The Other Paper - 11-22-23

Hallelujah!

Clean & Green

Community chorus showcases ‘Messiah’

Respect for nature our spiritual salvation

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New project would conserve 74 acres, build 100 homes COREY MCDONALD STAFF WRITER

One hundred new homes might be coming to South Burlington’s Allenwood area off Shelburne Road, a development that will also permanently conserve 74 acres.

The development, at 1195 Shelburne Road, is still in its conceptual phases, according to the developer Eric Farrell. Plans were first submitted to the city’s Development Review Board in

VOLUME 47, NO. 47

Color explosion

October and were reviewed at a meeting this month.

The plans call for construction of 124 homes in buildings ranging from single-family to 12-unit multi-family buildings on 29 acres.

The property sits on the Shelburne Bay waterfront and abuts railroad tracks to the east that run north and south.

It creates permanently See HOUSING on page 10

South Burlington School District

New policy crafted for transgender, non-binary students LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER

A new draft South Burlington School District policy affirms the rights of transgender and non-binary students.

The district’s director of diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism and social emotional learning, Monica Desrochers, alongside four students, unveiled the draft policy at last Wednesday’s board meeting.

The six-page policy was modeled mostly after 2017 Vermont Agency of Education guidelines that outline how to

support students whose gender identity is different than their assigned sex at birth or who do not identify as male or female.

She said the policy was initially vetted by both the high school’s Gender and Sexuality Alliance and the Queer Straight Alliance in the middle school before heading to counseling staff and administration for feedback.

“What I didn’t want to do is move a policy forward that is most impacting transgender students without their voice or even motiCOURTESY PHOTO

See POLICY on page 11

Jenny Bower Knowles captured this stunning sunset over South Burlington on Nov. 12.

Page 2 • November 22, 2023 • The Other Paper

SB man named committee chair of trial lawyers’ group Michael L. Desautels of South of the attorneys in the state.

Burlington, a fellow in the AmerThe college’s many missions ican College of Trial Lawyers, include working to preserve the has been named the chair of the independence of state and federVermont State Committee. al judges, including from recent Desautels has served verbal attacks from as the Chief Federal politicians regarding Defender in Vermont court decisions. Judges since 2006, and before are often constrained that was in private pracfrom responding to such tice in New York State attacks themselves. for many years.

In another initiative, “I look forward to the college has partleading in this role,” nered with the AmeriDesautels said. can Constitution Society The American to teach about the role College of Trial Lawyers Michael L. Desautels that the U.S. Constituis a professional assocition plays in the lives of ation of lawyers and individuals and society judges dedicated to maintaining — by having college fellows meet and improving the standards of with school groups and other civic trial practice, the administration of groups. justice, and the ethics of the profesDesautels said, “I believe that sion. Membership in the college fellows in the college play a vital is by invitation, and admission is role in upholding the rule of law in limited to not more than 1 percent our country.”

Local United Way launches 365 Small Business Circle United Way of Northwest Vermont has launched a new giving program to help small businesses make an impact in the communities where they live, work and play.

Starting at $1 a day, small businesses can improve lives in Northwest Vermont by joining United Way’s 365 Small Business Circle.

“Small businesses in Vermont are incredibly committed to their local communities, but it isn’t always easy to know how to make a big impact with limited resources. Our 365 Small Business Circle helps small businesses extend their reach by partnering with United Way to improve the lives of our families, friends, and neighbors,” United Way of Northwest Vermont corporate engagement manager

Erin Regan said.

The 365 Small Business Circle has three annual membership levels: 365 Partner at $1 a day, 365 Plus Partner at $3 a day, and 365 Leader at $5 a day. Each level has corresponding benefits and opportunities to promote your business and your partnership with United Way. The money raised through the 365 Small Business Circle will support local organizations and efforts supporting mental health, families, basic needs (housing, food and transportation), reducing substance abuse and financial stability.

For more information, contact Regan at 802-861-7832 or erin@ unitedwaynwvt.org, or go to unitedwaynwvt.org.

COURTESY PHOTO

South Burlington Community Chorus.

Hallelujah! It’s Handel’s ‘Messiah’ The South Burlington Community Chorus will present its winter concert on Saturday, Dec. 2, at 7:30 p.m., under the direction of Erik Kroncke.

The program will be Handel’s beloved “Messiah,” Part 1, plus the “Hallelujah” and “Amen” choruses with soloists. A musical rite of the holiday season, the Baroque-era oratorio still awes listeners more than 260 years after the composer’s death.

Messiah is an English-lan-

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(students are free) and can be purchased online in advance at sbchorusvt.com.

The South Burlington Community Chorus was founded in 1976 and is partially funded by the South Burlington Recreation and Parks Department.

Its goal is to create a community of singers who are committed to supporting one another to learn more about singing, have fun and provide their audiences with quality performances.

Exhibit explores Vermont’s many lost ski areas Have you ever heard of Hedgehog Hovel, Buckturd Basin or Freak Peak?

All are part of the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum’s newest exhibit, “Searching for Vermont’s Lost Ski Areas.”

Take a schuss down memory lane on Friday, Dec. 1, 5-8 p.m., for an exhibit opening party.

Admission is free but donations, at the door or in advance, are greatly appreciated. Beer and cider will be served.

The museum’s search for information about Vermont’s lost ski areas, those that at one time operated a mechanical tow, has been a

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guage oratorio composed in 1741 by George Frideric Handel.

The text was compiled from the King James Bible and the Coverdale Psalter by Charles Jennens.

It was first performed in Dublin on April 13, 1742, and received its London premiere nearly a year later.

The concert will be held at the McCarthy Arts Recital Hall at Saint Michael’s College on Route 15 in Colchester.

Tickets are $10 for adults

more than 20-year endeavor. From Vernon to Newport, 175 lost ski areas have been identified and located on a large format map created for the exhibit. Lost and found ski areas — 20 areas still in operation today — are also identified.

Drawing from information, photographs and memorabilia in the museum’s collection, and with help from local historical societies, part one of “Searching for Vermont’s Lost Ski Areas” features the unique character of 70 lost areas between the Massachusetts border and Route 4, from small community tows to bigger areas with multiple lifts.

Of those 70, Woodstock, Snow Valley, Dutch Hill, Hogback and Mt. Ascutney are highlighted with even more detail and colorful information. Visitors will learn about the installation of the first rope tow in the United States, snow trains and the beginnings of ski tourism, the first snowmaking system in the state and Vermont’s first Sno-Cat skiing operation.

The search for more information about Vermont’s lost ski areas is ongoing and the museum welcomes input from those who have memories and photos to share. Part twoI of the exhibit will push further north and will open next season.

The Other Paper • November 22, 2023 • Page 3

Debates about short-term rentals regulations grow CARLY BERLIN VTDIGGER

A new data analysis by the Vermont Housing Finance Agency found the number of homes listed on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO has grown rapidly over the last several years, following a brief pandemic downturn.

In September, Vermont saw the highest number of active shortterm rentals out of any month on record: 11,747, a 16 percent increase relative to the same month last year, according to VHFA’s data analysis released in late October.

As the industry has boomed, more and more towns are grappling with short-term rentals’ impact on the availability of yearround housing — and debating approaches for how to track and regulate them. Meanwhile, shortterm rental industry advocates argue towns, and the state, should gather more data before imposing restrictions.

The finance agency’s analysis shows that the number of active short-term rentals statewide has increased markedly over the last three years. The agency purchases private data from AirDNA, a site that aggregates rental listings from platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, and looks only at full-unit rentals, rather than partial-units such as a bedroom in a home.

Ski towns have the highest number of these rentals, according to VHFA’s analysis: Stowe, Killington, Ludlow, Dover, and Warren were the top five. Stowe, a town of a little over 5,000, had close to 1,000 active short-term rentals as of September.

The amount of Vermont’s housing stock used for short-term rentals is relatively small. According to VHFA, these rentals account for about 3.6 percent of the state’s total housing stock. About 16 percent of Vermont homes are seasonal or vacation homes, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Because data on short-term rentals and information on seasonal and vacation homes come from different sources, it’s difficult to deduce how they map onto each other, said Nate Lantieri, research coordinator at VHFA. The agency also lacks data on how properties have historically been used, making it hard to track how many long-term units might be flipping to vacation use, and how the increasing number of short-term rentals might impact the yearround rental market.

But even slight shifts can have an outsized effect when the year-

round rental market is extremely The guidance summarized the tight, Lantieri said. array of options available – from “When we’re looking at these registries to residency requirereally small vacancy rates across ments to limiting where such rentthe state, any one unit that’s being als can be located – but it refrained taken out of year-round rental from giving more specifics on how for potential short-term rental to regulate the industry. Brady said the organization – it creates more will wait to see pressure on the In September, what further queslow vacancy rates tions town governalready,” Lantieri Vermont saw the ments have. said.

At a shortAs the number highest number of term rental indusof short-term renttry expo held this als has shot up, so active short-term week in South has the revenue they Burlington, Julie bring in, according rentals out of any Marks, founder to VHFA’s analysis. and director of month on record: In February, averthe Vermont Short age monthly reveTerm Rental Alli11,747. nue for these units ance, expressed surpassed $5,000 for the first time. As of September, concern that the town-by-town average revenue had dipped to a patchwork of rules lacked coordination and could take a toll on little over $4,000 a month.

While the majority of short- Vermont’s “visitor economy,” term rental owners are Vermont lowering tourist spending and state residents – and have just one unit revenue via the meals and rooms – some might see the industry as tax.

The group has advocated for a an investment opportunity, Lantstatewide short-term rental regisieri said.

“There are also people that see try to gather more data before the numbers and say – that’s the enacting additional regulations. market that’s potentially really State lawmakers have previously pushed to require short-term lucrative,” Lantieri said. rentals to register with the state as Towns consider part of a broader rental registry, but Gov. Phil Scott opposed the regulations measure.

“It’s basic math – there are Marks argued that short-term units of housing that people are rentals should not be “scapegoatliving in for weekends instead of ed” for Vermont’s housing shortfor the year,” Brady said. age.

Many towns are in the midst “The only thing that is going to of updating their zoning bylaws really make a dent in our housing and town plans to comply with situation right now is if we build recent changes in state law aimed more housing,” Marks said. “The at encouraging denser housing only thing that’s really going to development. And for some towns, take away the focus on short-term debates around approaches to rentals – and wasting all of these short-term rentals have cropped up resources focusing on an aspect of during that process. the housing and tourism economy After a local report that found that just won’t move the needle — short-term rentals contributed to is for there to be a fix and a correcrising housing costs and declining tion to the housing market.” availability of year-round rental Lantieri, from VHFA, housing, Londonderry’s select- acknowledged that short-term board is considering limiting the rentals are likely not the biggest number of these rentals a prop- factor squeezing Vermont’s houserty owner can have. Chester has ing market, but said shifting units placed a six-month moratorium on away from long-term use could all new short-term rentals where add continued stress. the host does not live onsite, as the “Any additional pressure that is town develops new rules. Dover taking units out of that market is has discussed contracting with a going to feel like additional downthird-party registration company ward pressure on people trying to that could help manage complaints find housing,” he said. about noise or overcrowding, said Eric Durocher, the town’s economThis story, by Report for Americ development director. ica corps member Carly Berlin, The league recently issued was produced through a partsome basic information to towns nership between VTDigger and considering short-term rental rules. Vermont Public.

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Page 4 • November 22, 2023 • The Other Paper

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Scott appoints five new judges to fill state Superior Court vacancies according to Jason Maulucci, McManus has spent the last 13 a spokesperson for Scott. The years working as a public defender governor expects to receive names in southern Vermont and is a past Gov. Phil Scott has appointed of potential applicants from the president of the Vermont Associafive new judges to fill vacancies Judicial Nominating Board for one tion of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Superior Court vacancy Malone, also a former public on the Vermont Superior by the end of the year, defender, most recently worked as Court bench, including Maulucci said. a judicial master in northwestern a woman from South The five appoint- Vermont. In that role, she helped Burlington. ments are Rachel develop and lead the Chittenden Two of the five Malone of South Burl- County Family Treatment Docket, have worked as public ington, Benjamin Battles offering “support and oversight to defenders, one served of Waterbury, Susan parents with substance use disoras the solicitor general McManus of Manches- der,” according to the release. in the Vermont Attorney ter Center, Alexander Burke, a Bennington County General’s Office, anothBurke of Arlington and prosecutor since 2010, has worked er worked most recently Navah Spero of Rich- in both criminal and family court. as a prosecutor, and one Rachel Malone mond.

Spero is currently a partner has been a lawyer in Battles has spent at Gravel & Shea PC, a Burlingprivate practice.

“When appointing a judge, nearly a decade in the Vermont ton-based law firm, and serves on you’re literally putting justice, Attorney General’s Office, serving the Vermont Advisory Committee and people’s lives and livelihoods, as chief of the General Counsel on the Rules of Civil Procedure. into someone’s hands. It’s critical and Administrative Law Divi- Previously, she worked as a law to identify appointees who are sion. In that role, he oversaw more clerk for the Superior Court of fair, impartial, and committed to than 30 staff members. He has Washington, D.C. the calling of public service and also served as the state’s solicitor Alan J. Keays contributed safety,” Scott said in a statement general, where he supervised and reporting.

Friday announcing the appoint- handled appeal litigation. ments.

“I’m confident that these new South Burlington Police Blotter: Nov. 13-19 judges will meet the responsibilities and high level of trust Alarm: 17 Vermonters put in them,” the Total incidents: 266 Agency / public assists: 35 Foot patrol: 17 governor said.

Suspicious event: 14 Scott has now appointed 19 Directed patrol: 7 Retail theft: 12 Superior Court judges and three Traffic stop: 25 Vermont Supreme Court justices, Accident: property damage: 10 Motor vehicle complaint: 7 Welfare check: 16 911 hangup: 9 Trespass: 8 the Domestic: 5 Disturbance: 5 Field contact: 6 South Burlington’s Community Newspaper Since 1977 Juvenile problem: 5 A publication of Vermont Community Newspaper Group LLC Mental health issue: 4 otherpapersbvt.com Accident with injury: 2 Animal problem: 4 Advertising Director Billing inquiries Unlawful mischief: 4 Judy Kearns Leslie Lafountain Accident: insurance purposes: judy@otherpapersbvt.com leslie@stowereporter.com 4 (802) 864-6670 x21 (802) 253-2101 Found/lost property: 5 Stolen vehicle: 4 Advertising Advertising submission deadline: Larceny from a motor vehicle: 2 Wendy Ewing Thursday at 5 p.m.

Leaving the scene wendy@shelburnenews.com advertising@otherpapersbvt.com (802) 985-3091 x12 classifieds@otherpapersbvt.com of an accident: 4 Fraud: 5 News Editor Editorial submission deadline: DUI: 2 ETHAN WEINSTEIN VTDIGGER

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Nov. 18 at 12:26 a.m., Karan S. Saini, 26, of Fairfax, was arrested for driving under the influence at Williston Road and Dorset Street.

Nov. 18 at 2:11 a.m., Angel Monica Washington, 34, of Katy, Texas, was arrested for driving under the influence on Interstate 89 near the Winooski bridge.

Nov. 19 at 5:49 a.m., Devin F. Legassie, 32, no address provided, was arrested for operating without the owner’s consent and false pretenses on Williston Road.

The Other Paper • November 22, 2023 • Page 5

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Page 6 • November 22, 2023 • The Other Paper

OPINION Vermont creates ‘culture of silence’ on tackling racism Guest Perspective Aaliyah Wilburn Racism is like a dark gray cloud that hangs over our world, covering the sun with inequality and injustice. Imagine a canvas tainted with prejudice, where some colors benefit through the exclusion of others. It is a toxic ideology designed to judge people based on their features and skin complexion, allowing stereotypes and discrimination to continue.

Racism is a divider of people and a divider of joy and prevents the beautiful canvas of humanity from shining through.

Racism is like spilled coffee on paper, or like the sticker you forgot to take off your clothes before washing them. It is so embedded in society that it will take everyone to collectively help to get to that canvas of equality, unity and inclusion. In Vermont schools there is a lack of action. People will say this reality is “horrible” and “upsetting” but that is as far as they go to show they care.

We’ve created a culture of silence, and it is a direct result from the lack of action, support and education. People of color fall victim to harm too often but we can’t talk

about the harm that has been done because we are told that “a classroom is not the place for this type of discussion” and our pain is “too political.” Students of color are tired of having to keep quiet because that’s considered more tolerable than hearing the truth.

But truth cannot be ignored. Students of color are drowning in a sea filled with slurs, stereotypes, biases and microaggressions.

We gasp and wait for educators, administrators and policy makers to care and help us.

The helicopter might be in the sky but there is no ladder being put down to save us. You say you’re here to help, but actions speak louder than words. Where is the action?

We live in a state where racial diversity is merely a concept, where the population is over 90 percent white. We live in a state where oppression is real and not just a thing of the past like everyone says it is. We live in a state where people of color, through there simple existence, are a political statement. Words and assumptions imprinted on our skin cannot be erased like footprints in now-dry cement.

Yet hope remains. We can create change, but it must be us. Some of us have been and are still currently fighting for a more

diverse, equitable and inclusive education, but it needs to be all of us.

Angela Davis once said, “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” So here we are, activating toward change.

Folks of color, let this drive you to speak up and share your experiences no matter how loud or quiet your voice is.

White folks, allow yourself to use this opportunity to commit to doing the work of being an antiracist.

Educators and administrators, put the ladder down and help us.

Nelson Mandela said it best, “We can change the world and make it a better place.

It is in our hands to make a difference.”

With this, we encourage you to join us in the Let Me Be Great campaign and make that difference.

This campaign is a collaboration between the Vermont Student Anti-Racism Network, the Rutland NAACP, Building Fearless Futures and the Vermont Racial Justice Alliance, as well as multiple students, equity directors and school staff. This campaign came about because anti-racism network and the NAACP sent out a survey last school year asking about racism in schools, and topics such as diver-

sity in curriculum, racial slurs and diversity, equity and inclusion coordinators. We got alarming results.

Through this campaign, we are touring Vermont schools and presenting the survey results to school boards, administration and staff, discussing the findings from the student perspective and what can be done to foster a more inclusive environment.

Whether you want to be more involved in building the campaign, or you just want to receive resources, we would love you to join. Sign up for any aspect of the campaign at bit.ly/47fG8iq. We hope you will be part of our collective movement.

Aaliyah Wilburn is a senior at North Country Union High School in Newport.

Originally from the South, she moved to Vermont two years ago to be closer to family in Canada. Wilburn has been battling racial discrimination since the day she stepped foot in Vermont but instead of giving up, she decided to try and make change. She is now the coordinator of culture for an organization called Vermont Students Anti-Racism Network and has recently been appointed to the Newport Recreation Committee and the Vermont State Board of Education.

The Other Paper • November 22, 2023 • Page 7

Community Notes Other new board members include Hal Cohen of Middlesex, Valerie Nikel of Williston and Kimberlee Phelps of Burlington.

The agency provides adoption, treatment and family support services to families across the state.

Chamberlin holds annual Kathy Buley blood drive Chamberlin Elementary School will be having its annual blood drive in honor of former teacher and South Burlington resident Kathy Buley on Saturday, Dec. 2, 262 White Street, from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

When Buley was diagnosed with cancer, she needed several transfusions. When she was asked what people could do to help her, she asked that people become blood donors to support all the people in need of life-saving blood.

The school then began the tradition of an annual blood drive in her honor.

Join in remembering Buley by donating blood at Chamberlin Elementary School. Use this link to sign up, bit.ly/47mgusD.

South Burlington woman joins Lund board Manon O’Connor of South Burlington has been named to the Lund Board of Trustees.

O’Connor is associate vice president of academic health

Tortolano offers annual organ concert at St. Mike’s

Kathy Buley

sciences development at the University of Vermont Foundation and the UVM Medical Center.

She has been with UVM for 21 years in progressive health care development roles. Prior, she was a longtime downtown business owner and has been active in the community as a volunteer with many nonprofit organizations, including the Lund board from 2014-2017.

She lives in South Burlington with her husband, John, and is a mother and grandmother to a precious 2-year-old grandson.

Dr. William Tortolano will present his 67th annual organ concert, at the Chapel of Saint Michael the Archangel at Saint Michael’s College on Sunday, November 26, 2023, at 2:00 pm.

The concert will be free and open to the public, and a free will offering will be available.

The Chapel’s organ is a two manual, 14 stop instrument which was built by Casavant Freres of Canada in 1966, with additional work by David Moore Organs. The organ was designed by Professor Emeritus Tortolano and is dedicated to him.

The music is designed to manifest the many colors of the instruSee COMMUNITY NOTES on page 12

Obituary Wendall F. Corron Wendall F. Corron, age 90, died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Montgomery Center as he prepared for a weekend at deer camp. He was strong, healthy and active to the end.

He was born at home in Enosburg Falls on Aug. 30, 1933.

The nearby woods and stream were his playground, where he learned the habits of wildlife. He knew and appreciated the birds, bees, animals, trees and foraging throughout Vermont.

Wendall met Norma Sullivan in Washington, D.C., in 1955 while serving in the U.S. Air Force (1952-1956). They married March 17, 1956.

He worked at Westinghouse until retiring in 1991, when he became free to enjoy his family and friends, tend to his garden and go hunting, fishing and camping.

Wendall was always willing to help friends and family repair cars, appliances and anything that wasn’t working. He was our go-to-guy. He was a life-long learner who adapted to new technology and used his iPad to research anything that interested him, to compare prices for parts or to watch a video with a great grandchild.

You would find him working

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Wendall F. Corron

in his garden, tinkering with his truck, mowing the grass, enjoying a campfire, at happy hour on Fridays or preparing a memorable meal of spaghetti or red beans and rice for Sunday dinner.

He was Papa to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and they adored him. Whether it was pancakes for breakfast, ATV rides around the property and at camp, reading, fishing and hunting together or puzzles, he was always happy to play.

He showed his family the value of staying active, spending time outdoors, observing nature, not being afraid to get your hands dirty, eating healthy, turning stubbornness into an advantage, persevering

to get things done and being with family.

He is survived by Norma, his loving wife of 67 years; four children, Sheila (Donald) Quenneville, Cindy (Franko) Pavlik, Becky (Chris) Rochford, and Dean (Tina) Corron; nine grandchildren, Justin Quenneville, Amy (Jake) Todd, Taylor Pavlik (Kelly Walker), Jordan Pavlik, Sarah (Pat) Mulcahy, C.J. Rochford (Keely O’Brien), Dylan Rochford (Meg Cleary), Zachary Corron (Caitlin Ross) and Jake Corron; seven great grandchildren; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends.

Wendall was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Clyda Derry Corron; and his siblings, Douglas Corron, Phyllis Sorrell, Beatrice Sanborn, Virginia King and Helen Hayes.

Visiting hours will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, at Ready Funeral and Cremation Service, 261 Shelburne Road, Burlington.

To send online condolences, please visit readyfuneral.com.

In remembrance of Wendall, the family suggests charitable donations may be made to the Burlington VA Clinic, VA Medical Center, Attn: Voluntary Service, 215 North Main St., White River Junction VT 05009.

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Page 8 • November 22, 2023 • The Other Paper

Respect for nature will be our spiritual salvation Clean & Green Rosanne Greco and Chief Don Stevens Do you remember the last time you had a moment of wonder?

One brief second of awe can transform us and lift our spirits.

In our materialistic culture, we rarely talk about our spiritual selves. Spirituality is the human yearning to connect with something larger than ourselves.

Yet many pay little attention to the spiritual part of themselves.

Researchers think that neglecting our spirits is the root cause of most societal problems and some of our mental and physical problems.

The good news is that there is a remedy for spiritual deprivation: nature. One of the best ways to revive our spirits is to spend time in the natural world. Many studies cite the physical, psychological and emotional benefits of being in nature.

Spending time in nature is a near perfect way for humans to reduce stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure and stress hormones, enhance immune system functions, calm nervous systems, increase self-esteem, improve cognitive performance, elevate moods, inspire creativity and gain a sense of peace. Our spirits are renewed just being among trees and meadows.

We regain balance and acquire feelings of connection, calmness, compassion, gratitude and joy.

The human species craves nature. To most people, this is intuitive. We have an instinctual yearning to be out in the wild.

Over the past several hundred years, humans have shifted from working outside on farms

COURTESY PHOTO

In June 2023, the South Burlington Land Trust presented its annual award to the Western Abenaki people who honored and protected the land and all beings in what the city. The mission of the land trust stresses cooperation with communities to preserve the land. The Abenaki are an abiding inspiration for our organization and a conscience for all people. Chief Don Stevens accepted the award.

and fields toward more sedentary indoor lives. The average American spends 93 percent of their time in enclosed buildings and vehicles. Young people are spending little time outdoors, and the term nature-deficit disorder was coined to describe resulting behavioral problems. We have become an indoor species.

People who feel a strong emotional connection with nature are usually happier in life and more likely to report feeling their lives are worthwhile. With that connection to the natural world comes a near-sacred responsibility to care for it.

Dan Coutu, a member of the Nulhegan Abenaki, said it this way: “As human beings, we are part of the Earth. We have a

responsibility to it and all those plants and animals that depend on the land — including ourselves.”

The Abenakis’ connection to the land cannot be described in the English language. They feel a kinship with it, and an obligation to protect its uniqueness and beauty for the generations to come. Only now, witnessing the severe climate impacts from centuries of exploitation and extraction of the land for profit, are others beginning to understand what the Abenaki have known for thousands of years.

They view nature not as a place they own, but as a space shared with other living plants and animals.

November is Indigenous Peoples Month and a good time to

reflect on how the Abenakis lived on and treated the land that is now South Burlington. Understanding and adopting the Indigenous mindset will help us repair the harm done to nature and also heal our spirits. The first step is to fall in love with the beauty of this planet, so that we will defend it when injustice threatens and abuses it. We need to redefine our relationship to nature, and approach it with a sense of reverence.

Native Americans considered the land, the waters and wildlife their relatives. This is why it was impossible for Native Americans to think of land as private property. They lived here for over 10,000 years and it never dawned on them to buy, own or sell land.

In contrast, Western societies regard land as a commodity that belongs to individuals to use or abuse to satisfy their lust for material gains, disregarding the ill effects on future generations.

Traditional economic theory is based on constant growth and insatiable consumption of natural resources for enjoyment and profit. This model is not based on reality as it assumes an infinite supply of natural resources.

Following this model threatens the well-being of all living beings, including us.

Gus Speth, co-founder of the Natural Resources Defense Council, said, “I used to think the top environmental problems were biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and climate change.

I thought that with 30 years of good science we could address those problems. But I was wrong.

The top environmental problems are selfishness, greed and apathy, and to deal with those, we need a spiritual and cultural transformation — and we scientists don’t know how to do that. We can talk about the problem, the technologies, but they don’t address the root causes.”

Pope Francis advised “we should not approach nature as masters, consumers, ruthless exploiters, unable to set limits on our immediate needs. Rather, if we approach nature and the environment with awe and wonder, if we feel intimately united with all that exists, we speak the language of fraternity and beauty in our relationship with the world.”

Joseph Bruchac, of the Nulhegan Abenaki Tribe, wrote, “The lack of understanding of See CLEAN & GREEN on page 9

The Other Paper • November 22, 2023 • Page 9

Ram Hinsdale wins Council of State Governments leadership award Vermont Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale of Shelburne is a 2023 recipient of the 20 Under 40 Leadership Award from the Council of State Governments.

The award annually recognizes the work of 20 young elected and appointed officials from across the country who not only exemplify strong leadership skills but have also demonstrated a true commitment to serving the citizens of their state.

“While the outstanding state officials recognized by Council of State Governments this year come from diverse backgrounds, different political parties, every branch of state government and every region of our country, they share the same commitment to serve others,” David Adkins, the council’s executive director and CEO, said.

“They are hard-working, visionary leaders whose passion for public service is produc-

ing results for their states.”

Ram Hinsdale was selected because of her commitment to public service, ability to engage with officials across party lines and leadership.

“Having served for over a decade in the state Legislature, this award means a lot to me, but particularly following a session where I legislated from a hospital bed before giving birth to my daughter,” Ram Hinsdale said. “Being under 40 and serving often means navigating a system that was not designed for people like me, and so I hope this serves as further inspiration for those thinking about running for office.

People do take notice and appreciate your sacrifices.”

Ram Hinsdale will receive award at the 2023 Council of State Governments National Conference on Dec. 8 in Raleigh, N.C.

Market Street school zone in effect A school zone at the Rick Marcotte Central School on Market Street in South Burlington went into effect Nov. 13.

Lighting and signs have been installed, and the new posted school zone speed limit on Market Street is 25 mph. The zone is located on Market between its intersection with Mary Street to approximately 300 feet west of Garden Street. Flashing beacons will be in effect during school drop off and pickup, from 7-8:30 a.m. and 2-4:30 p.m., on days when school is in session.

A four-way stop was earlier installed at the Market Street and the Rick Marcotte

Central School access road. The stop signs are expected to improve safety by adding breaks in traffic for pedestrians to cross at this intersection.

The school zone is the result of study by the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission at the behest of the city’s Department of Public Works.

The city’s other school zone is located on White Street and serves the Gertrude Chamberlin School. The city is currently working on another potential school zone on Dorset Street near Frederick H. Tuttle Middle School and South Burlington High School.

CLEAN & GREEN continued from page 8

the spiritual nature of all life, of the great mysterious spirit in nature which we must respect, has been at the root of the current environmental crisis we now face.”

Our hearts are broken knowing what humankind is doing to the Earth. But, when we view the natural world, not as a commodity, but rather as a community to which we all belong, we will begin to treat it as kin.

Together, we will be physically and mentally healthy, and our spirits will soar.

Rosanne Greco is a member of the board of directors of the South Burlington Land Trust. Chief Don Stevens is a member of the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk, Abenaki Nation.

Clean & Green is a regular feature, initiated and managed by the South Burlington Energy Committee, and will feature a variety of perspectives from members of city committees and commissions, city staff and outside organizations on environmental issues facing the city.

Page 10 • November 22, 2023 • The Other Paper

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HOUSING

continued from page 1 conserved land north of the project, extend- project has developed. ing to the Queen City Park neighborhood.

“Given the permit process in Vermont, Nestled to the west of the property is a we always strive to have consensus, if possigrouping of 10 waterfront homes off Holmes ble,” Farrell said during a recent meeting.

Road, a private road that extends westward Neighbors, while not entirely opposed to from Shelburne Road and then southbound the project, say more work needs to be done. along the waterfront.

Tom Easton, one of the homeowners on The area of the city, extending along Holmes Road, said that neighbors would Shelburne Road up to Shelburne’s border, “like to get a little bit more of a firm underhas historically been zoned for commercial standing of how the city intends on integrator auto, but has had smaller neighborhoods ing a new neighborhood with an old existing on the Shelburne Bay waterfront. The area neighborhood.” has in recent years been queued up for hous“I’m not against this, I’m not against ing development. new neighbors,” Kathy Easton, another While it is still in its early stages, the resident in the area, said. “But I also think focus of the project remains that our neighborhood how to integrate what “But I also think that has a unique quality that neighbors say is a histordeserves to be preserved our neighborhood ic neighborhood into the as part of the historic proposed development. nature of South Burlinghas a unique quality “You have to look at ton.” any development as how Tom Easton cited that deserves to be does it fit within the neighConnor’s comments that borhood,” Mark Behr, a suggested the developpreserved as part of development review board ment’s original layout member, said. was better suited to intethe historic nature of grate new and old, and The project has already been redesigned since he wasn’t pleased that South Burlington.” it was first proposed in the redesign “isolates this October. But in written neighborhood from exist— Kathy Easton ing neighborhoods.” comments, South Burlington Planning and Zoning “We have a close-knit Director Paul Connor said the redesign neighborhood, and I would like to see it stay “represents a significant step backward in that way. That’s not to say that we want to meeting ... the community’s goals of creat- exclude the new neighborhood; we believe ing a strong sense of neighborhood.” in people having the right to develop their He said the previous plan was “thought- land within the existing guidelines and fully laid out to present equitable and regulations,” he said. “But we need to know universal access to civic spaces; a hierar- how you are going to perceive our neighchy of streets, lanes, sidewalks, and shared borhood.” use paths to foster a pedestrian-oriented Farrell said during the meeting that nothneighborhood; a clear orientation of homes ing has been finalized, and that sketch plan towards a high-quality public environment; deliberations will continue to give themand in general terms, a ‘front-yard’ neigh- selves “further opportunity to meet with our borhood — one where residents are invited neighbors.” to spend time on front porches and inter“Right now, we have two very divergent acting with neighbors,” Connor said. “The paths,” Behr said. “I think there’s merits to proposed redesign layout moves away from both projects, but I think that there definitely all of these.” needs to be some further study done so that The homes in the plan are organized you come back to us with something that we around a center village green, with homes can then review, and there might be a little facing the center of the property. Farrell said more consensus.” he has been in communication with neighDeliberations are scheduled to continue bors and has been working with them as the Dec. 5.

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The Other Paper • November 22, 2023 • Page 11

POLICY

continued from page 1 vation for wanting it,” Desrochers said. “So inclusive variances in their daily lessons for that feedback from the (Gender and Sexual- students, in today’s political climate, it’s ity Alliance) in the high school was strong really important to have the protection of a in terms of, ‘Yes, we need this.’” policy to support our teachers in taking risks The policy outlines students’ right to and feeling comfortable in doing the work privacy and if adopted would require district best for our students.” staff and school records to use a student’s Desrochers said that a policy like this preferred pronouns and name. The policy helps students to understand, on a more also states that a student tangible level, the impli— or parent or legal carecations of how other “I think if we are giver in the case of a minor states and school districts student — who is currently are dealing with transgenasking teachers enrolled may request retroder students and policies. active changes to school According to the New to create inclusive records, including name York Times, nine states variances in their and gender. have banned transgenAlthough other districts der students from using daily lessons for have adopted similar polibathrooms and locker cies, South Burlington’s rooms consistent with students, in today’s draft policy closely follows their gender identity and the Champlain Valley 17 states have enacted political climate, it’s School District’s newly bans or significant new approved policy that uses restrictions on some or all really important to more affirmative language gender-affirming care for beyond what was suggested minors. have the protection by the Agency of Education “We actually have when it comes to a student’s transgender youth in our of a policy to support use of facilities like locker districts who have left rooms and restrooms. our teachers in taking states who have anti-trans The state says a translaws,” Desrochers said. gender student “should not “It is really powerful for risks and feeling have to” use a locker room students, Vermonters, to or bathroom that conflicts be in the same classroom comfortable in doing with their gender idenas someone who has tity, but the draft policy recently come to the state the work best for our states that a student “must because of homophobia.” students.” be permitted to” use the “One student told a aligned facility. story about how they had “We’re not just saying — Monica Desrochers a teacher who used to put ‘should be allowed,’ which trans inclusive books in was the guidance from the Agency of Educa- their backpack in the state that they were tion,” Angela Arsenault, chair of the Cham- in because they couldn’t have them in their plain Valley School Board, said in Septem- library and they couldn’t read them in class,” ber. “We’re saying, in policy, that students she said. must be permitted to use a locker room, a The draft must undergo two more public restroom that aligns with their gender iden- readings at school board meetings, which tity.” will take place on Dec. 6 and Dec. 20, before Uniquely, South Burlington’s policy has it can be officially enacted into policy. special designations for curriculum impleDesrochers said that the district will then mentation, professional development and turn its attention to drafting a policy protectannual monitoring that supports staff in the ing the rights of transgender and non-binary inclusion of LGBTQ curriculum and train- staff. ing for all staff members and administration.

“We actually first played with the idea “I really love ours because it includes of having one policy to protect both transcurriculum and annual monitoring,” gender and non-binary staff and students,” Desrochers said. “So, for me, those are two she said. “But we are advised to stick to one huge pieces that I think sometimes get left party per policy. That is definitely someout. I think if we are asking teachers to create thing that is on the horizon for us.”

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COMMUNITY NOTES continued from page 7

ment in an acoustically superb space.

The program begins with the festive Fanfare from the Sinfonietta by Janacek. African-English composer, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, who has recently received renewed notoriety, is represented by three organ solos, and three compositions by Reuven Kosakoff will be performed, which are based on Jewish religious themes.

The Mariales Suite by Lebanese Naji Hakim, combine Gregorian Chant and Near Eastern sounds.

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by Andrew Clarke and There Is a Happy Land by blind jazz great, George Shearing. Tortolano will also play two compositions, as a surprise, to be announced at the concert.

Dr. Tortolano taught at Saint Michael’s College for 50 years, was founder of the Fine Arts Department and its first Chairperson. In addition to musical subjects, the Glee Club and Chorale, he also taught Humanities, Canadian History and Christian-Judaic cultural arts.

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Senator says Leahy Law not being used effectively in Israel AARON CALVIN STAFF WRITER

During the opening stages of the current Israel-Gaza conflict, Josh Paul, an employee at the U.S. Department of State who helped oversee transfers of weapons and military aid to the country’s allies, resigned, calling the transfer of weapons to Israel “shortsighted, destructive and unjust.”

In an interview with PBS, Paul alleged that the Biden administration has been arming its Israeli ally in a perfunctory manner, leading to “massive civilian casualties” among Palestinians.

“There’s been a rush to provide arms, where, normally, there is discussion, consideration and thought,” Paul said.

According to Paul, the codified process through which the state department determines whether to supply arms and military aid and can withhold military aid from certain military units if they are credibly accused of violating human rights — the so-called Leahy law, named after the legislator who championed the amendment to the Foreign Assistance Act — has not been adequately applied to Israel.

The Leahy law ostensibly allows the United States the ability to use the military funding it provides as leverage to ensure adherence to human rights law, but according to Paul and the law’s author himself, it has never been properly applied to Israel.

“In the case of Egypt, of course, we have Leahy vetting, where units that are identified to be involved in gross violation of human rights are not eligible to receive U.S. weapons,” Paul said. “There is a Leahy vetting process for Israel. It has never found an Israeli unit to be guilty of a gross violation of human rights. It’s a broken system.”

On Oct. 7, Hamas, the Islamist terrorist group that has controlled Gaza since 2007, broke out of the Israeli-instituted blockade of the area, launching a shocking campaign into Israel that resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,400 people and the taking of 240 hostages, according to Israeli authorities.

In response, Israel began a sustained siege of Gaza, including nearly non-stop bombing. Gaza is one of the most densely populated areas on Earth, with a population of about 2.5 million living within about 139 square miles. The tightly controlled blockade has turned Gaza into what Human Rights Watch has called “an open-air prison.”

The onslaught has resulted in

VTDIGGER

Sen. Patrick Leahy

11,100 dead, or one out of every 200 Gaza residents, according to the Washington Post, with more than 4,600 of the dead being children. Israel has targeted refugee camps, destroyed ambulances and besieged hospitals, alleging that Hamas has been making use of such infrastructure.

Throughout the conflict, Israel has faced accusations of human rights violations. White phosphorus, a dangerous chemical weapon that can cause indiscriminate injury, has been deployed by Israel, according to Reuters. Israel has also cut off the entire Gaza region from water, food, electricity and other essentials.

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, at least 40 journalists and media workers have been killed since the conflict began, and the Reporters Without Borders said that at least one journalist was deliberately targeted by an Israeli missile strike.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Nov. 9 that the country’s major goal was to “destroy Hamas so it cannot carry out attacks like Oct. 7 again” and implement “an overriding and overreaching Israeli military envelope” to ensure that “terrorism” does not resurge in Gaza post-war.

According to the United Nations, 1.5 million have already been displaced in just over one month of fighting in Gaza, indicating the conflict may be the largest displacement of Palestinians since the founding of the modern Israeli state in 1948, an event Palestinians refer to as the Nakba,

or catastrophe.

Paul isn’t the first to suggest that the United States, which has contributed $130 billion in aid to the country since its founding, should perform more due diligence about how its military aid is being deployed.

Since the Leahy vetting process was introduced in 1997 by its namesake, former Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy, the law has been amended several times and successfully prevented the United States from arming groups or individual military units facing credible accusations of violating human rights law, but he’s always had some concern about its lack of application in Israel.

“Over the years, I’ve complained, to both Republican and Democratic administrations about the need to apply the law in Israel,” Leahy said. “These administrations have argued that Israel has an independent judiciary, so it doesn’t really need to. We’ve seen the efforts recently to make the judiciary even less independent than it had been, and it was losing independence anyway.”

Leahy, 84, offered the caveat that, since his retirement in January after 48 years in the Senate, as he is no longer privileged with the kind of security reports he once received — which, when he was Senate Pro Tempore, were of the same security clearance as the president — he only knows what he’s read about the conflict in newspapers.

See LEAHY LAW on page 13

The Other Paper • November 22, 2023 • Page 13

LEAHY LAW

continued from page 12 “It appears to me that shooting civilians and targeting civilian infrastructure, when you can’t prove it is being used by Hamas, would be a violation of human rights,” Leahy said. “The United States is urging the Israelis to protect civilians, and, of course, the Israelis faced a terrible terrorist attack by Hamas, who murdered children in front of the parents then murdered the parents, which is in violation of every norm of international law.

“What is being done to apply the Leahy law now? I don’t know. I know past administrations have been too concerned to do it. It should apply to the Israeli Defense Forces, unless the administration, as many have, has waived it.”

According to a spokesperson for the state department, the Leahy law applies to all countries, including Israel, and the department is “fully committed to fulfill its obligations under the law” and “conducts Leahy vetting for Israeli units nominated for security assistance.”

The spokesperson also noted that the Leahy law was amended in 2022 with requirements concerning assistance to a foreign security force when the recipient units cannot be identified in advance, and in such cases the United States requires the foreign government to attest in written agreement that the Leahy law will be followed.

Leahy’s law Section 620m, an amendment to the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 passed in 1997, mandates that “no assistance shall be furnished under this Act or the Arms Export Control Act to any unit of the security forces of a foreign country if the Secretary of State has credible information that such unit has committed a gross violation of human rights.”

Leahy pushed for the initial legislation out of concern for some of the counter-narcotics assistance that was being provided by the United States, particularly in South American countries, and the kind of violence and anti-democratic activities that funding enabled.

The law has been particularly successful in countries like Colombia. Leahy pointed to former joint chiefs of staff Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., who, in his 2017 commencement address at St. Michael’s College in Colchester, singled out the Leahy law as an effective tool that helped the U.S. ensure allies complied with its human rights goals.

Leahy argued that the law has been effectively applied with other regional Middle East allies like Egypt, though a 2016 report from the Government Accountability Office said the state department failed to apply the Leahy law and to consistently conduct reviews of the Egyptian units that are supplied and trained by the United States.

While Leahy believes that allowing the Oct. 7 Hamas attack to occur represented an incredible security failure on the part of the Israelis, he emphasized the horrific nature of the attack by Hamas and reiterated that the group needed to be stopped.

He also said that Israel needed to be “far more selective in how they go after Hamas.”

Ultimately, he blamed the unwillingness of both Hamas leaders and Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu for being unwilling to compromise, and the ongoing Israeli Defense Force-backed settlement in

other Palestinian territory, like those in the West Bank, where Hamas has no presence at all, for creating such a volatile situation.

He looked back fondly on the Israel-Jordan peace treaty of 1994, when Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and the Jordanian King Husssein ended hostilities between the two countries with a compromise agreement.

Rabin was assassinated by Israeli right-wing extremists a year later.

Congressional reaction None of Vermont’s current congressional delegation responded to multiple requests to discuss the application of the Leahy law and its application in the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.

Despite national protests demanding a ceasefire in Gaza, including multiple events staged in Burlington and Washington, D.C., and polling that shows a strong majority of Democratic voters support it, only Rep. Becca Balint has joined the small minority of Congress willing to do so.

Biden recently said that there was “no possibility” of a ceasefire occurring in the conflict.

Both senators — Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch, Leahy’s replacement — have instead repeatedly called on Israel to attempt to limit civilian casualties in the conflict and supported a “humanitarian pause,” a limited version of which was recently agreed to by the Netanyahu government.

In letters to constituents responding to their concerns regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza prior to her call for a ceasefire, Balint called for a “cessation of hostilities,” and was recently quoted in The New Republic magazine accusing some of her colleagues of reacting too emotionally to the issue while she called for thinking “strategically about this entire region.”

While over 300 former staffers for his presidential campaigns have called for him to support a ceasefire and he himself called for one during an outbreak of violence in Gaza in 2021, Sanders has consistently reaffirmed Israel’s “right to defend itself” in the wake of the Oct. 7 attack.

Sanders and Welch met with United Nations leadership Nov. 13 to express their condolences over the 100 relief workers who have been killed in the conflict.

In a joint statement the senators affirmed that they’re committed to doing “everything we can to stop the indiscriminate bombing which has caused massive civilian casualties, bring in desperately needed humanitarian aid, and protect innocent people in Gaza.

“This is a humanitarian catastrophe, and we need action now,” though they declined to articulate what that action might be.

On Thursday, Nov. 9, hundreds of pro-ceasefire protesters interrupted a private dinner for Balint donors in Burlington, to which she responded with pleas for pragmatism.

“My heart is with you, but I am not elected as an activist or a member of the (Israeli legislature),” Balint said, according to VTDigger. “I am a member of the U.S. Congress and I have to make decisions that will actually make it better.”

A few days later, Balint called for an “immediate break in violence to allow for a true negotiated ceasefire” in an editorial for VTDigger, making her the first member of Vermont’s federal delegation to do so.

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The Other Paper • November 22, 2023 • Page 15

Horoscope November 22, 2023

ANSWERS FROM THIS ISSUE

Weekly Puzzles

Page 16 • November 22, 2023 • The Other Paper