knew they had hatched a plan and the creative spirit took off. “Once the spark happens, it just flies. Unlike a chicken,” Rabin joked. Since the show’s last iteration, Rabin and Skillman have been rewriting “Hatchford Hotel” to make it tighter, funnier and even wackier. The show steers the audience through unexpected twists and
turns, said director Jonah Hagans. “Once they think they know what the story is about, we change directions again.” Audiences can anticipate a project built around a passion and love for Vermont. “We’re in a time of kitchy, campy musicals being what everybody needs right now,” said Wiley Delisa, who plays Charlotte the werehen. “I think this is a great one.” “Hatchford Hotel” will be performed by the Shelburne Players at the Shelburne Town Center Oct. 2 through 4, followed by performances Oct. 9 and 10. Tickets are available on the website hatchfordhotel.com Via Community News Service, a University of Vermont journalism internship
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Page 8 • October 1, 2026 • Shelburne News
HOME & GARDEN Before next spring, select and plant your bulbs this fall
Fall Lawn Care
Easy tips to prep your lawn for next summer! Learn more at RethinkRunoff.org/lawn-care
DEBORAH J. BENOIT UVM EXTENSION
As the gardening season winds down, why not think ahead to spring and plant some early bloomers like crocus (Crocus) and daffodils (Narcissus)? Where would you like to see flowers? Fall is a great time to prepare a new garden plot. Even established beds can benefit from a scattering of spring blooming bulbs for early color in the garden before perennials emerge. Clusters of tulips (Tulipa gesneriana) could stand boldly on their own. Consider planting snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis), Siberian squill (Scilla siberica) or grape hyacinths (Muscari) under deciduous shrubs or trees where they’ll put on a show before the leaves on their larger neighbors unfurl. Plant early-, mid- and late-season varieties if you'd like a continuous display of flowers week after week. Planting a swath of a single color can make a bold statement, while scattering bulbs across a wider area (such as crocus to naturalize in the lawn) or planting a selection of large, medium and small bulbs together can create a softer, more natural look. When selecting bulbs, check to be sure no mold is present and that they’re firm to
the touch. If transplanting bulbs, discard any that are soft or damaged. If you’re planning a new bed for perennials next spring, consider including spring blooming bulbs now while reserving the parts you intend to plant later. In existing beds or near shrubs and trees, dig carefully to avoid disturbing the roots of perennials already growing there. Nestle bulbs between larger roots. For best results, always refer to the instructions included with whatever bulbs you intend to plant. In general, bulbs should be planted about three times deeper than the height of the bulb. For example, for a 2-inch bulb, dig a hole 6 inches deep, place the bulb pointed side up at the bottom of the hole, fill with soil, tamp lightly in place and water. For a multi-layered effect, combine different sizes and types of bulbs, such as red tulips, grape hyacinths and snowdrops, together like lasagna. Dig a trench deep enough to accommodate the largest type of bulb. Put those bulbs in place and cover with soil to the depth of the next largest bulb. Put each layer in place, and water when the smallest bulbs have been covered with soil. See BULBS on page 16
If it’s important to you or your community look for it in the Shelburne News.
Shelburne News • October 1, 2026 • Page 9
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Page 10 • October 1, 2026 • Shelburne News
COMMUNITY Community Notes
News from Pierson Library LEGO Ninjago. Mitali Banerjee Ruths has written about 10 children’s books, including the “Party Diaries” and “Inside Scouts” series and picture books such as “Archie Celebrates Diwali.” The event is free and open to the public.
Vermont Genealogy Library annual fall conference
COURTESY PHOTOS
Hexum Gallery will present “Radiant Bodies,” a solo exhibition of paintings by artist Sarah Walker, from Oct. 2 through Nov. 13
Two authors come to Shelburne to give talk “Dragon Masters” author Tracey West and “Party Diaries” author Mitali Banerjee Ruths will appear Saturday, Oct. 3, at 10:30 a.m. at Shelburne Town Hall to talk about their newest books and
share their secrets for coming up with story ideas. West has written more than 400 books for children and young adults. Her work includes original series such as “Dragon Masters,” “Pixie Tricks” and “The Underdogs,” as well as tie-in books for franchises including Pokémon and
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The 2026 Annual Fall Conference sponsored by the Vermont Genealogy Library will be held Saturday, Oct. 3, at St. John Vianney Parish Hall in South Burlington. The public is invited. Topics include Art Cohn on the role Lake Champlain played in the American Revolution, as well as presentations on using AI to design research investigations and improve photographs of ancestors. There will be time to talk with fellow researchers, along with book sales and displays. The conference runs from 8:30 a.m.3:30 p.m. Lunch is available to order.
League of Women Voters hosts senate forum The League of Women Voters of Vermont will hold a candidates’ forum for Vermont Senate candidates in the Chittenden Southeast District on Thursday, Oct. 1, at Williston Town Hall, 7900 Williston Road, Williston, in the Beckett/McGuire Conference Room. The forum begins at 7 p.m. and will be covered by Town Meeting TV. It will be livestreamed at cctv.org/live-event-coverage. An informal meet-and-greet with the candidates will be held from 6:30-7 p.m. The Chittenden Southeast District includes Charlotte, Shelburne, Hinesburg, Williston, South Burlington, Richmond, Jericho, Bolton and Underhill. The district elects three senators.
Shelburne Age Well Luncheon St. Catherine of Siena and Age Well will offer a luncheon Oct. 13 for anyone 60 or older at St. Catherine of Siena Parish Hall, 72 Church St., Shelburne.
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The Pierson Library, 5376 Shelburne Road, offers the following events and activities. To register, call the library at 802-9855124. • Mahjong Playing Society, Thursdays (Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29): 1-3 p.m. Gather for this classic game with other seasoned players of or other beginners. We play as well as instruct in both Chinese and American Mahjong. • “Dragon Masters” author Tracey West and “Party Diaries” author Mitali Ruths, Saturday, Oct. 3: 10:30 a.m. Meet the minds behind these fan-favorite series for emerging readers, share your questions and comments, and hear how your favorite series are brought to life. RSVP at our partner’s website: flyingpigbooks. com. • Fall Art Show opening, Saturday, Oct. 3: noon-2 p.m. The Fall Art Show includes AIA Vermont architecture award winners; photography from Huntington artist Mike Sipe; illustrations from Montreal native Stephanie Bush’s Winter Series; fine art woodwork
by Adam Wager; oil paintings by Ken Russek; and local student art in the children’s room, including a piece from Charlotte Dworshak’s camp at the Craft School. • Fiber Arts Crafting Hour, Mondays (Oct. 5, 19 and 26): noon-1 p.m. Join the company of other knitters, crafters, needlepoint workers and more every Monday at the noontime hour. • Teen Advisory: Haunted House Planning Committee, Wednesdays (Oct. 7, 14, 21 and 28): 2-3 p.m. Youth Advisory Group turns ghostly this month and invites you and your peers to join the annual teen-led Haunted House Planning Committee. • Pierson Stretches: Let Your Yoga Dance with Heather Preis, Wednesdays (Oct. 7, Nov. 4): 6-7:15 p.m. The Let Your Yoga Dance series is a dance-like movement class guided by the chakras (the body’s energy centers) and is appropriate for all levels of fitness and physical ability. Come in clothes comfortable for dancing and stretching. Bring your own mat.
Shelburne Parks & Rec News Shelburne Parks and Recreation offers the following events this month: • Save the date for the Shelburne Halloween events on Sunday, Oct. 25. Don’t miss out on this fun annual tradition complete with a costume contest, Halloween parade and trick or treat games and prizes. Join the Rotary at the Shelburne Fire Station after the parade for music and free food. For questions or to register a float contact: Richard J. Fox, Esq./802448-0118/rfox@foxlawvt.com. • Youth basketball registration opens Monday, Oct. 5. Kids in grades 1-2 will be placed in groups, either co-ed or by gender depending on the number of participants. Players will practice and scrimmage on Saturday mornings only beginning in early December and ending in mid-February. The goal of this age group is to introduce and practice basic skills and team play concepts. Registration fee: $55 Kids in grades 3-6 will have separate girls’ and boys’ teams. Organized practices will begin in early December, and games will start Jan. 9 and continue through mid-February. In December they will practice one weeknight and on Saturday morning. Starting in
January, they will practice one night a week and play games on Saturdays. Grades 3-6 will compete against other towns’ recreational teams from the Champlain Valley Recreation Association. Games at this level will be played both in Shelburne and out of town. Travel is required on Saturdays. Registration fee: $65. Volunteer coaches are needed. If interested, call the Recreation Office at 802-985-9551 or indicate at time of registration. • We are excited to partner with the Edge Sports & Fitness to offer preschool and learn to swim lessons. The pool is located at 75 Eastwood Dr. in South Burlington. The pool temperature is 81 degrees. A parent or guardian accompanies the child for the in-water lessons. Be sure to read each program description for program details and requirements. November session dates: 1, 8, 15, 22; session cost: (four lessons): $104 resident/$114 non-resident. December session dates: 6, 13, 20; session cost: (three lessons): $77 resident/$87 non-resident. See our website for complete program details including class description, age and program requirements. Register through Shelburne Parks and Recreation.
Shelburne News • October 1, 2026 • Page 11
Fall Open House! Saturday, 10/17, 10am-12pm
Prospective families are invited to come check out Rice! • Learn about our academic, art, & athletic programs • Tour our campus, meet our teachers • Talk to current parents and students about their experiences www.rmhsvt.org
99 Proctor Ave, S. Burlington admissions@rmhsvt.org
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Page 12 • October 1, 2026 • Shelburne News
SPORTS Redhawks teams win many games, drop a couple Girls’ volleyball
LAUREN READ CORRESPONDENT
Field hockey Champlain Valley 6, Burlington 1: Emery Thompson’s four-goal outburst led the Champlain Valley field hockey team to a win over Burlington on Saturday. Thompson also added an assist, while Hanna Jones tallied twice and Stella Soucy scored once for the Redhawks. Cici Kenney made two saves to earn the win in goal. CVU moved to 4-4 with the win and looked to get another victory when they took on Rice Tuesday after press deadline.
Boys’ soccer Burr and Burton 3, Champlain Valley 1: Champlain Valley fell on the road to defending Division I champs Burr and Burton in a rematch of last year’s championship game. Burr and Burton got the 3-1 win and CVU fell to 5-2-1 with the loss. Lincoln Ricketts had the lone goal for the Redhawks. CVU took on South Burlington Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. after press deadline as they look to get back in the win column.
Champlain Valley 3, Mount Mansfield 1: CVU lost the first set 25-20 but then won the next three, 25-15, 25-18 and 25-22, to grab the win. The Redhawks move to 5-2 and will look to make it three wins in a row when they take on St. Johnsbury on Monday before welcoming Essex on Friday.
Boys’ volleyball Champlain Valley 3, Mount Mansfield 0: Champlain Valley rebounded from dropping its first two losses of the season with a win over Mount Mansfield on Saturday in high school boys’ volleyball. CVU, who lost two games in a row to Essex, won in straight sets, 25-20, 25-18 and 25-21. The Redhawks are now 6-2 and took on BFA-St. Albans Tuesday after press deadline.
Golf The Champlain Valley boys’ golf team finished in second place at the NVAC Championships at Basin Harbor on Friday. The Redhawks came in second place behind Essex (315). Quinn Vincent was their low scorer, shooting a 74 for an individual second-place finish.
Your vision. Our expertise!
PHOTO BY AL FREY
Redhawk Allie Barrett defends the ball from Colchester opponent on Sept. 23, 3-1.
Football St. Johnsbury 42, Champlain Valley 7: Luca D’Agostino and Alex Jovell connected through the air for the Redhawks lone touchdown.
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CVU will take on Essex on the road at 7 p.m. on Friday.
Girls’ soccer Champlain Valley 2, Burlington 1: Clover Rehbein and Ellie Antonucci each had a goal for the Redhawks, while Sam Heins and
Flynn Sexton each added an assist. Eisley Devitt made three saves in goal. CVU moved to 5-2-1 with the win and looked to make it four wins in a row when they took on Essex Wednesday after press deadline.
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Shelburne News • October 1, 2026 • Page 13
Horoscope October 1, 2026
ANSWERS FROM THIS ISSUE
Weekly Puzzles
RABIES BAIT
saliva. If left untreated, rabies is almost alcontinued from page 2 ways fatal in humans and animals. However, Page 14 • October 1, 2026 • Shelburne News treatment with the rabies vaccine is nearly The week-long bait drop is a coopera- 100 percent effective when given soon after SHELBURNE DAY fac tive effort between Vermont and the U.S. a person is bitten by a rabid animal. continued from page 4 Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services So far this year, 23 animals in Vermont bu to stop the spread of the potentially fatal have tested positive for rabies, and 14 of Shelburne Historical Society will have a he disease. those have been raccoons. display and president Dorothea Penar will th Rabies is a deadly viral disease of the According to wildlife officials, rabid brain that infects mammals. It is most often animals often show a change in their nor- lead a cemetery tour at 1 p.m. Food ven- Go seen in raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats, mal behavior, but you cannot tell whether dors round out the event with everything de but unvaccinated pets and livestock can also an animal has rabies simply by looking at from coffee and lemonade to burgers and lan RABIES BAIT If left untreated, rabies is almost al- creemees. Kids will enjoy meeting animals Ro get rabies. The virus is spread through the saliva. it. People should not touch or pick up wild continued from page 2 ways fatalorinstrays humans and baby animals. However, from Shelburne Farms, craft projects, and bite of an infected animal or contactemail with its wendy@shelburnenews.com animals – even animals. To advertise or call 802-238-4980 treatment with the rabies vaccine is nearly The week-long bait drop is a coopera- 100 percent effective when given soon after SHELBURNE DAY fac tive effort between Vermont and the U.S. a person is bitten by a rabid animal. ANTIQUES COLLECTIBLES continued fromCONSTRUCTION page 4 Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services So far this year, 23 animals in Vermont bu • Basement P E positive for rabies, and 14 of to stop the spread of the potentially fatal haveYtested ANTIQUES WANTED Shelburne Historical Society will have a he Waterproofing disease. those have been raccoons. Decluttering? Downsizing? • Crawl Space Repair display and president Dorothea Penar will th We canis helpayou discover, viral learn about and sell: of the Rabies deadly disease Collectibles According Sports to wildlife officials, rabid • Sump Pump Systems WATCHES • JEWELRY • COINS • SILVER • ARTWORK lead a cemetery tour at 1• Foundation p.m. Food ven- Go brain that infects mammals. It is most often animals Repair often show a Memorabilia change in their norand R round out the event• Egress withWindows everything de seen in raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats, malEbehavior, L I C but you cannot tell whether dors from coffee and lemonade to burgers and lan Bob Jessica Trautwine but unvaccinated pets and livestock can also an animal has& rabies simply by looking at for rates: call 985-3 creemees. Kids will enjoy meeting animals Ro 802-233-1451 • Hyperreliccards@gmail.com BittnerThe • 802-489-5210 getBrian rabies. virus is• info@bittnerantiques.com spread through the it.Call/Text People should not touch or pick up wild 3762 Shelburne Rd • Ste 3 • Shelburne, VT from Shelburne Farms,orcraft projects, and email advertising Wednesday-Friday, with walk-ins to sell Thursdays bite of an infected animal or contact with its animals or strays – even baby By appointment only animals.
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Shelburne News • October 1, 2026 • Page 15
COURTESY PHOTOS
Show some spirit Champlain Valley Union held its annual Spirit Day Sept. 26, including four sports’ worth of home games, food trucks, concessions and more.
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HONORING OUR
VETERANS
On Nov. 5, Shelburne News will be honored to publish photos of the men and women who have unselfishly served our country. Page 14 • November 10, 2022 • Shelburne News
HONORING The Veterans Among Us
If you have a veteran who you would like us to honor, please mail or email your photo and the following information by
ROBERT F. WHITEMAN, SR. U.S. Air Force E6 1959-1979
DAVID F. LELAND United States Navy Lieutenant WWII 1944-1955
MICHAEL W. LYNCH U.S. Navy, Lt.J.G. Civil Engineer Corp 1967-1975 VT Air Guard 1976-1979
LORENZO P. BUSHWAY, SR. April 28, 1960 Active Duty: Feb. 1953-Feb. 1955
ROLAND W. WILBUR United States Army T/4, 14th Armored Division WW II 1942-46
PETER GADUE US Army and VTARNG 1970-2009
ROBERT S. BORKOWSKI Sergeant (SFC) Medic VT Army National Guard 1982-2005
PERRY D. MELVIN U.S. Navy, HM 3 3rd Marine Regiment Vietnam War
SHANNON B. BLAKE U.S. Army, Major 1986-2006 Afghanistan War Veteran
PVT. HENRI DE MARNE & PVT. CLAUDE DE MARNE Henri de Marne and his brother Claude, Patton’s 3rd army, WW2, 1944 following French resistance before liberation.
BRUCE NUNZIATA 1st Infantry Vietnam 1967-68
DAVID WINER Corporal, Marine Corps March 1944-July 1946 Peleliu Campaign
PETER PAUL ZUK U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lieutenant Served 1955-57 Japan and Korea
THOMAS C. GIBSON Royal Air Force Squadron Leader 1947-1952, Malaya
WILLIAM A. READ JR. U.S. Navy Commander Gunnery Instructor Patrol Squadron 101 Southwest Pacific
THURSDAY, OCT. 29 Please include: • Name of veteran • Branch of service • Rank • Years of service • Town of residence
EMAIL PHOTOS AND TEXT TO: stephanie@shelburnenews.com OR MAIL TO: Shelburne News, P.O. Box 489, Stowe, VT 05672 If you have submitted a photo in a previous year, you do not need to resubmit.
COURTESY PHOTO
Bulbs can be foced to bloom indoors in winter.
BULBS
continued from page 8 As a final touch, add a layer of mulch to help retain moisture in the soil. Mulch can help even out winter temperature fluctuations that could cause soil heaves and leave bulbs exposed to the elements. Any extra bulbs you have can be forced to bloom indoors this winter. Since most bulbs require a period of cold before blooming, place them in a paper bag in the refrigerator (not the freezer). Large bulbs like daffodils require a longer chilling period (twelve to sixteen weeks), while small bulbs like snowdrops and grape hyacinth require a shorter time (10 to 12 weeks). After chilling, plant closely together in a container of potting mix with the tips of the bulbs peeking above the soil. Water and place in a cool location (50 to 60°F). When green leaves emerge, move to a sunny spot
and watch as spring arrives early indoors. Some bulbs — like paperwhite narcissus (Narcissus papyraceus) and freesia (Freesia) — don’t require cold before blooming. Simply place bulbs in a paper bag and store in a cool, dry location until you’re ready to plant indoors this winter. For answers to your home gardening questions, contact the University of Vermont Extension Master Gardeners Helpline online (go.uvm.edu/gardeninghelpline) or by phone at 802-656-5421 on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon between April and October. Deborah Benoit is a UVM Extension Master Gardener who volunteers as a garden columnist and participates in Bennington County Extension Master Gardener Chapter activities.
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