The Other Paper - 02-24-22

Meeting primer

Ice time

What you need to know heading to polls March 1

New high school rink opens to the public

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the FEBRUARY 24, 2022

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Superintendent will step down in June Young is not alone in moving along.

“With respect to superintenDavid Young, a key figure dent transitions this year, based in the South Burlington School on information as of today, there District for 18 years, will step will be 14 transitions, six of which are currently filled by acting or down as superintendent in June.

Young said he believes now is interim superintendents, on July 1,” Jeff Franthe perfect time. cis, executive With three new

By July 1, Vermont’s director of the school board Vermont Supermembers being school districts will intendents Assoelected next ciation, said.

Tuesday and it face a total of 14 “This turnwill give the new over — 14 out of board a chance to turnovers among 53 superintenpick an educator dent positions, is to help the city 53 superintendents higher than what take its next step we have seen in forward, he said. statewide. recent years,” he Young said said. the past two years He said Young has been a have been tough on everybody in education as they try to do the best strong contributor to both the to deliver for students, particular- regional superintendents group ly with the COVID-19 pandemic. and the Vermont Superintendents Young, 58, said he plans to Association.

During his time, Young has remain active within education while working for students and See YOUNG on page 2 proper funding.

VOLUME 46, NO. 8

House honors Tuskeegee airman, WWII vet

MIKE DONOGHUE CORRESPONDENT

PHOTO BY REP. MIKE YANTACHKA

Lt. Col. Enoch Woodhouse II, retired, visited the Vermont Statehouse Thursday, Feb 10. He was introduced to the House in assembly by Rep. Bill Canfield, R-Fair Haven, and got a standing ovation. He visited the Vermont General Assembly as part of his visit to Norwich University to speak to the cadets. Woodhouse, an attorney, is also a World War II veteran and a Tuskegee airman. Woodhouse is pictured with legislative pages, from left, Abe Dunne (Hartland), Grady Hagenbuch (Waterbury), Mia Dolan (Barre), Camden Buckley (Montpelier), Ameila Barley (South Burlington), Cecilia Marino (Williston) and Emma Shaffer (Morrisville).

What the TIF? Funding window shrinks as City Center grows AVALON STYLES-ASHLEY STAFF WRITER

South Burlington’s TIF district, a complex, somewhat mysterious financing tool that has quietly breathed life into the downtown center, is on the road to retirement.

In just the last year, the city has added affordable housing units and cut a massive ribbon on a shiny new city hall, library and senior center — major destinations in a vision dating back to the 1980s.

But a few big-deal items have

yet to be finished (or started) and the funding window is shrinking.

If the city plans to use TIF money to build a pedestrian bridge over I-89, create a street connecting Dorset Street to Williston Road and finish landscaping City Center Park, officials have until next Town Meeting Day to get voters’ endorsement, or they will have to hold a special election before the deadline expires.

What the TIF? Tax increment financing is a tool that allows municipalities to

take out debt to build public projects, then pay off the debt using future tax revenue from development — apartments, stores, public buildings, parks — erected in a certain district. Voters have the final say on whether communities can take out debt to use TIF funds, though they don’t bear the tax impact if approved, which is why the construction of city hall was on the 2016 ballot, the library and senior center on the 2018 ballot and Garden Street on last year’s ballot.

The term has popped up at

city council and on Town Meeting Days at least since South Burlington applied for the designation from the Vermont Economic Progress Council in 2012, joining Burlington, Winooski, Milton, St. Albans and six other Vermont municipalities with active or retired TIF districts.

In 1996, the Burlington Waterfront became the first TIF district in the state. Despite being the oldest in a crowd of youngsters, it remains active, with taxes from the district available to repay debt until 2035, according to

the Vermont Economic Progress Council. After that, it will retire — what a dream — leaving base and future property tax revenue in the district to go to the state education fund in perpetuity.

In South Burlington, TIF funding has already realized the first phase of City Center Park, the aforementioned public buildings and the construction of Market Street, a crucial connector in the grand plan.

What’s left are four major projSee TIF on page 16

Page 2 • February 24, 2022 • The Other Paper

YOUNG

continued from page 1 dealt with a wide range of topics, from a controversial mascot change from the Rebels to the Wolves to lockdowns for threats and other reasons and the firing of Vermont’s Teacher of the Year — not once, but twice.

An arbitrator ordered the teacher accused of molesting a student re-hired, only to have a second student file an identical complaint two days later. That time the firing was upheld.

One controversy that consumed the superintendent and board in the last half of 2021 began last spring, when a former David Young high school teacher violated the district’s policy for the prevention of harassment, hazing and bullying after joking about hanging an object resembling a noose from the school’s Black Lives Matter flag.

But the community did not find out about it until last August.

South Burlington High School teacher Stephen Barner submitted a letter of resignation during the investigation, then continued teaching for three months before he quietly retired, a point school board member Travia Childs, whose son reported the teacher, described as a “cover up.”

In October, she called for a public apology from Young and his resignation, just before a third-party report found that while school administrators complied with established norms when handling the incident, the discipline handed down should have been “significantly more robust,” short of firing the teacher.

Throughout the fall and winter months, Young has maintained that he took the matter “very seriously” and that he believed if he had fired Barner, an arbitrator would have reversed the decision.

He apologized in November when the report was made available to the public, saying, “I care deeply about our students and I’m deeply apologetic, to certainly the very specific students that have been affected, but it’s not just the two. It’s many, many so I want to just publicly apologize. I never want to have a staff member or a teacher, or anyone for that matter, do something that’s disadvantageous to children.”

That same month, two board members announced they would not run again for their seats, chair Bridget Burkhardt and clerk Brian

Minier. Since appointee Laura Rowntree will not run to serve the remaining two years of a threeyear term, vacated in the fall by another past board member, all three positions will see turnover.

Young is paid about $174,400 a year, but does not get health insurance, a benefit the city may have to offer the next superintendent. Young, who refused a raise last year, was due for a 4 percent raise next year.

Young joined the district in 2004 as an assistant superintendent and promoted to superintendent in July 2011.

Young grew up in Burlington where he learned about government service from his father, Robert Young, a general manager for the Burlington Electric Department.

Young graduated in 1985 from Norwich University where he was part of the corps of cadets and got to live by the school motto “We Will Try,” a philosophy he says he continues to aspire to.

He served in the military for about 12 years, first in the U.S. Army after Norwich and later in the National Guard.

Young was hired as a health teacher at BFA-Fairfax, did some curriculum work and served as assistant principal. He jumped to the town of Georgia for 10 years before moving to South Burlington.

He also earned his master’s degree at Norwich.

Avalon Styles-Ashley contributed to this report.

PHOTO BY DEBORAH J. BENOIT

Early spring-blooming varieties, such as witch hazel, can be cut and forced earlier in winter than those that bloom later in spring.

Force branches indoors DEBORAH J. BENOIT UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT EXTENSION

Forsythia in February? Impossible, you say?

Not so. A vase full of flowers from the garden won’t take much more effort than harvesting some branches to force them to bloom.

A good time to take cuttings for forcing is when you’re doing your annual winter pruning. If pruning isn’t on your winter to-do list, just look around your yard. What trees and shrubs do you have that bloom in the spring?

Choose early spring-blooming varieties for early winter forcing.

Shrubs such as witch hazel (Hamamelis) and forsythia (Forsythia) are good choices. In mid-winter, you can try flowering quince

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(Chaenomeles), azaleas and rhododendrons (Rhododendron), crab apples and apples (Malus) or cherries (Prunus). In late-winter, lilacs (Syringa), spirea (Spiraea) and mock orange (Philadelphus) can be forced to bloom indoors.

Since these plants are programmed to bloom once winter departs, they do need a period of cold weather. Once they’ve experienced at least 6-8 weeks of temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, you can begin to harvest branches for forcing. Grab a pair of pruners and head outside.

The best time to cut is when temperatures are mild.

Cut segments at least a foot or two in length, longer if you’d like a dramatic display. More flower buds mean more flowers. While it may be difficult to distinguish between flower buds and leaf buds, in general, flower buds will be fatter, leaf buds more pointed.

Fill a container with warm water. Recut the ends of each branch at a sharp angle and slice vertically through the end or lightly smash it to allow more intake of water. Remove any side branches or twigs that will be beneath the water. Then arrange the cuttings in the container.

Place the container in indirect light such as a north-facing window, away from drafts and heat sources. Be sure to change the water frequently, at least every few days, to keep it fresh.

Be patient. The process can take up to a month, sometimes longer. But as you watch, you’ll witness an early spring as the buds swell. And you’ll be rewarded with a vase full of flowers while there’s still snow on the ground outside your window.

Sometimes it’s very nice to fool Mother Nature.

For more information on forcing branches in winter, check out go.uvm.edu/forcing-flowering-branches.

The Other Paper • February 24, 2022 • Page 3

Balancing the tight rope between très bon and not too très bon seat, she contemplated the idea of a bad word. She knew that saying shut up is bad, but this middle Scooter MacMillan finger seemed to mean a word that’s of a more serious class of The first time I went to Bethbadness. lehem I didn’t follow a star.

Finally, she hypothGPS got me there esized, “I think it means just fine, although I did the ‘A’ word.” drive a Saturn.

My innocent Instead of three daughter’s profanity wisemen, just a smarvocabulary is limited. tass granddad, coming She doesn’t want to let to a little town in New my grandangel know Hampshire to celebrate she isn’t sure what the my grandangel’s birth official bad ‘A’ word is. and help with the swadShe has ideas, but she dling. just leaves these suspect Scooter MacMillan A few weeks ago, words hanging there, when my daughter unmentioned, unidentipicked up the granfied, untold. dangel after kindergarten, she Rather than stepping into a climbed into the car announcing, bad-word ‘A’ hole, my daughter “Mom, you’re not supposed to just said, “Oh.” stick out your middle finger. It But when they got home, as means a bad word.” soon as my daughter could get on As she buckled up her car

Press Play

the phone by herself, she called the kindergarten teacher to see if she had any insight into the 6-year-old lexicon. The kindergarten teacher thought my grandangel and her classmates have decided the ‘A’ word is “adult.”

Apparently, the kindergarten class has decided the supreme insult is to give someone the middle finger, essentially calling them out for all the world to see, for acting like an adult.

Seems about right.

I’ve coasted through life in an almost middle-finger-free zone.

People have seldom accused me of acting like an adult.

I imagine I’m like most people. I try to choose life supersized with extra zest. I strive to make every second first.

In other words, I like to play very much, but I don’t want to play too much.

I like to play right up to the

too-much line without crossing it.

I really don’t like to play so much that I irritate or — even worse — hurt people by saying something I thought was funny but is actually insulting, inconsiderate or dismissive.

Still, I do hate it when I pass up an opportunity to play full tilt, right up to the too-much line because of apprehension or fear of crossing the line and playing too much.

I like to play until after dark, until I absolutely must come in. I really like it when the fun is très bon but not too très bon and all the streetlights have come on.

I imagine this is the way most of us are. Being an adult is a lifetime learning process without a graduation.

It would be great if a passion for play combined with a dedication to not play too much defined my identity, but I suspect I’m not

unique in this regard. In fact, I’m pretty sure this is the way most of us are — wanting to play and be funny without hurting anyone.

It’s all fun and games until you say something offensive. A mindless play on words can be thoughtlessly mean.

I’m not sure how well I’m teetering along the line between just enough and not too much, but I do take pride in how my grandchildren regard me. They clearly think I’m weird.

Recently when my 3-year-old grandson was told I was coming for dinner, he told my daughter, “Great. I like that dude. He’s a good guy.”

I don’t think I’ve ever gotten that level of affirmation before.

And because I’m a good dude in their eyes, for the time being there’s a good chance my grandangels won’t be pointing at me with the adult finger.

“Linda Bailey has offered to serve us - all of South Burlington.

This is an offer that’s too good to refuse! Please vote for Linda Bailey!”

— Michael Simoneau “A healthy economy and a vibrant community needs leaders who will invest in everyone’s future. Linda Bailey has focused her campaign on balancing environmental protection with, not at the expense of, affordable and middle-class housing. I’m voting for Linda.” — Lisa Ventriss “Linda Bailey is a smart, hard-working resident who is listening to us, researching facts and studying neighboring communities in order to provide balanced, thoughtful recommendations for the future growth of our City.” — Pam Mackenzie “Linda has a fresh and balanced perspective about building housing that is affordable for the missing middle and welcoming for all.”

— John Burton

MARCH 1

VOTE TO BE HEARD! WEBSITE:

LindaBailey4SB.squarespace.com EMAIL:

LindaBailey4SB@gmail.com PHONE:

(802) 552-0270 FACEBOOK:

/Linda-Bailey-for-City-Council-112215088038965/

“South Burlington needs City Councilors who embrace benevolent friction for the good of the community. Linda Bailey isn’t afraid to stand up and ask the tough questions in order to create the balance needed between thoughtful development AND environmental protection.

It’s time for a change!” — Tami Zylka “Linda’s commitment to seeking consensus and listening to all residents offers a bright future for South Burlington.” — Leslie and Peter Plumeau “I see Linda Bailey as a diamond in the rough. She is a quick learner, hard worker, listener, and strong advocate for a future South Burlington that is more affordable, inclusive, and welcoming. Please join me in voting for Linda Bailey for City Council.” — Sandy Dooley “We need to focus on housing and the economic vitality of our community.

Linda is the right choice for the South Burlington City Council.”

— Roland and Lisa Groeneveld “We strongly support Linda Bailey for South Burlington City Council, as we are very confident in her commitment to making decisions and setting policy that is well researched, thoughtful and supports ALL public interests.”

— Johnny and Heather Illick

Paid for by Linda Bailey for SB, 150 Dorset St, Ste 245, PMB 315, South Burlington, VT 05403

Page 4 • February 24, 2022 • The Other Paper

South Burlington Police Blotter Total incidents: 159 Retail theft: 12 Alarms: 11 Car crashes (property damage): 11 Suspicious events: 9 Welfare checks: 8 Agency assists: 7 Disturbances: 7 Traffic stops: 6 Animal problems: 6 Juvenile problems: 5 Mental health issues: 4 Missing persons: 1 Incidents: Feb. 13 at 9:12 a.m., police responded to an animal problem on Swift Street.

Feb. 13 at 3:40 p.m., officers responded to a report of illegal dumping at a residence on Dorset Street.

Feb. 14 at 9:44 a.m., an officer checked the well-being of someone on Andrews Avenue.

Feb. 14 at 4:35 and 5:51 p.m., officers responded to two reports of retail theft at the University Mall.

Feb. 15 at 4:24 p.m., police assisted with a mental health issue at Healthy Living Market on Dorset Street.

Feb. 15 at 7:23 p.m., police investigated a reported sex offense on Berkely Street.

Feb. 16 at 3:24 p.m., police assisted with a juvenile problem on Dorset Street.

Feb. 16 at 8:11 p.m., police investigated reported property damage on Dorset Street.

Feb. 17 at 6:43 a.m., someone complained of noise on Market Street.

Feb. 17 at 12:18 p.m., someone late reported a car crash that had occurred on Timber Lane.

Feb. 18 at 9:42 a.m., police responded to an animal problem on Country Club Drive East.

Feb. 18 at 2:09 p.m., police responded to a report of retail theft from Goodwill on Shelburne Road.

Feb. 19 at 5 p.m., police dealt with a traffic hazard near Williston Road and Dorset Street.

Feb. 19 at 7:36 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Dorset and Market streets.

Feb. 20 at 8:35 a.m., police assisted with a juvenile problem on See BLOTTER on page 19

SoBu Town Meeting Day primer AVALON STYLES-ASHLEY STAFF WRITER

After the dregs of frigid February days, as the sugaring season hits its peak, comes one of Vermont’s oldest civic traditions: Town Meeting Day. This year in South Burlington, voters will have two budgets to decide — the $52.5 million city budget and $58 million school budget — and five elections.

City council is the only contested race, with voters choosing between incumbent Meaghan Emery and challenger Chris Trombly for a two-year seat, and challenger Linda Bailey and incumbent Tim Barritt for a three-year seat.

With an uncontested school board race, candidates Kate Bailey (no relation to Linda), Michelle Boyer and Chelsea Tillinghast will likely slide into new seats. (For more information on their platforms, visit vtcng.com).

When, where to vote?

Town Meeting Day is on March 1, the first Tuesday of the month.

For those voting in person, three polling locations will be set up in South Burlington on Town Meeting Day, open from 7 a.m. to

7 p.m.: • Orchard School on Baldwin Avenue (District 7-1).

• F. H. Tuttle Middle School on Dorset Street (District 7-2 and 7-3).

• Chamberlin School on White Street (District 7-4).

If voting early, absentee ballots may be returned by snail mail to 180 Market St., by using the dropbox outside the main entrance of city hall, or by drop off inside.

Early voting will end at noon Feb. 28, the day before Town Meeting Day, to give the clerk’s office time to process early ballots ahead of elections.

Remember to wear a face mask if you vote in person at the polls, as masks are required to be worn in all South Burlington schools, or if swinging by city hall, where masks are also required indoors.

Early, or absentee, ballots can be requested from the clerk’s office up until the day before Town Meeting Day. Residents can also register to vote up until the day of. For more information, call the clerk’s office at 802-846-4105, or visit the city website.

What’s on the ballot?

Out of the $52.5 million in the proposed city budget for next fiscal year, about $18 million would be raised by property taxes. A combination of taxpayer money, grants and fees will flow into the general fund, with about 37 percent of the revenue coming from sources other

than taxpayers.

The tax rate would increase a little over 6 percent from last year, with most of the jump attributed to operational costs. About 1 percent of the increase is due to higher contributions for Penny for Paths and the open space fund.

The average South Burlington homeowner will pay about $118 more in taxes while the average condo-owner’s tax bill will rise about $79.

At $58 million, the proposed school budget is about $2.7 million higher than the current fiscal year, with overall education spending rising a little over 3 percent. Over $525,000 of proposed additions in the budget would be funded by local property taxes but the rest, more than $1.6 million, will flow from grants and federal aid.

For the average homeowner, annual education property taxes are expected to rise about $36, and for the average condo-owner about $24. This is based on district officials’ estimates but some factors in the education funding formula haven’t been set by the state yet, so taxpayers won’t know for sure how their tax bill will shake out until this summer.

Last on the ballot is an article asking voters to allow the school district to use surplus funds from the current year for non-reimbursed expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic, should they arise next year.

the South Burlington’s Community Newspaper Since 1977 A publication of Vermont Community Newspaper Group LLC otherpapersbvt.com Advertising Director Judy Kearns judy@otherpapersbvt.com (802) 864-6670 x21 Advertising Wendy Ewing wendy@shelburnenews.com (802) 985-3091 x12 News Editor Tommy Gardner Staff Writers Avalon Styles-Ashley Aaron Calvin Corey McDonald Production Manager Stephanie Manning stephanie@shelburnenews.com Publisher Gregory Popa gpopa@stowereporter.com

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The Other Paper • February 24, 2022 • Page 5

If you want a City Councilor who will work hard to make South Burlington a great place to afford a home, pursue a work path, raise a family, and spend your golden years - for people of all ages, incomes, and backgrounds - I ASK FOR YOUR VOTE ON MARCH 1, 2022.

 Affordability Focused  Balanced Leadership  Common Sense Priorities  Fiscal Responsibility

Chris Trombly: “When the status quo relies on PACS to attack emerging voices, it’s a sign for change.”

Anonymous SB resident: “My wife and I were fortunate enough to purchase a home before the pandemic, and even then it was very difficult to make happen. Quite honestly, I have no idea how anyone looking to establish a family in our town can afford to do so without coming from privilege.”

Sandy Dooley: “Chris has my vote because his vision for South Burlington is for a community that addresses our most pressing needs — increasing affordability, acting to combat climate change, conserving our precious natural resources, and making progress toward greater equity — in a manner that does not allow one priority to undercut another.”

Ariel Jensen-Vargas: “His in-depth knowledge of the characters, laws and zoning, along with his dedication to both affordable housing and averting the effects of climate change would make an excellent city councilor.”

Tonia Karnedy: “Chris always steps up! Whether it is school budgets or affordable housing, he is willing to jump in and do the work. He takes the time to learn all sides of an issue and makes informed decisions. He will work to make the benefits of living in SB more accessible to all.”

Kim Chittenden: “Chris impresses me because he works with others to formulate WIN-WIN solutions.This is what he has done regarding climate change and affordable housing. He understands that one does not have to play second fiddle to the other.”

John and Nancy Simson: “We know Chris as a down-to-earth, common sense problem solver who will approach the City’s issues keeping in mind that a significant percentage of our people have a challenge with taxes and daily expenses. He will be a Councilor for all of the residents.”

Pam McKenzie: “When you speak to Chris you hear inclusive, thoughtful people. People who care about what our community looks like, and what it represents.You hear inclusive, thoughtful people with ideas to help the City of South Burlington become a community that represents middle class values, families just starting out – with young ones who can share their culture with our exceptional schools.”

Peter & Leslie Black-Plumeau: “In his professional and volunteer work, he has expertly honed the skills needed to represent our community and see the broad implications of local decisions. Chris is a candidate seeking to help South Burlington become a more vibrant, inclusive community. His commitment to seeking more consensus and listening to all residents will help South Burlington become a place we can be proud of.”

Mike Simoneau: “If you want to get something done, find a busy person to do it.That sums up Chris.”

LEARN MORE AT CHRISTROMBLY.COM OR EMAIL AT CTROMBLY@GMAIL.COM. PAID FOR BY CHRIS TROMBLY FOR SOUTH BURLINGTON | SANDY DOOLEY, TREASURER | 16 DUBOIS DRIVE, SOUTH BURLINGTON,VT 05403 | 802-391-0926

Page 6 • February 24, 2022 • The Other Paper

OPINION Letters to the Editor Councilors’ vision for land, housing the right one To the Editor: South Burlington discussions on the new land use regulations have centered on whether we should significantly expand housing in the southeast quadrant or control development to protect the environmentally sensitive areas in this area.

Those proposing expansion have linked the general need for more affordable housing to this expansion. I, too, recognize the need for more affordable housing in Chittenden County. But what is the most effective way to do this?

An ideal location for the affordable units is urban areas close to public transit, shops, schools, businesses and medical services. This approach supports the smart growth concept of the city’s new land use regulations by concentrating development in more urban areas while preserving environmentally sensitive land and open space further out.

The two candidates for city council who opposed the current regulations argue we need more affordable housing yet attaching a small percentage of affordable units to larger developments won’t produce nearly enough affordable units. Nor will they be proximate to supportive services.

So, what measures would result in more affordable units? Developers who currently build affordable housing in Chittenden County search out available, buildable land at reasonable cost, supported by lower building fees for these units.

In South Burlington, we are fortunate to have a housing trust fund to help with land costs. Additional incentives in South Burlington could include assistance locating available lots in more developed areas and a lowering of building fees commensurate with affordable projects. Burlington has a formula for affordable housing that it applies to building fees. South Burlington should implement such a system.

Building affordable housing close to other services and at reasonable cost will most effectively increase our affordable housing stock while serving the needs of those who qualify for these units.

For the outlying areas, the new land use regulations balance protection of sensitive areas with an appropriate level of housing based on the carrying capacity of the land.

My thanks to Meaghan Emery and Tim Barritt for voting for these regulations.

They deserve our support March 1 for their forward-looking vision for South Burlington, as well as their long-standing, dedicated service to our community.

Ann Owen South Burlington

New faces, voices will help make city more affordable, inclusive To the Editor: I’m voting for Chris Trombly and Linda

Bailey for South Burlington City County.

I applaud their courage to step forward to serve on the council and for their reasons for running.

To achieve our climate goals, we need to allow for housing that serves the entire socioeconomic spectrum in the city just south of Burlington — our regional employment center. The recent rules put in place by the majority of councilors makes South Burlington less accessible, less affordable and less inclusive. These recently adopted rules will only push housing developments further into our countryside, fragmenting our rural neighbors’ land blocks.

I want city councilors who see the environmental and socio-economic benefit of mixing housing types throughout our city and that want solutions that address both the climate and housing affordability crisis in Vermont. That is why I encourage you to vote for Chris Trombly and Linda Bailey.

Kimberly Chittenden South Burlington

Bailey supports jobs, housing preserving city’s beauty To the Editor: We strongly support Linda Bailey for South Burlington City Council, as we are very confident in her commitment to making decisions and setting policy that is well researched, thoughtful and supports all public interests.

It is extremely important that we protect our beautiful Vermont landscapes while ensuring South Burlington remains an economic engine, offering job opportunities, housing that is affordable and most important, a place where young folks and families want to be. These are things the incumbents have a long history of not doing. South Burlington deserves better, and can do better, which is why we support Linda Bailey.

Johnny and Heather Illick South Burlington

Trombly, Bailey for city council To the Editor: It appears that this year’s South Burlington City Council election is being painted as a contest among those who love the environment and those who don’t. To claim the challengers in this year’s election don’t care for our natural environment is a false narrative and it is disingenuous to make those claims.

I maintain that this election is, to borrow from an earlier election, “all about the economy, stupid!” Our candidates’ priorities — and those of the city council — should be focused on strategies that grow our community across all socio-ecoSee LETTERS on page 10

The Other Paper • February 24, 2022 • Page 7

Vermont restaurants need help; the way forward is clear

RE-ELECT

ishing the fund a priority, and Vermont’s Congressional delegation, Sen. Patrick Leahy, Sen. Bernie Sanders, and Rep. Peter Welch, are in key positions to do this. Vermont’s restaurants are some of our most prized economic forces — 1,400 strong at the beginning of the pandemic — and we operate on razorthin margins to turn millions of dollars in food purchases (nearly $10 million of which is locally produced) into over $1 billion in annual sales.

Along with drinking establishments, this mighty engine provides a dynamic experience for Vermonters and visitors and contributes to the health of our communities in so many ways, not the least of which is collecting local and state tax revenues.

Our legislators know this, and they acted swiftly and boldly to

support our restaurant industry at the onset of the closures. Why stop the support short of the finish line?

Restaurants have suffered devastating fallout from the pandemic, and the impact of nearly two years of operating restrictions and closures will continue to be felt for months and years to come. Nearly 75 percent of Vermont restaurants have not experienced a complete sales recovery, reporting that their businesses are still less profitable than they were prior to the pandemic. The Restaurant Revitalization Fund picked winners and losers, with recipients left in a stronger economic position than applicants who did not receive funds. Too many restaurants are operating on borrowed time, and we cannot afford to lose another one.

THE CHOICE FOR MOVING FORWARD VOTE ON MARCH 1!

MEAGHAN EMERY

The Vermont Independent Restaurant Coalition is calling on Leahy, Sanders and Welch to immediately replenish the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, as was promised by state and federal leaders. While our delegation in Vermont is not the largest in the nation, our leaders hold key budgetary positions, and their support is critical to passing the fund’s replenishment, which will keep our restaurants open, help workers stay employed and protect the vibrancy of Vermont.

Leslie McCrorey Wells is the co-owner of Burlington’s Pizzeria Verità, Trattoria Delia and Sotto Enoteca, and a member of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce and Vermont Independent Restaurant Leadership Council.

RE-ELECT

first round of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, which has been instrumental in helping our Leslie McCrorey Wells businesses to survive.

Only 366 of the 947 Vermont As the co-owner of three restaurants that applied for were Burlington restaurants, I know awarded funds, leaving a $120.5 how hard this past year has been million hole in our on our industry partstate’s restaurant indusners. During the first 18 try. Oversubscription months of the pandemwas anticipated, which ic, we furloughed is why before the fund’s staff, lost revenue and creation many congresaccumulated debt. sional and federal At the same time, we leaders promised a worked harder than follow-up replenishever to adapt, pivot ment package. and persevere to keep Unfortunately, our businesses viable Leslie Wells Congress continues and our workers and to drag its feet when customers safe. it comes to advancing Even with the Restaurant Revitalization Fund extraordinary challenges faced replenishment.

by Vermont’s independent Now, we need help. restaurants, we were lucky. We Congress must make replenreceived funding through the

Guest Perspective

TIM BARRITT

WHAT YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS ARE SAYING ABOUT MEAGHAN AND TIM!

Steve and Loretta Marriott, Chamberlin residents: “We find both Meaghan and Tim really listen to our concerns, which is the first step in being represented. Their advocacy for SB and the Chamberlin neighborhood, experience, smarts and integrity is most appreciated.”

Janet Bellavance, SB Affordable Housing Committee member: “They will ensure South Burlington supports a healthy mix of socio-economic needs AND do it in a way that protects the environment.”

Laurinda Hulce, neighbor and friend: “I’ve known Meaghan since 2004. I don’t portend to understand all the ins and outs of what’s going on with SB politics but I trust Meaghan. We need her to continue on the City Council.”

Ethan Goldman, Principal Resilient Edge: “Meaghan doesn't just talk about the climate emergency, she gets things done. Her resolution created a Task Force to produce a Climate Action Plan for South Burlington. I look forward to working with Meaghan and Tim to implement climate solutions that will make our community more resilient.”

Bruce Chattman, former SB School Superintendent: “Meaghan and Tim have earned my support through their commitment to the common good and results that serve the balanced interests of the residents in our city.”

Tricia Gustafson, Principal Thrive Consulting: “Meaghan and Tim have shown me that they listen to the residents, make decisions while considering the impact on taxpayers, and keep environment and sustainability as top priorities. I’m so grateful for their support of many wonderful nature trails in our city!”

Penne Tompkins, PenArts Communications LLC: “I support Tim Barrett and Meaghan Emery for re-election to our City Council because of the good work they have done and will continue to do on behalf of South Burlington. Developing City Center, securing the TIF District to help us build our wonderful South Burlington Public Library and City Hall, voting for the revised LDRs, which include critically needed environmental protections and their active support for true affordable housing are just a few examples. Their leadership will ensure thoughtful forward looking decisions for all.”

Diane Bugbee, former Public Library Trustee and School Board Director: “As someone who attends City Council meetings fairly regularly, I appreciate both Meaghan’s and Tim’s engagement with the community and their thoughtful decision making. They understand that decisions have long-lasting implications. and understand that affordable housing, access to city services, and conservation are not mutually exclusive goals.”

John Stern, Senior Director at Mathematica: “Thank you for supporting an intelligent approach to conservation and development.”

Helen Riehle, City Council Chair: “One of the most important jobs of every council is to wisely and judiciously spend your tax dollars.

Their constant focus on fiscal responsibility by asking the hard questions provides the stewardship expected by the public.”

Lynn Vera, Board of Civil Authority member: “Tim and Meaghan are fair, impartial and have effectively navigated the complicated issues of protecting disappearing natural lands while still supporting affordable housing and looking out for our best interests.”

Scott Pennington, former IBM employee and teacher: “I’ve known Tim for many years at IBM. He is articulate, knowledgeable, funny, wise, moderate, thoughtful, personable, and willing and able to be of service to our community. I strongly support his re-election to City Council.”

Laurie Smith, Queen City Park resident: “We need strong leadership in these challenging times. Tim and Meaghan have proven that they are willing to do the hard work.”

Bob Britt, Retired CFO: “I believe that Tim Barritt and Meaghan Emery are striking the right balance in implementing and successfully achieving the City's Comprehensive plan goals.”

INFORMATION: VoteForEmery.com

INFORMATION: TimForSB.wordpress.com

Paid for by VoteForEmery, M.J. Reale, Treasurer 110 Central Ave., South Burlington, VT 05403

Paid for by Tim Barritt 162 Royal Drive, South Burlington, VT 05403

Page 8 • February 24, 2022 • The Other Paper

Schools must make schools safer for all students Guest Perspective Vermont Student Anti-Racism Network Schools shape everything in society, so there is no doubt that education is the key to societal change. However, schools are so cemented in systems, traditions and bureaucracy which makes that change an incredibly slow and painful process.

Schools should be places where all students can flourish, and where everybody has equal opportunity and access to resources. Across Vermont, and across the nation, we are seeing how we haven’t yet reached that reality. Here are just a few stories from Vermont schools that emphasize the climate of injustice and racial inequity that exists.

A Black Lives Matter flier, hung by Stowe High School’s Racial Equity Alliance, was recently vandalized. The word “Black” was folded over, replaced with a sticky note that read “All,” making the flier read “All Lives Matter,” a common and dehumanizing slogan used to undermine Black empowerment movements.

After the flier was fixed, it was vandalized a second time within the same week. The “Black” was completely torn off, leaving the sign to read “Lives Matter.”

Following the vandalism, hate spread on social media, applauding the act of vandalism and perpetuating the ideology of “All Lives Matter.”

The act of harm against the Black Lives Matter flier symbol-

ized something larger for many students, especially those a part of the Racial Equity Alliance who hung the sign. It showed that ignorance and hate still thrive in school communities, and students of color are continuously made to feel unsafe.

As a result, the Stowe Racial Equity Alliance had to move the bulletin board to a location with cameras and temporarily take down the fliers until the board could be rehung.

The response to these acts of vandalism included a school-wide assembly and discussions about dehumanizing language and racism in schools. This activity brought to light expressions of ignorance already stewing among students, and it also showed the school’s lack of experience when it comes to crisis management for acts of racially motivated vandalism.

Because of the school’s high white population, many students can ignore racial inequity and ignorance at their leisure. This has the power to form a dangerous environment that feeds into and supports harmful racial rhetoric, such as the vandalism the alliance was targeted with.

While there has been outpouring support for the racial alliance by many students, there is a systemic issue of ignorance present at the high school that can only be addressed through systemic educational practices that reinforce and highlight perspectives of color.

In the past month, the boys’ bathroom at Milton high school was vandalized with hate speech.

These messages ranged from homophobic and racist slurs to a chart comparing and objectifying female body parts. This event has reverberated throughout the high school’s community and left many feeling angry and discouraged — but not surprised.

Most students interviewed contend that acts of hate have been prevalent throughout the school year: slurs float throughout the hallways, confederate flag sweatshirts proudly paraded from classroom to classroom, and toxic

masculinity as rampant as it’s ever been. You might be wondering, what was the punishment?

At this point in time, administrative action against individual students has not been publicized.

Nevertheless, teachers and faculty have created restorative spaces for conversations and questions surrounding the incident.

Even after engaging in restorative circles many students still seek closure. When asked if they thought the school handled the incident appropriately, opinions

were split. One student argued on behalf of the school administration, claiming that even though past incidents were not dealt with accordingly, this time around school administrators are working to do better.

In contrast, another called school officials “hypocrites that only care when it suits their public image.”

This notion that school administrators cherry-pick which See ANTI-RACISM on page 9

Vermont: ‘Stop racist indoctrination’ to shame and denigrate white Vermonters. It did the opposite.

It was based on the same belief as Taney’s: that Black Americans are incapable of taking on the full rights and responsibilities of citizenship, and of living successful lives, because of subjugation by the all-powerful white race.

It is a monstrous, barbaric belief, based on the endemic racism of the progressive left.

This message permeated the entire trainings. In the 15 hours of training, the only Black Americans the trainer exemplified were Black Americans who were “murdered” in encounters with police. No mention was made of Justice Clarence Thomas, Justice Thurgood Marshall, President Barack Obama, secretaries of state Condoleezza Rice and Colin Powell, Black intellectuals like Dr. Thomas Sowell, Dr. Glenn Loury, Dr. John

Guest Perspective Deborah Bucknam In 1857, Justice Taney, in the notorious Dred Scott case, opined that Black Americans were “considered as a subordinate and inferior class of beings, who had been subjugated by the dominant race.”

In 2021, Vermont’s state employees, in mandated trainings as part of statewide indoctrination, were told the following: “White supremacist ideology really infiltrates in every nook and cranny of our society … The ideology of white supremacy … is the belief system that rationalizes, reproduces, and normalizes white racial advantage … There’s a definite sense of subjugation … whether or not it’s in the fabric of a workplace, or a government institution.”

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McWhorter or U.S. Housing and Urban Development secretary and pediatric brain surgeon Dr. Ben Carson, or any of the tens of millions of Black Americans whose intelligence, talent, courage, compassion and perseverance have enriched our nation.

According to the trainer, Blacks who dissent from the progressive orthodoxy that they are powerless victims of white supremacy are guilty of internalized racism.

The trainer also made clear that, according to her, Black Americans are exceedingly fragile.

White Americans must, according to the trainer, refrain from remarks she termed microaggressions, which, according to her, include compliments. Whites need to monitor their speech when speaking with Black Americans, like adults do with small children.

The trainer also did not mention Martin Luther King Jr. Instead, she said that King’s dream that his children would be judged not by the color of their skin, but the content of their character was “racist,” saying that “colorblindness perpetuates and keeps cycling racism into our lives.”

Worse, the trainings emphasized that for Blacks, hard work and perseverance are futile, that “pulling up by the bootstraps” and stable marriages are white supremacist, and that advice to maintain a healthy weight is a form of “eugenics” imposed by the medical profession. Taney and other white supremacists would approve.

These 2021 trainings are not the only indoctrination imposed on Vermont state employees. Similar trainings and messaging constantly permeate throughout state government. Our children are also hearing comparable racist messages in our public schools.

Just as disturbing as the racism delivered during the trainings is the violation of employees’ First Amendment rights. Dr. David Moshman, an expert in the nature and development of human See BUCKNAM on page 9

The Other Paper • February 24, 2022 • Page 9

ANTI-RACISM

continued from page 8

BUCKNAM

events to handle and which ones to let slide anger many community members, especially those who the oppressive language directly harms.

Although there is no justification for white supremacist behavior, there are reasons why it was able to escalate. Everyone interviewed at the school agreed that the culture among the student body is a principal factor why racist, homophobic and sexist rhetoric prevails. One student claimed that there are three realms of thought that fuel the culture: the overt perpetrators that support oppressive behavior, those who actively work to disrupt systematic oppression, and the ambiguous majority in between.

This spectrum is not secluded to the vandalism incident in the boys’ bathroom nor is it unique to Milton High School. Nonetheless, to truly dismantle expressions of hate, widespread acknowledgment

of the problem is not enough.

Everyone, whether educators or students, needs to be committed to the work.

These incidents are not isolated.

The reason we have shared these them together is to show how this is a system that spans counties and towns and high schools. Vermont is a part of a national system. Just because we have progressive legislation doesn’t mean we are exempt or immune from a problem.

The bottom line is that students of color are still made to feel unsafe at school, and we need change. People who don’t experience this injustice directly have the blissful opportunity to ignore it. We need to face this problem, engage in uncomfortable conversations and work together to change the system.

Here is one way that you can get involved in shaking up the status quo. The Vermont Student Anti-Racism Network is holding

a student affinity space. One set of meetings will be a multicultural affinity space where we hold open discussions about racism and social justice. The second set of meetings will be a safe, education-focused space for students involved in racist incidents at their school.

We want to stress that these meetings would be non-judgmental for students with the hope and focus of educating them as to why what they did was harmful.

To learn more, the antiracism network is holding an informational session on Tuesday, March 1, at 5 p.m. The link is bit.ly/34RlAlN. The Vermont Student Anti-Racism Network is comprised of students from about a dozen high schools. This commentary was written by Addie Lentzner of Arlington Memorial High School, Lydia Beaulieu of Milton High School, and Astrid Young of Stowe High School.

continued from page 8 reasoning and rationality, after reviewing the transcript of the trainings, said that they constituted classic indoctrination.

“The training is curricular indoctrination in that much of it is highly ideological and cannot be justified academically,” he said. “The training is also instructional indoctrination in that the manner of presentation suppresses critical discussion and dissent.”

State employees have been informed that they must accept this racist doctrine, or risk adverse employment actions.

Such requirements violate employees’ First Amendment rights.

As the U.S. Supreme Court has said, “If there is any fixed star in our constitutional constellation, it is that no offi-

cial, high or petty, can prescribe what shall be orthodox in politics, nationalism, religion, or other matters of opinion or force citizens to confess by word or act their faith therein.

If there are any circumstances which permit an exception, they do not now occur to us.”

It is time for Vermonters to stop this racist indoctrination. It will take courage and perseverance, including voting, running for office and petitioning elected representatives. But we can gain inspiration from our Black compatriots, who have endured far worse, making good trouble to achieve their rightful place in American society.

Lawyer Deborah Bucknam of Walden is treasurer of the Vermont Republican Party.

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LETTERS

continued from page 6 nomic strata, to replenish a shrunken labor force and invite a workforce that can fill a myriad of positions to grow our tax base.

Without a welcome mat in the form of affordable housing, South Burlington will continue to develop into an exclusive community that only wealthier people can inhabit. A healthy economy and a vibrant community need leaders who invest in everyone’s future. The recent actions, tone and words by the incumbents only restrict our ability to become more socio-economically diverse and prosperous.

How many of us have heard

our children or their friends say, I’d love to move back, but I can’t find any housing. How many employers are unable to grow their businesses but for lack of affordable workforce housing?

Let’s get serious about this issue.

It’s time for a change.

Chris Trombly, as chair of the affordable housing committee, has demonstrated his leadership and desire to create an inclusive forum to weigh all perspectives.

Linda Bailey has focused her campaign on balancing environmental protection with, not at the expense of, affordable and middle-class housing.

Both individuals are committed to a future that we can all embrace. Please consider joining me in electing them in March.

Lisa Ventriss South Burlington

Decent raise for nurses well deserved To the Editor: I was so pleased to see that University of Vermont Medical Center is offering its nurses a decent raise without a fight.

I remember walking with our nurses in 2018 when they were on

strike. Nurses were saying then those substandard wages led to chronic staffing shortages, nurse burnout and gaps in patient care.

What a difference a pandemic makes.

While I am sure our nurses continue to be underpaid and overworked, I hope that the hospital administration will follow this first step in the right direction with others to work toward paying nurses what they deserve.

Our health care system would fall apart without them.

They have sacrificed a great deal over the past two years to work to keep all of us healthy. I hope they know how much we need and appreciate them. Nurses deserve to make a professional wage and have working conditions that are sustainable and allow them to give patients the best care possible.

Kathleen Murphy South Burlington

Bailey, Trombly represent city’s values

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To the Editor: I am supporting Linda Bailey and Chris Trombly for South Burlington City Council. What they have done by stepping up, volunteering and raising their hand to run for office is really hard.

However, all you have to do is listen to the incumbent candidates for council in South Burlington and you understand pretty quickly why they had the courage to run for office.

Bailey and Trombly are smart, hardworking residents who are listening to us, researching facts, and studying neighboring communities to provide balanced, thoughtful recommendations for the future growth of the city.

When you speak to them you hear inclusive, thoughtful people.

People who care about what our community looks like, and what it represents. You hear inclusive, thoughtful people with ideas to help South Burlington become a community that represents middle-class values and families just starting out with young ones who can share their culture with our exceptional schools.

We should be working together to be a community of inclusion and acceptance. What I am seeing and hearing from the incumbents is I’ve got mine, now you go away and not in my backyard.

These values are not what I want our community to be known for. Take the time to listen to Linda Bailey and Chris Trombly, they represent who we are.

Pam Mackenzie South Burlington

Support the right vision, support Emery for council To the Editor: Meaghan Emery and her family have been our neighbors for 20 years and over this period we’ve witnessed her unwavering commitment to keep improving the quality of life that South Burlington offers all its residents.

South Burlington has been fortunate to have someone as insightful, articulate, fair and transparent as Emery represent them on the city council. She deserves another term.

Emery has worked hard to keep our city affordable, and promote smart economic development, while at the same time protecting our environment and conserving the city’s remaining open natural spaces.

She has always been a strong supporter of our school system and teachers and has worked hard to help South Burlington schools maintain their reputation of excellence. Her vision and energy have been important in turning the new City Center and South Burlington Library into a reality. Emery’s support of the new land development regulations demonstrates her willingness to balance the needs of land developers with the needs of South Burlington residents who want to preserve some of the only remaining open natural areas left in South Burlington. She supports well-planned affordable housing and using state and federal grant funds to build more affordable housing where it belongs, in our new city center zone and in high density areas that are already paved over.

We share her vision to make South Burlington an even better place to live, and we hope you’ll support this vision by voting to re-elect Meaghan Emery to the South Burlington City Council.

Stephen and Monique Trono South Burlington

Emery balances financial stability, affordability To the Editor: I have had the privilege of working with Meaghan Emery over the years in South Burlington on several key issues facing our city, community and schools.

At every level, she has demonstrated a deep connection to the community, listening carefully to all sides of an issue and arriving at sound decisions that balance all our interests for the greater good.

She has a unique ability to see the forest for the trees on key See LETTERS on page 12

The Other Paper • February 24, 2022 • Page 11

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LETTERS

continued from page 10 issues, while constantly finding the balance between quality of life, affordability and financial stability.

Please join me in supporting Meaghan Emery for a new term on the South Burlington City Council.

Linda McGinnis South Burlington

Housing should trump open land in city To the Editor: I was very disappointed by the South Burlington City Council’s decision to put conservation of open land above the encouragement of the construction of affordable housing. Most residents of South Burlington have not had to contend with housing insecurity. It is a horrible problem that disproportionately affects

new Americans and people of color and can have lifelong adverse effects.

The well-documented shortage of affordable housing in the core of Chittenden County challenges our claim to be welcoming to new Americans and others moving to this area to seek exactly what we have found.

Because Meaghan Emery and Tim Barritt voted in favor of that measure, I cannot support them in the upcoming election. Instead, I will be voting for Chris Trombly and Linda Bailey. I would encourage other South Burlingtonians who support diversity, equity and inclusion to examine the cost of housing in this city and ask themselves whether voting for the incumbents will further their goals.

Brian Sullivan South Burlington

U.S. must battle back against Chinese threat To the Editor: FBI Director Christopher Gray identifies China as the biggest threat to our national security.

Economic espionage, intellectual property theft, bribery and blackmail are some actions they’re using to overtake us. Author and historian Gordon Chang reports China is declaring war on American people and destroying our society.

There’s ample evidence to support Gray’s and Chang’s conclusions. The Chinese have invested billions acquiring our real estate, agricultural land, corporations and food processing plants.

Critical agricultural fertilizer used for our food supply is controlled

by China. Solar technology stolen from the U.S. is now a monopolized market out of China. Critical precious metals are controlled

Let’s keep South Burlington elections positive!

I’m reaching out to make sure you know about my campaign for South Burlington City Council. This opportunity to serve our community at a higher level motivates me. I am the Chair of the South Burlington Affordable Housing Committee, the Vice Chair of our Board of Civil Authority, and a parent of two kids at Chamberlin – and I love this community!

My opponent, Meaghan Emery, has the support of a well-funded PAC who have spread misinformation about me and engaged in personal attacks on another candidate, which has discouraged other voices from speaking out for fear of being attacked.

With your vote, we can send a message that this style of politics is not welcome in South Burlington. We should be bringing more voices to the table, not pushing them away.

If you want a councilor who will work hard to make South Burlington a great place to afford a home, pursue a work path, raise a family, and spend your golden years – for people of all ages, incomes, and backgrounds – I ask for your vote on March 1, 2022.

Sincerely, Chris Trombly LEARN MORE AT CHRISTROMBLY.COM OR EMAIL AT CTROMBLY@GMAIL.COM. PAID FOR BY CHRIS TROMBLY FOR SOUTH BURLINGTON | SANDY DOOLEY, TREASURER 16 DUBOIS DRIVE, SOUTH BURLINGTON,VT 05403 | 802-391-0926

by China, and they have re-engineered our technical achievements for military and competitive purposes.

China is influencing university and high school content. They spend millions on research and development and loyal academics receive payment for allegiance.

Black Lives Matter and Critical Race Theory are supported by China to create culture division and the Chinese indoctrinate us via TikTok. China sources and controls our pharmaceuticals and supplies fentanyl responsible for 100,000 deaths. Their Wuhan virus has killed 800,000 Americans.

Staff members of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Sen. Dianne Feinstein and Rep. Eric Swalwell, all of California, have China ties.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s father-in-law is the largest shipping czar in China and

23 former members of Congress are lobbyists for China.

Congress must hold China accountable, stem the flow of our assets, protect our way of life and treat China as the threat who will do anything to achieve their goal for world control.

Frank Mazur South Burlington

Gun bill closes Charleston loophole To the Editor: I want to thank Vermont House and Senate members who voted to pass S.30. Our state needs to ensure that our current gun laws are very clear and fully enforceable in order to protect victims of domestic violence and other vulnerable Vermonters.

See LETTERS on page 13

The Other Paper • February 24, 2022 • Page 13

Bill bans firearms in hospitals, helps victims of abuse location restrictions already exist in Vermont for schools and court buildings.

Rep. Martin LaLonde Several hospital administrators testified before the House Earlier this month, the LegisCommittee on the Judiciary, all of lature passed S.30, a bill that whom strongly favored that addresses firearm this bill. The moment violence. someone receives terriBy the time this ble news in the form of column is published, a medical diagnosis for we should know if Gov. themselves or a family Phil Scott has signed member can be very or vetoed it. I believe it emotional. Often, the implements wise polifirst reaction is anger cies and should become directed at the doctor law. (Editor’s note: Gov. and other medical staff.

Phil Scott vetoed this Martin LaLonde Our witnesses repeatlaw Feb. 22, saying if it Vermont House edly stressed that guns is revised he would be of Representatives should not be part of willing to revisit it.)

District 7-1 this equation.

First, the bill While most hospiprohibits possession of tals already ban guns from their firearms in hospitals. It would be premises, hospital administrators illegal to bring any type of firearm testified that changing this restricinto a hospital building. Such

Legislative Update

tion from a hospital mandate to a state law would result in more awareness and compliance. While many hospitals employ security, those personnel are not armed.

With individual hospital bans, as opposed to a state law, police can only be called when someone has been asked to remove their firearm from a hospital building and refused.

Second, the bill would close what has come to be known as the Charleston loophole. The name comes from a terrible incident in Charleston, S.C., where the shooter was able to purchase a gun without a completed background check. In Vermont, anyone purchasing a firearm needs to undergo a background check.

However, gun purchases can legally go forward after three days if the background check has not been completed within that

LETTERS

continued from page 12 I am urging Gov. Phil Scott to sign this bill into law. I deeply care about protecting all Vermonters.

S.30 will strengthen Vermont’s current gun laws by closing the Charleston loophole, a dangerous gap in current law that allows firearms sales to occur without a completed background check.

In the past two years, 28 firearms have been sold to Vermonters who failed background checks but

were able to obtain them through the loophole. It’s common sense to require a background check to be fully completed before the sale of a firearm.

Additionally, S.30 would strengthen Vermont’s extreme risk protection law, prohibit guns from being inside hospitals and reinforce laws designed to keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers and others with dangerous

histories. S.30 is a crucial step in making sure current Vermont gun laws are clear and enforced.

Jen Hicks Shelburne Jen Hicks is a member of Moms Demand Action Vermont.

period. The Charleston gunman concerns over personal repercuswould have been prohibited from sions for alerting law enforcement having a firearm, but he was to situations where an individual allowed to make the purchase or the public is at risk. It will help because his background check make our state safer. was incomplete after three days.

Finally, the bill codifies a Because 97 percent of all court’s ability to order relinquishbackground checks are completed ment of firearms in emergency within three days, only a small relief from abuse orders. Currentnumber of Vermonters will be ly, judges have the inherent inconvenienced authority to order by closing relinquishment Finally, the bill this loophole. of firearms as a In Vermont, part of a relief codifies a court’s over the past from abuse order, ability to order two years, 28 and S.30 aims to firearms were bring statutory relinquishment sold to indilanguage in line viduals who with legal pracof firearms in should have tice. been prohibited It clearly emergency relief from owning states that the a firearm, but relinquishment from abuse orders. they were able of firearms is an to make the option available purchase because three days had to judges when assessing how to passed without a completed back- best protect the safety of those ground check. seeking relief from abuse.

As November 2021, only This legal pathway to safety 19 of those firearms had been is essential. Victims of domestic retrieved. violence are at highest risk of The bill also clarifies that being killed during the time that licensed medical care providthey are leaving an abusive relaers can, without violating their tionship. It is critical to remove professional and legal codes of firearms from these volatile and conduct, share concerns with law dangerous situations. enforcement about patients who may use a firearm to harm themPlease feel free to ontact me at selves or others. This change will 863-3086 or mlalonde@leg.state. alleviate medical professionals’ vt.us.

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Community Notes Girls on the Run needs coaches

COURTESY PHOTO

Marina Hallisey, a seventh grader at Shelburne Community School, won Armand Poulin Memorial Green Up Day Poster Art Contest for 2022. Her artwork will be used to market the annual Green Up Day in Vermont, where volunteers take to the state’s roadways and pick up litter and trash of others. The kindergarten through grade 4 winner was JoJo Seagraves, grade three-four, from Underhill Central School. The fifth through eighth grade winner was Canute Hoehn, grade 8, from Shelburne Community School. The high school winner was Shterna Gordon, grade 11, from Burr & Burton Academy.

Girls on the Run Vermont, a physical activity-based, positive youth development program for students in third through eighth grades, still needs coaches.

The eight-week program incorporates movement to empower participants to develop critical life skills, build confidence, cultivate positive connections with peers, manage emotions and stand up for themselves and others.

Volunteer coaches utilize a curriculum to engage teams of girls in fun, interactive lessons. Locations in need of coaches in Chittenden County include Chamberlin School, Charlotte Central School, Edmunds Elementary School, Hinesburg Community School, Orchard School, Rick Marcotte Central School and Shelburne Community School.

Shelburne church hosts Age Well March meal St. Catherine of Siena, 72 Church St., Shelburne hosts a senior meal Tuesday, March 8, 11 a.m.-noon. There will be no delivery available.

The menu features barbecue chicken breast, O’Brien red potatoes, spinach, wheat bread, pumpkin bar with raisins and milk.

Register by March 3 via email at soberding@yahoo.com or call 802-825-8546 Age Well serves Addison, Chittenden, Franklin, and Grand Isle Counties and is the largest Meals on Wheels provider in Vermont.

South Burlington man joins Nancy Jenkins Bruce Wilson of South Burlington has joined Nancy Jenkins Real Estate as an agent.

Wilson spent 11 years in the Boston real estate market, and he takes pride in building connections and cultivating relationships.

Wilson is part owner of Preview Properties in Boston.

Originally from Chicago, Bruce grew up in Burlington. He enjoys being active through working out, hiking, sports and spending time with his wife and newborn son.

Cathedral Square makes leadership promotions Cathedral Square in South Burlington has named two women to top leadership posts to its statewide Support and Services at Home program.

Liz Genge of Montpelier is the new director, and Casey Doerner RN of East Ryegate is the new assistant director. They will oversee Support and Services at Home teams throughout Vermont that provide support and coordinate personalized care and programming for approximately 5,000 Medicare recipients.

Genge has 20 years of experience at Downstreet Housing & Community Development in Barre, where she has served as director of property management. She helped launch the Support and Services at Home program in Washington and Orange counties 10 years ago and has overseen its operations in Downstreet’s housing communities since that time.

Doerner, a licensed registered nurse, has been affiliated with Support and Services at Home since 2015, starting as a wellness nurse for RuralEdge Community Development, where she worked with participants in eastern Orange County. In 2019, she joined Cathedral Square as the Support and Services at Home health systems educator and wellness nurse lead.

Support and Services at Home is a nationally recognized program of care coordination and prevention created by Cathedral Square and implemented statewide in 2011 in partnership with Vermont Area Agencies on Aging, member affiliates of Vermont Care Partners and the VNAs of Vermont, nonprofit housing organizations, primary and community health care teams, and local and regional hospitals. More at sashvt.org.

See COMMUNITY NOTES on page 15

South Burlington Youth Baseball & Softball has been providing a safe, healthy way for kids to make friends and stay active for over 40 years.

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN for ages 5 to 12, best of all T-Ball is now being offered free of charge!

Sign up today at www.sbybs.com • Scholarships available for all league ages • State and local safety and social distancing recommendations are strictly enforced • Your child will improve their game and learn important life skills

The Other Paper • February 24, 2022 • Page 15

COMMUNITY NOTES continued from page 14

Historical society holds talk on Holmes Farm David Holmes will discuss his new book about the 101-year history of the Holmes farm in Charlotte, “On Being a Vermonter and the Rise and Fall of the Holmes Farm, 1822-1923,” Sunday, March 6, 1-2:30 p.m.

This is the only case study of a Vermont farm during this era.

The farm, located just south of the Charlotte covered bridge on Lake Champlain, had a leading-edge apple orchard with apple sales to U.S. cities and Europe. The family also bred, raced and sold Morgan horses.

Building on the experience of the family and the farm, Holmes will ponder what it means to be a Vermonter, then and now. The presentation will also include old pictures from the early 1900s.

For the Zoom meeting log-in go the Chittenden County Historical Society website at cchsvt.org.

Master gardeners get new program manager Deb Heleba is the new statewide outreach and education program manager for community horticulture programs for University of Vermont Extension.

She will lead the extension master gardener and Vermont master composter programs and support more than 500 volunteers who provide gardening and composting education in their local communities around the state.

Heleba brings in-depth experience in online educational programs for adults, public communications and social media, program evaluation and web management to the program.

She grew up in southern Vermont and has a master’s degree in community development and applied economics from UVM. To learn more about community horticulture programs, visit uvm. edu/extension/mastergardener.

Upcoming blood drives

Student milestones The following Community College of Vermont students from South Burlington made the presi-

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID HOLMES

Cover of David Holmes’s book, an orchard scene with a Holmes family member holding two horses.

psychology Kristen Precourt of South Burlington was named to the dean’s list at Endicott College for the fall 2021 semester. She is majoring in sports management.

Joe Balkan of South Burlington made the dean’s list for the fall 2021 semester at Tufts University.

Cora Kakalec of South Burlington made the dean’s list for the fall 2021 semester at Tufts University.

Nadia La of South Burlington made the dean’s list for the fall 2021 semester at Tufts University.

Tara Lowensohn of South Burlington made the dean’s list for the fall 2021 semester at Tufts University.

Dustin McGrath of South Burlington was named to the fall 2021 dean’s list at Western New England University. He is working toward a degree in criminal justice.

Mike North of South Burlington was named to the fall 2021 dean’s list at the University of Rhode Island. He is majoring in marine biology.

The following students from

South Burlington have been named to the dean’s list at the University of New Hampshire for the fall 2021 semester: Lyssa Tan (high honors), Aidan Devine (highest honors), Emily Shafritz (highest honors) and Shea O’Connor (highest honors).

The following students from South Burlington made the dean’s list at Norwich University for the fall 2021 semester: Kianna Rae Ladue, Katherine Shine, Jessica O’Toole, Christopher Austin Willard, Sara Marielle Gosselin and Brennden Ashley Le.

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Tuesday, March 8, noon-5 p.m., St. Catherine of Siena, 72 Church St., Shelburne.

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dent’s list for the fall 2021 semester: Faith Baker, Natália Bianchini, Marcus Bowers, Vladislav Moore, Ashton-James Pham, Iris Robert and Stacey Savage.

Isaac Haas of South Burlington was named to the dean’s list for fall 2021 semester at Vermont Tech.

Amanda H. Pettengill of South Burlington was named to first honors on the Clark University dean’s list for the fall semester.

Isabella M. Herrera of South Burlington was named to second honors on the Clark University dean’s list for the fall 2021 semester.

Patricia Nelson of South Burlington earned an award of excellence at Western Governors University College of Health Professions.

Thabitha Moruthane of South Burlington was named to both the president’s honors list and the dean’s list for fall 2021.

The following Community College of Vermont students from South Burlington were named to the fall 2021 semester dean’s list: Salma Badra, Glen Collins, Isabella Guizler, Jody Rand and Thomas Shepard.

The following Community College of Vermont students from South Burlington were named to the fall 2021 student honors list: James Benson, Danielle Braverman, Samantha Brown, Kyle Easton, Kristen Flynn, Matthew Hall, Heather Osborne, Connor Snell and Christina Soter.

Abrianna Di Stefano of South Burlington was named to the dean’s list at Endicott College for the fall 2021 semester. She is majoring in

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Page 16 • February 24, 2022 • The Other Paper

TIF

continued from page 1 ects — Garden Street phase two, the I-89 pedestrian bridge, City Center Park phase two and streetscaping along Williston Road — most of which the city has already begun to move forward on in anticipation of its tight timeline: the last regularly scheduled opportunity to hold all three votes is Town Meeting Day 2023, otherwise, a special election must be held.

That’s such a tight window that last November, the city council approved changes to the list of projects they hoped to build with TIF money, nixing the longdreamed of recreation center and a public parking garage, among other ideas. The rec hub remains in the grand city vision, but TIF funds won’t help bring it to life.

What’s next for City Center?

South Burlington’s Community Development Director Ilona Blanchard has been working on the TIF district since it was formed 10 years ago. As the new city hall, library and senior center were being constructed last year she often visited the site, hard hat in hand, to watch the progress. Some might call her the TIF queen, or at least chuckle, like city manager Jessie Baker, and affirm that, yes,

that’s a fitting accolade.

“I think people understand this area very well and the community has been aware of and supportive of this effort. It can’t happen without that. We wouldn’t really be here if the community wasn’t behind this,” Blanchard said, adding that “it’s always a little scary when you go into the vote,” but satisfying to have the City Center vision reaffirmed.

Last year, South Burlington voters approved a $4 million bond to construct part of Garden Street, the southern side between Trader Joe’s and Healthy Living from Dorset Street to the bridge, and just north of Dover Place to the top of Midas Drive. Design for the project is 60 percent finished and staff is currently in the right of way acquisition process, Blanchard said. After that, they’ll complete the final plans and head out to bid.

Phase two in the project still needs voter approval and would cover the area from Al’s French Frys to Gracie’s Store & Deli, changing the nearby light on Williston Road into a T-intersection and adding bicycle-pedestrian paths.

Concepts for the I-89 bridge, first mentioned in a 2004 city infrastructure map, should be ready by late spring or early

summer, meaning city council will be looking for community feedback soon, Blanchard added.

Last November, the city received a $9.7 million federal RAISE grant — which stands for Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity — to help pay for the project though it will still need TIF funds and voter approval. Like it says in the name, equity is going to be a major part of the project.

“Part of the focus is, are you raising up everybody? So part of that is just making sure that we do the outreach upfront to ensure that this project is a success for the whole region, everyone in our region, not just the people that live next to it or the people that normally come to meetings,” Blanchard said.

The third project that needs voter approval is the final phase of City Center Park, which will feature paved walking and bike paths, a boardwalk over a tributary of Potash Brook, and more.

“This is a really nice connection between City Center and the high school and the middle school,” as well as between the University Mall, area grocery stores and restaurants on Williston Road, Blanchard said.

Last but not least, the city

needs voter approval to improve bicycle-pedestrian accessibility on Williston Road, stretching from the planned Garden Street project west towards the intersection. In 2017, the city won a $800,000 state grant to move forward the project, which the city has been working on with the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission to improve since 2015. While Williston Road falls outside of the TIF district boundaries, similar to the bicycle-pedestrian bridge over I-89, it still qualifies for funding.

Baker is excited to see the community’s vision come together after years of investment.

“The results are evident that we’re seeing this downtown City Center come to life,” Baker said.

“I think we are very well positioned to successfully bring those bond votes to the community, and I hope there is still a lot of momentum on the part of the community to finish the grand plan of City Center.”

Housing at the heart Completing the downtown vision are homes and apartments, mixed in with commercial spaces, to bolster economic development and address the region’s housing crisis.

So far, the newest homes on the block are at Dover Place, a 61-unit apartment building with 43 units dedicated to mixed-income households, built by Chris Snyder and Ken Braverman. The private developers are behind Snyder-Braverman which is under contract to build on “the largest and most central” parcel in the TIF district, according to Blanchard’s November report.

The building is already fully leased, Braverman said.

“We’re really excited about the building’s design, plans and how quickly it rented up. The market is clearly connecting with the City Center concept — residents love having the ability to walk to so many of South Burlington’s key attractions,” he wrote in an email.

The pair is hoping to announce the next development in their grand housing plan for City Center, likely to be located at the southeast corner of Market and Garden streets, in the next few months.

Since this private development was not TIF-funded, no voter approval is necessary. But as more development kicks in over the next five, 10 or 20 years, boosting the grand list value and tax revenue, the TIF debt will slowly shrink, leaving the district to sink happily into retirement.

The Other Paper • February 24, 2022 • Page 17

SPORTS Dance team captures trophy in pom division LAUREN READ CORRESPONDENT

and assist while Abby Brennan earned the win with 24 saves in goal for South Burlington.

Dance team

Alpine skiing

The South Burlington dance team headed to Vergennes Saturday, Feb. 19, looking to bring home some hardware.

The Wolves came back with another state championship trophy.

South Burlington won the pom division at the championships, the seventh year in a row that the Wolves have captured the title in pom.

South Burlington also earned a top three finish in the kazz division, coming in third behind No. 1 Mount Mansfield and No. 2 Lamoille.

The South Burlington boys’ alpine ski team raced to a thirdplace finish at the NVAC Northern Districts on Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 14 and 15 at the Middlebury Snow Bowl.

Rex Jewell led the Wolves skiers with a first-place finish in the giant slalom, followed by a third in the slalom.

Justin Shafritz was right behind his teammate, coming in second in giant slalom and fourth in slalom.

With two skiers in the top 10, South Burlington earned the third spot in the team competition and advances to the Vermont state championships on Feb. 28 and March 1 at Burke Mountain.

Champlain Valley came in first in the district race, with Mount Mansfield behind in second place.

Gymnastics Ella Maynard’s individual performance helped the South Burlington gymnastics team to a sixth-place finish in the Vermont state championships on Saturday at Essex High School.

Maynard finished sixth in the all-around competition, with a fifth-place finish in teh floor exercise and eighth-place finishes in both the vault and uneven bars.

Essex won the state championship, with St. Johnsbury coming in second and Montpelier rounding out the top three.

Girls’ hockey South Burlington 3, Burlington-Colchester 2 (OT): Hope Brunet struck in overtime to lift South Burlington to a key win over Burlington-Colchester in girls’ hockey Saturday.

Brunet’s game winner was assisted by Sofia Richland, who added a goal for the Wolves who move to 5-13 with the win.

Sabrina Brunet added a goal

Girls’ basketball Rice 36, South Burlington 26: The South Burlington girls’ basketball team wrapped up the regular season with a loss to Rice on Friday, Feb. 18.

Aleah Staley had nine points for the Wolves, who finish the regular season with a 8-12 record.

Miranda Hayes added eight points for South Burlington.

Boys’ basketball Rice 74, South Burlington 60: Khalon Taylor scored 25 points, but the boys could not overcome 16-point halftime deficit in a loss to Rice on Thursday, Feb. 17.

Ethan Sandberg added 11 points for the Wolves, who fell to 8-8.

Sharif Sharif scored 34 points to lead the Green Knights.

Number one!

COURTESY PHOTO

South Burlington High Gymnast Kyra Pap, pictured far right, placed first overall in the Mardi Gras Invitational in Hanover, Mass. on Sunday, Feb. 13.

Cheerleading The South Burlington cheerleading team came in second place at the Vermont state championships at Vergennes on Saturday.

The Wolves took second place behind state champion Mill River in the Division II competition.

twice during the regular season, with the Seahorses winning the first game by just one point (52-51) and the Wolves grabbing a 40-36 victory in the second game.

The tight scores means that Tuesday’s rubber match will likely be a close affair as both teams look to advance to

South Burlington (4-7-2). Blake Truchon made 36 saves in goal for the Wolves.

Boys’ hockey Essex 3, South Burlington 3: South Burlington settled for a 3-3 tie with Essex in boys’ hockey Saturday.

The Wolves took a 3-1 lead in the second period, but Essex scored twice to tie the game at three and neither team could find

Girls’ basketball team heads to state tourney The Wolves earned the No. 8 seed in the upcoming Division I state tournament with an 8-12 record.

South Burlington will face off against No. 9 Burlington (6-12) on Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 7 p.m. in the playdown matchup.

The two teams faced off

the game winner.

Nick Kelly, Sam Munson and Zack Erickson each had a goal for

the quarterfinals.

The winner of the game advances to take on No. 1 Rice in the quarterfinals on Friday, Feb. 25. South Burlington lost both regular season games to the Green Knights, the most recent a 36-26 loss in the final game of the regular season.

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Page 18 • February 24, 2022 • The Other Paper

PHOTOS BY MADELINE WATERMAN

Above: Casual hockey players get some practice in as the sun sets behind South Burlington High School. The rink is open to the public. Below left: Bushweller pushes a shovel around the rink after finishing his skating session.

He stressed the importance of doing this so that other skaters can enjoy the ice. Below right: The new rink has been a hit after school hours for kids practicing their skills.

South Burlington ice rink opens MADELINE WATERMAN COMMUNITY NEWS SERVICE

Did you know that South Burlington High School’s new hockey rink is open to the public?

The rink opened late last year and provides a great option for those seeking safe COVID-19 winter fun.

South Burlington High School principal Patrick Burke commissioned the rink so that physical education classes could go outside for a safer experience during the pandemic.

But anyone is allowed to use the ice rink free of charge outside of school hours. The area is open until 10 p.m., when the light over

the ice shuts off.

There’s no rental station, so bring your own skates.

“I love the fact that they built this rink because it gives everyone an opportunity to skate outside,” community member and ice rink frequenter Kevin Bushwell said.

“I hope a lot of other people use it too.”

The Other Paper • February 24, 2022 • Page 19

Rice Memorial High School drops mask requirement Rice Memorial High School is the first school in Chittenden County to make masks optional for students and staff, principal Lisa Lorenz said in a Feb. 17 statement.

Masks become optional Monday, Feb. 28.

“After two years of the pandemic, we are excited to take this important first step in our path to normalcy. We feel confident in this decision because the school has over a 90 percent vaccination rate, and we believe that the freedom of not wearing masks is beneficial for students on many levels,” she said.

“All the joys of youth require being close to people. They require seeing faces. They require expression. Those years cannot be rewound. Those memories of proms, concert festivals, the goofy expressions in math class, the tears at graduation — those are the strongest memories of our lives, and there are no redos.

They are more valuable than our years as adults. Instead of children enjoying these things, and

instead of seeing faces, today that of COVID-19. For vaccinatthey see perpetual symbols of ed children, a recent study from fear covering the lower half of the United Kingdom showed zero people’s heads,” Lorenz said.

COVID-19 deaths. For vacciDr. Alicia Cunningham, a nated adults over 65, the risk of Rice parent and member of the dying from a heart attack is 14 University of times that of Vermont health COVID-19,” network, added, she said, point“After two years “There are many ing out that as of the pandemic, downsides to more children masks, especialare vaccinated, we are excited to ly in the realm risk for severe of education. illness drops take this important Masks inhibit even lower. clear communi“There will first step in our path cation, expresalways be uncersion, social tainty and risk in to normalcy.” interaction, everything we recognition of do in our daily — Lisa Lorenz, lives,” Cunningfaces and neurodevelopment. ham said, noting Rice principal that COVID-19 In doing so, rob us of other vital now fits squarecomponents of health.” ly into the realm of risks taken Cunningham allows that some daily. parents might be concerned about Lorenz said that “the posipotential risk to their children. tive impacts of allowing students “Consider that for unvaccinat- and staff to show their faces and ed children, the risk of dying in to live their lives free of fear a motor vehicle crash is 10 times and anxiety far outweigh the

continued from page 4

Arrests: Michael S. Ward, 32 of Essex

Junction, was arrested Feb. 13 for false alarms to public safety and disorderly conduct.

Kenneth D. Howard, 30, of South Burlington, was arrested Feb. 17 for simple assault and disorderly conduct.

Jordan E. Martin, 30, of Morristown, was arrested on an in-state warrant Feb. 20.

Joshua T. Osborne, 34, of Essex, was arrested Feb. 19 for domestic assault.

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Page 20 • February 24, 2022 • The Other Paper

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 March 15, 2022 at 7:00 P.M. to consider the following: 1. Preliminary plat application #SD-22-03 of Rivers Edge Building Development, LLC for the 3.6 acre “Park Road Area” phase of a previously approved master plan for a 450-acre Golf Course and 354-unit residential development. The planned unit development consists of consolidating three existing lots for the purpose of constructing fourteen dwelling units in two-family homes on two private roads, 1170 & 1180 Dorset Street.

2. Final plat application #SD-22-05 of O’Brien Farm Road, LLC for the next phase of a previously approved master plan for up to 490 dwelling units and non residential space as allowable in the zoning district. The phase consists of two (2) five story multi-family residential buildings on Lots 13 and 15 with a total of 251 dwelling units, 1,219 sf of commercial space, and associated site improvements, 255 Kennedy Drive.

Board members will be participating in person. Applicants and members of the public may participate in person or remotely either by interactive online meeting or by telephone: Interactive Online Meeting (audio & video): https://zoom.us/j/97418623183

By Telephone (audio only): Phone Number: (301) 715-8592 Meeting Access Code: 974 1862 3183 A copy of the application is available for public inspection by emailing Marla Keene, Development Review Planner, mkeene@sburl.com.

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The Other Paper • February 24, 2022 • Page 23

CROSSWORD

ARIES

LEO

March 21 - April 20 A sense of adventure compels you to travel to a new destination, Aries. You may have something in mind or you can throw a dart at the map and enjoy the trip.

TAURUS April 21 - May 21 Don’t be surprised if relationships seem a little more intense than normal, Taurus. Everyone is a little keyed up and the extra energy is on display in daily interactions.

GEMINI May 22 - June 21 People could play important roles in your life right now, Gemini. Partnerships are especially fortuitous. After all, two minds are better than one for problem-solving.

CANCER June 22 - July 22 Cancer, there’s much productivity this week as you find yourself thrust into yet another project. Once you sail through it, things will calm down.

July 23 - Aug. 23 Leo, this week you are invited to enjoy yourself. Feel free to live life as much as you can for as long as you can. Plan a retreat with a special someone.

VIRGO Aug. 24 - Sept. 22 Try to be as efficient as possible to save time and money in the days ahead, Virgo. See where you can streamline things and find ways to conserve your resources.

LIBRA Sept. 23 - Oct. 23 Libra, this may be a busy week for you, so take a few moments each morning to center yourself and focus your energy before you dive in to your list of tasks.

SCORPIO Oct. 24 - Nov. 22 Money has been on your mind for some time, Scorpio. Figure out ways that you can increase your income if only temporarily. Once you catch up on bills, you can relax.

SUDOKU Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

SAGITTARIUS Nov. 23 - Dec. 21 Sagittarius, you will likely be deep in your feelings this week, exploring many different emotions. It can be tiring, so find some activities to give your brain a break.

CAPRICORN Dec. 22 - Jan. 20 Life may seem surreal this week as your subconscious seems to be guiding many of your decisions, Capricorn.

Go with the flow for the time being.

AQUARIUS Jan. 21 - Feb. 18 It is a good idea to connect with your friends while you can, Aquarius. You may not have an opportunity for some time, so reach out and make a plan to get together.

PISCES Feb. 19 - March 20 Pisces, certain personal goals may need your attention at this time. Rearrange your priorities for the next few days.

CLUES ACROSS 1. Constrictors 5. Abounding in rocks 11. Speed 14. German city 15. Lacking sympathy 18. Visionaries 19. Wastes away 21. One precursor to the EU 23. Nursemaid 24. Unconsciousnesses 28. Baby’s word for father 29. Equal to 64 US pints (abbr.)

30. Senses of selfimportance 32. Midway between south and southwest 33. When you hope to get there 35. Electronic data processing 36. Passports and drivers’ licences are two 39. Fishes 41. Air Force 42. Personal computers 44. Ecological community 46. Wings

47. Halfway 49. Cool, calm and collected 52. Jewelled headdress 56. Musical composition 58. __ Falls 60. Repeating remarks 62. Periods in one’s life 63. Hyphen CLUES DOWN 1. __ Humbug!

2. Devices that alert pilots (abbr.)

3. Grocer 4. One point east of southeast 5. Subjects to hostility 6. Work unit 7. Atomic #56 8. British thermal unit 9. “Elusive Butterfly” singer 10. Fastened over animal’s neck 12. Device 13. Rechargeable power source 16. Ancient sage 17. Consist of two elements

ANSWERS

20. “Pygmalion” writer 22. “The Centennial State” (abbr.)

25. Of I 26. Get older 27. Brotherhoods 29. Buzzing insect 31. Sunscreen rating 34. Brew 36. Leader 37. Indigo bush 38. Burn with a hot liquid 40. Junior’s dad 43. Horse mackerels genus 45. Morning 48. Unit of linear measurement (abbr.)

50. Double curve 51. Small, twisted bunch 53. Developed 54. Mars crater 55. Humanistic discipline 57. Word element meaning ear 58. Last or greatest in an indefinitely large series 59. Wood residue 61. It cools your home

Page 24 • February 24, 2022 • The Other Paper

VOICES OF THE ENVIRONMENT ENDORSES

TIM BARRITT and MEAGHAN EMERY FOR SOUTH BURLINGTON CITY COUNCIL REQUIEM FOR A MEADOW

BY DELMONT P NERONI

I gaze across this meadow turning green and meditate on grass becoming hay: then think of fields and pastures that I’ve seen now covered with macadam’s empty gray.

The meadow’s rich with myriads of lives, of bees and blossoms, rabbits, birds, and mice, and yet the life that in this meadow thrives will be the profit of god’s new sacrifice.

For profit always measures out in blood the price that people and the earth must pay, and now I watch the green drown in the flood of concrete as it wipes this field away.

And when all green is gone with every seed, why, then, I wonder who we’ll find to blame, when it was us who let them do the deed that someday we’ll remember our shame.

COPYRIGHT 3/3/2015 DELMONT P NERONI

Vote on March 1 to Re-elect TIM BARRITT and MEAGHAN EMERY. Kate Anger Richard Ahern Joanne Aja Janet and Thomas Bellavance Jonathan Bloom David Boedy John Bossange Sarah Brutzmam Donald Catalano Alyson and Andrew Chalnick Ian Chisholm Susan Clark Ann and Barry Cousins Judy Donofrio Stephen Dybas Betty Ellis

Paul Engels Keith Epstein Lisa Fargo Monica Farrington Sasha Gawlik Jerry Geier Barry Gerard Deirdre Gill Ray Gonda Susan Gray Rosanne Greco Barbara Groves Thomas Hall Higley Harmon Susan Hartman Kathy and Will Hays Debbie Hernberg Jean Hint

Sally Howe Thomas Hughes Noah Hyman Molly Joy Rich Joy Dave Kaufman Steven Klein Chryss Knowles Margaret Lawliss Ida Ludlow Francis MacDonald Nick Mancuso Declan McCabe Carol Mcdowell Cynthia McGeoch Bob & Marianne McNamara Michael Mittag

Glenn Moody Joan Mereno Patricia Mortimer Kayla Moore Delmont Neroni Jane Neroni Jean Nicolai Susanne O’Neill Marianne Oursler John Petell Cheryl Pinto Lynne Poteau James Rustad Karen M Ryder MJ Reale Theodore Riehle Dorothy Rosensweig Susan Saferstein, MD

Daniel A. Seff Sue Shaffer Laurie Smith Robert Spottswood Julie Cadwallader Staub John Steen Leigh Steele Gail Straw Clare Sullivan Beth Tolmie Penne Tompkins Margery Vagt James Valastro George Voland Laura Waters Jackie Weinstock David Weissgold Beth Zigmund, MD

Voices Of The Environment (VOTE) is a political action committee dedicated to prioritizing protection of South Burlington’s environment.

Please visit our website at voices-environment-sb.com or contact VOTE at voices.environment.sb@gmail.com.

Paid for by Voices of the Environment (VOTE) – South Burlington | 150 Dorset St., Suite 245-347, South Burlington, Vermont 05403