Seating Seton
Paddles up
Shelburne Museum fleshes out its collection of early American art
The Lake Champlain Dragon Boat Festival, was held Aug. 8
Page 3
Page 8
Volume 55 Number 34
POSTAL CUSTOMER
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #217 CONCORD, NH ECRWSSEDDM
shelburnenews.com
August 20, 2026
Capital plan highlights budget pressures
Gather round
BRIANA BRADY STAFF WRITER
separation agreement have been amicable. “I’ve also had some chang-
After years of putting off projects, Shelburne has devised a proposed schedule of capital improvements over the next eight years that, if everything is completed — from bridge repairs and historic building renovations to equipment replacement — would cost an estimated $63.7 million. However, as the town enters budget season this fall and plans its finances for the years to come, the impending cost of those projects is also in tension with rising operating costs and concerns about over-burdening taxpayers. The selectboard acknowledged it will have to make some difficult choices. “I think most people in town don’t realize we have more than 120 capital projects on our inventory, and a good chunk of them, and very significant ones, are in critical need — they have to be done for public safety, public
See LAWLESS on page 15
See CAPITAL PLAN on page 15
PHOTO BY SOPHIA BALUNEK
Shelburne Day festivities on Saturday included live music, sales at local stores, booths for town organizations and more in addition to the regular farmers market. See more photos, page 10.
Shelburne town manager announces his resignation BRIANA BRADY STAFF WRITER
Matt Lawless, Shelburne’s town manager since 2023, has submitted his letter of resignation,
although he may end up staying on in his role through Town Meeting Day next year. Lawless cited the need to be closer to his family as the motivation for his eventual departure —
SouthernInSpIred dIner ClaSSICS BreakfaSt, lunCh, dInner
he moved from Charlottesville, Virginia, when he took the job in Shelburne. Both the conversation around Lawless’ resignation during an Aug. 11 selectboard meeting and the text of the
have dInner at the dIner!
drInk SpeCIalS - $3 Sundays, Margarita Mondays & Wicked Wednesdays SandwICh SpeCIalS - Tuesday Hot Plates & $12 Sammie Thursdays Buy one, Get one - Weekend Dinners - Fry Baskets & Hot Plates 189 Bank Street, Burlington • 802-497-1668 • burlsdowntown.com
Page 2 • August 20, 2026 • Shelburne News
Veterans Affairs to move clinic to SB BRIANA BRADY STAFF WRITER
The Department of Veterans Affairs signed a 20-year lease for a new outpatient clinic at Technology Park in South Burlington. The VA White River Junction Healthcare System expects the new clinic, which will replace the services it currently offers at its clinic in Burlington, to open to patients by 2030. “We’re anticipating that this is really going to improve access for veterans in all of Northwestern Vermont,” Carey Russ, the assistant director at VA White River Junction Healthcare, said. Right now, the clinic in Burlington serves about 3,300 veter-
Corrections
Are you tired of missed pick ups? We come right to your door - no need to lug your can anywhere! Low impact, reliable, four wheel drive trucks, so no need to worry. We are owner operated and live right Charlotte.
Servicing Charlotte, Shelburne and Hinesburg Call us today to reserve your spot on our schedule.
A story last week about campaign finances reported Ernest Pomerleau donated to Grossman’s campaign, which he did not. It also listed Tim Barritt as Ram Hinsdale’s campaign treasurer. He no longer is. ••• The campaign finance story also incorrectly added candidates’ personal loans to their total contributions. Joanna Grossman raised $27,464, which included more than $5,000 from herself, and Elizabeth Hunt raised $30,885, which included more than $9,000 from herself. ••• Last week’s story about the Chittenden Southeast Senate district primary election spelled candidate Javen Sears’ name wrong.
ans who live within a 30-minute services, and our providers are drive. However, Russ said, there trained differently than they are are around 7,900 veterans who in the private sector, especially live within a 60-minute drive of around mental health.” the new South Burlington locaBeyond the larger physical tion. The plan is to reach those space, Russ said part of the draw veterans and connect them to with the lease in South Burlington health care services. is the location. She said it has a lot The larger space — over more parking than the current spot 24,000 square feet — will allow in Burlington’s South End and is the clinic to expand its services close to a highway exit and within and see more patients. a walkable distance from a public According to bus route. Russ, the BurlingIt’s also right “The care is ton clinic offers down the street primary care and from South all completely some specialties Burlington’s Vet such as optomeCenter on Greginterwoven.” try and audiology. ory Drive. At Technology When veter— Carey Russ ans were returnPark, the system plans to provide ing from Vietprimary care as well as services nam, Russ said, many of them for mental health, physical and didn’t feel supported by either the occupational therapies, optometry wider culture or the government, and audiology. and there was a lot of mistrust in “One of the best parts about the the VA. According to Russ, the Veterans Health Administration department set up vet centers to is that the care is all completely act as a safe gathering space for interwoven,” Russ said. veterans readjusting to civilian Unlike civilian health care and life, and the centers still provide insurance, the VA operates with a a lot of mental health care and single system between providers, support groups. she said, making it easy to share “It’s not uncommon for a documentation and communicate. veteran to get mental health care Having those providers under one at the vet center but have primary roof adds to the ease. care and everything else at the VA The VA is especially focused site. So, we have a strong partneron integrating mental health ship with them,” she said. services into primary care, Russ Once the clinic is renovated, said. According to research, veter- there will still be some outreach ans, especially those who have work to get veterans in the door. seen combat, experience much Russ said the White River Junchigher rates of conditions such as tion VA Health System will likely post-traumatic stress disorder and hold town halls and events. depression. “Just really getting the word “We spend a lot of time trying out that this is going to be an to convince every veteran who’s available site for veterans to eligible that, of course, they access primary care, mental health deserve the care that we can offer,” care, and some specialty cares,” she said. “We just have different she said.
Shelburne News • August 20, 2026 • Page 3
Shelburne Museum stays open after hours on select summer evenings with live music, food trucks, access to galleries, and fun for the whole family! 5:30–7:30 p.m. August 27. Admission is free! With live music from: Ray Vega Afro-Caribbean Jazz Ensemble
PHOTO BY ANDY DUBACK
Gilbert Stuart, William Seton, ca. 1793–98. Oil on canvas, 36 x 28 1/4 in. Collection of Shelburne Museum, gift of Mary Seton Abele. 2026-9.
NOW OPEN IN COLCHESTER
Attention Vermonters
Museum adds to library of GET BACK TO early American paintings FEELING LIKE SOPHIA BALUNEK STAFF WRITER
“She had a checklist of sort of A-grade American artists who she really wanted to be represented in that collection,” one The Shelburne Museum has acquired of the museum’s curators, Katie Wood a Revolutionary War-era portrait that will Kirchhoff, said. This Stuart piece was an obvious yes. further the museum’s conversations about It was given to the museum by the greatthe country’s founding period. great-great granddaughThe portrait of William ter of the subject. Seton, a Scottish business“Stuart really is Shelburne Museum man and Loyalist during is not an encyclopethe Revolution, was paintone of those artists dic-style museum that ed by Gilbert Stuart, an who is absolutely curates comprehensive iconic American portrait collections based on era, artist with over 1,000 central.” Kirchhoff said. Rather, pieces, including that Webb had a particular familiar one on the face of the U.S. one-dollar bill. — Katie Wood Kirchhoff lens and collected items from both well-known The painting is displayed within the museum’s Webb artists and informally trained folk artists. However, Kirchhoff said, the museum Gallery, named after museum founder Electra Havemeyer Webb. This collection wants to ensure it’s giving an even hand to of American art was the last that Webb history in its exhibitions. “As we collect, we really need to keep worked on — she died in 1960 — and she left manuscripts and materials that dictated the kind of work she wanted future See PAINTING on page 15 museum curators to procure.
YOURSELF
Expert Spine Care and Pain Treatment More Options When Other Treatments Have Not Worked Accepting New Patients Without Long Wait Times Call 518-324-7246 for an Appointment. 463 Mountain View Drive, Suite 103, Colchester, VT 05446 Learn More:
champlainspine.com
Page 4 • August 20, 2026 • Shelburne News
CRIME & COURTS
LASTETS! K MAR
Shelburne Police Blotter: Aug. 9-15 Total reported incidents: 64 Traffic stops: 33 Warnings: 25 Tickets: 6 Medical emergencies: 18 Mental health incidents: 7 Suspicious incidents: 9 Directed patrols: 28 Citizen assists: 12 Motor vehicle complaints: 2
Shelburne News Serving the community of Shelburne A publication of Vermont Community Newspaper Group LLC shelburnenews.com Advertising Wendy Ewing wendy@shelburnenews.com (802) 238-4980 Advertising Director Judy Kearns judy@otherpapersbvt.com (802) 734-2928 Editor Tommy Gardner tommy@stowereporter.com (802) 253-2101 x25
General Manager Katerina Werth katerina@stowereporter.com Billing inquiries Leslie Lafountain leslie@stowereporter.com (802) 253-2101 Advertising submission deadline: Friday at 5 p.m. advertising@shelburnenews.com classifieds@shelburnenews.com
Editorial Assistant Sophia Balunek
Editorial submission deadline: Friday at 12 p.m. news@shelburnenews.com
Staff Writers Liberty Darr, Patrick Bilow, Briana Brady
Calendar submission deadline: Friday at 12 p.m. news@shelburnenews.com
Production/Design Stephanie Manning stephanie@shelburnenews.com Kristen Braley kristen@stowereporter.com
Contact: PO Box 489 Stowe, VT 05672 (802) 253-2101
The Shelburne News is published weekly and mailed free to residents and businesses in Shelburne and rack distributed at select high traffic locations. The Vermont Community Newspaper Group LLC assumes no responsibility for typographical errors in advertisements and reserves the right to refuse advertising and editorial copy.
Invest in community WHY GO
LOCAL?
Buying locally is a commitment to investing in your community. If you don’t do it, who will?
Vermont Community Newspaper Group: Stowe Reporter • The Other Paper • Shelburne News • News & Citizen • The Citizen
Car crash: 3 Animal problem: 1 Property damage: 1 Fraud: 1 Alarms: 11 Pending investigations: 2 Selected incidents: Aug. 9 at 11:24 p.m., people were injured in a two-car crash
HOLIDAY ADVERTISING HOLIDAY/SEPT. 3 ISSUE AD DEADLINE: (ON NEWSSTANDS FOR LABOR DAY) Monday, Aug. 31, at 10 a.m. SEPT. 10 ISSUE AD DEADLINE: Friday, Sept. 4, at Noon STOWE REPORRTER NEWS&CITIZEN Serving the people of Lamoille County since 1881
WE ARE CLOSED MONDAY, SEPT. 7
on Shelburne Road, but they refused transport to the hospital. Aug. 9 at 7:50 p.m., Shelburne Rescue assisted Charlotte Rescue on Sheehan Green. Aug. 10 at 9:48 a.m., a brush fire near a home on Dorset Street was extinguished. Aug. 10 at 4:52 p.m., Shelburne Rescue assisted Charlotte Rescue with a medical call on Wildwood West in Charlotte. Aug. 12 at 12:53 p.m., power lines fell in the roadway on Route 116. Green Mountain Power removed the hazard. Aug. 12 at 7:02 p.m., Shelburne Rescue assisted Vergennes Rescue on Greenbush Road in Ferrisburgh. Aug. 14 at 2:38 p.m., a caller reported low-hanging power lines on Shelburne Road. Police notified the phone company. Aug. 15 at 8:49 a.m., the injured people in a two-car crash on Irish Hill and Thompson roads refused transport to the hospital. Aug. 15 at 3:25 p.m., Shelburne Rescue assisted Vergennes Rescue with a water rescue. Aug. 15 at 5:01 p.m., a car was reportedly damaged at Splash Carwash. Aug. 15 at 10:38 p.m., a caller reported their neighbor’s dog being aggressive.
Share your photos!
BACK TO SCHOOL Email photos and caption to news@shelburnenews.com by 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28
Shelburne News • August 20, 2026 • Page 5
OPINION Bay Road is safe only because few dare use it Guest Perspective Chunka Mui Bay Road has a decent safety record. That is mostly because the people who ought to be walking and biking on it are too scared to try. Residents in the Yacht Haven neighborhood, just east of the LaPlatte River bridge, told me they don’t permit their kids to walk along the road or cross the bridge. Kids who do walk or bike to Shelburne Community School usually go in caravans to the T-Haul trail, with parents holding warning flags front Chunka Mui and back. Other residents described the irony of having to drive two minutes to safely reach the walking trails at Bay Park. Residents in Juniper Ridge and farther north told me they do not feel safe biking to Bay Park or Shelburne Farms, two of the region's most beautiful public spaces. Last fall, Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale, D-Shelburne, Alec Webb, president of Shelburne Farms, and I organized a briefing for state and regional officials on safety concerns along Bay Road. We started at the Fish & Wildlife access area next to Bay Park and invited the group to walk across the LaPlatte River bridge, two lanes of speeding traffic with no space for bikes or pedestrians. Only about half, including many members of the Senate and House transportation committees, braved the crossing. Those who declined internalized the point as strongly as those who crossed. None of these fears are new, and the conditions behind them are getting worse. Bay Road has been long studied and little addressed; several formal studies of both the road and the bridge have been shelved over the last two decades. Meanwhile the traffic keeps growing. Much-needed new housing near and on Bay Road is adding local trips, and more drivers use the road to reach Harbor Road, to get to Shelburne Community School and to bypass Route 7. The Fish & Wildlife access area, Bay Park and the LaPlatte Marsh bring tens of thousands of regional visitors. And Bay Road is the northern access road to Shelburne Farms, named Vermont’s best free attraction by HGTV, with more than 150,000 annual visitors and rising. What is new is a deadline. The hugely expensive wastewater project is drilling, trenching and disrupting
much of the length of Bay Road as you read this. I understand why the people who live along it are ready for it to be over. But when it comes time to refill, resurface and restripe the road late this fall and next spring, the town faces a choice. We can restore the road to its current state, with no safety improvements. Or we can resurface and redesign with some immediate pedestrian improvements that also set the stage for the long-term designs. Whatever we do now will fall short of the long-term ideal and will be limited to the existing right-of-way. But it should be judged against the cost of doing the same work later, and against the alternative for pedestrians, which is no choice but to walk in the travel lane. That deadline is why the selectboard has spent several years asking about the cost and timing overlaps between the wastewater project and Bay Road safety — not a natural question for public works projects, which are typically siloed. At its 2025 retreat, the board unanimously directed town manager Matt Lawless to prioritize Bay Road. Thanks to the work of Matt and others, that focus has produced immediate improvements. In the last year, the speed limit along the full length of Bay Road has been reduced from 35 to 25 mph. A pedestrian-activated warning beacon has been installed at the bridge. Police chief Josh Flore has been directed to step up speed enforcement. Now work is underway on the next stage. Two mostly state-funded scoping studies supervised by the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission will chart the future of the road and the bridge. The road study has begun; the bridge study starts soon. The two are linked: the road designs will be drawn to accommodate what the bridge might become. Both will produce long-term designs that can attract state and federal funding, plus near-term recommendations timed to feed the decisions made in concert with the wastewater project. We want to think big and start small, rather than produce another grand plan that sits undone. How can you help? Attend the local concerns meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 1, at the Pierson Library Community Room, 5376 Shelburne Road. It is an open house from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., with a presentation at 6 p.m. Bring your concerns about the bridge as well as the road. And take the online community survey, which you can reach through ccrpcvt.org/bay-road. Participation is also a gauge of how much this matters. A strong response is the most direct way to move Bay Road up the See MUI on page 7
Large Animals Urgent Care General Medicine & Surgery Imaging & Laboratory Dentistry House Calls
NEW!
Large Animal Services 66 Knight Ln Suite 10, Williston 802-404-8210 hello@sugarmaplevet.com
Monday-Friday 8:00AM-5:30PM sugarmaplevet.com
Garden Favorites at Vermont’s Finest Plant Nursery Unbeatable Summer Sale! 30% OFF
Fruit, Flowering & Shade Trees*
20-30% OFF
Bushes & Shrubs*
Including Blueberries, Hydrangeas & Raspberries
20-75% OFF
Pottery & Hard Goods
Plant Stands, Coco Liners, Tools, etc.
20% OFF
*
Red Tag Sale FF -70% O
50 rubs, Trees Select Sh ials & Perenn
Amazing Perennials*
EARLY MUMS STARTING TO SHOW COLOR!
10236 Williston Road, Route 2, Williston, VT
4.5 MILES EAST OF TAFT CORNERS OR 1 MILE WEST OF I-89, EXIT 11
802-434-2794 • Mon-Fri 8-5, Sat 8-4, Sun 10-4
vermontnursery.com
Page 6 • August 20, 2026 • Shelburne News
Changing conversations will change health care Guest Perspective Mark Crow Vermont has an unprecedented opportunity to reshape its health care system. Through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program and other recent and proposed state reforms, we have the chance to build a system that is more sustainable and better able to meet the needs of future generations. But funding, planning and policy are only part of the challenge. The hardest part of health care transformation will be making difficult decisions together. Vermont’s health care system is under increasing strain. Health care providers face mounting financial pressures amid workforce shortages, an aging population, declining birth rates and growing demand for behavioral health services. These are not isolated challenges. They are interconnected forces reshaping health care delivery across our state. The encouraging news is that Vermont still has choices. But opportunities have a shelf life. Every year meaningful change is delayed, the options available to hospitals, communities and policymakers become more limited. If we wait until another hospital is forced to eliminate a service or becomes financially unsustainable, the focus won’t be on designing a stronger health care system. It will be about managing another crisis. The decisions ahead won’t simply determine where and how health care is delivered. They will help define what access to, and the cost of, health care looks like in Vermont for the next generation. That means we need to begin talking more openly about the compromises required to preserve health care for the long term. That may be an especially difficult conversation in Vermont. Our identity is rooted in local communities. We value local institutions and decisions made close to home. But preserving health care for future generations may require us to rethink what “local access” means in a changing world. Health care transformation increasingly requires us to think beyond individual communities and consider what best serves an entire region. That isn’t simply an operational challenge. It’s a structural and cultural one. The recent closures of the birthing centers at Copley Hospital and Brattleboro Memorial Hospital illustrate this tension. No community wants to lose services that families have relied upon for generations. Yet, these closures
also reflect broader national realities. Rural hospital administrators across the country reported that approximately 200 births per year were needed for both the financial viability and clinical sustainability of an obstetrical program. Births at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital declined to 230 in 2024, while births at Copley Hospital fell to fewer than 200 in recent years. Those realities do not make the loss of local services any less painful. But they remind us that hoping things remain the same is not a strategy. Sustaining health care in Vermont will require rethinking how and where some services are delivered. That may mean greater collaboration among hospitals, stronger regional networks for specialized services and increased investment in primary care, emergency care, telehealth, preventive care, chronic disease management and community-based services. None of these approaches are predetermined solutions at this point, but all deserve thoughtful public discussion before changing circumstances leave us with fewer options. One lesson I’ve learned from working alongside health care organizations is that successful transformation depends as much on public understanding as it does on good policy. Communication isn’t simply about explaining difficult decisions after they’ve been made. It’s about helping people understand the challenges and participate in shaping the future before those decisions become unavoidable. Many of these discussions are already underway among healthcare providers, state agencies, legislators, employers and others. Those efforts deserve recognition. But meaningful transformation also requires engaging the people health care exists to serve. The greatest need may not be for another report, commission or study. It may be for a coalition of leaders willing to convene an ongoing public conversation before major proposals are developed. Those conversations should help establish the principles that guide difficult decisions by balancing local access, quality, sustainability, workforce realities and the overall health of Vermont’s health care system. These conversations are unlikely to produce unanimous agreement, but they don’t need to. Their purpose is to build public understanding, trust and a shared framework for making difficult See CROW on page 7
Letters to the Editor Prop 4 fails to give equal rights to everyone To the Editor: In the November general election, vote “No” on Prop 4, which is an article to Chapter 1 of Vermont’s Constitution. This Prop 4 was written by special interests who want to discriminate against certain people in Vermont by only stating that certain groups of people will have equality. It excludes other groups. This is not right. Vote “No” because this Prop 4 does not offer equality of rights to everyone. Jaye Greene from the Vermont Office of Racial Equity commended the third sentence
of Prop 4 in written testimony because it provides the legal framework for defending Vermont’s existing discriminatory (a.k.a., DEI, affirmative action) programs, facilitates implementing new discriminatory programs and reparations, and directs Vermont Courts to interpret Prop 4 as protecting only the state-sanctioned “historically marginalized groups” listed in the second sentence of Prop 4, instead of protecting everyone equally. The true intent of Prop 4 is to maintain and implement discriminatory programs in Vermont, in perpetuity, at taxpayers’ expense. This could result in endless lawsuits at the federal level under
the 14th Amendment Equal Protections Clause, for which Vermont taxpayers will also foot the bill. I urge all Vermonters to fill out and mail in their ballots (which the state will mail by early October) or go to the polls on election day (Nov. 3) and vote “No” on Prop 4. I learned this information by reading and fact-checking the information on NoProp4Vt.org and information presented on the Prop 4 UN-equal Rights Amendment Facebook page. Vote “No” on Prop 4. Susan Bowen Shelburne
Shelburne News • August 20, 2026 • Page 7
An update on major town infrastructure projects Guest Perspective Matt Lawless The town of Shelburne operates two wastewater plants, on Turtle Lane and Crown Road, that have been operating since 1950 and 1970, respectively. The Turtle Lane facility was renovated in 2000. The average design life of a municipal wastewater treatment plant is 40-50 years for concrete structures. However, individual mechanical and electrical components inside the facility wear out much faster and usually require replacement every 15-20 years. After more than a decade of planning, Shelburne is moving forward on a major wastewater infrastructure modernization project aimed at improving treatment efficiency and protecting water quality flowing to Lake Champlain. In spring 2023, the Shelburne Selectboard approved a project plan to consolidate at the Crown Road site to achieve more efficient operations, greater environmental compliance and the sustainability of Shelburne’s utilities through the 21st century. The Turtle Lane facility will be converted into a pump station. This modernization project represents one of the largest infrastructure investments in Shelburne’s history. It is a threeyear project timeline, and here are the milestones: • In June, we had a groundbreaking event on Harbor Road. Construction of the force main, a large, pressurized sewer line, began from Harbor Road to Bay Road along the Ti-Haul Trail, across the LaPlatte River just north of the Bay Road Bridge and north to the Crown Road facility. We meet with the team frequently to check in on milestones and challenges. Work
is underway now which will reduce Bay Road to one lane for several weeks. • In September, Bay Road will close for several weeks, with the exact date to be determined. We understand this will be disruptive and are working on getting the word out to residents, businesses, schools and more. We appreciate your patience during this time. Construction will take a break during the cold winter months. • In 2027, the project will upgrade the physical infrastructure to process wastewater at Crown Road facility. • In 2028 comes the construction of solids handling and departmental workspaces. The pump station at Turtle Lane will be converted. • In 2029 is the final site clean-up and facility start-up. The fall Bay Road closure is the only expected road closure of this three-year project. No disruptions of sewer service are expected for the duration of this project. The construction project is expected to cost $46 million. Voters approved a $38 million bond in January of 2026. Additionally, Shelburne was awarded a $1 million grant from the Northern Border Regional Commission to support the ultraviolet disinfection system which is part of the modernization project. The town will also apply for grants through the Agency of Natural Resources, Pollution Control. If you want more information, please visit the dedicated website for wastewater project updates any time: shelburnewastewater.org. And read updates on Front Porch Forum, Shelburne News or call me in the town manager’s office, 802-2645031, with questions or concerns. Matt Lawless is Shelburne’s town manager.
CROW continued from page 6 decisions before changing circumstances make those decisions for us. Handled well, they can strengthen, not weaken, public trust. People are far more likely to support difficult decisions when they understand the challenges, the alternatives, the guiding principles and the longterm vision those decisions are intended to achieve. As Vermont redesigns its health care system, I believe it is also time to rethink how we define success — not hospital by
hospital, but community by community and region by region. Ultimately, the future of Vermont health care will be determined not only by the difficult decisions we make, but by the way we make them.
Invest in COMFORT Save Energy. Save Money
Winter preparation starts in the summer. Contact us TODAY!
Now in Williston | Accepting New Patients!
Get back in the game! Same-day computer navigated anterior total hip replacement. Over 3,000 performed since 2010.
We treat ALL your orthopedic needs so you can live an active lifestyle again. Easily accessible building No long wait times and time for our patients.
Mark Crow lives in Shelburne and is president of Tenth Crow Creative, a strategy and communications agency serving healthcare organizations. He writes about healthcare transformation and systems change.
MUI continued from page 5 list of local and state priorities. A child who entered kindergarten when the last Bay Road study was published in 2017 graduated from eighth grade this June, and likely never once walked there without a parent alongside holding a warning flag. The next kindergarten class starts in a few weeks. Those nine years should go differently.
And the rest of the community, whether they live two minutes from Bay Park or at the far north end of town, should be able to walk to Shelburne’s only public lake access without giving it a second thought. See you on Sept. 1. Chunka Mui is a member of the Shelburne Selectboard.
Dr. Ivan Tomek, MD FRCSC
426 Industrial Ave., Suite 130 Williston
Helen Hollenbach, PA-C
Call 802-755-7171
to make an appointment today!
Learn more at BurlingtonOrthopedics.com
Page 8 • August 20, 2026 • Shelburne News
Champ? Could be
Community Notes Girl Scouts host Stories and Scoops Girls in pre-kindergarten and older and their families are invited to Stories and Scoops on Saturday, Aug. 29, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Fletcher Free Library, 235 College St., Burlington. The free event will include stories, a craft and ice cream, and will offer families an opportunity to learn more about Girl Scouts and meet other families. Participants are encouraged to bring a friend, and walk-ins are welcome. To RSVP, call 888-474-9686 or email customercare@girlscoutsgwm.org. More information is available at girlscoutsgwm.org.
Books store lets you read to a therapy dog PHOTO BY DAN YORK
The Charlotte-Shelburne-Hinesburg Rotary Club entered a team at the Lake Champlain Dragon Boat Festival, held Aug. 8. The team, named Ro(W)tary, was comprised mostly of CSH Rotary Club members, joined by two members of the Waterbury Rotary Club. The team had a photo finish with Community Bank, winning by under a tenth of a second.
Children can practice their reading with a furry friend at Phoenix Books Essex, 2 Carmichael St., on Saturday, Aug. 22, at 11 a.m. Specially trained therapy dogs and their handlers provide a calm, supportive setting where young readers can build confidence and practice literacy skills by reading aloud. Spaces are limited. RSVP to read with Maple, a certified therapy dog.
Get those dancing shoes on
In Vermont, home is more than an address—it’s how you live every day. Our market knowledge and local expertise helps you think bigger, choose smarter, and feel confident at every step. Contact us today to experience for yourself. !
ice
ew
Pr
N
S. Burlington | $869,500 Bridget Barry Caswell (802) 846-9528
!
Shelburne | $825,000 Kieran Donnelly (802) 846-9509
Burlington | $499,500 Debby Hanley (802) 846-9515
Underhill | $1,270,000 Stacey Lax (802) 846-9573
!
ice
ew
Shelburne | $1,355,000 Kevin Boehmcke (802) 343-0219
ice
Pr
ew
N
Pr
N
Shelburne | $949,750 Len Gulino (802) 864-4752
HickokandBoardman.com | 802-863-1500
Contra Dance presented by Queen City Contras is Aug. 28 at 6:45 p.m. at Shelburne Town Hall, 5374 Shelburne Road. The Spring Chickens Trio (Jenny Monfore, Chris Hollis, and banjo player) will play. Our caller will be Will Mentor. All are welcome; all dances are taught; no partner or experience
necessary. $12 adults over 18, $5 kids 12-18/low-income, under 12 free. Please bring a pair of clean, soft-soled shoes to dance in and a water bottle to keep you hydrated.
Hear Liquid Light at Alchemist Brewery Liquid Light, a jam-focused quartet from southern Vermont, will perform Saturday, Aug. 29, at 3 p.m. at The Alchemist Brewery in Stowe. The free, family-friendly show features Allegra Larson (Allegra & the Daydreamers) on keys, Monte Arnstam (Slobdrop, Outer Stylie, Bent) on drums, Zach Gregory (Lush Honey) on bass and Alex Hutchinson on guitar. The band’s performances move from psychedelic soundscapes to danceable peaks and singalong moments, with no two sets the same. Liquid Light recently released its first full-length live concert video, “Liquid Light Live at The Snow Barn,” available free on YouTube. Many of the band’s live shows are also recorded and available on SoundCloud at soundcloud. com/liquidlightvt.
New book explores Vermont CCC camps Historian Martin Podskoch’s new book, “Vermont Civilian Conservation Corps Camps: History, Memories & Legacy of the CCC,” will be released in August. The book chronicles the history of the 36 CCC camps and supply depots in Vermont, where young men ages 18-25 and World War I veterans built dams, trails, roads, See COMMUNITY NOTES on page 11
Shelburne News • August 20, 2026 • Page 9
Obituaries
Sara Packard
Sara Packard It is with great sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of Dr. Sara Packard on July 21, 2026, at the McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester. She was born on July 30, 1954, in Burlington, and lived in its environs her entire life. Sara grew up in Williston, the eldest of five sisters. From an early age, she had an intrinsic exuberance for life; and a native unquenchable curiosity that powered her lifelong love of learning. As an undergrad at the University of Vermont, she studied botany — and loved growing
plants. Gardening was always central to her life — a state of being she inherited from her mother and grandparents. She kept a productive vegetable plot at Intervale Community Gardens for many years; and flower gardening and landscaping projects were constant pursuits in tandem. The natural world and the outdoors gave her deep joy and delight. Lake Iroquois, Lake Champlain and the beautiful Maine ocean were among her familiar and favorite places. She gravitated toward the water, and loved being anywhere on, in or near it — swimming, first and foremost; as well as canoeing, kayaking or rowing. In the winter months, x-country skiing and snowshoeing ever beckoned. Her active life included hiking and bicycling daytrips, tours and even tristate treks across northern New England, to Maine and Canada! She graduated from UVM in 1983 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Drawn to the helping professions and medicine, in the ‘70s and ‘80s, she volunteered for Champlain Area Agency on Aging (now AgeWell) and worked both as an EKG and EEG technician at Fletcher Allen Hospital. Deciding to return to school to pursue a
medical degree, Sara earned her MD from UVM Medical School in 1990; and then, entered private practice (internal medicine) in Shelburne in 1992. That practice grew to include approximately 3,000 patients. The work was demanding but gratifying to her. She cared deeply for her patients, devoting an enormous amount of her personal time and energy to deliver her best to them. Her medical interests were expansive, and she at times offered aspects of holistic and ayurvedic modalities for her patients to consider. Outside of the workday, she truly was the family doctor, sharing her knowledge and expertise with relatives and friends when sought or needed in emergencies, large and small. In explaining medical matters, she was patient, and accessible, to impart fuller and thorough understanding. Generous in nature, she loved sharing her time and interests with others. After retiring, she kept busy with pursuits such as painting, jewelry making, reading, and cooking and baking for family, friends and community. She had cooked at Rowe Camp in Massachusetts in her early 20s; and in later life, for several years, “Dr. Sara” regularly delighted in making and delivering
whole dinners (including holiday turkey menus) for guests at Hope Lodge (where out-of-town cancer patients and family members may stay while receiving treatment at the hospital.) She was always sharing her cooking and beautiful cakes for special events with family and friends. Sara had a good sense of fun and humor, and enjoyed sharing stories, jokes, poetry, music and ideas. She loved singing! Her gleeful and infectious laughter, with unrestrained guffaws, resonated throughout the room, and excited similar merriment among all present! She had many close friends who meant the world to her and were friends for life. Sara was humble in her undying appreciation for medical efforts and advancements made in the service of alleviating illness and suffering. When she became a patient herself, she was sincerely moved by, and grateful for, the compassionate and dedicated help of her colleagues — on every professional level. These included, most recently, the people involved in all aspects of her care during, and through, her experience of terminal lymphoma. She commended all, endlessly — and so do we, her family and extended
family. Special gratitude is extended to Judy Johnson, NP; Dr. Alicia Cunningham; Dr. Paul Unger; and Dr. Nataniel Lester-Cole; as well as the staff at McClure Respite House in Colchester, for the beautiful kindness shown as Sara transitioned from this life to the next. Sara was predeceased by her mother, Jane Packard Bryant; and her father, Artemas Packard. She leaves her beloved stepfather Cy Bryant; sisters Susan Sesera, Deborah Packard, Nancy Packard and Angela Bull; stepbrother Weylan (Woody) Bryant; dear friend Virginia Ringey; eight nieces and nephews (and their children); many treasured cousins, aunts and uncles — and wonderful, devoted, cherished friends, who ever remain family! As one cousin put it, “Sara was a beautiful phenomenon. her humanity and service to others are forever a living legacy.” A Celebration of Life will be held at the First Unitarian Universalist Society in Burlington, in the fall, time and date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans FronSee OBITUARIES on page 12
Make Business Purchases On the Go with the NEW
SeaComm Visa® Business Debit and Credit Card % Low Fixed Rate Credit Cards Earn ScoreCard® Rewards Points with Every Purchase Contactless Payment with NEW Design
seacomm.org | (800) 764-0566 IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES: This is not a commitment to lend. Additional terms and conditions may apply.
Page 10 • August 20, 2026 • Shelburne News
PHOTOS BY SOPHIA BALUNEK
Visitors to town celebrated Shelburne Day on Saturday with extended festivities from the farmers market. Various local organizations held booths on the green, SCHIP Upscale Resale held an outdoor sale, bands played and lots of vendors sold their seasonal and timeless goods.
Shelburne News • August 20, 2026 • Page 11
COMMUNITY NOTES
News from Pierson Library
continued from page 8
campsites, state parks and forests from 1933-42. The Civilian Conservation Corps was created in 1933 under President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal to address poverty and unemployment during the Great Depression. CCC workers built and maintained infrastructure, planted trees, fought fires and worked on conservation projects throughout Vermont. The book covers camps and supply depots in 36 Vermont communities, including Elmore, Jericho, Montpelier, St. Albans, Underhill, Waterbury and Windsor.
Chamber music comes to the farm The Lake Champlain Chamber Music Festival will hold an afternoon of music and discussion Thursday, Aug. 27, at Meach Cove Farms in Shelburne. The program will feature a talk by David Serkin Ludwig, dean of the Juilliard School, followed by a concert of
American spirituals and Antonín Dvořák’s E-flat Major Viola Quintet. Tickets are available at lccmf. org.
Stowe filmmaker’s short comes to town “Townies (or, My Little Town),” a short film written and directed by Stowe’s Callum Adams, will screen at the Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival on Thursday, Aug. 27, at 7:15 p.m. The film will also be shown at Stowe Cinema on Saturday, Aug. 29, at 6 p.m., followed by a Q&A. The film, which was selected for the 2026 Hollyshorts Film Festival, explores life in resort towns. It follows struggling locals who attempt to rob a wealthy seasonal homeowner, only to find the line between residents and tourists blurred. The film was shot entirely in Stowe in fall 2025 and stars Michel Gill and Maren Lord. “Townies” is Adams’ directorial debut.
Shelburne Parks & Rec News Shelburne Parks and Recreation offers the following events and activities: • Join coach Jay for after school tennis instruction, practice and improvement while having fun. Bring your own racquet, sneakers and water. Registration deadline is Wednesday, Sept. 2. Dates: Wednesdays, Sept. 9-30. Time: 2-3 p.m. Cost: $110. Grades: 5th-8th grade in the fall. Instructor: Jason Hammel. Location: Davis Park Tennis Courts • Safe Sitter Course: This course will prepare teens to be safe when they’re home alone watching siblings or babysitting. The course offers four main content areas: “Safety Skills,” “Child Care Skills,” “First Aid & Rescue Skills” and “Life & Business Skills.” Maximum of nine participants. Registration opens: Aug. 31, deadline Nov. 13. Class date: Monday, Nov. 23, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Grades: 6th-8th. Instructor: Williston Recreation Staff. Cost: $60 residential/$70 non-residential. Location: Shelburne Town Municipal Building, Meeting Room 2 • Kindergarten “Mini-Mites” soccer: Join coaches from Soccer Roots for a fun and active soccer clinic on Saturday mornings this fall. Participants will learn and practice basic soccer skills while engaging in age-appropriate activities and games. This co-ed program will take place at Shelburne Community School near the softball field. Parent volunteer helpers are encouraged. Regis-
tration deadline: Sept. 9. Dates: Saturdays, Sept. 12-Oct. 10. Cost: $70. Session A: 9-10 a.m. Session B: 10-11 p.m. • Preschool soccer with Soccer Roots. Designed especially for children 3-5 years of age, including age-appropriate games that will let them enjoy the game and learn basic skills without putting pressure on winning or competition. Registration deadline: Sept. 9. Dates: Fridays, Sept. 11-Oct. 9. Cost: $85. Session A: 3:30-4:15 p.m. Session B: 4:30-5:15 p.m. Location: Outdoor field at Athletic Drive. • Yoga for strength, mobility and stress relief: This welcoming all-levels class will help you build strength, improve flexibility and balance, support healthy bones and release the stress that accumulates from everyday life. Expect a moderate-paced practice with modifications as needed. Bring a yoga mat and any props you like to use. Participants should be comfortable sitting on and rising from the floor. Fee: $90. Dates: Tuesdays from 8:30-9:30 a.m. Location: Library Community Room. Session 1 registration deadline is Sept. 11 for Sept.15-Oct. 20. Session 2 registration deadline is Oct. 30 for Nov. 3-Dec. 8. • Adult programs opening in September: Fall prevention Tai Chi class, sun 73 Tai Chi, adult table tennis and adult volleyball. See shelburnevt.org/160/ Parks-Recreation for complete program details.
The Pierson Library, 5376 Shelburne Road, offers the following events and activities: • Grow Together: Celebrating our rising kindergartners, Saturday, Aug. 22: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Celebrate Shelburne’s rising kindergartners with a morning of book dedications, snacks, live music and time to connect with future classmates and friends. • Death Café, Saturday, Aug. 22: 2-4 p.m. Join a thoughtful, welcoming conversation about mortality, loss, life's practical matters and the mysteries of death. Registration required. • Monday Morning Book Club: “Atmosphere: A Love Story,” Monday, Aug. 24: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Discuss an emotional novel about ambition, love and the first women scientists in NASA’s space shuttle program. New members welcome. • After school hangout, Wednesday, Aug. 26: 2-4:30 p.m. Hang out with friends on early release day with games, snacks and plenty of time to chill. For tweens and teens. • Teen Advisory, Wednesday, Aug. 26: 2-3 p.m. Help shape the library’s collection, displays and events by sharing your reading interests and ideas. Recommended
ages 11-15; snacks provided. • Exhibitionists Book Club: Creative Exploration at the Charlotte Library, Wednesday, Aug. 26: 7-8:30 p.m. Turn inspiration from the Norman Rockwell exhibition and “A Stranger in the Kingdom” into your own art during this
creative workshop at the Charlotte Library. • Gardeners’ Gathering, Friday, Aug. 28: 1-2 p.m. Connect with local gardeners, swap growing tips and ideas and share what’s happening in your garden at this new monthly meetup.
104 Robin Hood Dr., Swanton 528 Essex Rd/Route2A, Williston 414 Route 7, Milton
Shop local. Help local.
vermonthabitat.org @greenmountainhabitat
School Essentials. ReStore Prices.
From homework stations to dorm rooms, find more for less at Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity ReStores!
Is your kitchen due for an update? Stop by booth 117 & open up the possibilities for your kitchen.
Champlain Valley Exposition Aug 29-Sep 6
Page 12 • August 20, 2026 • Shelburne News
News Briefs Three new people join Wake Robin board Wake Robin welcomed three new members to their board of directors: Roxanne Tena-Nelson, Mark Neagley and Wake Robin resident, Molly Comeau. Tena-Nelson is a health care executive, attorney and strategic advisor with more than 25 years of experience in health care policy, aging servicing, long term care, government affairs and organizational leadership. A resident of Shelburne, she is president and founder of Salud Pathways LLC where she advices health care and
aging services organizations on operational, policy and innovation issues. Neagley is the co-founder of Neagley & Chase Construction, established more than 40 years ago. He began his career specializing in the adaptive reuse of historic structures with a focus on craftmanship, quality and sustainability. He brings extensive experience in construction management, commercial and health care construction, affordable housing, sustainable and high-performance construction, historic preservation and real estate development. Comeau is a retired Episcopal priest who served parishes throughout Vermont
Brand new state-of-the art facility!
SHELBURNE Town of Shelburne Notice of Selectboard Public Hearing 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 25, 2026 Shelburne Town Office Meeting Room 1, 5420 Shelburne Road This Selectboard meeting will include a public hearing. A complete copy of all documents can be viewed on the Town of Shelburne’s website at shelburnevt.org or at the Town Manager’s office during business hours. Call the Town Office at 802-9855111 or email mlawless@shelburnevt.org with any questions. All are welcome. Reasonable accommodations will be provided upon request to ensure that public meetings are accessible to all individuals regardless of disability. Ethics Ordinance The Ethics Ordinance regulates the conduct of Town officials. Shelburne has had this ordinance for some years. Members of the Ethics Committee worked to update the Town’s ordinance following changes to state law. With cleaner writing, the Ethics Ordinance guides Town officials in one resource. There is less need to consult a mix of policy, ordinance, and state law to get a full understanding of risk and responsibility. The Selectboard previously discussed updates to the Ethics Ordinance and requested some revision to better align with state law. The revision relies on state law to clarify what is allowed. In particular, the ordinance should be clear as to when a volunteer serving on a committee can also perform contracted work for the Town. There is also a clear process for disclosure and recusal of real and apparent conflicts. -Matt Lawless, town manager
in a variety of leadership, pastoral and administrative roles. Her commitment to community service includes involvement with numerous organizations and boards. Since she became a resident 10 years ago, she has continued that legacy of service by serving as chair on the remembrance committee and as the former president of the WRRA. John Davis takes over as chair while Jim Madison steps in as vice chair.
Red Cross urges people to donate blood The American Red Cross continues to urge donors of all blood types to act now and make an appointment to give blood or platelets amid the ongoing national blood crisis. Since issuing only the second blood
crisis in Red Cross history in late July, thousands of donors have stepped up to help save lives, yet the blood supply remains under severe pressure. Keep up the momentum and help reverse the blood crisis. Book an appointment to give blood now by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800733-2767). Those who are unable to donate can still make an impact by encouraging eligible friends, family members and colleagues to give blood. As a thankyou, all who come to give from Aug. 1-31 will receive a $20 Amazon Gift Card by email. For details, visit RedCrossBlood. org/August. Upcoming blood donation opportunities: • South Burlington: Aug. 27, noon-4:30 p.m., South Burlington Public Library, 180 Market St.
OBITUARIES
continued from page 9 tieres), or to the McClure Respite House. The family asks that, in Sara’s memory, you stop to admire a flower, or notice something that is less ordinary than at first glance.
Judith Siccama Judith Pillsbury Siccama, 86, of Shelburne, passed away peacefully Aug. 12, 2026, at Wake Robin Life Plan Community. Judy was born in Burlington to the late Charles and Leota (Phelps) Pillsbury of Williston. She grew up on Twin Brooks Farm in St. George and attended Essex High School. Life on the farm gave Judy a quintessential Vermont childhood, filled with dairy cows, maple sugaring, time spent outdoors, arts and crafts and 4-H activities. She later attended the University of Vermont, where she earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees. While attending the Judith Siccama University of Vermont, Judy met the love of her life, Thomas “Tom” Siccama. They married and shared 52 wonderful years together before Tom’s passing in 2014. Their love and life together remained an important part of Judy’s life and something she cherished deeply. Judy was a beloved teacher at East Haven High School in East Haven, Connecticut, where she taught Home Economics and early childhood education for more than 25 years. Her love of teaching extended well beyond the classroom. She also taught adults and community members how to sew and quilt, sharing her skills and her enthusiasm for teaching and creating. Judy was an avid quilter and loved nothing more than spending time with her quilting friends, visiting quilt shops wherever she traveled, discovering and buying fabric
(and lots of it!), and taking classes to learn more about the art and craft of quilting. For many years, she operated The Tail End Workshop, a fabric store in the basement of her home, where she sold fabric and taught quilting classes. Judy was, above all, a giver. She freely shared her time, her expertise, and her creativity. She gave quilts to friends and family, flowers from her garden, and cookies from her kitchen. Giving was simply part of who she was, and she found joy in sharing what she had with the people around her. Before moving to Wake Robin, Judy was an active member of the Shoreline Quilters Guild in Connecticut. She and her friends made many quilts to donate to organizations and individuals in need. She cherished her large circle of quilting friends and the many friendships she formed through this shared passion. We are grateful to the nursing and activities staff at Wake Robin for taking such good care of Judy and keeping her active and engaged for as long as possible. Judy was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Siccama, and her brother, George Pillsbury. She is survived by her daughter, Carolyn Siccama, and Carolyn’s husband, Chris Trapeni, of Williston; her granddaughter, Carly Trapeni; and her sister, Sharon Roa. To honor and celebrate this wonderful person, and in lieu of flowers, we encourage you to give someone a compliment, make or admire a handmade quilt, plant a flower garden, pet a cat, enjoy a loud, hearty laugh, wear red shoes, or simply enjoy a chocolate milkshake with whipped cream on top. A celebration of Judy’s joyous and crafty life may be held later in the fall.
Shelburne News • August 20, 2026 • Page 13
Horoscope August 20, 2026
ANSWERS FROM THIS ISSUE
Weekly Puzzles
zen center yard sale 4x5 RABIES BAIT
Champl 4
saliva. If left untreated, rabies is almost always fatal in humans and animals. However, Page 14 • August 20, 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 tive effort between Vermont and the U.S. a person is bitten by a rabid animal. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services So far this year, 23 animals in Vermont to stop the spread of the potentially fatal have tested positive for rabies, and 14 of disease. those have been raccoons. 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 norseen in raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats, mal behavior, but you cannot tell whether but unvaccinated pets and livestock can also an animal has rabies simply by looking at get rabies. The virus is spread through the it. People should not touch or pick up wild bite of an infected animal or contact with or its call To advertise email wendy@shelburnenews.com 802-238-4980 animals or strays – even baby animals. continued from page 2
SHELBURNE NEWS
SERVICE DIRECTORY ANTIQUES WANTED
Tenney’s Bottle Redemption
Decluttering? Downsizing?
We can help you discover, learn about and sell: WATCHES • JEWELRY • COINS • SILVER • ARTWORK
bulk bottle returns & bottle drives
Propane Fill Station Snack Bar Creamee Window
SERVICE DIRECTO
1111-855-DRY-TIME • www.northernbasements.com
INSURANCE
Funeral / Cremation LANDSCAPE / LAWNCARE
continued from page Wednesday-Friday, with2walk-ins to sell Thursdays
bittnerantiques.com • 2997 Shelburne Road • Shelburne
The week-long bait drop is a cooperative effort between Vermont and the U.S. CONSTRUCTION Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services • Basement to stop the spread of the potentially fatal Waterproofing disease. • Crawl Space Repair Rabies is a deadly viral disease of the • Sump Pump Systems • Foundation Repair brain that infects mammals. It is most often • Egress Windows seen in raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats, but unvaccinated pets and livestock can also get rabies. The virus is spread through the bite of an infected animal or contact with its
www.pleasantvalleyvt.com
FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES
Brushhogging byCHAPEL Adam SHELBURNE FUNERAL
802-862-1600 • info@turnbaughinsurance.com 188 Allen Brook Lane • Suite 1 • Williston, VT 05495
Adam Dantzscher, Proprietor Family owned and operated since 1921 Brushhogging • Brush Clearingavailable / Mulching Pre-planning services Chain Sawing • Delivery / Haul Away 209 Repair Falls •Road, Shelburne, Driveway Excavating • Roadside VT Mowing (802) 985-3370 802-578-8347 / adamdantzscher@aol.com
Build / Remodel LANDSCAPE / LAWNCARE
Health METAL
Bob & Jessica Trautwine
Call/Text 802-233-1451 • Hyperreliccards@gmail.com
3762 Shelburne Rd • Ste 3 • Shelburne, VT By appointment only www.hyperrelic.com • Insta: hyperrelic
SHELBURNE DAY Health Professional Shelburne Historical Society will have a Electrical display and president DorotheaServices Penar will Residential lead a cemetery tour at 1 p.m. Food venCommercial dors round out the event with everything • Service Upgrades from802-662-0774 coffee and lemonade to burgers and • EV Chargers • Rewire Chris Jenkinswill enjoy creemees. Kids meeting animals • Generator Connections Master Electrician Fully Licensed and Insured from Shelburne Farms, craft projects, and Charlotte, VT cjenkins@level-up-electric.com
Roofing • Lawn Mowing Siding • Spring Cleanup & Mulch Renovations • Stone Walks, Patios & Walls Painting • Planting & Excavation • Driveway, Lawn & Tree Work Decks 802-343-4820 802-343-4820 www.pleasantvalleyvt.com www.pleasantvalleyvt.com Funeral / Cremation
Huge inventory of steel, aluminum and stainless in many shapes and sizes from sheets to tubing to angle iron
Serving all your metal needs for over two generations
Cutting, Punching, Drilling and Bending Services
802-864-0326 800-540-4692 35 Intervale Rd, Burlington
www.qcsteel.com
We’ll even recycle your ferrous and non-ferrous metal Delivery available
Health
&
Eff VT EEN Contractor
Tim Gould STATION TRANSFER
rates: call 985-34 ROLL OFFforBOXES PT, MS, DPT
South Burlington 23 San Remo Drive tel 865.0010
Shelburne 166 Athletic Drive tel 985.4440
P or email advertising
DEMOLITION
www.DeePT.com
CAR Health PICK UP
DEE.PT.bCARD.2.4x1.5FINAL.indd 12
Full Line Steel Service Center
PLEASANT VALLEY, INC.
bu he th Go de M lan D Ro
SCRAP METAL Since 1988
SERVICE DIRECTORY Home • Auto • Motorcycle • Watercraft Business • Contractor
fac
ELECTRICIAN continued from page 4
Health METAL
CORBIN & PALMER Covering Your Life’s Journey
YPE
Sports Collectibles and Memorabilia R ELIC
Mon-Sat 9-6 • Closed Sun.
Flavors of Milkshakes! saliva. If leftTen untreated, rabies is almost al802-425-2810 ways fatal in humans and animals. However, 76 Jackon Hill Road • Charlotte treatment(atwith theHinesburg-Charlotte rabies vaccine Spear and Rd) is nearly 100 percent effective when given soon after Build / Remodel CONSTRUCTION a person is bitten by a rabid animal. So far this year, 23 animals in Vermont PLEASANT INC. have tested positiveVALLEY, for rabies, and 14 of those have been raccoons. Roofing According wildlife officials, rabid • ExteriortoPaint & Stain Siding animals a change • Sidoften ing show & Trim R epair in their norRenovations mal behavior, you&cannot tell whether Painting • Decks, but Stairs Land ings an animal has rabies simply by looking at Decks it. People should not touch or pick up wild 802-343-4820 802-343-4820 animals or strays – even baby animals. www.pleasantvalleyvt.com
RABIES BAIT Brian Bittner • 802-489-5210 • info@bittnerantiques.com
Sh dis lea do fro cre fro
COLLECTIBLES
H
BOTTLE REDEMPTION
con
R
ANTIQUES
SH
ti
1/9/14 9:12 AM
Nancy Marconi All Metals Certified Massage Therapist Recycling 64 Steeplebush Road Hardwick MassageWorksVT
Deep Tissue, Hot Stones & Swedish Massage
Shelburne
802-985-8984 cell 338-7001
802-793-5363 Intro Offer for New Clients
Insurance
Shelburne News • August 20, 2026 • Page 15
LAWLESS continued from page 1
CAPITAL PLAN continued from page 1
es in my family back home in Virginia that have made it impossible to continue here. It weighs on me, and it’s frankly no good if I’m succeeding in one area of my life and letting other folks down in the other,” Lawless said at last week’s selectboard meeting. Lawless signed an employment agreement with the town in January, which extended his contract until 2030. The separation agreement he signed with the selectboard now designates March 12, 2027, as his last day — 10 days after town meeting. However, the contract indicates that Lawless may leave sooner. The selectboard has already begun the process to find a replacement for Lawless, although it will likely take months. According to chair Matt Wormser, the board has contacted some firms for a national search as well as local entities like the Vermont League of Cities and Towns. Wormser said he hopes the process happens quickly but deliberately in searching out the
PAINTING continued from page 3 an eye toward where the stories are, that perhaps Electra didn’t think to fill while she was alive because her context was so different from ours,” Kirchhoff said. Kirchhoff is a curator and art historian who works on the museum’s pre-1945 American fine decorative and folk art. She also rotates paintings within the American paintings galleries, deciding where to place artwork and how it contributes to the conversation happening in the room. People who were painted by the “it” painters of the time were among classes of prominent landowners, merchants, politicians or businessmen. Kirchhoff said these painters often found
“Matt is thoroughly committed to municipal government and believes in it, and he brought enthusiasm and commitment and excitement and a lot of hard work. And we put a lot of hard work on him,” board member Mike Ashooh said — Ashooh was the chair for much of Lawless’s tenure, stepping back in March. Lawless has been a visible presence in Shelburne. Last holiday season, he led the community in carols at the tree lighting ceremony; he donned a period costume to portray Thomas Jefferson to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s founding on the Fourth of July; and he participated in the Dancing with the Burlington Stars fundraiser last year at the The Flynn theater. “We are in a far better place today than we were three years ago,” Wormser said at the meeting. “No castle was built by one man. It’s a great team that was all part of that. But again, it’s very much a testament to your leadership.”
health or because they’re sets out, it lays out the debt legally required,” Jeffery Carr, that would be incurred with the new chair of the town’s each project. finance committee, said at the With an increased debt selectboard meeting on Aug. burden looming, the town is 11. looking at the cost of services Carr said when he started and departments. In the Aug. 4 on the committee four years meeting, Porter told the board ago, there was no organized that, without doing any of the list of all the impending capi- capital improvements on the tal projects. inventory, the town would still The inventory he — along see at least a 4% increase in its with Don Porter, the former operating costs, based on inflafinance committee chair, and tion, the rising cost of health Matt Lawless Patty Carpenter, the deputy care and salary increases. town manager — helped To just cover operating create will allow the board to costs next year, Porter estiright person for the job. make informed choices about mated the town would need “We don’t need to sprint to their funding priorities, he a 10% increase in tax revefind somebody,” Wormser said, said. nue when factoring in an adding he has a lot of faith in “Everything you do is all unchanged property grand list, the department heads and deputy about trade-offs. Everything flat non-property tax revenue town manager Patty Carpenter we do on the operating budget, and increased costs negotiatto step in to fill the vacancy if everything we do on the capi- ed in the police and dispatch needed. tal budget is all about if we do contract. It would then go up In announcing his resignathis, then we can’t do this,” 7% the following year. tion, board members stated their Carr said. With the schedule of capiappreciation for how Lawless has Shelburne’s finance aficio- tal projects, those numbers performed as town manager. nados laid out the proposed rise to 15% and 10% — well capital improvement plan in over an additional $1 million detail the week before in a each year, with rates dropping two-hour long special select- after 2030. board meeting specifically While the selectboard about that topic. approved the capital plan, it Using a spreadsheet that also discussed how it might subjects through word of mouth American paintings and other weighed different factors and solve what might feel like or other connections, like Stuart’s objects roughly chronologicalassigned priority scores to an impossible problem. The Scottish heritage. ly from the late 18th century to projects, Carpenter and town board plans to do a review “Stuart really is one of those the mid 20th. Seton’s portrait is planner Aaron DeNamur of department spending and artists who is absolutely central intentionally placed across from went through each project and feees. Carr also suggested to understanding why American one by John Singleton Copley, assessed things like its regu- doubling the local option tax art looks the way it does, and a peer and rival of Stuart — and latory necessity, public health to 2%, a charter change initiawhy many of the conventions a piece Webb was most proud of impact and its condition or tive that Stowe attempted this of portraiture that we think of acquiring. Copley painted John urgency for repair. year — it failed in the Legisnow as conventions of American Scollay, a revolutionary, who sits In the final line-up, things lature. portraiture are the way that they in contrast to Seton’s loyalism to like new stretchers for rescue “I would just point out that are,” Kirchhoff said. the British. and certain bridge and culvert I think we have to approve She said Stuart’s portraits Kirchhoff points out that, repairs are labeled as “criti- this. Approving the capital are in a realistic style that often contrary to what people today cal,” while new furniture for plan is not a commitment to followed a formula that illus- might think, not everyone was the library — slated for 2028 fund everything on it; it’s a trates the subject’s professional pro-revolution at the time, a — is “low.” plan. So the next step is to 4/29/2019 regard in society though the pose, symptom of history being written While the capital improve- beat ourselves up trying to clothing and “attributes” in the by the winners. So, this exhibment plan does not necessitate make the decisions about what 3.5 xit 2also ADtiesforintoShelburne & The Citizen background that build a narrative the story the News that the board move on any of exactly we can afford,” board of importance and respect. museum is telling about Amerithe projects on the timeline it member Mike Ashooh said. 24 Consecutive Weeks The Webb Gallery displays ca’s founding, 250 years later. $18.00/week for both papers $432.00
SHELBURNE NEWS SERVICE DIRECTORY SHEDS
POWER WASHING
SIDING/REMODELING
BEAGLE BUILDERS, LLC
Check out our large inventory in Wolcott.
Remodeling & Additions
ALL TYPES OF SIDING
We will custom build, too!
House Washing
Washing Decks, Gutters, Patios, Walkways & More
STORAGE SHEDS - GAZEBOS GARAGES - WOODSHEDS HORSE BARNS - RUN INS CHICKEN COOPS
Owner operated - Call Greg Mack
2083 N Wolcott Rd., Wolcott, VT
Specializing in Low-Pressure Vinyl Siding Washes
802-238-3386
802-888-7012
Vinyl/Wood/Composite
Windows & Doors • Decks & Porches
Kitchens & Bathrooms Sunrooms & Garages
Monkton, VT
beaglebuilders@gmavt.net
802-453-4340 CALL US! 802-355-0807
Page 16 • August 20, 2026 • Shelburne News
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
LORENZO P. BUSHWAY, SR. April 28, 1960 Active Duty: Feb. 1953-Feb. 1955
ROBERT S. BORKOWSKI Sergeant (SFC) Medic VT Army National Guard 1982-2005
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.
PETER PAUL ZUK U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lieutenant Served 1955-57 Japan and Korea
DAVID F. LELAND United States Navy Lieutenant WWII 1944-1955
ROLAND W. WILBUR United States Army T/4, 14th Armored Division WW II 1942-46
PERRY D. MELVIN U.S. Navy, HM 3 3rd Marine Regiment Vietnam War
BRUCE NUNZIATA 1st Infantry Vietnam 1967-68
THOMAS C. GIBSON Royal Air Force Squadron Leader 1947-1952, Malaya
MICHAEL W. LYNCH U.S. Navy, Lt.J.G. Civil Engineer Corp 1967-1975 VT Air Guard 1976-1979
PETER GADUE US Army and VTARNG 1970-2009
SHANNON B. BLAKE U.S. Army, Major 1986-2006 Afghanistan War Veteran
DAVID WINER Corporal, Marine Corps March 1944-July 1946 Peleliu Campaign
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.