Up, up and away
Hold your horses
FAA approves Beta Technologies for vertical takeoff and landing
SB teen earns Youth of the Year award with Morgan horse
Page 4
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South Burlington’s Community Newspaper Since 1977
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VOLUME 50, NO. 44
District settles with SB teachers over labor dispute
Run for your lives!
LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER
One by one, a row of sundaes started to pile up at the counter at the end of the ice cream station. While Ben & Jerry’s founder Ben Cohen has made headlines over the past year demanding more autonomy from new
One year after the South Burlington Educators Association and the Vermont NEA filed unfair labor practice charges against the South Burlington School District, the district and union have settled. The state and local teachers’ union filed the unfair labor practice charges with the Vermont Labor Relations Board in August 2025, as a response to a district-led investigation into a complaint about a notebook, dubbed by complainants as the “black book,” that allegedly had been circulated at teachers’ social gatherings and reportedly contained ongoing negative commentary regarding district leadership at the time. Not only did the complaint contain concerns about this elusive notebook, but it also expressed fear about retaliation by the South Burlington Educators Association, which was, at the time, engaged in a public campaign that ultimately led to the exit of former superintendent Violet Nichols. The complaint also expressed concern there may have been a coordinated and
See BEN AND JERRY’S on page 15
See LABOR DISPUTE on page 16
PHOTO BY SOPHIA BALUNEK
South Burlington Recreation and Parks held a Haunted Hustle 5K race through City Center Park Saturday where runners donned costumes of all kinds.
Ben & Jerry’s ‘university’ gives the scoop BRIANA BRADY STAFF WRITER
Several people wearing visors and rainbow tie dye aprons stood behind the counter at Ben & Jerry’s corporate offices in South Burlington last week, listening carefully as Vivian Evans, the ice cream behemoth’s retail project manager, took
them through the steps to create the perfect hot fudge sundae. “Whenever you’re taking an order from a customer or a fan, remember we get all of our information up front. Make sure they feel at home. Find out if they want hot fudge or hot caramel, whipped cream and what dry toppings they might do,” Evans said.
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Page 2 • October 29, 2026 • The Other Paper
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Brewer Parkway residents raise concerns with hydrant project BRIANA BRADY STAFF WRITER
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A year-long project to increase water flow to hydrants on Brewer Parkway recently brought a crowd of residents from the neighborhood to the South Burlington City Council with grievances over how the work was carried out. The residents have been present during public comment periods at meetings leading up to the one on Oct.19 with stories of decreased water flow and impacts to their
lawns and gardens and submitted a petition to the council with 52 signatures — a majority of homeowners. The project, which replaced about 700 feet of water main, began in the fall of 2025 and, according to the city, was completed in this past June. During a fire hydrant replacement on the street in 2024, the city found scale buildup in the pipe and an inspection showed the fire hydrants on the street weren’t providing enough flow to safely put out fires. While the city reports
that the flows to the hydrants have returned to safe levels, residents raised questions about the city’s management of the project and the oversight for contractors. “My big issue is communication with the city,” Sandy Julius, a street resident said. Julius told the council that she has maintained a wildflower garden in front of her home, to which she also added perennial plants transferred from her mothSee BREWER PARKWAY on page 11
The Other Paper • October 29, 2026 • Page 3
Tri-city school merger study holds first meeting MARI HUGLIN STAFF WRITER
The committee in charge of studying a merger between the Burlington, South Burlington and Winooski school districts met for the first time last week, setting into motion a long process that might see the school districts become one. Under Act 170, a new education policy that went into effect in Vermont in July, South Burlington was assigned to two new committees: the merger committee and the Chittenden Central Cooperative Educational Service Area, which also pulls in Colchester and Essex-Westford districts. The merger committee studies the physical merging of school districts. Elected members from school boards represent their district and will vote to go forward with the merger or not by next year. This committee met on Oct. 20 for the first time. The CESA committee, which brings together administrators from the five districts assigned to the group, will discuss sharing services between districts over the coming months and years. School board chair Seamus Abshere is one of two representatives for the district on the merger committee, the other being board member Dan Boyer. According to Abshere, the goal of the potential merger is to make districts more efficient and effective. In larger districts, schools could offer more programs to their students, he said. The South Burlington School Board shared a public statement earlier in the year supporting the idea of mergers and the opportunities they bring. “The board believes that it’s really important to improve education quality, and if a merger means that we can increase the education quality, then it’s good for Vermont, and it’s good for kids, and taxpayers will be more likely to support it,” Abshere said. Abshere said improving outcomes for students and creating more opportunities increases the value of taxpayers’ money, but personally, he is unsure if this will save money. He said it is hard to find effective ways to cut costs, especially in South Burlington, since the district is already quite
lean in its operations. “I don’t think that we’re going to reduce costs,” he said. “I think we’re going to improve quality, and I think we need to be straight about that from the beginning.” At the first meeting, the committee designated Nicole Mace as chair. Mace, who is the sole representative of Winooski, and was previously the executive director of the Vermont School Boards Association, has a background in law and experience with mergers. Abshere said he and the other members of the committee wanted Winooski to have a solid representation since they only have one member. Burlington has three representatives. The state appointed Craig Aarons-Martin as the committee’s facilitator. The voting power of the committee is portioned according to the weighted pupil count of each district. To get that number, the state calculates the cost of each student based on their needs so districts can receive equitable funding. Students who qualify for special services such as language learners or students with individual education plans are given more weight. The committee also discussed ground rules and a good faith agreement meaning they will attempt to negotiate a merger no matter their own personal stance on the issue. The committee will meet monthly for a year creating an official report, recommendation and vote count on if the districts should merge or not by September 2027. Abshere said he is unsure how long this process will take. The group’s next meeting is scheduled for Nov. 2 where members will discuss the vision, goals and other organizational aspects. A website with information pertaining to this specific committee with links, recordings and meeting minutes will be created within the next week. “Vermont schools are really expensive, and that’s you know there’s two ways you can deal with that,” Abshere said. “You can make them cheaper, or you can make them better and I think that mergers is about making them better.”
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Page 4 • October 29, 2026 • The Other Paper
School district drafts new strategic plan MARI HUGLIN STAFF WRITER
As budget season nears, the South Burlington School District is looking to draft a new strategic plan reflecting community priorities and a decision-making framework. At the Oct. 21 school board meeting, superintendent Joe Clark introduced the firm the district chose SPARC Associates — a Vermont-based development and consulting firm—- to organize the new plan. After an initial community survey group last week, the firm acknowledged current data collected by Clark and collected priorities, concerns and questions from those living in the district. The firm will do multiple rounds of community conversations then present a final draft by December. The planning process will use a small steering committee, stakeholder groups and an open planning committee. The final draft will lay out objectives, activities and metrics for the district, visualizing how the plan will be implemented. It is up to the superintendent to
implement budgeting and staffing. Clark reiterated the strategic plan belongs to and is for the community, and he will gather information and guide the district toward the best use of the budget and programming. “A strategic plan belongs to the community. This is not Joe’s strategic plan,” Clark said. He said he wants it to be a living document that is easily readable, short and concise so the district can go back to it through the years and see how they have progressed. “If its 100 pages, it becomes too onerous for you to use on a regular basis,” Mathew Johnson, co-founder and co-CEO of SPARC, said. School board chair Seamus Abshere pointed out it would be optimal if the firm could provide demographics of survey respondents and volunteers who participate in studies, so no demographics are over or underrepresented. The survey will include students, parents, teachers, community members and non-school members who are taxpayers in the district.
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FILE PHOTO
Beta Technology’s conventional take off and landing aircraft has been authorized by the FAA since 2024. It just got cleared for vertical takeoff.
FAA approves Beta Technologies for vertical takeoff and landing BRIANA BRADY STAFF WRITER
The Federal Aviation Administration has granted a Special Airworthiness Certificate for market surveys to South Burlington’s Beta Technologies for its vertical landing and takeoff electric aircraft. According to a press release from the company, this is the first such authorization granted to an electric aircraft of this kind. The authorization will allow Beta to
take prospective customers up in the air to experience the aircraft firsthand. “This is an important step toward commercial adoption,” CEO Kyle Clark said in the press release. The vertical takeoff and landing aircraft is designed to operate with or without a runway, Beta said. The aircraft is designed to lift directly from the ground, rather than gathering speed on a runway like a conventional aircraft and can carry five passengers and up to 1,200
pounds of cargo. According to the press release, the company expects these market research flights to drive market adoption by building “confidence and familiarity” among potential business partners. Under the new authorization, the press release said, Beta’s vertical electric plane took its first authorized flight on Oct. 20 from Plattsburgh International Airport and landed at Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport, covering 34 nautical miles in 20 minutes.
SB voters head to Election Day polls Voters will head to the polls on Tuesday to cast their ballots for a slate of political candidates — if they haven’t already voted early. In addition to statewide races, proposed constitutional amendments and the biennial contest for Vermont’s lone representative to Congress, here are the races of importance for South Burlington voters. • State Senate: Chittenden Southeast (three seats): Thomas Chittenden, D-South Burlington; Kesha Ram Hinsdale, D-Shelburne; Virginia “Ginny” Lyons, D-Williston; Bruce Roy, R-Williston; Javen Sears, R-South Burlington; Rohan St. Marthe, R-Jericho. • House of Representatives: Chittenden-8 (one seat): Bridget Burkhardt, D-South Burlington;
Mitchel Cypes, R-South Burlington • Chittenden-9 House: Emilie Krasnow, D-South Burlington • Chittenden-10 House: Kate Nugent, D-South Burlington • Chittenden-11 House: Brian Minier, D-South Burlington • Chittenden-12 House: Martin J. LaLonde, D-South Burlington • Chittenden County state’s attorney: Sarah George, D/P-Colchester; Jace Laquerre, R-Milton • Chittenden County sheriff: Daniel Gamelin, D/R-Colchester • Chittenden County high bailiff: Paul McManus, R-Williston; Sean Miller, I-Burlington; Amy Payne, D-Burlington Chittenden County assistant judge (two seats): Connie Cain Ramsey, D/R-Burlington; Anne Nichols Williams, D/R-Burlington
• Chittenden County probate judge: Gregory J. Clennon, D/R-Burlington Additionally, South Burlington has 14 candidates for 15 justices of the peace seats. Same-day voter registration is available at the polls. Completed mailed ballots can be dropped off 24/7 at City Hall, returned in person to City Hall or brought to a polling place, which are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at: • City Hall Senior Center, 180 Market St. (Chittenden-8) • F.H. Tuttle Middle School, 500 Dorset St. (Chittenden-9) • Chamberlin School, 262 White St. (Chittenden-10) • F.H. Tuttle Middle School, 500 Dorset St. (Chittenden-11) • Orchard School, 2 Baldwin Ave. (Chittenden-12)
The Other Paper • October 29, 2026 • Page 5
OPINION ‘Virtual’ mergers likely to produce better results Guest Perspective Ben Kinsley Here in Vermont, we value local communities and local connections. Small is valuable, and rural is an asset, not a liability. Yet in education policy, many Vermonters have embraced the assumption that bigger districts are inherently better. The evidence suggests otherwise: Vermont can pursue savings and stronger student outcomes without forcing communities into larger districts and without erasing their local identity. The data shows that bigger schools and bigger districts do not inherently produce better outcomes for either students or taxpayers. Let me explain. Despite the rhetoric about economies of scale, statistical analysis shows no meaningful relationship between Vermont district size and per-student cost. Student outcomes also do not improve as districts grow. And these findings are not unique to Vermont. So, where does this push for consolidation come from? Some of it is well-intentioned, but misguided. It is easy to believe that a larger footprint comes with efficiencies. That is true to a certain degree, but inefficiencies also follow conventional consolidation (like increases in administrative overhead and pay scales). A second reason consolidation seems attractive is administrative simplicity. Larger, more uniform districts can make it easier to
coordinate staffing, move assets and standardize operations. Those conveniences may be real, but they should not be confused with demonstrated savings or better student outcomes. I worked on the last school consolidation effort, Act 46, and by the end we would joke that it should have been named “The Superintendent’s Relief Act.” Vermont is now weighing another large-scale consolidation effort, but the results of the last one should be analyzed with the learnings used to inform the current effort. Since Act 46 passed in 2015, education spending has increased 67% ($1 billion) even as enrollment fell. That is average annual growth of more than 5.6% over 12 years, compared with average inflation of about 3.2% (41% compounded). Had spending merely kept pace with inflation, Vermont would be spending nearly $400 million less on education today. The only independent analysis of Act 46 was done by a researcher at Yale and, meaningfully, examined spending within the same districts both prior to and following consolidation. That analysis showed that spending actually increased slightly following consolidation. There were savings on administrative support and contracted services, but these savings were negated by increases in transportation costs and compensation. Higher transportation costs are easy to understand; the compensation increases require more
explanation. Merging districts means reopening employment contracts, and the tendency is to adopt the most generous package rather than ask any employees to take a pay cut — especially as this would be one of a new, merged school board’s first acts. I believe this dynamic contributed significantly to Act 46’s failure to deliver its promised savings. Today there are 52 Supervisory Unions overseeing 119 school districts, with an average size of just under 700 students. That is actually above the national median of 586 students. So, if our districts are about the same size as the rest of the country, why are we spending 30% more? There must be more to the story. Act 170 requires every school district to join an assigned study committee. Facilitators must group generally contiguous districts
and, where practical, aim for at least 2,000 students per study group. That target is impractical and unnecessary for Vermont: it exceeds the typical size in most rural states and is more than triple the national median district size. More specific to this conversation, the law also requires that study committees perform a cost/ benefit analysis on the educational, financial, operational and long-term sustainability effects of mergers. This is important because it places a requirement on study committee members to evaluate all the benefits and drawbacks of conventional consolidation. It is important to approach the process with eyes wide open and weigh both sides of the equation. There will absolutely be places where conventional consolidation makes sense. We saw this during Act 46 as well; the earliest mergers
had the most positive outcomes. This was likely because the ones that were achieved early in the process made the most sense. The ones that came later, the ones that were forced, did not produce positive outcomes. Most districts, however, would benefit from what I call “virtual mergers.” Rather than combine local districts, this model regionalizes business and educational services through Education Service Agencies (the approach behind Act 170’s CESAs). It preserves local control while streamlining administration and reducing costs. Because districts remain intact, Vermont could capture the administrative and contracting savings seen under Act 46 without adding transportation costs or leveling up See KINSLEY on page 7
NOVEMBER 3, 2024
ELECTION DAY If you have not received your ballot in the mail yet, please contact the South Burlington City Clerk's Office immediately so we can assist you.
How to Cast Your Ballot In-person: at City Hall before November 2 at noon or at your polling location on November 3. You must bring the ballot that was issued to you and mailed to your address to your polling location. Absentee: by mail, or brought to City Hall through November 3 at 4:30 pm or Absentee your polling location on November 3 until 7:00 pm. Polls are open on Tuesday, November 3, from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. Ballots are not accepted after the polls have closed. The City Clerk’s Office will be closed on November 2 after noon and all day on November 3. Questions? Please call the City Clerk's Office at 802-846-4105 or email City Clerk Holly Rees at hrees@southburlingtonvt.gov.
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District
Location
Address
CHI-8 CHI-9 CHI-10 CHI-11 CHI-12
City Hall Senior Center F.H. Tuttle Middle School Chamberlin School F.H. Tuttle Middle School Orchard School
180 Market Street 500 Dorset Street 262 White Street 500 Dorset Street 2 Baldwin Avenue
For more information, voting district map, and sample ballots, visit www.southburlingtonvt.gov /ElectionsandVoting
Page 6 • October 29, 2026 • The Other Paper
Letters to the Editor Gov. Scott oriented toward out of state interests To the Editor: I am voting for Amanda Janoo for governor of Vermont. Amanda Janoo, an economist, brings an entirely new perspective and slant to the governing process. The most important question she asks as she travels across the state campaigning is “How do we build governments and economies that people actually have power to shape?” For a decade we have had Gov. Phil Scott whose main governing strategy seemed to be little more than holding the line on spending. That may have been appropriate, but it, alone, no longer serves the needs of the present moment and future. We are increasingly faced with challenges that take control out of our own lives. Any efforts to move in new directions to meet new challenges are hampered by not having a clear direction set out for Vermont. Gov. Scott has not provided that; Amanda Janoo will. Republicans today assign low priority to climate change — which flies in the face of the plethora of scientific evidence available, and which is plainly evident across the planet by wildfires, acidifying oceans, a warming and more flood-prone Vermont and hundreds of other manifestations across the scientific domain. We are faced with a push toward a full unitary executive office (authoritarianism) by that party — all pointing to a dire future. The Republican Governor’s Association represents mostly red states, and supports Scott through its PAC with $400,000. It is the primary Trump enabler. RGA’s chair is Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte, is a longtime Trump ally
with RGA with major donors being Elon Musk, Sheldon and Miriam Adelson and David Koch — representing out-of- state corporations and special interests. Scott claims big donors do not impact his performance and what he supports or does not. I do not believe that. It is easy to connect those dots to Scott’s refusal to implement legislation surrounding climate, clean energy and tech regulation (big data centers). All of this portends of the direction he will continue to take the state — in line with national party interests, not necessarily Vermonter’s interests. By contrast, Amanda Janoo believes in home-grown politics and funding from small donors — Vermonters who care about their state. She recognizes the real issues facing the state. She rejects Scott’s propensity to operate, solely, as though we lack the right people, investors and corporations, which pushes him to orient his efforts to out-of-state interests. Ray Gonda South Burlington
Reject lying, incivility on Election Day To the Editor: As Vermonters, we pride ourselves on many traits: our civility, willingness to help out neighbors in need and fierce pride in our unique and wonderful state, to name a few. For the most part, the ugly trends in nationwide politics have not crept their way into how we conduct our campaigns for public office. This year’s race for lieutenant governor is testing that. See LETTERS on page 7
The Other Paper • October 29, 2026 • Page 7
KINSLEY continued from page 5 compensation. Two-thirds of states use this model, and our analysis estimates that full adoption could save Vermont roughly $300 million. What is incumbent upon the folks serving on these new merger study committees is to determine whether the facts support conventional consolidation or whether a virtual merger would be a more viable option. Conventional consolidation deserves an earnest look where pay scales are similar, operating grades align and physical assets such as buildings are close together. Where those conditions are absent, a virtual merger will preserve more local control while avoiding the costs created by incompatible operations, distant facilities and substantially different compensation structures. Study committees should compare conventional consolidation and virtual mergers against the same test: which option can achieve durable savings and better educational outcomes while meeting the needs of the community and the region? Any savings attributed to a traditional merger should be tested against what shared services could accomplish with less disruption. That comparison is not merely
prudent; the law requires study committees to evaluate these available options. The value of a community school also extends well beyond the cost/benefit analysis. A nearby school makes it easier for parents to participate, helps educators build durable relationships with families, and gives students a stronger connection to the place where they live. In many rural towns, the school is one of the institutions that holds the community together. A merger analysis that overlooks parental involvement, trusted relationships and community cohesion is not a complete cost-benefit analysis. This is not an all or nothing decision the way some politicians have framed the issue. There is nuance, and that complexity is important because the nuance we are talking about is our kids. It’s the next generation of Vermonters. We can both reduce costs for taxpayers and improve outcomes for students, but mass consolidation with blind faith that bigger must be better may very well work against us in those efforts. Ben Kinsley is the executive director of Campaign for Vermont Prosperity.
LETTERS continued from page 6 John Rodgers, trailing in the polls against Molly Gray in that race, has resorted to rude comments, ugly innuendo and outright lies about Gray, from attacking her family to recently lying about Gray’s cancellation of a recently scheduled debate, accusing her of faking sickness in order to avoid it. This type of behavior is disgusting and shameful, and Vermonters shouldn’t accept it. Rodgers has long been known as cantankerous and combative, but his recent behavior makes clear that he is resorting to new lows in his campaigning. His latest campaign filing details $212,000 in expenditures on out-of-state operatives, including strategists affiliated with Donald Trump and J.D. Vance, both well-known for using bullying, deceitful tactics to bamboozle voters. Vermonters are too smart to fall for these lies and smear tactics. I’m confident Rodgers will be defeated on Nov. 3 as voters reject his incivility and vote instead for Molly Gray, a candidate of unquestionable integrity, substance and character. Lucie Lehmann South Burlington
Change does not equal progress To the Editor: Change is a fact of life. But change does not always equal progress. That is the case with this year’s governor’s race. Vermonters are frustrated with the endless drama coming out of Washington, D.C. It is exhausting living in the negative haze of anger and reactionism that clouds our nation, manifested through erratic, unpredictable behavior from many elected officials. This political gamesmanship undermines the work of solving our coun-
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admissions@rmhsvt.org try’s problems, and ordinary Vermonters are paying the price. At home in our gubernatorial election, Vermonters should be cautious of those who claim to be agents of “change” and offer simplistic and untested solutions without actual experience. If we are going to get through these increasingly unstable and uncertain times, we need calm, grounded, tested and experienced leadership. It’s clear that not all leaders possess these qualities. It is equally clear that Gov. Phil Scott does. We should expect more from our leaders than just ideological promises. We should expect rational decision-making, clear goals and a proven track record of doing the right thing. We can count on Phil Scott to work respectfully and collaboratively with others, like-minded or not, stand up to bully behavior and concentrate on what needs to be accomplished to keep Vermont moving ahead. Phil Scott has always conducted himself honorably and with respect for others throughout his entire professional career. In these times of uncertainty, we can trust Phil Scott. Progress requires the ability to navigate the inevitable emergencies government faces on a regular basis. At this moment in our country and in Vermont, experience, sound judgment and stability are the most important qualities of any leader: qualities that Phil Scott has exemplified time and time again. I am a father of a special needs child, a Vermonter, a Democrat and an optimist, and this year I am voting for Phil Scott for governor. Please join me and together we will navigate through these volatile, uncertain times and make Vermont better for everyone. Frank Cioffi South Burlington
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Page 8 • October 29, 2026 • The Other Paper
COMMUNITY Community Notes City dedicates artwork at Veterans Memorial Park
Vets Town Hall hosts storytelling events
Join the City of South Burlington, Friday, Oct. 30, at 5 p.m. for a dedication of “Jambo,” an original artwork by David Stromeyer, at Veterans Memorial Park (1000 Dorset St.), near the entrance at Dorset Street and Swift Street. “Jambo” is a new, permanent addition to the City’s public art collection. The dedication will include remarks and light refreshments as part of the celebration.
Vets Town Hall, a Vermont-based nonprofit, will host 10 community storytelling events in Vermont and New Hampshire Nov. 6-15, inviting veterans and their family members to share their experiences. The free, nonpolitical events are open to everyone, including people with no personal ties to the military. Veterans can speak about their military service and its impact on their lives. All perspectives are welcome. Locally, the South Burlington Vets Town Hall will take place Sunday, Nov. 8, at 1 p.m. at South Burlington Public Library, 180 Market St. The Charlotte event is Monday, Nov. 9, at 6:30 p.m. at Charlotte Grange Hall, 2858 Spear St. For more information, visit vtvetstownhall.org/events or email vermont@ vetstownhall.org.
Investment group offers talk on financial decisions InTrack Investment Management will host a panel discussion Wednesday, Nov. 18, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Charlotte Senior Center, 121 Ferry Road in Charlotte. The discussion will cover financial decisions that can shape family finances and long-term plans, including when to claim Social Security, turning savings into dependable income, planning for rising health care costs, family gifting and philanthropy. The event is intended for working professionals, business owners, retirees and people who have inherited assets. Attendees are encouraged to bring questions and experiences to share. The panel will feature InTrack hosts Myron Sopher, Matt Sopher, MBA, and Matthew Johnson, CFA. The firm has worked with Vermont families since 1992.
Exhibition features Vermont paintings J. Kenneth Fine Art and Atelier Frame & Design present an exhibition of antique and mid-century paintings of Vermont by a variety of artists at their new location in the historic Shelburne Inn, 5247 Shelburne Road, Suite 205, Shelburne. Autumn and winter scenes will be highlighted. COURTESY PHOTO
See COMMUNITY NOTES on page 9
The Katarina String Quartet will give a free concert Nov. 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the Mahaney Arts Center in Middlebury.
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The Other Paper • October 29, 2026 • Page 9
Obituary Sonia “Sonny” Cassani Sonia “Sonny” Cassani, age 83, tender-hearted wife of Richard “Dick” Cassani, and mother extraordinaire to Kara and Daren Cassani, passed away peacefully on Oct. 8, 2026, after a long journey with dementia. She’s known to most as “Sonny,” a nickname given early on by friends, who recognized her cheerful, loving spirit. Sonny was born on March 4, 1943, in Rochester, New York, and is the daughter of the late Charles and Pearl Weaver. She made her way to Vermont, attended UVM and married Dick; a friend recently said that Dick struck gold when he met Sonny. They settled in South Burlington. Sonny’s nursing career included working as a VNA nurse, as a childbirth educator and as a school nurse for 20 years in the South Burlington School District. During her time in the school setting, she earned a M.Ed., became a Kripalu yoga teacher and worked for a year as the VEHI wellness coordinator. Following retirement, Sonny continued to share her gifts by teaching educators, offering yoga classes and helping build a mindfulness program to support school employees’ well-being. Those who were fortunate enough
to know Sonny were touched by her heartfelt passion for spreading loving kindness. She dared to live with an open-heart and cared not what others thought. Kady and Oli Cassani, Sonny’s adored grandchildren, had the wonderful and fortunate opportunity to have “Nonna” be ever-so present in their lives. She didn’t just watch them grow up, she lived and experienced their childhood joy with them. She opened their eyes to the natural world, showed them gentleness toward animals and people and joined their family on vacations. Sonny’s son-in-law, John Oliver, and daughter-in-law, Malaika DosRemedios, were welcomed with unconditional love
and warm acceptance. Sonny is also survived by her dear brother, Tom Weaver, her brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, and nieces and nephews, whom she all cherished. Our heartfelt thanks go to the caregivers at The Residence at Timber Pines, who looked past her dementia and saw Sonny’s delightful, happy spirit and surrounded her with kindness. Thank you to her close friends, family and neighbors, who offered Sonny, Dick, Daren and Kara their compassion, love and support, near and far. Words Sonny once shared with her own mother, which feel just as fitting for Sonny herself and to whom she loved: “May the sun shine long upon you, May all love surround you, and May the pure light within you guide you on your way.” To Mom, Nonna, Sonny/Sonia: we will miss you so, so deeply with all of our hearts. A celebration of Sonny’s beautiful life will be held in the spring of 2027 in Vermont. In place of flowers or donations, Sonny would love for you to wander peacefully in nature, breathe with intention and hold her spirit close to your heart as you send loving wishes to her and her family.
Saturday, Nov. 7, at 7:30 p.m. at College Street Congregational Church, 265 College St., Burlington. Sunday, Nov. 8, at 3 p.m. at Charlotte Congregational Church, 403 Church Hill Road, Charlotte.
Saturday, Nov. 14, at 7:30 p.m. at Richmond Free Library, 201 Bridge St., Richmond. The suggested donation is $20. For more information, visit socialband.org, email amity@socialband.org or call 802-355-4216.
Sonia “Sonny” Cassani
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COMMUNITY NOTES continued from page 8 The exhibition runs from Oct. 22 through November. Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., and by chance.
Social Band presents fall choral concert Burlington-based chorus Social Band will present its fall program of choral music, featuring premieres of two newly commissioned works by Sara Doncaster and Saigelyn Green, along with music by local composers and recently composed pieces in the shape-note tradition. The program includes a new piece co-composed by Mark Pendergrast and Bruce Chalmer, works by Don Jamison and selections from the 2025 edition of “The Sacred Harp.” The concerts will combine choral music, poetry and the robust harmonies of shapenote singing. Social Band performs a cappella music, encourages new compositions, particularly by local composers, and organizes concerts around themes that weave poetry and song together. The concerts are scheduled for:
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Please join the City of South Burlington for a dedication of Jambo, an original artwork by David Stromeyer. The installation of Jambo, a new, permanent addition to the City’s public art collection, is made possible through a generous donation from and in collaboration with Todd Lockwood, a member of the South Burlington community. The dedication will include remarks and light refreshments as part of the celebration.
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Page 10 • October 29, 2026 • The Other Paper
SPORTS
Hustle to Halloween
Wolves teams continue their playoff march LAUREN READ CORRESPONDENT
take on the winner of No. 1 Burr and Burton vs. No. 5 Essex on Sunday, Nov. 1, in the championship game.
Boys’ soccer Division I semifinals No. 2 South Burlington vs. No. 3 Champlain Valley, Tuesday at 3 p.m., after press deadline. The South Burlington boys’ soccer team narrowly defeated No. 10 St. Johnsbury on Saturday in the Division I quarterfinals to advance to Tuesday’s semifinal round. The Wolves got the 1-0 win over the Hilltoppers off a goal from Sam Harm. Momin Waqar got the assist on the game winner. Adam Kett had three saves in goal. South Burlington (12-21) welcomed the Redhawks to Munson Field for a dramatic D-I tilt, in a game played Wednesday, after press deadline. CVU and SBHS tied in their first matchup, then the Redhawks handed the Wolves one of their two regular season losses. The Wolves will look to get a measure of revenge to advance to the D-I final. The winner will
Field hockey Division I semifinals No. 2 South Burlington vs. No. 3 Essex, Wednesday at 4 p.m., after press deadline South Burlington advanced to the Division I field hockey semifinals with a win over St. Johnsbury on Saturday in the quarterfinals. Ellie Bailey had a hat trick for the Wolves in a 4-1 win over St. Johnsbury, with Grace Landerman adding a goal and Dahnbea Sullivan chipping in two assists. Phoebe Barnes stopped four shots on goal to earn the win. South Burlington faced No. 3 Essex in the semifinals on Wednesday at home after press deadline. The two teams met twice in the regular season, with the Wolves getting two one-goal wins over the Hornets. If the Wolves win Wednesday, they will advance to the D-I finals on Saturday at the University of Vermont’s Moulton Winder Field and face the winner of No. 1 Rice vs. No. 4 Mount Mansfield.
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Runners dressed as dinosaurs navigated several blow up creepy characters on the bridges of City Center Park Saturday.
Boys’ volleyball Division I semifinals (4) South Burlington (8-6) at (1) Essex (13-1), Tuesday at 7 p.m., after press deadline. The South Burlington boys’ volleyball team looked to topple top-seed Essex on Tuesday in the Division I semifinals, in a game played after press deadline. The Wolves played the Hornets
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(13-1) on the road, hoping to reverse their fortunes from the two regular season matchups, both 3-0 losses. South Burlington advanced to the semifinals after 3-1 win over Mount Mansfield in the quarters. Evan Xia had 27 kills for the Wolves, who moved to 8-6 with the win. If South Burlington pulls off the semifinal upset, they will face the winner of No. 2 Champlain Valley vs. No. 3 Burling-
ton in the D-I championship on Sunday.
Football Division I quarterfinals (5) Burlington/South Burlington at No. 4 Essex, Friday at 7 p.m. After a year off from postseason play, the Burlington-South See WOLVES on page 11
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The Other Paper • October 29, 2026 • Page 11
Girls’ soccer, volleyball fall in Division I playoff quarterfinals LAUREN READ CORRESPONDENT
Girls’ volleyball (1) Essex 3, (9) South Burlington 0: The South Burlington girls volleyball team fell to top-seed Essex on Friday in the Division quarterfinals. The Wolves dropped the first, 25-6, the second set, 25-11 and the third set, 25-17. South Burlington finishes with a 1-13 record.
Girls’ soccer (2) Mount Mansfield 3, (7) South Burlington 2 (OT): South Burlington nearly pulled off the Division I quarterfinal upset in high school girls’ soccer on Saturday. The Wolves held a 2-0 lead late in the second half, but Mount Mansfield countered with two goals in the final 15 minutes to tie the game and send it to overtime. The Cougars scored in the first extra time
period to win the game and advance to the D-I semifinals. Julia Conway had both goals for South Burlington, while Ella West stopped five shots in goal. The Wolves finish the season with a 6-6-2 record.
WOLVES continued from page 10 Burlington co-op football team returns to the playoffs on Friday in the Division I quarterfinals. The SeaWolves (3-5) will take on Essex (4-4), who beat them with a rushing touchdown as time expired in their regular season matchup, on Friday night. The SeaWolves wrapped up the regular season against Colchester, falling 27-15. Kyle Knoth had two touchdown passes, while Henry Dodge and Alphonce Mashaka each had a touchdown catch.
BREWER PARKWAY continued from page 2 er’s garden after she died. Nearby, the family placed a memorial bench for Julius’ daughter. “I wake up one morning, and probably it goes 10 feet up my bank — I don’t think that’s your right of way — they dug out half my wildflower garden, my mom’s perennials are gone. My daughter’s bench was moved to my next door neighbor’s house and a digger thing was parked in my other driveway,” she said. Had she known work was scheduled, Julius told the council, she would have moved the bench and dug up the perennials herself, saving them for replanting. It would have been no problem to have the digger in her driveway, she said, but it would have helped to know in advance. Chittenden County-based Pouline Companies, the focus of several complaints from neighbors, was hired by the city in 2025 for just under $350,000 to complete the work on the water main. The company replaced 700 feet of pipe, which, according to McCreary, involved an excavation trench about six to eight feet wide on the side of the road. Other complaints from neighbors focused on what they see as the degradation of their properties as part of the process. According to Bill Zuccareno, who lives at the turnaround of the parkway with a fire hydrant outside his home, he had to drive over the neighbor’s lawn for seven months during construction to get out of his driveway. His front yard now has about two or three fewer inches of topsoil after a large rock was removed from underground, which he said makes him worried about the health of the trees. “I would like the project completed properly, and it is not properly completed. I know that the contract says that properties need to be returned to their original condition or better, and that is absolutely the furthest thing from the truth,” another Brewer Parkway resident Sarah Smith Conroy said. Beyond the impact of construction, other neighbors have reported a decrease to their
water flow that lines up with the start of the work. Others noted that water flow and pressure on parts of the street has always been subpar, and they were under the impression that the construction would improve the situation. “It’s just really very noticeably different than it was from the eight years before. It hasn’t gotten better. It’s not terrible-terrible, but it’s really different than it was before,” John McCown said. McCown reported that his toilets have been flushing less efficiently and his washing machine has shut off in the middle of a cycle. The city maintains that the scope of the work was always focused on the hydrants. In order to increase the pressure and flow to the neighborhood, the city estimated that it would need to complete an additional $2 million of work on the water line. However, the city also noted that in reviewing water meter data, it found one resident using vast amounts more water than expected, which could potentially affect water flow to neighbors’ homes. The expected flow to the home was about 80 gallons per day and the meter showed almost 1,200 gallons of use. While the city did not share the exact issue — whether it’s a leak or otherwise — McCreary said that its much more use than would be expected from something like a running toilet. The city said it is working with the homeowner. According to deputy manager Nicolas Storrellicastro, the city recognizes the struggles residents have had with Poulin. While there isn’t a huge pool of contractors that specialize in the kind of work municipalities need in Vermont, he said, problems aren’t forgotten. “On a broader level, projects can go wrong. We depend on contractors we hire. We do the best to go through processes to hire the best contractors for the given projects. That doesn’t always work. This is one example,” he said.
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Page 12 • October 29, 2026 • The Other Paper
PHOTO BY RICK BAIER
Elsa on Equinox Vivacious “Viva” in August.
Equestrian earns youth award with Morgan horse
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Elsa Armstrong, 15, of South Burlington, was named Youth of the Year by the Vermont Morgan Horse Association on Oct. 25. Armstrong trains at Blackrose Morgans in Colchester, and while her riding earned her top scores, her accomplishments this year extend far beyond the arena including volunteering, general horsemanship, attitude, a written exam and a speech. Her standout 2026 season highlights include:
• Reserve champion in the senior division at the Massachusetts Morgan Youth of the Year competition, where her score qualified her for Nationals. • Highpoint award winner through the American Morgan Horse Association in August, riding her leased horse, Viva. • Division champions for the 2026 season in the Champlain Valley Horse Shows green horse division.
Journalism Club to discuss Vermont election coverage The second meeting of Vermont’s new Journalism Club will focus on how local and state reporters covered the 2026 elections. Readers and reporters will convene just two days after the midterms at Wild Meadows Books & Café in Williston on Thursday, Nov. 5, at 6 p.m. They’ll discuss Vermont’s highly competitive statewide and legislative races — and how voters get the information they need to make informed choices. Featured panelists will include VTDigger state government and politics reporter Shaun Robinson and Vermont Community Newspaper Group editor-in-chief Tommy Gardner. The event will be moderated by Boston Globe reporter Paul Heintz.
Sponsored by the Vermont Journalism Coalition, Wild Meadows and the Williston Observer, Journalism Club is a monthly gathering that brings together news producers and consumers to discuss the reporting process. It takes place on the first Thursday of the month at Wild Meadows, 27 Market Street in Williston. Participants can read Robinson’s reporting here and find VTDigger’s election guide here. Coverage from VTCNG’s five community weeklies — Stowe Reporter, News & Citizen of Morrisville, The Other Paper of South Burlington, Shelburne News, and The Citizen of Charlotte and Hinesburg — can be found here. RSVPs are appreciated but not required.
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The Other Paper • October 29, 2026 • Page 13
Horoscope October 29, 2026
ANSWERS FROM THIS ISSUE
Weekly Puzzles
Page 14 • October 29, 2026 • The Other Paper
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The Other Paper • October 29, 2026 • Page 15
BEN AND JERRY’S
continued from page 1
parent company, Magnum, when it comes to political action, on an operational level, things have chugged along at the company. The apron-clad class in front of Evans was at the offices for Scoop University, an occasional dayslong training event that draws managers and franchise owners from across the country. Over four days, Evans said, attendees learned everything from how to make a three-ounce mini scoop to understanding business operations. There is also a dash of politics mixed in. “You don’t just assume someone knows how to make a sundae or a milkshake. Also, when you think of Ben & Jerry’s, there’s values tied into everything, right? So, if we take a stance on the environment and we say we’re going to use wooden spoons in the scoop shop, and this is what we believe in, there’s a lot of information that’s helpful (here),” vice president of public relations Sean Greenwood said. Greenwood said part of attracting and choosing franchisees involves a willingness on their part to take on some of the political messaging, whether that’s using wooden spoons for ecological reasons or scooping a flavor named after former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, the proceeds of which supported children’s summer camps focused on racial justice. “We don’t want it to catch them off guard,” he said. “We’re very clear about that as we go through the vetting process, so, by the time they get here for this, there shouldn’t be any surprises.” Greenwood said he has been employed at Ben & Jerry’s since 1988. Like many employees, he started as a tour guide.
PHOTO BY BRIANA BRADY
Scoop University attendees came from franchises across the country to learn about running a Ben and Jerry’s scoop shop.
While the scoop students downstairs made shakes, upstairs, in the research and development kitchen, Anita Campos worked on mixing a chocolate coating for ice cream testing. She moonlights as an honorary flavor guru but also started as a tour guide. Her mom worked at the factory around the same time as Greenwood in the 1990s. Another research and development worker nearby piped up that she, too, had started as a tour guide.
Whatever is happening at the ownership level, the employees at Ben & Jerry’s might be used to not only giving tours but taking a stance. For those who worked there for a long time or before the company was bought by Unilever in 2000 and then spun off as part of Magnum in 2025, it could become part of their everyday understanding of their jobs. In the offices upstairs — Ben & Jerry’s only moved into the new building last January — Green-
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wood pointed to posters of different flavors from over the years with messaging focused on issues from criminal justice reform to supporting Black communities. Most recently, the company put out a flavor called Razz Up! in support of voting rights — partnering with the ACLU, Black Votes Matter and other community organizing groups — and took employees to Washington D.C. where they held a large sign that reads “Fudge Fascism.” In
a photo in front of the reflecting pool, Greenwood is visible, just under the “G” he’s holding above his head. “For us, while we can be a good partner of the Magnum company, and I think be a good brand for them, we’re still a business — we’re not just a brand that that you’re using to sell stuff. We still have feelings here and are passionate about trying to do these things that we care about,” Greenwood said.
PUBLIC HEARING SOUTH BURLINGTON DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD The South Burlington Development Review Board will hold a public hearing in the South Burlington City Hall Auditorium, 180 Market Street, South Burlington, Vermont, or online or by phone, on Tuesday, November 17, 2026 at 7:00 P.M. to consider the following: Final plat application PZ-FINAL-2026-8 of Heritage Automotive Group Inc. to amend a previously approved Planned Unit Development consisting of a multi building complex used for auto sales, service, and repair. The amendment consists of adding to the existing 24,087-sf building at 1600 Shelburne Rd and constructing a 17,862-sf addition and demolishing the existing 14,808-sf building at 30 Green Mountain Drive and constructing a 3,721-sf building in its place, stormwater improvements, parking and circulation modifications, and associated minor site improvements, 1580 – 1620 Shelburne Road. Continued site plan and conditional use application #PZ-SITE-2026-38 of Neagley and Chase Construction to construct two new buildings of 12,975 sf and 8,640 sf and associated site improvements including a 14-ft high fence for group home use on an existing 20.2 acre undeveloped lot, 596 Meadowland Drive. Interactive Online Meeting (audio/video): https://zoom.us/join By Telephone (audio only): (301) 715-8592 Meeting ID: 98772395052 A copy of the application is available for public inspection by emailing Alex Levin, Development Review Planner, alevin@southburlingtonvt.gov. October 29, 2026
Page 16 • October 29, 2026 • The Other Paper
Sweet
W happenhat’s at Wild ing next Meado ws?
LABOR DISPUTE continued from page 1
For complete event details, visit wildmeadowsbooks.com/events
targeted plan, orchestrated in part by some SBEA members, to remove certain employees. The school board, at the time that the complaint about the notebook was issued in July 2025, hired former Vermont Attorney General William Sorrell to investigate. The union, in response, filed charges about the “bogus” investigation into “quintessential concerted union activity,” which can only be seen as a “clear intention to retaliate” against union co-president Beth Adreon and “instill fear in her, create a climate of coercion and create a chilling effect on all members of the union.” The filing by the union made three separate unfair labor practice charges and demanded an immediate end to the investigation; a finding that the district is acting unlawfully; and an admission that the original complainant had “interfered with, restrained and coerced” the union’s leadership and members. The complaint was filed by Kristin Romick, a veteran school district employee and the district’s executive director of educational support services, after she heard concerns from other employees. Romick was named acting superintendent after Violet Nichols resigned — a move the union said was “a successful result of its organizing campaign and attempts to oust her.”
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The unfair labor practice charges, however, never made it to the Vermont Labor Relations Board. Instead, the district and union settled the issues through their own internal negotiations over the past year. As part of the agreed terms, the union withdrew the charges and the subsequent grievance it had filed regarding the issue. The district agreed that the activity explained in the complaint — which the union has denied — even if true, constitutes legally permitted concerted activity, and also did not violate harassment policies. The district also agreed complaints should be investigated in a confidential manner, and agreed, in the future, to advise the union “at the earliest legally permissible moment” if there is any complaint about
the activities of the union or its members alleging a violation of district policies. Additionally, the district will make “an initial determination as to whether the activity complained of represents protected concerted activity under applicable labor relations statutes before commencing any investigation of the complaint.” The settlement agreement also alleges that the Sorrell investigation regarding the “black book” found that the activities by the association and its officers represented legally protected activity and the association did not violate the district’s harassment policies. Romick is also no longer employed by the district. She took an early retirement buyout offered to long-time staffers this summer. The details of her departure are, however, unclear. “I must also express my growing fear for my own position and well-being,” Romick wrote in an email to board members in 2025. “As a central office executive, I am acutely aware of the risks that can arise when one is perceived as publicly supporting the superintendent, especially during times of controversy. I am genuinely concerned that I and others in similar roles, may face retaliation, whether in the form of professional isolation, unwarranted negative evaluations, or other adverse actions that would create a hostile or toxic work environment.” The board accepted Romick’s resignation at the Feb. 17 school board meeting. Her resignation was effective July 1. The Other Paper was informed by school board chair Seamus Abshere in January this year that the Sorrell investigation was completed in October 2025 and reported to the board in executive session that same October. The Other Paper requested the investigation report in January, but the district’s lawyer, Joe McNeil, denied the request “pending ongoing litigation,” saying the report was also a central piece of the “district’s opposition to the union’s claims.” The investigation report was paid for and commissioned by the district. Since the settlement of the unfair labor practice charge, The Other Paper again requested the investigation report.
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