‘World of Words’
Good sports
Circus Kalabanté comes to Spruce Peak Arts this weekend
Redhawks have neighboring teams seeing red this week
Page 8
Page 12
October 8, 2026
Over 100 people packed into Charlotte’s Adult Community Center last week to meet and listen to Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amando Janoo. Residents from Charlotte, Shelburne, Hinesburg, Vergennes and other neighboring towns gathered to share what they are proud of, and how Vermonters want to improve their lives. One Charlotter, Ken French, even presented a Janoo-jingle he helped a friend record at the beginning of the event to welcome the candidate. Janoo, D-Burlington, is challenging incumbent Gov. Phil Scott, R-Berlin, who is seeking his sixth term as governor. Janoo and audience members at the Oct. 1 forum discussed
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topics like health care, housing, education and food accessibility, and her approach to possible solutions. Through the night, Janoo listened and jotted notes down in a small notebook while Charlotters shared what they were passionate about. Pete Macia of Charlotte said, as a father, he is proud of the schools but is concerned when the increasing budget struggles to pass each year. Beth Adreon of Vergennes said she hoped a new secretary of education who has experience in working in public schools could be introduced. Current secretary Zoie Saunders, a Scott appointee, faced resistance in the Legislature during her appointment. PHOTO BY SOPHIA BALUNEK
See JANOO on page 15
Charlotte’s trees were close to full color this weekend off Greenbush Road.
Volunteers remove invasive plants to support restoration work BRIANA BRADY STAFF WRITER
As anyone who has ever had a garden knows, when it comes to stewarding land, however small, a project is never really done. There is always maintenance. This past June, the Lewis Creek Association wrapped up
its restoration project to bring back a thriving wetland behind the United Church of Hinesburg. Since then, the group has returned to the site twice to clear out invasive phragmite before it can really take hold in the wetland. “It’s actually upstream from where we did our restoration work, and we just don’t want it to
get there because it will just take over, and the whole wetland — you know all the native plantings and everything we just did — will become phragmites,” Kate Kelly, a scientist and Lewis Creek Association’s program manager, said. Phragmite is part of a genus that also includes a native North American reed. However, the
term commonly refers to the European variety that resembles a tall grass with a fluffy top, which has invaded North America. As it spreads through a wetland, phragmite will choke out essential native species. Like any ecosystem, a wetland needs diversity in its plants — according to Kelly, the invasive phragmite
can take up so much water, there may eventually not be enough to sustain fish and amphibian life, and the entire ecosystem could feel the effect. The patch near the restored wetland was still small and See INVASIVE SPECIES on page 4
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As Vermont’s mail-in ballots hit kitchen tables around the state, voters are already weighing who they want to support in this year’s general election. After a heated Democratic primary, the general Chittenden Southeast Senate race — which accounts for three seats in the state’s smaller legislative body — has a full slate of candidates. Familiar Republican candidate Bruce Roy of Williston and newcomers Javen Sears of South Burlington and Rohan St. Marthe of Jericho, are running against Democratic incumbents Virginia “Ginny” Lyons, of Williston, Thomas Chittenden, of South Burlington, and Kesha Ram Hinsdale, of Shelburne. On Oct.1 three of those candidates — Chittenden, Lyons and Roy — gathered in Williston’s town hall to discuss with voters how they think the Legislature could address some of the state’s greatest challenges. Ram Hinsdale, Sears and St. Marthe were not present.
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the education system remains hotly debated. Education-related expenses make up the bulk of local property taxes and the Legislature recently reallocated $100 million from the state’s general fund to the education fund to buy down the tax rate. In 2025, the Legislature voted to implement a foundation formula, which, while still in development, will give the state the power to set a base per-pupil spending amount. Supporters say this will allow the state to better control education spending, bringing down costs. All three candidates at Thursday’s forum supported the move. The current system sets a state-wide education tax rate based on individual budgets set by school districts. “What is happening is higher spending districts are spreading their decisions at the local level across the entire grand list of the state, and that creates a bit of a tragedy of the commons, where everybody wants to spend more so they’re not spending less than the average,” Chittenden said, adding that the state’s excess spending rules have helped curb this effect. Roy said his vision for the foundation
Charlotte has reinstated its affordable housing committee after a roughly eightyear absence. The selectboard appointed two candidates for the committee, which will have three to five members. One more volunteer is needed for a quorum, allowing the committeeto meet for the first time. Pete Macia was the first to be named, at an Aug.24 selectboard meeting. Peter Hammer joined Sept. 28. Hammer did not respond to requests for an interview but stated in his application that he is interested in joining the committee because “living and growing community is important to (him)” and the best results come out of “working together and sharing resources.” Hammer has a degree in engineering, is on his homeowner’s association’s design review board and has served as the association’s treasurer. In his application, he said he has been a homeowner for over 40 years and “currently reside(s) in an attached townhome or public building as it is defined by the state.” Macia, who owns the Old Brick Store with his partner Jolene Kao, said he joined the board because he knows how hard it is to find housing in Charlotte, especially for farm workers. He is a father and has lived in Charlotte since moving from New York in 2022 and has a background in journalism and advertising.
He said he is motivated by wanting young people to live and prosper in Charlotte, pursuing careers in farming or the trades. “The market will not deliver affordable housing on its own,” he said. Macia is also on the town planning commission. He said his background growing up in a military family has given him a variety of experience for both boards. He has lived in rural areas, cities, rent-controlled apartments and village-style planned communities on military bases, he said. “I knew that there was probably a way to talk about affordable housing in Charlotte and around Vermont through those filters,” Macia said. Owning a store in town also introduced him to traffic, parking, walkability and how life and business work in a small town. Macia said he hopes the committee will begin by reaching out to residents, neighboring towns and even the state or country for creative solutions to the problems of vacant second homes and short-term rentals. “I feel like Vermont can be an interesting incubator for these ideas because it’s small, we have open land, we have the space to do it, and we don’t have to build thousands of these houses to really make an impact,” he said. Historically an agricultural town and so close to the University of Vermont and Burlington, Macia said Charlotte could be See HOUSING COMMITTEE on page 11
The Citizen • October 8, 2026 • Page 3
150 HANDCRAFTERS
continuity for readers, advertisers, employees and vendors. William (Bill) Stille, a news industry veteran who served in key roles at publications including The Detroit News, The Columbus Dispatch and The Buffalo News, steps into the role of publisher and will lead the VTCNG team through the transition and transformation.
“We believe in the strong potential of these community publications and the talented team behind them,” Stille said. “This acquisition will strengthen local journalism in Northern Vermont and preserve the integral role these vital civic assets play in connecting and strengthening the communities they serve.” — Staff report
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The Vermont Community Newspaper Group has officially transitioned to nonprofit ownership following its acquisition Monday by the National Trust for Local News. The National Trust, a nonprofit media company that acquires, stabilizes and revitalizes local news organizations across the country, purchased the five weekly publications under the VTCNG banner, as well as the biannual Stowe Guide & Magazine. Facing increased financial stress on their business, former VTCNG majority owner Bob Miller and minority owners Judy Kearns and Duke Biddle wanted to ensure the newspapers could continue operations well into the future and identified the National Trust as the preferred nonprofit owner. The acquisition marks the Trust’s expansion into its fourth state. The company owns and operates more than 50 news organizations in Maine, Georgia and Colorado. The nonprofit designation will open new revenue opportunities for the local newspapers, which will benefit from investment by the National Trust in news operations, audience growth and community engagement. The Stowe-based publications will maintain local editorial leadership, providing
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Page 4 • October 8, 2026 • The Citizen
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Total reported incidents: 46 Traffic stops: 24 Directed patrols: 3 Special overtime calls: 3 Agency assists: 2 Lockouts: 2 Suspicious person/ circumstance: 1 Service of abuse prevention order: 1 Special media internet: 1 Citizen dispute: 1 Family fight/domestic: 1 Animal problem: 1 Accidental/duplicate case: 1 Medical emergency: 1 Public speaking: 1 Fraud: 1 911 hangup: 1 VIN verification: 1 Citizen assist: 1 Selected incidents: Sept. 28 at 12:21 p.m., police helped someone with a lockout. Sept. 28 at 2:24 p.m., an officer assisted with a medical emergency on Hawk Lane. Sept. 28 at 3:00 p.m., police investigated property damage reported on Hillview Terrace. Sept. 29 at 10:43 a.m., police helped someone with a VIN verification. Sept. 29 at 1:15 p.m., an officer investigated a 911 hang-up on Birchwood Drive. Sept. 29 at 2:00 p.m., police investigated a reported fraud.
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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Sept. 29 at 4:30 p.m., an officer attempted a traffic stop on Pond Road where the driver fled from the stop. The pursuit was ultimately terminated due to concern for public safety. This case is still under investigation. Sept. 30 at 8:23 a.m., an officer assisted with a medical emergency on Hawk Lane. Oct. 1 at 9:04 a.m., police helped someone with a lockout. Oct. 1 at 10:09 a.m., police investigated an animal problem on Pond Road. Oct. 1 at 10:12 a.m., an officer assisted another agency with an investigation on Hayden Hill Road. Oct. 1 at 10:22 a.m., an officer responded to a family fight on Billings Farm Road. Oct. 1 at 4:30 p.m., officers responded to a citizen dispute on Mechanicsville Road. Oct. 1 at 5:25 p.m., police investigated a reported fraud Oct. 1 at 7:17 p.m., officers assisted another agency by serving court paperwork. Oct. 2 at 10:25 p.m., police conducted a welfare check on Silver Street.
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INVASIVE SPECIES continued from page 1 manageable, she said — small enough that a small group of volunteers putting in a couple hours of work were still able to tackle it. Recently, Kelly said, there was a study out of the Midwest that suggests the fast-spreading reed can be managed without using pesticides. To remove the reed, Kelly said, a person must use a shovel or a spade. The method, if successful, should sever the reed from its rhizomes, a horizontally moving root-like structure that will propagate a plant and store energy over the winter. The person can then pull the reed easily out of the ground. The association held its first volunteer day in August and another at the end of September. Kelly said she’s hopeful about the removal process — even just between those two volunteer days, the phragmite appeared to have trouble resuming its small invasion of the wetland. “When they did this research,” she said, “it was sandy soil, and they described it as like pretty easy. This is not sandy soil, so it’s taking a little more work.” The project to restore the wetland behind the church goes back more than 10 years, Kelly said. The Lewis Creek Association identified the location as a likely restoration site when the group reviewed Hinesburg’s stormwater system. “A lot of areas of Hinesburg did not have stormwater treatment at all when they were developed. It was just, get the water off the property, put a ditch in, move it away from town or the field or whatever it was,” she said. A century or two ago, the lawn behind the church would have been a wetland. Restoring it in 2024 involved putting in a nearby culvert, reshaping the land and adding in shrubs and trees. By this past summer, the vegetation had grown in enough to slow stormwater moving toward the LaPlatte River. The water can now slowly absorb into the ground, the plants taking up excess phosphorus or pollutants. Fighting back the phragmites may help continue that process. Kelly said that the church wetland isn’t the only place in town that might benefit from phragmite removal — there’s also a stormwater treatment site on the corner of Silver Street where the association has spotted the invasive plants. It will, however, be a good test case for the effectiveness of its removal. Next year, the group plans to host volunteer days during each of the summer months, inviting people to grab a shovel and help curb the spread.
The Citizen • October 8, 2026 • Page 5
More Vermonters are struggling to afford healthcare costs. Talking with your doctor can help you save. You trust your doctor to give you the best advice for important health care decisions. But as healthcare costs keep rising, how can you access quality care within your budget? Many people don’t know how to discuss the cost of their care and that can be an expensive, missed opportunity. Costs for the same test or procedure often vary dramatically. For example, a hip replacement costs $51,432 at one Vermont hospital but just $23,558 at another hospital. An MRI of the spine at one facility is $4,438 but only $1,410 at another nearby. Making more informed choices can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. By sparking more conversations across Vermont about health care affordability and price transparency, our organizations continue working together to help address this issue. We invite you to join us, speak up, and be your best advocate.
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Page 6 • October 8, 2026 • The Citizen
OPINION Reverse engineering food and agriculture systems and poultry graze in open spaces living off what nature provides while enriching the soil on Bill Schubart which their feed depends. What is reverse engineering? “Regenerative agriculture” We may define the existing defines our cultivation ethic, model but we don’t spend time encompassing humanely-raised, critiquing it, nor do we seek antibiotic-free, grass-fed, freerelated paragons; we imagine a range, cage-free production. new one. Money spent on food is recyWe collaborate; we don’t cled within our local economy, compete with one another. flowing from consumers to The “common good” is a local farmers and orchards and mean not an absolute, providing then returning to our commuthe best possible nity shops outcome for the and services Vital nutritional most people, rather than not perfection being exported benefits derive for all, since the to national or from nature not perfect is the foreign food enemy of the processors. ultraprocessed food. good. We don’t What are food poison and agricultural systems? ourselves, our water, soil and They begin with our soil, air with chemical additives water and air in the cultivated needed for monocropping. E.G. and wilderness habitats our glyphosate (Roundup), atranatural foods grow in. Humanzine, dicamba and paraquat. made infrastructure includes Our health is sustained by the orchards, farms, fish ponds and growth, purchase, and sharing gardens. of locally-produced natural and The fruits of our work and of organically-raised foods. nature are then distributed and Food addictions occur shared using farm dinners and rarely in the natural order of markets, supermarkets, coops, consumption — anorexia and local shops, meals-on-wheels, bulimia being largely psychosoup kitchens, church suppers, logical diagnoses. Compulsive restaurants and “little free consumption of refined carbopantries.” hydrates occurs almost entirely Vital nutritional benefits with ultra-processed foods, since derive from nature not ultraprocessed food. See SCHUBART on page 7 Healthy beef, lambs, goats
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The Citizen • October 8, 2026 • Page 7
Can Vermont afford the costs of Proposal 3? Labor law is not the only thing shaping our economy. Housing, taxes and an aging population all play a part. But it is one Elizabeth Brown tool a state can use to compete, and Prop Vermont workers already have the 3 takes it off the table for good. right to bargain. Prop 3 would lock in a Over the past decade, private-sector system that costs us jobs, investment and jobs grew 17.2% in Right to Work states, taxes. nearly twice the rate of the rest. States Last year, Vermont’s population fell that adopt Right to Work see venture capiby a larger share than any other states. tal investment rise 68% to 82%, according From 2015 to 2025, private-sector jobs to a study in the Journal of Banking and grew 12.6% nationally. In Vermont, they Finance. That is the money that starts new fell 0.6%. Our cost of living runs 13.5% companies. above average and after adjusting for it Look at dairy. From 2018 to 2025, we rank 42nd in disposmilk output grew about able income per person. 15.7% in Right to Prop 3 is being sold What does that have Work dairy states and to do with Proposal 3? A about 0.1% in the rest. as a way to protect lot. Unions fight for better Vermont’s fell 6%. benefits and higher wages, Then there are taxes. workers right to but a bigger paycheck State and local taxes only helps if it goes already take 13.6% of bargain collectively. further. In states withVermonters’ income. out Right to Work laws, Only New York, living costs run 16.6% above the national Connecticut and Hawaii take more. States average. In Right to Work states, they run with the most unionized public workforc4.3% below. Once you account for what es carry tax burdens about 32% higher things cost, people in Right to Work states than the least unionized, and Vermont is take home about $3,500 more per person. one of them. Prop 3 would make it almost Prop 3 is being sold as a way to protect impossible for future lawmakers to rein workers right to bargain collectively. That in those costs. Who will foot the bill? right is already protected by state law. Vermont property taxpayers. Prop 3 does not create collective bargainIllinois offers a warning. Since its ing. It moves our labor laws out of the amendment passed, lawmakers added Legislature’s hands and into the Consti$11 billion in new liabilities to Chicago’s tution. police and fire pensions, already the worst But it goes beyond that. First, it bars funded in the nation, with no new revenue any law that stops unions and employers to pay for them. The Illinois Policy Instifrom making union membership a conditute counts more than 350 state laws that tion of employment. That takes away could eventually be overridden by union employee choice and permanently rules contracts. out a Right to Work law. The Vermont Supporters predicted a dozen states AFL-CIO says as much in its own testiwould follow Illinois. None has. Even mony. California let its version die in committee. Second, it sets a new test for every Without Proposal 3, Vermont workers labor law on the books. No law may keep every protection they have today. “interfere with, negate, or diminish” the Vermont also keeps the ability to change right to bargain. Even Illinois, the only course if it becomes necessary. state to pass a similar amendment, let Vermonters can look at the evidence lawmakers make reasonable exemptions. and disagree. That is the point. Today we Vermont’s version does not. That puts can have that debate. Prop 3 would put it existing laws in question, including limits beyond the Legislature’s reach. on public-employee strikes and could Constitutions are for lasting princileave judges, rather than the people we ples, not for freezing one side of a policy elect, to decide which survive. debate in place. Vermont cannot afford to Supporters say permanence is the lock in the status quo. point. That is a fair argument. But no one in Montpelier is threatening collecElizabeth Brown is the state director tive bargaining. What permanence really for the Fiscal Alliance Foundation. She protects is one side of a policy debate. lives in Waterbury.
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SCHUBART continued from page 6 the only naturally-occurring carbohydrates are maple syrup and honey; sugar, flour and wheat are all processed foods. Food waste is rare in nature. Unharvested food is either consumed by fauna or returns to the earth to enrich the soil. When we eat well, we stay well. And when we harvest from the good earth and
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slaughter the animals we eat humanely, we and our planet are more likely to endure. Bill Schubart grew up in Lamoille County and now lives in Hinesburg. He writes about Vermont in fiction, humor and opinion pieces.
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Page 8 • October 8, 2026 • The Citizen
COMMUNITY Community Notes Halloween Hugs Workshop Vermont Teddy Bear will host its Halloween Hugs workshop Oct. 17, 18, 24, 25 and 31 at 6655 Shelburne Road in Shelburne. Participants can make a stuffed ghost, tiger or Champ and take part in a sticker craft and storytime. Cider and snacks will be provided, and attendees will receive a discount on in-store purchases that day. Workshop times are Oct. 17, 11 a.m.-noon and 2-3 p.m.; Oct. 18, 11 a.m.-noon; Oct. 24, 11 a.m.-noon and 2-3 p.m.; Oct. 25, 11 a.m.-noon; and Oct. 31, 11 a.m.-noon and 2-3 p.m. Cost is $60. For more information, visit vermontteddybear.com.
Financial planning discussions 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.
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Circus Kalabanté will present “WOW — World of Words,” at Spruce Peak Arts, 122 Hourglass Drive, Stowe. Oct. 17, 7 p.m.
Burlington hosts Halloween fundraiser The Burlington History & Culture Center will hold a fundraiser, “The ‘Grave’ Side of
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Halloween,” Sunday, Oct. 18. The event begins with a tour of Elmwood Cemetery from 10:3011:30 a.m., led by BHCC’s Elise
Guyette in collaboration with Preservation Burlington. A light luncheon with music by Woody Woodhead will follow from 11:30
a.m.-12:30 p.m. at ONE CommuSee COMMUNITY NOTES on page 9
The Citizen • October 8, 2026 • Page 9
COMMUNITY NOTES continued from page 8 nity Center, 20 Allen St., Burlington. At 12:30 p.m., historian Miles McCallum will present “Iron Grave Markers in Vermont.” A skill and item raffle will run from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m., featuring donated services, talents and items including juggling lessons, a singing telegram, knitting lessons, a Myti gift certificate, a sunset cruise, a children’s birthday scavenger hunt, a tour of Intervale Community Farm, four hours of house painting and metal detecting in an Old North End yard. The event is free, with donations to BHCC and raffle ticket purchases encouraged. To donate a talent or item to the raffle, contact Megan Humphrey at meganjhumphrey@gmail.com. To donate food for the luncheon or volunteer, contact Miles McCallum at miles.mccallum@uvm.edu. More information and financial donations are available at burlingtonhistoryandculturecenter.org.
Lewis Creek Association hosts watershed day The Lewis Creek Association’s annual party, “Mountains to Mouth: An Exploration of the Watershed,” will explore the natural, cultural and landscape history of Ferrisburgh on Sunday, Oct. 11. The day will include morning field trips, lunch and music, afternoon walks and other activities. Events will be held at
the North Ferrisburgh United Methodist Church Pavilion, 227 Old Hollow Road, North Ferrisburgh, and nearby locations. From 8:30 a.m. to noon, field trips will explore the Ferrisburgh Town Forest or examine macroinvertebrates in Lewis Creek and learn about nearby knotweed management efforts. From noon to 1:30 p.m., the afternoon will begin at the church pavilion with lunch, remarks and music by The Hokum Brothers. Lunch and refreshments will be provided, or attendees may bring a picnic. From 2 to 3:30 or 4 p.m., participants can choose one of two walks along Lewis Creek.
Documentary traces farmers’ transition away from insecticides As Vermont phases out neonicotinoid-treated seeds by 2029 under the Pollinator Protection Act, a new documentary, Seeding Change: Farming Beyond Neonics, follows farmers and researchers in Vermont, New York and Quebec as they transition away from the insecticide treatment. The film, produced by the One Hive Foundation, will be screened Oct. 13 at the Marquis Theatre in Middlebury and Oct. 22 at Shelburne Farms. For details, visit seedingchangefarmingfilm.com.
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COURTESY PHOTO
Garden beds with annuals require a preparation in the fall as well as in spring.
Preparing annual beds for winter and beyond DEBORAH J. BENOIT UVM EXTENSION
Fall is upon us, and it’s time to put our gardens to bed for the winter. Garden beds devoted to annual plants — whether they’re flowers or vegetables — have a permanent place on our fall to-do lists. A few additional tasks this fall can make all the difference, not only in garden prep in the spring, but how well our gardens fare during the growing season. If you’ve never had a professional soil test done, now is the time. It’s easy to take a soil sample and send it for testing. Simply collect soil from about ten random spots, each dug six to eight inches deep throughout the garden. Mix in a clean bucket, package about a cup of the sample in a plastic bag, and mail (with payment) to the UVM soil testing lab (go.uvm.edu/soiltest). In return, you’ll receive a report that will tell you soil pH and available phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), micronutrients and more, along with recommendations for soil amendments and fertilizer for specific crops. While you’re waiting for the results of the soil test, remove the remains of the past season’s annuals and any weeds that have popped up. Most of this plant material can feed the compost pile. However, weeds that have gone to seed should be put in a bag and disposed of in the trash. With faded plants removed, you might be tempted to walk away and leave the bed as it is until spring. Instead, consider planting a cover crop (go.uvm.edu/fallcovercrops) that will protect bare soil, help prevent erosion, suppress weeds and feed the soil. Once you receive the results of your soil test and review its recommendations, you can determine which soil amendments to add. Materials to adjust soil pH like lime or
elemental sulfur can be applied and worked into the soil this fall. For the most part, all other nutrients, especially nitrogen, should wait until spring. If weeds invaded your garden this summer and it’s badly overgrown, you may want to let it all wait until spring because it’s just too much to deal with. Instead, consider covering the bed with opaque plastic sheeting to kill the weeds (go.uvm. edu/gardentarping). Leaving the covering in place over winter until it’s planting time can kill the weeds and trick weed seeds into sprouting under conditions where they, too, will die. As a bonus, by covering the soil, no new weed seeds will land on the surface to later sprout and compete with your garden plants. If you don’t need to defeat a garden full of weeds and don’t plan to plant a cover crop, there’s one final task to perform this fall to prepare your garden to plant annuals in the spring. Adding an inch or two of mulch can help protect the soil from winter winds and erosion, improve water retention and add nutrients. You could use leftover mulch purchased during the past growing season. Better yet, apply one or two inches of homemade compost or shredded leaves over the soil surface to be worked into the soil in the spring. By preparing garden beds now, they’ll be ready for a new batch of annual flowers or vegetables when spring arrives and the garden begins anew. For help interpreting garden soil test results, contact the University of Vermont Extension Master Gardener Helpline online (go.uvm.edu/gardenhelpline). Deborah Benoit is a UVM Extension Master Gardener who volunteers as a garden columnist and participates in Bennington County Extension Master Gardener Chapter activities.
The Citizen • October 8, 2026 • Page 11
FORUM continued from page 2 formula would remove homestead property taxes from the state education fund — which is also funded through a mix of consumer taxes, including sales — and reallocate homestead taxes to education at the local level. It is unclear how that configuration might abide by the 1997 Equal Education Opportunity Act, also known at Act 60. Lyons reminded voters of the health care reform bill she championed through the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare, which aimed to bring down education costs by targeting the cost of health care premiums for teachers and school staff. “We would have lowered premiums by between $40 and $60 million, and that would have lowered property taxes by between $40 and $60 million. It was unfortunate, but the governor vetoed that,” Lyons said. In addition to the funding, all the candidates voiced support for further consolidation or cost sharing across districts. Chittenden outlined a future that would leave local elementary schools in place, while working to build consolidated middle and high schools in strategic geographic locations. Lyons said she sees opportunity in the development of the service cooperatives the state recently formed to encourage districts to share resources regionally. Roy said that he wanted to see the number of school districts consolidate down to around 30. For curriculum, he would like to see the state “get back to some real strong basics that you and I all grew up with: reading, writing, arithmetic and science.”
Health care Vermont has the most expensive health care in the country. Lyons, who has chaired the health and welfare committee in the senate, is in favor of reference-based pricing, which would align insurance reimbursement rates with the rates set by the federal government through Medicare. “That does not mean cutting services, and that does not mean cutting staff, but it does mean becoming more efficient and looking at the very high administrative costs that we have in hospitals,” Lyons said at the forum. She also promoted streamlining care in
the state by coordinating care for patients between emergency departments, primary care providers and community-based services such as those for mental health or substance use. Less confusion, she said, would also save on costs along with better care. “I’m of the mind that we just need more competition, and I think this competition will drive more availability, more accessibility and, certainly, affordability and lower premiums,” Roy said, adding that he also supports reference-based pricing and is in favor of the governor’s recent executive order to move to age-based premiums. Chittenden, too, said he favors reference-based pricing, along with “global budgeting,” which sets revenue caps at hospitals with the goal of containing the cost of care.
State demographics In response to how Vermont might solve its demographic conundrum, the candidates varied. Along with a population aging out of the workforce, Vermont also sees more deaths each year than births and more people are moving away from the state than taking up residence. Lyons focused on those who are reaching an older age and struggling to maintain their homes or lifestyle. “We don’t have the facilities and the connections that people need within the health care system for an aging population,” she said, adding that the state needs more support services to help those who may want to age at home. Roy sees a path for retaining more young people and workers by decreasing property taxes and “living within our means.” Chittenden, with a focus on bolstering an influx of younger residents, promoted permit reform as a way to encourage business and job growth. “We need to tackle permit reform and have wetland delineations that follow the science and not the politics. We need to address party status and appeals. We need on-the-record review to be expanded,” he said. “There are things that we can do to reduce the uncertainty that is keeping investment from the state.”
HOUSING COMMITTEE continued from page 2 a great place to attract young agricultural students to live and work. Vermont already embraces agriculture and a healthy lifestyle, he said, which is critical to attract new residents and soften the aging population. “We could build a Charlotte that is still what it has always been which is this farming community that everybody loves so much,” Macia said. In his application, Macia pointed out that Charlotte has already seen positive benefits of co-housing, like Ten Stones Community, and housing for farm workers. Recently, the affordable housing committee took a back seat and was run by the selectboard. The original affordable housing committee oversaw fundraising and distribution of funds, which Macia plans to continue, but it could look different as he and new members decide how to organize
the committee. The renewed committee will oversee affordable housing programs, projects and grants. He said the board will most likely meet every two weeks or once a month — likely led by a chair and a horizontal hierarchy — and work closely with the town planner and selectboard. Macia said he wants to contribute to town, giving young people and families a space to grow in Charlotte while also contributing to civic life. He said if no one is proactive about affordable housing, people will be forced to look for homes outside of Charlotte. “There are people who are getting left out of the housing market because the low end is already too high,” Macia said. Anyone can submit an application to the selectboard to join the new committee.
Page 12 • October 8, 2026 • The Citizen
SPORTS
PHOTO BY AL FREY
CVU’s Maya Lewis sets the ball for an outside hitter during the Redhawks’ straight loss to the Essex Hornets on the Oct. in Hinesburg.
‘Hawks have neighbors seeing red LAUREN READ CONTRIBUTOR
Girls’ soccer Champlain Valley 2, South Burlington 2: Allie Barrett and Flynn Sexton had goals for the Redhawks, who have not lost in five games. CVU moves to 6-2-2 with the draw. They played Burr and Burton at home Tuesday after press deadline, then travel to Colchester on Thursday.
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South Burlington 2, Champlain Valley 0: The Champlain Valley field hockey team dropped its second game in a row, falling to South Burlington on Saturday. Cici Kenney stopped 13 shots in goal for the Redhawks, who fall to 5-6 with the loss. CVU took on Essex on Tuesday after press deadline, before traveling to Colchester next Wednesday.
Champlain Valley 3, South Burlington 0: Champlain Valley won its third game in a row, beating South Burlington in straight sets on Saturday. CVU won the first set 25-9, the second set 25-22 and the third set 25-18 to clinch the win. The Redhawks move to 8-2 and faced Burlington on the road Tuesday, after press deadline, and then will welcome Essex on Thursday.
Cross country
Football
The Champlain Valley cross country team competed in the Woods Trail Run at Thetford on Saturday, placing first in the boys’ race and third in the girls’ race. CVU was paced by a first-place finish from Benjamin Holoch, who crossed the finish line in 16 minutes, 32.1 seconds. Cole Hart then came in seventh and Treson McEnaney was eighth to round out three top 10 runners. Jack Snyder followed in 18th place and Royal Ricklefs was right behind in 19th place. On the girls’ side, CVU came in third place behind first-place Essex and secondplace Lebanon, N.H. Eden Leckey was the top finisher in 9th place and Madeline Deyo was 13th.
Essex 20, Champlain Valley 17: The Champlain Valley football team held a 17-6 lead in the third quarter but could not close out the win, falling to Essex on Friday night. Alex Jovell caught 10 passes for 96 yards and a touchdown for the Redhawks, while Harrison Whitmore nabbed a 35-yard touchdown pass. Luca D’Agostino threw two touchdown passes to help pace the offense. CVU had a chance to take a late lead with the ball on the 10-yard line in the final seconds but could not punch it in. The Redhawks drop to 2-3 with the loss.
Field hockey
NEW!
school boys’ soccer for their fifth win in the last six games. Creston Lea-Simons, Stef Arsovski and Boden Russell each had a goal for the Redhawks, who move to 7-2-1. Mahmood Rezaie, Ezra Ziter and Waydon Cherington each chipped in with an assist. Theo Skapof and Dylan Lutters combined to earn the shutout in goal. CVU took on Essex Wednesday after press deadline.
Boys’ soccer Champlain Valley 3, Colchester 0: Champlain Valley continued its winning ways on Friday, beating Colchester in high
Girls’ volleyball Champlain Valley 3, South Burlington 0: CVU won the first set 25-13, the second set 25-14 and the third set 25-17 to earn the straight set win. The Redhawks move to 7-2 and looked to get revenge for one their two losses when they took on Essex Monday.
The Citizen • October 8, 2026 • Page 13
Horoscope October 8, 2026
ANSWERS FROM THIS ISSUE
Weekly Puzzles
Page 14 • October 8, 2026 • The Citizen
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CHARLOTTE DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD Will hold a public hearing at Town Hall, 159 Ferry Rd., Charlotte, VT on the following application during its regular meeting of Wednesday, October 28, 2026. 7:05 PM DRB-26-106-CU Cedar Beach –Conditional Use Review for a seawall (Shoreline Stabilization) at 51-174 Jolly Club Road & 29-51 Salmon Lane For more information, contact the Planning & Zoning Office at 802.425.3533 ext. 207, or by email at: zoningadmin@ townofcharlotte.com.
Town of Charlotte The Town of Charlotte seeks sealed proposals from qualified firms for the following trail maintenance and gravel supplies. PHOTO BY SOPHIA BALUNEK
Amanda Janoo listens to the crowd at her event in Charlotte on Thursday, Oct. 1.
JANOO continued from page 1 Janoo said, “Vermont loves who own second homes and help public education,” but added ensure Vermonters can afford there has been a “sowing of to stay in Vermont. She said her discontent” around the public mother lives in the Northeast education system and its funding Kingdom on a quiet road and needs addressing. used to have neighbors during the She said Vermont has great COVID-19 pandemic. Now, most examples of community schools of the homes remain empty and that share programs, which should are used as rental properties. be expanded and continued. Damon Ferrante of Charlotte Janoo is focused on hous- said he is concerned with artificial ing and health care, and the intelligence, Flock surveillance room erupted in cameras and applause when data centers, “A process you use to all things Janoo she said Vermont “can and must said she wants get to the future is move to a univerto regulate to sal health care protect democthe future you get.” system”. racy. Another resiJanoo called — Amanda Janoo such technoldent brought up the current issues ogy “technowith the Green Mountain Care fascism” and wants the state to Board and how complicated and divest from these tech companies. expensive it can be to recieve “There’s a reason why they health care in the state. keep trying to ban states from “That’s the problem with our being able to regulate AI, and current health care system. It is that’s because we do have power designed to treat illness; it’s not right now,” she said. “I think it’s designed to keep us healthy,” very important we use it.” Janoo said. Janoo shared her background The candidate said she wants growing up in Strafford surroundto introduce more town doctors ed by a supportive, engaged and nurses to provide preventa- community that cared for its tive health care for all Vermonters neighbors. Growing up in a politto reduce the overall state health ically engaged family that went to care costs. Town Meeting every year showed She also wants to tax the her what democracy means and wealthiest Vermonters and those the importance of deciding on
what is important as a community. She said her rural community was “half back-to-land hippies” and “half old-school, ninth-generation Vermonters” who worked in the trades, arts, education and health care. Janoo recognized that affordability and security are crucial to Vermonters. “I did really grow up with this sense of, like, a good life is giving back to the community that raised you and the land that feeds you,” Janoo said. Rep. Chea Waters Evans, D-Charlotte, introduced Janoo and supported her bid for governor. Evans said she has been working on a government accountability bill for years and said some of the systems in place in Vermont are great but just need more work. Evans said Janoo agreed with her about not dismantling systems, and that introducing new ideas and processes can help make systems better. “I really believe it’s actually more than policies that matter; it’s process,” Janoo said. “A process you use to get to the future is the future you get.” Evans said Janoo not only “aligns very much” with her principles and ideals, but also with “not only the way our state government should work, but the way that I think it really could work.”
• Harley Rake and grade the Town Link Trail from trail entrance at Town Ballfield south to where the trail turns east, aka the Town Ballfield Segment. • Gravel Spreading and Compacting the Town Link Trail in 3 segments; Co-Housing segment, Town Ballfield segment, Mack Trail segment For complete details visit: charlotte.org/jobs. Sealed proposals are due by October 26, 2026.
Visit us online at TheCitizenVT.com!
Page 16 • October 8, 2026 • The Citizen
HONORING OUR
VETERANS
On Nov. 5, The Citizen 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: The Citizen, P.O. Box 489, Stowe, VT 05672 If you have submitted a photo in a previous year, you do not need to resubmit.