The Other Paper - 5-16-24

E-check

Time to switch to new mower technology?

Page 7 Track stars

Girls and boys place fifth, sixth in invitational

Page 12

the South Burlington’s Community Newspaper Since 1977

As city changes, library’s duties evolve

LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER

Jennifer Murray knows a thing or two about libraries. After all, she’s been working in them for more than three decades.

While it’s no surprise that libraries offer more than just books these days, Murray has seen how these “third places” have evolved over time to offer more than information services. They act as welcoming community centers, “for everyone,” she said. That is, at least, the mindset she has brought to the South Burlington Library for the past 10 years, now as its director.

But as patterns in the community shift, new challenges have emerged for the library crew.

“Back 30 years ago, I don’t know that we were as aware of people in crisis,” she said. “It doesn’t mean that we didn’t have the conversation with somebody

See LIBRARY on page 2

Chittenden County forester taps into new path

Ethan Tapper hopped out of his truck and pointed his binoculars to the sky, scanning the tops of the trees on his 175-acre property in Bolton.

“I’m not a birder, but I love birds,” he said, a smile spreading across his face as he watched a black-throated blue warbler bounce from branch to branch.

“This year I really started to focus on them because they tell you a lot about the forest,” he said,

NOW SERVING BREAKFAST

mimicking the chirps of different bird species flying around him.

“They all use different types of habitats, different species of trees, different ages of trees, different structures, like dead standing trees, and big trees. It’s not just birdsong. It’s all these different

species that are all really different.”

Other than knowing how to identify just about every bird that crosses his property by the

See TAPPER on page 10

PHOTO BY LIBERTY DARR

Ethan Tapper stands on his property, Bear Island, in Bolton, reminiscing on the years it took to shape the 175 acres into what it is now. The seven-year journey is the basis for his new book set to be released in September.

LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER

NOTICE

SBSD Special Education Records Destruction

ATTN: South Burlington High School Graduates who received Special Education Services and graduated June 2019

The Vermont Department of Education’s State Board of Education Manual of Rights and Practices, Section 2365.2.13(a) Destruction of Information, states:

“For purposes of an audit, when a participating agency has counted a child to justify receipt of IDEA funds, the district shall retain copies of the child’s IEP and special education eligibility evaluations, for a minimum of FIVE YEARS from the time the student reaches the age of 22, graduates, transfers or withdraws from the school district or the last date of services, whichever is sooner.”

If you were a graduate of the South Burlington High School, received Special Education Services, and graduated on or before June 2019, you are entitled to a copy of your records. These students have reached their adulthood; therefore, only the student may request their records. The South Burlington School District will be destroying copies of these Special Education Paper on: July 1, 2024.

If you would like your student records, please contact Amanda Gasparini, of Student Support Systems, at 652-7253 or email agasparini@sbschools.net.

We must receive your request prior to June 28, 2024.

about where can they go to get a shower or that kind of thing. But the ratio of people who might ask us for that help, or who might appear as if they might need that help at some point is higher.”

In a presentation to city council last month, Murray outlined that serving residents experiencing homelessness, mental illness or substance abuse, has emerged as a top priority as demographics in the city continue to change.

“The library, in its welcoming mode, means that we are aware that in Vermont, there are people who are having all kinds of things going on in their lives that we don’t know anything about until they come into the library and either need our help or just need a place to be and would rather not have our help,” she told the council. “That’s also something that across the board for libraries is an emerging issue for sure.”

five years ago, were not common practice.

“We’ve been fortunate,” she said, knocking on the wooden desk in front of her. “We’ve not had to use Narcan, but other libraries certainly have.”

She added that the library holds a staff meeting at least once a month, and many of them now include equipping staff on how to take care of themselves in difficult situations and reviewing policies for things like when to call the police and other support services.

“We now have a Mandarin conversation class. We have an Italian book group, and we’re really trying to make the library a more global place.”

— Jennifer Murray

The situation in South Burlington, she said, is much less severe than in neighboring libraries like the Fletcher Free Library in Burlington, and at this point, she doesn’t see a need to hire an on-site security guard.

While librarians have always acted in a public-facing realm, the level of services they provide is expanding, and training in recent years has reflected that, Murray said. Library staff has always trained in customer service, but now a large portion of those sessions include an added layer to learn “pre-escalation and de-escalation” skills, along with optional training in how to administer Narcan, which the library keeps on hand. These are things, that just

The solution of a hired security guard, she said, may add ease for some, but it’s likely that staff will always be the first level of interaction.

“But at the same time, there are people who’ve been in the library field a long time that work here and they’re really clear that this is not what they learned about in library school, and of course, neither did I,” she said, noting that she’s hearing talk from other librarians in smaller towns that lack the level of services found in Burlington and South Burlington, who are formulating unique solutions to help resi-

dents in crisis.

“People are trying to be really cognizant of the need,” she said. “But everybody can’t solve it.”

Since January, she said, the South Burlington police have been called to the building, which also houses city offices, only eight times, but even that is a learning process for the crew.

“My interest is to call police as infrequently as possible,” she said, noting a situation a few months ago when the police were called for a person using drugs in the building. “We’re really trying hard not to turn it into a calling the police every 10 seconds.”

Another alternative the staff has to calling the police is to reach out to the Howard Center outreach team, which contracts with the city to aid in social service needs.

“Sometimes it makes more sense for people to be talking to a social worker,” she said.

In that same vein, the library had a pilot program through the Howard Center this year that brought in a social work intern from the University of Vermont to work with staff on training and other everyday support services for community members. The library plans to pilot the program again next year and is already beginning interviews for the job.

Although she sees the program as a success, “the challenge was that there was an expectation that they’re going to solve all the problems, and they’re a student,” Murray said. “They are young and maybe haven’t necessarily experienced the things that we see every day. That’s also not their job;

PHOTO BY LIBERTY DARR

South Burlington library director Jennifer Murray helps out in the children’s center of the South Burlington library.

City, new library union reach tentative agreement

HABIB SABET STAFF WRITER

The South Burlington City Council approved a tentative bargaining agreement with library employees on May 6, concluding months of negotiations between the city and the newest cohort of unionized city workers.

The preliminary agreement does not yet represent a formal change to worker contracts, but rather establishes the terms under which library employees will be formally incorporated into the existing contract for municipal workers represented by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) union in the coming weeks.

According to a summary of the agreement shared with The Other Paper, full-time and certain parttime library workers are expected to receive a number of new benefits under the eventual contract, including wage increases, additional paid sick and vacation leave and new training opportunities. All library employees will also be paid

LIBRARY

continued from page 2

they’re here to do an internship.”

While Murray has one staff member who has a master’s degree in social work, she also recognizes that hiring staff on-site to support in these situations may be something the library might have to do in the future. She noted at the council meeting that the Fletcher Free Library plans to hire a part-time social worker this year.

“We’ll see how that works for them. We’re trying to keep our eyes open for how we can best help all those who come to the library,” she said.

Aside from an increase in serving residents in crisis, the library

for scheduled time on days when the library is closed due to inclement weather, and certain employees will receive a $200 annual wellness reimbursement.

Dave Van Deusen, the union representative for library workers, said that the union and library workers “really feel good about the whole negotiating process.”

“We came to a very fair agreement that helps with retention by providing very good reasonable wages and real democratic rights on the job,” Deusen said. “We see ourselves, as a union, as being partners in having the best possible library for the public, and the city recognized our role in that.”

After the contract is finalized, wage and benefit changes are expected to take effect at the beginning of July. The new benefits will add an estimated $33,836 to the city budget for the year, most of which accounts for wage increases and backfill to cover for time off.

The tentative agreement marks the resolution of months of negotiations between the city and the union. In the fall of 2023, non-supervisory library employees voted

to join the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, a union already representing the city’s public works and city hall employees.

In December 2023, the city agreed to recognize library workers as a part of the union, thus initiating negotiations on the coming contract. Previously, library employees were considered non-union employees of the city and were given pay and benefits in terms dictated by the city.

“City management is pleased with this outcome and is thankful to our AFSCME represented staff and our library staff for their partnership in coming to this agreement,” city manager Jessie Baker said in a written statement. “We believe it to be in the best interest of continuing the high-level of service our residents expect from our Library and City employees.”

According to Baker, the city’s current three-year collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME employees is set to expire in June 2025, when the city will begin to negotiate a new contract with the union.

South Burlington School District HOME-SCHOOLED STUDENTS

Each year the South Burlington School District must inform homeschooled families and non-profit, non-public schools in South Burlington the support that is available for any student who may have a disability. If you are a parent of a homeschooled student and would like this information, please email the Executive Director of Educational Support at kromick@sbschools.net.

“BUILDING A PROUD TRADITION”

board of trustees and staff recognize that as neighbors become increasingly more culturally and linguistically diverse, the need to increase programming and collections to meet these needs remains key.

“We now have a Mandarin conversation class. We have an Italian book group, and we’re really trying to make the library a more global place,” she said.

While the situation may not yet be dire, Murray emphasized that the role of a library in the community is evolving, and the job is not as cut and dry as stocking bookshelves and organizing collec-

tions. In addition to administrative demands, filling in on the ground where needed, and managing other important tasks, the work of servicing everyone who walks through those library doors is a continual learning process for Murray. And one she is committed to continuing.

“Everybody comes in with the expectation that the library is a calm, quiet, safe place where you read books. But we try very hard in interviews now to be very clear about the reality,” she said. “This happens here. Not that it’s happening every minute, but we’re really dealing with the public and wherever the public is coming from.”

Invest in community

CRIME & COURTS

S. Burlington woman sentenced in fatal shooting from 2020

MIKE DONOGHUE

CORRESPONDENT

A South Burlington woman has been sentenced in federal court to almost two years in prison for being an accessory after a fatal drug-related shooting of a Lamoille County man four years ago.

Samantha L. Simms, 37, was the getaway driver after Taylor Ruffin Herrington, 32, of Philadelphia, who fatally shot Michael P. Haines at his Jeffersonville home in March 2020.

Simms has been in federal custody for just over 21 months.

Simms knowingly assisted Herrington by initially preventing his arrest, trial and punishment

for gun and drug charges, including fatally shooting Haines, officials said.

Judge Christina Reiss told Simms she will be under federal supervised release terms for three years.

The judge also assessed a $10,000 fine, noting that it might serve as an incentive for Simms to find a job and avoid falling back into the drug world, Reiss said.

“She’s got ample resources,” Reiss said.

Simms had sought a lawyer at taxpayer expense when she was arrested, but then-Magistrate Judge John M. Conroy rejected the request after being told she had an estimated $1.5 million in stocks and bonds. Simms tested

positive for cocaine, fentanyl, amphetamines and methamphetamines just before her 2020 court hearing, officials said.

She later hired veteran defense attorney Kevin Henry of Burlington, who negotiated the final plea agreement with Assistant U.S. Attorney Wendy Fuller.

Simms entered her guilty plea in November 2022, but sentencing was postponed multiple times, including for some health issues.

Simms told the court she hopes to return to college to learn more about business. She also hopes to eventually move back into her former residence in Stonehedge

Total incidents: 252

Agency / public assists: 21

Directed patrol: 20

Traffic stop: 24

Accident: property damage: 10

Alarm: 10

Foot patrol: 17

Suspicious event: 5

Retail theft: 7

Motor vehicle complaint: 8

Welfare check: 24

911 hangup: 3

Trespass: 15

Domestic: 4

Disturbance: 7

Field contact: 12

Animal problem: 3

Accident: insurance purposes: 3

Accident: leaving the scene: 7

Larceny from a vehicle: structure: 4

Threats: 4

Stolen vehicle: 4

Fraud: 4

Noise: 5

Mental health: 5

Arrests:

May 7 at 12:18 p.m., Lawrence G. Ritchie, 52, no address provided, was arrested on an in-state warrant on Dorset Street.

May 8 at 4:29 p.m., Melody K. Phillips, 39, of Shelburne, was arrested for petty larceny from a motor vehicle on Shelburne Road.

May 9 at 1:35 p.m., Tanner M. Hart, 30, of Berkshire, was arrested on an in-state warrant on Hannaford Drive.

May 9 at 6:25 p.m., Craig A. Yandow, 54, of Essex, was arrested for retail theft on Dorset Street.

May 11 at 3:02 a.m., Brian Steven Papazian, 47, of Williston, was arrested for driving under the influence, first offense, on Williston Road.

May 11 at 9:37 a.m., Donovan L. Desmaris, 30, of Winooski, was arrested on an in-state warrant on Williston and Hinesburg roads.

May 12 at 3:49 p.m., Angela L. Christian, 49, of Vergennes, was arrested on an in-state warrant on Shelburne Road.

Note: Charges filed by police are subject to review by the Chittenden County State’s Attorney Office and can be amended or dropped.

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

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

OPINION

Krasnow will seek re-election to Chittenden-9

From

the

House Rep. Emilie Krasnow

I am running for re-election as representative for South Burlington’s Chittenden-9 District.

It’s been an honor to work alongside you to help make progress on major issues that affect the lives of everyone in South Burlington. I’m ready to continue the fight.

As your representative, I worked closely with neighbors in taking on these tough fights. We’ve seen critical advances empowering working families. We did it together while always standing up for the most vulnerable neighbors.

York’s law going into effect this year, we do not want an influx of stores looking for safe havens and who have track records of importing puppies from Midwest puppy mills and bringing so many issues to the communities they sell puppies in.

With this bill, Vermont will join seven other states and 480 localities across the nation in enacting this policy. This bill is based on Maine’s law, which has been working as planned since 2019.

That’s why I’m running for reelection. I know if we work together, we can create a state where all people are welcome, feel safe and no family has to struggle to meet basic needs. I want to live in a Vermont where everyone is rewarded for hard work and where everyone has a safe, warm house with clean water, healthy food and quality health care.

This is a time to stand up and be counted, a time to talk with friends and co-workers about what is happening, and a time to make our voices heard. People who’ve never thought much about politics are getting involved. As state representative, I have worked diligently to provide opportunities for increased participation in democracy, and it gives me great hope to see younger people engaging.

Our campaign is about rallying around issues like relieving the property tax burden, long-term sustainability for public education, housing abundance, affordable and accessible health care, fighting climate change and more.

• H.535 relates to public health campaigns on dementia and brain health. This legislation will ensure we utilize all existing opportunities to educate providers and the public about brain health, the importance of early diagnosis, ways to reduce the risk of dementia and the value of the care partner as part of the health care team.

By 2025, the number of Vermonters living with dementia will increase by an astounding 31 percent from 2020. To meet the growing demand for diagnosis, treatment, care and support of both those with the disease and their care partners, we must educate providers and the public about dementia.

I am more committed than ever to being an advocate for the South Burlington community and for all Vermonters, to be a voice for the elderly, the unhoused, renters and families struggling to put food on the table. I will be here for you and with you, just as you have been for me. Every day, I’m so grateful to the voters in Chittenden-9

for supporting my candidacy and electing me to be your representative in the People’s House in Montpelier. There is more work to be done. I look forward to playing my part.

Emilie Krasnow, a Democrat from South Burlington, serves the Chittenden-9 House district. More at emiliekrasnow.com.

As many of you know, my mom was my biggest supporter and part of my inspiration for running for office. I was raised in a house committed to public service and l learned from her how to be the voice for those who need it the most. Quality Plants Grown Here

I am also proud I was able to see three bills that I introduced cross the finish line.

• H.686 measures progress toward statewide and regional housing targets. It’s a government accountability bill relating to the recently established Act 47, the final product of last session’s HOME bill. This bill establishes procedures for annually measuring and evaluating progress toward those 2030 goals. This bill creates measurable standards and a reporting mechanism so that the Legislature and public can track our housing progress.

• H.567 is a common-sense animal welfare and consumer protection bill that will prevent the sale of dogs and cats in any additional pet stores. With surrounding states enacting this legislation and New

This summer and fall I will be going door-to-door, hosting events and, of course, continuing my volunteer service as a Rotarian, at the public library and at the food shelf listening to neighbors. I look forward to connecting with you and hearing your ideas on a range of issues to improve the lives of everyone in our community. With your help, we will continue to fight for change and progress in Montpelier.

As many of you know, my mom was my biggest supporter and part of my inspiration for running for office. I was raised in a house committed to public service and l learned from her how to be the voice for those who need it the most. I carry her memory with me every day.

I grew up shadowing my dad and spending school vacations at the Statehouse. I saw how much my dad loved being there and know it was the best time of his life. When I was elected, I met people who remembered my dad and served with him, and I began to re-live parts of his life that I was too young to understand. Hearing about what kind of legislator he was and what kind of a person he was when he was at work, it keeps me going. It is the greatest honor to continue his legacy of service and sit in the very same seat in the House chamber.

Hanging Baskets

Rose Bushes

Perennials

Annuals

Vegetables

Herbs

Flowering Trees

Shade Trees

Raspberries

Blueberries

Seeds

Mulch

Compost

Gift

Topsoil

Rep. Emilie Krasnow

SIMMS continued from page 4

North Condominiums in South Burlington after she performs needed repairs and improvements to the home that has sat empty for a couple of years.

Reiss said she was concerned that many of her former drug friends would soon find Simms and she would revert to past behavior.

Simms graduated in 2005 from Harwood Union High School in Duxbury and in 2011 from the University of Vermont where she majored in animal science. At UVM she followed her passion for horse training and boarding and eventually established her own business, Cheltenham Field Stable in Shelburne.

She later moved the business to Charlotte and competed in horse competitions. Her involvement with friends linked to the drug world got her into legal problems.

The fatal shooting was sparked by the reported theft of 60-to-70 bundles of heroin by Haines from Herrington, who had been visiting for about a day, police said.

Investigators seized 62 bundles of heroin inside a recliner in Haines’ living room after the shooting.

Simms, who witnessed the shooting, served as Herrington’s driver leading up to and following the homicide, officials said.

Authorities said Haines, 39, was inside his duplex on Hillside Drive in Jeffersonville when fatally shot. His girlfriend and two children were also home.

Simms drove Herrington back to Burlington following the killing and he communicated with her throughout the day about her loaning him $5,000, Fuller said. She said Simms and Herrington also discussed not telling anybody about the homicide.

Herrington was nabbed two weeks later in Philadelphia.

“She has to live with that ... for playing the role she did,” Henry said in court.

Authorities said Haines, 39, was inside his duplex on Hillside Drive in Jeffersonville when fatally shot. His girlfriend and two children were also home.

Herrington, who was outside the residence, fired six shots into the front of the home while Haines spoke with state police by phone, records show. One shot pierced the front of the house and killed Haines while he was standing in the kitchen, according to court records.

Herrington received just over 12 years in federal prison, but recently the court agreed to reconsider the sentence in light of a U.S. Supreme Court hearing. No new sentencing date has been announced.

Herrington had received 110 months for causing the death of Haines while involved in drug trafficking. He also received a consecutive 40-month sentence for conspiracy to distribute both heroin and crack cocaine in Chittenden County between early 2018 and the day of the fatal shooting.

When considering electric lawn equipment, consider battery life, run-time and the different features that are available.

Time to switch to e-lawn care

Clean & Green

Steven Wisbaum

While the annoying wail of conventional lawn mowers has long been associated with summer, that sound is thankfully becoming less common with the growing popularity of battery electric lawn equipment.

There are a lot of reasons why so many people are switching to electric lawn equipment. Due to advancements in lithium-ion battery technology, there are now over 25 manufacturers, including at least nine offering residential riding mowers. In Vermont, almost all the electric utilities offer rebates, which makes e-lawn equipment purchased or picked-up in Vermont even more affordable.

Operating cost savings and convenience is also a huge motivating factor. E-lawn equipment eliminates the need to buy, transport and handle gasoline, doesn’t require oil changes and tune-ups, and should run for many years without needing any repairs. Without any oil or gas to spill out, most walk-behind electric mowers are designed to stand upright for easy storage. Equally important, E-lawn equipment is quiet and emission-free.

With ever-mounting evidence of the existential impacts of human-caused climate change, many people are trying to shrink their personal carbon footprint, either by driving electric cars, weatherizing their homes, flying less, installing solar PV systems and heat pumps, and switching to E-lawn equipment.

And while a single residential conventional mower or “chore tool” doesn’t burn nearly as much fuel as a car or home furnace, the collective impact of all this lawn equipment is huge. In-fact, a recent U.S. Department of

Transportation Federal Highway Administration analysis estimated that in Vermont alone, over 5 million gallons of gasoline are burned annually by lawn care equipment, and that generates over 5,000 tons of carbon dioxide. And that doesn’t even include the millions of gallons of diesel fuel consumed by diesel-powered lawn mowers operated by contractors, local and state public works departments, golf courses, schools and others. (bit.ly/3UpoKTI)

So, if your gas-powered lawn equipment is at or nearing retirement, and you’re considering making the switch, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Since there are lots of manufacturers, and quality is relatively consistent, choice will depend on the different features available. Ask your friends and neighbors about their equipment and try it out.

• If you’re buying multiple

items — a mower and chore tools, for example — stick with one manufacturer since batteries and chargers are not interchangeable between manufacturers.

• Consider the battery capacity and run-time. For larger yards, it’s a good idea to buy the higher capacity, longer run-time battery options.

• Buy local: While E-lawn equipment can be purchased on-line and at big-box stores, most hardware, building supply and lawn equipment stores now sell the equipment.

Steven Wisbaum is founder of Mow Electric!, a campaign and website that contains a list of available equipment, links to equipment reviews and comparison videos, a directory for contractors in Vermont offering e-mowing services and links to utility rebates. More at mowelectric.org.

Memorial Day Ceremony

Friday, May 24 10:00 AM

Veterans

COURTESY PHOTO

South Burlington struts down the runway

On May 4, four South Burlington teachers and a South Burlington High School graduate sashayed down the catwalk set up in Hula’s glitzy Reef room in Burlington as part of the South End Arts + Business Association’s STRUT! fashion show. Last launched as a segment of the South End Art Hop in 2019, the show has returned postpandemic as a standalone event. The models donned upcycled clothing designed by South Burlington High School teacher and alumnus Julian Barritt, pictured at right, for the show that selected designers of sustainable fashion from right, South Burlington High School science teacher Sophie Lee sporting a quilted jacket with a pillowcase base; alumna Amy Pham wearing a dress of piecedtogether fabric swatches from Barritt’s interior designer cousin; Frederick H. Tuttle Middle School science teacher Mason DeVries decked out in a cyberpunk-esque hazmat suit accessorized with an iridescent, cellophane-covered pandemic-era face shield; Tuttle Spanish teacher Lejla Kelestura wearing the graduation gown Barritt bedazzled and wore to his undergraduate graduation at the University of Vermont in 2021; and high school English teacher Phuongthao Hoang holding a sign reading “Show Your Inner Sparkle” while exhibiting a thrifted and, subsequently, bedazzled coat that assumed a regal air as Tuttle French teacher Karine Poulin carried the train down the runway.

Why Seller’s & Buyer’s Choose Eileen as their Real Estate Agent and ‘Guiding Light’

• Excellent Communicator

• Go Getter & Strategist

• Phenomenal support to mature adults

• Skilled Negotiator

• Wants what is right for her client

• Empitomizes hard work & integrity

Eileen O’Rourke, REALTOR® (802) 846-9553 | Eileen@HickokandBoardman.com EileenORourkeVT.com

Local woman graduates Babson magna cum laude

Audrey E. Smith of South Burlington, a 2016 South Burlington High School graduate, graduated from Babson College on May 11. She is the daughter of Douglas Smith and Brenda Balon and sister of Nolan Smith. Smith will be working for Ernst and Young in Boston in January. She is currently studying for the CPA exam and gardening at Wheelock for the summer.

Speaker offers talk on Jefferson’s Virginia

Few prominent Americans are as associated with a place as Thomas Jefferson is with Virginia. The heart of Jefferson Country is his house and plantation at Monticello, but Jefferson traveled the breadth of his home

Community Notes

state, from his time at William & Mary in Williamsburg to the new state capital at Richmond and his retreat and plantation at Poplar Forest, near Lynchburg.

In the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Jefferson was inspired to write his only book, “Notes on the State of Virginia.”

Laura A. Macaluso presents some of the histories embedded in these places, as she takes a public history tour of Jefferson’s Virginia.

Her talk will be Sunday, May 19, at the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum, 2 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.

Bike Rodeo: fun, safety for all ages

Join South Burlington’s parks and rec department and public library for a free bike rodeo and

safety check with fun and educational activities for kids and bike and helmet fitting and safety checks for adults and kids on Saturday, May 18, 1-3 p.m.

The bike rodeo is geared toward kids ages 5 and up to learn about biking safely. Several educational stations are planned, including bike inspection, bike and helmet fitting, start/stop/go, snail race, scanning for cars and more. Each station is tailored to a skill that cyclists must have. The first hundred kids will receive an event give-away.

The bike safety checks are primarily for adults. Registration is required on the South Burlington Parks and Recreation calendar online.

The bike rodeo will take place behind the Library in the Rick Marcotte Central School parking lot.

COURTESY PHOTO

Orchard Elementary School in South Burlington revived a science fair for the first time since 2019. Twenty-eight students in grades one to five participated. The event was sponsored by Energy Efficient Investments of Williston.

Audrey E. Smith

TAPPER continued from page 1

sound of its call, Tapper is a master at reading forests altogether, a mastery he cultivated in the eight years he spent as Chittenden County’s forester.

But that chapter in his life has ended this month as he moves onto a different, yet familiar path that began on his property, which he calls Bear Island.

The expansive acreage has been his since 2017 and was purchased for a bargain price of $150,000. But this wasn’t technically a stroke of good luck, he said, since the forests inhabiting the property had about every issue a forest could have. The long and sometimes tedious process of tending the land has also been the basis of his new book, “How to Love a Forest: The Bittersweet Work of Tending a Changing World,” set for release Sept. 10.

The property, he said, has been a massive learning experience that has taught him about some of life’s biggest and greatest lessons: death, love and how acts of compassion can look very different than what we think they should look like.

“A lot of people have this idea that to love a forest means to leave it alone because how could cutting a tree ever be something that’s positive for any ecosystem? But when I happened upon this forest, I was like, ‘This needs help,’” he said. “I can’t help it just by leaving it alone. That started this whole journey of, ‘OK, what does it mean to love a forest? What does it mean to care for this place?’”

An idyllic view of Camels Hump can be seen from almost every vantage point on the property, and it’s likely that on an early 8 a.m. hike, the iconic peak will be covered in billowing clouds and a soft, misty fog. It’s the perfect time of year to catch the first waves of “spring foliage,” he said, trudging up one particularly never-ending steep hill tucked deep inside the property’s boundaries.

“It’s way more subtle than autumn foliage,” he said, taking meditative steps that resembled a thankful prayer. “The maple leaves are red, and the sugar maple flowers are bright green, and the aspens are all white. This is one

of the things about managing an ecosystem, there’s just so much here. It’s such a profound responsibility, and humbling experience to try and care for this.”

Pointing to different forest markers along the way, he brought his focus back to the hill.

“In the book, I walk up the hill and I say, ‘I wonder how many times in my life. I will walk up this damn hill.’”

PHOTO BY LIBERTY DARR

Tapper with his trusty binoculars looking for one or more or the three dozen bird species he’s observed on his Bolton property.

continued from page 10

But the hill itself is representative of the struggles it took to get the land where it is today, the internal battles he had to face to shape the forest to maximum health, and the countless hours it took to complete the more than 200-page book. The work mirrors largely his work as a forester, creating management plans for countless forests while educating people about what it means to care radically for a forest. In a lot of ways, trees are like humans, he said, but in even more ways, they are not.

“There’s also a lot of discourse in books and in media about forests as these utopian, perfect societies, which is really not how they work at all,” he said. “They’re incredibly dynamic and imperfect and that’s what makes them so amazing. People anthropomorphize trees, but if they are like humans, it’s because they’re imperfect, they’re in process.”

Forest lens

The concept has led him to grapple with death in a unique way. Through the lens of forest management, the same tools meant for destruction can oftentimes be used to bring about an entirely new abundance. In other words, the death of some trees is sometimes necessary for the rejuvenation of an entire forest — a bittersweet concept he recognizes as a radical act of compassion.

“I also can’t tell you that it’s a good thing. It’s not a good thing.

It’s a thing that can be good or bad,” he said, noting for example that much of his land was destroyed 30 years ago due to logging. “It can degrade forests, but it can also be a tool of healing. The difference between those is just a lot of nuances.”

Tree mortality plays an equally important role in forest maintenance as nurturing new growth, he said.

“If we think about trees like people, then the death of a tree is like the death of a person and you have to avoid it at all costs,” he said. “But if we think about forests more holistically, you see that tree mortality is one of the most foundational parts of the system.”

While the book explores these larger themes, it also feels like a personal memoir, he said, mostly because the work he does every day is very personal. For the past five years, when he wasn’t working 10-hour days as a county forester and spending the weekends working even longer hours tending to Bear Island, he spent the first hours of his morning chipping away at pages.

trees, spring ephemerals and the mysterious creatures of the rhizosphere and the necrosphere, he’s also giving a glimpse into his own personal life.

“First, let me show you how much I love this forest and every forest and then hopefully you’ll trust me when I show you this incredibly confusing concept,” he said.

“It’s been such a process, all of this. Working on the book and working up here on Bear Island, those journeys have really paralleled each other.

—

Ethan Tapper

As he embarks on this new adventure, he won’t be abandoning his forestry roots altogether. For now, he plans to pursue his own private forestry consulting firm, Bear Island Forestry, to continue bringing his knowledge in the field to more Vermonters. And, of course, he will continue most of his days up on his property where most of this story began.

REPAIRS

As Tapper guides his readers through the intricate world of wolf

“It’s been such a process, all of this,” he said. “Working on the book and working up here on Bear Island, those journeys have really paralleled each other. I didn’t know how to write a book any more than I knew how to run a skidder or an excavator. I had a lot of frustrating moments, but I refused to give up.”

SPORTS

Wolves place fifth, sixth in annual track invitational

LAUREN READ

CORRESPONDENT

Track and field

Buoyed by an outstanding individual performance from Regina O’Leary, the South Burlington girls’ track and field finished fifth overall at the annual Burlington Invitational. The boys came just behind in sixth place overall on Saturday, May 11.

O’Leary came in first in the triple jump, third in the 100-meter hurdles, and seventh in the 800-meter race.

Kelsey Adams came in 11th in the 100-meter dash, Sydney Rumsey was eighth in the 3,000-meter race, and Izzy

Laramee came in eighth in the 100-meter hurdles.

Laramee also added a fourth-place finish in the 300-meter hurdles, while Emilia Chittenden (fourth) and Kelsey Adams (sixth) placed in the top 10 in the high jump.

For the boys, Austin Simone came in third place in the 800 meters, while Tucker Hall was third in the 300-meter hurdles and fourth in the 110-meter hurdles. Govinda Pradham was seventh in the 100-meter race and 15th in the 200 meters.

Aidan Lybarger was second in the discus and fourth in shot put, while John Jackson was second in the triple jump and seventh in pole vault. Rounding out the top

Getting the Conversation Started for Changes to I-89 @ Exit 14 First Round

of Public Outreach

Please join us to share your thoughts and ideas for the Interstate 89 Exit 14 interchange area. The study is focused on the I-89 Exit 14 interchange and the signalized intersections along US 2 (Williston Road) from Staples Plaza / DoubleTree to Dorset Street. Join us in-person, via Zoom, or watch a live stream video of the meeting. Details below:

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

6:00 P.M. - Open house with refreshments and light snacks

6:30 P.M. - Formal presentation and public input

Participate, In-person: Auditorium, 180 Market Street, South Burlington, VT

Participate, Virtually: A virtual meeting option will be available via Zoom at: tinyurl.com/Exit-14-Study

Watch the Live Stream: Broadcast available at Town Meeting TV YouTube (@townmeetingtv)

Meeting Accommodations: In accordance with provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended, the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC) will ensure public meetings are accessible to all people. Requests for free interpretive or translation services, assistive devices, or other requested reasonable accommodations, should be made to Emma Vaughn, CCRPC ADA & Title VI Coordinator, at 802-846-4490, ext. 121, or evaughn@ccrpcvt.org, at least 5 business days prior to the meeting for which services are requested.

About the Project: The CCRPC is conducting a comprehensive study of the I-89 Exit 14 interchange. The study will define the project purpose and need, develop alternative configurations to address current challenges, evaluate the tradeoffs of each alternative, and identify a locally supported preferred alternative to recommend to the Vermont Agency of Transportation. During this first round of public outreach, the project team is interested in gathering input on issues and opportunities for enhancing safety and mobility at the Exit 14 interchange.

Contact Information:

Karen Sentoff | ksentoff@vhb.com Eleni Churchill | echurchill@ccrpcvt.org

finishers in the field events was Connor Watson, who came in third in javelin.

Boys’ tennis

South Burlington 4, Essex 3: Three dominant wins in singles and another strong performance in doubles helped the South Burlington boys’ beat Essex Saturday.

Will Bradley, Omar Dauodi and Jay Eagle all got straight-set wins for the Wolves, who moved to 2-2.

James Bradley and Robin Hokenmaier won in straight sets in doubles to help clinch the win.

Boys’ lacrosse

South Burlington 13, Essex 6: After trailing by three goals early, South Burlington came back to beat Essex on Friday, May 10.

Will Goyette had four goals and three assists to lead the Wolves, who moved to 6-3 with the win.

Will Anderson chipped in six goals and Dylan Karpinksi tallied twice. Caden Clayton stopped 10 shots in goal.

Girl’s lacrosse

Essex 8, South Burlington 7: Essex scored with under 30 second remaining beat South Burlington Thursday.

Rachel Kelley had four goals for the Wolves, who fell to 7-2. Both South Burlington losses have come at the hands of the Hornets.

Elise Smith added two goals and Victoria Bohlmann made 11 saves.

Baseball

South Burlington 10, Essex 1: South Burlington added runs in the first, fourth and sixth innings to put away Essex for a

win on Saturday.

Lucas Van Mullen had two doubles and two RBIs, Sam Mazza-Bergeron went 2-for-3 with three RBIs. Andre Bouffard had a home run.

Nick Kelly won at the plate, allowing one run on four hits and striking out five. South Burlington moved to 7-2.

The Wolves also won Thursday, May 9, beating Mount Mansfield 6-0. Van Mullen won on the mound, while Bouffard drove in two runs.

Softball

Essex 13, South Burlington 1 (6): The South Burlington softball team managed a run against Essex on Saturday but fell to the Hornets in six innings.

Jordan Larose and Maddie Straight each had a double for the Wolves, while Naysa Bush took the loss in the circle.

The loss comes on the heels of the Wolves earning their first win of the season, a 14-6 victory over Mount Mansfield on Thursday.

Ella Nielsen went 2-for-3 with three RBIs, while Ava Lafayette had a double and three RBIs. Ciat Bartlett and Trinity Rye each drove in two runs. Bush got the win.

Girls’ tennis

South Burlington 6, Colchester 1: The two South Burlington doubles teams swept Colchester and the Wolves won 6-1 Thursday.

The teams of Bridget Simone and Yordanes Gebreselasie and Grace Stein and Evangeline Clifford both earned straight set wins in doubles.

Wynne Adamson, Rosa DiGiulian, Ella Maynard and Ella Stein each earned wins in singles for the Wolves (6-1).

PHOTO BY AL FREY

The South Burlington girls’ track team placed fifth at the recent Burlington Invitational.

Last weekend, volunteer parents from South Burlington Little League softball, along with Ethan Bartlett, created a softball field at Jaycee Park. They prepped the hard, rocky surface and then moved 30 tons of infield mix onto the field. They raked, dug and dragged until the field was perfect. Softball players have been waiting 15 years for a softball field in town. Last year, the parks and recreation and public works department removed the infield grass at the Jaycee baseball field to start the transformation. But more work needed to be done to make the field playable, and the volunteers sprang into action. Four little league softball teams will celebrate the new field and their accomplishments from this season at closing ceremonies on June 6.

BATH VANITY: Includes marble sink and new faucet. 37in x 22in x 30in. $99. Call or text (540) 226-4478.

RED LINCOLN CANOE:

15.5 ft. Has never seen the water. Includes 2 58in oars. Been inside of garage. Call (802) 310-6744.

2020 NISSAN ALTIMA SR, AWD: Auto, undercoated, 28,550 miles, loaded w/sport seating, sunroof, new Cooper A/S tires, “clean” title, $24,550. Call (802) 863-4366 afternoon/early evenings.

Driver Wanted

clean CDL-B / Hazmat endorsement. Able to pass federally mandated drug screening. DOT physical required. Competitive wage, paid holidays and sick time.

DIRECT CREMATION SERVICES

The Town of Charlotte, Vermont (population 3,900) is seeking candidates for the position of Recreation Director.

The Recreation Director is responsible for managing Town of Charlotte sponsored recreational programs, recreation equipment and facilities to meet the needs of various age groups, in accordance with the Sports Program Mission Statement, and for managing the Charlotte Town Beach. The Director plans, implements, administers, coordinates, monitors and evaluates recreation programs for the Town. The Director further works in conjunction with the Recreation Commission in developing and proposing a budget to the Selectboard. The Town’s Recreation Department has budget of $150,000 for fiscal year 2024-25.

The Selectboard is seeking an individual with a collaborative and team-oriented approach; strong organizational skills; the ability to develop and work within a budget; and experience in developing, implementing and managing recreational programs. Candidates should also possess excellent communication, community engagement, organizational, problem-solving and leadership skills. A baccalaureate degree, or equivalent, in recreation or sports management or related fields is preferred. However, candidates with comparable work experience are highly encouraged to apply. A complete job description is available at https://charlottevt.org/jobs.

The salary range for the position is $43,500 - $48,500 DOQ. Working hours and duties will vary seasonally, averaging 30 hours/week. This position is eligible for health, dental and retirement benefits. Background check required. Charlotte is an EOE and values diversity and inclusiveness in the community and workplace. Email applications, including a cover letter and resumé, to townadmin@ townofcharlotte.com by May 31st, 2024. Applications submitted after this deadline may be accepted on a rolling basis. The Selectboard intends the selected candidate to start by July 15th, 2024.

Town of Charlotte Recreation Director

COURTESY PHOTO