The Other Paper - 7-20-23

Student art

Page 2

Flood patrol County steps up to help flooded-out neighbors

Page 3

the South Burlington’s Community Newspaper Since 1977

JULY PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #217 CONCORD, NH ECRWSSEDDM

2023 POSTAL CUSTOMER

As growth continues

South Burlington All-Stars

With South Burlington’s city center in a constant state of expansion, South Burlington School District is demanding that city officials make changes to ensure safer traffic patterns surrounding the schools — a situation that principals and board members said has moved from “concerning to urgent.”

Since February, the school board, along with superintendent Violet Nichols, have raised the alarm over safer traffic conditions at each of the district’s five schools: Rick Marcotte Central School located on Market Street, Orchard School on Baldwin Avenue, Gertrude Chamberlain School on White Street, and Frederick H. Tuttle Middle and South Burlington High School both located on Dorset Street.

Although all of the schools have remained a concern, the situation at Rick Marcotte and areas surrounding Market Street have intensified significantly as construction on new developments has progressed, specifically with the construction of Catamount Run, a new 300-unit housing initiative.

COURTESY PHOTO

Weather knocked the South Burlington 10-12 Little League All-Stars out of postseason play. The team, back row, from left, head coach Blaine Clark, assistant coach Brian Clark, Ben Angelino, Levi Gover, Jackson Young, Zach Pierson, Henry Clark, assistant coach Alex Gover, Griffin Luck, assistant coach Michael Comtois and assistant coach Jim Smith. Front row, Will Smith, Colin Bishop-von Wettberg, Dominic Comtois, Bradley Clark, AP (Aaron) Zuchman and Will McGrath. See story on page 9.

COREY MCDONALD STAFF WRITER

South Burlington’s charter committee punted on whether to recommend changing to a ward system but did recommend that the council move to expand the number of elected councilors.

Building off its public outreach campaign, the committee held a robust debate last week on what, if any, changes to recommend the city make to its governing structure.

In addition to recommending the school board be expanded, the committee was in consensus that the city council should have more than five members — although the exact number of councilors remains undecided. The group had already scrapped ideas to switch from its city manager-council chair form of executive government to a mayor.

But the committee could not reach a consensus on whether to keep its at-large voting system, or to switch to a ward-based system

See related story on page 7

— easily the most debated issue among the committee’s members.

“There were arguments in both directions, so what we did is punted,” Peter Taylor, chair of the charter committee, said. “We will ask the council to consider whether they want to pursue wards or not.”

Tasked by the city council in 2021 to explore alternative governing models for the city, the

charter committee has over the past year studied various ways the city could increase participation and create a more equitable geographical representation.

One of the more pressing goals the committee sees for itself is working to increase diversification in its political process — making sure that residents with varying cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds can partici-

LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER

See SAFETY on page 11 See COMMITTEE on page 13

Student artists shine in South Burlington art show

CECILIA LARSON COMMUNITY NEWS SERVICE

Inside the glass doors that stand halfway down Market Street in South Burlington hang poster boards brimming with art: detailed moodscapes drawn in marker ink, black and white portraits done in pencil and flower-filled vases mapped out in watercolor.

Those pieces and more are the work of South Burlington School District students from kindergarten to 12th grade, whose artistic talents across many mediums are on display until July 31 as part of an art exhibition at City Hall.

The show, which opened June 1, came together through a collaboration between South Burlington public art gallery curator Jessica Manley and a team of dedicated art teachers from the district. It featured art from dozens of students, some of whom rarely get to show off their talents.

Pax Larkin, a student at the high school whose art is featured in the show, said the exhibit has done “a really good job of helping kids who don’t normally present their work.”

The exhibition contrasts the chrome fixtures and plain white walls that greet visitors to city hall. Venturing into the right hallway, you’ll find an explosion of color and texture.

Ceramic sculptures set below Van Gogh-esque flower paintings provide viewers with an immediate understanding of 2D and 3D art forms. The bright colors and high contrast slowly transition mediums as the hallway continues, from watercolor to colored pencil to oil-pastel, graphite and even comic pieces made with digital software.

Kristina Bolduc, an art teacher at South Burlington High School, emphasized the role of art education in fostering creativity and empowering students to express themselves authentically. Children possess a remarkable capacity for artistic expression, she said, often surpassing the expectations of adults.

Many of the students featured in the exhibition created their artwork without prior knowledge of the show, said Alison Trenton, an art teacher at Tuttle Middle School, which helped them explore their artistic abilities freely. That’s something Bolduc emphasizes in her teaching.

Bolduc has spent her time at the high school dedicated to changing the pace of art education. Rather than enforcing realism and traditional artmaking, both of which she thinks students see as “something that makes good art,” she said she aims to loosen the reins to let them find their artistic voices.

To do that, she lets students choose their projects and incorporates art influenced by popular culture and personal identity to nurture students’ talents.

Treston echoed the sentiment that events like the art show matter greatly for the school district and the community as a whole. By showcasing the students’ work in a public space, she hopes that others can find a source of inspiration.

But in the end, she said, she’s “just happy to honor the students that all worked really hard” this past year.

Cecilia Larson is a reporter with the Community News Service, a program in which University of Vermont students work with professional editors to provide content for local news outlets at no cost.

PHOTO BY CECILIA LARSON

Art from South Burlington students will hang in city hall through the end of July.

County steps up to help post-flood cleanup

LIBERTY DARR AND COREY MCDONALD STAFF WRITERS

With many towns in Chittenden County unaffected by the catastrophic flooding that devastated much of the state last week, volunteers have banded together to aid in the clean-up and fill needs as they arise.

Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale has been spearheading localized volunteer efforts in southern Chittenden County since last week by connecting devastated towns with resources and charging individual volunteers with supply drives and hands-on opportunities.

“I think most Vermonters, especially those who weren’t affected, just saw the news coming in and started to have their hearts and spirits drop,” she said. “Within 24 hours, I was just looking around and seeing that there were a lot of immediate needs that people in Chittenden County who were unaffected were looking for a way to help.”

While much of the state faced historic flooding last week, southern Chittenden County was left relatively unscathed. More heavy rain fell Sunday evening, dumping several inches of water onto land already saturated from last week and leaving some areas with standing water.

In Hinesburg, the rain caused flooding on Route 116 across North Road, and left

standing water in the town’s village until 9 p.m. Some basements were flooded, and driveways were washed out, but there was no significant infrastructure damage, Hinesburg fire Chief Nick Baker said.

“We probably got 3 inches of rain within 30 minutes that just had nowhere to go, but it receded almost as fast as it came on,” Baker said. “Aside from noticing some rocks and some bark mulch where it shouldn’t be, it receded pretty fast.”

As of Monday, Ram Hinsdale said that her team has sent out more than 20 vehicles full of supplies to different parts of the state, and they’ve made more than two trips to all the communities they have been in contact with.

“A text just came in from the Northeast Kingdom about Tyvek suits,” she said. “Cabot had a sinkhole open up and I connected them with the National Guard. A lot of people are being thrust into volunteer roles where they don’t have the same connections at their fingertips, and they’re overwhelmed by what’s going on. If from here we can get a specific line of expertise or a specific resource to them, we are doing our best to meet that need.”

She explained that the needs have changed slightly as the week progressed, but some of the biggest threats as cleanup efforts continue are mold and moisture damage.

“Dehumidifiers are the number one concern that we hear about,” she said. “Right behind dehumidifiers is generators because people are still without power in a lot of places.”

Although resources like bottled water are covered mostly by the National Guard and FEMA, the concern in towns like Morrisville came last week when “do not drink” orders were put in place and the Federal Emergency Management Agency was later than expected in dropping off supplies. The Charlotte Congregational Church and United Church of Christ received word and immediately supplied over 200 gallons of water to the town.

“At 3 p.m., I just put out a note to everyone in our congregation and let everyone know that at noon on Thursday, we were going to send some carloads of water as much as we can collect,” Rev. Kevin Goldenbogen, senior pastor of the church, said. “By the next morning, at 9 a.m., we had 1,600 pounds of water, 200 gallons. It was incredible. People went and

bought it, or they had it sitting around and so we had to get a truck because it was more water than we were expecting and then we had to get a second car.”

Although there remains a need for supplies like tarps, masks, paper plates and towels, the need has shifted to also include protecting small businesses and those affected from online scams and misinformation, while at the same time providing people with access to essential information and relief forms.

“Scammers are already coming out to take advantage of people who are trying to figure out how to get relief urgently,” Ram Hinsdale said. “I want to get a push out into the community this week to start asking people who are attorneys, grant writers and accountants to figure out how we get that volunteer help organized for people who need access to information and just someone to sit with them and go through forums. It’s really overwhelming if you just lost everything to do this by yourself.”

Climate Resilient. Prioritize goals that mitigate climate change impacts and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to keep the City safe.Emphasize sustainability by rapidly shifting our energy profile to renewable and carbon free sources and increasing energy efficiency. Promote clean air, clean water, historic conservation, environmental conservation, and recreational space for all residents.

South Burlington also holds high the following values, in every action we take as a community.

Inclusive, Fair, and Just. Be equity oriented, transparent, and fiscally responsible in governance. Support high quality of life, public safety, housing affordability, and education for people of varying incomes, lifestyles, and stages of life.

Thoughtful and Sustainable Built Environment. Invest in a welcoming and walkable built environment, thriving neighborhoods, and a vibrant, pedestrian oriented City Center. Build community through housing, parks, facilities, and infrastructure. Support a safe, resilient, and varied transportation system that promotes our built areas.

Collaborative and Engaged. Be a leader and collaborator in the regional and statewide community. Support the City’s role as an economic engine for Vermont by encouraging community businesses and local job creation. Make decisions considering future implications on tomorrow’s South Burlington, Chittenden County, and Vermont.

“Scammers are already coming out to take advantage of people who are trying to figure out how to get relief urgently.”

— Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale

CRIME & COURTS

SB man faces fraud charges connected to COVID-19 relief

MIKE DONOGHUE CORRESPONDENT

A four-time convicted felon, who has been at the scene of multiple drug-related shootings in Burlington in recent years, has been indicted on federal fraud charges in connection with filing false claims for COVID-19 relief funds for non-existent businesses, court records show.

Leon Delima, 35, of South Burlington is charged with illegally obtaining $17,833 from the Payroll Protection Program in 2021 in Vermont, and for falsely attempting to obtain money later under the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, the indictment said. It said his application was denied because he lied about his felony record.

Delima fraudulently claimed on his PPP application that he had $85,600 in business income from a marketing consulting firm, which was non-existent, the indictment said. It also noted Delima listed

only $1 in total income on his 2020 tax return.

Delima is facing a second felony count for unsuccessfully attempting to obtain money from another federal relief program known as EIDL. He made several false claims, including he had no felony convictions in the previous five years, according to the indictment.

He also faces a third charge for interstate wire fraud between April and July 2021, which stems from a scheme to unlawfully obtain money by transmitting a false PPP loan application across state lines, the indictment said.

No arraignment date has been set for Delima, who is being held by the U.S. Marshal’s Service for Vermont on unrelated gun and

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

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

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

News Editor

Tommy Gardner

Staff Writers

Aaron Calvin Corey McDonald Liberty Darr

Production Manager Stephanie Manning stephanie@shelburnenews.com

Editor/Publisher Gregory Popa gpopa@stowereporter.com

Police Briefs

drug charges.

Delima obtained the $17,833 from the PPP in May 2021 and immediately went on a two-week shopping spree that included consumer goods, life expenses and other non-business items, the indictment said.

Delima knew when he filed the PPP application that he was not working as a marketing consultant, did not have employees and never earned $85,600 annually, the charges note.

The PPP program was a COVID-19 pandemic relief program overseen by the Small Business Administration that provided forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain expenses. The money could be used for payroll costs, continuing group health care benefits or mortgage interest payments, the indictment said.

The proceeds from the loan could not be used by borrowers to pay for consumer goods, clothing, jewelry or to fund ordinary day-today living expenses.

Police make arrest in Jolley assault

South Burlington police arrested James Porter, 31, of Burlington, for assault and robbery at the Jolley gas station on Williston Road.

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

Delima maintained he was a sole proprietor of a marketing consulting business and that he employed one other person.

Once he spent the PPP money, Delima developed a second fraud plan seeking funds from the EIDL, records show. He claimed he operated a pet washing and grooming business with 45 employees and that it had gross revenues of $300,000 in the calendar year before January 2020, the indictment said.

The SBA denied Delima’s application.

Delima is currently awaiting trial in U.S. District Court in Burlington on unrelated felony gun and drug charges stemming from a 2022 shooting. During a drug arrest in 2017, Burlington police said he had been present for at least three recent drug-related shootings.

A federal grand jury in Burlington charged Delima last fall with illegal possession of a Heckler and Koch .40-caliber pistol while being a convicted felon. He also was charged with knowingly and intentionally possessing cocaine

Police allege that on July 14 at 1:55 p.m., Porter, wearing a black face mask, attempted to steal cigarettes, assaulted the cashier and tried to force them to open the cash drawer.

Porter left the store and witnesses saw him getting into a gray Subaru station wagon that had been reported stolen earlier that day in South Burlington. Det. Cpl. Kevin Grealis located Porter, who still had the Subaru.

Porter is being held without bail at Northwest State Correctional Facility. His arraignment in Chittenden Superior Court is on July 17 at 10:30 a.m.

with the intent to distribute the drug, the indictment said. Those federal charges stem from a shooting on North Avenue a few blocks from the Burlington Police Station. The government said it also is seeking the forfeiture of any firearms and ammunition, including the .40-caliber pistol if Delima is convicted on the gun charge. The Chittenden County Gun

Police seek information on jewel thief

Police are looking for a man who they say bought an $8,500 gold tennis bracelet with a fraudulent credit card on Feb. 18.

On April 8 at 12:38 p.m., After Midnight Jewelers on Dorset Street in South Burlington reported that a man, described as a Black male wearing a navy blue and gray sweater, glasses and white or tan pants, came into the store in February and bought the 14K white gold bracelet with a credit card.

Employees told police they were notified in April that the purchase was rejected. The man used an alias.

Anyone with information is asked to contact officer Joanna Morse at 802-846-4843.

Violence Task Force arrested Delima at his Suburban Square home in South Burlington last October on the federal gun and drug charges stemming from the July holiday weekend shooting in Burlington.

Nobody was injured in the shooting and investigators found casings in the area, police said. has pleaded not guilty to the two federal charges from 2022.

South Burlington police are looking for information about this man, who allegedly bought an old bracelet from a local jeweler using a fake credit card.

Once Leon Delima spent the Paycheck Protection Program money, he developed a second fraud plan, officials say.

Psychologist pushes use of magic mushrooms to battle addictions

AARON CALVIN STAFF WRITER

“I think there’s plenty of evidence to show that psychedelics have the potential for a very positive impact on improving peoples’ lives, including people who struggle with addiction.”

Rick Barnett, a psychologist with specialization in addiction, provided this synopsis of his support for the decriminalization of psychedelics, that family of drugs that provoke hallucinations and other mind-altering effects in their users, for recreational purposes but also for their unique usefulness in treating a myriad of ailments of the mind, from addiction to eating disorders.

Sitting in his sun-dappled office on Old Farm Road in Stowe with his soot-colored poodle Jessie asleep in her kennel, Barnett was fresh from Denver, where he had attended Psychedelic Science 2023, a conference where the most prominent researchers and practitioners in the world of psychedelic medicine gathered to share their findings.

Barnett, with his salt and pepper beard and clean-shaven head, speaks with the kind of precision endemic to therapists, a sort of patient exactness with which he seeks a certain level of specificity in his own language that he then requires from the other side of the conversation.

Having run a general practice in Stowe since 2005, Barnett has lately lent his expertise to a movement in the Green Mountain State to legalize psilocybin, the psychoactive compound found in a wide variety of mushrooms colloquially referred to as magic mushrooms.

Although he hopes to eventually see a variety of psychoactive drugs decriminalized, Barnett said that lawmakers and activists in Vermont have singled out mushrooms as the low-hanging fungi that will open the door for accessibility to psychedelics in the North Country.

That’s because it’s naturally accessible. The spore can be relatively easily grown and once decriminalized at the state level could be produced for personal consumption or sale, unlike other hallucinogenic staples like ketamine, ayahuasca, LSD and MDMA, a drug also known as ecstasy that’s nearing federal approval for treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Barnett testified before the Vermont Legislature during the most recent biennium regarding the efficacy of psilocybin in treating his own substance-disorder and its uses treating conditions like bipolar disorder, migraines and other maladies.

Barnett said he lent his expertise to Rep. Chip Troiano, D-Stannard, as he crafted the House bill proposing the decriminalization and regulated sale of psilocybin in Vermont, which has joined a similar bill on the Senate side. Both bills propose the creation of a Psychedelic Therapy Advisory Working Group.

Though the bill didn’t see much traction in the busy 2023 biennium, chair of the Joint Legislative Justice Oversight Committee Martin LaLonde, a Democrat from South Burlington, directed its members to return to the matter next year, according to VTDigger.

Psilocybin and other psychedelics have been severely criminalized at the federal level since President Richard Nixon passed the Controlled Substances Act in 1970 despite their long-established use in religious ceremonies and rituals across cultures. Mounting research establishing its therapeutic efficacy and general harmlessness has led to its decriminalization in states like Oregon, Colorado and Connecticut

While the trend of micro-dosing — taking small, incremental doses of psychedelics over a set period of time — has grown in popularity in recent years, Barnett said that, in the therapeutic setting, a large dose of psilocybin or another psychedelic, with several sessions of therapy leading up to the dose, is most effective.

Inducing a powerful psychedelic experience can be particularly effective in addiction treatment as the drug’s use lies in its potential to manufacture moments of realization or self-awareness that are typically only organically produced when an addict reaches rock bottom.

“What can happen for people is that they have some kind of experience under the influence of the psilocybin that shifts their understanding of how they relate to that drug or that pattern of behavior that’s not serving them anymore,” Barnett said. “They could have a mystical experience, they could have a spiritual experience, they

Correction

The following quote from our story about ash borers last week should have been attributed to Rosanne Greco. “If you have a problem with funding, I know at least on my street, the neighbors are willing to pitch in to pay for this and I bet other neighborhoods would like to do that as well to keep their trees.”

South Burlington Police Blotter: July 10 - 16

Directed patrol: 25

Suspicious event: 19

Agency / public assists: 17

Motor vehicle complaint: 17

Traffic stop: 16

Welfare check: 14

Suicidal person: 12

Disturbance: 12

Field contact: 9

Noise violation: 9

Accident: property damage: 8

Alarm: 7

Larceny from motor vehicle: 7

Retail theft: 6

Animal problem: 5

Total incidents: 241

Arrests:

July 16 at 1:35 a.m., James A. Porter, 31, of Burlington, was arrested for assault and robbery on Williston Road.

July 16 at 1:35 a.m., James A. Porter, 31, of Burlington, was arrested for operation without the owner’s consent on Shelburne Road.

July 16 at 2:59 a.m., Eric A. Smith, 39, of South Burlington, was arrested for violating an abuse prevention order, interfering with emergency services, domestic assault and violating conditions of release on Dorset Street.

July 16 at 8:45 p.m., a 16-year-old juvenile was arrested for aggravated assault on Dorset Street.

July 15 at 6:52 a.m., Kirsten E. Palmer, 57,

no address given, was arrested for grand larceny on Shelburne Road.

July 15 at 10:24 p.m., Jasonna K. Breault, 20, of Winooski, was arrested on an in-state warrant on Farrell Street.

July 13 at 8:10 p.m., a 16-year-old juvenile was arrested for simple assault at Williston and Hinesburg roads.

July 12 at 12:16 a.m., Jonathan D. Heath, 35, of Burlington, was arrested for embezzlement on Shelburne Road.

July 12 at 10:35 p.m., Elena A. Avradopoulos, 24, of South Burlington, was arrested for driving under the influence, first offense, on Shelburne and Holmes roads.

July 11 at 11:09 a.m., Jamie A. Bunnell, 40, of South Burlington, was arrested for violating conditions of release on Dorset Street.

July 11 at 3:51 p.m. Kristin K. Verchereau, 38, no address given, was arrested on an in-state warrant on Shelburne Road.

July 11 at 3:51 p.m., Steven G. Bessette, 36, of Alburgh, was arrested on an in-state warrant on Shelburne Road.

July 10 at 11 a.m., a 15-year-old juvenile was arrested for false pretenses on Gregory Drive.

Untimely deaths:

July 13 at 2:54 p.m., police responded to Spear Street for the death of Steven Hebert, 57, of South Burlington. The medical examiner’s office is determining cause and manner of death.

SBRP Events Rescheduled

Turf Time

Saturday, August 12 | 9 am-12 pm

SB High School Turf

This free event is ideal for families with children between 2 yrs old and 3rd grade. We’ll bring the music and lawn games along with hula hoops, a large parachute, soccer balls and goals, Tykes lacrosse and t-ball equipment and more. Be sure to have your youngster participate in our Tykes Scramble Fun Run at 10:30. We expect there will be lots of smiles as they run through our huge inflatable double arch.

Camp Out

Saturday, August 12 | 4 pm-9 am

Veterans Memorial Park (tents only)

This event is for you whether you’re a seasoned camper or want to try camping for the first time. We would like to have you and your family join us for an overnight at Veterans Memorial Park! Come set up a tent, enjoy our lawn games and make s’mores before watching the movie Over-The-Hedge at the band shell.

PHOTO BY AARON CALVIN Psychologist Rick Barnett in his office.

See BARNETT on page 13

OPINION

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!

Too

Guest Perspective

Walt Amses

Last summer in Montana opened my eyes, which I presumed were already open, enlightened my perspective, which I thought adequately enlightened, and offered a crystal-clear glimpse of the future: humanity slow roasted in a well-aged, bubbling marinade of greed-infused climate change denial.

Beautiful Dresses for allyour Summer Events from

It’s startling how a couple of days over 100 degrees can put an exclamation point on your worldview.

Another trip out West in August 2017 lands us in a Missoula motel, eating takeout, again dodging triple digit temperatures and dense smoke from the more than 100 wildfires charring hillsides and threatening the lungs of anyone daring to venture outside. We binge on pizza as an entirely different yet equally otherworldly scenario unfolds on TV as category-four hurricane Harvey makes landfall on the Texas coast, kicking off Houston’s third 500-year flood in three years, eventually dropping up to 60 inches of rain in places, inundating vast expanses of the city’s outlying subdivisions at a cost upwards of $125 billion.

After vowing never again to risk summers any hotter than the ones at home, I find myself in waterlogged Central Vermont, struggling with what has been described as biblical or thousand-year rainfall, flooding fields, washing out roads and dredging up awful recollections of Tropical Storm Irene, whose 2011 deluge ravaged the state’s infrastructure, destroying homes, businesses and bridges, and isolating entire communities, several for weeks.

Even during what was already shaping up to be a relentlessly tropical summer in Vermont, weekend storms unloading as they did on already saturated ground, quickly lifted rivers and streams above flood stage, prompting evacuation of low-lying communities and had weary first responders out in force, 24/7.

It feels distinctly as though recent trends and an ever-more volatile present portend an increasingly dangerous future, well beyond the mythical tipping point we may have already left in the dust — or mud, depending on location.

It’s notable my own experience with brutal heat as profound as I thought it was, occurred in what is essentially a high desert, with extremely low humidity, where moderate exercise is viable even with temperatures in the upper eighties. When the thermometer ticks up past 100 though, things change drastically, especially combined with humidity levels raising heat indexes to a life-threatening 120 in areas of the Deep South.

The heat, humidity and smoke of early summer have altered our own routines dramatically, relegating even moderate activities like walking to the early morning hours.

A United Nations study released last

October suggests — not without controversy — that certain areas of the United States, including Louisiana, Georgia, Alabama and parts of California would become uninhabitable for humans by 2070. Touted last weekend by an NBC meteorologist as “probably closer than you might think,” the report states that without mitigation, including a reduction of greenhouse gasses, the global surge of rising temperatures will create levels of heat stress intolerable for the human body.

Further emphasizing the need to reassess the world’s climate policies, research suggests that without action up to one third of the global population will begin experiencing life-threatening conditions like the Sahara Desert. That effectively translates to the most vulnerable populations — those living in the hottest regions — fleeing to avoid heat and drought, pressuring the cities and towns to which they move, creating a massive number of climate refugees that will ripple across the globe.

Early Tuesday morning we bounce over deep washboards, between water-gouged canyons with signage warning of temporary closures and roads that no longer exist. Small, usually crystal-clear brooks have crested their banks, muddy and threatening. Startling drone footage depicts Montpelier’s business district eerily still and completely under water. Barre, too, is submerged with warnings to stay away. We return home still not quite sure if we can safely leave Calais, which doesn’t matter much. There’s no place else to go.

The impact of this storm in central Vermont will be devastating. Businesses are likely to lose a chunk of the summer tourist season. Lives throughout the area will be dramatically changed: homes unlivable or even destroyed; infrastructure compromised; roads under repair for months; rivers and streams tainted with copious, toxic runoff; and the agricultural sector — barely recovering from a late spring freeze — will again suffer the wrath of nature’s fury.

What happened in Vermont last weekend was shocking, but it shouldn’t have been surprising. It’s precisely what climate scientists have predicted forever and what the fossil fuel industry and its Congressional minions have consistently denied, even while knowing the truth for decades. Conditions over the past month — sultry heat and high humidity — interspersed with a series of heavy thunderstorms, provided a near ideal setup for last weekend’s deluge.

As the planet warms, the air can retain more and more moisture, a near perfect storm of conditions, according to one climate scientist, who believes the jet stream may also be a contributing factor.

Michael Mann, a distinguished professor at the University of Pennsylvania, points out on CNN that while “weather is weather ... it’s going to happen — rainfall, flooding events are going to happen, but climate

The much awaited and highly anticipated Pêche Medical, owned and operated by Kellie Malaney, PA and Sarah Dietschi, NP is now seeing patients.

47 Maple Street, Burlington • 802.304.9570 • pechemedical.com • @pechemedical

hot, too wet, too late?

DianeVonFurstenberg,Shoshanna,Alice&Olivia,ShonaJoy,Trinaturk,Halston, Hutch,JulieVos,MoniqueL'huillier,Toccin,MacDuggal,TedBaker,Josephribkoff,soia&kyo...

Committee recommends school board expansion

COREY MCDONALD STAFF WRITER

The charter committee, tasked with reviewing potential changes to South Burlington’s governing bodies, is recommending that the city’s school district expand the number of members on its school board but keep its members elected at-large.

One of the primary reasons for expanding the board, according to committee and school board members, is its workload.

“I really think that ... five people is not enough, especially if some of them are working fulltime,” Anne Lalonde, a member of the charter committee, said at their Wednesday meeting.

Kate Bailey, a current school board member and member of the charter committee, cited recent contract negotiations as “a pretty heavy lift” and noted that “five members make committee work difficult and make our workloads pretty heavy, particularly folks who work full-time.”

But the exact number of members that the school board should have has not yet been decided.

South Burlington’s school board is currently made up of five members elected at-large. But as the city continues to grow, officials have started taking stock of their governing bodies, and whether they adequately meet the needs of the city.

To address this, the charter committee, first tasked by the city council in 2021, has been exploring new models for both the city council and school board.

While conversations around the city council remain ongoing, most involved seemed to agree that the

AMSES

continued from page 6

change is supercharging them,” which means when a weather system is producing large amounts of rainfall, it’s probable it will produce even more.

Considered on the cutting edge of climate research, Mann explains that the Arctic is warming much faster than the lower 48, reducing the temperature difference between the equator and the pole and caus-

school board should be expanded but should remain at-large — meaning voters across the city, rather than from wards or districts within the city, would have a say in electing members of the board.

Elizabeth Fitzgerald, a charter committee member, and a former school board member, said that curriculum across the city’s schools is “uniform, and largely driven by the state and federal requirements.”

“Personally, I think school board should be at large,” she said.

“Even expanding the number to seven and really tapping into new talent is going to require citywide effort. (But) I think the school’s mission is uniform across the community” compared to debate around city councilors elected at-large or by wards.

“What I haven’t heard is what was the rationale behind doing something different than at-large for the school board? I can’t answer that question,” she said. “So, I don’t recommend it. I don’t think anything’s achieved.”

Fitzgerald was one of seven former members of the school board to come out in support of expanding the number of board members in an editorial published in The Other Paper. Julie Beatty, Diane Bugbee, Bridget Burkhardt, Rich Cassidy, Patrick Leduc and Brian Minier also signed the letter.

In the article, the authors said that expanding representation on the school board “reflects the city’s growth and the increasingly complex needs that demand time and attention, diverse expertise, community input and taxpayer support.”

They compared surrounding districts, including Burlington,

Winooski and Colchester, among others, noting that the average number of board members in districts with comparable enrollment and budget sizes was nine.

The Mount Mansfield Unified Union School District, for example, had roughly the same enrollment and similar budget figures for the 2022-23 school year, but had 15 board members — 10 more than South Burlington’s school board.

“These larger boards represent unique geographic interests. Though South Burlington is not as geographically diverse, the increasing enrollment and required taxpayer-approved budget support a broader base of representation,” the authors wrote.

“This is an opportunity to shore up community oversight and representation over one of South Burlington’s vital assets, its public school system,” the former board members said. “The reputation of the school district is what has attracted many of our burgeoning population to South Burlington, and it is what keeps families here long after their children have grown.”

Following the charter committee’s meeting on Wednesday, school board members decided they would discuss the recommendations at their Aug. 2 meeting.

“I’m not certain that the school board itself is unanimous in how it feels,” school board Chair Alex McHenry said, “but perhaps this is something that we could warn for Aug. 2 to have some kind of discussion. If we can’t get to a unanimous resolution, each of us could chime in with a statement of some sort and their rationale.”

Any structural change to the school board — and to the city council — would come from the voters at either town meeting or during November elections in 2024. But the city council will ultimately have the final say as to whether voters will be able to decide either way.

ing the jet stream to stall, keeping weather systems stationary for longer periods of time, exactly what happened here in Vermont.

The sobering fact is that storms of this magnitude are certain to continue unless we undertake a huge mitigation process and even then, it is unlikely we’ll be around to see major changes. It’s “irreversible on the timescale of

humans” currently alive. According to NASA, “If we stopped emitting greenhouse gasses today, the rise in global temperatures would flatten in a few years but remain elevated for many centuries.”

I’m afraid the bill for years of complacency has come due.

Walt Amses is a Vermont-based writer from North Calais.

Busking, Music & Laughter for the Entire Family!

Downtown Burlington

One of the primary reasons for expanding the board, according to committee and school board members, is its workload.

Barbie-n-Bones Business Notes

LOCALS ONLY.

Two S. Burlington men join United Way board

United Way of Northwest Vermont has welcomed three new members to its board, including two South Burlington men.

The United Way of Northwest Vermont serves Chittenden, Franklin and Grand Isle counties.

Seth Bowden, president and CEO of the Vermont Business Roundtable, and John St. Hilaire, chief financial officer for Green Mountain Credit Union, both of South Burlington have joined the board along with Adrina Walker, associate vice president of human resources for the University of Vermont Medical Center and University of Vermont Health Network.

Bowden was elected the Vermont Business Roundtable’s

third president in May 2021 when he joined the organization. The Roundtable utilizes employer-led public policy to create a stronger and more resilient future for Vermont’s economy and communities. Previously, he was the executive vice president of the Greater Burlington Industrial Corporation.

He received his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Vermont, with minors in economics and English.

“United Way is a champion for individuals, families and employers throughout the region, utilizing a people-first approach to tackling the most pressing community needs faced by our friends, colleagues, neighbors, and loved ones. Serving on the board is an opportunity to amplify their positive impact for Vermont and for Vermonters,” Bowden said.

St. Hilaire has served on United Way of Northwest Vermont’s finance committee for the past four years.

He is a strong supporter of credit unions in providing financial opportunities to members who cannot find, or do not qualify for, solutions at other financial institutions.

He holds a master’s degree in administration from St. Michael’s College as well as undergraduate degrees in accounting, business management, computer programming and mechanical engineering technology. He is also an adjunct professor at Champlain College where he has taught managerial accounting.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve on the board and support United Way teams and volunteers who make it all possible,” St. Hilaire said.

COURTESY PHOTO

Barbie-n-Bones take the stage at SB Nite Out Thursday, July 27, 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. Next up is Quadra on Aug. 3, and tonight, July 20, features B-Town.

COURTESY PHOTOS

Seth Bowden, left, and John St. Hilaire

The sleepy town of Popcorn Falls has been forced into bankruptcy and their last chance is a large grant that can only be used if the town opens a theater and produces a play in a week. One big problem: no playhouse. Another problem: no play. Two actors play over twenty roles in a world of farce, love, and desperation, proving once and for all that art can save the world. July 12 – 22

GREATER BURLINGTON’S PROFESSIONAL SUMMER THEATER

Hi, neighbor. Want to come over? Basin Harbor now

has special Vermonters-only lodging deals starting at $189/night.

Weather conspires to end all-stars Little League run

The South Burlington 10-12 Little League All-Stars wrapped up its season July 14 during the District 1 semifinals against the Champlain Valley All-Stars.

The South Burlington boys of summer battled their way through four games of the double elimination tournament at Schifilliti Park in Burlington showing mental toughness, grit and resiliency.

That resiliency continued as South Burlington played what would be its final game against Champlain Valley. Down by just one run in the top of the fifth, amid a comeback rally with the bases loaded and no outs, thunder roared and delayed the game for 30 minutes.

As South Burlington took the field 30 minutes later, the storm rolled in for good. Plans were made to resume the game the following morning and both teams headed home for rest. But sadly, late that night, higher-ups in the Little League organization consulted the rules and determined the game would be final before the rain delay, eliminating the South Burlington

all-stars.

The next morning, bleary eyed and sad from what transpired while they slept, the boys met as a team to process the news that their Little League days had come to an abrupt close and the semi-final game would never be completed. They gathered at Veterans Park Pavilion for an impromptu breakfast, played a pickup game of wiffleball, swapped stories about the season and made plans for team gatherings ahead.

The boys persevered on the ballfield in their final All-Star season. They practiced through heat and rain six days a week, no exceptions, from early June through mid-July. They showed up to every single practice with an if-you’re-on-time-you’relate mentality, ready to do the work to become a cohesive team.

“No excuses,” “stay level” and “We’re not done yet” were team mantras all season so look for this group of 12 players to keep accomplishing their goals as they move through the South Burlington baseball community.

COURTESY PHOTO

The boys huddle the next morning after learning officials called their semifinal game after bad weather caused a delay.

Fort Ticonderoga presents two-day battle reenactment

Fort Ticonderoga’s signature event, Defiance & Independence, a two-day battle re-enactment takes place on Saturday and Sunday, July 22-23.

Featuring more than 300 historical reenactors, this is the largest battle reenactment of the year at Fort Ticonderoga. The battle will highlight the 1777 siege of Ticonderoga, when the British Army attempted to capture the entire American force guarding this strategic position on Lake Champlain.

This two-day battle re-enactment will portray the fighting and maneuvering that culminated in General Arthur St. Clair’s evacuation of Ticonderoga and British General John Burgoyne’s frustration in failing to capture the American force.

Watch, learn and experience first-hand as the battle spans across the historic landscape at 1 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, during two unique battle scenari-

os. All weekend, through special programs, Fort Ticonderoga brings to life the real stories of soldiers and civilians caught up in this six-day clash between British and American forces.

A brand-new Saturday evening program will recreate the moment Continental Army soldiers prepared to escape capture, even as their cannons continued to hold the British at bay. (Pre-registration for the evening vignette is required; limited tickets available.”

“Ticonderoga was already a legendary place when American forces held back the British here in October 1776,” Stuart Lilie, Fort Ticonderoga’s vice president of public history,” said. “The personal stories of soldiers, sailors, nurses, and warriors make the 1777 Battle for Ticonderoga compelling for visitors of all ages. For ticket information, visit fortticonderoga.org or call 518-585-2821.

Current & Upcoming Events

COURTESY PHOTOS

Fort Ticonderoga presents “Defiance & Independence,” a two-day battle reenactment with over 300 participants.

SAFETY

continued from page 1

how it’s impacting Rick Marcotte in particular,” Nichols said at a school board meeting in March.

On top of road-raged residents and a lack of viable pedestrian infrastructure, Rick Marcotte principal Lissa McDonald explained that the situation worsened when construction began early on the massive development without any word to the school officials.

“We did have a little glitch when they moved the sidewalk out a little earlier than expected. That afternoon there was a lot of concern and chaos because our students lost a direct route to the school,” McDonald told the city council in March.

Although the situation was quickly remedied when developers of the project agreed to put in a woodchip path in place of the missing sidewalk, Nichols said the event had a large impact on school operations and was a daunting dose of the real impacts that construction could have on school safety if not handled properly.

the department to install the equipment prior to school starting this fall.

Evaluation of traffic conditions near the other three schools is still ongoing and the city is continuing to work with Chittenden County Regional Planning to conduct the needed engineering studies and analyses. While the studies surrounding Rick Marcotte and Orchard School are expected to be finalized by August, the school zone assessment on Dorset Street will likely need to be completed in conjunction with a larger study of the area, which is anticipated to be one of the city’s requests for the next round of Chittenden County Regional Planning Work Program projects in 2024.

who walk from the Garden Street Apartments have to cross the road five times to get to the school. If students are coming from Hinesburg Road, they have to cross at that very dangerous intersection at the end of Market Street.”

The school board has made several written requests to city council since February with most of the appeals remaining the same: reduced speeds, designated school zones with lights and radar, and crossing guard assistance — specifically at Rick Marcotte, a position that currently is fulfilled by one volunteer, Sue Conley, who is a grandparent of a Rick Marcotte student.

School zones

According to a memo presented at a recent steering committee, the South Burlington Speed Limit Resolution, which is part of the City’s Motor Vehicle and Traffic Ordinance, did not include a provision for the establishment of school zones until it was updated on Oct. 3, 2022 as part of an effort to address concerns about traffic speeds specifically on White Street. There is presently one school zone — on White Street near the Chamberlin School— established under the resolution.

But Tom DiPietro, South Burlington’s director of public works, did specify that the implementation of that school zone took more than a year to come to fruition, mostly due to the necessary engineering studies needed in order to change speed limits.

“When you go to change the speed on a road, that has to be backed up by an engineering study and a speed study,” he said. “So, part of the school zones presumably will be to lower speed limits during certain times so that information is also required before we can move it forward and we’ve got to go out and collect that data. It’s not just a simple matter of just writing it in the ordinance.”

The equipment and signage needed for this school zone was immediately ordered but due to supply chain issues have not yet been installed. DiPietro said he does expect

In addition to school zones studies, the city is also working to implement a finalized, permanent plan to mediate traffic at the intersection of Market Street and the Rick Marcotte Central School entrance with a traffic light, four-way stop or something equivalent.

“What I would like you to realize is my students who walk from the Garden Street Apartments have to cross the road five times to get to the school. If students are coming from Hinesburg Road, they have to cross at that very dangerous intersection at the end of Market Street,” McDonald said.

Traffic management

On top of studies being done specifically for the implementation of safer roadways around schools, DiPietro explained that there are multiple studies currently being done in City Center as larger amounts of growth are projected.

“We are looking at the whole area and updating that traffic model,” he said. “We also know the new development that’s coming. So, when that gets through our development review process, they provide information on additional traffic so the next step there is to plug that expected additional traffic into the model, and then we’ll be able to see what’s expected at each intersection.”

With more than a thousand new homes expected in coming years, as well as over 50,000 square feet of commercial space on Market and Garden streets, the city is urging an embrace of a “downtown elementary school.”

While school board members don’t technically see this as a bad thing, they have stressed that the fast-tracking of development needs to parallel the fast-tracking of traffic management with a focus on street safety for students.

“None of us had anything negative to say about the development and the growth and the plans around City Center,” board member Kate Bailey said. “Our asks have been very simple and straightforward.”

HAVE YOUR INSURANCE RATES SKY ROCKETED?

We have seen rates increase this year, substantially; maybe it’s time for a review! As an independent agent, I can shop your policies with several companies to make sure you are getting the best possible value!

“Students

— Lissa McDonald, principal, Rick Marcotte School

SHELBURNE

Join a dedicated team and contribute to the great quality of life in Shelburne!

Shelburne has an outstanding culture of volunteerism and a full suite of public services, from parks and police to sewage and streets. The Town Manager’s team implements the vision of the Selectboard and leads the Town government. This position requires interpersonal, administrative, and project management skills. They support everything from the Town’s Annual Report to committee meetings, grant reports, procurement, and community events. This is local government at its best!

The Assistant to the Town Manager must be a versatile administrator with both technical and people skills. We are looking for a mix of education and experience showing strong communication and organizing skills, multitasking, and understanding of local government context and ethics. Government experience is a plus, but skills from the business, nonprofit, and education sectors transfer well.

Our pay range for this position is $22 to $27 hourly, depending on qualifications. The Town’s strong benefits include excellent healthcare and pension, leave and holidays, and more.

A complete job description is available at www.ShelburneVT. org/Jobs To apply, send a Town application and/or resume to SCannizzaro@shelburnevt.org. Our review begins immediately. Equal Opportunity Employer.

EXECUTIVE NOW OPEN Tuesday – Saturday in Essex, Milton, South Burlington & Williston from 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. We Can Take It! CSWD offers convenient drop-off locations for trash, recycling, food scraps, and special materials like batteries and appliances. You’ll be surprised by all the things we can help you keep out of the landfill! www.cswd.net scan for details 20230701-New-DOC-Days-r3_opt.indd 6 6/20/23 10:41 AM

SALES

COMMITTEE

continued from page 1

pate in local politics.

Underlying the debate is the increasingly thorny issue of campaign finance. More than $25,000 was spent among the five candidates in the March council elections — the majority of which coming from one census tract which, if it were its own municipality, would be the wealthiest in the state.

Six of the last seven councilors elected to South Burlington’s city council live in the city’s southeast quadrant, which makes up the majority of this census tract. Less than 23 percent of the city’s population live in this area.

Paul Engels, a committee member, former councilor, and candidate who lost the election in March to Tyler Barnes has been vocal about campaign finance in the city and said at last week’s committee meeting that money in campaigns “breeds inequality.”

“We have four of the five councilors who are from the southeast quadrant,” he said.

While committee members noted that they thought the council works well in its current iteration, they were in consensus that the five-member council should be expanded: “One of my questions that I’m asking myself is do we have a better opportunity to achieve diversity through numbers, just through the numbers of representatives? I think that’s possible,” said committee member Elizabeth Fitzgerald. “I think more (councilors) is potentially a good scenario.”

But committee members seemed unconvinced that a ward system would guarantee an

BARNETT

continued from page 5

could have just a deep, meaningful insight into their behaviors or the relationship to the drug or to alcohol.”

According to Barnett, research has also shown that psychedelics can help reduce the addicted person’s susceptibility to falling back into addiction after even just a brief relapse.

Barnett has pushed for full decriminalization of psilocybin without the qualifier that it only be available in therapeutic settings or used under the guidance of a licensed professional because he wants to avoid the

increase of diversity of representation. Switching to a ward system does not guarantee you’re going to get the diversity in all the areas that you’re looking for,” Donna Kinville, a committee member and city clerk, said.

Members of the public have pushed for the committee to consider recommending a ward system.

Linda Bailey, a resident who previously ran for city council, said that the city’s demographic data “shows that the different areas of the city most definitely have different income, homeownership (rates), and all these sort of things — maybe that doesn’t mean that the perfect person with all the right demographics would step up to the plate, but it gives you more of a chance to get a more nuanced view of what’s going on in the city if you have people from all over the city.”

“That doesn’t happen when you have at-large counselors,” she said.

South Burlington is the second-largest city in the state and is made up of four census tracts — each with roughly 4,000 to 5,000 people. Historically the city has been made up of homeowners, but officials have projected that more than 50 percent of its housing stock will soon be rental, multi-family housing.

If public feedback is to be considered, it’s clear that there’s a sentiment that more of the city’s neighborhoods — Chamberlain and East Terrace, for example — want to be recognized.

Dan Albrecht, a South Burl-

ington resident, said the city has “very different characteristics. .. the census data really drives this home.” He cited articles that point to at-large voting as a way to deny equal opportunity for minority voters and candidates — and noted that the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg cited at-large elections as a “second-generation barrier” to voting in her dissent in a 2013 case gutting the Voting Rights Act.

“At some sort of population number, you need to start to have discrete representation,” he said. “You can’t have at large when you’ve got 10,000 people or 20,000 people.”

But committee members and others unsure of a switch to wards say there’s no guarantee that wards will mean that residents will have an awakening and get involved in local politics.

Meaghan Emery, the longest serving councilor on the city who has been on the dais for 14 years — and the only councilor of the last seven to not reside in the southeast quadrant — said she remains “hesitant” of the idea of switching to a ward-based system.

“I think that candidates should be accountable to all 20,000 people,” she said. “As a counselor, I would feel frustrated to know that only my neighborhood would be voting for me, when I am very much devoted to the entire city. Why couldn’t people who I’m serving in every other quadrant of the city have a say on whether or not I’ve been effective? I find that to be very frustrating.”

With low turnouts, and a smaller bloc of electorate, Emery says there could be a risk that special interests in the city use that to their advantage: “There are often controversial decisions that the council has made,” she said. “I can easily see how a ward system would have allowed for

people willing to spend $40,000 ... to get councilors in the door that would have voted it down.”

Emery instead pointed to neighborhood forums “as a way for neighborhoods to get the attention of the city council” and for people in neighborhoods without homeowners’ associations to “organize themselves and to petition the city council.”

The mechanism, written in the city’s charter, has only been used twice, she said, in Chamberlain and East Terrace.

Last week, after more than an hour of debate, charter committee member Bailey motioned that the committee ask the council to “further consider” the question of a ward system rather than “making that call tonight.”

“I feel like this conversation needs to continue,” Bailey said. “There’s not an overwhelming consensus that we should remain at-large.”

The committee’s work is hardly over. It will have to finalize a full report at its August meeting to send to the city council — who could send the issue back to the charter committee for further debate and study.

But the final authority lies with the city council. Regardless of the charter committee’s recommendations, the five-person board will ultimately decide whether residents will cast votes on switching to a ward system.

“These are fairly big deals, so we’re not taking it lightly,” Taylor said.

Sherpa Foods, LLC d/b/a Sherpa FoodsHimalayan D’Lite (South Burlington, VT) seeks multiple Nepalese Chefs to prep. auth. Nepalese cuisine. Develop & study menu/recipes for tradit. Nepalese/Sherpa cuisine. Chop veg/cut meat/prep. Sauces. Train staff on menu. 24 mos. Exp. as Nepalese/Sherpa Cook/Chef.

Email resumes

to sherpafoodsusa@gmail.com

crass commercialization of its use that could result.

While anyone familiar with psychedelics knows there are “good” and “bad” trips, and which path taken can often be influenced by outside factors, he asserted that truly impactful negative reactions to psychedelics are rare, and while there are some risks, it doesn’t make them nearly as potentially dangerous as the much more commonly prescribed antidepressant medication.

“There isn’t a whole lot that a guide or a therapist needs to do

other than to be a trusting, safe, quiet resource who creates an experience and sits there if you need anything,” Barnett said. While the Legislature continues to consider decriminalizing mushrooms, Barnett is busy making a name for Stowe in the psychedelics community. Last year, he hosted a scientific conference on psychedelics at Trapp Family Lodge attended by 150 experts and researchers from around the globe. This fall, he’s hoping to double attendance with another conference at The Lodge at Spruce Peak.

“I feel like this conversation needs to continue. There’s not an overwhelming consensus that we should remain at-large.”

— Linda Bailey

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

802-343-4820

saliva. ways treatment 100 a have those animals mal an it. animals

www.pleasantvalleyvt.com servicedirectory

/ Cremation

Bob & Jessica Trautwine

Cell/Txt: 802-233-1451

Build / Remodel

PLEASANT VALLEY, INC.

Siding & Trim Work

Carpentry Repairs

Roofing Siding Renovations

Painting & Staining

Painting

Decks & Porches

Decks

Outdoor Structures

802-343-4820

802-343-4820

www.pleasantvalleyvt.com

www.pleasantvalleyvt.com

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

Sometimes you feel a need to be in charge to prove that you are capable, Aries. This week take a back seat and fall in line with the established modus operandi.

TAURUS

April 21 - May 21

You may get into the habit of focusing on past mistakes, Taurus. This week, instead of falling into old habits, think about how you can grow and learn from your mistakes.

GEMINI

May 22 - June 21

Gemini, it’s time to be sociable and put out feelers for different adventures. Make sure you share on social media channels that you’re available and ready to have fun.

CANCER

June 22 - July 22

Cancer, keep track of your mood this week, as it is easy to swing from glad to glum in no time at all. Friends can help keep you on a more even keel for the time being.

LEO

July 23 - Aug. 23

Leo, a refreshing sense of energy comes your way, and you start to jump head- rst into all of those projects that have been pushed aside. You’ll sail through tasks in no time at.

VIRGO

Aug. 24 - Sept. 22

An interesting travel opportunity comes your way, Virgo. However, at rst glance it might not seem like the type of trip you would normally take. Keep an open mind and be surprised.

LIBRA

Sept. 23 - Oct. 23

Treat yourself to something special in the days to come, Libra. Perhaps it is a costly fragrance you’ve been spying or a new piece of furniture. You earned the indulgence.

SCORPIO

Oct. 24 - Nov. 22

It’s time to take your foot off the gas and slow down to a crawl, Scorpio. A well deserved break should be on your itinerary; otherwise, you may burn through all of your fuel prematurely.

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

Sagittarius, teamwork is the answer right now, especially when your to-do list seems to be growing exponentially. Recruit some close con dantes to help you along the way.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22 - Jan. 20

Make your career a priority this week, Capricorn. You may be feeling unsettled where you are now. There is no saying where things will go, so exercise caution when making decisions.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 21 - Feb. 18

Aquarius, wanderlust is on your brain. You’ve been fantasizing about all of the grand adventures you can take. Figure out a way to fund a getaway and get started.

PISCES

Feb. 19 - March 20

Pisces, something profound may have happened to you and you may need to sift through all of your feelings over the next few days. Take all the time you need to process.

CLUES ACROSS

1. Commoner

5. Tea leaf

11. They save you a table

14. Submissions

15. Secretly revealed

18. Personi cation of the sea (Norse)

19. Unreal

21. No seats available

23. Bangladeshi currency

24. Leaders

28. Famed garden

29. Denotes past

30. Not living

32. Midway between south and southeast

33. Small island (British)

35. Woman (French)

36. Wife

39. Two-toed sloth

41. Blood group

42. Soaks

44. Biu-Mandara language of Cameroon

46. Japanese prefecture

47. Place to be during a rock concert

49. Fully grown humans

52. Emaciation

56. Sparkling

58. Fruits you peel

60. Derived from a noun

62. Popular items to grill

63. Port in Yemen

CLUES DOWN

1. Before

2. Actress Dunham

3. This (Spanish)

4. Director Peter

5. Dominant

6. English artists’ society (abbr.)

7. NY Giants legend

8. It’s in the ground

9. No No No

10. Pesky insect

12. Danish-American muckraking journalist

13. Kids love to do it

16. Good Gosh!

17. Fakes

20. A citizen of Denmark

22. Mystic syllable

25. Commercial

ANSWERS

26. Letter of the Hebrew alphabet

27. Helpers

29. Water (French)

31. Young woman

34. Red-brown sea bream

36. Messenger ribonucleic acid

37. Comprehends

38. Walk with con dence

40. Home of the Flyers

43. Appetizer

45. News organization

48. Source of the Nile

50. A way to march 51. Soluble ribonucleic acid

53. Egyptian bull-god 54. Children’s author Blyton

55. Baseball pitching stat

57. Rude young person

58. Table napkin

59. Monetary unit in Asia

61. One-time AL MVP Vaughn