The Other Paper - 10-27-22

Chittenden

Solid Waste

District asks voters for new sorting facility

operation ‘extremely inefficient’

COREY MCDONALD STAFF WRITER

Congratulations, you tossed your empty milk jug into your blue bin and left it outside with other recyclable materials to be picked up by a hauler. You’ve done your part.

That jug is off to Williston — to the bustling, frenetic facility off Industrial Avenue where employ ees use outdated technology in a musty, dark and confined building to sort through hundreds of tons of recyclable material every day to package and sell to a volatile commodities market.

If it sounds wildly over-capac ity, it’s because it is. The Chit tenden Solid Waste District Mate rials Recovery Facility, or MRF, is “extremely inefficient,” executive director Sarah Reeves said,

Rabies on the rise throughout Chittenden County

LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER

The Department of Health is urging residents in Chittenden County to take extra precautions due to a greater than expected number of ground-dwelling animals in the county testing posi tive for rabies.

The advisory comes after 10 animals have tested positive for

rabies in the county since July 10, including eight raccoons and two skunks. The total includes five animals in South Burlington, two in Burlington, and one each in Char lotte, Shelburne and Colchester.

According to state public health veterinarian Natalie Kwit, this development should raise an alarm in the county. Data from the health department show that, in a typical year, the department could expect

to see about one to two rabid animals from Chittenden County, usually bats.

“It’s important that residents take reasonable precautions, such as avoiding contact with wild animals, reporting animals that are acting sick or aggressive, and vaccinating their pets for rabies, so they can enjoy being outside and appreciate wildlife from a safe distance,” Kwit said.

Kwit was able to confirm that two more animals have tested posi tive for rabies since last week, bringing the total to 12 animals.

In response to this uptick in cases, U.S. Department of Agricul ture Wildlife Services has taken additional measures, including hand vaccinating over 700 raccoons, skunks and foxes for rabies before releasing them back into the wild during their routine

annual fall trapping program that ended on Oct. 14.

The USDA will continue their rabies surveillance in Chittenden County by submitting animals to the Vermont Health Department laboratory for rabies testing.

If you see a wild or stray animal acting strangely, or are concerned about a rabies exposure, call the Vermont Rabies Hotline at 800-4RABIES.

COREY MCDONALD

Ethan Hausman, business operations manager with Chittenden Solid Waste District, shows a tour group where bales of recyclables are kept due to a lack of appropriate storage.

Local thespians to star in award-winning play

Warwick headlines ‘Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike’

For its fall show, Burlington-based theater company Girls Nite Out offers Christopher Durang’s Tony-Awardwinning “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike.”

The celebrated comedy takes audiences on a touching, funny and certainly memorable journey that explores the complicated and often dysfunctional relationships among a trio of middle-aged siblings. It play fully blends a bit of melancholy with a hot list of relatable, contemporary themes, including celebrity, aging, climate change and what constitutes a cherry orchard.

Orchestrated by veteran director Nan Murat, the production features a small but stellar cast of local talent, including well-known local actor Jennifer Warwick of South Burlington. She stars in the role of Masha, one of three siblings at the center of the play’s storyline who’s described by the playwright as “a glamorous and successful actress who goes gallivanting around the world.”

Formerly of Shelburne, Warwick, the co-founder of Girls Nite Out Productions, has played many iconic characters in several Vermont productions, including Miss Hannigan in “Annie,” Jeannie in “The Great American Trailer Park Musical,” Mama Morton in

“Chicago,” Asaka in “Once on this Island,” Tanya in “Mamma Mia,” Vulva Savannah in “Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens,” and M’Lynn Eatenton in the Girls Nite Out 2010 inau gural production of “Steel Magnolias.”

Rounding out the cast are Raquel Aronhime as Sonia, Kris Johnson as Vanya, Shannen Dando as Nina, Nate Beyer as Spike and Janet Stambolian as Cassandra. Behind the scenes is an experienced and dedicated crew, including co-producers Stambolian and Wendy Duval, stage manager Kathryn Barickman, set designers/constructors Ann Vivian and Cathie Covey, costume designer Susyn Dees and sound/light technician Bryan Moreau.

The production will have a nine-show run at the Main Street Landing Black Box Theater on Burling ton’s waterfront. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday to Saturday, Nov. 9-12 and Nov. 1619, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 13. Tickets at girlsniteoutvt.com or 802-448-0086.

MIKE DONOGHUE

CORRESPONDENT

The fiancée of one of the two people found dead from overdos es at a home on Swift Street in June 2021 has resolved her crim inal charges of unlawful trespass and simple assault.

Hilary C. Kozlowski, 31, now of Winooski, went to the home owned by Bruce Erdmann on New Year’s Day 2022, shortly before 4 p.m. to confront Erdmann about the drug death of her expected future husband, court records show.

Brian A. Miller died June 29, 2021, from an acute combination of fentanyl and alcohol intoxica tion at the Erdmann home, records show.

Kozlowski was intoxicated when she threatened to “cut” Erdmann, 63, using a kitchen knife with a 4-inch blade, South Burlington police said. She was

initially lodged at the Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility on two felony charges: unlawful tres pass into an occupied residence and aggravated assault, records show.

Prosecutors before her arraignment reduced the aggra vated assault to a misdemeanor count of simple assault. Court records show the felony unlawful trespass charged has been replaced with one count of misde meanor trespass.

The office of State’s Attorney Sarah George struck a deal that allowed Kozlowski to plead no contest to the two misdemeanors this summer. Kozlowski received a one-year deferred sentence for each charge — meaning the case will be removed from her crim inal record if she stays out of trou ble for 12 months.

During her arraignment Kozlowski was initially released on conditions, including a 24/7

curfew at the home of her father in South Burlington. As the case progressed, she eventually was allowed to work as a hair stylist and move to an apartment on Manseau Street in Winooski, court records show.

Kozlowski’s attorney, Frank Twarog, declined to comment on the resolution of the case.

Kozlowski must follow the terms of state probation for one year as part of her deferred sentence— including having no contact with Erdmann and his two adult sons, Devin, 30, and Joseph, 29, who were at the house during the incident, court records show. She also is prohibited from having any alcohol or any weapons while on probation.

Erdmann family members reported they were able to wrestle the knife away from Kozlowski, who recorded an alcohol breath

PHOTO BY JONATHAN COUTURE

Jennifer Warwick

IZZY MITCHELL CONTRIBUTOR

A monster lurks around every corner. The agony of silent anticipation grows with each tentative step. In this haunted house, innocence moans like a ghost in each room, long lost to the horror story that is corporate America.

Nightmare Vermont makes its annual return to the Champlain Valley Exposition to terrorize those brave enough to enter, through Saturday, Oct. 29. It costs $15 to walk through a world of twisted terror with access to the charity event’s show and optional scare maze.

Things once safe and comforting are turned sinister as participants walk through a story filled with evil puppets and hellish working conditions. Something dark lurks beneath the unassuming surface of a chil dren’stelevision network in this immersive, theatrical haunt experience. Beneath the masks and the gore are volunteers hoping to spark change as they portray the season’s real monster: Hollywood corruption.

“The purpose of horror in people’s lives, the reason people seek it out, and the reason why it’s emotionally fulfilling for people, is because it lets us live out, in a visceral way, some deep seeded fears that are actually going on in society,” director and founder Jana Beagley said of the company’s work to tap into very real fears. “Our brainstorming session is basically like: What are the griefs and secret fears of society right now? We decided that the sinister fear no one’s really talking about is a loss of innocence. That we’re losing things that we thought were pure, and unassailable.”

The horror genre allows people to cope with real fears, Beagley says.

“If we can manifest some of those fears that are inspired by modern life and actually face them in an imaginary context, it increases our emotional resilience,” she said.

To combat the real-world issues that their themes are centered around, Nightmare Vermont has pledged to donate at least 10 percent of its gross sales to local charities, which totaled $32,000 last year to fix the Expo’s grandstand in support of the Cham plain Valley Fair’s 100th anniversary. This year, Pride Center of Vermont will be the recipient.

“When writing we’ve never shied away from certain messaging,” performer Natalia Bastante said. “We are touching on exploita tion within some in the media industry, especially within TV studios. Media messaging, especially for marginalized people, is so dangerous nowadays. You see the news every day and there’s another article bashing trans kids or trying to legis late us out of existence, and we’re basically taking that hate and pushing it to its extremes.”

At the heart of the show, volunteers work to share this message in a 45-minute horror play where the audience follows actors from scene to scene as the story unfolds. Through set design, costumes and special effects, they blur the realms of fantasy and reality with a bone-chilling atmosphere.

The idea of exaggeration is a theme throughout all aspects of the haunt. Costume designer Rachel Potter took inspiration from the oversaturated, cartoonish world of chil dren’s television shows. Her designs are centered around “everything all at once,” they explained. “Lots of bright, clashing colors, lots of accessories. Distorted human features, just very over exaggerated.”

Potter will also be making an appearance as “Sour Candy,” a character that turns human beings into monstrous puppets.

Typing out a script one day and covered in fake blood the next, many of the volun teers at Nightmare are involved in multiple aspects of the event. Haunting attracts volunteers from all backgrounds, and the event has quickly grown a community for the self-proclaimed “weird” or “misbe gotten.”

“Other than the audience interaction and reactions, it’s just everyone here,” volunteer Elena Bachmann said. “It’s build days and campfires and the fact that we still hangout even when it’s the off season.”

At the end of each show, the group gets together in a tradition called “body count,” as they recount the hilarious stories from that night. Started in 2004, the event is now littered with these kinds of traditions includ ing one “extra bloody show” on the very last night for those thrill seekers that want an elevated experience. If you want in on the action, one person in each group gets to participate as a “teaser” and gets dragged into the show, interacting with the actors as part of the story.

Scared? Don’t worry. “Ghost wards” and safe words are available at each perform ance, and Nightmare Vermont says they’re committed to providing a safe, consensual experience for all participants. There are only 4,000 tickets available, and you can secure your spot at nightmarevermont.org. If you dare.

PHOTO BY JANA BEAGLEY

Volunteer actors practicing their scare.

COURTS

Oct. 17 to Oct. 23

Traffic stop, 25 Agency / public assists, 21 Suspicious event, 18 Alarm, 18 Welfare check, 14 Accident, property damage, 12 Disturbance, 11 Larceny from motor vehicle, 11 Total incidents, 259

Arrests

Sept. 29 at 9 p.m., Kevin H. Lacil lade, 31, of Barre City, was arrested for simple assault.

Oct. 19 at 12:53 a.m., Keri M. Abraham, 47, of Stowe, was arrested on an in-state warrant.

Oct. 19 at 12:30 p.m, John G. Shambo Jr, 59, of Winooski, was arrested on an in-state

warrant.

Oct. 19 at 12:37 p.m., Logan L. Clegg, 26, of South Burlington, was arrested as a fugitive from justice.

Oct. 19 at 11:21 p.m., Keenan I Richard, 19, of Burlington, was arrested for driving under the influence, first offense, and grossly negligent operation.

Oct. 22 at 2:11 a.m., Connor M. Ritchie, 21, of Milton, was arrested for driving under the influence, first offense.

Oct. 23, 12:49 p.m., Lisa J. Elder, 58, of South Burlington, was arrested for driving under the influence, first offense.

Top incidents

Oct. 17 at 7:52 a.m., an alarm

sounded on Four Sisters Road.

Oct. 17 at 3:57 p.m., a fraud report on Williston Road.

Oct. 17 at 3:59 p.m., a domestic call came in from Lime Kiln Road.

Oct. 17 at 4:09 p.m., another domestic call followed, this one on Logwood Street.

Oct. 17 at 4:10 p.m., police performed a background check on Gregory Drive.

Oct. 18 at 4:52 a.m., someone reported it was getting noisy on Market Street.

Oct. 18 at 3:46 p.m., police looked into a report of a disturbance on Hinesburg Road.

Oct. 18 at 4:08 p.m., someone left the scene of an accident on Williston Road, police say.

Oct. 18 at 7:17 p.m., police responded to an overdose on Shelburne Road.

Oct. 19 at 10:07 a.m., a vehicle was reportedly stolen from Commerce Avenue.

Oct. 19 at 10:59 a.m., police dealt with a mental health issue on Dorset Street.

Oct. 19 at 1:36 p.m., police dealt with the first of four thefts from motor vehicles, the first on Shelburne Road. Others took place on Wright Court, Laurel

Man arrested in rash of larcenies, police say

A Burlington man has been arrested in connection with multiple reported thefts from vehicles in Jericho and South Burlington.

Mike Thompson, 39, was arrested for identity theft, possession of stolen property and larceny from a motor vehicle

On Oct. 22, state police received several reports of items being stolen from four separate Jericho residents and one from South Burlington.

Police said Thompson used one of the stolen credit cards to rent a hotel room in Burlington, and Burlington police located

arrested him, and troopers say they later recovered many of the stolen items from the hotel room.

Anyone who may have been a victim of the overnight thefts, or who witnessed them, should call the state police in Willis ton.

Hill Drive and Old Orchard Park.

Oct. 19 at 3:59 p.m, police investi gate a report of fraud on Tech nology Park Way.

Oct. 19 at 5:59 p.m., someone reportedly left the scene of an accident on Dorset Street.

Oct. 20 at 8:52 a.m., police performed a vacant house check on Prouty Parkway.

Oct. 20 at 12:15 p.m., a retail theft was reported on Dorset Street.

Oct. 20 at 1:15 p.m., another theft from a vehicle was reported, this time on Williston Road.

Oct. 20 at 8:47 p.m., Bacon Street saw the fourth theft from a vehicle of the day.

Oct. 20 at 11:40 p.m., police took a report of someone being intoxi cated on Stone House Common. Oct. 21 at 11:56 a.m., police retrieved lost property at Kennedy Drive and Kimball Avenue.

Oct. 21 at 1:13 p.m., police investi gated a suspicious event on Swift Street.

Oct. 21 at 3:02 p.m., illegal dump ing was reported on Swift Street.

Oct. 21 at 4:35 p.m., a missing person was reported in the Airport Drive area of the city.

Oct. 22 at 6:10 a.m., someone reported a burglary on Williston Road.

Oct. 22 at 8:45 a.m., another burglary report was received, this one on Shelburne Road.

Oct. 22 at 9:47 a.m., police investi gated threats on Gregory Drive.

Oct. 22 at 3:53 p.m., needle pickup on Gregory Drive.

Oct. 22 at 4:26 p.m., a simple assault was reported on Hanna ford Drive.

Oct. 22 at 9:20 p.m., a larceny from a structure on Williston Road was reported to police.

Oct. 23 at 2:44 p.m., an animal was causing a problem on Williston Road.

Oct. 23 at 10:03 p.m., a noise viola tion on Market Street.

Oct. 23 at 10:08 p.m., police inves tigated a motor vehicle complaint at Hinesburg Road and Obrien Farm Drive.

Thompson staying in a room under one of the victim’s names. Burlington police

South Burlington Police Blotter

Mike Thompson

Infrastructure upgrades include dog park, pedestrian bridge

Councilor Corner

As we slide into the winter months, I have a greater apprecia tion for South Burlington’s many colorful parks and natural areas. While there is much to see and do outside South Burlington, there is also plenty of activity happening inside city hall.

The board of civil authority is preparing for the General Election on Nov. 8. Registered voters should have received a ballot in the mail that they can send back or drop off at city hall. If voting in person, remember to bring the ballot that

was mailed to you. If you lost or never received it, you can get a new one out at the polls but will also have to fill out a lost ballot affidavit. Remember, your polling place may have changed due to redistrict ing. You can find more information about where and how to vote at southburlingtonvt.gov.

The team at city hall is learning more about what South Burlington residents think of the proposed east-west bridge project. South Burlington received a $9.7 million federal grant earlier this year to

build a pedestrian bridge over Interstate 89.

This will increase transportation options and encourage walkable, sustainable downtown development.

The city council is also listening to its volunteer committees to learn how to best spend federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The city received a total of $5.6 million in federal economic relief funding to support struggling families and businesses and maintain public services. While about half of that amount has been

Letters to the Editor

spent on public safety, affordable housing development and returning the city’s workforce, the city has another $3 million available to invest.

After a long wait, South Burlington will soon open a dog park at Veterans Memorial Park. While construction began in early fall, some additional changes were required to ensure the park is safe and accessible for dogs and their humans.

Thanks to the great work of Betty Milizia and the Common Area for Dogs Committee, this park will be expanded beyond the existing footprint.

Looking ahead to town

meeting day 2023, South Burling ton residents will be asked to approve a municipal and school budget, both of which are now under development.

There will also be a bond vote in March to support city center development and upgrades to the Bartlett Bay stormwater treatment system.

There will be two open seats on the city council if you or someone you know would like to serve.

If you have any questions or comments, reach me at mcota@southburlingtonvt.gov or (802) 222-0817.

Vote yes on article 22 to secure abortion access

To the Editor:

Working for an elected official is a tremendous honor. Each of us wore many hats and had different responsibilities in public service, including deputy chief of staff, communications director, deputy press secretary and secretary of civil and military affairs. During our time in public service, we were lucky to be part of a team of people with diverse views and life experiences and an office culture that encouraged discussion and debate. It shaped our lives and careers in many ways, and we are increasingly grateful for the opportunity to serve our state.

We worked hard, make no mistake, but our public service also propelled us onto nonprofit boards and statewide leadership positions. It gave us privilege and afforded us opportunity. We feel an ongoing obligation to give back.

That is why we cannot stay silent as our state considers Article 22, the reproductive liberty amendment to the Vermont Constitution. We’ll cut to the chase: we ask that you vote yes on this amendment and guarantee constitutional protections for safe, legal abortion for all.

Simply put, this amendment codifies existing practice in Vermont, meaning women will have the same rights we have now, but with a very important additional protection. This amendment gives women the constitutional right to maintain

autonomy and control over their bodies, families and futures — without fear that legislative action could jeopardize that right.

We are fortunate today that we have a system in Vermont that allows us to make our own choices guided by our values and experiences with the support of trusted medical providers. We have each made different reproductive choices throughout our lives — when and whether to have children — and we want our families, and generations to come, to have the same rights.

The recent overturning of Roe v. Wade and the planned introduction of a first-of-its-kind

federal abortion ban are a wakeup call. We need this amendment and the protections it provides more than ever, or we risk Washington intervening in our lives. We can stop this from happening in Vermont by voting yes to ratify Article 22. This amendment will be at the top of your ballot and early voting has already begun.

We love this state and its people. There is a deep sense of community, cooperation and trust in one another. All Vermonters should be given the chance to shape their own futures. We urge you to act in this election to protect access to

abortion in Vermont. We urge you to do so in honor of all women — especially those who live in places where govern ments are acting to take their reproductive freedom away.

We hope you will join us is voting yes on Article 22.

Dennise R. Casey, South Burlington Heidi Tringe, Montpelier

It’s time for a new approach in Montpelier

To the Editor: I voted for Brenda Siegel for governor. I’ve had the fortune to

meet Gov. Phil Scott, a good man and a good Vermonter. However, I believe it’s time for new leader ship in Montpelier.

Scott talks a lot about the state’s affordability crisis, but in the six years since he’s been governor, has Vermont become more affordable? No, it has not. If anything, Vermont has become less affordable, especially for young people, like me, as housing costs soar.

Scott talks a lot about the opioid crisis. However, during his tenure, he’s vetoed bills designed to bring

Matt Cota

Matt Cota South Burlington City Council

OPINION

Fact check: Article 22 protects maternal health

Guest Perspective

Rep. George Till

I serve as the division chief of general OB/GYN at the University of Vermont Medical Center, the division that provides termination of pregnancy services. I’m outraged by the reckless and dangerous misinformation about Article 22 — the Reproductive Liberty Amendment — that’s being propagated by its opponents. One irresponsible opposition talking point concerns the safety and health implications of pregnancy termination. Abortion is an extremely safe medical procedure and less than 0.3 percent of abortion patients in the United States

experience a complication that requires hospitalization.

The risk of dying from a legal abortion in the first trimester — when more than 90 percent of abortions in Vermont are performed — is less than four in a million, making pregnancy termination one of the safest of all medical procedures. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention the nation’s leading sciencebased, data-driven public health organiza tion, carrying a pregnancy to term is 33 times more likely to result in maternal death than having an abortion.

I’ve also seen misinformation about the long-term health effects of abortion on women. An expert panel convened by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineer ing and Medicine in 2018 concluded that

having an abortion does not increase a person’s risk of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and post-trau matic stress disorder. The National Cancer Institute published a report categorically dismissing any causal link between abortion and breast cancer. Abortions performed in the first trimester pose virtually no long-term risk of problems such as infertility, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, congeni tal malformation or future preterm or lowbirth-weight delivery.

Currently, no UVM medical staff member is required to participate in preg nancy terminations. Despite information to the contrary being fed to Vermonters, nothing about Article 22 changes this. Partici pation in termination by hospital and medical staff will continue to be completely voluntary.

Banning abortion nationwide would lead to an astounding 21 percent increase in the number of pregnancy related deaths overall and an appalling 33 percent increase among Black women, according to research from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

In 2010, Indiana had a maternal mortality rate below the national average. In 2011, Indiana began its war on women, and in particular on Planned Parenthood, causing 16 of 28 clinics to close. The state has placed multiple non-science-based restrictions on clinics, abortion providers and on women seeking an abortion. The result is a maternal mortality rate which nearly tripled. It now stands at about double the national average, commensu rate with the rates in many developing countries. The current maternal mortality rate in Indiana is 43.6 per 100,000 women.

The result of legislatures restricting access to reproductive health care, including abortion, is a large overall increase in maternal morbidity and mortality.

Research shows that those most likely to seek abortion care, including women of color, poor women and those with chronic health conditions, are also more likely to encounter serious complications during pregnancy.

It is no surprise that the states with the highest maternal mortality in the country are the states with the most non-evidencebased restrictions on contraception and pregnancy terminations. The result of legislatures restricting access to reproduc tive rights is an overall increase in maternal morbidity and mortality.

A recent publication showed the maternal mortality rate increased most significantly in states that enacted the most restrictive abortion laws. In 2017, states that restricted abortion had a maternal death rate that was nearly double those that had passed laws protecting access to abortion.

In 2019, researchers looked at maternal mortality data from 38 states and Washing ton, D.C., and found that gestational limits on abortion significantly increased maternal mortality. They found that laws restricting abortion based on gestational age increased maternal mortality by 38 percent.

Meanwhile, in California, rated as the most abortion tolerant state, we see the lowest overall maternal mortality in the country, less than one-tenth of the rate of maternal mortality in Indiana at 4 per 100,000.

This is the main point: pregnancy terminations are very safe procedures, and the earlier in pregnancy they are done, the safer they are. The result of legislatures restricting access to reproductive health care, including abortion, is a large overall increase in maternal morbidity and mortality.

In November, Vermont voters will have the opportunity to protect reproductive liberty by voting yes for Article 22. The language in Article 22 does not expand or change — in any way — the reproductive care that has been available to Vermonters since the early 1970s. By enshrining these rights in our Constitution, we will ensure that individuals and their doctors remain free to make evidence-based decisions that work for their health, for their lives and for their futures.

Rep. George Till is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist who has served in the Vermont Legislature since 2008. He represents Chittenden-3 and the towns of Jericho and Underhill.

down overdose deaths even as Vermonters die from overdoses in record numbers.

He complains about lack of cooperation from the Legislature. However, instead of working in good faith with the Democratic leadership and making the tough choices needed to solve our problems in the tradition of Gov. Richard Snelling, he’s vetoed more bills than any governor in our history.

Phil Scott has had his shot, and I thank him for his service to our state. However, it’s time for new ideas, new leadership and a fresh approach to the issues confronting Vermont and Vermonters, and that’s why I voted for Brenda Siegel.

Matthew Vigneau South Burlington

DEAL

from page 2

test of 0.327 percent, South Burlington Police officer Aaron Dince said. That is four times the limit when an adult driver is presumed to be under the influence.

The incident was the latest chapter in an ongoing saga involv ing several prominent local families, drugs and multiple over doses over a few months, includ ing at least two reported deaths on consecutive days.

The day before Miller died, Ellen K. Erdmann, 62, wife of Bruce, died from acute fentanyl intoxication on June 28, 2021, according to her death certificate.

Bruce Erdmann, whose father was a prominent Burlington lawyer, has pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to a charge of felony distribution of cocaine on March 13, 2021.

The felony dispensing charge happened on the same day Erdmann provided a near deadly dose of cocaine to his 59-year-old housekeeper from Shelburne, police said. No medical attention was sought for a lengthy period when the housekeeper lost consciousness at the Erdmann home, police said.

Erdmann is awaiting sentenc ing.

Five days after Miller died, his father, Dr. Randy Miller, a popular area dentist, also overdosed at the Erdmann house on July 3, 2021, and was revived with naloxone, state and city records show. He remained hospitalized until July 6, 2021.

The state reached an agreement with Miller to revoke his dental license because of improper dispensing of prescriptions and his own hospitalization for a drug overdose, records show. Miller was the senior member of the state board of dental examiners and had been licensed in Vermont since 1984.

SOUTH BURLINGTON POLICE DEPARTMENT

South Burlington Police Department Cpl Brianne Williamson of the youth services unit gets into the action at the recent Orchard School fun run.

Friends hold annual book sale back at South Burlington Library

The Friends of the South Burlington Public Library hold their big fall book sale in the community room on the second floor of the library, 180 Market St., on Friday, Nov. 4, 2-5 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 5, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Children’s and adult fiction and nonfiction books in very good condition, popular paperbacks, audio books and DVDs and a table of classics and collectibles will be on sale at very low prices. New book bags, unique notecards and a raffle will be some of the extras.

Members may attend preview night, Thursday, Nov. 3, 5-7 p.m. Shoppers can join on the spot for the minimum $10 or online at bit.ly/3smkYwF.

Since 1984, the Friends of the South Burlington Public Library have been at work behind the scenes, actively supporting the staff, programs, events and mission of the library. The support of members, old and new, allows the Friends to provide extra programs such as the winter concert series and enhancement of children’s summer reading while maintaining a reserve that allows the group to respond when there is a critical need.

In addition to cash and checks, credit cards and mobile payments will be accepted. All sales benefit the library.

Female Scout Troop 6110 spaghetti dinner fundraiser

The scouts of BSA Troop 6110 plan a spaghetti dinner on Saturday, Nov. 5, at the parish hall at St. Vianney Church, 160 Hinesburg Road, in South Burlington from 5:30-7 p.m.

Dinner will include spaghetti, meatballs, bread and a salad. Dine in or take it to go. There will also be a bake sale.

Bring your family and friends — and appetites — and meet the first female BSA Troop in South Burlington.

Founded this year, Troop 6110 welcomes all girls between the ages of 11 and 17.

For more, email sbvtscouts@gmail.com.

Senior center hosts Halloween pumpkin carving

Join South Burlington’s community pumpkin carving event Friday, Oct. 28, 6-8 p.m., in the senior center at city hall, 180 Market St.

Just bring your pumpkins, all tools will be supplied.

Glow walk returns to Market Street, police give out goodies

Due to its immense popularity, the city’s glow walk will be back for its third year, on Saturday, Oct. 29, from 6-8 p.m.

The event takes place around the storm water pond on Market Street. Glow neck laces will be handed out to the first 300 kids and South Burlington Police will hand out goodie bags while supplies last.

South Burlington holds Halloween decorating contest

Make sure your houses are decked out by Sunday, Oct. 30, for the South Burling ton Halloween decorating contest.

That’s when recreation and parks staff will judge each contestant’s house between 5-7 p.m. One winner will be awarded for each category.

Judging is based on originality, creativ ity and use of the Halloween theme in home’s entryway, and includes the part of yards and houses visible and open to the public.

Special lighting, musical effects and live actors are encouraged. Small details like lighting pumpkins and playing spooky music will help make the experience spook tacular for everyone.

Categories include scariest house, creep iest skeleton, best use of animation, best decorated, pumpkin and judges’ favorite.

Social Band offers series of concerts in November

Social Band marks the turning of the seasons with a program of choral works and

8th South Burlington ‘Food Drive Plus’ begins this week

South Burlington residents and friends in the city’s Orchard neighborhood are once again collecting items to support their Champlain Valley neighbors.

“Helping our neighbors in Chittenden County is a valued tradition in the Orchard neighborhood,” said Louis Godin, South Burlington resident and founder of Neighbors Helping Neighbors Project (nhnproject.org). “We once again will be supporting Feeding Chittenden,

community health centers of Burlington and, new for this year, the Junior League Champlain Valley diaper bank.

Food Drive Plus opens Saturday, Oct. 29, with a neighborhood Color and Cocktails social event (weather permit ting) and ends Dec. 31 with a neighbor hood New Year’s Eve Glow Parade.

Visit fooddriveplus.org for more information and donation drop off dates and times.

COURTESY PHOTO

Aerwen

Returning to Rokeby Museum on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 28 and 29, is “Spirits of Rokeby,” a participatory dramatization of an actual séance 170 years ago.

Gather for hot cider and a short introduction to spiritualism before a “spirit” of Rokeby guides you into the historic house to experience a staged reading of séances. The event is drawn from transcripts in Rokeby’s archive of

poetry that speak to the sense of alertness and awakening that can go hand-in-hand with the shorter days and lower tempera tures.

“Awake, You Sleeper!” will feature new works by Social Band members Bruce Chalmer and Michael Kellogg, as well as the group’s perennial styles of Renaissance music and American shapenote tunes along with a dose of poetry, robust harmony and camaraderie.

Upcoming concerts include:

• Sunday, Nov. 13, 3 p.m., Charlotte Congregational Church

• Saturday, Nov. 5, 7:30 p.m., College Street Congregational Church, Burlington

• Sunday, Nov. 6, 3 p.m., United Church of Hinesburg

• Saturday, Nov. 12, 7:30 p.m., Rich mond Free Library

Suggested donation is $18 at the door. More at socialband.org.

Audience members must wear masks.

Knights of Columbus host pancake breakfast at St. Joseph’s

Join the Knights of Columbus DeGos briand Council # 279 on Sunday, Nov. 6, for an old-fashioned pancake breakfast, 911:30 a.m. at St. Joseph’s cathedral, 29 Allen St., Burlington.

The feast includes bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, blueberry pancakes, and french toast. Coffee, juice, butter and real Vermont maple syrup are included.

Admission is $10 and $25 for a family

the Robinson family, who lived on the site of the museum for over 170 years.

“The second-generation Robinsons practiced Spiritualism and attended several séances in Ferrisburgh and Vergennes,” said director Lindsay Varner. “Their encounters with spirits were recorded by a family friend and are preserved in the museum’s collection.”

Tickets are $20 at the museum or at rokeby.org. Limited seats are available.

of four. Funds raised will benefit seminar ians or religious aspirants.

Contact David Ely, (802) 862-5109, for more information.

Historical society to host talk on Abenaki survival, eugenics

On Sunday, Nov. 13, at 2 p.m. at the Ethan Allen Homestead in Burlington Vera Longtoe Sheehan speaks on “Erasure, Eugenics, and Ethnocide, and the survival of the Abenaki.”

Visit cchsvt.com or email sarah.morganhouse@comcast.net for more information.

State archives, records office holds transparency open house

The Vermont State Archives and Records Administration is hosting an open house on Thursday, Oct. 27, 5-7 p.m., to educate the public about how the state handles public records.

Take a behind-the-scenes tour, talk to staff and view a new exhibit, “Getting the Message Out (and In).” The exhibit will feature original public records that focus on government communication: how the state government conveys information the public needs to know, how the public interacts with the government, and how the state markets itself outside of Vermont. The open house will be held at Vermont State Archives & Records Administration, 1078 Route 2, Middlesex.

Spirits of Rokeby Museum return just in time for Halloween

Tiger & Buster

Maverick eastern red bats take to the skies

Outside Story

Conrad Baker

Swift and silent, a lone bat traces the contours of the woods’ edge at dusk, floating through canopy and meadow. In the last daylight, a sharp-eyed observer might catch a glimpse of white armpits, indicating that this is no barn bat or attic bat. This is an eastern red bat.

Eastern red bats, Lasiurus borealis, are mavericks. Where flocks of little brown bats huddle en masse in caves and human-made structures, eastern red bats roost in breezy treetops and are mostly solitary. One of the few occasions that brings red bats together is migration. During their southward journey in October, two bats might suddenly find each other and engage in a brief aerial romance. The female will store the male’s sperm through the winter, delaying fertilization until spring.

Mothers raise their pups alone. The pups cling to their mother all day. She leaves them to catch flying insects in the early evening, returning frequently to allow the pups to nurse. After about a month, pups are flightworthy. A few weeks later, they are fully fledged mosquito and moth killers.

Throughout the summer, an eastern red bat consumes its weight in flying insects every night, including such pests as mosqui toes, spongy moths, and eastern tent caterpil lar moths. Red bats are quick and agile and adeptly intercept flying prey. In common with other northeastern bats, they use echolo cation, emitting extremely high-pitched “barks” normally inaudible to humans. The sound of a bat’s bark reflects off nearby obstacles and flying insects, allowing the bat to “see” through its ears. When a promising insect echo catches the bat’s ear, the bat barks faster, playing a high-stakes game of “Marco Polo” with the prey. The closer the bat becomes to potential prey, the more frequent its barks, allowing it to pinpoint the insect’s movements. As the bat closes the gap, the barks become a brilliant vibrato — a “feeding buzz.” The coup de grace comes when the bat either snatches the insect out of the air like a poodle receiving a frisbee or reaches out with

a wing to flick the morsel into its mouth.

Although most insects have poor odds against a bat that has locked onto them as prey, Tiger moths, including the parents of our beloved woolly bear caterpillars, have a remarkable defense. They have specialized tymbal organs, drumstick-like structures which vibrate madly when the moths detect a bat’s feeding buzz. The sudden noise from the tymbal organs disorients the bats just enough to give the moths a fighting chance of escape.

While many other bat species spend their winters hibernating in caves and other shelters, eastern red bats are adapted to the cold. They have fully furred tails, which they can partially wrap around themselves, like half an umbrella. Not only does this warm them, but it keeps their core dry in rain – and serves as camouflage. An eastern red bat dangling from a twig by one foot looks for all the world like a dead leaf, rattling in the wind.

But even eastern red bats have their limits. Starting in October, when days shorten and nighttime temperatures dip consistently into the low 30s, eastern red bats in the northern parts of their range head south. Surprisingly, little information is available about their wintering grounds, but there seems to be a consensus that bats from Canada and the northeastern United States head south, with some of them traveling as far as Mexico.

According to journals and records from before the industrial revolution, swirling swarms of red bats were once common on the East Coast during the fall. They share a simi lar migration route with many birds, including warblers.

Gone are the days of large-scale red bat migrations. Now, these bats are normally seen alone, or in small migrating groups. This might be due to light pollution and habitat fragmentation spreading red bat populations out, however, rather than evidence of a steep population decline. Eastern red bats are listed as secure throughout their range in the north eastern United States, although the general decline in flying insect populations is a note worthy change for all northeastern bats.

Conrad Baker is an environmental educator at Letchworth State Park in the Genesee Valley in western New York. Illustra tion by Adelaide Murphy Tyrol.

Boys clinch top seed in soccer playoffs

LAUREN READ CORRESPONDENT

Boys’ soccer

Division I quarterfinals: No. 1 South Burlington, Saturday, Oct. 29, 2 p.m.

The South Burlington boys’ soccer team grabbed the top seed in the Division I playoffs in dramatic fashion, beating Champlain Valley with under a minute to play Oct. 22.

Jackson Adams scored with just 36 seconds remaining in regulation to lift the Wolves to the 2-1 win over CVU and clinch the top seed in the playoffs over No. 2 CVU.

Andrew Chandler stopped nine shots in goal for the win.

With the win, South Burlington earned a bye into the second round of the playoffs. The Wolves will play the winner of No. 8 Rutland and No. 9 Burr and Burton in the DI quarterfinals on Saturday at 2 p.m.

The Wolves faced Rutland early in the regular season, winning 4-1. South Burlington did not face the Bulldogs this season.

Girls’ soccer

DI playdowns: No. 7 South Burlington v. No. 10 St. Johns bury, Tuesday, Oct. 25, 6 p.m.

The South Burlington girls’ soccer team dropped its final two games of the regular season, includ

ing a 1-0 loss to Burlington Oct. 21.

Burlington scored with under three minutes in regulation to beat the Wolves, while Taylor Desjar dins made five saves in goal for South Burlington.

The Wolves now move into the DI playoffs with the No. 7 seed. They will face St. Johnsbury on Tuesday at home, after press time.

They have faced the Hill toppers once this season, with St. Johnsbury winning 3-1.

If South Burlington wins, it will face No. 2 Colchester in the quarterfinals on Saturday.

Field hockey

DI quarterfinals: No. 2 South

Burlington versus. No. 7 Burlington, Friday, 3:30 p.m.

South Burlington wrapped up the regular season with a decisive victory over Rutland on Oct. 20 and clinched the No. 2 seed in the DI postseason.

The Wolves beat Rutland 7-0 behind a hat trick from Ella Maynard. Sabrina Brunet added two goals and Ava Goyette and Sophia Bouffard each tallied once.

South Burlington will now face Burlington in the quarterfinals Friday, Oct. 28, and look to advance to its seventh semifinal in the last eight years.

The Wolves beat the Seahorses 6-0 in the only matchup in the regu

lar season. If South Burlington wins, the team will advance to the semifi nals where it will face the winner of No. 3 Essex and No. 6 Rice.

Football

Division I divisional round: No. 8 South Burlington-Burlington at No. 1. Champlain Valley, Saturday, Oct. 29, 1 p.m.

The South Burlington-Burling ton co-op football team faces a tough test in the opening round of the DI playoffs as it tries to unseat top seed Champlain Valley.

The SeaWolves fell to Essex, 43-19, on Thursday in the final

PHOTO BY JENN CLIFFORD

The South Burlington boys’ soccer team celebrates after Saturday’s playoff win over Champlain Valley Union High School.

of a

processing 48,000 tons of materi als in a facility equipped to handle only 25,000 tons a year.

“It is beyond maximum capac ity,” Reeves said. “Very, very few MRFs in the country do this this way. This is not at all best practice, and it reduces the quality and value of these recyclables. We need more space.”

It’s why they’re asking voters to approve a $22 million bond next month so they can build a new state-of-the-art facility where opti cal sorting provides a streamlined process, taking the burden off employees and giving them room to create a more refined product to sell.

The new facility would double the size of the existing facility, and would use optical technologies to sort the materials, with employees overseeing and calibrating the machinery.

the brim with materials and “up to the ceiling with equipment, out to the walls — and even beyond the walls — with equipment,” he said, forcing them to store bales of material outside.

Half of the facility’s glass processing equipment, meanwhile, is situated outside, which severely limits their ability to convert that glass into a new marketable product since they can only produce the material in drier weather.

Every day loads of materials are dropped on the tip floor to be pushed into quarters and taken by a conveyer belt to be sorted on the second story of the building.

number of materials they have to process and will help organize the materials to create a more refined product to sell to buyers.

Plastic, Hausman said, has been a “hot commodity” in the past year, fetching $1,500 a ton at market, “probably propped up by the fact that the raw material people need to make new plastic, has been very expensive.”

MULTIPLE POSITIONS

financial reporting, accounting duties and may serve as a backup to payroll processing. Knowledge of integrated financial software programs, and experience with financial reports, and associated account reconciliations. Associate’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or the equivalent.

Bus/Van Drivers: Transports students over established routes and special trips. Regular driver’s license for Van Drivers.

Commercial Drivers license (CDL) class B, Senior Vermont Operator’s license with Vermont School Bus Endorsement needed for Bus Drivers. Training may be provided to qualifying candidates for special licensure. Substitute position are also available.

Interventionist: Provides K-12 educational and personal support to students. Associate’s Degree or 60 college credits preferred.

Nutritional Services: Prepares and serves meals to students and staff. Experience with large-scale cooking, food preparation, and serving is preferred, but not required.

K-5 Lunchroom/Recess Monitors: Supervises students during lunch and/or recess. Helps to maintain a safe and respectful environment. HS graduate or equivalent.

LPN/Health Assistant: Under the direction of the School Nurse, provides health services and maintains records. Current Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Registered Nurse (RN), or EMT certified. Experience with adolescent aged students is preferred. Please apply through SchoolSpring.com, Keyword: South Burlington School District, or contact Elissa Galvez, HR Employment Specialist, at 802 652-7247 or egalvez@sbschools.net.

“This is critical for ensuring high quality of the materials that go to market and will also help us weather the labor issues and the labor shortages,” Reeves said. “Right now, we do not have full staffing. This will help to kind of weather that condition.”

‘Highly, highly inefficient’

Built in 1993, the materials recovery facility “was at the cutting edge at the time it was built,” said Ethan Hausman, head of business outreach with the solid waste district.

But now, the facility is full to

Employees at the facility are the primary sorters, expected to pick plastic bottles, milk jugs and other containers off a fast-moving belt delivering an endless stream of materials to sort through — “a very, very hard job,” Reeves said.

“They can’t possibly read everything the first time around.

So, the materials that they miss get scooped up and it gets put back in again,” Reeves said. “Highly, highly inefficient.”

As a result, materials can get packaged into the wrong bales — or are just lost in the stream, piled up or scattered on the floor.

“There are numerous examples of how it is now out of date after 30 years,” Hausman said.

But with a new facility, tech nologies and more space will help them handle the tremendous

Created in 1987, then Chit tenden Solid Waste District servic es each municipality in Chittenden County, including Shelburne, South Burlington, Charlotte, Hinesburg and others. It generates revenue from the sale of its products, and from the tipping fees from the haulers.

To make this happen, voters will have to approve the debt. But complicating matters is the fact that the vote will not appear on general ballots mailed out to the public.

Because of an election law change in the Legislature that did not allow special election ballot items for regional municipalities to be part of the general election mailing, according to Jen Holli day, the district’s director of public policy and communications.

“You have to as a voter actively request our ballot, or it’s available at the poll if you’re an in-person voter, which of course has decreased this year significantly, because everyone’s getting it in

continued from page 11

game of the season for the No. 8 seed.

Sam Parris paced SB-BHS in the loss, running for 120 yards and a touchdown, while Nick Kelly and Anthony Bouffard each added a rushing touchdown.

The SeaWolves will now face 7-0 Cham plain Valley, which handed them a 42-20 loss in the third week of the season.

If the co-op team can pull off the upset, they would face the winner of No. 4 Essex and No. 5 St. Johnsbury in the semifinals.

Boys’ volleyball

DI quarterfinals: No. 5 South Burlington at No. 4 Mount Mansfield, Thursday, Oct. 27, 6 p.m.

South Burlington won its final two games in the regular season, including a 3-0 win over Enosburg Oct. 18 to grab the No. 5 seed in the playoffs.

The Wolves will take on No. 4 Mount Mansfield Thursday, Oct. 27, looking to earn some redemption from a late regular

season loss to the Cougars. MMU beat the Wolves in a tight five-set match in the final week of the regular season.

If South Burlington wins, it advances to the semifinals where No. 1 Burlington is likely to be waiting.

Girls’ volleyball

DI playdowns: No. 10 South Burlington at No. 7 Harwood, Oct. 25, 6 p.m.

The South Burlington girls’ volleyball team will take on No. 7 Harwood on Tues day, after press time, after earning the No. 10 seed in the postseason.

The Wolves fell to Rice, 3-0, in the final match of the regular season but will now look to turn it around with an upset over the Highlanders in the first round.

South Burlington fell to Harwood 3-0 in its only meeting in the regular season. If the girls can pull off the upset, they would face the winner of No. 2 Champlain Valley and No. 11 Randolph in the quarterfinals.

Why not have a job you love?

Positions include a sign on bonus, strong benefits package and the opportunity to work at one of the “Best Places to Work in Vermont”.

Service Coordinator: Continue your career in human services in a supportive environment by providing case management for individuals either for our Adult Family Care program or our Developmental Services program. The ideal candidate will have strong clinical, organizational & leadership skills and enjoy working in a team-oriented position. $47,000 annual salary, $1,500 sign on bonus.

Residential Program Manager: Coordinate staffed residential and community supports for an individual in their home. The ideal candidate will enjoy working in a team-oriented position, have strong clinical skills, and demonstrated leadership. $45,900 annual salary, $1,500 sign on bonus.

Direct Support Professional: Provide 1:1 supports to help individuals reach their goals in a variety of settings. This is a great position to start or continue your career in human services. Full and part time positions available starting at $19/hr, $1,000 sign on bonus.

Residential Direct Support Professional: Provide supports to an individual in their home and in the community in 24h shifts including asleep overnights in a private, furnished bedroom. You can work two days, receive full benefits and have five days off each week! Other flexible schedules available, starting wage is $20/hr, $1,000 sign on bonus.

Shared Living Provider: Move into someone’s home or have someone live with you to provide residential supports. There are a variety of opportunities available that could be the perfect match for you and your household. Salary varies dependent on individual care requirements. $1,000 sign on bonus.

Join our dedicated team and together we’ll build a community where everyone participates and belongs https://ccs-vt.org/current-openings/

Make a career making a difference and join our team today!

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CLASSIFIEDS

WARNING

City of South Burlington November 7, 2022, 7:00 PM Public Hearing

is available at www.sbvt.gov or upon

ARIES

March 21 - April 20

This should be a very interesting week, Aries. Money

will be at the heart of it. Figure out what you want to do with the extra cash that you have accumulated.

TAURUS

April 21 - May 21

Treat everyone with a bit of caution, Taurus. Some person in your circle may need a little extra support this week, and your calm and even approach could be just what's needed.

GEMINI

May 22 - June 21

this week has the potential for a few bumps in the road that could be avoided if you simply slow down a bit. Think things through or you could trip yourself up.

CANCER

June 22 - July 22

An exciting few days lie ahead, Cancer. You may be tempted to spend much more than you usually would. Have fun, but keep track of your finances.

July 23 - Aug. 23

Leo, even if you have plans to hang out with friends, something at home could crop up that will need your immediate attention. Be flexible and at the ready.

VIRGO

Aug. 24 - Sept. 22

Virgo, find balance where you feel out of sync. Maybe you have been having relationship woes or seem out of touch with family. Make an effort to respond to these feelings.

LIBRA

Sept. 23 - Oct. 23

Libra, even if your best plans do not work out, that doesn't mean you have to scrap everything and sulk. Make the most of what worked and build on that.

SCORPIO

Oct. 24 - Nov. 22

Scorpio, you may find yourself in a situation that tests your levelheadedness in a big way this week. It could throw off your equilibrium when your plans go awry.

SUDOKU

Here’s How It Works:

are formatted as a

solve a

down into nine 3x3

the

1 through 9 must fill each

column and box. Each number

appear only once in each row,

and box.

can figure out

order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues

provided in the boxes. The

numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 23 - Dec. 21

Sagittarius, focus on communication in the days to come. The ability to communicate effectively will be a true asset as you work more with others.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22 - Jan. 20

A problem that arises may initially seem insurmountable, Capricorn. But you're more than capable of overcoming this obstacle. Look to Pisces for help.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 21 - Feb. 18

Are you ready to take action and get to work, Aquarius? An unexpected home project has fallen into your lap, and it will take some effort to get it all done.

PISCES

Feb. 19 - March 20

You could wind up learning something simply by letting the wind take you where it will, Pisces. Firm plans are unnecessary this week.

LEO

RECYCLING

from page 12

the mail,” she said. “We’re looking at all forms of media to try to help us get the word out.”

The project would cost $26 million, Reeves said, and the bond would be covered by its anticipated revenue and would not affect property taxes.

“We will pay for the debt service through our operational revenues and through the sale of recycling,” she said.

will not be sending our member cities

and towns any assessments.”

Voters can request a mail-in ballot from the Vermont Secretary of State’s website at bit.ly/3TS2boG

If approved, construction would begin in November 2023, with an estimated comple tion for July 2025.

“This is really to increase the capacity and provide a better working environment for the employees and then also to provide flexibility into the future,” Holliday said.

COREY MCDONALD

pile up at solid waste district’s recycling facility in Williston.