Historic cleanup
Into the woods
Sextons need your help at Shelburne Road cemetery
Forester asks, ‘So, what’s wrong with invasive plants?’
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South Burlington’s Community Newspaper Since 1977
the JULY 7, 2022
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VOLUME 46, NO. 27
Gazebo closes senior apartments Half of residents forced to leave which runs Gazebo Senior Living on Williston Road, in a press release June 14, when notices were Gazebo Senior Living in South issued to residents in the affected Burlington is closing one of its two units. Staff have been working one buildings, meaning over 30 seniors will have to find new housing by on one with residents and their families to find new housing and September. Staffing challenges, escalating nearly everyone has a place lined costs and a decision to renovate up, Knox said. “It’s going really, really well. the building were the main drivers for the decision to close Gazebo We just want to help them find the right place that’s Apartments, direcgoing to meet tor of sales and “I felt like my heart their needs,” she operations Erin said, adding that Knox said. stopped for a few many communiNo plans or ty partners have details on construcbeats. And then, of stepped up to tion are in the help find housing works, so there course, I cried.” for the residents. is no timeline for One of those when the building — Evelyn Frey seniors forced to could potentially move is Evelyn reopen, she added. “As we look to keep our busi- Frey, a relatively new resident at ness competitive and sustainable, Gazebo Apartments who thought we recognize that our building at she’d found her “forever home” Gazebo Apartments needs signif- after she left Stowe and moved to icant renovations and improve- South Burlington earlier this year, ments. We understand that we she said. But when she received must do this to meet the changing the notice to vacate, Frey said she needs of the seniors that we serve. felt “devastated.” “I felt like my heart stopped for We also understand that a project of this scale cannot be done while a few beats. And then, of course, I seniors are in residence,” said Joe Larkin, CFO of Larkin Hospitality, See GAZEBO on page 13 AVALON STYLES-ASHLEY STAFF WRITER
COURTESY PHOTO
Sgt. Dennis Ward is recognized by South Burlington Police Chief Shawn Burke upon his recent retirement from the department.
School resource officer retires after 23 years Sgt. Dennis Ward retired from the South Burlington Police Department last week after 23 years on the force, having served for many years as the school resource officer at South Burlington High School and Frederick H. Tuttle Middle School. Police Chief Shawn Burke and city manager Jessie Baker joined Ward and others in a ceremony honoring his service last week.
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“Sgt. Ward was a 21st century police officer before the 21st century,” Burke said, crediting Ward’s success to the relationships he formed, “his empathetic nature and his pure desire to serve — we will miss having him on the team.” Burke added that, like many police departments throughout the state and country, Ward’s retirement comes amid many others and adds further strain to a police force
stretched thin. “Unfortunately, many officers are taking advantage of their retirement as soon as they are eligible given the uncertainty of qualified immunity, dwindling numbers of officers available for patrol and the growing demands of the community,” Burke said. Ward will assume a public safety position at BFA in St. Albans, a non-police officer role.
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