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October 15, 2026

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Weekly news coverage for Charlotte and Hinesburg

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House candidates share policy views

Near and Deere

BRIANA BRADY STAFF WRITER

Hinesburg voters will soon decide between two candidates to represent the town after incumbent Democrat Phil Pouech decided to step down from his role. Hoping to ﬁll the empty seat are Kelsey Pasteris, a Democrat, and John Kingston, an independent. Pasteris and Kingston both spoke to The Citizen about where they land policy-wise on some of Vermont’s most looming challenges.

Education

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East Charlotte’s annual Tractor Parade was Sunday, featuring tractors and operators of various generations. See more photos, page 11.

Kingston is a fan of the most recent education reform, which has called for resource sharing and district merger studies, but mostly he wants to see the funding changes outlined in Vermont’s education overhaul carried out. “I think we desperately need to

reform our current education funding system, which is tremendously complex, not well understood by almost anyone, and, in my opinion, it limits any accountability. I believe that’s one of the reasons why we’re here with such high per-pupil spending throughout the state,” Kingston said. He supports the foundation formula, which will give the state the power to set a base per-pupil spending amount. Right now, individual districts set their own budgets, which the state then pulls together into a state-wide tax rate, with districts receiving weighted per-pupil funds based on several factors. Supporters say starting with a per-pupil amount at the state level will allow Vermont to better control education spending, bringing down costs. See HOUSE CANDIDATES on page 15

Gothic horror takes over October’s poetry club meeting MARI HUGLIN STAFF WRITER

The oral tradition of poetry dates back centuries with communities gathering ‘round to hear tales of heroism and horror. Around three years ago, the Charlotte Grange began its own tradition of hosting poetry events and open mic nights. The theme of this month’s

meeting, hosted on Thursday, Oct. 8, was Halloween and gothic horror. Poet Cindy Ellen Hill, of Middlebury, read her own poetry and other classic and contemporary gothic poems from authors like John Milton, Robert Frost and Paul Lawrence Dunbar. Alongside her bandmate, Tom Hanley, the duo also played original folk songs — some funny, some haunting — celebrating

the spookiness of the fall season. At the end, audience members presented their own poems.

The undead poet society The poetry group has been meeting once a month, participating in music and live poetry readings for around three years. The group meets on Thursday evenings during the spring and summer, then transitions to after-

noon sessions during the fall and winter. Last week’s reading was the group’s ﬁnal evening meeting of the season. Grange president Abby Killey originally introduced the idea. She said granges have traditionally been used to bring community together and encourage cultural education. When she introduced the poetry events, she was surprised

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how many poets “came out of the woodwork,” attributing the motivation to many retirees having the time to write and attend events. She said “New England is where poetry comes from,” making it fertile ground for area poets to share writing. A solid group of poets attend See POETRY on page 10

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Page 2 • October 15, 2026 • The Citizen

Skeptics question local option tax at meeting BRIANA BRADY STAFF WRITER

at places like the Public House or Papa Nick’s. The town sees more than 10,000 cars Hinesburg held a meeting Oct. 8 with a day on Route 116 between Commerce the intention of informing voters how a Street and CVU Road, according to the local option tax might work for the town of Agency of Transportation’s 2025 traffic just under 5,000 residents. Residents will volume report, but there is no hard data on be deciding whether to adopt the extra 1% the home address of someone who pulls over to buy a sandwich. tax on election day. Local option taxes, While the selectboard which have been adopthas been positive about “We can’t just keep ed by nearly 50 municihow the town could benepalities in Vermont, have fit from the revenue — the taxing them and become more popular state would return 75% of in recent years as towns the money raised through taxing them and throughout the state feel the additional tax directly the pinch of rising costs. to the town — the meeting taxing them.” The state offers options itself drew a contingent for imposing the extra of residents skeptical of — Mike Loner 1% tax — sales, rooms, paying extra at the cash and meals and alcohol. register rather than on Items exempt from sales taxes, such as their property taxes. “I think that’s the financial model- groceries, medications and most clothing, ing that I would ask the town for: a sense are exempt from the local option tax as of what portion of that local option tax well. Based on sales data from the state tax comes from people who are not residents of Hinesburg and then how would that office, Hinesburg would have brought in compare to a similar amount of property almost $220,000 in 2025 if it had had local tax,” Hinesburg resident Aaron Miller told option taxes for sales and meals. That does not include online sales. Using data from the selectboard. For proponents and naysayers, whether other towns, town manager Todd Odit has they support a local option tax often comes estimated that Hinesburg could bring in down to how often they believe the people driving through Hinesburg stop at the gas See LOCAL OPTION TAX on page 3 station, the hardware store or grab a meal

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Another candidate enters race for county high bailiff Political Notebook Schuyler Jackson Schuyler Jackson is running for Chittenden County high bailiff. Here is Jackson’s campaign message: I am pleased to declare that I am a “write in” candidate as S. Jackson to be Chittenden County’s high bailiff. This office is an English carry-over from the colonial days in which Vermont adopted in its constitution — a high bailiff for each of the state’s 14 counties. No other state has this office. The high bailiff has no public duties or authority other than to arrest the county

Correction

Biddle Duke is one of the former Vermont Community Newspaper Group’s former minority owners. A report last week about group’s sale had his name transposed.

sheriff for an offense — an authority that has never been exercised and can be performed by other existing state authorities. My first action upon election and being sworn in as high bailiff will be to recommend amending the constitution to delete the office. No rush but to a good end: elimination of an outdated office on state ballots with related costs of administering elections; and reduce the size of government by fourteen county high bailiffs. Secondly, I will review laws that created governmental activities that may be no longer relevant to the public good or could be reorganized. I will make recommendations for amendments and possible executive action to the governor and appropriate legislative committees. My qualifications are experience in Vermont state and local government, legal training and experience, and concerns for efficient and cost-effective government. Any questions, contact me: Schuyler Jackson, 657 Lincoln Hill Road, Hinesburg, Vt 05461; (802) 825-5670; schuylerbjackson@gmail.com

The Citizen • October 15, 2026 • Page 3

LOCAL OPTION TAX continued from page 2

around $300,000 total in local option tax revenue. The town has drafted a policy that would dictate how it could spend the extra revenue, if it passes, on public safety, roads, emergency needs or bringing down property taxes, depending on what’s needed that year. Some who oppose the tax believe the cost will largely be borne by those who live in Hinesburg. The appeal of a local option tax for many municipalities is that it brings in revenue from non-residents who shop at the town’s stores or fill at its gas stations. “I think it’s misplaced. Hinesburg’s not a destination town, and the fact that we have to give 25% of it to the state — it’s not great. The Hinesburg people bear the brunt of it, and then we have to give some of it away. It just doesn’t fit our town dynamic,” Ruchel St. Hilaire said. The proportion of people in opposition to the tax who would rather see an increase to property taxes or a culling of town services

and staff is unclear. Miller told the selectboard he would rather see higher property taxes. In that scenario, 100% of the funds raised would go to the town rather than the 75% from the local option tax, he said. Selectboard member Mike Loner agreed that the local option tax may not be as efficient as property taxes, but, for him, that wasn’t the draw. Selectboard members in favor of the tax say that, not only do they believe people driving through Hinesburg are stopping, but it’s essential for the town to diversify its revenue streams to lighten the load for people overburdened by property taxes. “We need to find another revenue source so that those people who are on the edge of losing their houses, in many cases, we can help with their own budgets. We can’t just keep taxing them and taxing them and taxing them,” Loner said, adding that the local option tax is the only other option the state has given municipalities

for revenue. Whether or not Hinesburg is a “destination town” is up for debate. While it does not have any large box stores or shopping centers that might draw people solely for shopping, it does have a grocery store, three gas stations and a hardware store, among other amenities. Proponents argue those are a larger draw than others might imagine. Nearby Charlotte recently lost its only gas station and is also without its own full grocery store. Huntington, which borders Hinesburg on its other side, also does not have its own grocery store or gas station. The nearest hardware stores beyond Hinesburg are in Shelburne and Richmond. “I think people do come here for biking. We’ve got an incredible mountain biking community, and they go to Parkside, and probably they go to the Public House as well, and buy things at Aubuchon, and hopefully that community can be grown,” selectboard chair Merrily Lovell said.

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More than 50 firefighters battle blaze MARI HUGLIN STAFF WRITER

A house fire occurred in the early morning of Oct. 10 on Greenbush Road. Around 3 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10, Charlotte Volunteer Fire and Rescue services received a call for a chimney fire located at 3939 Greenbush Road in Charlotte. Crews quickly realized the fire was in the building’s structure and requested assistance. On arrival, fire was coming

from the attic area on the two-anda-half-story wooden residential home. The fire extended to the roof and multiple rooms throughout the house. The fire was extinguished and brought under control by 4 a.m. Fire department officials did not provide details on the damage, as of press deadline. There were no injuries and the state has deemed it not suspicious, but the incident is still under investigation. Over 50 firefighters responded

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Page 4 • October 15, 2026 • The Citizen

Hinesburg Police Blotter: Oct. 5-9 Total reported incidents: 57 Arrests/citations: 3 Traffic stops: 33 Directed patrol: 5 Agency assist: 3 Animal problem: 2 Special overtime: 2 Traffic hazard: 1

Alarm: 1 Foot patrol: 1 Fingerprinting: 1 Suspicious circumstance: 1 Juvenile problem: 1 Parking problem: 1 Crash: 1 Medical emergency: 1

Wanted person: 1 Fraud: 1 Selected incidents: Oct. 5 at 8:40 p.m., police investigated property damage on North Road. Oct. 5 at 9:46 p.m., police investigated a reported fraud.

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Oct. 7 at 10:31 p.m., police investigated areport of suspicious activity on Place Road West. Oct. 7 at 11:58 p.m., an officer assisted another agency with serving paperwork on Richmond Road. Oct. 8 at 12:47 p.m., at a traffic stop on Pond Road, police arrested someone for driving with a criminally suspended license and eluding police. Oct. 8 at 2:25 p.m., police helped someone with fingerprints for a job Oct. 9 at 2:44 p.m., police returned a loose dog found on North Road to its owner. Oct. 9 at 2:57 p.m., an officer assisted another agency with an investigation on Wile Street. Oct. 9 at 5:30 p.m.. police investigated an alarm activation at a business on Commerce Street. Note: Charges filed by police are subject to review by the Chittenden County State’s Attorney office and can be amended or dropped.

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Oct. 5 at 1:38 p.m., an officer assisted with a traffic hazard on Richmond Road. Oct. 5 at 3:08 p.m., police arrested someone for driving with a criminally suspended driver’s license. Oct. 5 at 5 p.m., an officer located a wanted subject on Commerce Street and arrested them on an instate warrant. Oct. 6 at 7:55 a.m., officers assisted a motorist with a disabled vehicle on Hollow Road. Oct. 6 at 12:42 p.m., an officer assisted first responders with a medical emergency on Clinton Street. Oct. 6 at 3:33 p.m., police investigated damage to a motor vehicle. Oct. 6 at 4:44 p.m., police investigated a motor vehicle complaint on Pond Road. Oct. 7 at 8:35 p.m., police recoverd lost dogs on Richmond Road and returned them to their owner. Oct. 7 at 9:03 p.m., officers responded to a juvenile problem on North Road.

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The Citizen • October 15, 2026 • Page 5

OPINION Vermont homes have too many empty rooms Guest Perspective John Freidin Vermont should make better use of the housing it has. According to the National Association of Home Builders, “Vermont has the highest share of households unable to afford the median-priced home, with approximately 92% of its households falling short of the income requirement.” So how can Vermont create the housing Vermonters need and can afford and do it promptly? The cost of new construction is prohibitive, and it takes too long due the time required to design, approve and finance it. Currently, (a) 70% of Vermont households contain only one or two people and therefore need homes with only one or two bedrooms; (b) nearly 60% of Vermont’s year-round homes have three or more bedrooms; (c) many of these larger homes are owned and occupied by one or two older Vermonters who cannot afford to make them accessible and struggle to pay for maintenance and property taxes. Consequently, “many Vermonters are living in houses with considerable extra space,” according to an April 9, 2023 ,VTDigger article. This situation has happened gradually as Vermont (and U.S.) households have shrunk by 30%. According to the Vermont

Housing Finance Agency attributed within an Aug. 25 VTDigger article, the resulting imbalance is “the single largest contributor to Vermont’s near-term housing need.” Ironically — and fortunately — this imbalance also creates the opportunity to more quickly and inexpensively provide Vermonters with the modest-sized housing they need and can afford, and to help older, cash-starved Vermonters pay their bills and improve the accessibility of their homes. Under-occupied houses can be modified into two units, each with one or two bedrooms; one of which is fully accessible. Perhaps one unit on each floor. And the cost and time to do so are far less than building new. The owners can live in one unit and rent the other. Older owners could have an accessible home plus a source of needed income; home-seekers could have homes they can afford. Banks could provide loans that owners amortize with the rent they receive, and/or the state could fund some or all the cost of modification through the existing Vermont Housing Improvement Program or by selling bonds. The state could also exempt this rent from income and education taxes, according to a Aug. 27 VTDigger article. Such an initiative would require less time to plan; consume less time to approve; take less time to complete; and cost much less than building from scratch. That’s the Vermont Way to git ‘er done.

Vermont has the tools to keep data centers in check Guest Perspective Kerrick Johnson Vermonters are right to ask tough questions about data centers. We’ve seen what can happen in states that aren’t prepared. But the choice isn’t between banning data centers and allowing a free-for-all. Vermont is already well-prepared. We have some of the strongest energy, environmental and land-use regulations in the country. That’s important context that’s been missing from most of the reporting and the politicized communications you’re hearing. Last fall, Gov. Phil Scott’s administration reviewed the laws and regulations that would apply to a large data center in Vermont. We reached a clear conclusion: Vermont’s existing regulatory system protects ratepayers, the environment and gives the state the authority to make a data

center pay for any cost it might create. There’s no data center crisis coming to Vermont. In addition, Gov. Scott has said he’d support a short moratorium — not a system with consequences for employers that are not data centers — while the state monitors federal regulations currently being proposed in Congress, new data center interconnection requirements being developed in New England, and while the states and the federal government develop new regulations for AI. That’s a very different, and more economically responsible, approach than creating a new regulatory system that bans an entire industry, could be applied to all large energy users and sends a very negative message to existing and future employers who are not data centers. The Legislature’s hasty approach, on the

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Page 6 • October 15, 2026 • The Citizen

JOHNSON continued from page 5 other hand, would have been bad for our economy in areas unrelated to data centers themselves. That distinction — and big picture leadership — matters. The Scott administration is fully committed to protecting Vermonters and the environment. We also need good jobs, employers and economic growth. Gov. Scott and his team know that we can do both. Here’s how the existing regulations work: Before serving any large new customer, an electric utility must first determine what effect the demand would have on the grid and what upgrades would be necessary. The basic idea is simple: the “cost causer” pays. Vermont law also requires regulators to examine impacts on customers. And any electricity supplied to a new large user would be subject to an aggressive Renewable Energy Standard. Vermont’s portfolio is currently 92% “non-emitting” and required to be nearly 100% by 2030. If serving a large new load requires grid upgrades, the utility must obtain a “Certificate of Public Good.” That’s a comprehensive, public process examining reliability, ratepayer impacts, environmental effects and whether the project serves Vermont. Throughout that process, the Department of Public Service represents the public interest. And this process is just one layer of protection. There are several others. Something like a data center would likely face Act 250 review and be required to receive numerous environmental permits, with many opportunities for public participation.

The larger the facility, the greater the scrutiny. And none of this is hypothetical. Vermont already has big employers using very large amounts of electricity. Our regulatory system has decades of experience evaluating that a project is in the public interest. Could Vermont improve these protections? Sure. One effective improvement would be to add a “bring your own clean power” requirement for new employers with very large energy demands. There’s another part of this discussion that’s often overlooked: A properly regulated large employer that pays its own way can actually lower costs for everyone else. That’s one of the successes Gov. Scott recently highlighted at GlobalFoundries in Essex Junction, where about six megawatts of new on-site solar and a 16-megawatt battery system are now helping secure great jobs in an important sector, and saving ratepayers more than $40 million over the next 25 years. So, as Vermonters hear more about data centers, it’s important to separate legitimate concerns from political scare tactics. The problems we’ve seen elsewhere would never be allowed here — and certainly not by Gov. Scott. His direction to us is clear: Protect Vermont. Require large energy users to pay their own way. Strengthen safeguards where necessary. And always keep the door open to jobs and responsible economic growth — because Vermont needs more of both. Kerrick Johnson is the commissioner of the Vermont Department of Public Service.

The Citizen • October 15, 2026 • Page 7

COMMUNITY Community Notes Financial planning discussions happening in Charlotte InTrack Investment Management will host two evenings of conversation about financial planning, family wealth and preparing for the future. Topics will include when to claim Social Security, turning savings into dependable income, planning for rising health care costs, family gifting and philanthropy. Advisors Myron Sopher, Matt Sopher, MBA, and Matthew Johnson, CFA, will lead the discussions. Registration is appreciated. Call 802-425-6345 or email register@charlotteseniorcentervt.org. Oct. 29, 6 p.m. — Shelburne Pierson Library Community Room, 5376 Shelburne Road, Shelburne. Nov. 18, 6 p.m. — Charlotte Senior Center, 121 Ferry Road, Charlotte.

‘L’automne’ comes to Charlotte A musical program titled “L’automne” will feature music and lyrics by French composers and poets on Friday, Oct. 30, at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary of Charlotte Congregational Church, 403 Church Hill Road. The program will feature award-winning pianist Annemieke McLane and tenor Cameron Brownell, director of the Aurora Singers, chorus teacher at Champlain Valley Union High School and music director at Charlotte Congregational Church. The music will include works by Hahn, Debussy, Satie, Fauré and others, exploring the changing seasons through themes of love, sadness, joy and hope. Suggested donation is $20. Proceeds will benefit Malayaka House, a permanent home for abandoned children in Uganda.

Lecture explores healing through prayer Bobby Lewis, a Christian Science practitioner and international speaker, will

present “Effective Prayer: Finding Healing and Wholeness in Divine Love” Saturday, Oct. 24, at 10:30 a.m. at First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Burlington. The free, one-hour talk will explore prayer and healing through the Bible, particularly the life and teachings of Jesus, and the principles of Christian Science. Lewis will share personal stories and discuss how prayer can bring spiritual clarity, peace and wholeness. He will also discuss the teachings of Mary Baker Eddy, founder of the Christian Science movement, and her understanding of Christian healing. For more information, contact Marilyn Sowles at 802-238-3282 or marilynsowles@gmail.com.

Lost Nation gets spooky with Poe event Lost Nation Theater will host An Edgar Allan Poe Halloween, a one-night Halloween fundraiser featuring spooky stories, modern dance, a costume contest and themed refreshments. The event is Friday, Oct. 30, at 7 p.m. at Lost Nation Theater, 39 Main St., Montpelier. Masks are encouraged but not required. Tickets cost $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the event or at the door. Reserved center seats are available for an additional fee. The show will also be livestreamed and available for digital viewing. For tickets and information, visit lostnationtheater. org.

Barre-Tones seeks singers for holiday concert The Barre-Tones women’s a cappella chorus is inviting women to try close fourpart harmony in preparation for its holiday concert Dec. 5. Rehearsals are Mondays at 6:30 p.m. at Capitol City Grange Hall on Vermont Route 12 in Berlin. The chorus will share the stage with the men’s Green Mountain Chorus for the annual holiday show at

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Page 8 • October 15, 2026 • The Citizen

HOME & GARDEN Tips for extending the growing season into fall DEBORAH J. BENOIT UVM EXTENSION

Gardeners know the change of seasons is inevitable. Even so, we’ll often do our best to eke out a few more days, perhaps another week, for as long as we can, to extend the growing season. A last-minute frost warning may mean grabbing

whatever’s handy to cover still-producing plants. If this is your go-to plan, use breathable fabrics like old sheets, tablecloths or lightweight blankets. When you cover the plant, be sure the material reaches all the way to the ground. The classic bell-shaped, glass or plastic cloche is easy to place over a single plant in the evening and

remove in the morning. Just be sure the plant doesn’t touch the sides once it’s in place. If you’ve planted cool season crops like kale (Brassica oleracea), consider using a floating row cover made of spun-bonded polypropylene fibers. Place a length of this breathable fabric over the entire row, using weights or garden

Safety Awareness Natural gas & carbon monoxide.

Be Safe

Reduce Carbon Monoxide Risks Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can build up indoors when fuel-burning equipment is not operating properly. Working carbon monoxide detectors help protect you and your family year-round, especially during the heating season. As you prepare for colder weather, test your carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries as needed. Annual heating equipment inspections can also help keep your system operating safely throughout the season. For added protection, consider installing a natural gas detector near gas appliances or in areas where natural gas equipment is located.

Know the Signs of a Gas Leak Smell: A sulfur or “rotton egg” odor. Sight: White mist, fog, bubbles in standing water, blowing dust, or dead vegetation. Sound: Hissing, whistling, or roaring.

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staples along the edge to hold it in place. By installing a series of flexible rods bent into a u-shape over a row and placing the fabric cover over the hoops, you’ll create a low tunnel and add a protective layer of air around what’s growing inside. As with a floating row cover, be sure to anchor the fabric in place. You can provide additional protection by adding a plastic cover over the fabric one. The USDA has guidance (go.uvm.edu/nrcslowtunnel) on using low tunnels. Did you use a cold frame in the spring? Consider using it again this fall to help protect cool season crops. With its wooden sides and hinged cover, it provides sturdy protection against cold and wind. Surround it with an insulating material like hay or add a heavy blanket over the top at night to help retain warmth within the cold frame. Regulate temperatures inside by opening the top as needed on warm, sunny days to allow excess heat to escape. Even if you don’t have a traditional glasshouse, you can have some of the benefits. A mini greenhouse kit consists of a metal frame and a fitted plastic cover and often includes shelves. It combines the ease of walk-in plant care with a

measure of protection within the closed structure. Whatever method you choose to protect against damage due to freezing temperatures, the material used to cover plants can make a difference. A lightweight spun-bonded fabric covering can provide up to a few degrees of frost protection, a medium weight a bit more, and a heavier weight up to 8 degrees Fahrenheit. If the fabric rests on a frame, the layer of air created around plants can provide additional protection. Avoid using plastic sheeting or tarps unless you’re using a support like hoops or a frame to keep the plastic from touching the plants you’re trying to protect. Direct contact between plastic and a plant can transmit the cold, causing cell damage from freezing even though the mini climate inside the protective cover may be above freezing. In addition, during daylight hours, plastic can trap heat and moisture, so be sure to remove coverings early in the day to avoid overheating or possible rot. Inside that protective covering, you’re creating a microclimate. A remote thermometer can help See GROWING SEASON on page 9

The Citizen • October 15, 2026 • Page 9

PHOTOS BY VERN GRUBINGER

Above: Use breathable fabrics like old sheets, tablecloths, or lightweight blankets to cover still-producing plants this autumn. Below: By installing a series of flexible rods bent into a u-shape over a row and placing a fabric cover over the hoops, you’ll create a low tunnel and add a protective layer of air around what’s growing inside, like this lettuce.

GROWING SEASON continued from page 8 monitor the temperature inside a cold frame or other enclosure to help you determine when to close it to conserve warmth and when to open it to allow airflow. For answers to your home gardening questions, contact the University of Vermont Extension Master Gardeners Helpline online (go.uvm.edu/gardeninghelpline) or by phone

(802-656-5421, Thursdays, 9 a.m. to noon) from April to 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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Page 10 • October 15, 2026 • The Citizen

POETRY continued from page 1 each event with the number fluc- ate and becomes a group activity tuating during the colder seasons, when other writers give feedback but a community of poets has if the presenting poet wants it. been built, Killey said, and poetry has been blossoming in the area The gothic horror tradition with many events in Shelburne Hill has not only published and Charlotte. Many audience multiple works of poetry, but members knew each other, have she is the president of the Poetry published their own poetry and Society of Vermont. Before each chat about the art form after the poem, she gave a background on event. gothic horror and details about the Killey said she hopes the grange poem. can become more of a community Hill said that, dating back to hub and is hosting multiple listen- the 1700s, gothic horror is more ing sessions to see complex and what else resinuanced than “It leaves you dents want. The modern horror grange is entirely like slasher or pondering moral run by volunteers thriller films. and funded by She said gothic questions.” donations. horror is more Janie Cohen a slow burn — Cindy Ellen Hill of is a lifelong poetand deals with ry-lover and themes of dread, consistent participant with the grief and terror with characters group, joining when she moved experiencing uneasiness or uncanto Charlotte with her husband two niness. years ago. She used to write for In “The Raven,” Edgar Allan work and for fun years ago but Poe’s main character grieves said she was eager to look back at his lost lover and experiences old manuscripts and edit them for an uncanny, mysterious raven these events. throughout the night. Cohen said she loves poetry Characters are often flawed because it is a very direct form with good and bad qualities and of communication. Even though the stories become about who it is an unusual way to present they are when tested by frightenemotions, she said, it’s passion- ing challenges. Hill said this type

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Cindy Ellen Hill and Tom Hanley played original folk songs they wrote together for the event.

of literature often leaves readers wondering: at what cost did the hero survive? “It leaves you pondering moral questions and with a sense of almost unfinishedness when you’re done, so I think the people that are attracted to it like that,” Hill said. She compared this type of plot to “Frankenstein” and “Moby-

Dick,” where the main characters destroy themselves and others to succeed — in turn, becoming monsters. Oral tales of heroes and monsters have been told for centuries through epics like the “Iliad,” the “Odyssey” and “Beowulf.” Through the invention of the printing press, stories were shared in writing and became more person-

al as individuals read them alone, Hill said. Today, there is a movement where people are reaching back to these oral traditions, reading and sharing poetry together. Hill said it’s therapeutic to listen and share literature together. “The point is to enjoy it and to share it, and it’s just part of socializing,” Hill said.

The Citizen • October 15, 2026 • Page 11

PHOTOS BY SOPHIA BALUNEK

Big wheels East Charlotte celebrated its 24th annual Tractor Parade on Sunday, drawing in dozens of tractors of various sizes and uses, including some antiques. On the corner of Charlotte-Hinesburg Road and Spear Street people celebrated the town’s agricultural roots with crafts, music and food. The parade commenced at 1 p.m., closing a portion of Spear Street to traffic, where hundreds of people continued to socialize as tractors circled the block. See more photos online at vtcng.com/thecitizenvt/.

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Page 12 • October 15, 2026 • The Citizen

LAY YOUR NEIGHBOR’S FOUNDATION!

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Redhawk Jackson Carrasquillo jukes around a defender in Saturday’s game against Burr and Burton, 7-53.

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Boys’ golf Champlain Valley came in third place in Thursday’s Division I boys golf state championship, just behind first-place South Burlington and second-place Essex. Finn Bellezza led the Redhawks with an 85, followed by Sam Nostrand with an 87 and Quinn Vincent with an 89. Ben Gramer rounded out the top finishers with a 91 for CVU. It is the 10th year in a row that Champlain Valley has finished in the top three at the D-I state championship.

Football Burr and Burton 53, Champlain Valley 7: Champlain Valley

dropped its third game in a row, falling to Burr and Burton on Saturday afternoon. Jackson Carrasquillo hit Alex Jovell with a touchdown pass to account for the only Redhawk score of the game. The 2-4 Redhawks forced a couple of early turnovers but could not capitalize before the 6-0 Bulldogs took over the game. CVU will next travel to Colchester to take on the Lakers on Friday at 7 p.m.

Girls’ soccer Champlain Valley 1, Colchester 0: Champlain Valley improved to 8-2-2 with a win over Colchester on Thursday in high school girls’ soccer. Charlotte Clark had the lone goal for the Redhawks, scoring in the 20th minute. Leta Candon had

the assist on Clark’s game winner. CVU took on St. Johnsbury Wednesday, after press deadline, before welcoming Mount Mansfield on Saturday for a 10 a.m. game to wrap up the regular season.

Boys’ soccer Champlain Valley 3, St. Johnsbury 0: Stef Arsovski tallied twice for the Redhawks, who head into the final week of the regular season with a 9-2-1 record. Theo Skapof and Dylan Lutters combined to make five saves in a shutout effort. Waydon Cherington added a goal and Mahmood Rezaie chipped in with an assist. CVU look to wrap up the regular season against Mount Mansfield on Tuesday, after press deadline, before facing Burlington on Friday at 6 p.m.

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The Citizen • October 15, 2026 • Page 13

Horoscope October 15, 2026

ANSWERS FROM THIS ISSUE

Weekly Puzzles

Page 14 • October 15, 2026 • The Citizen

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The Citizen • October 15, 2026 • Page 15

HOUSE CANDIDATES continued from page 1 Pasteris is focused on making sure that communities are heard by the state when decisions are made. The entire reform process, she said, felt rushed. “I think there just needs to be a better consensus of what the goal is. Is it to raise test scores? Is it to make sure that we have kids that graduate in the trades so that we can build more houses here? Or is it strictly just to lower our property taxes?” she said. She wants districts to continue to look at how to share resources, but at the same time letting communities decide what is best for them.

Health care Pasteris supports moving toward universal primary care in Vermont, a policy championed by Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amanda Janoo, as well as reference-based pricing, which would base the cost of care off Medicare reimbursement rates. Pasteris is a registered nurse in the urology department at UVM Medical Center. Fairly often, she said, staff will be treating a patient for urology issues when the patient will ask about another issue. They’ll recommend the patient take it to their primary care doctor. “And they’ll say, ‘I don’t have one.’ And then, you know, what do we do from there? Send them to urgent care or the ER? That’s just not a good use of anybody’s resources,” she said. Pasteris said constituents have also told her about the ways univer-

sal primary care might help bolster small businesses. Day care owners she met with recently told her they have trouble keeping workers because they can’t afford to provide insurance. Other people, Pasteris said, might skip private insurance — Vermont’s is the most expensive in the country — because they work part-time and would have to buy it themselves on the marketplace. “We don’t have to do it overnight,” she said, adding that the state could start with pilot programs or investigate having town-wide nurses. Kingston is more skeptical of universal primary care. However, he said while he doesn’t think it would work, and he doesn’t want the state to build an entirely new system, he does want to see better access to primary care. He’s supportive of the federal Rural Health Transformation program, which passed almost two years ago as part of Congress’s “One Big Beautiful Bill.” This year, Vermont received $195 million from the program to bolster rural health care — the priority of which is strengthening the workforce. “We need is to use the funding sources I just identified to get more primary care physicians and practitioners to track them and retain them here, and to incent patients to use those services,” he said. In addition, Kingston said he would focus on hospital costs. “Our hospitals are where about 50% of the of health care spending

takes place, and our hospitals operate with very significant administrative burdens, especially relative to their peers around the country,” he said. He likes what he’s seen recently from the president of UVM Medical Center, who recently cut the hospital’s budget by $100 million and plans to cut the same amount for the next two years.

Housing Kingston and Pasteris are fairly aligned on housing — both would like see support to make building housing easier and less expensive, including addressing the permitting process. They both also see housing as integrated into other issues. Both candidates think of housing as linked to job growth, whether that’s in building up the skilled trades to help build housing or creating other jobs to make it possible for young people to stay in Vermont and buy those homes. “We have to be creative with good state programs, good private and public sector partnerships to start building the stock up that we need, and then we have to have a good employment base so that good paying jobs are available for people to afford housing,” Kingston said.

people get jobs, have their child care, get to school — all of these things you have to get there somehow, and so transportation needs to be part of the conversation whenever we’re talking about these things,” she said, adding that she’s interested in creative solutions. Her son’s bus, for example, she said, is never full — would there a be a way to integrate school and public transportation? She would also like to see legislative decisions evaluated more. Years down the road, she said, people should know how well the programs and processes put in

place are working. Kingston, while he said that he would be excited to work in Montpelier regardless, aligned himself with Republican Gov. Phil Scott, who is seeking a sixth term. “I believe that we’re much better served with balance than we are without balance, and Gov. Scott has been a counterbalance to a legislature that’s been well controlled for the last 30 years by Democrats and Progressives,” Kingston said. He added that he and Pasteris likely agree wholeheartedly that they would like every eligible voter to cast a ballot.

Getting to work As far as what she’s excited to work on at the State House, Pasteris is interested in transportation. “Where people live, where

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

Town of Hinesburg Development Review Board Tuesday, November 3, 2026 at 6:30 PM Town Hall, 10632 Route 116, Hinesburg, VT 05461

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Ashely Labelle - Final Plat Subdivision Application - 421 Place Road West, Tax Map ID# 16-20-13.000: Request for final plat approval of a 3-lot residential subdivision on a ±10.25-acre property in the Residential 4 (R-4) Zoning District. The application proposes to maintain an existing single-family home and attached accessory dwelling unit on Lot 1, the conversion of an existing detached garage to a single-family dwelling on Lot 2, and the development of Lot 3 is proposed to be held in deferral. Access to Lot 1 and Lot 2 is proposed with shared driveway from Lot 1. Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity - Final Site Plan Application - Lot 21 Monarch Dr, Tax Map ID# 16-20-56.921: Request for final site plan approval to construct two (2) 4-unit multifamily residential buildings as perpetually affordable dwelling units with associated site improvements on Lot 21 in the Riggs Meadow development of the Windy Ridge overall subdivision. The ± 0.67acre property is located on a private drive known as Monarch Drive in the Village Northeast (VG-NE) Zoning District. The meeting will be held both in-person at Town Hall and remotely. The meeting agenda will be available on the town website at www. hinesburg.org with details on how to participate.

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Page 16 • October 15, 2026 • The Citizen

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