Tax relief
State delay tax payments

— for the short term
Page 3
Rare, reclusive Spotted turtles remain threatened in Vermont

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Tax relief
State delay tax payments
— for the short term
Page 3
Page 10
South Burlington’s City Council approved plans for a shared-use bike path through a public park — but not before hearing from a large contingent of nearby residents who were vehemently opposed to the idea, citing climate change and conservation efforts as reason to protect the park “from further human encroachment.”
Plans to build a paved, shareduse bike path through the Thomas Hubbard Recreation and Natural Area, a 60-acre stretch of meadow and woods formerly known as the Underwood property, have been in the works for nearly 10 years — beginning during a 2015 visioning process for the parcel. The project also called for building a parking lot on Nowland Farm Road.
The city bought the 60-acre parcel, located near Overlook Park,
in 2013 for $1.7 million with open space funds intended to acquire lands for conservation and recreation. The city then set about creating a vision for recreation within that parcel.
But plans for a bike path, officially presented at a May council meeting, drew fierce opposition from neighbors and residents living near the park in the southeast quadrant — the southernmost portion of the city with some of the last remaining undeveloped land in the city and some of the wealthiest properties in the state.
“I cannot think of an issue in the 22 years that I’ve lived here that has been so controversial and so divisive for this community. It’s a very, very sad state of affairs for South Burlington — pitting neighbor against neighbor, and neigh-
See BIKE PATH on page 13
A Superior Court judge this month dismissed litigation challenging permits for Burton and Higher Ground’s proposed Burlington relocation, handing a loss to residents in nearby South Burlington who have claimed the music venue will negatively affect their quality of life.
The ruling by Vermont Superior Court Judge Mary Miles
Teachout gives Burton and Higher Ground the go-ahead to buildout the nearly 12,000-square-foot venue at Burton’s headquarters on Queen City Park Road in Burlington near Red Rocks Park.
“The Higher Ground and Burton teams are thrilled to express their excitement about reaching this important milestone,” Justin Worthley, senior vice president
See HIGHER GROUND on page 11
In a backyard overlooking Spear Street in South Burlington earlier this month, dozens of Vermont Republicans watched a four-part performed history of patriotic songs and munched on barbecue beneath an American flag the width of a two-car garage in the leadup to Independence Day.
It was the state GOP’s third-annual summer cookout, an evening featuring speakers such as New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu and former Vermont Gov. Jim Douglas.
Notably absent was Gov. Phil Scott — something that lined up with the uncertainty and frustrations of a party with one of the country’s most popular chief executives but practically no power in its Statehouse.
Saturday was a big day on Brewer Parkway as kids and their families arrived for face painting, transfer tattoos, lemonade, iced tea and coffee, all to support flood relief efforts in South Burlington. What made this donation stop
special was that it was thought up by one of the enthusiastic young people who live on this street.
Lilli Meyer, 5, told her mom that she wanted to do something for the flood victims in Vermont. This idea traveled from parent to parent
down their computer pipeline. The effort raised $366 to be shared by the Vermont Flood Response and Recovery Fund and Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale, who will buy much-needed emergency supplies for those in need.
Coming off the back of particularly upsetting legislative and veto override sessions for Republican-sponsored policy, some attendees were heated about the direction of state politics.
“We’re angry for a reason, and that’s because we’re completely left out of every conversation,” said Samuel Douglass, chairman and founder of Vermont’s Young Republicans branch and a 2022 state Senate candidate in Orleans County. “Republicans do make up a percentage of the voters. So, you know, if you completely ignore how we feel or our opinions on things then of course we’re going to be a little demoralized.”
Brianna Morgan, a member of the Young Republicans national committee who lives in Vermont, sounded disenchanted about the GOP’s representation in the Statehouse. “It’s hard to watch our legislators go down there and how defeated they are when they get home.”
Said Douglass: “I don’t understand why our Legislature is so intent and so eager to overturn the vetoes of the most popular governor. Yeah, my guess would be that there’s no consequence for them.”
Eli Chevalier, a 32-year-old from St. Albans at the barbecue, shifted some of the blame for Republican policy failure in Montpelier away from legislators: “This also goes to Phil Scott to some degree because he could be out there way more than he is trying to bring awareness to the terrible laws being passed.”
Attendees said Scott had not made an appearance at the barbecue in the three years it has gathered.
“He’s not a good leader. That’s where I’ll stop myself,” Chevalier said, joking that if he continued the interview would become a Scott “bashing fest.”
Community News Service reached out to Scott’s office repeatedly by phone and email seeking comment for this story but received no reply.
Sentiment against Scott was shared by some other barbecue attendees. Kathleen Dwinell said the governor “does not have enough of a backbone. He doesn’t have Vermont at heart, he isn’t strong,” she said, pointing to policies supported by state Democrats that Scott has signed.
Dwinell said she wants state lawmakers “to wake up and pay attention to what’s happening, especially with our children, with transgenderism and (diversity, equity and inclusion) being taught in schools, which is a Biden thing. I just get more aggravated every day, and we need to have some backbone here.”
Some attendees indicated they would rather see legislators do less than more these days.
“With where we’re at numberswise, really the best thing that we can hope for is a whole lot of nothing, which is not what we’re going to see, said Morgan, the Young Republicans committee member.
Sam Douglass is hoping for “nothing,” too. “(Democrats) don’t give Republicans the time of day, they don’t care about Republicans and don’t care about Republican voters. They want what they want, and they’re going to get what they want.”
Paul Dame, chair of the state GOP and a former Vermont House representative, had more optimism for Republican lawmakers and the governor, as he explained in an interview before the event.
“As we move into the 2024 legislative session, we are still looking to address the housing crisis by making it easier to build housing that is affordable,” Dame said. “We think that it was unfortunate that the housing bill that got passed removed important reforms to Act 250.”
Dame stressed the GOP’s goal to advance policy for tax relief, in particular for veterans, and a broader paid leave program.
“The governor has already kind of taken the lead on that. He’s already put into place a voluntary
Vermonters affected by flooding will have more time to file and pay some state taxes, officials said.
The due date for state sales, rooms and meals taxes will be extended, Gov. Phil Scott said at a press conference in Berlin on July 19.
Taxes that would normally be due to the state anytime between July 7 and Nov. 15 will now be due by Nov. 15, Scott’s office said in a follow-up press release. The new deadlines are in place for the corporate and business tax, sales and use tax, meals and rooms tax, payroll withholding tax, estimated personal income tax, and personal income taxes that are being paid on an extension.
Internal Revenue Service officials announced last week that those impacted by the flood would also be granted extensions on federal tax payments: Filing deadlines for quarterly income tax payments (normally Sept. 15) and quarterly payroll and excise tax returns (normally July 31 and Oct. 31) were also moved to Nov. 15.
The new state tax extensions will be automatically implemented for those affected by flooding, the governor’s office said, although in some cases, officials may ask for “proof of hardship.”
“Taxpayers not impacted by the flood are expected to file and pay taxes by their original due dates,” the governor’s office said in the press release.
Craig Bolio, the commissioner of the Vermont Department of Taxes, said in an email that officials will “be giving people the benefit of the doubt, and reviewing cases that look suspect or abusive.”
Officials also provided an update on the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s work in the state since the flooding.
FEMA federal coordinating officer William Roy said at the Berlin press conference that the agency had 331 officials currently deployed in the state. As of July 18, FEMA had received 991 requests for home inspections from people seeking assistance. The agency had so far inspected 177 homes, Roy said.
FEMA officials going door to door had visited 1,980 homes and 144 businesses, Roy said. As of July 18, 1,644 people had signed up for FEMA aid, he said, and the agency had approved more than $700,000 in payouts, with an average amount of $6,100 per person.
Some people began to receive money in their accounts last week, Roy said, and the agency expects to pay out much more. The program has not yet been live for a week, he noted.
“We’ve just started,” he said.
Last week, President Joe Biden declared a major disaster in six Vermont counties — Chittenden, Lamoille, Rutland, Washington, Windham and Windsor — making residents there eligible for FEMA aid. On Friday, FEMA announced added Caledonia and Orange counties to the list.
That initial declaration was made “via imagery,” Roy said, adding that FEMA officials have completed damage inspections in other, non-declared counties.
“I believe in a very short period of time we’ll hear about the potential for additional add-on counties,” he said.
Also at the press briefing, Emily Hawes, the commissioner of the Vermont Department of Mental Health, urged Vermonters to care for themselves and their loved ones.
“As we come together to rebuild what was damaged and lost, I want to emphasize the importance of prioritizing the wellbeing of our communities,” Hawes said. “This means addressing the crucial impact of natural disasters on our mental health.”
Residents in acute or chronic mental distress are encouraged to call the state’s Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. Hawes also advised Vermonters to avoid misinformation and limit their consumption of distressing news.
She encouraged people to practice selfcare: take breaks, stick to a routine and maintain a supportive social network.
“The resilience of our community starts with our commitment to taking care of ourselves and our neighbors,” Hawes said.
“We are in this together.”
Directed patrol: 33
Trespass: 21
Welfare check: 21
Agency / public assists: 20
Retail theft: 18
Traffic stop: 18
Suspicious event: 14
Suicidal person: 17
Disturbance: 15
Suspicious event: 14
Field contact: 9
Mental health issue: 8
Accident: property damage: 8
Alarm: 8
Larceny from motor vehicle: 7
Motor vehicle complaint: 7
Animal problem: 6
Total incidents: 299
Arrests:
July 17 at 9:45 a.m., Sarah J. Davis, 32, of Richmond, was arrested for misdemeanor unlawful mischief on Shelburne Road.
July 18 at 9:30 a.m., Zackary T. Plante, 33, of Burlington, was arrested for felony retail theft on Hannaford Drive.
July 20 at 12:02 a.m., Tiffany J. Bedard, 34, of Essex, was arrested for misdemeanor retail theft on Hannaford Drive.
July 20 at 4:59 a.m., Dujuan S. Williams, 28, of Burlington, was arrested for criminal threatening on Anderson Parkway.
July 21 at 11:13 a.m., Zachary R. Carey, 27, of South Burlington,
was arrested for driving under the influence, first offense, at Hinesburg Road and Market Street.
July 21 at 1:06 p.m., Eric A. Smith, 39, of South Burlington, was arrested on an in-state warrant on Dorset Street.
July 21 at 1:06 p.m., Amber E. Limacher, 37, of Burlington, was arrested on an in-state warrant on Dorset Street.
July 21 at 6 p.m., Trever J. Hoag, 48, no address given, was arrested for misdemeanor retail theft on Williston Road.
July 22 at 5:30 p.m., Samantha
A. Tonnessen, 36, no address given, was arrested for misdemeanor retail theft on Williston Road.
July 22 at 11:26 p.m., Steave Lamphere, 33, of Burlington, was arrested for violating conditions of release on Williston Road.
July 23 at 10:36 p.m., Christina
M. Martel, 41, of Milton, was arrested for driving with a criminally suspended license on Williston Road.
Untimely deaths:
July 19 at 1:28 p.m., police responded to Shelburne Road for the death of Douglas Allen, 65, of Winooski. The medical examiner’s office is determining the cuase and manner of death.
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William H. (“Bill,” “Pops”) Timbers, 92, died peacefully at home the morning of Thursday, July 6, 2023, with devoted family by his side.
Bill was born in Rutland on Jan. 24, 1931, and was the son of Harold “Bud” Timbers and Myra Hurley Timbers. Bill was predeceased by his only sibling, Mary Katherine Moore.
Bill graduated from Mount Saint Joseph Academy in 1948 and graduated from Saint Michael’s College in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Right after graduating, Bill entered the U.S. Army for two years and served with pride in Panama with the medics.
Bill returned to Vermont and Saint Michael’s College to earn a Master of Education. Bill served in the educational profession for 33 years, most notably as Rutland High School principal from 1971 to 1983. Bill was a people person who loved working with the younger generations and within his hometown community.
Bill is survived by his devoted wife, Carolyn “Lyn” Eddy of 66 years; his sons, William “Mike” Timbers and Brian
William H. TimbersTimbers; daughter, Nancy Timbers-Devost and husband, Robert Devost.
He was proud “Pops” to his six grandchildren, William Timbers and wife, Louisa, Becky Timbers, Melissa Timbers, Carolyn Devost, Erin Devost, and Robert “Jake” Devost. Pops is also survived by two great grandchildren, Eve and Wilder Timbers, and five nieces and nephews.
Special thanks to the wonderful supportive staff at University of Vermont Home Health and Hospice Care, Mackenzie, Julie, Gale, Sage and Nancy.
Bill was a devout Catholic
and a loving husband, father and grandfather and great grandfather. Bill always was an optimist who, as a patriot, took pride in our country and in his service to this country. His rallying call, even in the depths of a cold long hard winter, was “think summer.”
Perhaps repeated a bit too often, but sure to bring a smile, was his story of counting potatoes and filling sacks at the A&P as a lad to help during the Great Depression.
Loyal, kind and compassionate, with Bill you knew what a true friend was and a man you wanted to emulate.
Bill loved family time, be it a home cookout, a family road trip or relaxing in Maine around the picnic table playing UNO or cribbage. Bill was the beloved patriarch.
Bill made us all better being with him. “Pops” will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Saint Michael’s College in memory of William H. Timbers.
A Mass of Christian burial will be on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, at Christ The King Church in Rutland at noon.
Vermont’s part-time citizen Legislature meets from early January through mid-May. But even when it is not in session, your representative’s work is not done. Off-session committees meet periodically, including the Joint Legislative Justice Oversight Committee and the Judicial Rules Committee, on which I serve.
Legislators also spend time helping constituents and may be appointed to serve on various study committees. And representatives often engage in informal work including discussions with advocates, other legislators and legislative counsel — the Legislature’s nonpartisan attorneys — to examine pressing issues and possible legislative responses.
It was during one of these meetings that I was recently reminded of the judiciary’s dire need for guardians ad litem, who act as advocates for children involved
in court cases. I was on a call discussing a bill that would give children the right to testify in custody cases and the many factors that complicate such a procedure. A judge participating in this call noted that courts may allow a child to testify, but they must assure that allowing such testimony is in the best interest of the child. In addition, if a child is allowed to testify, the court must provide the child with a guardian ad litem.
As explained on the Vermont Judiciary’s website, a judge appoints a guardian ad litem “in every child abuse or child neglect case and sometimes in delinquency and other cases. The (guardian ad litem) makes recommendations to the court for the child’s best interests in and out of court until the case is over.”
Guardians ad litem are community volunteers. Typically, they meet with the child at least once a month; gather information from parents, foster parents, and other people close to the child; regularly communicate with Vermont’s Department for Children and
Families and the child’s lawyer; attend all court hearings involving the child; and ensure that the court has all information about the child relevant to the case.
As I learned from the chief superior court judge, courts do not have adequate guardians ad litem right now to be able to appoint one for every child in every case. Despite the courts’ efforts at recruitment, they are unable to meet the children’s needs.
to be a volunteer guardian ad litem. The time commitment varies depending on the case and one can choose to represent one child or several. The guardian ad litem program is administered through the court administrator’s office and has regional coordinators to provide support.
Meanwhile, thousands of Vermont’s children and youth are part of proceedings in the courts’ family divisions. Many of these vulnerable children are victims of abuse or neglect or have been accused of delinquent acts. They may be in foster care while they face uncertainties about their futures. These children need someone to help them understand what is happening in their cases and to make sure their voices are heard. A guardian ad litem fulfills this role.
One does not need any particular education or professional background
New guardians attend a three-day training session and are offered ongoing training opportunities.
If you are interested in this opportunity to make a profound difference in a child’s life, you can obtain further information and apply to become a guardian ad litem at bit.ly/3OpdAfE.
If you have any questions or input regarding issues that you think the Legislature should take up next session, contact me at mlalonde@leg.state.us.vt or 802-863-3086.
Martin LaLonde, a Democrat, represents South Burlington in the Chittenden-12 House district.
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.
Courts do not have
ad litem right now to be able to appoint one for every child in every case.
It’s embarrassing and painful to realize how uncomfortable I was in the past using gender neutral pronouns in an out loud, openhearted way. Embarrassing because I made it about my fear of making a mistake. Painful because it hurt others.
Let me be clear, when someone’s pronouns are they and them, I want to use they and them (or any other pronoun expressed). And yet, in day-to-day life, I was afraid of getting it wrong. Or, in some regrettable amnesia, I’d forget altogether. I got so discombobulated, I’d actually be in conversations where I’d try to use no pronouns at all.
Everything changed when I realized the terrible impact of not being thoroughly, wholeheartedly invested in getting it right. Because when we know someone’s pronouns and don’t use them, it’s a micro-aggression saying, “You and who you are does not matter.”
I’m sure for many, misgendering, whether or not unintentional, is out of alignment with their values of respect and fundamental human rights. I’m specifically not talking about haters here; I have no words for them. I’m talking
about the many cisgendered people I’ve met who express difficulty using or even trying to use different pronouns when asked; some who act like it’s no big deal to constantly misgender. I’ve heard many excuses. But really, is there any excuse that rationalizes disrespect? This first excuse used to be mine: “I’m afraid I’ll get it wrong.”
A simple sentiment that I now see as alarmingly consequential. Discrimination can spread by kind people not wanting to err, be uncomfortable or practice something unfamiliar to their experience.
“It’s not grammatically correct” is another common excuse. This is flat out wrong. They, them and their have long been used as singular pronouns, such as, “What is their name?”
The Oxford English Dictionary traces this usage back to 1375. Whether you are aware of it or not, everyone already uses the singular they.
Further, for those grammar sticklers, even Merriam Webster states one of the definitions of they is “used to refer to a single person whose gender identity is nonbinary.”
Many complain that “it’s too hard.” I think we can all agree that this excuse falls tragically short regarding issues of civil and human rights. More important,
who has the real hardship here? I suggest it’s the person who is misgendered day in and day out, month after month, year after year.
For those who have expressed they are “too old to change,” I don’t buy it. After all, I’ve seen them using iPhones, streaming services and social media. Unfortunately, this excuse sounds awfully close to the most heartbreaking one I’ve heard, “I can’t be bothered.” This from a family member who was asked by a loved one to use their, they and them pronouns.
Others act like it’s a huge inconvenience to even try. I can’t imagine the pain of being in relationships where my identity itself is not worth someone’s effort and respect, let alone championing.
To anyone who continues to use any excuse, I’m left with only one question. What would love do? I’d espouse when someone tells us their pronouns, love would believe them. Love would ask someone what their pronouns are. Love would respect the human right for every individual to identify one’s self.
In “Atlas of the Heart,” Brene Brown explains that belonging is a “critical component of diversity, equity and inclusion.” Adding, “In the absence of love and belonging, there is always suffering.”
After all, as Audre Lorde wrote, “It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate
To the Editor:
Your recent article by Katherine Boyk on South Burlington’s watercourses was an excellent piece of reporting. (“Get to know South Burlington’s waterbodies,” July 13, 2023)
Who knew our city had so many little brooks: Bartlett, Centennial, Monroe, Muddy, Potash, not to mention a slice of the Winooski River? We may boast about our frontage on Lake Champlain, but what would it be without these and many other little tributaries along its shores?
This leads me to a suggestion about the off and on debate about renaming our city. What would be wrong
those differences.”
For cisgendered people unaccustomed to using different pronouns, remember it’s not about never making a mistake. What matters is that we care. That when someone tells us their pronouns, we’re all in and any discomfort in practicing something different is nothing compared to the impact of someone being misgendered. Because what matters is that it matters.
with naming it Brookville, Brooktown or Brookton? I guess Brooklyn would be a bridge too far.
A recent suggestion that it be named Champlain seems a stretch to me, since the vital center of our town is inland to the east and will be for the foreseeable future.
Some people might object that there are already two towns in Vermont that begin with Brook: Brookfield in Orange County and Brookline in Windham County. True enough, but the last census shows they had 1,244 and 540 inhabitants, respectively. It would be very unlikely they would be confused with our own growing metropolis.
Harry Orth South BurlingtonSo what if you accidentally misgender someone? Simply apologize, correct yourself and move forward in the conversation. Importantly, don’t make a big deal, like saying, “I feel bad!” or “I’m trying hard!” Excessive apologies and justifications only bring focus to one’s self.
The National Institute of Health writes, “Being misgendered (i.e., being referred to with incorrect pronouns) can be an extremely hurtful and invalidating experience. Intentional refusal to use someone’s correct pronouns is equivalent to harassment and a violation of one’s civil rights.”
Let’s face it, it’s not just about a pronoun. Far from it. Fact is transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse individuals are currently experiencing shocking and growing amounts of discrimination and violence. Fact also is each one of us can be a strong voice in opposition to such hate. And, yes, for some, it can begin with a pronoun.
Carole Vasta Folley is an award-winning columnist and playwright. Read more at carolevf.com.
If it’s important to you or your community look for it in The Other Paper.
The South Burlington Rotary Club, in conjunction with the Howard Center, raised $10,000 as 32 teams of four took to the ice at Cairns Arena for the 11th Curling Challenge fundraiser in March.
“The Curling Challenge aligns perfectly with our mission to serve and support our community, fostering understanding, goodwill and peace through fellowship with local businesses, professionals and community leaders,” said Tom O’Keefe, president of the South Burlington Rotary Club.
The 2023 Curling Challenge drew support from community business sponsors, who played an important role in contributing to the fundraiser’s success.
Funds raised were dedicated to support Howard Center programs that cater to the needs of individuals and families, encompassing a wide range of services, including crisis support, residential programs, special-
ized schools, street outreach initiatives and substance use treatment and recovery. The funds will also be used to support basic needs, enrichment and holiday activities for individuals and families.
“The Curling Challenge not only strengthens our partnership with the South Burlington Rotary Club but also allows us to forge new connections within our community,” Denise Vignoe, director of development and communications at Howard Center, said. “Together, we are making a positive impact on the lives of people in our community.”
The Green Mountain Curling Club, with the assistance of the Rutland Rocks Curling Club, provided instruction and equipment for all the who competed throughout the day. The event welcomed the public to witness the matches and show support for the cause.
Ditch your car for a week and try out an e-bike — for free.
Local Motion’s Chittenden County traveling e-bike lending library will be in South Burlington for the month of August. South Burlington residents will be able to check out an e-bike from the South Burlington Public Library for six days.
The fleet includes two e-bikes: a Trek Verve and a Radwagon, which has cargo and kid-carrying capacity. Each offers an electric assist to help riders get around with less effort and scale hills that previously
seemed impossible.
The goal of this program is to introduce Vermonters to how e-bikes can be incorporated into everyday life and replace car trips. From commuting to work to picking up groceries and carrying kids to school, e-bikes provide an extra boost of power that makes miles feel shorter and cargo feel lighter.
For more information about taking an e-bike for a spin, visit localmotion.org. Reservations are not yet live but will be soon.
Sticks & Stones plays the park
SeaComm was recently honored with a Diamond Award by the Credit Union National Association Marketing and Business Development Council. The credit union won in the ongoing event category for its Pay-It-Forward Program.
The award recognizes and rewards credit unions that show creative excellence while garnering results. The selection committee evaluates entries based on strategy, concept, production and communication.
Throughout the year, SeaComm produced 26 pay-it-forward events — random acts of kindness in the communities it serves.
The Pay-It-Forward Program has allowed the credit union to surprise local businesses with free
lunch, sponsor the adoption costs at area animal shelters, pay for orders at local coffee shops, deliver breakfast to first responders, and more. Each event is free to the public.
SeaComm has two branches in Vermont, including South Burlington.
Ethan Allen Homestead Museum hosts a Home and Hearth reenactment on Saturday, July 29, 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Interact with reenactors as they cook over an open fire and work on artisan crafts to reenact domestic life in later 18th-century Vermont. The historic Allen House will be open all day for museum guests to speak with and learn from living historians. Free with admission.
Named for their polka-dot-like markings, spotted turtles have declined throughout most of their range, which stretches from Maine south along the Atlantic coastal plain to northern Florida, and from western New York into the eastern Great Lakes states. This species is listed as threatened or endangered in northern New England states.
While I have never seen a spotted turtle in the wild, I had the chance to see one years ago at the Connecticut nature center where I worked. This turtle was about 4 inches long, with a smooth, black carapace sprinkled with yellow dots. The skin on its head, neck, and legs was marked with tiny yellow speckles. The turtle’s underside, or plastron, was yellow-orange with large black blotches along the edges.
species in our region. They begin swimming as early as late March, when there may still be ice on their wintering ponds. In early spring, they bask on logs, rocks, or shores, soaking up heat from the sun. They also breed at this time. After mating, spotted turtles often move to woodland vernal pools, where they feast on amphibian eggs and tadpoles. In other wetlands, they feed on aquatic insects, small fish, crayfish and plants.
In June, females travel to open, sandy or gravelly areas to lay their eggs. A spotted turtle will dig a shallow, flaskshaped nest about 2 inches deep and deposit two to five ovoid eggs, then fill in the nest and smooth it over.
If you to see a turtle with yellow spots, take a photo and report it to the Vermont Reptile and Amphibian Atlas or to your state wildlife agency.
The eggs will hatch in September, and the round, 1-inch, unspotted hatchlings will head for wetland edges to forage.
These turtles are semi-aquatic, spending time on both land and water. They travel among a mosaic of wetland types, including ponds, swamps, vernal pools, fens and slow-moving sections of small rivers, foraging there and in woodlands and meadows along their route.
Spotted turtles emerge from hibernation before other turtle
During summer heat spells, spotted turtles may become dormant for days or weeks, estivating in a dug depression in the ground, in moist hummocks of vegetation, or inside muskrat houses. In September, these turtles travel to hibernation sites on pond bottoms, in underwater rock caves or in hummocks. Activity decreases and they enter winter dormancy in October, sometimes in communal groups.
The spotted turtle is listed as endangered in Vermont, where there are only three known populations, all in the southern half of the state. In New Hampshire, where this turtle is a threatened species, it is found mainly in the southeastern corner. In Maine, where the species is also threatened, spotted turtles occur along the southern coast. In southern New England and New York, this reptile is considered a species of special concern. Spotted turtles may travel up to three quarters of a mile on their annual journeys. According to
herpetologist Jim Andrews, coordinator of the Vermont Reptile and Amphibian Atlas, the species’ nomadic lifestyle and use of upland as well as wetland habitats make it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation and road mortality.
The illegal collection of turtles for the pet trade has also contributed to population decline. Because these turtles don’t reach sexual maturity for eight to 10 years and have a low reproductive rate, removing even a few turtles can wipe out a population.
Fish and wildlife agencies in northern New England monitor spotted turtle populations. In many places, they have erected turtle crossing road signs, installed turtle tunnels beneath roads and modified railroad tracks so the animals don’t get stuck while crossing. The conservation of large, intact wetland complexes and their surrounding landscape is critical to the survival of these turtles, said Andrews.
Spotted turtles tend to hide underwater and in vegetation, making it difficult to find new populations. A new environmental DNA study, a collaboration between the University of Vermont and Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, will collect water samples and analyze the DNA to detect whether this species occurs in particular waterbodies.
If you are lucky enough to see a turtle with yellow spots, take a photo and report it to the Vermont Reptile and Amphibian Atlas (vtherpatlas.org) or to your state wildlife agency. Watch out for turtles crossing roads, and never remove a turtle from the wild.
Susan Shea is a naturalist, writer, and conservationist based in Vermont. Illustration by Adelaide Murphy Tyrol. The Outside Story is assigned and edited by Northern Woodlands magazine and sponsored by the Wellborn Ecology Fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, nhcf.org.
continued from page 1
of people and culture, Burton Snowboards, and Alex Crothers, co-owner of Higher Ground, said in a joint statement. “Higher Ground and Burton look forward to bringing the incredible benefits of this project to the South End arts community as well as the great northern Vermont region.”
The venue had been challenged by nearby residents, who, through their neighborhood group Citizens for Responsible Zoning, claimed that the venue would draw large crowds and bring late-night noise, diminishing their quality of life.
They specifically argued that Burton had not satisfied local noise ordinances and said that noise and traffic engineering studies that were submitted by Burton in court “are based upon modeling which may prove to be unrealistic when applied to real life.”
In a letter previously published by The Other Paper, South Burlington residents Wendy Bratt, Doug Goodman and Michael Turner wrote that their group’s concern was “that the impact on South Burlington resources will be significant, (as well as) the inadequacy of permit conditions put in place to protect the neighborhoods from noise and traffic.”
In her ruling, Teachout, according to court documents, did address issues of venue-goers parking on residential side streets — which she said Burton did not
A.J. by Grayson Daileyaddress adequately — and ordered Higher Ground to install signage directing concertgoers into the venue’s parking lots, while also coordinating with Burlington and South Burlington officials.
Teachout’s decision, Worthley and Crothers said, “reaffirms that the project has been thoroughly evaluated and sufficiently addresses concerns raised by a small group of opponents.”
Jim Dumont, an attorney representing the resident group, said he will be “filing a motion to reconsider one part of the judge’s ruling, where she made a new argument, and we did not have a chance to respond to before.”
Dumont did not elaborate on the specifics of the motion or the new argument, but said that after Teachout ruled on that motion, he would “meet with my clients and they will decide whether or not to take an appeal.”
Residents had previously indicated that they would appeal to the
state Supreme Court should the judge rule in favor of Burton.
“My clients and I thank Judge Teachout for her patience and hard work during and after the trial, but we respectfully disagree with her analysis of the law and the facts,” Dumont said.
The prospect of relocating one of the top music and entertainment venues in the area has been in the works for nearly four years. Higher Ground is currently located off Williston Road in South Burlington, which has a capacity of just over 1,000 people.
The new venue, which the companies first received approval for in September 2020, would turn the current warehouse space into an outdoor plaza, food court, indoor skate park and music venue, which would hold up to 1,500 people.
Act 250 OK’d the plan in 2022, but approvals were quickly appealed by the citizens group.
No timeline has yet been given for the relocation.
“My clients and I thank Judge Teachout for her patience and hard work during and after the trial, but we respectfully disagree with her analysis of the law and the facts.”
— Attorney Jim Dumont
The South Burlington Wildcats roll into the Vermont State American Legion Baseball Tournament as the North No. 2 seed with a huge 20-3 win over Montpelier on July 20 at the Charlotte Berry Farm.
South Burlington got on the board in the bottom of the first inning after Kaiden Quinn singled, Montpelier committed an error and Baxter Lowell singled, each scoring one run.
South Burlington added to its early lead in the bottom of the second inning after Kyle Tanis singled and Evan LaMothe homered to left field, each scoring two runs.
Seven more Wildcats runs crossed the plate in the third inning to extend the lead to 14-1. Mitchell Niarchos singled, scoring one run, Quinn doubled, scoring two runs, LaMothe drew a walk, scoring one run, and Lowell homered to left field, scoring three runs.
South Burlington scored six runs on three hits in the bottom of the fourth inning. Augie Leven hit a solo home run to left field, Aiden Gray doubled, scoring one run, Liam O’Connor drew a walk, scoring one run, Abbot Terkel singled, scoring one run, an error scored one run, and Cioffi induced Leven to hit into a fielder’s choice, but one run scored.
Keegan Goodwin won on the mound for the Wildcats. The right-handed pitcher surrendered one hit and one run (zero earned) over two innings, striking out one and walking none.
The Montpelier starter went two innings, surrendering 11 runs (10 earned) on seven hits, striking out one and walking four.
Terkel threw two innings of no-run ball for South Burlington in relief, surrendering one hit, striking out one and walking none.
The South Burlington Wildcats tallied 12 hits in the game. Quinn, Leven and Lowell each collected two hits for South Burlington. Lowell drove the middle of the lineup, leading the Wildcats with four runs batted in. The right-handed hitter went 2-for-2 on the day.
Quinn and Niarchos each stole multiple bases for the Wildcats. The South Burlington lineup had patience at the plate, tallying eight walks for the game. The Wildcats ran wild on the base paths, accumulating nine stolen bases for the game, and turned one double play.
The Vermont State American Legion Baseball Tournament starts Saturday, July 22, at Castleton University and Mount St. Joseph High School and runs through Wednesday, July 26.
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department and the U.S. Forest Service are conducting four Introduction to Fishing Clinics in Green Mountain National Forest this summer.
“The national forest offers a wide range of fishing opportunities from remote back country ponds to locations with easy shore access and everything in between,” fish and wildlife education Specialist Corey Hart.
“Join us for a hands-on evening of fishing fun at the first three clinics which will be perfect for those who have never been fishing before or those looking to refresh their skills. Topics covered will include knot tying, fishing regulations, casting, ecology, and more.”
The clinics will be held:
Thursday, July 27, 5:30-8 p.m., Grout Pond Recreation Area, Stratton; Wednes-
day, Aug. 2, 5:30-8 p.m., Lefferts Pond, Chittenden; Thursday, Aug. 10, 5:30-8 p.m., Hapgood Pond recreation Area, Peru; and Thursday, Sept. 7, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Little Rock Pond, Mount Tabor Parking Area, Forest Road 10, Mount Tabor.
The last program covers all the basics of fishing while focusing on how to fish backcountry ponds. It includes a 5-mile round trip hike to reach Little Rock Pond. Register at vtfishandwildlife.com.
A teen conservation weekend to be held at the Edward F. Kehoe Conservation Camp in Castleton on Aug. 18-20 for kids ages 15-17.
“Teen Conservation Weekend allows us to provide teens with an exciting weekend of quality environmental education,” said
Hannah Phelps, camp coordinator. “Campers will arrive Friday evening and immediately begin participating in Let’s Go Fishing and Hunter Education programing before backpacking out to a remote pond for an evening of camping and fishing.”
The weekend is the perfect way for teens to unplug and engage with peers outdoors before heading back to the classroom. The weekend is capped at 20 participants, but there is still space for new registrants.
Arrival time is 5:45 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18 with departure at 4 p.m. on Sunday afternoon.
All participants will be expected to only bring gear they can carry themselves as they will participate in a backpacking trip to a remote campsite on Saturday evening. The cost for the weekend is $125, which includes meals. Sponsorships are available.
To register go to vtfishandwildlife.com or email hannah.phelps@vermont.gov.
BIKE PATH
continued from page 1
borhoods against neighborhoods,” said Michael Mittag, a planning commission member and treasurer of the city’s land trust, addressing the city council their July 17 meeting. “I’d rather Hubbard would remain in its natural state. Clearly there’s a lot of support for this path, and a lot of opposition to it, and I really don’t envy you trying to balance the wants of all your constituents.”
A petition, signed by more than 120 residents living on Pinnacle Drive, Nowland Farm Road, Four Sisters Road and Upswept Lane — — called on the council to “abandon the current plans ... and do no further alteration or development of this magnificent land.”
“Please accept this petition as opposition to the city’s plans to add any more human stuff … on the Hubbard Natural Area,” the petition reads. “We want this land to remain untouched and left in its natural state. For the past ten years, hundreds of people have benefited from this land in its current condition. To add impervious surfaces on this land is totally unacceptable whether it be for cars or bicycles or for human convenience.”
The design for the bike path has been ongoing since January 2020 and is aligned with goals presented in the 2015 Vision Framework and 2018 Master Plan for the park, according to Erica Quallen, the city’s deputy director for capital projects with the Department of Public Works.
The path was identified in the 2020 South Burlington Bicycle and Pedestrian Feasibility Study as
BARBECUE
continued from page 2
paid leave program that is already going to be in effect with Vermont state employees,” Dame said.
But Dame leveled about the challenges GOP lawmakers face in Vermont.
“Unfortunately, we just don’t have enough Republicans serving in the Legislature to help the governor’s vetoes be successful. That’s certainly something we’re looking at improving on as we get ready for the 2024 election.”
In the ever-expanding GOP primary at the presidential level, former President Donald Trump continues to lead national polling among Republicans, but at the cookout in Vermont, people were open to alternatives.
There was strong hesitancy about voting for Trump again in 2024 among some attendees. “Yeah, he might not be the perfect Republican candidate. There’s a reason ‘South Park’ insulted both (Biden and Trump,)” Douglass said.
Dwinell described “giving
a viable alternative to establishing bike lanes on Spear Street, where cars drive anywhere from 30 to 50 miles per hour.
Many speakers at the council’s July 17 meeting were in favor of the path — including, unsurprisingly, members of the city’s bicycle and pedestrian committee. Havaleh Gagne, chair of the committee, said the path would provide a critical option for cyclists who’s main connection is north through South Burlington on Spear Street.
“This was purchased with public money, it should have public access,” she said.
But many speakers were against the plan. Linda Norris, a resident living near Overlook Park, said that building the paved bike path would “change the whole environment in that field.”
Geoff Knisely, a Pinnacle Drive resident, said he and other residents were “very concerned about pedestrian and bicycle accidents occurring.”
And Jean Brana, a city resident of 25 years living on Pinnacle Drive, said she was “shocked at the rampant development in South Burlington” in the last decade.
“When I look at that field at the end of that neighborhood, in its beauty, and I just cannot imagine that this one last place probably in South Burlington has the potential to be degraded in a way where we put up artificial lighting, parking, impervious surfaces,” she said. “It’s just unconscionable.”
“To add any more impervious surfaces to this earth is really old-thinking, and I think we have
to be more progressive in our thinking,” she added. Some pushed back on the opposition.
Ryan Doyle, a resident, said that “just the paved area on Pinnacle Drive that surfaces the first six homes is more asphalt than what we’re talking about for a path that connects across the entire property to the south village. That’s a lot of impervious surface, but compared to what people use to get out of their driveways, it’s not that much. I wonder how many people talk about how important climate change is but drove here.”
Eventually, after two hours of public comment, the city council unanimously passed the proposal for the bike path. Plans originally called for an overlook viewing area and a public art installment along the path, but those were scrapped.
“This is a gem, and our residents have paid for that gem. Let’s make it available to all those residents,” city councilor Meaghan Emery said.
Concerns remained around how much of the park should be conserved, versus how much should be built out as a recreational park, as well as a cost estimates to extend and connect the bike lane further south — “so we don’t have a paved road to nowhere,” council Chair Helen Riehle said.
Andrew Chalnick, another councilor, said he was originally against building the path but later changed his position, saying supporting cycling will help
reduce transportation emissions as laid out in the city’s climate goals.
“The proposed path through Hubbard is a vital piece to our bike-pedestrian puzzle,” he said.
“The amount of impervious surface is so trivial compared to all the impervious surface in this city, it won’t have any impact on the ecological function of our wetlands or on that meadow. The notion that that trivial strip of asphalt will have an impact on the ecological function of that meadow is ridiculous. It just won’t.”
“We’re talking about a strip of pavement for bikers,” he said. “I don’t understand the vitriol. I don’t get it.”
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consideration” to a lot of the new primary candidates. “I like DeSantis. I thought about Nikki Haley, but I just don’t think she has what it takes.”
Though like many, if the former president wins the primary, she’ll support him.
“I know Trump is a mouth, but he sure did a good job running this country,” she said. “I wouldn’t mind seeing him again.”
Chevalier agreed that Trump comes with baggage as a candidate. “His numbers are only going up, and it’s unfortunate because a lot of people would prefer not him because his mouth’s out of control. But part of me says, ‘You know, maybe we should put him in because he’s going to flip over some tables.’ And like, I think everybody is pretty much anti-establishment at this point.”
Dame, the state chair, suggested the Vermont party is keeping an open mind about primary options.
“We are definitely not universally backing the former president,”
said Dame. “I think one of the things that more and more people are considering is that one of the downsides to electing Trump this time is going to be that he’s only going to be able to serve one term. Republicans have to evaluate whether or not they want to nominate a president who will be a lame duck as soon as he gets elected or look at a new face who has the potential to serve for eight years.”
Aubrey Weaver 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.
YARD SALE
YARD SALE: 15 Elsom Parkway in Mayfair Park on Sat. July 29, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Weather permitting.
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.
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
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March 21 - April 20
Don’t rush in and act combative this week, Aries. Take a more delicate approach to convince others to see things your way. As the saying goes, “You catch more ies with honey than with vinegar.”
April 21 - May 21
Are you feeling like you may want to be a wellness warrior of late, Taurus? Start by taking inventory of the foods in your home and making some healthier changes.
May 22 - June 21
Gemini, if you are looking to make a few new friends, ask others to connect you with like-minded individuals. You never know who you might meet until you give it a try.
June 22 - July 22
Cancer, if a delicate issue has been troubling you, reach out to someone you can trust and begin to talk things through. You will likely feel better just getting things out.
July 23 - Aug. 23
Leo, are you ready to take your project to the next level? Brainstorm with a coworker about the best way to get ahead and make a mark with this endeavor.
Nov. 23 - Dec. 21
Invite people to stop by and cheer you up, Sagittarius. You’ve been going through a rough patch and there’s nothing like happy faces and new perspectives to bring about a smile.
Aug. 24 - Sept. 22
It could be time for a move and you just aren’t ready to admit it, Virgo. You may have gotten comfortable in one place, but a move could prove the right decision.
Sept. 23 - Oct. 23
Libra, there are a lot of ideas swimming around in your head. You may need to put some things down on paper to see what really might be worth doing in the days to come.
Dec. 22 - Jan. 20
Capricorn, be sure to check your bank account pretty regularly; otherwise, you may lose track of spending and get yourself into a nancial mess that could be tough to get out of.
Oct. 24 - Nov. 22
Connect with a friend or even your partner for an intimate dinner this week. You’ve been moving in different circles and it’s time to get on the same page.
Jan. 21 - Feb. 18
Aquarius, you may be your own worst enemy this week, especially as it pertains to thinking that someone may be trying to cause trouble with you at work. Get the facts before acting.
Feb. 19 - March 20
Pisces, there is a process to everything. Remain patient and stay the course no matter how excited you are. Rest assured that things will work out if you can hang in there.
CLUES ACROSS
1. Bonus materials
7. Formal names
13. Free from restraints
14. One who scrapes away
16. Type of device
17. Skin cancers
19. The Show Me State
20. Plate glasses
22. Red-brown sea bream
23. Small (Fr.)
25. Flightless Australian birds
26. High IQ group
28. Stiff structures
29. Revolutions per minute
30. Where a bachelor lives
31. Licensed for Wall Street
33. A place to park 34. Energy, style and enthusiasm
36. An important creed in Catholic Church
38. 18-year astronomical period
40. Furies 41. Removes from the record
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!
43. Noted child psychiatrist 44. Feline 45. High schoolers’ test 47. Not happy
48. They __
51. On top
53. Precious stones unit of weight
55. Moved quickly
56. Seagulls
58. A seed with hooks or teeth
59. Partner to “oohed”
60. Exclamation of surprise
61. Most unpleasant
64. Organization help service members
65. Type of cockatoo
67. Humorous criticisms
69. Went through and organized
70. Wakes up
CLUES DOWN
1. Settle in tents
2. Big
3. Books
4. Masses of eggs in sh
5. Language
6. Not standing
7. Chinese philosophy
8. Computer giant
9. A device to catch
10. Emits coherent radiation
11. Actor O’Neill
12. Smallest interval in western music
13. Not lower
15. Revolves
18. Leavened bread
21. Number above the line in a fraction
24. Cable
26. Adult male
27. Airborne (abbr.
30. Bull ghting maneuvers
32. Broadcast
35. __ Angeles
37. Vehicle
38. Not religious
39. North American peoples
42. A baglike structure
43. Body art (slang)
46. Picked for a role
47. Actress Tomei
49. Former hoopster “Big Country”
50. Icelandic poems
52. More pleasant
54. It can add avor to meat
55. Self-immolation by re rituals
57. Expression of
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!