The Other Paper - 11-17-22

SoBu joins Burlington, regulates heating systems

COREY MCDONALD STAFF WRITER

South Burlington last week joined Burl ington in passing an ordinance to regulate heating systems in new buildings while taking the additional step of regulating domestic water systems in new construc tion.

The ordinance requires that any new buildings permitted on or after Feb. 15 use a renewable energy source for their primary

City goes step further by regulating water as well See

heating system and domestic water heating system.

“This is our chance as a community to codify the types of changes we need to ensure that everybody is doing their part to stop burning fossil fuels while we make the transition to something that’s cleaner,” said city council member Tim Barrett.

The ordinance provides for a two-year waiver period for new multi-family residen

ORDINANCE on page 20

Opponents of Wheeler Park housing project get a win

Project halted after procedural disagreement

MCDONALD STAFF WRITER

Homeowners opposed to a decades-inthe-making housing development in the Wheeler Nature Park were given a glimmer of hope last week after the court rejected the developer’s motion to dismiss their appeal of the project.

The regional environmental commis sion in July approved the project, giving the developer, BlackRock Construction, an Act 250 permit.

Several homeowners’ associations filed a motion to alter that approval, which was denied by the Act 250 board. They then appealed that ruling, 28 days after the court’s decision.

At question was whether the plaintiffs filed their appeal in a timely manner. Black Rock filed a motion to dismiss the appeal as untimely, arguing they had missed the filing deadline.

Challenging BlackRock in court are

See WHEELER PARK on page 16

COREY

Champlain chamber picks new board members

Ashley Wainer of Hinesburg is the new chair of the board of the Lake Champlain Chamber.

The chamber also made other new appointments to the board and executive committee, including Dave Lane, senior vice president of ESG and corporate initiatives for Farm Credit East, who will serve as vice chair.

“I am passionate about supporting the economic vitality of Vermont as well as retaining the talent that lives here,” said Wainer. “As a member of the board, I am invested in continuing to find ways to represent and support the business community and those who work-in, live-in, and visit the Champlain Valley.

For the last six years, Wainer served as a senior executive with Vermont Gas Systems. Most recently, she was vice president of customers and energy innovation, responsible for the customer-fac ing interactions of the business, including the energy efficiency utility, customer service, field services, sales and marketing, new product development and custom

er technology solutions.

Her focus included business development, specifically related to product and service offerings.

She also served as the vice pres ident of finance from 2016-2021 and held a position in regulatory affairs for several years.

Wainer serves on the board of Mercy Connections and is a member of the finance committee for the Community Sailing Center.

David E. Lane has been employed by Farm Credit East since 2011 and has more than 25 years of economic development, financial and technical assistance expertise.

He lives in South Hero with his wife, and together with their two sons, operate Snow Farm Vine yard.

Researcher receives grant to study lung tumors

Charlotte resident Yvonne Janssen-Heininger last week received the American Lung Asso ciation in Vermont’s Lung Cancer Discovery Award.

“Vermont ranks average when it comes to rates of new cases of lung cancer, lack of treatment and surgery. “When it comes to treat

Police disrupt catalytic converter theft ring

An investigation by Brad ford Police and a half dozen other police agencies has led to several arrests in connection to hundreds of thefts of catalytic converters, including ones in South Burlington and Shel burne.

At the urging of police in Bradford, state troopers seized a vehicle involved in a one-car crash on Oct. 30 in Newark they said was related to the rash of catalytic converter thefts across Vermont and New Hampshire.

On Nov. 2, armed with a search warrant, state police, with the assistance of police from Bradford, Lyndonville and St. Johnsbury, seized sever al stolen catalytic converters and other evidence at a home at Franklin Estates in Newark, police said.

They also seized over 1,000 bags of heroin, varying quan tities of cocaine, more than $10,000 and numerous fire arms, several of which were stolen.

The next day, Bradford police searched the vehicle involved in the crash and found several more stolen catalytic converters and some tools they said were used in the thefts.

Police said their investigation revealed that the vehicle was the same one used in other thefts of catalytic converters across the two states.

Police arrested Rusty Perry, 33, of Newark on several

unspecified charges related to the thefts, Gary Bolton, who police describe as a transient, and a 15-year-old juvenile male, who, along with Bolton, was arrested by state police only hours earlier in a suspect ed catalytic converter theft in St. Johnsbury.

Bradford Police later arrested Adam Hale, 42, of St. Johnsbury for his involvement the alleged theft ring. He was issued citations to appear in courts in Orleans, Caledonia, Orange, Windsor and Chitten den counties.

Police claim the men and juvenile are responsible for stealing approximately 200 catalytic converters in Shel burne, South Burlington, Orle ans, St. Johnsbury, Lyndonville, Ryegate, Wells River, Bradford, Norwich, Berlin and Barre, and in several towns in New Hamp shire, including Lancaster, Lebanon, Keene and Swanzey.

More arrests are expected, police said.

ing the leading cause of cancer deaths in the state, Vermont can do better,” said Trevor Summer field, director of advocacy at the Lung Association in Vermont. “We are excited for Yvonne to join the American Lung Association research team to help improve lung health here in Vermont and across the nation.”

Janssen-Heininger, Ph.D., is an expert in the fields of pulmo nary fibrosis and redox medi cine. Growing up in Holland, she witnessed abundant chronic lung diseases in her community and immediate family. Coal mining was prevalent in the Netherlands

through the 1970s, and air pollu tion and tobacco smoking remain the leading causes of diseases including pneumoconiosis, silico sis, pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer.

Janssen-Heininger’s grant will fund a project seeking to study protein oxidation in the develop ment of lung cancer to help treat chemotherapy-resistant tumors.

“The goal is to be able to inter fere with this protein oxidation pathway, focusing on a specific target, in order to destroy lung tumors and to cause cancers to respond much better to cisplatin (chemotherapy), at lower doses,”

she said. “Ultimately, we hope this study will lead to improved response to immunotherapy.”

In the 2022-2023 grants cycle, the association is funding $13.2 million for more than 130 lung health research grants.

Common Good Vermont helps nonprofits fundraise

Common Good Vermont has launched a fundraising and devel opment certificate program to help participants produce grant propos

Ashley Wainer

Yvonne Janssen-Heininger

Adam Hale

Chittenden towns vote to join communication union district

Residents in five Chittenden County municipalities voted last week to form a communications union district to pool demand, resources and speed up the buildout of universal broadband. Eighty-nine percent of voters cast a ballot in favor of forming the Chittenden County district.

Voters in Essex, Essex Junction, Shel burne, South Burlington and Williston approved the district — a municipal organi zation of two or more towns for the purpose of building communication infrastructure together.

Forming a communications union district creates a single point of contact to negotiate with providers and leverage grants, making it more likely for munic ipalities to attract a provider and leverage financial resources.

Each member municipality is now look ing for residents interested in volunteering

to be appointed as a representative or an alternate to serve on the district board. That board will work with the Vermont Commu nity Broadband Board to develop a feasibil ity plan for building the network and raise funds to construct and manage it.

This vote means 213 of Vermont’s 252 towns are members of a communications union district. This includes more than 93 percent of the locations in the state without broadband of at least 25/3 Mbps.

The new district has 367 addresses that do not have access to internet speeds of at least 25/3 Mbps, and 18,415 addresses do not have access to symmetrical speeds of 100/100 Mbps. Every communications union district is working to achieve univer sal access to 100/100 Mbps while serving the underserved addresses first.

For more information visit bit.ly/3t ps8kh.

COURTESY

A map that shows Vermont’s communication union districts and their member towns.

CRIME & COURTS

Agency: public assists: 22 Traffic stop: 21 Alarm: 13 Welfare check: 12 Noise violations: 7 Threats: 7

Accident: property damage: 7 Disturbance: 6 Larceny from motor vehicle: 6 Suspicious event: 5 Total incidents: 194

Arrests

Oct. 16 at 3:15 p.m., Cole Wendell Brooks, 37, of Colchester, was arrested for misdemeanor retail theft on Dorset Street.

Nov. 9 at 12:11 p.m., Shawn F. Deuso, 39, of South Burlington, was arrested for second-degree aggravated domestic assault and interference with access to emergency services on White Street.

Nov. 9 at 4:02 p.m., Amza Issa, 22, of South Burlington, was arrest ed on an in-state warrant on Farrell and Swift streets.

Nov. 9 at 9:14 p.m., Kassandra M. Medellin-Oliver, 35, of Newport City, was arrested on an instate warrant on Williston Road.

Nov. 9 at 9:14 p.m., Eddie Torres,

36, of Winooski, was arrested for felony unlawful trespass on Williston Road.

Nov. 12 at 9:04 p.m., Samuel E. Cruz, 53, was arrested on an in-state warrant on Shelburne Road.

Nov. 12 at 10:48 p.m., Logan Loftus, 21, of Middlebury, was arrested for disorderly conduct and two counts of violating conditions of release on Willis ton Road.

Nov. 13 at 12:11 a.m., Vicki C. Good, 42, of Bristol, was arrest ed for driving under the influ ence, first offense, on Hinesburg Road.

Top incidents

Nov. 12 at 8:11 p.m., police checked on an unsecured prem ise on Hummingbird Lane.

Nov. 12 at 4:33 p.m., police are looking into a report of threats being made on Shelburne Road.

Nov. 12 at 8:23 a.m., a vehicle was stolen on Lime Kiln Road.

Nov. 12 at 1:45 a.m., a noise viola tion was reported on Dorset Street.

Nov. 11 at 10:39 p.m., police took a report of drug possession on Dorset Street.

Nov. 11 at 9:35 p.m., a juvenile was causing a problem on Anderson Parkway. The matter is pending.

Nov. 11 at 5:41 p.m., someone left the scene of an accident on Williston Road.

Nov. 11 at 3:27 p.m., an accident at Grandview Drive and Dorset Street resulted in injuries.

Nov. 11 at 4:09 a.m., someone violated the fireworks ordi nance on Pinnacle Drive.

Nov. 10 at 5:09 p.m., a suspicious event was reported at Dumont Avenue and N. Henry Court.

Nov. 10 at 4:11 p.m., a burglary is still under investigation on Logwood Street.

Nov. 10 at 12:10 p.m., police are looking into a theft from a vehi cle on East Terrace.

Nov. 10 at 8:31 a.m., police took a report of identity theft from Whiteface Street.

Nov. 9 at 9:14 p.m., a weapons offense was reported on Willis ton Road.

Nov. 9 at 7:39 p.m., an overdose on Shelburne Road.

Nov. 9 at 6:33 p.m., police are investigating a report of fraud on Finch Court.

Nov. 9 at 12:11 p.m., police were called out to a domestic situa tion on White Street.

the

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Nov. 9 at 10:09 a.m., police responded to a report of a prob lem animal on Shelburne Road.

Nov. 8 at 3:20 p.m., police inves tigated a report of unlawful mischief on Williston Road.

Nov. 8 at 2:10 p.m., a fraud inves tigation is underway concerning an incident on Williston Road.

Nov. 8 at 11:29 a.m., an accident on Dorset Street and Willis ton Road resulted in property damage.

Nov. 8 at 11:07 a.m., police performed a background check on Gregory Drive.

Nov. 7 at 9:10 p.m., threats were made on Sommerfield Avenue. Police are looking into the matter.

Nov. 7 at 4:40 p.m., police directed traffic on Williston Road.

Nov. 7 at 2:46 p.m., a report of stalking on Quail Run is being investigated by police.

Nov. 6 at 11:54 p.m., police helped with a mental health issue on Kennedy Drive.

Nov. 6 at 8:03 p.m., police are investigating threats made on Barber Terrace.

Nov. 6 at 3:47 p.m., a domestic incident was reported on Dorset Street.

Nov. 6 at 11:13 a.m., police are investigating a larceny from a motor vehicle on Hawthorne Court.

South Burlington Police Blotter

OPINION

Legislature takes steps to stabilize emergency dispatch

Legislative Update

The current dispatch system is fragile, and the people work ing within the system are fragile. The system includes two state public safety answering points, which dispatch for all state-lev el entities as well as for over 80 non-state emergency responding agencies.

These two public safety points, locat ed in Willis ton and Westminster, have the highest staff turnover rate within state government, with currently a 48 percent vacancy rate at the Westminster site. To a one, exit interviews indicate extraordinary stress. The complexity and the volume of the workload is just too high.

The 2022 Legislature acted before adjourning to address the situation. The fiscal year 2023 state budget contains a construct designed to support and stabi lize a dispatch system on which Vermonters across the state can rely. The system is envisioned to include the two sites serving only state-level entities, plus at least four or five new regional dispatch centers serving non-state entities. There are already four regional dispatch centers, in St. Albans, Lamoille, Hartford and Shelburne.

The budget contains language necessary to effect this transfor mation. After several decades of study, for the first time, necessary funds have been included. There is $11 million dedicated to the early stages of implementation.

An initial portion, $6.5 million, is marked for release during the off session based on applications within the Depart ment of Public Safety Regional Dispatch Facility Grant Plan, but only after approval by the Legis lature’s Joint Fiscal Committee. The remainder, $4.5 million, remains in reserve until approval by the Legislature in the 2023 session. This approval is linked to a Dec. 1 report by a work group

defined in the budget.

The work group is tasked with identifying an estimat ed timeline, and the transition funding needed, as new regional dispatch centers come online, and local dispatch services are transitioned away from the two public safety answering points. Among other duties, the work group must also formulate a longterm funding model for regional dispatch, which fairly assesses costs statewide, does not unduly affect property taxes and clearly identifies the potential impact on property taxes.

This is where things stand now: As expected, the Department of Public Safety followed through and proposed a plan to the Joint Fiscal Committee to support creation of new regional emer gency communi cation centers as well as to broad en the capacity of existing regional centers.

Safety has also proposed two contracted positions: a project manager to monitor timelines, deliverables and expenses to ensure that requirements of the grant plan are met, and a technical consultant to provide engineering expertise relating to infrastructure, redundancy and such. Following hiring for these positions, the department anticipates proposing to the Joint Fiscal Committee next steps in the incremental transition to regional dispatch facilities.

Department

A work group was convened and met weekly beginning at the end of July 2022. At that same time, the home land security unit of the Depart ment of Public Safety created and distributed a request for proposal and application process for entities willing to become a regional dispatch center. Twelve applications were submit ted, reviewed, evaluated and ranked by a scoring group.

Ultimately, the Department of Public Safety recommended an incremental approach, beginning with funding support for five of the applicant entities: Wilming ton, Hartford, Chittenden County, Rutland County and Orange County. These represent a range of project sizes, with varying operational minimum and maxi mum time frames, in geographi cally dispersed areas.

The incremental approach beginning with these five, to be followed by other of the appli cants, will allow for implementa tion of lessons learned throughout their respective evolutions.

The Department of Public

The dollars attached to the initial plan proposal? The subtotal is $2,270,000, $2 million for the first five applicant projects plus $260,000 for the project manage ment and technical expertise contracts. There was additionally a request to be able to expend up to another $230,000 in the event of needing to shift dollars among projects if delays or substitutions are needed. Justi fication would be presented in writing if such occurs.

The total then is proposed to be $2.5 million, with $8.5 million remaining of the $11 million earmarked in the budget. This $8,500,000 would be avail able for continu ing the incremental transition when and if approved by the Joint Fiscal Committee during the off-session or by the Legisla ture once convened in 2023. On Wednesday, Nov. 9, after substan tial discussion, the Joint Fiscal Committee approved the plan as proposed by the Department of Public Safety.

So, there we are. While there remains much anxiety, even skepticism, about the transition of non-state entities to region al dispatch centers, there also remains much hope. Bottom line? It needs to work, and work well.

Any questions or concerns? Please do not hesitate to reach out to me: mtownsend@leg.state. vt.us; 802-862-7404; 232 Patch en Road; or Duke’s on Saturday mornings from 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Rep. Maida Townsend

Maida Townsend

Vermont House of Representatives District 7-4

The

of Public Safety proposed a plan to support new regional emergency communication centers as well as to broaden the capacity of existing regional centers.

Vermonters voted for balance, collaboration, governor says

Guest Perspective

Gov. Phil Scott

At 4 a.m. the day before every election, my team and I set out on a 14-county tour, visiting all of Vermont’s 14 counties in one day. This 500-plus-mile tour has a way to put things into perspective. It reinforces how beautiful our state is and how much it has to offer. It reminds us that the differ ences between counties and communities can be stark.

We’ve been making progress to close this gap, but we must do more to make sure every family, in every part of our state, has the tools needed to be healthy, safe and successful. So, with the election behind us, I hope everyone elected to serve in Montpe lier will work with me to level the play ing field from region to region, restoring economic security and prosperity statewide.

Vermonters want us to work together. They want balance and moderation. They made that clear when electing me with about 70 percent of the vote and Democrat ic super-majorities in the Legislature.

Of course, they don’t want me to be a rubber stamp for the Legislature, nor do they want the Legislature to blindly go along with whatever I put forward. So that means we’ll be debating the issues, which I will continue to do with civility, seeking consensus where possible, compromising when necessary and agreeing to disagree or let the process run its course when we cannot resolve our differences.

Vermonters want us to put their needs ahead of politics.

This type of thoughtful, balanced government — with less partisanship and political positioning — is what gets the best results. Unfortunately, hyper-partisan political parties are driving Americans

further and further apart and seem to get the most attention from the media.

They feel the strategy focusing on issues that divide us is easier to motivate more people to go to the polls, donate to campaigns and click on headlines.

But I don’t believe that’s where most Vermonters and Americans are. Most of us are somewhere in the center. Most of us could live without all the labels and name calling.

Think about it. Would you ask your neighbor who they voted for before lend ing a helping hand in their time need? Of course not. We need to remember to view each other as people first — fellow Amer icans — and judge each other by our basic decency, kindness and generosity toward each other and not political labels.

Just because we don’t agree on every issue doesn’t mean we’re enemies.

Most people with whom we disagree are, in fact, good people. They want to make a difference in their communities and things better for their kids, family and friends.

Whether we’re seasoned politicians or newly elected officials, each of us has the power to stop the cycle of partisan politics that is poisoning our nation.

We can lead by example by treating each other with dignity and respect, living up to the responsibility we’ve been given and remembering that our children are watching. We need to put aside gamesman ship and divisive national agendas to make the people we serve our priority. I’ll do my part by continuing to work every single day to get the results Vermonters deserve, by listening, learning and leading, and always putting people before politics.

Phil Scott, a Republican, is governor of Vermont.

Letters to the Editor

Vermont makes historical milestones

To the Editor:

Congratulations to Sen. Becca Balint and attorney general Charity Clark. The League of Women Voters of Vermont applauds you as ground-breaking women.

The league congratulates Balint for her unprecedented victory as the first woman elected to represent the residents of Vermont in the U.S. Congress. This is a historic moment for Vermonters as the Green Mountain State was the only state to have never sent a woman representative to Washington. Thank you for working hard to gain the confidence of Vermonters. We know you will be a dynamic member of Vermont’s congressional team.

The league also offers congratulations to Clark, who is the first woman elected to Vermont’s highest law enforcement office. Clark formerly worked as assistant attorney general and chief of staff in the attorney general’s office. We look forward

to seeing her serve as the state’s chief legal officer.

The League of Women Voters, since 1920, has been an activist, grassroots organization whose leaders believe people should play a critical role in democracy. It does not endorse candidates for election.

Sue Racanelli President League of Women Voters of Vermont

City council, climate task force deserve praise

To the Editor: At its Nov. 7 meeting the South Burlington City Council demonstrated its wisdom and foresight when it passed an ordinance presented by the Climate Action Task Force to regulate heating and domes tic water systems in all new construction

Location

may all bee fed

ONE JAR OF HONEY = ONE MEAL

Fork in the road: Now’s the time to secure our liberty

Poor Elijah’s Almanack

Peter N. Berger

Yogi Berra is credited with the maxim, “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.” He was giving fellow catcher Joe Gara giola directions to his house. He was saying that either choice at the fork would lead to Berra’s place where Garagiola needed to go.

Our dilemma today is fatefully different. As Americans in our third century, we too face a critical decision, but the choice too many of us and too many of our political leaders are making ends in our destruction. Where our destiny now divides, only one road leads to safe harbor for our people and survival for our self-governing republic.

I don’t mean there’s only one acceptable position on most public questions. I favor reasoned compromise on all but the most morally unambiguous issues. And it’s not hard to find lots of Americans, including me, who call for an end to partisan stale mate. I wish more voters and politicians, both progressives and conservatives, were willing to place the common good above jockeying for position in the next election.

That’s assuming, of course, that there is a next election. These things don’t happen automatically.

The fork in the road that I’m talking about isn’t a matter of competing public policy options. The choice that’s upon us touches nothing less than our country’s preservation.

Nothing in the sphere of civil govern ment ranks above our solemn, constitu tionally ordained obligation to “secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.” Our posterity means our children. Liberty doesn’t mean my right to refuse to wear a mask and thereby expose other Americans to disease. It certainly doesn’t grant me license to impose my religion on you, a tyranny forbidden by the First Amendment.

If you don’t believe me, don’t consult representatives Lauren Boebert or Marjorie Greene. Check with James Madison. He wrote the First Amendment. It prohibits the establishment of an official govern ment religion. Or ask his friend Thomas Jefferson. Our third president wrote that the government of the United States “gives to bigotry no sanction” and “to persecution no assistance.”

Liberty is my right to worship freely and declare my opinions about public issues. Liberty is the rule of law, respect for the law and equality before the law. It’s my right to vote without contrived impedi ments. It’s the unalienable ideal that makes slavery anathema.

It sickens me that mine may be the last generation to live out our lives in a free America. I grieve for American children who never know liberty as I have known it, and for parents who lose their liberty in the name of liberty. I shudder at the resurgent persecution increasingly unleashed on special victims.

Political violence is growing more commonplace every day. From local school board members to the highest federal officials, public servants and their families are targets of death threats. The husband of the speaker of the U.S. House of Repre sentatives is attacked in his home, and his skull fractured by hammer blows. A chorus of Republican candidates, officeholders and leaders including the 45th president responds with jokes and mockery. Rally audiences laugh and cheer.

What kind of people are we becoming? That same former president responded to losing an election by denying that he lost. He instigated an armed assault on Congress to prevent the certification of the new president-elect. MAGA allies in Congress and state capitals likened the insurrection’s televised brutality to a visit by tourists. When called to testify, a cast of complicit Trump aides refused to comply with lawful subpoenas.

Back in our republic’s early days, Congress imposed a tax on whiskey. When farmers in western Pennsylvania refused to pay, George Washington rode out from Philadelphia with Alexander Hamilton and an army numbering 13,000 to compel respect for lawful federal authority. The whiskey rebels submitted, and the tax was paid, but many Americans applauded the farmers and regarded them as patriots, just as many Trump supporters today exalt the seditionists who stormed the halls of Congress.

Our first president had a different take. He condemned the rebels’ rash, intemperate actions as “the treasonable fury of so small a portion of the United States.” He asserted his conviction that yielding to that coer cive mob would violate our Constitution’s fundamental principle that “the will of the majority shall prevail.”

He further contended that the rebels’ ill-conduct reflected more than their mere opposition to the specific whiskey tax and was actually prompted by their hostility to order and government authority generally, a far more troubling, perilous motivation.

Republican candidates loyal to Trump

LETTERS

continued from page 7

of residential, commercial and industrial buildings.

This insightful action follows in the footsteps of hundreds of other cities across America and multiple states that have set a standard to restrict the use of fossil fuels. The newly passed ordinance also follows Vermont’s own Global Warming Solutions Act and the recommendations from the Paris Climate Agreement. The ordinance was wisely written in consultation with the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission to encourage other surround ing communities to take similar initiatives to conserve energy and help reduce the emissions of greenhouse gasses.

The ordinance requires all new construction to use renewable primary heating systems, which means using only electricity, wood pellets or renew able fuels. It is expected that most new

have publicly declared that they’ll only accept 2022’s election results if they win. He calls them “proud election deniers.” MAGA voters nod in agreement. They believe their leaders’ entirely unsupported lies about stolen elections. Their leaders, however, know the only lies are in the lead ers’ own mouths.

We have come to our fork in the road. It’s past time to acknowledge the truth to each other and to the still, small voice that is our conscience. On Jan. 6 we survived an attempted coup d’état launched by a traitor ous president. That’s what we call it when it happens anywhere else. That’s what we should call it when it happens here to us.

This is no time for impotence or person al ambition. It’s a better thing to lose a democratic election than to lose democracy itself.

The evidence before our eyes is over whelming and incontrovertible. Our memories are fresh. Justice must be served and satisfied.

The election dust is settling this morn ing. Democrats are giddier than they expected to be. Republicans are trying to put the best face on what must be for them a disappointing result. The same bile and the same clichés are already springing shamelessly from politicians’ lips.

What will we do when last night’s losing candidates pretend they didn’t lose? What will we do when we’re asked to swal low the first lie?

What does it say about us that we need to ask?

We have all around us children, grand children and grown children, our children and the children of others. They are the heirs of our republic, an imperfect wonder that belongs to us only because it was kept safe for us.

Now it’s our turn.

All we need is courage, wisdom, and decency.

Peter Berger has taught English and history for 30 years. Poor Elijah would be pleased to answer letters addressed to him in care of the editor.

construction will install heat pumps, which have proven to be energy efficient and more economical than the use of natural gas or fuel oils.

Already, many homes in South Burlington have replaced their furnaces with heat pumps, and newly constructed multi-family buildings with multiple apart ments or condominiums are now being built with them.

Most of us realize that we can only do our small part to address the climate crisis impacting us right now. As the task force found, energy use in our homes and places of work contribute to 34 percent of our greenhouse gas emissions with the remain ing emissions coming from transplantation.

In Vermont, 76 percent of us are worried about global warming and it’s

not surprising that the council read those tea leaves and understood that in South Burlington there would be strong support for carbon-free primary heating systems in all future construction. It’s also not surprising to see a growing fleet of electric and hybrid vehicles on our roads as well, demonstrating once again that residents here take the science behind the climate crisis seriously.

The city council’s creation of the Climate Action Task Force was a smart move. It allowed for a representative group of residents to dig deeper into the research and find a way to offer a more hopeful vision to the next generation of South Burlington residents.

Although not perfect, it creates stan dards for designers and builders to follow. This is not new or revolutionary. Already, major architectural firms in Chittenden County have set 2030 as the date where they will no longer design any fossil fuel energy systems for new buildings.

South Burlington has also set 2030 as a date to reduce its greenhouse gasses by 60 percent.

Congratulations to the members of the Climate Action Task Force and to the four members of the city council who voted the ordinance. It’s encouraging to know that in our city, we are doing our part to address this global crisis.

John Bossange South Burlington

Krasnow gives thanks to South Burlington supporters

To the Editor:

I am so honored to be your state rep-elect for South Burlington’s Chit tenden-9 district. I am grateful to the hundreds of residents that I met all over the city who took the time to talk with me about the issues and concerns you care about the most. The encouragement of the community is what kept me going every day. I am grateful for your support and for the confidence you have in me to be your representative in the Vermont Statehouse.

I’d also like to thank Rep. Ann Pugh for her incredible work on behalf of South Burlington for nearly 30 years. Her dedication to this community has made a difference in all our lives and we are so fortunate to have had her as state represen tative. I’m grateful for her endorsement and honored to be part of her legacy of service. She taught me the importance of working collegially and I’m looking forward to working with all the members of the South Burlington delegation for solutions to protect and support the most vulnerable members of the community. We have a lot of hard work to do. Issues such as the availability of affordable housing, combating climate change and ensuring that all Vermonters have access to health care will be at the top of my priority list in

LETTERS

continued from page 9

January. These will be tough but neces sary conversations to keep Vermonters healthy and safe while keeping this state livable.

I am committed to being accessible to all my constituents and will strive to have one foot in the Statehouse and one foot in the community. The Statehouse is open to the public, and I encourage you to let me know if you’ll be in the building so we can connect. On the days when I’m not in Montpelier, you can still find me volunteering at the South Burlington Food Shelf, at Rotary Club meetings and the library. My goal is to be your voice in the capital, but I need to hear from you to be your best advocate. Finally, I wanted to take this moment to thank you all for your thoughts and support over these two months following the death of my mother, Susan Krasnow. As many of you know, she was my biggest supporter and part of my inspiration for running for office. I was raised in a house committed to public service and l learned from her how to be the voice for those who need it the most. From my late father, Rep. Gerald Kras now, I learned the importance of commu nity connection and service when he took me door knocking with him when I was just 7 years old. He is a huge reason that I love politics and I am honored to follow in his footsteps. I will carry their memory with me every day.

I am more committed than ever to being an advocate for the South Burling ton community and for all Vermonters — to be that voice for the elderly, the unhoused, the renters and the families struggling to put food on the table. When I take the oath of office in January, it will be for my mom, for my dad and for all who stood with me and believed in my ability to make an impact in the state. Thank you again for your confidence in me to be the next state representative for the Chitten den-9 legislative district.

Emilie Krasnow South Burlington

It’s time for another COVID-19 lockdown

To the Editor:

It’s time again for the Biden adminis tration to look at COVID-19 restrictions again. Cases are going up, so are deaths. I also think we should look at lock ing down again until we are 100 percent vaccinated in the United States. A lock down like in March 2020 would be help ful but making it even more restrictive would be best.

Scott Miller South Burlington

Obituary

John Edward Andrews, a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army, 83, died Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022, at his home in South Burlington surrounded by his chil dren.

John was born Nov. 20, 1938, in Englewood, N.J., to Evelyn Stiles and Hildegard (Henschke) Andrews. As the youngest of three children, John was taught service, the joy of music, community responsibility and a strong work ethic — values that would shape and steer him for the rest of his life.

John left the New Jersey suburbs to attend the University of Vermont in 1956. It was at UVM that John met his best friend and the love of his life, Jane Temple ton Wood. They would be insepa rable for the next 62 years, dying less than a year apart.

John loved UVM. He was active in ROTC and served as the president of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He spent his summers working at Grand Teton National Park, attending U.S. Army Basic Training to become an armor crewman, and then officer candi date school where he earned a commission into the Army Corps of Engineers. He also took a semester off to sail around the world in the Merchant Marines.

John graduated with a degree in economics in 1961.

John and Jane were married on April 28, 1962, in Schenectady, N.Y., and initially settled in Essex.

John worked for Aetna Insurance before starting his life-long career as a sales representative for the Lever Brothers Corporation, retir ing in 1993, and as an officer in the Vermont National Guard. John was a charter member of the Essex Rotary Club and enjoyed playing adult league hockey, skiing, golf ing and boating.

In 1968 John was promoted to captain in the Vermont Army National Guard and simultane ously deployed to Vietnam as the commander of the 131st Engineers where he served for 18 months. John was very proud of the men

in his unit and their service in the central highlands of Vietnam.

While in Vietnam he fought to keep the local indigenous peoples (the Montagnard) safe as well as and his own unit, “borrowing” construction material from the depot at Cam Ranh Bay to build bunkers and a village that with stood many enemy mortar and rocket attacks. John also institut ed a program to ensure that every member of the unit learned to read and earned a GED diploma while they were there.

When he returned, John was invited to meet with President Richard Nixon at the White House and subsequently received a Bronze Star for his service in combat, but he was most proud of being able to bring every member of his unit home safely.

In 1974, inspired by his men in his unit who were mostly from Underhill and Jericho, John moved his family into a fixer-up per on Pleasant Valley Road in Underhill with a beautiful view of Mt. Mansfield, where he and Jane lived for 36 years. Often conducting the “1812 Overture” or the “Hallelujah Chorus” at peak volume during dinner, John enjoyed every minute of his life with his family in his mountain home — mowing the lawn, shoo ing squirrels (and bears) out of the bird feeders, building dams in the river and skiing at Underhill Ski Bowl and Smugglers’ Notch.

John was active in the United Church of Underhill both in the

choir and at harvest market where he could be found at the clut ter barn or at the grill. A proud member of Hanaford Volunteers Fife and Drum Corps for over 25 years, where he and Jane marched in parades across the country with their children. John loved music, community and parades.

Enthusiastic travelers, Jane loved to plan trips all over the world and John loved to video tape every minute of them. They also explored North America from Mexico to the Yukon in their recreational vehicle, eventually settling down as winter campers at McDill and Patrick Air Force Bases in Florida and summering in Vermont.

John had a great sense of humor and outlook on life. He often said “life isn’t easy” but then never let the struggles of life get him down. This was the attitude that kept him going the last six years of his life. He was a warrior, he had incredi ble will to live and to not leave his family. Despite what the doctors told him, he kept going.

John was preceded in death by his wife, Jane (2021); his brother, Harmon (2021); and his parents.

John is survived by his chil dren, Ross (Sonja Naylor) of Calais, Susan (Jay Fayette) of West Palm Beach, Fla., and Evan (Sue Lavalette) of Oak Ridge, N.C.; nine grandchildren, Leah, Lillie, Abbey, John, Molly, Meghan, Evan, Francine and Paul; his sister, Marlene Louttit of Somerset, Pa.; and his sister-inlaw, Doris Andrews of Southbury, Conn.

A celebration of his life will be held June 24, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the United Church of Under hill with inurnment to follow in the family lot in Underhill Flats Cemetery where full military honors will be accorded this Viet nam veteran.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Rotary Club Charities of Essex, PO Box 8466, Essex Junction VT 05451, or the United Church of Underhill, PO Box 265, Underhill VT05489. Please visit awrfh.com to share your memories and condolences.

South Burlington School District

CHILD FIND NOTICE

The South Burlington School District is required by federal law to locate, identify and evaluate al children with disabilities. The process of locating, identifying, and evaluating children with disabilities is known as child find. The South Burlington Schools conduct a Kindergarten Screening every Spring, but parents may call to make an appointment to discuss their concerns at any time. As the school district of residence, we have the responsibility to identify and provide services to any child with special needs who may require special education and related services in order to access and benefit from public education.

If you have, or know of any resident, who has a child with a disability under the age of 21 or a child who is in a private school in South Burlington,VT, we would like to hear from you. Sometimes parents are unaware that special education services are available to their children. Please contact the principal of your school or the Director of Educational Support Systems, Kristin Romick at (802) 652-7113 or kromick@sbschools.net.

“BUILDING A PROUD TRADITION”

BUSINESS NOTES

als, connect with donors, write fundraising appeals, and build meaningful partnerships.

Applications will be accept ed through Friday, Dec. 16. The program is designed for leaders, executives and staff members of small to mid-sized nonprofit orga nizations.

Common Good Vermont works to unite and strengthen

mission-driven organizations in the state.

“The certificate program is a must do, whether you are just start ing out or have been in the develop ment world for years,” said Sharon Lifschutzt. “Through this program I built my confidence, developed a cohort of trusted colleagues and walked away with a plan to help move Lund’s fundraising forward.”

This intensive online program will include live online training, peer-learning sessions, individu al assignments and one-on-one coaching with lead trainer Jenn Hayslett, who has more than 25 years of leadership experience in all areas of fundraising and market ing.

Find out more at commongood vt.org.

John Edward Andrews

John Edward Andrews

Burlington Garden Club wins regional awards at meeting

The Burlington Garden Club received several awards at the recent annual meeting of the New England Garden Clubs.

The club won the Sears Beau tification Award for its care of several gardens in the community, including Vermont Garden Park in South Burlington, and Ronald MacDonaldHouse and Hope Lodge, both in Burlington.

The second award, The Mary Stone Garden Therapy Award, holds a special significance for club member Gail Lang and, in turn, the whole club.

With the award being named for Lang’s mother, winning the garden therapy award proved especially rewarding with the citation “for making the residents of Birchwood Nursing Home smile, by deliver

ing ninety floral arrangements.”

The third award, The Pamela C. Hebert Garden of Youth Award, is designated for club members to work with children on projects involving beautification and youth education.

The six states that vie for award recognition are Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massa chusetts, Maine and Rhode Island.

Community Notes

Take a natural history walk at Red Rocks Park

Join a Petra Cliffs nature educa tor on a tour of Red Rocks Park in South Burlington on Sunday, Dec. 4 from 10 a.m. to noon.

From wolf trees to glacial errat ics, and from well-trod hiking trails to fern-filled cliff sides, Red Rocks Park is example of the geology and ecology found in South Burlington. Learn about the natural history of the area as well as how to identify trees.

Tree identification in winter is extra tricky without the aid of the leaves. Come learn how to identify trees in winter using bark, twigs, and growth form. Register at bit. ly/3Uzaztx.

Williston Federated Church hosts holiday bazaar

The Williston Federated Church, at 44 North Williston Road, will hold its annual Christ mas bazaar on Saturday, Nov. 19, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

The bazaar will feature crafts, a bake sale, soups to-go, plants, attic treasures and a silent auction. Local artist Nancy Stone will be selling her book “251 Vermont Vistas.”

Call 802-862-7400 or visit stee ple.org for more information.

Homestead hosts talk on botanist Fanny Allen

On Sunday, Nov. 20, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., Ethan Allen Home stead’s head gardener, Tom Sharp

ley, discusses the accomplishments of Allen’s wife, Frances, Vermont’s first known botanist.

The presentation at the home stead will explore what 18th-cen tury gardeners were growing and how they used their gardens to provide more than just food for their communities.

For more information, email ethanallenhomestead@gmail.com.

Shelburne community hosts blood drive

Give the gift of blood on Tues day, Nov. 22 from noon-5 p.m. at St. Catherine of Siena in Shelburne.

To give, call 800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org and enter Shelburne to schedule an appoint ment.

Holidays Without Hunger campaign gets underway

On Thursday, Nov. 17 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Feeding Chittenden will begin to distribute turkeys to food-insecure families as part of its Holidays Without Hunger campaign between now and the end of the year.

Feeding Chittenden hopes to feed 10,000 families. An online contribution is the safest and easi est way to help a family in need this holiday season, and as little as $25 will help feed a family of four. Donations are welcome at feed ingchittenden.org or by texting the word GIVE to 802-242-5953.

Community members can also contribute through a virtual food drive by filling a virtual shopping cart with the most needed items — all without leaving home. The products in the virtual drive include turkeys, potatoes and stuffing, and will be purchased at wholesale rates and below, nearly doubling the value of monetary donations.

Feeding Chittenden Thanksgiv ing meal: Community Resource Center, Wednesday, Nov. 23, 1-3 p.m.

Hours for donors and community supporters: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Hours for those needing food assistance: Nov. 17, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., and Nov. 18, 21, 22 and 23, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Donors can still drop off turkeys and donations at 228 North Winooski Avenue in Burlington. Donations of turkey breasts and roasts, as well as holiday fixings such as mashed potatoes, stuffing,

PHOTO BY DORIS VANMULLEN

From left, Linda Lane, co-president, Suzanne McCance, New England Garden Clubs director, Barbara Gaida, co-president and Jo Fretz, Federated Garden Clubs of Vermont president.

SB Rotarians help promote literacy

Every year, the South Burl ington Rotary Club donates dictionaries to South Burlington third graders to promote litera cy. After presenting the dictio naries, students had fun using all the resource tools in their student dictionaries. This year’s dictionary has a wonderful resource section, including the sign language alpha

bet, information about states and countries, a multiplication chart and other helpful tools. Third graders also looked up “Wonder ous Words” with teacher Amanda McCarthy at Gertrude Chamber lin School. Students also learned about the many other ways the Rotary Club helps South Burl ington, such as the signs on the

bike path, the bandshell at Veter ans Memorial Park and spon soring Scouting. Rotarians also donated $1,000 to each school to support teachers in buying class room materials. At Chamberlin School, teachers used the funds to purchase books that highlight diversity, equity and inclusion for monthly classroom read alouds.

Barkeaters’ Thanksgiving Takeout

Take the stress out of the holiday with Barkeaters’ Thanksgiving Takeout! Our Thanksgiving offers easy to heat soups, salads, sides and dessert. You make the turkey, we make everything else!

802-985-2830 barkeatersrestaurant.com

97 Falls Road • Shelburne, VT

COURTESY PHOTO

South Burlington Rotary Club members Michael Keller and John Buechler make a donation to Gertrude Chamberlin School principal Holly Rouelle.

Aspens, also known as poplars or popple, are trees in the Populus genus. Vermont is home to four species of poplar: bigtooth aspen (Populus grandidentata), eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides), balsam poplar (Populus balsam ifera) and trembling or quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides).

While all the aspen species are unique, trembling aspen is perhaps the most enigmat ic of the bunch. It is the most widely distribut ed tree in North America, with a range that stretch es from Alaska to Newfound land and south into Mexico. It is the only upland deciduous tree in parts of western North Amer ica and defines aspen and aspenbirch forests — some of the most common forest types in the lake states and some western states.

All the poplar species’ leaves tremble or quake — shimmering in the wind. They do so because the petiole — the stem that attach es leaf to twig — is flat. This trembling appears to be an adap tive quality: reducing leaf herbiv ory, lowering leaf temperature, lowering transpiration (the loss of water from leaves) and helping light reach lower parts of aspen crowns.

Trembling aspen is shade-in tolerant, requiring nearly complete sunlight to establish. Aspens seeds are small, wind-

borne and abundant, spreading far and wide across the landscape. While most of the seeds produced each year don’t land on an appro priate site, their mobility increas es the chance that a lucky few will — usually the aftermath a large disturbance.

Once established, aspens grow at a dizzying rate, easily out-com peting other, slower-growing species before declining and dying young — for a tree — usually at around 60-80 years of age. Like white birch, trembling aspen is so intol erant of shade that its presence in your forest is almost certainly an indicator of a large natural or human-caused disturbance in the past. If you were to count the rings on one of your aspens, it would tell you about how many years ago that disturbance occurred.

Due to its short lifespan, trem bling aspen is often considered a relatively ephemeral species in the forests. However, one of trem bling aspen’s most interesting qualities is its resilience. Cutting an aspen tree often results in an abundance of fast-growing root sprouts, clones which may grow four or five feet tall in a single growing season.

Especially in the western United States, this quality means that the lifespan of an aspen can be indefinite; it can continue to clone itself for generations. An aspen clone in Utah called Pando, or the “Trembling Giant,” is consid

ered by some to be the oldest and most massive organism on Earth, covering more than 100 acres and estimated to be between 14,000 and 80,000 years old.

In Vermont, trembling aspen provides important habitat for many wildlife species, including several bird species in decline. It is important habitat for ruffed grouse, which use aspen stands of several different ages to complete

different parts of their life cycle. Trembling aspen is also important for pileated woodpeckers, which forage for grubs and insect larvae in its soft wood, often creating cavities used by a huge variety of wildlife species for dens and nests.

While not commonly used in lumber, aspen wood is light, soft and pretty, often becoming purplish as it ages. It is a poor

firewood, although sometimes used by maple sugarmakers for boiling sap. Throughout its range, aspen’s most common use is as pulp for paper. At present in Vermont, demand and prices for aspen timber and pulp are gener ally poor.

Due to its low market value, aspen is a species that I manage nearly entirely for wildlife. Creat ing some larger, at least 2-acre canopy gaps where all or nearly all of the trees are cut creates poten tial habitat for the species, as well as a variety of other early-suc cessional trees, plants and shrubs and for the pollinators, birds and mammals that depend on them.

Cutting some larger aspen within these gaps will inspire them to produce clones, creating a vibrant young aspen forest rela tively quickly. Outside of canopy gaps, I leave most aspen trees as legacy trees. These trees live out their natural lives, eventually declining, becoming riddled with cavities, dying and becoming dead wood on the forest floor. In life and in death, trembling aspen provides so many benefits to the forests.

Ethan Tapper is the Chittenden County forester for the Vermont Dept. of Forests, Parks and Recre ation. See what he’s been up to at linktr.ee/chittendencountyforester.

COURTESY PHOTO

OUTDOORS

Canada geese offer migration’s grand spectacle

The Outside Story

Susan Shea

The musical honking of Canada geese and their V-shaped flocks streaming overhead are classic signs of autumn. I hear the clamor of geese as they fly over my house, preparing to land in the nearby hayfield. Sometimes, I spot the large, black-necked birds before they take off to continue their journey. Where are they coming from, I wonder, and where are they going?

Most Canada geese breed in Canada and Alaska, although they now nest in all the lower 48 states. Geese that breed in the northern most parts of their range migrate long distances to winter in the central and southern United States and as far south as Mexico. Those nesting in southern Canada and the northern U.S. migrate short er distances. In places where the water does not freeze and humans have created ideal goose habitat in the form of parks, golf cours es and agricultural fields, Canada geese find abundant food yearround and may not migrate at all.

Some of the Canada geese that migrate through the North east during the fall are part of the so-called Atlantic popula tion, comprising smaller-bod ied subspecies of Canada goose. These birds nest in northern Quebec and fly over Vermont and New York State west of the Connecticut River en route to their wintering grounds on the Atlantic Coast between New Jersey and North Carolina. Chesapeake Bay and the Delmarva Peninsula in Delaware and the eastern shores of Maryland and Virginia also host large concentrations of these geese.

Other Canada geese migrating over our region are from the North Atlantic population, breeding in eastern Labrador and Newfound land. They generally follow the coastline, or Atlantic flyway, on their journey to wintering grounds only as far south as the coast of New England.

In late August and Septem ber, shorter days cue the geese to begin congregating at staging areas along the shores of Labra dor and Newfoundland and in the Ungava, Hudson, and James bays.

Family groups of parents and young stay together for a year and migrate together. As geese begin to call louder and louder and point their beaks towards the sky,

suddenly a flock takes off, a loose group of families and individuals head south.

Flocks usually arrange them selves in a V-formation to reduce wind resistance and to conserve energy. The lead goose must contend with more drag forces, so experienced individuals take turns leading. Each goose flies behind and to the side, or above, the bird in front of it, taking advantage of the updraft produced when the preceding bird flaps its wings. According to the Audubon Encyclopedia of North American Birds, geese flying in a V formation can fly as much as 71 percent farther than they could

individually.

Migrating Canada geese fly at relatively low altitudes, usual ly between 980 and 3,300 feet. Often at speeds of more than 30 miles per hour. Studies have shown that geese from the Atlan tic population complete the trip to their winter ing range in less than a week, and some flocks make the journey in a single day. In fall, flocks often use the winds of incoming high pressure weather systems to assist their flight. Researchers believe Canada geese use landmarks such as rivers, coastlines and moun tains to navigate, as well as the sun, stars and the Earth’s magnet

ic field. Juvenile geese learn migration routes by following their parents.

Most Canada geese are very vocal while flying, using their calls to coordinate movements of the flock. Flocks stop to rest and feed along the way at tradi tional stopover sites. Bad weath er may cause them to reverse direction and temporarily retreat north. The timing of migration can vary, but geese that breed in northern Canada and migrate over our region usually have reached their wintering grounds by late October. Those moving around in November and December are likely Northeastern residents trav elling shorter distances.

Migratory geese general ly winter in coastal areas with slow-moving rivers, bays, marsh es, and tidal flats and near agri cultural fields where they feed on

grasses and waste grains. Some Canada geese no longer travel as far south as before due to climate change, farming practices that leave more grain in the fields and changes in hunting pressure.

I’ve always been impressed with the arduous migration Canada geese undertake, their navigational skills and ability to fly as a unit. Observing the flocks passing overhead is an annual autumn ritual for me and a sure sign of winter’s coming.

Susan Shea is a natural ist, writer, and conservationist based in Vermont. Illustration by Adelaide Murphy Tyrol. The Outside Story is assigned and edited by Northern Woodlands magazine and sponsored by the Wellborn Ecology Fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foun dation nhcf.org.

ILLUSTRATION BY ADELAIDE MURPHY TYROL

Flocks usually arrange themselves in a V-formation to reduce wind resistance and to conserve energy.

three homeowners’ associations, including the Inverness Home owners’ Association, the Glen Eagles Homeowners’ Association and the Villas at Water Tower Hill Homeowners’ Association, as well as the Neighbor’s Committee to Stop Neighborhood Blasting, a coalition of residents against blast ing.

But Superior Court Judge Thomas G. Walsh on Nov. 9 tossed that appeal, halting the project for now and giving the plaintiffs another chance to argue why the project should never have received Act 250 approval in the first place.

“This is such an extreme case where the developer is seeking to put housing in land that was preserved by a city as a nature park ... the largest natural area in

the city, or one of the largest natu ral areas in the city,” said James Marc Leas, a resident and plaintiff in the suit.

Ben Avery, the vice president of development for BlackRock Construction, told The Other Paper that the company will “move forward accordingly and address the issues before the envi ronmental court.”

“I am not concerned about this project moving forward,” he said. “We have unanimous decisions with the city and at the Act 250 level.”

The 7-acre parcel of land on the corner of Dorset Street and Park Road has long been a center of contention.

The 110-acre Wheeler Nature Park was first acquired by the

city in 1993 and has a decadeslong history of legal battles. The parcel in question was first created in 2017, the result of a settlement agreement that included the swap ping of the 7 acres for 22 that have been conserved into perpetuity with Wheeler Nature Park.

The land swap was eventually approved by a Town Meeting Day vote in 2011, although the vote was not legally binding and only considered a “good faith” gesture on the part of the city, former city attorney Jim Barlow said at a council meeting in 2015, accord ing to previous reporting.

That settlement agreement created specific zoning for the parcel, laying out specific devel opment guidelines.

“It’s not like this was some sort

of backroom deal,” Avery said. “This had an incredible amount of transparency.”

The construction company in September 2021 applied for Act 250 permitting to build 32 units of residential housing on the parcel, about five-units per acre.

Opponents say the project would involve blasting rock ledges — a disruption to residents’ qual ity of life — and would severely disrupt protected natural wildlife. The plaintiffs have argued that building residential housing on this parcel would be a distortion of Act 250 regulations with local and regional plans.

The Act 250 application miscat egorized the parcel as suburban when it should be labeled rural, per the regional plan for future land use, and as “residential, moderate density” when it should be labeled “very low intensity, principally open land,” per South Burlington’s 2016 comprehensive plan, Leas has argued in court records.

“Act 250 was established ... because towns were making deals with developers that was turning

the state into — this is a ridiculous way to put it, and it’s disparaging for New Jersey to say this — but basically it was turning Vermont into a highly developed state like New Jersey,” Leas said. Act 250, he added, is “a citizen-friendly process that has been a check on unchecked development ... but in this case, I don’t understand how the commission allowed this to go through.”

Questions over blasting noise and frequency, meanwhile, were settled to the city’s develop ment review board’s satisfaction following a technical review of the blasting plan conducted last year, according to previous reporting, and questions over traffic and the safety of building a road expel ling traffic onto Park Road were resolved in a traffic study last year.

The Act 250 permit appeal hearing is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 12. If they lose again, Leas said an appeal to the Vermont Supreme Court would be on the table.

“We expect to win at this level,” he said.

COMMUNITY NOTES

continued from page 12

gravy, sweet potatoes, corn and green beans will also be accepted.

Age Well, church offer grab and go meal

Age Well and St. Catherine’s of Siena Parish in Shelburne will provide a meal to go for anyone age 60 and older on Tuesday, Dec. 13.

The meal will be available for pick up in the parking lot at 72 Church St. from 11 a.m. until noon. The menu is stuffed chick en breast with apple and cranberry stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, sliced carrots, cranberry sauce, wheat dinner roll with butter, pumpkin cake and milk.

To order a meal, contact Sheryl Oberding at soberding@yahoo. com or 802-825-8546

Deadline to order is Wednes day, Dec. 7.

You must have a congregate meal registration on file. Forms are available at pickup or down load one bit.ly/3URc4U3.

An Age Well representative will not be available with $5 dona tion restaurant tickets to dine at

one of its participating restaurants. This month, they can be purchased at the Age Well Office in Colches ter or an Age Well representative will be available at the Charlotte Senior Center from 11:30 to 12:30 p.m.

More information agewellvt. org.

South Burlington Parks and Rec needs refs

South Burlington Recreation and Parks currently need refer ees for first and second graders and third and fourth graders in its youth basketball program.

Games are on Saturday morn ings between early December and mid-February. Students in high school, college and anyone with a passion for basketball are encour aged to apply. An understanding of the game and prior experience working with children required. Shirt, whistle and stipend provid ed.

Contact Brett Leonard at bleonard@southburlingtonvt.gov or 805-846-4137 for more infor mation.

Last month the city council adopted, by a vote of 4-0, the city’s first climate action plan.

It lays out a strategy for the commu nity to meet the ambitious goals of the Vermont Global Warming Solutions Act and Paris Accord. To be on track to meet these goals, the plan focuses on the nearer term of 2030. The specific targets: reduce 2019 emissions 60 percent by 2030 and 95 percent by 2050. The climate action plan can be found at the city’s website, south burlingtonvt.gov.

The plan is a roadmap to a future where our community is far less reliant on fossil fuels. It is not a regulation, a tax or fee, or paint-by-numbers edict. The work of implementing the plan will be for all to consider and undertake.

There is no shortage of research writ ing about climate. The plan calls out one quote, in particular, from the co-chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Working Group II: “Climate change is a threat to human well-being and planetary health. Any further delay in concerted anticipatory global action on adaptation and mitigation will miss a brief and rapidly closing window of opportunity to secure a livable and sustainable future for all.”

Closer to home, the state’s first climate action plan, published last winter, describes the change that is already happening and the threats to the ecology, economy and livelihoods in the Green Mountains.

Transportation and heating and cooling of buildings are by far the largest contrib utors to emissions in South Burlington, as is the case in most places. Transportation accounts for nearly 66 percent of all emis sions in the city, and buildings account for about 33 percent. The remaining sectors — agriculture, solid waste and others — account for a small but meaningful proportion of the total. Not measured, but acknowledged in the plan, are emissions from small engines, specialty equipment, rail and aviation.

On the transportation side, the plan sets ambitious targets both to reduce the need for using a car for daily trips and errands, and to embrace electric vehicles. On the buildings side, the plan sets targets

for insulation and conversion of existing buildings to modern carbon-free, renew able sources and for new construction to be both built in a compact setting and for heat and hot water sources to be renew able and carbon free.

One tremendous advantage South Burl ington has over other communities: Its electric grid, provided by Green Mountain Power, is 100 percent carbon free. This work allows the plan to use electrification of heating and transportation as a realistic path to meeting the targets.

Community effort

The city council set the goal of having the plan meet the targets of Paris Accord and to complement the state’s plan. Using this as a starting point, the city’s plan was prepared over the course of 10 months and 17 meetings of the volunteer Climate Action Plan Task Force, supported by staff and the Chittenden County Regional Plan ning Commission in a consultant role.

A critical theme that ran through the task force’s work was a continual remind

er and emphasis that the climate action plan can only be successful if the entire community sees it as our plan. The city, as one employer and entity, can prepare poli cies, invest in building and infrastructure, and set certain regulations, but the action of tackling climate change is the effort of 20,000-plus residents, our 25,000 daily workforce, employers and visitors.

The task force delivered the draft plan to council in September 2022. The accompanying transmittal letter included an important consideration: that equity be held forth as a top priority as the city moves toward implementation. Under standing how climate change and the solu tions intended to tackle climate change affect our most vulnerable and underrepre sented populations is critical and must be ongoing.

Into the future

The climate action plan is, in many ways, an extension of work that has been ongoing in the community. The vision and development of city center, the communi

ty’s efforts in identifying and conserving priority natural resources and the expan sion of bicycle and pedestrian networks are three direct examples of policies that address climate change. At the individ ual and business level, investments in cold-climate heat pumps, energy efficien cy of buildings, carpooling, e-bikes and electric vehicles are all supporting actions.

In the coming months and years, the community will have the opportunity to determine how best to implement the plan through identified policies, regulation, investments and promotions.

Paul Conner is planning and zoning director for South Burlington, a position he has held since 2008. In 2017, he was appointed to the role of chief sustainabil ity officer. Clean & Green is a regular feature, initiated and managed by the South Burlington Energy Committee, and will feature a variety of perspectives from members of city committees and commis sions, city staff and outside organizations on environmental issues facing the city.

Clean and Green

Paul Conner

Child specialist releases book tackling sibling relationships

South Burlington’s Maya Burr has tackled one of life’s biggest adjustments—welcoming a new sibling. Her debut book, “Little Siblings, Big Feelings,” is geared toward growing families and dives into the many emotions experi enced when navigating these life long bonds — from love and joy to envy or anger.

Illustrated through playful scenarios in which kids will easily recognize themselves, this relatable read makes for perfect conversation starters between parents or care givers and their toddlers as they explore siblinghood.

As a parenting consultant and child behavior specialist, Burr wanted to offer the same tools she teaches in her practice to those in her community.

“My personal journey of welcoming my second child and the

questions I got from parents were major influences for this story,” she said. “After years of searching and never finding the right book to recommend to toddler families, I decided it was time to write it.”

Burr includes several scripts and strategies throughout the book to help families implement these tips in their own homes.

Open enrollment period underway for insurance plans

As of November, Vermonters can sign up for or change their health and dental plans for 2023. Thanks to a new law that extends financial help through 2025, Vermonters can get lower-cost health plans that cover preventive care like mental health services and annual check-ups.

This year increased financial help is available through the feder al government and more Vermont ers who have access to employer health insurance can get this help through the marketplace.

“Vermont has one of the lowest uninsured rates in the coun try,” said Andrea De La Bruere,

commissioner of the Department of Vermont Health Access.

It is best to sign up by Thurs day, Dec. 15. Coverage will begin on Feb. 1 for people who enroll between Dec. 16 and Jan. 15.

To sign up, first create an account. Potential enrollees will be screened to see if they are eligi ble for subsidies to help pay for a health plan. The easy-to-use plan comparison tool for 2023 health plans is designed to help Vermont ers choose a plan to best meet their financial and medical needs.

Learn more at vermonthealth connect.gov, or calling customer support at 855-899-9600.

News from South Burlington Public Library

South Burlington Public Library 180 Market St., southburlingtonlibrary.org

For information about any programming, cancellations or in-person changes, call 802-8464140 or email southburlington library.org. Some events may change from in-person to virtual. Some events require preregis tration. Masks are encouraged. Hours: Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

KIDS & TEENS

Toddlertime

Tuesday, Nov. 29, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Join Miss Alyssa for story times geared to ages 1 to 3 with an adult caregiver.

Babytime

Wednesday, Nov. 30, 10:30-11 a.m.

Join Miss Kelly and her puppets Bainbow and Lala for a gentle, slow storytime that features songs, rhymes and lap play.

Lego builders Wednesdays through Dec. 28, 3-4:30 p.m.

Projects geared to kids ages eight and up, or ages six and up with an adult helper. Each week, builders explore, create and participate in challenges. None meeting on Nov. 23.

Kids’ chess club

Every Saturday, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Preregistration required.

Kids’ Book Club

Thursday, Nov. 17, 4-5 p.m. Kids in kindergarten through second grade and their parents are welcome to join Ms. Nata cha for a book club for kids. November title is “The Return of the Dragon” by Rebecca Rupp. Preregister.

Friday movie

Friday, Nov. 18, 3-4:30 p.m. “Toy Story.”

Craftytown

Tuesday, Nov. 22 and 29, 3-4:30 p.m.

Free projects geared to kids grade 5 and up; others need to be accompanied by an adult. Nov. 8: Make a birdhouse. Nov. 22: craft stick super heroes. Nov. 29: felted acorns.

ADULTS

Chess club

Every Saturday through Dec. 17, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Join the Chittenden County Chess Club for a game or just to watch. New members welcome.

Tech help

Friday, Nov. 18, 10 a.m.-noon Monday, Nov. 21, 5-6:30 p.m. Join us every other Friday

morning in the digital lab for 1:1 assistance and to learn new skills. An evening session is planned for November. Regis ter, space is limited.

Poetry group

Tuesday, Nov. 29, 11 a.m.-noon

Come share your poetry in a supportive, comfortable setting.

English conversation circle

Monday, Nov. 28, noon-1 p.m.

English as a Second Language discussion group, facilitated by an experienced instructor Louis Giancola.

Evening book group

Thursday, Nov. 17, 6-7 p.m.

“How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia” by Mohsin Hamid, the bestselling author of “The Reluctant Fundamentalist.” A boldly imagined tale of a poor boy’s quest for wealth and love. Books available at the circu lation desk. In-person or Zoom options.

Excel workshop

Thursday, Nov. 17, 6-7 p.m.

Participants will learn to master conditional formatting, tables and formulas to use Excel efficiently.

Italian book club

Monday, Nov. 28, 10:15-11:15 a.m.

“Fino al quando la mia stella brillerà,” by Liliana Segre with Daniela Palumbo.

A.J. by Grayson Dailey

Dozens of towns adopt declarations of equity, inclusion

As of Oct. 25, 50 percent of Vermonters reside in municipalities that have adopted a declaration of inclusion, according to the Vermont Chamber of Commerce.

With this milestone, 73 towns and cities — with 52 percent of the population — have each pledged themselves to welcome and treat equitably all members of margin alized communities who visit, reside or do business.

The Declaration of Inclusion Initiative is an ongoing effort to raise consciousness about diversity, equity and justice and the positive effect that diversity can have on the economy. The inaugural declaration of inclusion was adopted in Franklin in September 2020. Since its inception, the initiative has been led by three Rutland County volunteers: Bob Harnish, Al Wake field and Norm Cohen. The goal of the initiative is for a declaration of inclusion to be adopted by each of Vermont’s 246 municipalities.

“The goal of this initiative is for each Vermont municipality to adopt a declaration of inclusion that commits to implementing plans, policies, programs, procedures and relevant training that support and advance the intent and spirit of the declaration,” said Wakefield. “We look forward to progress being made across Vermont by the imple mentation of each declaration.”

Epic

tial and commercial and industrial buildings “on the grounds that utilizing a renewable primary heating system or a renewable service water heating system in a new build ing would be uneconomical,” and lays out certain parameters in capital and operational costs to qualify.

The council will appoint a building inspector who will have the ability to ensure compliance and issue certi fications. Fines for viola tions could total up to $800 per day, the ordinance reads.

The move by South Burlington comes a year and a half after Burling ton approved an ordinance requiring city landlords and property manag ers to weatherize their buildings by upgrad ing their heating systems. Burlington voters this year also approved a charter change allowing the city to impose carbon fees on commercial and residential property owners, although details are still being worked out.

The state, meanwhile, has set out an ambitious task in its Global Warming Solu tions Act, passed in 2020, which legally binds the state to meet climate emission requirements by 2030 — opening itself up to litigation if it doesn’t.

Gov. Phil Scott this year vetoed the clean heat standard bill that would have created a

fuel credit marketplace aimed at incentiviz ing eco-friendly ways of heating. Lawmak ers failed to override Scott’s veto by one vote, but with a new Democratic superma jority in the Statehouse, efforts at another go may materialize.

Vermont’s transportation and thermal sectors produce 74 percent of the state’s carbon emissions, according to the annual progress report from the Energy Action Network released in September.

Passing the ordinance during the COP27 hear ings in Egypt, residents lauded the efforts by the city. Laurie Smith, a resi dent, called it “a huge step toward helping us reduce our CO2 impact on our climate and improving the quality of our environment in South Burlington.”

“I think we’re obligated to do as much as we can at the local level as well as the state level to solve these problems,” resident Sarah Dopp said. “I don’t think we’re meant to feel comfortable about this, this is an exis tential situation.”

But the ordinance also generated some uneasiness among residents and businesses operating in the city.

Dylan Giambatista, head of public affairs for Vermont Gas Systems, cautioned the council against getting out of step with

state energy protocols. Vermont Gas serves more than 55,000 families and businesses in Franklin, Chittenden and Addison counties.

“We have taken these proactive steps in recognition that the product that we have served over the past 50 or so years, and that we serve today, fossil fuels, has significant climate impacts, and to this end we are focused on trying to align our actions with a statewide energy policy, Global Warming Solutions Act,” Giambatista said.

“Whether it be this ordinance or future charter changes, we would just ask to consid er the way that local regulations impact implementation of those statewide climate objectives ... specifically that the creation of multiple policies or a tapestry of municipal policies beyond South Burlington may not be aligned or consistent with some of those state goals,” he added.

Meanwhile, Matt Cota, a South Burl ington council member, warned that the city should consider the ramifications of the policy in view of the serious fuel shortages New England and the country face.

Cota recused himself from the vote. He is a lobbyist who serves as executive direc tor of the Vermont Fuel Dealers Association and owns Meadow Hill Consulting, where he works with heating and cooling contrac tors in the state.

New England power producers have warned of a potential strain on the region

al grid as a surge in natural-gas demand in Europe and abroad threatens local supplies, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal.

Despite recusing himself, Cota cited a letter penned to President Joe Biden by Joe Nolan, the chief executive officer of Ever source, the region’s largest energy provider, that “New England will not have sufficient natural gas to meet power supply needs for the region in the event of a severe cold spell this winter.”

“This is a serious policy that we’re under going here,” Cota said. “We’re transform ing our energy sector to move away from fossil fuels to electricity, and there are real consequences,” he said. “We have historic lows for distillate ... we need that diesel fuel to produce the power to keep the lights on this winter, so when we think about putting more of our energy load on electricity, we need to consider where it comes from on the sunniest day, and where it comes from on the coldest night in January.”

But councilors stayed the course. Coun cil member Thomas Chittenden called the ordinance “a very reasonable, well-phased, modest step,” Meaghan Emery said that the city will “have time to react if this ordinance is no longer viable.”

“This is not the final step, it is a step of many steps that will need to be taken in the future,” she said.

PROPOSED

AMENDMENTS to the SOUTH BURLINGTON LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS

Public Hearing Monday, December 5, 2022 at 9:00 p.m.

Please take notice that the City Council will hold a public hearing on Monday, December 5, 2022 at 9:00 PM to consider amendments to the Land Development Regulations. The amendments affects areas of the City specified below. The hearing will be held in person and remotely via GoToMeeting.

Participation options:

• In Person: City Hall Auditorium, 180 Market Street

• Interactive Online: https://meet.goto.com/SouthBurlingtonVT/city-council-12-05-2022

• Telephone: (872) 240-3212; Access Code: 680-872-653

The purpose of the hearing is to consider the following:

A. LDR-22-07: Modify the Zoning Map in a manner generally described as follows:

1) Redesignate land immediately north of Holmes Road from Commercial 1-Auto to Commercial 2

2) Redesignate land north and south of Fayette Road, immediately west of Shelburne Road, from Commercial 1-Auto to Commercial 1-Residential 15

3) Redesignate land beginning ~75’ west of Fayette Road and ~280’ west of Fayette Road’s planned extension, north of Old Orchard Park and south of the Chittenden County Humane Society, from Commercial 1-Residential 15 to Commercial 1-Auto

B. LDR-22-08: Allow Municipal Uses in the Commercial 2 District and allow the following uses within Commercial 1 Auto District: Congregate Care, Assisted Living, Continuum of Care; Educational Facility; Educational Support Facilities; Hospice; Municipal Facility; Skilled Nursing; Social Services

Copies of the proposed amendments are available for inspection at the Department of Planning & Zoning, City Hall, 3rd Floor, 180 Market Street, and on the city website at www.sbvt.gov.

Helen Riehle, City Council Chair November 17, 2022

Public Notices

City Center TIF District Debt Ballot Question Public Hearing

South Burlington City Council

Monday, December 5, 2022, 8:30 p.m.

Please take notice that the South Burlington City Council will hold a public hearing in the South Burlington City Hall, 180 Market Street, South Burlington, Vermont on Monday, December 5, at 8:30 P.M. to present information and to hear public comments concerning issuance by the City of general obligation debt and the pledging of the City’s full faith and credit in support of capital improvements within the City Center Tax Increment Financing District (TIF District) and related costs.

The specific improvements expected to be constructed with the bond proceeds are City Center Park Phase II (the boardwalk connection), Garden Street (including the Williston Road intersection areas), Williston Road Streetscape (Dorset Street to Midas Drive, south side), and the East-West Crossing (a walk bike bridge over I-89), all of which are within or serving the TIF District. The ballot question to be considered by the City Council, if approved, is expected to be presented for a public vote on Tuesday, March 7, 2023.

“This is a serious policy that we’re undergoing here.”

— Matt Cota

ARIES

March 21 - April 20

You may become impatient with the slow progress of a project at work, Aries. Before you get your feathers all ruf ed, gure out if bringing more people on the team may help.

TAURUS

April 21 - May 21

It may have taken a while, but you’ll start to see some results from actions you initiated weeks ago, Taurus. Your steady pace will pay off in a big way.

GEMINI

May 22 - June 21

Lean on all of your social contacts this week, Gemini. If you’re looking to get out of the house and have fun, they will probably have some ideas on where to go.

CANCER

June 22 - July 22

Be on guard with issues concerning your love life and relationships, Cancer. Things that were working out smoothly may need a little extra attention for the time being.

LEO

July 23 - Aug. 23

Luck will manifest itself in some surprising ways over the course of the next few days, Leo. Seemingly out of nowhere you will have a good turn of events that propel you forward.

VIRGO

Aug. 24 - Sept. 22

Negotiations will go in your favor this week, Virgo. Therefore, if you’ve been seeking a raise or a promotion, you may see that the tides have nally shifted in that direction.

LIBRA

Sept. 23 - Oct. 23

Watch out for overspending that can derail the careful budget that you have set in place, Libra. It may be wise to leave a credit card at home for the next few days.

SCORPIO

Oct. 24 - Nov. 22

Brace yourself, Scorpio, as things could get a bit wild this week. Energy levels rise and tempers may are. Figure out the best way to stay calm amid this confusion.

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 ll each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can gure 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!

CROSSWORD

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 23 - Dec. 21

Plenty of good vibes are coming your way, Sagittarius. You just need to gure out if you’re going to share some good fortune with others and when that will occur.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22 - Jan. 20

A sweet connection with someone else could happen this week, Capricorn. This may be the start of a lasting relationship, whether it is romantic or platonic.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 21 - Feb. 18

Don’t be afraid to showcase your natural talents, Aquarius. Your unique skill set enables you to have a little fun with others and show off a bit at work.

PISCES

Feb. 19 - March 20

Figure out ways to connect with the life force that is all around you, Pisces. Try meditation in the outdoors to blend two experiences.

Rabies is a deadly viral disease of the brain that infects mammals. It is most often seen in raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats, but unvaccinated pets and livestock can also get rabies.The virus is spread through the bite of an infected animal or contact with its

saliva. If left untreated, rabies is almost al ways fatal in humans and animals. However, treatment with the rabies vaccine is nearly 100 percent effective when given soon after a person is bitten by a rabid animal.

So far this year, 23 animals in Vermont have tested positive for rabies, and 14 of those have been raccoons.

According to wildlife officials, rabid animals often show a change in their nor mal behavior, but you cannot tell whether an animal has rabies simply by looking at it. People should not touch or pick up wild animals or strays – even baby animals.

SHELBURNE DAY continued from page 4 face burne-Hinesburg head the Golf depending land. Rotary’s

Shelburne Historical Society will have a display and president Dorothea Penar will lead a cemetery tour at 1 p.m. Food ven dors round out the event with everything from coffee and lemonade to burgers and creemees. Kids will enjoy meeting animals from Shelburne Farms, craft projects, and

FOR SALE

EXTRA-LARGE DOG CAGE: Black with metal, 48in long, 30in wide. Excel

lent condition, $125. Large dog crate. Like new, $60. Small chest of drawers, oak. Good condition, $35. 802-862 5261.

Immerse your self in the world of gourmet chocolate! LCC uses business as a force for good. We listen, learn, and adapt to ensure that we provide an equitable and inclusive work environment where all people experience be longing, opportunity, respect, and dignity. We’re seeking motivated team members who want to join us in that effort!

Seasonal Shipping/Manufacturing - Williston

Seeking: A person who enjoys physical work, takes pride in the details, and enjoy the thrill of a busy holiday season in a chocolate factory!

Duties: producing, packaging/gift-boxing, and/or shipping our products with care and detail in a safe and supportive work envi ronment.

Qualifications: Ability to stand on your feet for long periods of time, lift up to 50 lbs, and have reliable transportation.

Retail Sales Associate – Waterbury

Seeking: A people person that will strive to provide an exceptional in-store experience for the diverse community of chocolate-lovers who visit our Waterbury store.

Duties: Assists store Manager, ensure customers receive out standing service, take inventory, assist with tours, etc.

Qualifications: High School, Cashier Experience, dedicated to quality

CLASSIFIEDS

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!

https://ccs-vt.org/current-openings/

Community Bankers Chittenden County

BUILDERS | MAKERS | DOERS

There is no better time to join our Team!

Northfield Savings Bank, founded in 1867, is the largest banking institution headquartered in Vermont. We are committed to providing a welcoming work environment for all. Are you looking to start or continue a career in the finance industry? Consider joining our team as a Community Banker! To see all our available positions, please visit www.NSBVT.com/careers/open-positions.

Job Responsibilities & Requirements

This frontline position is crucial in creating a positive, welcoming and inclusive experience for NSB customers. The successful candidate will have exceptional customer service and communication skills. The Community Banker will be responsible for receiving and processing customers’ financial transactions as well as opening and maintaining customer accounts and services. We are looking for someone who can develop and maintain relationships with our valued customers, protect bank and customer information, and uphold customer confidentiality. A high school diploma, general education degree (GED), or equivalent is required.

If you have customer service, previous cash handling, or banking experience we encourage you to apply!

Opportunity for Growth

NSB has training opportunities to engage employees and assist with professional development within our company. The average years of service for an NSB employee is 9! If you’re looking for a career in an environment that promotes growth, join our team!

What NSB Can Offer You

Competitive compensation based on experience. Well-rounded benefits package. Profit-Sharing opportunity. Excellent 401(k) matching retirement program. Commitment to professional development. Opportunities to volunteer and support our communities. Work-Life balance!

We understand the importance of having evenings and weekends with our friends, families, and the communities we serve!

Please send an NSB Application & your resume in confidence to: Careers@nsbvt.com or Northfield Savings Bank Human Resources | PO Box 7180, Barre, VT 05641

Champlain Community Services, Inc.

Why not have a job you love?

WE’RE HIRING! WE’RE HIRING!