The Other Paper - 10-5-23

Dogs rescued

Police arrest three for animal cruelty

Page 2

Roaring to life

New Lions Club represents city, Shelburne

Page 12

the South Burlington’s Community Newspaper Since 1977

Higher Ground litigation heading to Supreme Court

COREY MCDONALD STAFF WRITER

A group of 140 Burlington and South Burlington residents opposing Higher Ground’s Burlington relocation appealed to Vermont’s Supreme Court, ensuring a continued battle over the location of one of the state’s most prominent music venues.

The residents, under the collective Citizens for Responsible Zoning, filed documents Thursday appealing a Superior Court ruling

earlier this month allowing the project to move forward.

“The CRZ has been asking that Burton (and) Higher Ground commit to being a good neighbor by accepting conditions that would ensure the project does not degrade the quality of life for its neighbors,” the group said in a statement. “At every step of this permitting process, Burton has insisted that there will be no adverse noise,

See HIGHER GROUND on page 2

Beta unveils electric aircraft facility in SB

COREY MCDONALD

STAFF WRITER

Kyle Clark stood just outside the hangar of his company’s new manufacturing facility with his family, much of Vermont’s past and present federal delegation and hundreds of his employees, all staring at the sky.

They stood silently, waiting, before the low hum of Alia, Beta’s prototype electric aircraft model, could be heard. It flew over the 188,000 square-foot facility, with news cameras and cellphones panning the sky.

It was a little louder than expected. You can still hear the noise of the aircraft’s frame and propeller, said Clark, the company’s founder and CEO, adding the plane was “about 10 times quieter than a regular airplane.”

“It’s slightly quieter than the F-35’s,” Vermont’s senior senator, Bernie Sanders, quipped. “We have the distinction of having the loudest plane in the world and the quietest plane, all in one airport.”

Monday morning’s flyover capped a ceremony attended by hundreds of Beta employees, investors and state and local dignitaries, celebrating the opening of Beta Technologies’ electric aircraft manufacturing facility — the first of its kind in the country.

It marks a significant milestone for the electric aerospace company, as well as the state. Since its inception in Vermont in 2017, Beta has been working to develop and eventually mass produce electric airplanes. It’s amassed more than

See BETA on page 10

Library draws attention to censorship, book bans

The South Burlington Public Library celebrates Banned Books Week Oct. 1-7 to spotlight the freedom to read and bring attention to efforts to censor books in libraries, schools and bookstores.

“The trustees felt it was important to honor the work of our libraries and to celebrate the freedom for everyone to read,” Stacey Pape, chair of the South Burlington Public Library Board of Trustees, said.

Along with the Vermont Library Association, the board also affirms its support for the American Library Association, a nonpartisan, nonprofit membership organization that develops, promotes and improves library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all.

COURTESY PHOTOS

South Burlington Public Library trustees Donna Swartwout, Margery Vagt and Rebecca Stazi hold books that some libraries across the country are being forced to censor or ban.

HIGHER GROUND

continued from page 1

traffic, or safety impacts on the area, and that such issues will be adequately addressed by current resources or internal operational procedures. Despite these claims, they have been unwilling to agree to any enforcement provisions, or enforcement permit conditions.”

“Taking this case to the Supreme Court,” the group said, “is the only path to fully protecting the surrounding neighborhoods from the impacts of this venue.”

A spokesperson for Burton and Higher Ground did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Burton and Higher Ground have been working to relocate the music venue from its current location on Williston Road in South Burlington to Burton’s warehouse space north of Queen City Park for four years. Plans call for the site to be turned into an outdoor plaza, food court, indoor skate park and music facility, which would hold up to 1,500 people — 400 more than can fit into the current site.

But the project has been stalled through appeals and court hearings initiated by the Citizens for Responsible Zoning group, who say Burton Corporation has showed an “unwillingness to accept permit conditions that would ensure they take responsibility if neighbors are negatively impacted.”

The issue turned tense this summer after nearly two dozen residents affiliated with the litigation were issued no trespass notices by the Burton Corporation, after

the company said it had reason to believe members were coming onto company property “to place signs and put flyers on employees’ and guests’ vehicles in our parking lot without our permission.”

The relocation, residents have said, will cause parking and heavy traffic problems to an area with only one access point over a one-lane bridge; will bring late-night noise, via loud bass frequencies from the venue, as well as from inebriated concertgoers in the area; and will force an increased police presence in the area.

permits, allowing the plans to move forward, but not without tacking on certain stipulations.

— Citizens for Responsible Zoning

“Red Rocks Park, just across the street from the Burton campus, is an access point for emergency services to Lake Champlain. It sees regular requests for rescue from people boating, paddling or who jump off the park’s cliffs and find themselves in distress,” one South Burlington resident, Lori Hayes, said. “One can only imagine the uptick in people, inebriated and amped after a show, wanting to test their jumping luck.”

Burton first received local approval in September 2020. Act 250 then OK’d the plan in 2022, but approvals were quickly appealed by the resident group.

A superior court judge in July upheld those state and local

See What Rice is Like

FALL OPEN HOUSE: Saturday, 10/7, 10am-12pm Tour our campus, meet teachers, ask questions and see our campus in action.

The company would have to coordinate with the cities of Burlington and South Burlington to ensure that no event parking will take place on Arthur Court or in Queen City Park; that all ticketed events will end by midnight, with the exception of 12 events per year that must end by 2 a.m.; and that Burton will install a permanent noise monitoring station at its property line to enforce World Health Organization noise limits. These conditions would “provide a slightly improved level of protection for the surrounding neighborhoods,” the citizens group said.

“However, there is no assurance that these permit conditions will actually prevent nighttime disturbances, or provide adequate safety for bicyclists and pedestrians,” the group said. “As it stands, the imposed conditions still do not provide any mechanism for enforcement. If Burton (and) Higher Ground do not abide by them, the impacted neighbors’ only recourse will be to reengage in lengthy and costly legal actions.”

SB police arrest three for animal cruelty

COREY MCDONALD STAFF WRITER

Three adults were charged with animal cruelty after officers found six dogs running loose in a parking lot after escaping from an RV they were living in, police said.

South Burlington police say Duston Blouin, 27, Chealsi Blouin, 28, and Jake McElwain, 26, were keeping six dogs, a cat, and a rabbit in an RV that was “not sanitary.”

“The inside of the RV was covered in feces and urine, and the integrity of the floor was compromised, likely due to the feces and urine,” police said.

Officers initially responding to the scene found the six dogs running loose in the parking lot of the Panera Bread on Shelburne Road. Police located the owners of the dogs and determined they had escaped from the RV parked in the lot.

needed immediate medical care. But Chealsi and McElwain, police said, declined to relinquish ownership of the dogs, and the animals had to be seized by police. Police Chief Shawn Burke said the animals were still at a kennel under a five-day medical evaluation but were in stable condition. The dogs will then be transferred to the Chittenden Humane Society in Burlington.

PROSPECTIVE PARENT COFFEE: Wednesday, 11/8, 8:15am-9:15am

Hear from a student, parent, and learn more about our approach to academics.

ALWAYS: Schedule a tour with Admissions Director Stacy Bessette

Maybell

“As it stands, the imposed conditions still do not provide any mechanism for enforcement.

Left, Adelay, right, Wesley

Pedestrian killed on Shelburne Road

A Burlington resident was killed after being struck by a car while crossing Shelburne Road last Monday, South Burlington police said.

Chriss Zuckerman, 59, of Burlington, was killed when she was hit by a vehicle driving northbound, police said. Zuckerman was crossing Shelburne Road near the intersection of Fayette Drive around 8:45 p.m.

Despite life-saving measures on scene, Zuckerman later died after being transported to the University of Vermont Medical Center, police said.

The driver, Kristina Sievert, 29, of Burlington, who was also taken to hospital, was screened for intoxication, a standard part of any fatal motor vehicle crash, police said. Little information has been released. Police say the investigation remains ongoing.

The South Burlington Fire Department, Vermont State Police, and Shelburne Police Department assisted at the scene of the crash. Witnesses are asked to contact Det. Martin Maloney at 802-846-4192 or mmaloney@southburlingtonpolice.org.

Author Talk: Gesine Bullock-Prado

Saturday, October 7, 11am-1pm

When Gesine Bullock-Prado left her Hollywood life in 2004 and moved to Vermont, she fell in love with the Green Mountain State’s flavors and six unique seasons. Spring, summer, fall, and winter all claim their place at this table, but a true Vermonter holds extra space for mud season and stick season, too.

In My Vermont Table, Bullock-Prado takes readers on a sweet and savory journey through each of these special seasons. The recipes use local produce, dairy, wine, and flour, adorned with quintessential Vermont flavors, and ingredients from Bullock-Prado’s own backyard.

Co-hosted by Kiss the Cook and South Burlington Public Library. Copies of Gesine’s books will be available for purchase and signing at the event. Recipe samples, too!

South Burlington Library Auditorium

180 Market Street, South Burlington

The Library is ADA accessible; patrons are asked to call in advance if special services are required. We encourage you to wear a mask at library programs regardless of vaccination status.

October Programs

Wednesdays

Thursdays

Want

• October 6: Free Sandwich and Soup

• October 11: Chicken Cacciatore with Wheat Rotini Pasta

• October 13: Sweet-n-Sour Sliced Pork with Vegetables

• October 18: Beef and Vegetable Stew with Potatoes

• October 20: Turkey Meatballs

Alfredo with Asiago Cheese, Parmesan and Spinach

• October 25: Birthday Lunch!

Zucchini, Onion and Summer

Squash Quiche + Cake/Ice Cream

• October 27: Chicken and Broccoli

Divan Casserole with Egg Noodles

South Burlington Police Blotter: Sept. 25 - Oct. 1

Agency / public assists: 22

Suspicious event: 20

Welfare check: 15

Retail theft: 13

Foot patrol: 13

Trespass: 13

Larceny from motor vehicle: 12

Motor vehicle complaint: 9

Accident: property damage: 8

Disturbance: 8

Stolen vehicle: 6

Traffic stop: 5

Mental health issue: 5

Threats: 4

Juvenile problem: runaway: 4

Fraud: 3

Total incidents: 254

Arrests:

Sept. 25 at 10:26 a.m., Richard A. Grzywna, 67, of South Burlington, was arrested for unlawful trespass on Lime Kiln Road.

Sept. 25 at 7:15 p.m., a 17-yearold juvenile was arrested for operation without the owner’s consent on Anderson Parkway.

Sept. 26 at 4:24 p.m., Jakob A. McElwain, 26, no address given, was arrested for cruelty to animals on Shelburne Road.

Sept. 26 at 4:24 p.m., Chealsi M. Blouin, 28, no address given, was arrested for cruelty to animals on Shelburne Road.

Sept. 26 at 4:24 p.m., Dustin A. Blouin, 27, no address given, was arrested for cruelty to animals on Shelburne Road.

Sept. 27 at 3:35 p.m., Darren A.

the

McCray, 42, of South Burlington, was arrested for cruelty to children over 16 and first-degree aggravated domestic assault on Market Street.

Sept. 27 at 10:10 p.m., Rachel L. Moss, 46, of Colchester, was arrested for retail theft on Dorset Street.

Sept. 30 at 12:03 a.m., Leo W. Bushey, 29, of St. Albans City, was arrested for eluding a police officer on Interstate 89 near exit 15.

Sept. 30 at 12:49 a.m., Scott L. Cantwell, 45, of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., was arrested for excessive speed, negligent operation and driving under the influence, first offense, at Aspen Drive and Sherry Road.

Oct. 1 at 3:05 a.m., Asha D. Beaulieu, 35, of South Burlington, was arrested for driving under the influence, second or subsequent offense, and DUI criminal refusal on Dorset Street.

Oct. 1 at 12:26 p.m., Christopher K. Nelson, 30, of Brooklyn, Conn., was arrested for driving under the influence, first offense, on Williston Road.

Untimely deaths:

Sept. 19 at 7:40 a.m., police responded to Williston Road for the death of Rory Gibbs, 57, of Crown Point, N.Y. The medical examiner’s office is determining cause and manner of death.

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OPINION

Words

matter

South Burlington’s draft plan removes term human-focused

neighborhood resident — quiet.

The beginning of October is always a hopeful time for me because holidays celebrating the fall harvest are just around the corner. The spectacular fall colors appeal to our senses, easing us into the colder months. And so, the earth’s natural cycle is intrinsically linked to food, friends and family. Human warmth.

We too often take for granted how fortunate we are to live in this beautiful place and enjoy the stability that thoughtful and responsive governance brings. These blessings are not accidental. We live in a beautiful place and have enjoyed good governance as consequences of being good stewards.

And so, when I hear from residents that they do not necessarily feel represented in city government or that they are considering homeschooling their children because they are concerned that the education provided in our middle and high schools does not necessarily match their children’s future, I take notice. We must be a big tent and we must provide equal opportunity. City government, by necessity, is a big and generous tent.

Therefore, I came to agree with one of the guiding principles in South Burlington’s originally drafted city plan, to be “human-focused.” These words have now been removed. Words matter. Just as budgets are value statements, so too is this plan.

Human-focused serves as a reminder to serve all residents. Indeed, human is the base word for the words humane and humanity.

It reminds us that “climate resiliency,” the first principle, has to do with protecting people from harm. Our climate action plan will only work if we ensure that people can safely use alternative means of transportation to their cars and that we ensure that everyone has access to green space, clean air and water, and — I add as a Chamberlin

Human-focused is linked to being “inclusive, fair, and just,” the second principle, and calls on us to learn from residents of all backgrounds, some of whom do not see themselves clearly represented in city government, in city events, or in planning documents, so that city leaders can aspire to benefit everyone when making planning decisions.

Human-focused is also linked to opportunity, an original guiding principle now replaced with “collaborative and engaged.” Certainly, we must engage and collaborate with residents so that they can find opportunities for their self-development, self-fulfillment and achievement of their potential.

Human-focused, however, has been replaced by “thoughtful and sustainable built environment.”

Here is how “human-focused” had been defined:

• Invest in a high-quality, human-scale built environment.

• Invest in parks, facilities and infrastructure to build community, a sense of place, well-being and belonging.

ing 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. Where is the human focus? Sense of place, well-being, belonging? Prioritization of pedestrian, bicycle and transit options? Where is the diversity? Community is built by putting the focus on our humanity.

This brings me to what I spoke about in a past council meeting: the need for us to listen as policymakers to those who cannot or do not opt in to our “built environment.” We must ask them why?

Human-focused serves as a reminder to serve all residents. Indeed, human is the base word for the words humane and humanity.

• Focus on a safe, resilient and efficient transportation system that prioritizes pedestrian, bicycle and transit options ahead of driving.

• Establish a vibrant, diverse and community-focused city center with pedestrian-oriented design, mixed uses, public buildings, public art and civic spaces.

• Prioritize new development and re-development in built areas served by transit and public infrastructure.

• Invest in, and support thoughtful infill into, neighborhoods so they thrive and evolve to meet future needs.

Here is how “thoughtful and sustainable built environment” is defined: Invest in a welcoming and walkable built environment, thriv-

How might that environment be envisioned so that, if and when implemented, they can choose to opt in? It requires more than four walls, as the Champlain Housing Trust made clear when they publicly disclosed that the recent $20 million donation it received would be used toward providing wrap-around services — human services. It requires more training for city and school staff so that there is more equity in the delivery of services and, furthermore, justice. Justice requires the removal of barriers caused by misunderstanding, lack of resources, varying ability levels, or cultural differences. So, in addition to planning our built environment to provide more housing adjacent to green space and parks, we must be open to rethinking or revising our rules to make them more “inclusive, fair and just.”

This openness comes from being human-focused, a principle now missing from our current draft plan. This is the principle that leads to good listening, good policy and continued good stewardship of our city’s human and natural assets.

Meaghan Emery is a South Burlington city councilor.

Councilor Corner

Meaghan Emery

Meaghan Emery Vice-chair, South Burlington City Council

District commits itself to good governance, lifelong learning

From the School Board

As we enter the second month of the school year, the South Burlington School Board is working toward several goals for the remainder of the year, with an eye toward using Town Meeting Day as a benchmark for progress in meeting those goals.

The board’s goals include having a deeper understanding of the many facets of Vermont’s open meeting law and continued training in Robert’s Rules of Order — a manual that assists an assembly, like our board, in accomplishing the work it was designed to do — so that we may best serve our community. In conjunction with those trainings, we will conduct a thorough review and update of our board governance policies, which include our codes of conduct and internal processes, all of which the district and the board take very seriously.

We have taken great care not to discuss board business in our training programs and to keep our discussions and board reflections public and transparent, per 1 V.S.A. § 310, subchapter C, which states a “Meeting” shall not mean occasions when a quorum of a public body attends social gatherings, conventions, conferences, training programs, press conferences, media events, or otherwise gathers, provided that the public body does not discuss specific business of the public body that, at the time of the exchange, the participating members expect to be business of the public body at a later time.”

As our counsel outlined at our most recent board meetings, it is inherent upon us, as board members, to honor those rules. If the conversation drifts toward board business, we must set it back on track toward the intended purpose. That’s what we do.

Our most recent gatherings have been with facilitator Michael Healy, who has guided

us through policy governance, a complex system of governance that should be continuously studied by any board, especially a new board like ours.

We make strong efforts to never exceed a quorum, including our board communications via email and with our monthly Donuts and Discussion conversations, which allow community members to meet with board and district staff outside the bounds of a board meeting. We can attest that there are never, nor have there ever been, more than two board members at these conversations for just this reason, as board and district business is the primary objective.

To continue our equity work and to ensure that meetings run smoothly and give everyone the opportunity to be heard, the board will soon be engaging in a two-hour training with the Vermont School Board Association specifically for Robert’s Rules of Order. This training is about process and procedure, not board business — in other words, how we conduct our meetings rather than what the meetings contain. This will allow board members to ask clarifying ques-

tions and practice in an informal setting to improve performance in formal meetings.

As an outcome, during board meetings, we can focus on the business of supporting and improving the district, rather than on how the meeting should be structured. Some of these changes have already taken effect with our new board agenda, delineating more clearly when we cover discussion and action items and allowing for a more robust board discussion.

As we continue to engage in the development of our knowledge of policy governance and Robert’s Rules, which will be put into action by reviewing our board governance policies, we will determine the policy’s effectiveness and how we can continue to align the

work of the board and the needs of the community.

As a board, we strive to make it abundantly clear that we reflect on our work, check for understanding, listen to community feedback and stay committed to ongoing governance training and review. As we continue to engage in improvement and professional development to best serve our constituents, as board members, as a community, and as humans, we strive to earn the community’s trust with our transparency and honesty.

Chelsea Tillinghast is clerk of the South Burlington School Board. Twice-monthly meetings are heold on Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m. Learn more at.sbschools.net.

Chelsea Tillinghast

Chelsea Tillinghast

To ensure that meetings run smoothly and give everyone the opportunity to be heard, the board will soon be engaging in a two-hour training with the Vermont School Board Association.

City needs to expedite plans at Pizza Hut

To the Editor: Perhaps I’m not viewing this from a proper perspective, but I would think that negotiating three residences and a drive-thru ATM would be a fairly easy task compared to explaining the condition of the current area to tourists and other visitors.

(“Pizza Hut plans on hold,” Sept. 28, 2023)

It’s at a crossroads of several entry points to this wonderful part of Vermont, and yet it appears to be on the outskirts of an abandoned town. I must admit the graffiti adds some color, and the artists are quite talented. Why doesn’t the city just pay them to paint a mural while the details of three residences and a drive-thru are argued for the next four to six years?

Dripping sarcasm aside, the city could do better, and no, I’m not joining a board to help the process. You can see I don’t have the required diplomacy. Please get this area tidied up. The owners deserve a chance at a viable property and the residents deserve to no longer have to explain this plight.

Jay Martinez South Burlington

Unleashed dogs remain problem in dog parks

To the Editor: I am writing in response to the letter regarding the survey being distributed by the Common Area for Dogs Committee. I appreciate the efforts of the city committee to provide designated enclosed dog parks. We have enjoyed them with our dog.

(“Committee creates survey on topic of unleashed dogs,” Sept. 28, 2023)

The survey is written to engage dog owners who let their dogs off leash in parks and public areas. While it’s admirable to be curious about violators of the leash ordinance, nowhere does the survey ask the simple question “Why do you let your dog off leash in public parks and areas?” Nor was there a question about identifying more creative ways to increase compliance with dog leashing.

The survey also specifically leaves no choices for people who either leash their dogs or don’t own them to express their views. Yes, it’s true they can comment but these might not be tabulated as data.

I am deeply concerned with the statements about the survey that the leash ordinance is

“impossible to enforce,” and that this idea will lead to the loosening of this ordinance. Rather than focusing on negotiating with the people who refuse to leash their dogs, what has been tried and what can we try to step up education and enforcement?

There were extra signs at Red Rocks Park earlier this year about leashing and picking up dog waste. These were very positively worded and had nice eye-catching graphics. Increased signage could educate people on the impact on unleashed dogs running loose as would a personto-person education campaign.

Unleashed dogs are a public safety, environmental and equity concern for our community. When they run up on leashed dogs it’s an unsafe situation for both the dogs and people present. Dogs bite other dogs, they bite people, they jump on people, they chase bicyclists.

People have no idea what to expect from a dog approaching without their owner and small children move quickly, which can prompt an anxious or aggressive response from dogs and can be frightening for children, the elderly and people with disabilities.

Unleashed dogs have a significant impact on wildlife: Displacement — wildlife move away from dogs — disrupting their sleep, feeding and nesting. Even when the dog is gone their scent remains and this continues to repel wildlife.

Wildlife becomes stressed with dogs’ present, disrupting their activities. Dogs can kill wildlife and transmit disease

pollute water and transmit harmful parasites to people.

Another dog park would be great, but this alone will not solve the problem of leashing. I ask that the community support efforts to work with people to comply with leashing and that we clarify the ordinance to clearly prohibit unleashed dogs on all public land in the city except in specific dog areas.

Nora Senecal South Burlington

Owners should beautify unsightly property

To the Editor:

Let’s beautify South Burlington.

We moved here from out of state five months ago to be closer to family and because of the beautiful scenery, among other things. To my husband’s and my dismay, we were surprised to see the unsightly corner at Shelburne Road and Swift Street. (“Pizza Hut plans on hold, Sept. 28, 2023)

If there’s not a solution for several more years to the property — the abandoned Pizza Hut and gas station — then may I suggest temporary fencing in the area to prevent graffiti, a fence that someone cannot climb. Then paint over the graffiti. To make the area more presentable, add some pots with flowers or small shrubs.

Can the owner be responsible for maintaining the property to make it aesthetically pleasing? SoButify that corner.

O

H ME

The best local guide to home, design, real estate and gardening

HME

Friends of the South Burlington Library celebrate 50 with sale

Where can you find good books in great condition for low, low prices? Try the fall book sale at the South Burlington Public Library.

It’s the quinquagenary of the Friends of the South Burlington Public Library. Or it could be called the semicentennial. But whatever the term, the Friends organization is 50 years old. Since 1973, this quiet adjunct to the library has been at work behind the scenes, actively supporting its staff, programs, events and mission.

Over the years, the library migrated from South Burlington High School to University Mall while plans evolved for the beautiful building where it now resides.

As it has moved, the Friends raised funds through book sales, ice cream socials, cookie walks and more to support children’s programs, audio books, the winter concert series and special donations to the Aspire campaign. The support continues, grows and changes with the library’s needs.

The permanent location of the Friends

Book Shop is on the second floor. It is staffed from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. but browsers may pay for books at the circulation desk at any other time. Current Friends president Sue Raatikainen says, “While it’s certainly nice to review our financial success, I am also pleased to acknowledge our impact on the community. Our new location in the library has enhanced our visibility to the public. Regular patrons stop in the shop to look for new books and to chat with the volunteer of the day.”

True to tradition, there will be a fall book sale in the Community Room on the second floor of the library, 180 Market St., Friday, Oct. 13, from 2-5 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Members of the Friends may attend the preview night on Thursday, Oct. 12 from 5-7 p.m.

There will be a sale-only reduction in the already low prices. Extras include a raffle, special bookbags and unique notecards. Become a member at the door for an annual donation of $10.

COURTESY PHOTO

The Friends of the South Burlington Library spring book sale, from left, Merry Jones, vice president, Anne O’Neil, longtime volunteer, Myke Esposito, Friends historian, and Sue Raatikainen, president.

Community Notes

Knights of Columbus host community breakfast

Join the Knights of Columbus DeGosbriand Council # 279 on Sunday, Oct. 8, for a community breakfast, 9-11:30 a.m., in the parish center of St. Joseph’s Cathedral, 29 Allen St., Burlington.

The feast will feature bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, blueberry pancakes, French toast and more. Coffee, juice, butter and real Vermont maple syrup are included.

The cost is $10, and the breakfast benefits seminarians or religious aspirants for books, car insurance, maintenance, travel during vacations, clerical clothing, emergency expenditures and other living expenses.

Contact David Ely, davidely1986@gmail.com or 802-8625109, for more information.

Girls on the Run presents Sneaker Soirée

Girls on the Run Vermont will host its annual fall benefit, The Sneaker Soirée, on Saturday, Oct. 14, at Burlington Beer Company from 6-9 p.m.

A fundraiser like no other, it will surely be the most comfortable cocktail party in town. Suggested attire is semi-formal and, of course your favorite sneakers.

The soiree includes a silent auction packed full of getaways, lift tickets, spa treatments, yoga packages, custom artwork and tons

of other deals, a gift card grab and wish wall, and a photobooth.

Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails while listening to DJ Love Doctor spin the night away.

The event benefits Girls on the Run Vermont participants. More at gotrvt.org/sneaker-soiree.

‘From China to Vermont,’ Guy Cheng story

Vermont has long attracted artists, but few perhaps whose background is as eclectic as Guy Cheng’s.

Born in China in 1918, Cheng first came to the U.S. to represent China in the Davis Cup in 1936. The story of his life, from receiving a Master of Business Administration from Tulane University to becoming a much-collected silversmith and artist, whose works were sold at Tiffany’s, will be told by David Sisco, his stepson, co-owner of Designers’ Circle Jewelers in Burlington.

“From China to Vermont: The Story of Longtime Resident Guy Cheng,” is Sunday, Oct. 15, 2 p.m. at the Pierson Library in Shelburne.

Perhaps you remember Cheng’s store on Route 7 in Charlotte with its unusual door? Or maybe you’re a collector? If so, wear your jewelry and share your memories of this artist who made Vermont his home.

Sponsored by the Chittenden County Historical Society. Refreshments will be served.

South Burlington School Notes

As the first complete month of school concludes, the South Burlington School District has a lot of things underway. Here’s what’s going on.

On Sept. 30, South Burlington High School held its 29th ski and board sale in the gym.

The sale is a fundraiser for the snowboard, alpine ski and Nordic ski teams, along with the general SBHS Boosters fund.

New website launches

On Oct. 3, the South Burlington School District will relaunch sbschools.net with a cleaner design, intuitive menus and a live feed for news and events.

The district will also be rolling out an accompanying app later in October that will allow families even more access to school and district information.

Community service day

South Burlington High School held a community service day on Oct. 4.

Student Leadership Advisory Meeting groups will be all three

See SCHOOL NOTES on page 12

$700 million from private investors, according to reporting from Seven Days.

Its new net-zero facility will allow Beta to start producing 300 of its two commercially viable aircraft models, the ALIA CTOL and the ALIA VTOL, every year by 2027.

Assembling and designing the planes are 600 employees — 400 in Vermont — in the company’s headquarters and maintenance hangar in South Burlington, pilot manufacturing facilities in Williston, and its advanced battery research center in St. Albans.

Sanders called it an “important day for the country, and in fact the world.”

Former senator and Burlington airport’s new namesake, Patrick Leahy, said the company’s plant will bring “the kinds of jobs we need in Vermont,” while Gov. Phil Scott said Beta’s presence would be “as important to Vermont in the coming years, mark my words, as IBM was for decades.”

Production has already begun with the installation of assembly tooling and the initiation of various system production lines. Clark said the company has a backlog of 600 planes for buyers in cargo, logistics, medical, defense customers, as well as for commercial passenger industries.

A planned phase-II will double the size of the facility, the company said, located in South Burlington off Williston Road and the southernmost edge of the airport.

“What you guys are in is the large-scale production facility for electric aircraft,” Clark said on Monday. “Six years ago, Martine Rothblatt and I met, and we contrived this crazy scheme — to change the world and turn the corner on climate change with something that we care about, which is aviation.”

He thanked Vermont’s federal delegation, Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger, as well as the city of South Burlington, for facilitating the company’s growth.

“Although we’re at the Patrick J. Leahy Burlington International Airport, we’re in the city of South Burlington, and this community has adopted us — I shouldn’t say adopted us, we were born here,” he said. “We have had an amazingly

positive experience with the city of South Burlington, who shares a lot of the values of Burlington of course and is growing in its own way and wants to do so responsibly.”

South Burlington Council Chair Helen Riehle, speaking at the event, said the city is “so pleased that Beta Technologies’ chose our city in which to build their production facilities.”

“You have joined a community that is strongly committed to the shared values of reducing our carbon footprint,” she said, pointing to the city’s climate action plan, which seeks to cut emissions in the city through transportation and infrastructure policies. “On behalf of the South Burlington city council, and the city of South Burlington, I simply wish to say, welcome to the neighborhood.”

Beta’s 40-acre campus did not come without some obstacles. A year after it was first submitted to the South Burlington Development Review Board, an issue over parking regulations left the project in limbo and prompted an outcry from residents and state politicians.

The city council, shortly after, passed a land use amendment allowing for the proposed parking lot. The final application was approved this year.

In September, during the final stages of the campus’ buildout, Rory Gibbs, a worker with the site’s lead contractor, PC Construction, died in an onsite accident involving a forklift which remains under investigation. Clark acknowledged his death at the beginning of the ceremony, called him a “a veteran, a father and a husband” who died “while working toward our collective mission.”

The new facility is equipped with 260 geothermal wells to provide energy for temperature control within the building, and nearly three acres of roof-mounted solar panels, the company said. The structural sub-base supports concrete foundations and is made by a glass aggregate of 99 percent recycled glass and 1 percent binder, replacing nearly 100,000 cubic feet of styrofoam insulation.

“BETA’s forward-thinking approach to sustainable aviation has led to new jobs, new commu-

Trunk Show

nity partnerships, and investment in the Burlington area and all of Vermont. It’s also encouraging to see the total transformation of a 40-acre brownfield — from an unused stretch of land in need of redevelopment and cleanup, to a green-energy, net-zero, hub of economic and electric aviation activity,” Sen. Peter Welch said. Although the electric aviation market is still uncertain, leaders

in the state have pointed to the company as a way to fight climate change. Aviation is a significant contributor to carbon emission worldwide, and Beta is seen as critical in the push to decarbonize the industry.

“All over the world, young people are wondering what kind of planet they and their kids will be living in,” Sanders said Monday morning. “One of the significant

emitters of carbon is aviation, air travel, so what is taking place right here — who would have believed it, in our small state — because of all your collective activities, we are leading the world and helping to transform our energy system away from fossil fuel and save the planet. That’s no small thing.”

“I do believe the world is looking at what you are doing here today,” he said.

ABOVE: COREY MCDONALD; BELOW: GLENN RUSSELL, VTDIGGER

Kyle Clark watches as one of his company’s electric aircraft flies over its new manufacturing facility. Dignitaries speak during Beta Technologies’ ceremony Monday in South Burlington.

MacKenzie Scott gives $20 million to housing

COREY MCDONALD STAFF WRITER

The billionaire philanthropist and novelist MacKenzie Scott, the ex-wife of billionaire Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, made a $20 million donation to the Champlain Housing Trust, the largest donation in the organization’s history.

Michael Monte, Champlain Housing Trust’s CEO, said Scott’s “generosity gives our community the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to move the dial on affordable housing right now.”

“Thousands of lives long into the future will be impacted because of this donation,” Monte said. “We can’t thank Ms. Scott enough.”

The trust said the donation will be used to help expand and sustain its mission to support communities in northwest Vermont through the development of permanently affordable homes and related community assets.

The Champlain Housing Trust, Vermont’s largest affordable housing organization, has an operating budget of $27 million, according to budget records, but also has a development budget of roughly $60 to $70 million to use for real estate acquisitions.

Twenty-three percent of the trust’s rental housing is currently occupied by people exiting homelessness. It recently converted an old motel on Williston Road in South Burlington that it purchased via COVID-19 relief funds in 2020 into the Braeburn Apartments, available specifically for people who lack permanent housing and are exiting homelessness.

The trust also operates Harbor Place in Shelburne Road, is developing property on Shelburne Road into affordable homeownership and rental units, and is a partner in efforts to turn property just south of the Champlain Union High School in Hinesburg into a project with 75 homes — 60 of which will be perpetually affordable.

The donation, the trust said, will “create an ongoing, stable stream of funding to help support this work.”

Scott, one of the wealthiest women in the world with a net worth estimated at over $30 billion, made the donation through her philanthropic fund, Yield Giving, which according to reporting from The Associated Press has since 2019 donated

more than $14 billion in unrestricted funds to 1,600 nonprofit organizations.

Her 25-year marriage to Bezos, then CEO of Amazon, ended in 2019, and as part of the divorce she received a 4 percent stake in the company. Since then, she’s worked to give away much of her fortune.

She previously made a $9 million donation in 2020 to the Vermont Foodbank, and has also donated to the Goodwill Northern New England and the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation’s Community Crisis Action Fund.

“The Board of Directors is truly amazed by this generosity,” Jeff Smith, Champlain Housing Trust’s board president, said in a release. “We couldn’t imagine a better time, with Vermont’s well-documented housing challenges and the state’s ongoing commitment to building affordable housing, to give our community the opportunity to do even more and being able to sustain this effort over time.”

The Champlain Housing Trust says it will use the donation to sustain its existing programs.

“In addition to public funds, CHT uses private debt to move development projects forward and to reinvest in properties, especially properties that serve the most vulnerable,” the trust said. “Having internal capacity to replace this borrowing will make development less expensive, more sustainable, and allow CHT to act quickly when opportunities arise.”

The donation will also help expand its Homeownership Equity Program, sustain its Old North End Community Center in Burlington and bolster efforts to redevelop the O’Brien Community Center in Winooski, and help its staff provide support to connect people to resources.

MacKenzie Scott

Champlain Valley Lions formally form new club

The Champlain Valley Lions Club received its official charter at a luncheon at the Delta Hotel in South Burlington on Sept. 17.

The luncheon, hosted by the Middlebury and Essex Lions clubs, featured a charter signing by members, a new member induction ceremony, and a Lions Roar contest.

“It was a joyful event with Lions coming from across the state to offer congratulations and encouragement to our new club,” Champlain Valley Lions Club president Mark Hanna said. “The Champlain Valley Lions is off to a roaring start, with 32 members who are all lively, engaged and caring people. We’re having fun, making plans and looking forward to planning service projects to help this community.”

To join the club, ask questions or offer suggestions for service projects, contact Hanna at 978-764-0694 or lionmark2000@ outlook.com.

One of 32 Lion clubs in Vermont, the new club serves Burlington (south of Pearl Street)

and University of Vermont (05401 & 05405), South Burlington (05403) Shelburne (05482).

South Burlington High School Class of 2003 20th Reunion

Events Friday, Oct. 13 and Saturday, Oct. 14

Main event Saturday night, Oct. 14

For more info email: shannon.bollhardt@gmail.com or jessicamjarvis@gmail.com

SCHOOL NOTES

continued from page 9

elementary schools.

Ninth graders and their 11th and 12th grade buddies, called Peer Leaders, will be visiting classrooms.

Bike smart

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund Local Motion Bike Smart Trailer for schools will be at Frederick H. Tuttle Middle School through Oct. 7. There are approximately 30 bikes of varying sizes that the school can use for classes or the full day.

Fire safety

This week, Oct. 2-6 is Fire Safety Week at the elementary schools.

South Burlington Fire Department firefighters will be at Gertrude

Chamberlin on Friday, Oct. 6, to give grade-level presentations to teach students how to stay safe in case of a fire.

They will discuss the importance of working smoke alarms and fire safety plans in homes, as well as other fire safety topics.

Flu shot clinic

A flu shot clinic will be held at Orchard School on Thursday, Oct. 19, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

All schools have offered free flu clinics through Costco Pharmacy for staff throughout September and October and the one at Orchard is the final clinic.

Walk to school

National Walk to School Day was Oct. 4.

The district said the event promotes walking enjoyment, enhances pedestrian safety and contributes to reducing fuel consumption in the community as part of the Safe Routes to School initiative.

Two safe routes were planned to Rick Marcotte Central School: One started at the Chipotle parking lot on Dorset Street and the other started at St. John Vianney.

“This would not be possible without the support of Rick Marcotte Central School staff members, PTO and parent volunteers, South Burlington police officers, and school Safe Routes Committee members,” according to a press release.

At Gertrude Chamberlin, the school is encouraging families who live near the school to walk, bike or scooter to school. Here are their recommended routes.

A pride of Lions: Charter members of the Champlain Valley Lions Club gathered to celebrate their club’s launch in South Burlington.

Golf team continues winning ways

LAUREN READ CORRESPONDENT

Boys’ soccer

South Burlington 2, Mount Mansfield 1: The South Burlington boys tallied twice in the second half to earn a win over Mount Mansfield on Saturday, Sept. 30

Hammad Ali had one goal and one assist for the Wolves, who trailed 1-0 heading into the second half. Milo Schmidt also scored, while Oliver Payson made five saves.

With the win, South Burlington moved to 7-1.

Football

St. Johnsbury 49, South Burlington-Burlington 7: The South Burlington-Burlington co-op football team gave up 42 unanswered points through three quarters as it fell to St. Johnsbury Friday, Sept. 29.

Ahmed Diawara paced the offense for the SeaWolves with 80 yards on 16 carries and the team’s lone touchdown.

The loss moves SB-BHS to 1-4.

Girls’ soccer

Mount Mansfield 2, South Burlington 0: After a scoreless first half, South Burlington surrendered two goals in the second half to lose to Mount Mansfield on Friday.

South Burlington goalkeeper

Alisa McLean made five saves in goal. The Wolves fall to 2-4-1.

Boys’ golf

The South Burlington boys’ golf team captured the NVAC Metro championship on Thursday at the Champlain Country Club.

The Wolves finished the low score of 316, three strokes shy of second place Champlain Valley.

Teddy Maynard was the low scorer for South Burlington with a 75, Jay Eagle added a 78 and Evan Marchessault had an 80.

Sawyer Bond posted an 83 and Jack McDougall finished with an 87.

Field hockey

South Burlington 3, Burlington 0: Ella Maynard scored twice as the South Burlington field hockey team beat Burlington on Thursday, Sept. 28.

Sabrina Brunet scored a goal for the Wolves, while Amber Rousseau stopped six shots in goal in the shutout.

South Burlington moved to 6-0.

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South Burlington’s Ivy Jiang gets a dig during the Wolves’ 5-set win over the Mount Mansfield Cougars on Sept. 26 in South Burlington.

Eat and Be Hoopy!

Piano Lessons

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.

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TRANSITION POINTS

ANSWERS FROM THIS ISSUE

October 5, 2023

We understand the love you have for your pets and the importance they hold in your life. Our compassionate staff is devoted to easing the difficulties at this challenging time. Our