The Other Paper - 7-6-23

Backyard flock Health officials explain health risks

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Little League South Burlington teams vie for state titles

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the South Burlington’s Community Newspaper Since 1977

City begins inventory of possible lead water service lines

Federal program meant to reduce exposure

South Burlington has begun taking a city-wide inventory of its water service lines as part of a federally mandated program to find and remove lead service lines.

The city council last month approved the awarding of a contract to MSK Engineering to conduct an inventory for $545,000, although most of that money will be eligible for loan forgiveness through the Vermont Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund.

The efforts are part of a country-wide effort to reduce exposure to lead in drinking water. Recent lead and copper revisions from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency require all public community water systems to create a lead service line inventory and submit their findings to the Vermont Drinking Water and Groundwater Protection Division by Oct. 16, 2024, said Tom DiPietro, the city’s public works director.

“It’s a federal requirement passed down to the states and passed down to us, so we have to investigate and document what

Ice cream truck treks through county

Surely the manufacturer of this little red van did not expect it to be used like this.

After somehow making its way across the Pacific Ocean, the van landed in Pennsylvania, where it was sold to a dealership in St. Johnsbury. Now, the vehicle that was once employed as a Japanese fire truck treks through Vermont’s residential roads — capturing attention of kids and adults alike through its unique look, as well as the island jams echoing from of its windows.

“We pull into a development, we turn up the reggae, and we roll through at about two miles an hour,” Josh Leggett said. “It’s been quite a scene.”

Leggett and his family set out

for the van’s maiden voyage on Memorial Day weekend — ready to roll out for its new purpose: selling ice cream.

With Josh and his partner, Renee, and their three kids — Sawyer, Shamus and Sebastien — out of school for the summer, they saw a perfect opportunity to start a roving family-run enterprise.

“It’s been fun and interesting, and the best part about it is we can all fit in the van,” he said. “It’s been a really great experience.”

Josh grew up in Hinesburg, where he helped his father and grandfather run Ballard’s Corner Store on the corner of Route 116 and Shelburne Falls Road before it was sold to Jiffy Mart.

“I’ve been kind of in that food industry for a while and I’ve always wanted to have a food truck,” he said. He original-

ly envisioned a wood-fired pizza truck but was hesitant to commit to what would have been a major investment.

“We had been looking for a bit and I said, ‘Let’s go with an ice cream truck to start,’” he said.

The truck appeared out of the blue.

Renee’s cousin who works at the dealership in St. Johnsbury queued the van up for a camper, but those plans never panned out. So, the family bought the van and threw a cooler into the backseat.

With only 6,000 miles on it, the truck is in great shape.

“It’s a great rig — the motors in great shape, the body is in great

shape,” Leggett said. “It’s a good fit.”

The business has gotten off to an excellent start. They’ve been made a preferred vendor with the South Burlington Recreation Department, getting access to all its events through the summer, and people have reached out for private birthday and graduation events.

The family has also worked Underhill’s food truck night on Fridays, among other events.

The ice cream truck was at South Burlington’s Dorset Park

COREY MCDONALD STAFF WRITER

COREY MCDONALD STAFF WRITER

PHOTO BY COREY MCDONALD

Josh Leggett with his three kids, Sawyer, Shamus and Sebastien, in their III B’s Ice Cream truck.

“I said, ‘Let’s go with an ice cream truck to start.’”

— Josh Leggett

Almost

Feeding Chittenden eats away at food insecurity in Champlain Valley region

MAX SCHEINBLUM VTDIGGER

Raspberries. Brie. Spinach. Ground turkey. Orange juice.

That eclectic mix is just a sample of Jon Brandom’s early morning grocery haul on a recent Wednesday. He was picking up for Feeding Chittenden, a hunger relief organization based in Burlington that provides meals, a market, cooking classes and more to Chittenden County residents experiencing food insecurity.

UVM researchers estimate that 40 percent of Vermonters experienced food insecurity in 2022. Meanwhile, Feeding Chittenden helps feed more than 12,000 people a year.

“I feel like this is an answer,” Brandom said, as he crisscrossed the Burlington area in a boxy white van.

Brandom, Feeding Chittenden’s food rescue coordinator, makes trips like these five days a week in the Burlington area to grocery stores such as Hannaford, Trader Joe’s and City Market. The stores designate items up for donation with a “Food Shelf” label, and Brandom is left to

search fridges and freezers to snatch as much as he can. He begins his day at 8 a.m., and he hopes to bring back fresh produce before the Feeding Chittenden doors open at 9.

Once he scours the shelves, Brandom returns to the organization’s headquarters at 228 N. Winooski Avenue in Burlington to help put away the bounty and set up Feeding Chittenden’s food market — a self-service setup where people who don’t have enough food can get sustenance, no questions asked.

“You get what you want and that’s all that counts,” said a Burlington resident who declined to give her name as she left with a bag of pork, beans and other items. She has been going to Feeding Chittenden since 2004, she said. “It’s a good place to be.”

Brandom’s job is a sliver of the pie at Feeding Chittenden, where the vast array of offerings separate it from other food relief operations in the area. As one of nine organizations that are part of the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity, it can offer a wealth of diverse programs

to underserved Vermonters.

Its headquarters also house CVOEO’s Community Resource Center, which helps connect people experiencing homelessness to medical, transportation or housing resources, among others.

“What sets us apart is just the variety of programs that we provide. It isn’t just about giving people food there,” Anna McMahon, associate director of Feeding Chittenden, said.

“We’re truly trying to change the way that we’re interacting with marginalized populations so that we can better serve them and trying to continually evolve our programming to better meet the needs of economically disadvantaged Vermonters,” she said. “I think we’re definitely at the forefront of this in Vermont.”

‘Helping people out’

Brandom’s collections are part of the over two million pounds of food the organization procures every year, most of it donated. They are items that have not yet expired and are always safe, but not quite up to snuff to be sold in stores.

For example, many bags of oranges and apples contain only one or two bad ones. The rest of the fruit is usable, but supermarkets ditch the entire bag.

Almost Heaven f ollows the life and times of the American musical legend, John Denver. From growing up in a military family to his emergence on the 1960s folk scene, the climb to 1970s superstardom and his later career of the 1980s and 1990s, John Denver’s story is brought to life in this area premiere through his countless hits. JUNE 28 – JULY 8

GREATER BURLINGTON’S PROFESSIONAL SUMMER THEATER

PHOTO BY MAX SCHEINBLUM/VTDIGGER

Jon Brandom is Feeding Chittenden’s food rescue coordinator. He stands for a portrait outside of Trader Joe’s in South Burlington.

“It’s very important to us that it’s a dignified experience.”

— Ansley Laev, Feeding Chittenden

FOOD INSECURITY

continued from page 2

If food does spoil, Feeding Chittenden has an array of trash and compost bins on-site, something Brandom admits didn’t sit right with him when he joined the organization in January.

“I used to feel squeamish about it at first,” he said. “But we’re literally the last possible stop before it gets thrown out.”

A 2016 graduate of the University of Vermont, Brandom said he enjoyed studying sociology because “it felt nice knowing I had answers.” He also majored in environmental science and analyzed food waste systems and poverty, inspiring him to return to the area in 2020 to pick up where he left off.

He arrived at Feeding Chittenden over five months ago after working for City Market Co-op in Burlington, a major supporter of Feeding Chittenden’s work. He enjoys the physical aspects of the job, carrying boxes of food in and out of trucks and always being on his feet, but admits that it’s “put a dent in my running.”

“I obviously enjoy the aspect of helping people out. That definitely helps me sleep at night,” said Brandom, accelerating through a yellow light — something the self-proclaimed “defensive driver” said he rarely does — to make it back to headquarters before the doors open.

Brandom finishes his day by hitting the road again, this time on the delivery side, handling both emergency and scheduled drop-offs for Chittenden County residents in need — another arm of its work. People in need who leave voicemails and send emails to the organization help him plan out his day. He leads a team of about 10 other delivery drivers who help with smaller food pickups in the latter half of the day.

A multipronged approach

Feeding Chittenden’s flagship program is the market that Brandom stocks, a pickand-choose setup open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. People can come in once a week and take anything they need, with options ranging from pork to fresh produce to canned applesauce.

More than 160 volunteers help the 18-person staff with stocking shelves, delivering and picking up food, prepping the kitchen, and filling any other gaps that crop up.

That is where most of the donated food Brandom picks up comes into play. McMahon said the organization also purchases items that are less frequently donated, such as milk and eggs, to ensure people have a lot of good choices.

“It’s very important to us that it’s a dignified experience,” said Ansley Laev,

volunteer and receiving coordinator. Feeding Chittenden prides itself on being organized, well stocked and an overall welcoming space for people dealing with food insecurity.

Hot breakfast is served every weekday from 9 to 11 a.m. and grab-and-go lunches are offered through the early afternoon. Many people will come in for coffee, eggs, bacon, and other early morning staples and, after eating, leave with items from the food shelf, too. An average day sees between 140 and 200 people come into the facilities.

Going to school

Feeding Chittenden was launched in 1974 as the Chittenden County Emergency Food Shelf but rebranded to its current name in 2019, to indicate it was offering broader services. It has relocated twice over the years, most recently in 1994, expanding all facets of the operation in response to a growing need for food relief.

“It’s all exciting, you know. We’ve continued to innovate and we’re not stagnant,” McMahon said. “We’re not just doing the same-old-same-old over the last nine years that I’ve been with the organization.”

Part of that development has been its Community Kitchen Academy, where chefs train aspiring culinary artists, helping both in and out of the kitchen with reading over resumes, interview prep and, of course, food-based training.

The meals they prepare are made exclusively with donated food, giving the chefs a chance to showcase their creativity and make recipes on the fly. Their creations are served to residents both on-site and, historically, out of Feeding Chittenden’s food truck — a COVID-19 casualty that McMahon said will be back on the road soon.

Nearly 300 people have graduated from the Community Kitchen Academy since 2009, and Feeding Chittenden says 91 percent of them found jobs in the food industry.

Feeding Chittenden has also grown to help people who are not onlyu experiencing food insecurity, but face access barriers to food pantries or other meal sites.

“We’re really trying to reduce those reasons why people aren’t coming in to get food,” McMahon said, “whether that’s transportation or stigma or a language barrier.”

“It’s sad when organizations like this have to exist,” she said. “We used to say, ‘Oh, we hope to work ourselves out of a job.’ But that just doesn’t really seem feasible at this point.”

Correction

In our summer music preview, we conflated two different musical offerings and listed the wrong dates and musical acts for SB Nite Out. Here is the correct information:

Concerts are held weekly, on Thursdays, 5-8 p.m., at Veterans Memorial Park, South Burlington, through Aug. 24.

reserving a Trial Stay

July 6: The Grift

July 13: Grippo Funk Band

July 20: B-Town

July 27: Barbie-n-Bones

Aug. 3: Quadra

Aug. 10: Sticks & Stones

Aug. 17: Neon Ramblers

Aug. 24: A House on Fire

Three people carjacked on Farrell Street, police say

An armed man carjacked three people June 28 around 1:58 p.m. from a parking garage on Farrell Street.

South Burlington police say a Black male approached the three people in a 2021 Nissan Altima brandishing a semiautomatic pistol. He was wearing green pants, dark hoodie and a black balaclava.

The man eventually drove off in the car. Video of incident revealed he arrived at the garage in a late model gray BMW with at least one other person.

Police Briefs

The suspect’s passenger left the parking garage in the BMW at the same time.

“The suspect appears to have intentionally approached the Nissan in question,” police said.

The Nissan is black with Vermont registration KKY 428.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 802-8464111.

Robbery at Champlain Farms nets cash, cigarettes

On June 28 around 3:14 p.m., police say a lone white man approached the clerk at Champlain

South Burlington Police Blotter: June 26 – July 2

Farms, 801 Williston Road, as if he had a weapon and demanded cash and cigarettes.

The suspect was described as over 6 feet tall, with a thin build and patchy facial hair. He was wearing a dark bandana around his face, black T-shirt, gray athletic shorts and black shoes.

He fled the store with an undisclosed amount of cash and cigarettes and was last seen on foot travelling toward Burlington on Williston Road.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 802-8464111.

Summer Safety Tips from VGS

Keep landscaping and large objects away from your meter

Please do not place mulch, topsoil or rocks in contact with your meter. Be careful when mowing and report any damage. If your meter is located where large objects, such as vehicles or dumpsters, could collide with it, a barricade should be installed. Contact us about barricade options at 802-863-4511.

During summer, you may see VGS representatives outside your home inspecting our system and painting meters.

Suspicious event: 27

Directed patrol: 21

Welfare check: 21

Agency / public assists: 19

Traffic stop: 13

Trespass: 12

Disturbance: 11

Motor vehicle complaint: 10

Alarm: 8

Larceny from motor vehicle: 8

Retail theft: 6

Accident: property damage: 6

Suicidal person: 6

Domestic: 6

Property damage: 5

Total incidents: 255

Arrests:

June 29 at 10 a.m., Frederick J. Spencer, 36, of Williston, was arrested for unlawful trespass, resisting arrest, violating conditions of release and stalking on Williston Road.

June 30 at 9 a.m., Randall G. Richardson, 46, of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, was arrested on an in-state warrant on Shelburne Road.

June 30 at 5:31 p.m., Brian K. Leclair, 42, of Colchester, was arrested for false pretenses on Dorset Street.

Top incidents:

June 26 at 6:52 a.m., police are investigating a report of property damage at White Street

and Patchen Road.

June 26 at 10:31 a.m., someone was making threats on Preserve Road.

June 27 at 8:23 a.m., a report of drug possession on Williston Road is being investigated.

June 28 at 9:53 a.m., a domestic situation is being investigated on Market Street.

June 28 at 4:18 p.m., threats were made on San Remo Drive.

June 29 at 8:27 a.m., a fraud was reported on Berard Drive.

June 29 at 12:32 p.m., a noise complaint on Meadow Road.

June 30 at 9:34 a.m., a problem with a juvenile on Market Street.

June 30 at 12:23 p.m., a larceny was reported from Allen Road East and N. Jefferson Road.

July 1 at 12:45 p.m., a suspicious event was reported on Juniper Drive.

July 1 at 8:41 p.m., someone on Floral Street is being investigated for violating the city’s fireworks ordinance.

July 2 at 8:09 a.m., a larceny from a vehicle was reported on Swift Street.

July 2 at 12:04 p.m., police were called to a report of custodial interference on Arbor Road.

July 2 at 3:47 p.m., police are investigating a report of domestic assault on Allen Road.

South Burlington’s Community Newspaper Since 1977 A publication of Vermont Community Newspaper Group LLC otherpapersbvt.com

Advertising Director Judy Kearns judy@otherpapersbvt.com (802) 864-6670 x21

How to Detect a Gas Leak

Smell: Natural gas is normally odorless. A distinctive, pungent odor, similar to rotten eggs, is added so that you will recognize it quickly.

Sight: You may see a white cloud, mist, fog, bubbles in standing water, or blowing dust. You may also see vegetation that appears to be dead or dying.

Sound: You may hear an unusual noise like a roaring, hissing, or whistling.

If you suspect a leak:

Move immediately to a safe location. Call VGS at 800-639-8081 or call 911 with the exact location. Do not smoke or operate electrical switches or appliances. These items may produce a spark that might result in a dangerous condition.

Do not assume someone else will report the condition.

Advertising Wendy Ewing wendy@shelburnenews.com (802) 985-3091 x12

News Editor Tommy Gardner

Staff Writers Aaron Calvin Corey McDonald Liberty Darr

Production Manager Stephanie Manning stephanie@shelburnenews.com

Editor/Publisher Gregory Popa gpopa@stowereporter.com

Billing inquiries Leslie Lafountain leslie@stowereporter.com (802) 253-2101

Advertising submission deadline: Thursday at 5 p.m. advertising@otherpapersbvt.com classifieds@otherpapersbvt.com

Editorial submission deadline: Friday at 5 p.m. news@otherpapersbvt.com

Calendar submission deadline: Friday at 12 p.m. news@otherpapersbvt.com

Contact: 1340 Williston Road South Burlington, VT 05403 (802) 864-6670

We can, and we must, dissent

From the Senate

Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale

As I thought about what the 4th of July meant to me this year, I had to dig deep.

The unelected ultra conservatives who have hijacked the Supreme Court and overturned Roe v. Wade with the help of an impeached and indicted former president have now voted to overturn affirmative action in higher education, to allow businesses to discriminate against LGBTQ customers and to block student debt relief for millions of struggling Americans.

In moments like this, I am reminded of James Baldwin’s poignant words: “I love America more than any other country in the world and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.”

As Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson wrote in her dissent on the court’s affirmative action ruling, Students for Fair Admissions v. UNC: “With let-them-eat-cake obliviousness, today, the majority pulls the ripcord and announces ‘colorblindness for all’ by legal fiat. But deeming race irrelevant in law does not make it so in life.”

And Justice Sotomayor laid out the stakes in her dissent on LGBTQ equality, 303 Creative

Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale

While this past week revealed some of our darkest, most unprecedented days in our democracy, we still have the power to dissent. We can and we must.

LLC v. Elenis: “The Supreme Court of the United States declares that a particular kind of business, though open to the public, has a constitutional right to refuse to serve members of a protected class,” Sotomayor wrote. “The court does so for the first time in its history.”

While the Supreme Court is attacking racial justice, equality and access to higher education, the vast majority of Americans disagree. We are in a fight for the soul of

KESHA RAM HINSDALE

Mira, the daughter of Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale and Jacob Hindsale, enjoys her first Fourth.

The much awaited and highly anticipated Pêche Medical, owned and operated by Kellie Malaney, PA and Sarah Dietschi, NP is now seeing patients. Known for their ability to listen carefully and execute a natural-looking, “un-done” appearance, Kellie & Sarah are two of the most experienced, respected and appreciated clinicians in the Medical Aesthetic field in Vermont. Come see them for a consult or treatment and see the difference that experience, artistry and integrity makes!

Schedule online or by phone today!

First up for new director of equity? Lots of listening

From the School Board

Chelsea Tillinghast

Earlier this month I had the pleasure of sitting down for coffee with the South Burlington School District’s new director of diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism, and social emotional learning, Monica Desrochers.

Right away I asked her some big questions: What does a director of diversity do day to day? How will her work impact the district? Why should taxpayers get behind the position?

Desrochers responded with some big questions herself: What does the community want out of public education? What kinds of people are we hoping to prepare for our community? What do students need to become highly satisfied individuals and why does it matter in the first place if students are highly satisfied?

Over the course of the conversation, we began to develop an analogy for public education. Educational systems used to be built much like monocrop agriculture. For non-farming readers, monocropping is the practice of working to grow one specific type of seed and grow it well.

In monocropping systems everything is built around nourishing a specific seed and getting the most out of the resources available for that type of seed. Corn, for example. However, if you happen to be something different than a corn seed, you may find ways to thrive on the outskirts of the field, or you may be weeded out or treated with pesticides.

Consolidate debt with a RELOC

experiencing disproportionate outcomes and modify instruction and train staff accordingly.

This will be the continued work of change in the district that will take teamwork, time, empathy and structural change. She hopes to listen, look, learn evaluate the data — and then look again — constantly developing a cohesive perspective of our whole picture.

Education used to be built around the idea that all students were just empty vessels waiting to be filled with knowledge before graduating into the world and joining our communities. Today we know that that philosophy doesn’t honor who students are, where they come from or what they have to offer.

Students are not empty vessels, but diverse seeds waiting to be planted and nourished with the specific set of conditions they require to be fully realized, healthy versions of themselves, and highly satisfied problem solvers who are ready to join the larger community.

Data has shown us that monocropping is not good for communities as it diminishes soil health, creates unsustainability, contributes negatively to climate change and weakens local food systems. In contrast, permaculture and small-scale farming have the opposite effect. They strengthen local communities and create biodiverse ecosystems that offer a cornucopia of nourishment for a community.

Our world is changing, and we need more than corn to nourish our community. Educators today are being tasked with preparing students for jobs that don’t even exist yet. If, as a community, we claim to support lifelong learning, how can we ensure that all our students are getting access to the education that they need to develop those skills?

A good first step is ensuring we have a director of diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism and social emotional learning. In this role, Desrochers’ job is to look at our public education ecosystem and determine where students are thriving, and where there is room for improvement. She said one of the first things she plans to do is start listening: listening to students, families, teachers, support staff, administrators and community members. She will evaluate academic and behavioral data to see who in the system is

The amount of data that there is to know exponentially increases every year. That’s a different world than many of us were educated in, and education needs to change to reflect the world that students are preparing to become members of. If you care about public education, I encourage you to ask yourself what Desrochers asked me: If we want our schools to build a proud tradition and a legacy of South Burlington, what should students be experiencing and accessing in our schools? How do we offer education to all students that promotes lifelong learning, problem solving, emotional regulation, creativity, vibrancy and highly satisfied individuals?

I would say it’s by making sure that we have a director of diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism, and social emotional learning that understands where education is, where it’s going and how to assist the district with its specific student populations through in the most equitable and diverse way possible.

If you’ve read about Monica Desrochers, you know she’s more than up to this task and we are thrilled to have her. She will lead and develop systems to support change through teamwork with superintendent Violet Nichols, the school board, administrators, educators and the community.

I am hoping to check back with her after her first 60 days to see how things are going and what she’s learned about our district so far. One thing she did note is that even from her interview experience, it’s clear that South Burlington takes pride in its schools and students.

I look forward to the work ahead and all the changes and big impacts she will have on our students and community in the future.

Chelsea Tillinghast is a member of the South Burlington School Board.

Perfect fetch

NOW HIRING

RECREATION AND PARKS MAINTENANCE WORKER

The City of South Burlington is looking for an energetic and skilled worker to serve as our next Recreation and Parks Maintenance Worker. This position would be responsible for Manual work of a routine nature in performing parks and recreational facilities maintenance activities. This position would collaborate with recreation program staff as well as assist the Recreation Department during festivals and events including setup and breakdown of events.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: High school diploma or equivalent plus two years’ experience in parks, landscaping, or public works maintenance activities. Must also possess Vermont CDL B license with tanker endorsement, or ability to obtain within six months.

Learn more about the position and see a detailed job description by visiting our website: southburlingtonvt.gov/jobopportunities

PROJECT MANAGER –TRANSPORTATION AND OPEN SPACES

Letters to the Editor

The City of South Burlington is looking for a dynamic and innovative individual to join our team as a Project Manager – Transporation and Open Spaces! Under the general supervision of the Deputy Director of Capital Projects, the Project Manager - Transportation and Open Spaces is responsible for the oversight of capital improvement projects encompassing multi-modal transportation and open-space, from development and planning through construction.

Change can be hard, but let’s not lose civility

To the Editor:

What’s in a name? Apparently, a lot.

I moved to South Burlington around the time of the controversial change from the Rebels to the Wolves as a school mascot. I followed the story as best I could but never did understand the motive behind the change. I assume it was the connection to slavery and the Confederacy.

I wonder: was this original name chosen because a group of people supported slavery? Or the intentions of the Confederacy? Was there some unconscious bias at play then or even now? Maybe. Maybe not. I bet they just liked the sound of it. Or they thought that the definition, “to make war against something you disagree with or refuse to conform to,” made the choice something that can help rally the troops when sports teams are competing. I have just as much of a problem with the new mascot and logo, which is a dark, sinister-looking, angry-looking wolf.

Humankind has displaced, hunted, killed and vilified wolves and our logo perpetuates that.

And then there’s Vermont Public, another name change that has caused feathers to ruffle. For me the sound of it is like verbal constipation. I find myself wanting to correct the radio staff by adding the word radio!

It has bothered me so much that I no longer listen to the radio station; instead, I listen to and support a Boston NPR station, which surprisingly I like more.

Of course, this leads me to SoBu. It is a ridiculous name that makes me cringe, but perhaps I’m just resistant to change? Perhaps all the other naysayers are just resistant to change?

The anti-Rebel group didn’t see its unconscious bias. Vermont Public is actually cool and hip but I’m not?

I do firmly believe this: the pendulum can sometimes swing a bit too far in compensating for new ideas and initiatives; many people have a difficult time adjusting to change; corporations, businesses and other entities make changes that leave people scratching their heads. Hopefully, in this highly polarized culture, we can continue to have civil discourse and maybe even have some empathy for others’ opinions. But please, can we change it back to Vermont Public Radio?

Rick Devine South Burlington

South Burlington celebrates Juneteenth

To the Editor:

“So, I’m kind of bummed that South Burlington never does anything for the 4th of July.” This is a phrase that I read online last week and have often heard and even said myself over the first 18 years that we’d lived in South Burlington.

Then, in June 2020, after the watershed moment of George Floyd’s death at the hands of a white police officer, Juneteenth popped into our collective consciousness. Opening our eyes to a national holiday celebrated by tens of millions of Americans, city councilors in South Burlington, a rural community that seceded from Burlington in 1865 — at the end of the Civil War — determined in 2023 that this was a holiday for our growing and increasingly diverse city. Scheduled as a regular council

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s Degree in construction management, transportation management, engineering or related field plus two years experience in transportation engineering and/or project management, construction management, open-space management, engineering or related field required, Equivalency considered. Learn more about the position and see a detailed job description by visiting our website: southburlingtonvt.gov/jobopportunities

HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE WORKER

The City of South Burlington is looking for an experienced and skilled worker to serve as a Highway Maintenance Worker. Assist in the operation of public works equipment for all highway division projects involving the maintenance of city streets, sewers, parks and other city property, including proficient use of all City owned or rented heavy equipment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: High school diploma or equivalent plus two years’ experience in general construction or public works related activities. Equivalency considered. Must also possess required Vermont CDL license with tanker endorsement or ability to obtain within 6 months. Learn more about the position and see a detailed job description by visiting our website: southburlingtonvt.gov/jobopportunities

HIGHWAY MECHANIC

The City of South Burlington is looking for an experienced and skilled worker to serve as our next Highway Mechanic. This position would be responsible for the maintenance and repair of all City vehicles and equipment. This individual would also support the coordination of activities between all staff and other departments within the City.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:High school diploma or equivalent plus one years’ experience in maintenance and repair of heavy and motorized equipment, or equivalent automotive education. Equivalency considered. Must also possess State of Vermont Certified Vehicle Inspector certification as well as required Vermont CDL license with tanker endorsement or ability to obtain within 6 months. Must be able to pass pre-employment criminal background check and drug test as well as random CDL drug testing through duration of employment.

Learn more about the position and see a detailed job description by visiting our website: southburlingtonvt.gov/jobopportunities

APPLY NOW: Review of applications will begin July 10, 2023. To apply, please email an SB City employment application form, cover letter, resume and three references to sbcityjobs@southburlingtonvt.gov with position of interest in the subject line.

COURTESY PHOTO

Juju loves walking to the mailbox with their humans, Meghan Butler and Renzo Silva of South Burlington, and bringing back The Other Paper!

Backyard chickens

VT health officials explain health risks

OLIVIA Q. PINTAIR VTDIGGER

As egg prices have soared, Vermonters may have more reasons than one this year to take a crack at raising backyard chicks.

“Raising baby poultry like chicks, ducklings and goslings in your backyard can offer many benefits, such as fresh eggs, opportunities to connect with nature, and education for children and families,” Dr. Natalie Kwit, Vermont’s public health veterinarian, said. “But it’s very important to take steps to help minimize the spread of diseases.”

According to health officials, chickens can pose risks to human health, sometimes spreading harmful bacteria such as salmonella, campylobacter and E. coli through their meat or eggs, or propagating viruses like avian influenza, also known as bird flu.

As families begin to welcome new flocks this year, officials say it’s important to know how to do so safely.

Infected birds can transmit bird flu viruses through their saliva, mucus and feces, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Human infection with such viruses, while rare, can occur if these substances are introduced to the human body through a person’s eyes, nose or mouth, or through inhalation.

The Grift

“Illness in humans from bird flu virus infections have ranged in severity from no symptoms or mild illness to severe disease that resulted in death,” the federal agency reported.

The bacteria and viruses from poultry are most likely to cause severe illness in people with weakened immune systems, older adults and children younger than 5 years old, Kwit said.

To prevent the spread of disease from backyard chickens, the Vermont Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control offer several recommendations — supervise children around poultry, avoid touching the face or mouth after handling poultry or eggs, and make sure anyone who handles poultry or eggs washes their hands thoroughly afterward.

“It’s really helpful to have adults supervise children, especially young children, for handwashing,” Kwit said, since kids are typically “not as good at hand hygiene as adults are, and will put their hands in their mouths more often.”

The Department of Health also recommends cleaning chicken coops and equipment thoroughly and regularly, and keeping all equipment used to care for poultry — including shoes that people wear near the coop — outside of the house and far away from areas where human food is prepared. Equipment such as cages and food

or water containers should always be cleaned outside with a hose, rather than in a kitchen sink or bathtub indoors.

“One of the main purposes that people keep backyard flocks is so they can have fresh eggs,” Kwit said, “and there are certain ways to minimize the risk of exposure to harmful bacteria through handling those eggs and cooking with them.”

Cleaning chicken coops often and collecting eggs regularly help to ensure that bacteria does not build up on shells over time, Kwit said. When preparing eggs to eat,

don’t wash the eggs with water, as bacteria can sometimes enter eggs through their porous shells, but instead use a brush to gently sweep debris off eggs. Refrigerating eggs and cooking them fully are other ways to minimize risk of bacterial infection, she said.

“If you keep your animals healthy, you keep the people who own them healthy as well,” Kwit said.

Officials at the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets say that one of the best ways to keep poultry healthy is to prevent contact between chickens

and wild waterfowl, such as ducks, which often carry avian influenza.

“Anyone involved with poultry production — from small backyard coops to large commercial producers — should review their biosecurity plans and activities to ensure the health of their birds,” officials at the agriculture agency said.

Raising chickens “really is a fantastic thing — and more popular these days, especially in smaller states like ours — that can really connect people with the environment,” Kwit said, “We just want people to do it safely.”

Community Notes

Ethan Allen Homestead holds annual meeting

Ethan Allen Homestead will hold its annual meeting and program on Sunday, July 9, at 2 p.m.

The business meeting will feature the election of officers,

HINSDALE

continued from page 5

this nation, and fundamentally, what it means to be American and what kind of country our children will inherit. This is not a fight we can give up, nor can we afford to lose.

After this 4th of July, I hope you will join me in loving this country enough to openly criticize those who would tear down the promise of liberty and justice for all. We must ensure government reflects the will of the people

presentation of a research grant award and refreshments.

Rolf Diamant, University of Vermont adjunct associate professor and former superintendent of five national parks, will give a talk on “Vermonters and The Blockade Board’s Backdoor War.” All are welcome.

before it’s too late. We must dissent.

Happy Independence Day.

Kesha Ram Hinsdale, a Democrat from Shelburne, serves the towns of South Burlington, Shelburne, Charlotte, Hinesburg, Milton, Burlington, St. George, Westford, Underhill, Jericho, Richmond, Winooski, Williston, Essex and Bolton in the Legislature.

COURTESY PHOTO

The Grift graces the SB Nite Out stage tonight, Thursday, July 6, 5-8 p.m., at Veterans Memorial Park, South Burlington. Now in its seventh year, friends, family and neighbors spend evenings in the park listening to live music and enjoying different cuisines, on Thursdays through August. The concert on July 13 features the Grippo Funk Band. B-Town plays July 20.

GORDON MILLER

Chickens can pose risks to human health, sometimes spreading harmful bacteria such as salmonella, campylobacter and E. coli through their meat or eggs.

Above: Little League All Stars 8-9-10 Minors

Left: Little League All Stars 11-12 Majors

Below: Little League All Stars 9-10-11 Minors

South Burlington youth baseball competes for state championships

South Burlington has three all-star teams, including two minor teams and a major team that took the field in a double-elimination tournament. All-star teams are made up of the top players in the league, ages 8-12. This year’s minor team, for ages 8-10, is managed by Matt Bunting,

with assistant coaches Tim O’Day and Travis Mott. The players are Jacob Bieber, Anderson Calcagni, Brody Clark, Harrison O’Day, Henry Bunting, Camden Mott and Cavan Seligman. Joining the team as first year all-star players are Nile Gray, Grayson Dailey, Brodrik Eayrs, Liam Allen and John Moore

Jr. This year’s major team, for ages 10-12, is managed by Blaine Clark, with assistant coaches Brian Clark, Jim Smith, Alex Gover and Mike Comtois. The line-up for this year’s

See BASEBALL on page 11

COURTESY PHOTOS

LETTERS

continued from page 7

meeting, the third Monday of June, June 19, is now an annual South Burlington celebration of civic pride and of our freedoms as Americans in the way that Burlington hosts the July 4th celebration and fireworks display.

This year, nearly one hundred people packed the seats in the auditorium at 180 Market St. and were treated to an evening of song, poetry and the stirring patriotic rhetoric of Frederick Douglass read by seven Frederick H. Tuttle and South Burlington High School students. Our singer, Rachel Ambaye, is a South Burlington High School graduate (2020) who is currently completing her undergraduate degrees at the University of Vermont, where she majors in jazz studies and global studies, and minors in French.

Our newly declared honorary native son and visiting poet Major Jackson read poems inspired by Douglass and one of his own. After teaching at the University of Vermont for 19 years, and the recipient of many awards and honors, he is now the Gertrude Conaway Vanderbilt Chair in the Humanities at Vanderbilt Univer-

Howard Center recognizes staff

sity.

Finally, the students at Frederick H. Tuttle Middle School, Naomi Chaulot, Bryce Cinti, Abby Donahue, Ria Fitzgerald and Molly Pels, and two South Burlington High School students, Alannah Corbett and Meghan McCaffrey, brought their voices to an 1852 speech that escaped slave, famous orator and abolitionist Frederick Douglass prepared for Independence Day but pronounced on July 5, 1852, to draw attention to the fact that not all people could celebrate independence.

Here in South Burlington, we have found our niche in the plethora of civic holidays that unite us as Americans. If you couldn’t join us this year, we do hope you will come out and celebrate with us next Juneteenth. And that’s something to cheer about. From every mountainside and all through the Champlain Valley, let freedom ring.

Meaghan Emery South Burlington

Emery is a South Burlington city councilor.

Howard Center recently honored its employees for their service.

This year, 130 employees reached their respective anniversaries, joining over 600 of their colleagues who have been with the organization for at least five years.

South Burlington resident Cindy Phenix, an acute residential councilor, celebrated 30 years with

BASEBALL

continued from page 10

all-stars is Bradley Clark, Colin Bishop-von Wettburg, Will Smith, Benjamin Angelino, Jackson Young, Henry Clark, Zach Pierson, Griffin Luck, Dominic Comtois, Levi Gover, William McGrath and AP Zuchman.

These teams will play against six neighboring towns including Burlington, Colchester, Williston, Camel’s Hump, Middlebury and Champlain Valley. Games will be hosted between Calahan Park on Locust Street and Schifilliti Park on Gosse Court, both fields located in Burlington. The top four teams of this district will go on to play for a

PUBLIC WORKS

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATIONS FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES

The City of South Burlington is in the process of obtaining Statements of Qualifications from engineering firms detailing the firms’ qualifications, technical expertise, management and staffing capabilities, references, and related prior experience. Required professional services will include wastewater engineering and design related services, preparation of bidding and contract documents, participation in the evaluation of bids received, and monitoring and inspection of construction activities to ensure compliance with plans and specifications associated with the City of South Burlington’s Airport Parkway Wastewater Treatment Facility Solids Upgrade Project as detailed in section 6.7 of the “Bartlett Bay Wastewater Treatment Facility Refurbishment Preliminary Engineering Report”. A digital copy of this report is available on the South Burlington Water Quality Division’s website at: https://cms6.revize.com/revize/southburlington/departments/water_quality/index.php

Procurement of said services will be in accordance with elements of the procurement process in 40 U.S.C. § 1101-1104. Qualified firms/candidates interested in being considered for this project must submit 3 copies each of: (1) letter of interest; (2) statement of qualifications and experience of staff persons who will be involved with the project; (3) references; and (4) related prior experience. Submit the requested information to Bob Fischer, South Burlington Wastewater Superintendent as a PDF document attached to an email sent to bfischer@southburlingtonvt.gov. In order to receive consideration, proposals must arrive no later than 3:00 pm on July 21, 2023.

Attention is directed to the fact that the proposed project may be undertaken with a variety of Federal and state funds and that all work will be performed in accordance with the regulations issued by such agencies and the State of Vermont pertaining thereto.

The City of South Burlington shall evaluate the statements of qualifications and performance data and other material submitted by interested firms and select a minimum of three firms which, in their opinion, are best qualified to perform the desired services. Interviews with each firm selected shall be conducted, which may include discussions regarding anticipated concepts and proposed methods of approach. The City of South Burlington shall rank, in order of preference, these three professional firms deemed to be the most highly qualified to provide the services required, and shall commence scope of services and price negotiations with the highest qualified professional firm for engineering services.

the agency.

Bob Bick, Howard Center CEO says, “The commitment of our team provides crucial help and support to the children, adults, and families we serve each day. I extend my sincere gratitude to every staff member for their ongoing work in shaping a brighter future for our community.”

Those honored for 25 years include Deborah DeLadurantaye,

Lenora Meyers-Nelson, Anne Paradiso and Prudence Trombly. Chris Gillespie, Beth Holden, Shelly McGinnis, and Darlene Sherman were recognized for 30 years of service. Linda Quinn and Elaine Soto were honored for 35 years. Two Howard Center employees, Peter Burns and Karen Hussey, celebrated 40 years of service to the organization.

state title, with the chance to move through to New England Regionals.

Due to increased interest in the game, South Burlington was able to form an additional minor team (ages 9-11), which will play in a double-elimination tournament for a chance to win a district title. This year’s team is managed by

Tim Collins, with assistant coaches Mike Paul and Sean Benham.

Players are George Strokoff, Edgar Strokoff, Keegan Paul, Arthur Collins, Oliver Benham, Ian McGibney, Cristobal Hernandez de Jesus, Mason McCormack, Conrad Gordon, Garrett Burton, Orion Hauser-Rainville and Carter Russell.

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATIONS FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES

The City of South Burlington is in the process of obtaining Statements of Qualifications from qualified engineering firms detailing the firms’ qualifications, technical expertise, management and staffing capabilities, references, and related prior experience. Required professional services will include, but are not limited to: development of an Industrial User Survey to identify the industrial users discharging to the two City of South Burlington Wastewater Treatment Facilities (WWTFs), dissemination and collection of the survey, dissemination of results including parameters including copper discharged, potential testing in the sewer system to identify dischargers, development of technically based local limits in accordance with Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Local Limits Development Guidance (EPA 833-R-04-002A) and State and Federal Regulations, and recommend updates to the Sewer Use Ordinance to support development of Technically Based Local Limits, Industrial User Survey, and/or control of high strength or toxic discharges to the WWTF.

Procurement of said services will be in accordance with elements of the procurement process in 40 U.S.C. § 1101-1104. Qualified firms/candidates interested in being considered for this project must submit 3 copies each of: (1) letter of interest; (2) statement of qualifications and experience of staff persons who will be involved with the project; (3) references; and (4) related prior experience. Submit the requested information to Bob Fischer, South Burlington Wastewater Superintendent as a PDF document attached to an email sent to bfischer@southburlingtonvt.gov. In order to receive consideration, proposals must arrive no later than 2:00 p.m. on July 28, 2023.

Attention is directed to the fact that the proposed project may be undertaken with a variety of Federal and state funds and that all work will be performed in accordance with the regulations issued by such agencies and the State of Vermont pertaining thereto.

The City of South Burlington shall evaluate the statements of qualifications and performance data and other material submitted by interested firms and select a minimum of three firms which, in their opinion, are best qualified to perform the desired services. Interviews with each firm selected shall be conducted, which may include discussions regarding anticipated concepts and proposed methods of approach. The City of South Burlington shall rank, in order of preference, these three professional firms deemed to be the most highly qualified to provide the services required and shall commence scope of services and price negotiations with the highest qualified professional firm for engineering services.

Shelburne Farms uses fungi to curb lake pollution

DENIZ DUTTON COMMUNITY NEWS SERVICE

Riparian buffers are a big deal in Vermont. Millions of state dollars have been spent on planting vegetation between farmland and waterways to help stem fertilizer runoff — and the blue-green algae blooms stimulated by it — by letting the plants remove excess nutrients from soil.

A novel experiment at Shelburne Farms aims to enhance that process along Lake Champlain by using fungi. The ecological restoration project is centered on a relatively new strategy called myco-phytoremediation, a type of bioremediation — using nature to restore nature.

It was born out of a collaboration between the Burlington-based company MycoEvolve and a lab in the University of Vermont’s Department of Plant and Soil Science. MycoEvolve provides nature-based restoration services for degraded and contaminated sites and is spearheaded by founder Jess Rubin.

You could find Rubin one sunny day this spring on a research plot at Shelburne Farms. Past a tunnel of buckthorn so dense it blocked the sun was a streamside clearing where the shrubs had been swapped for young willows. A mesh fence bordered the clearing, and inside it was Rubin, trimming stray branches and pulling up weeds to give the willows the best chance at thriving.

Clearing all that buckthorn took three campaigns across two

years, to make sure the plant’s underground energy reserves were tapped out. But it was worthwhile: Common buckthorn, an invasive species on Vermont’s noxious weed list, has deleterious effects on forest regeneration and wildlife, notably from the laxative effect of its berries.

Along with invasive species, Shelburne Farms struggles to mitigate phosphorus in its soil and waterways, a legacy of using early chemical fertilizers in the mid-20th century. Although the farm does not currently apply fertilizer to its

fields, phosphorus is still present in cow manure, which finds its way into streams during rains and into Champlain.

“That’s why Jess’s site is a good one, because it’s (a point) source that’s traditionally from some of the dairy farm, but a lot of it is from the soil itself,” Megan Camp, vice president and program director at Shelburne Farms, said. “If we could prevent all the phosphorus from running into the lake today, which we should still continue to do, there’s still this challenge of legacy phosphorus to deal with.”

The main point source of phosphorus that MycoEvolve is trying to mitigate is a 50-squareyard compost pile upslope of the experiment site. The average level of phosphorus in soils at the site, according to the researchers, is about 17 times the maximum of a healthy range as described by the Environmental Protection Agency.

“We’ve done a number of initiatives to reduce phosphorus runoff,” Camp said. “One is we’re a grassbased dairy farm, so we don’t till the land. So, we really greatly reduce runoff by having a perennial like grass in pastures.”

Another mitigation technique employed by the farm is a constructed wetland designed to intercept runoff from the manure pit, which contains high concentrations of phosphorus, before it percolates into a natural wetland and subsequently the lake.

Science of fungi

Constructed wetlands are a proven method of water purification, but Rubin’s research shows that better results can be found by incorporating fungi — known as mycorrhizal fungi –– that can form mutually beneficial relationships

phorus levels were significantly lower, and the concentration of phosphorus in plant tissue was significantly higher. If implemented at a larger scale, along with cyclical harvesting of the plants, the researchers believe the technique could mitigate some of the phosphorus pollution going into Lake Champlain from Shelburne Farms if maintained over several decades.

The team hopes to triple the size of the experiment to add statistical strength to the findings. When that expansion happens, Rubin said, the researchers will use fungi sourced from a wild area of the farm, rather than the commercial mix used now, and the plants used in the restoration will be revised in collaboration with Vermont Abenaki partners — a social justice angle to the restoration work.

with plants. While plants have roots, these fungi have hyphae, which are finer and can more nimbly explore soil and mine nutrients that plants can struggle to collect.

In exchange, host plants can feed fungi with carbohydrates produced through photosynthesis. It’s an ancient relationship that dates back 400 million years, when fossil records from Scotland show early terrestrial plants began associating with types of fungi that helped them survive in harsh, infertile soils of the late Paleozoic era. Today, up to 80 percent of all terrestrial plants are adapted to living with mycorrhizal fungi.

“In general, they’re kind of like an ecological scaffolding or a green infrastructure of much of the plant community that we see today,” Rubin said.

In the presence of scarce nutrients, those associations can make the difference between survival and mortality. However, when soils are saturated with nutrients, such as at Shelburne Farms, the relationships can deteriorate, with the fungi no longer providing any more nutrients than the plants can get by themselves but continuing to suck carbon from the plants in a parasitic manner.

This is one explanation for early data from the Shelburne Farms experiment that shows decreased plant vitality in the plots where fungi have been introduced compared to plots where they have not, according to Rubin, who says more data is needed to show whether it’s a definite trend.

Currently, there is only one plot with fungi. The other treatment plot only uses buckthorn removal.

Already the experiment has yielded other, promising results: in fungi-inoculated plots, soil phos-

“I’ve grown up with the awareness that we are on unceded territory,” Rubin said, describing her affinity for this type of work and her approach to academia. “One of my kind of secret missions involves bringing in First Peoples and their wisdom as equal participants — if not more appropriately guides and consults.”

MycoEvolve has planted a diverse array of native species, 88 percent of which are culturally relevant to the Abenaki, such as elderberry, which is used for medicinal syrups, and willow, which is used for baskets.

“When we designed the plant palette originally, it was really through paddles and walks and observations,” Rubin said.

Luca Kolba, MycoEvolve’s research assistant, said the project has dual priorities — to restore the environment within a scientific framework and to give Abenaki greater access to their ancestral lands — and balancing those is challenging.

“We’ve been learning as we go, and it’s really hard holding these goals as we’re still operating within a colonial scientific complex, and we’ve definitely hit some road bumps,” said Kolba, who wrote MycoEvolve’s guide on how to grow native mycelium, the below-ground body of a fungus.

In the next phase of the project, the team wants to bring on Abenaki youth to be part of the harvesting that ultimately removes phosphorus from the soil. The team will also work with a state branch of YouthBuild, a federal youth trades program, and the nonprofit Vermont Youth Conservation Corps in creating the six new plots for the experiment, which, along with fighting phosphorus, could

PHOTO BY AYLIN ARIFKHAN

Jess Rubin examines a young willow growing in one of the restored plots at Shelburne Farms.

on June 24 for the city’s Camp Out in the Park event and worked in Williston for the town’s Fourth of July parade.

Both Josh and Renee work full-time, so the ice cream truck remains a weeknight and weekend operation. But it stays flexible, they said, and they can pick and choose what events they can do.

They also do door-to-door sales as well and have made their way through South Burlington and

LEAD

continued from page 1

the lines are made of, (and) make sure they’re not lead,” he said. “If we do find lead lines, we have to make a plan to replace them.”

“We don’t believe there’s a high likelihood (of lead lines) in our community,” he added, “but we’re required to do it.”

Lead, when consumed, poses dangerous health impacts on heart health, kidney function, and can interfere with red blood cells’ ability to carry oxygen to the body. Young children and infant are particularly vulnerable to lead, the EPA says, because the physical and behavioral effects of lead occur at lower exposure levels in children than in adults.

New regulations and stricter limits on the federal level aim at reducing this exposure — roughly six years after the Flint, Mich., water crisis.

With $140 million allocated for Vermont by the federal government, the state’s public

PHOSPHORUS

continued from page 12

provide more pollinator habitat.

The project dovetails with Shelburne Farms’ community-focused mission. This year the farm launched an educational program with Champlain Valley Union High School to introduce students to fieldwork and applied sustainability as it assists the remediation project. Signs along the Tunnel Trail provide visitors with information about the invisible processes going on beneath the ground.

“People will just stumble upon her research while they’re out taking a beautiful stroll on the property and go, huh, I never really thought of that before,” Camp said, referring to Rubin. “We’re definitely not perfect yet, and Jess is helping us become better.”

water systems are eligible for low-interest loans that will be eligible for partial forgiveness.

South Burlington’s public works department is “reviewing documentation about the lines and what they’re made of right now,” DiPietro said.

The first phase will be trying to identify any lead lines, said Jay Nadeau, the director of distribution with the Champlain Water District, which pumps the city’s water supply from Lake Champlain.

“In the next phase, if we don’t know what the lines are made of, we have to dig it up and look as part of the rules,” DiPietro said.

Nadeau added: “There will be more federal money coming

down the line for if we do identify a lead line (and for) its removal.”

FOR SALE

SAILBOAT FOR SALE:

SUNFISH with trailer –needs work. New rigging, complete with sail. $100. 802-658-3358.

YARD SALE

DORSET FARMS

NEIGHBORHOOD

YARD SALE: Fri.-Sun., July 14-16, rain or shine. Participating residents will set up in their driveways and garages.

Williston among other communities — surprising, perhaps, for folks who may visualize a classic white truck playing jingles when they think of an ice cream truck.

“It’s a different vibe than the Mr. Ding a Ling piece,” he said.

“We carry around reggae music on our speaker and just kind of put the island vibes in. We’re just trying something a little different,” Leggett said.

“It’s a new school vibe to an old school tradition.”

SHELBURNE

Shelburne Highway Department

Truck Driver/Laborer

The Town of Shelburne has an immediate opening for a teamoriented Truck Driver / Laborer.

This full-time position is responsible for operating trucks and equipment to maintain Town roads and properties and working as a laborer on Town projects. A commercial driver’s license or the ability to obtain one within six months is required.

A complete job description is available at: https://www. shelburnevt.org/237/Human-Resources.

To apply, submit employment application and/or resume to scannizzaro@shelburnevt.org.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Openings

The Town of Hinesburg, Vermont seeks qualified applicants for the following positions:

• Highway Foreperson

• Highway Maintainer

• Water and/or Wastewater Operator

• Firefighter/AEMT

• General Seasonal Summer Help

Detailed information and an application form can be found at www.hinesburg.org under the employment tab. Applications can be mailed or delivered to Todd Odit, Town Manager, 10632 Route 116 or emailed to todit@hinesburg.org.

The Town of Hinesburg offers a comprehensive benefits package and very competitive pay. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Applications will be reviewed as received and accepted until the position is filled.

ICE CREAM continued from page 1

PHOTO BY COREY MCDONALD Renee Leggett with part of her ice cream crew.

RABIES BAIT

continued from page 2

The week-long bait drop is a cooperative effort between Vermont and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services to stop the spread of the potentially fatal disease.

Spring Cleanup & Mulch

Lawn Maintenance

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

Landscape Design

Stonework & Planting Mini Excavation

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Build / Remodel

PLEASANT VALLEY, INC.

Siding & Trim Work

Carpentry Repairs

Painting & Staining

Decks & Porches

Outdoor Structures

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Funeral / Cremation

CORBIN & PALMER

FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES

SHELBURNE FUNERAL CHAPEL

Family owned and operated since 1921

Pre-planning services available 209 Falls Road, Shelburne, VT (802) 985-3370

ARIES

March 21 - April 20

This week you are surrounded by a heightened sense of romance. It could be from reading a favorite book or watching a beloved movie, Aries. Use it to spice up your love life.

TAURUS

April 21 - May 21

Taurus, something you desperately need seems to be missing from your life right now. It’s more than a misplaced item. Focus your attention this week on guring out what it is.

GEMINI

May 22 - June 21

Try not to listen to any gossip this week, Gemini. It will only frustrate you and could put you further out of sorts. Avoid people who love to talk about others for the time being.

CANCER

June 22 - July 22

Is there a luxury you have been craving lately, Cancer? You could be very tempted to give in and make a purchase this week, even if your nances may not be on solid ground. Be careful.

LEO

July 23 - Aug. 23

Leo, your emotions will be all over the place the next couple of days. This turmoil may compromise your usual objectivity as well as your good sense. Try to talk your feelings through.

VIRGO

Aug. 24 - Sept. 22

Virgo, your imagination knows no bounds this week. If you’re ready to delve into a creative project, do so now when you have a lot of ideas and outside inspiration.

LIBRA

Sept. 23 - Oct. 23

You could have doubts about a friend you thought was close to you. Has this person promised to do you a favor and didn’t deliver, Libra? Be patient before you draw conclusions.

SCORPIO

Oct. 24 - Nov. 22

Feelings of confusion may get in the way of your ability to make sound decisions this week, Scorpio. You might need to lighten your load, since you often take on too much.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 23 - Dec. 21

Sagittarius, do not get into an argument with someone who has a different opinion from your own. Ask to get more information about why he or she sees things in a particular way.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22 - Jan. 20

A bothersome feeling may persist for much of the week, Capricorn. It’s almost as if you’ve forgotten to do something but do not know what. All will be revealed in due time.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 21 - Feb. 18

Aquarius, be prepared to be a listening ear to a friend or loved one who needs to work through a few issues. You are able to give trusted advice in this matter.

PISCES

Feb. 19 - March 20

Listen carefully and take notes when someone at work provides directions for an upcoming task, Pisces. You don’t want to make any mistakes as it could delay the project.

CLUES ACROSS

1. Small Eurasian deer

4. Irish county

10. A major division of geological time

11. Broadway actor Lane

12. Canadian province

14. It causes fainting (abbr.)

15. Two

16. A notable one is blue

18. Utter repeatedly

22. Rings

23. Sullies

24. Occurs

26. Publicity

27. Near 28. Tools of a trade

30. Offer in good faith

31. “American Idol” network

CROSSWORD SUDOKU

34. Garments 36. Soviet Socialist Republic

37. Retired NFL DC Dean

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!

39. Hot meal 40. A type of gin

41. Percussion instrument

42. A $10 bill

48. About ground

50. Medicine man

51. Seedless raisin

52. National capital of Albania

53. Appendage

54. OJ trial judge

55. By the way

56. Bicycle parts

58. Barbie’s friend

59. In a way, stretched

60. Commercials

CLUES DOWN

1. Make up for

2. American songbird

3. Pay

4. International organization

5. Engravers

6. Declared as fact

7. Criminal

8. Jewelry

9. Hospital worker (abbr.)

12. Nonsense (slang)

13. Town in Galilee

ANSWERS

17. Value

19. Another name

20. Sheep in second year before shearing

21. Town in Surrey, England

25. Appropriate during a time of year

29. Creative output

31. Recesses

32. District in N. Germany

33. Rider of Rohan

35. The of cial emblem of the German Third Reich 38. One who puts down roots 41. Scribe 43. Painted a bright color 44. Tycoons 45. Actress Thurman 46. Walking accessory 47. Crest of a hill 49. Member of a North American people 56. Type of computer 57. U.S. State (abbr.)

The Plan ’s Core Values (so far!)