The Other Paper - 5-23-24

U.S. Supreme Court to consider South Burlington land use case

HABIB

SABET STAFF WRITER

A legal battle between developers and South Burlington over the city’s land use regulations could be decided by the U.S. Supreme Court.

The nation’s highest court is currently considering whether to take a case between the city and developers Jeff Nick and Jeff Davis, owners of a 113.8-acre property at 835 Hinesburg Road, who filed documents with the court in March appealing a decision made by two lower federal courts to dismiss their lawsuit against South Burlington and its city council.

The dispute stems from land use regulations passed by the city council in February 2022 that limits development in newly designated “habitat blocks,” or wildlife corridors.

In a lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court of Vermont in early 2022, the developers alleged that the new regulations, which could prevent them from building on approximately a third of their Hinesburg Road property, amount to an unconstitutional seizure of their property rights.

Nick and Davis, who had bought the

See LAND USE CASE on page 12

District hires new Tuttle Middle School principal

Following a nearly two-month search, Suzanne Gruendling is the new Frederick H. Tuttle Middle School principal.

The 25-year education veteran was one of three finalists and starts her new job July 1. District superintendent Violet Nichols announced the hiring to families May 7 and the school board officially approved her hiring at last week’s meeting.

“Our hiring teams were incredibly impressed with Suzanne’s experience as an

instructional leader, her ability to implement systems and structures that benefit students and her work in crisis management,” Nichols said. “We look forward to

See PRINCIPAL on page 13

PHOTO BY AL FREY

South Burlington’s Brian Rutherford chases down a loose ball during the Wolves’ 17-8 loss to the CVU Redhawks on May 15 in Hinesburg.

The Aphasia Choir of Vermont

The Aphasia Choir of Vermont will perform at South Burlington High School’s auditorium, 550 Dorset St., on Sunday, June

Many South Burlington residents and stroke survivors from Chittenden County and beyond will perform at the free concert. Aphasia is a language disorder typically caused by stroke or traumatic brain injury. Because music is largely mediated by the undamaged hemispheres of the brains of people with aphasia, they can sing and are often fluent while singing even if they have severe difficulty speaking or are nonverbal. The Aphasia Choir of Vermont was the 2020 recipient of the American Stroke Association’s Stroke Hero Award for Outstanding Group. Above, The Aphasia Choir warms up before its 2023 performance at Colchester High School.

‘There was no right vote’: Wildlife bill dies in divided Vermont House

EMMA COTTON VTDIGGER

Over the last several years, a debate over how to manage wildlife has become a symbol of a broader cultural divide in Vermont. During the recently concluded legislative session, that debate culminated in S.258, a bill that would have changed the state’s wildlife management structure.

Many supporters of the measure saw it as a pathway to

create common ground between those who want to protect wildlife from certain hunting practices and those who fear the implications of a cultural shift away from hunting in Vermont.

Some lawmakers who opposed the bill — or didn’t want to vote on it — feared it would prompt more division. That appears to be the reason the bill failed.

It became a “lightning rod for some of the intensity around” the wildlife debate, said Rep. Katherine Sims, D-Craftsbury, co-chair

Honoring Heroes Memorial Day

AD DEADLINE FOR MAY 30 ISSUE: Friday, May 24, Noon (All Display, BANG/Combo and Classified Ads)

Our offices are closed Monday, May 27, to observe the holiday.

of the tripartisan Rural Caucus. S.258 focused largely on the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Board, a citizen group in charge of creating rules to manage the state’s game species. At present, it is stacked with hunters, trappers and anglers. While the governor currently appoints its 14 members, the bill would have added two new members appointed by the Legislature. All board members would have been required to meet a list of qualifications and participate in training.

Moreover, the bill would have made the Fish & Wildlife Board advisory and transferred power to the state’s Fish & Wildlife Department to make rules that govern hunting, trapping and fishing. It would have also banned the controversial practice of hunting coyotes with dogs.

Sims said the rural caucus did not take a formal position on the issue and that members from rural districts and more populous areas were hesitant to support the bill. The caucus heard from stakeholders who advocated for and against the bill, she said. Representatives were “hearing loudly from a lot of constituents with lots of different diverse perspectives,” she said. “I think that’s my sense of why the bill didn’t move forward: that many members felt like they would be

PHOTO BY CATHY WEBSTER

2, 2-4 p.m.

Quality Plants Grown Here

Hanging

Perennials

Vegetables

Herbs

Trees

Shrubs

Mulch

Compost

Seeds

Proven

Gift

General Assembly recognizes South Burlington child advocate

Sally Borden, who recently retired as the executive director of KidSafe Collaborative, was honored April 24 with the passing of House Resolution recognizing her work and contributions during her long career as a child and victim advocate.

Introduced by Rep. Barbara Rachelson and supported by the Chittenden County House and Senate delegation, Borden received a standing ovation in the General Assembly.

Borden, a resident of South Burlington since 1996, was joined at the ceremony by KidSafe Collaborative’s current executive director Meghan Masterson as well as her colleagues, friends and family.

The resolution commends Borden as a veteran advocate and leader at organizations advocating on behalf of the victims and survivors, and their families, of domestic violence and child abuse and neglect.

In her 26 years with the collaborative, Borden has been an advocate and leader for all of Vermont’s children and families.

“Our community is healthier and safer because of what Sally has accomplished in bringing together the remarkable KidSafe Collaborative,” Dr. Lewis First, head of University of Vermont Children’s Hospital, said.

“I am especially honored because I know not everyone gets the opportunity to be recognized for something they feel so passionately about,” Borden said.

Borden joined KidSafe Collaborative, which works to improve the community’s response to and prevention of child abuse and neglect in 1998, first directing a large federal grant to help Chittenden County strengthen responses to the needs of children and families at risk of abuse or neglect. She became the organization’s executive director in 2001 and managed the agency’s transition from one supported primarily with federal funds to an independent sustainable organization.

Before moving to Vermont, Borden was director of training in the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance and a victim-witness director and advocate at the Northwestern District Attorney’s office. She then served as the executive director of Safe Alternatives to Violent Environments, an organization providing support services for domestic violence victims and their children in Alameda County, Calif.

Borden plans to continue volunteering with the collaborative and is currently leading the effort for sustainability for the organization with the KidSafe

Sally Borden Fund.

COURTESY PHOTO

Former KidSafe Collaborative executive director Sally Borden, right, with Rep. Barbara Rachelson at the Vermont Statehouse April 24. Borden was honored with a House Concurrent Resolution for her professional achievements on behalf of children and survivors of abuse.

continued from page 2

taking a vote on a bill that might divide their community.”

Sims also pointed to a process that had played out before the session. In response to two laws passed in 2022, the Fish & Wildlife Board created rules to govern trapping and hunting coyotes with dogs. When the Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules argued that the board’s rules didn’t go far enough, the board approved them anyway. Then came S.258.

“I think we do our best work when everyone comes together and finds consensus and moves forward together,” Sims said. This time, the bill felt like a “reaction to frustration about the LCAR process and the rules,” she said.

“I don’t think it was the right bill at the right time,” she said, adding that she’s “committed to continuing to be a part of these conversations.”

Patti Komline, a lobbyist with Downs Rachlin Martin, represented the group Animal Wellness Action, which supported the bill. She said she’s worked on controversial issues, including gun control, but that this one got people particularly “fired up.”

“People told us they got a thousand emails, about equally split,

both for it and against this bill,” Komline said. “And really, what legislators felt is, they didn’t want to go into an election cycle where they’re alienating half the people. There was no right vote to take on this.”

Sims is among the legislators who could face political implications. The Craftsbury Democrat recently entered a race for an open state Senate seat in rural Orleans County.

Lawmakers couldn’t simply split the bill and remove one part of it to make it more politically appealing, Komline said, because people were divided over both of its major parts: the changes to the board and the ban on coyote hounding.

dison, the bill’s author, walked it back, adding the two legislative appointees to the board instead.

With that change, S.258 passed the Senate with enough votes to override a likely veto by Gov. Phil Scott. But after it moved to the House, it became stuck in its first committee, House Environment and Energy.

As the session approached its end, Rep. Amy Sheldon, D-Middlebury, who chairs the House committee, said the bill didn’t have the votes to override a veto in the House and that the committee had stopped taking testimony on it.

“We’re not going to move it if it doesn’t look like it has a future.”

— Rep. Amy Sheldon

Before it faced opposition in the House, the bill saw a strong show of support in the Senate — but not at first. The original version called for an even split of hunters and non-hunters on the Fish & Wildlife board. When other senators expressed concern about that proposal, Sen. Chris Bray, D-Ad-

“We’re not going to move it if it doesn’t look like it has a future,” Sheldon said in an interview on May 1. Bray said he isn’t sure yet whether he’d take the issue up again in another session.

“I realized it was hard on my colleagues,” Bray said. “So, you know, I’m not going to jump back in without being really clear and intentional and have conversations with folks.”

South Burlington Rotary Helping the Community Throughout

the Year

We are so proud of our team’s accomplishments so far this year:

• Volunteered for Green Up Day

• Financially supported: NAMI Vt, Make A Wish, Camp DREAM

• Internationally: Guatemala Literacy, Eritrean Mother's Project, Doctor's Without Borders, International Red Cross, Care.Org and Shelter Box

How your support of South Burlington Rotary Club helps the community... When you attend or sponsor a South Burlington Rotary Club event, you are supporting Rotary and participating in our community. Join the fun at South Burlington Rotary’s annual golf tournament, and the Ugly Sweater Fun Run. The South Burlington Rotary Club is made up of volunteers who invest in the health and well-being of our community. We support both local and global initiatives through contributions of time, talent, and treasure. Non-denominational and non-political, we welcome all members of the South Burlington community and beyond.

South Burlington Police Blotter: May 13-19

Total incidents: 241

Agency / public assists: 17

Directed patrol: 13

Traffic stop: 14

Accident: property damage: 5

Alarm: 13

Operations: foot patrol: 30

Suspicious event: 12

Retail theft: 9

Motor vehicle complaint: 11

Welfare check: 20

911 hangup: 4

Trespass: 8

Domestic: 3

Disturbance: 6

Threats: 6

Needle pickup: 6

Field contact: 6

Found: lost property: 6

Unlawful mischief: 5

Noise violation: 5

Accidnet: leaving the scene: 4

Parking problem: 3

Larceny from a vehicle: 3

Mental health: 3

Arrests:

May 14 at 10 p.m., Joselyn E. Chambers, 42, no address given, was arrested for retail theft on Dorset Street.

May 15 at 11:46 a.m., Samuel G. Harlow, 32, no address given, was arrested on an in-state warrant on Dorset Street.

May 16 at 10:51 a.m., Kristina Morley, 33, of Colchester, was arrested on an in-state warrant on Dorset Street and San Remo Drive.

May 17 at 2:35 a.m., a 17-year-old juvenile, no address provided, was arrested on Shelburne Road for driving under the influence, first offense.

May 17 at 8:30 p.m., Craig A. Yandow, 54, of Essex, was arrested for retail theft on Dorset Street.

May 18 at 4:55 a.m., a 19-year-old juvenile, no address provided, was arrested for driving under the influence, first offense, negligent operation and leaving the scene of an accident 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.

Vermont State Police Blotter: May 11

May 11 at 3:44 a.m., police helped a man out of his burning car on Interstate 89 in South Burlington near exit 13, and the South Burlington

theFire Department put out the fire. Devin Sherman, 29, of Northfield, was arrested for driving under the influence, first offense.

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

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

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

News Editor Tommy Gardner

Staff Writers Aaron Calvin Liberty Darr

Production Manager Stephanie Manning stephanie@shelburnenews.com

Editor/Publisher Gregory Popa gpopa@stowereporter.com

Billing inquiries Leslie Lafountain leslie@stowereporter.com (802) 253-2101

Advertising submission deadline: Thursday at 5 p.m. advertising@otherpapersbvt.com classifieds@otherpapersbvt.com

Editorial submission deadline: Friday at 5 p.m. news@otherpapersbvt.com

Calendar submission deadline: Friday at 12 p.m. news@otherpapersbvt.com

Contact: 1340 Williston Road

South Burlington, VT 05403 (802) 864-6670

Letters to the Editor

New approach to health care needed, Meyer says To the Editor:

Chittenden Southeast Sen. Ginny Lyons recently shared her views on Vermont’s health care system, and she seems to paint a rosy picture. As a physician working in health care, I have a very different perspective.

Vermont’s health care system has been struggling for years and Vermonters are suffering the consequences. Some of the problems are shared by other states, but there are also issues unique to Vermont.

Several governors and the Legislature have allowed, and at times encouraged, the University of Vermont Health System to become a monopoly, and UVM has done what most monopolies do — it has used its concentrated power to increase its power and steeply raise prices across the board.

Eight years ago, former Gov. Peter Shumlin signed Vermont on to a federal health care experiment called OneCare. This was supposed to control health care costs, increase accessibility and improve quality. It has accomplished none of these goals, and

its real effect has been to further increase UVM’s power since OneCare was operated through the health system.

At one point, the CEO of the University of Vermont Health Network and OneCare was the same individual.

Lyons now wants to push Vermont into a new nine-year arrangement with the feds in something called Project Ahead. In fact, this program is very similar to the failed OneCare.

One of the few encouraging developments has been the Green Mountain Care Board, which, under new leadership, is finally exercising its independent authority to deny the UVM Medical Center and other high fliers their exorbitant rate increases. But Lyons is making a strenuous effort to remove that authority and place it with the politically vulnerable Department of Human Services.

I have a different vision for the future of health care in Vermont, and it begins by strengthening independent practices and hospitals, which have long been the backbone of

See LETTERS on page 7

OPINION

Nugent outlines Legislature’s successes, will seek second term

From the House

Rep. Kate Nugent

This session, the Legislature had many challenging issues to address, made more so by the ending of COVID-19 federal funding. We did this as Vermonters through legislation that both assists specific groups of people and structural and policy changes that impact the entire population. Much was done that should make measurable positive changes to folks’ quality of life.

Some that stand out to me:

• Allowing our neighbors in Barre to hear property tax abatement cases in groups instead of only one at a time, to speed up the process for the many neighborhoods in which multiple homes were destroyed or severely damaged by the 2023 floods.

• Passing the South Burlington charter change that allows the school board to add two members to help the school district work better.

• Giving emergency management system stakeholders the power to decide how to organize and structure EMS systems in the state that will align needs and resources, rather than deciding for the people who are doing the work.

• Making some changes that helped lead to reductions in property tax rates for South Burlington, though much is left to be done, including continued advocacy for a funding formula that is based on better information and goals for outcomes.

• Passing bills out of the House of Representatives that would require examination and improvements to how the state is executing service contracts with nonprofits and municipalities.

• Protecting Vermonters from big tech data privacy invasions

• Updated the renewable energy standard to address ongoing energy transformation needs.

try arguments, leaving Vermont schools and youth still vulnerable. Unfortunately, as of now, municipalities do not have the legal authority to restrict flavored tobacco products on their own as they do in other states that allow home rule. Vermont is a Dillon’s Rule state, which means the Legislature must enable any local authority in advance. The Legislature could decide to provide this authority to municipalities in Vermont, however, has not done so yet.

I wanted to take this opportunity to also announce that I plan to run for state representative for a second term, and I look forward to seeing neighbors out on the campaign trail. I feel I contributed to progress to make government work better in my first term, and I want to build on this progress in a second, if elected. I see that decisions we make in passing laws and the oversight of the execution of those laws has measurable impacts on the daily lives of Vermonters and our community.

• Addressing housing by supporting development in patterns that can sustain changes in population and housing preferences.

The Legislature also passed a bill to institute a pilot program creating overdose prevention sites based on early evidence that these sites can save lives and be conduits to treatment for those who are ready. These are controversial in the United States and in Vermont, but since the pandemic, as you are aware, mental health and problem substance use rates have increased, including fatal overdoses. Communities are looking to this as one tool among many needed to both prevent and treat addiction.

Lawmakers also passed S.18, a bill that would restrict deadly commercial tobacco products by not allowing the industry to use flavors to attract youth. After hearing from schools, youth and health experts in the state, as well as experts in the longtime predatory and targeted marketing practices of the industry, the Legislature passed it by a strong, but still narrower vote than for many other bills. However, the governor vetoed the bill, citing some incorrect and weak indus-

When done well, government supports communities that are healthy and thriving. I believe my experience in leading a nonprofit, as a former educator in a public school and community college, as well as my education in international relations, French and English literature has provided me with the background and empathy necessary to connect the struggles of community members’ daily lives with the policy changes needed to make them better. As I speak to neighbors, I keep track of what you tell me and bring those concerns to the General Assembly, keeping your needs front of mind as we wrestle with the best way and amount to fund our schools, transform the way we get our power, and ensure as many people as possible have a safe, reliable home. I firmly believe that though the challenges we face are great and unique to our time, so are the specific strengths and abilities of the people who are here right now. We are up to the task. We can face and overcome these challenges together. Please reach out to me directly if there is anything I can help you with either via email katenugent@gmail.com or knugent@ leg.state.vt.us or read more on my website katenugent.org.

Rep. Kate Nugent

LETTERS

continued from page 6

health care in our small state, especially in primary care.

The independents consistently provide as good or better care at far less expense, and they are more embedded in their communities.

The UVM Medical Center should return to its original core missions: serve as the community hospital for Chittenden County and as the state’s only Level 1 trauma center; and help teach future physicians and conduct important research through its medical school.

Much of the Legislature’s work in health care issues has been opaque, both to the public and to many of the legislators themselves. Let’s open the doors and windows and have a real discussion.

Dr. Louis Meyers

South Burlington

Editor’s note: Meyers is a candidate for the Chittenden Southeast Senate seat.

Common Roots support to food shelf invaluable

To the Editor: I want to thank Common Roots for its unwavering and continuing support to the South Burlington Food Shelf. Common Roots has been growing food for families for 16 years, long before we even opened. As we were formulating our plan to open, Common Roots was there to encourage us and to offer support, ideas and wisdom.

Common Roots sets up a farmstand under a tent at the food shelf from early May to late November. From their tables they provide free, fresh organic vegetables, herbs and tasty prepared items from the Wheeler House licensed kitchen.

They offer recipes, tastings, seeds, veggie starts and compost to our customers, providing support to grow some of their own food and building food independence. Last year alone it donated approximately 6,500

pounds of organic food to the South Burlington Food Shelf.

Additionally, the chef and his interns bring meals, soups and fresh side dishes throughout the year.

The education Common Roots provides on how to prepare and grow farm fresh foods is extremely valuable.

As you may know, those who have the food preparation and propagation knowledge can slash their food budget by buying or growing whole foods and breaking them down themselves.

We have worked with their staff and interns — who rival ours with their kind, helpful attitudes — ever since we have been open. The collaboration between our organizations has made us greater than the sum of our parts.

Peter Carmolli Director,

South Burlington Food Shelf

news@ otherpapersbvt.com

COMMUNITY

Community Notes

Memorial for Big Joe set for Friday in Burlington

A celebration of life service for Joe Moore will be held Friday, May 24, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the First Unitarian Universalist Church at the top of Church Street, 152 Pearl St., Burlington.

All are invited. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Vermont Blues Society, 1696 Maple St., Waltham VT 05491. Donations in Joe’s name will be used to aid in the formation of the Joseph Moore Jr. Music for Youth Scholarship Fund, dedicated to supporting musical development of youth.

Underground Railroad exhibit opens at Rokeby

“Seeking Freedom: The Underground Railroad and the Legacy of an Abolitionist Family” explores America’s history of enslavement, the abolitionist movement and the Underground Railroad in a new exhibition at the Rokeby Museum on Route 7 in Ferrisburgh.

It shares the history of the Robinson family and their work as abolitionists in Vermont. It explores the family’s legacy as later generations moved away from the family’s antislavery beliefs and toward a more dominant American culture.

The exhibition is a comprehensive exploration, going beyond the abolition movement and the Civil War, to discuss the legacy of American racism and prejudice and its impacts on communities today. It proudly features three Vermont organizations actively working toward equality — the American Civil Liberties Union of Vermont, Peace and Justice Center in Burlington, and Vermont Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

A new addition to the exhibition is a children’s learning area, so learners of all ages can engage with history.

See the exhibition daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., beginning Saturday, May 25, through Oct. 13.

Sign up now for Shelburne grab and go meal

Age Well and St. Catherine’s of Siena Parish in Shelburne are teaming up to provide a meal to go for anyone age 60 and older on Tuesday, June 11.

Meals will be available for pick up in the parking lot at 72 Church St. from 11 a.m. until noon and are available for anyone 60 or older.

Suggested donation is $5.

The menu is meatloaf with gravy, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, wheat bread with butter, apple crisp with topping and milk.

To order a meal contact Kathleen at agewellstcath@gmail.com or 802-503-1107. Deadline to order is Wednesday, June 5. If this is a first-time order, provide your name, address, phone number and date of birth.

If you haven’t yet filled out a congregate meal registration form, bring a completed registration form with you or send one to Age Well, 875 Roosevelt Highway, Suite 210, Colchester VT 05446. Forms will be available at meal pick up.

Learn about restaurant tickets to dine at participating restaurants at agewellvt.org.

Shelburne

church, Age well host March luncheon

Age Well is offering a luncheon on Tuesday, June 18, in the St. Catherine of Siena Parish Hall, 72 Church St. in Shelburne.

The menu is roast beef au jus, cheddar mashed potatoes, broccoli florets,, dinner roll with margarine cup, strawberry short cake with cream and milk.

Check-in time is 11:30 a.m. and the meal will be served at noon. There is a $5 suggested donation.

Diners must register by Wednesday, June 12, to Kerry Batres, nutrition coordinator, 802-662-5283 or email kbatres@ agewellvt.org. Tickets are also available at the Age Well Office, 875 Roosevelt Highway, Suite 210, Colchester.

Old Round Church concert series goes bluegrass

The Richmond Historical Society hosts a summer concert series in the Old Round Church featuring two local bluegrass bands. Forest Station headlines a concert Saturday, June 1, at 7 p.m. Forest Station is a bluegrass group born in the Rocky Mountains and realized in the Greens. They blend high energy, tight pockets and just enough improvisational grease to scratch your itch for real, honest bluegrass.

Throughout the years, the group has formed a communicative musical bond that has resulted in innovative string music span-

On May 2, the winners of the 31st Mathematics Talent Search sponsored by the Vermont State Mathematics Coalition were honored at an awards dinner at the DoubleTree Hotel in South Burlington. The winners received the highest cumulative scores on four math tests administered throughout the academic year. They will join other top math students from Vermont on the Vermont All Stars team at the American Regions Mathematics League competition at Penn State, May 31 and June 1. From left, Rachel Herrmann, Erica Herrmann, Alden Bond, Lucy Drury, Nathan Ellison, Jacob Graham, Elias Leventhal, Lav Patel, Yuyang Zhang, and talent search co-chair Kiran MacCormick. Not pictured, Yiwei Zhao. For more information, go to vtmathcoalition.org.

COMMUNITY NOTES

continued from page 8

ning the traditional ideal and pushing a unique style into unknown territory.

Their debut album, “Earth Tones,” was released in April and is an ode to their Western roots, steeped in the mountain ranges, landscapes and forests that surround them.

On Saturday, Sept. 21, at 7 p.m., the concert series presents Mama Tried, an all-female foot-stomping bluegrass, country folk and blues string band.

Admission to each concert is by suggested donation of $15. The profits will support maintenance of the church or other projects of the Richmond Historical Society.

For more, go to richmondvthistory.org.

Poetry Path returns to the Intervale

Visitors walking Calkins Loop in Burlington’s Intervale will again be treated to a little poetic inspiration along with a dose of fresh air. The Poetry Path features panels displaying bite-sized poems placed at intervals among the trees lining the loop.

“There are other poetry and story walks in our area,” Mary Chaffee, the Burlington-based writer and volunteer coordinating the project, said. “This is the

only one I know of where graphically designed panels are framed by branches and leaves. You’re gazing up at the poems as you pass by, and that feels great.”

Now in its third year, the Poetry Path was created by members of the Burlington Writers Workshop. New for 2024, the public is cordially invited to submit a tiny poem, haiku or poetic fragment. Poems should reflect some part of the Intervale Center’s mission: To respect the wild, sustain the land and nourish the people.

The submission deadline is May 30. For submission guidelines go to tinyurl.com/bww-poetrypath-2024.

COURTESY PHOTO

SPORTS

South Burlington Dolphins upgrade training facility

JAVEN SEARS

The South Burlington Dolphins have undertaken major upgrades to their indoor training facility. The new equipment includes a durable squat rack platform that supports deadlifts and cleans. In addition, the facility has incorporated Perform Better athletic bands, renowned for their safety, reliability and durability. These upgrades reflect the latest training techniques used by top athletes and trainers.

These enhancements were made possible with the assistance of Michel Bergeron, a former Dolphin and current Division I football player at Delaware State University, as part of his internship.

The Dolphins have been conducting athletic enhancement training three days a week since January.

In addition to facility upgrades, the Dolphins are offering sport management internships for any local high school and college students, which include areas like personal training, marketing, media, creative content and operations. Interested individuals can learn more and apply at sbdolphins.com/intern.

The Dolphins host a free athletic development summer clinic from June 17 to July 18. For more information, visit sbdolphins.com.

Javen Sears is vice president of the South Burlington Dolphins Foundation.

Wolves beat BFA in no hitter

LAUREN READ CORRESPONDENT

Baseball

South Burlington 11, BFA-St. Albans 0: Lucas Van Millen threw five innings of no-hit baseball and then added a two-run home run as the team went on to shutout BFA-St. Albans Saturday, May 18.

Miles Van Mullen went 2-for4 with a double, while Brady Havers added an RBI. Cedric LaMothe went 2-for-4 and Kiefer McGrath chipped in a double.

South Burlington moved to 9-2 with the win.

The Wolves also won Thursday over Rice, beating the Green Knights 3-0.

Nick Kelly threw a complete game, allowing one hit and struck out 12 to earn the win on the mound. Andre Bouffard went 1-for-4 with an RBI.

Softball

BFA-St. Albans 20, South Burlington 2: BFA-St. Albans hit six home runs to beat South Burlington Saturday in high school softball.

Naysa Bush went 3-for-3 to lead the Wolves in the loss, with a home run and two RBIs.

South Burlington fell to 1-9.

Girls’

lacrosse

South Burlington 16, Mount Mansfield 2: Sabrina Brunet scored six goals and had one assist as the South Burlington girls’ lacrosse team beat Mount Mansfield on Friday, May 17.

Elise Smith added a hat trick for the Wolves, while Sawyer Bailey and Elise Knoth each

tallied twice. Lucie McArney, Lily O’Brien and Mairin Cooley each chipped in a goal.

Victoria Bohlmann made eight saves. South Burlington moved to 8-3.

Boys’ lacrosse

South Burlington 16, Mount Mansfield 6: The boys had some standout offensive performances in a win over Mount Mansfield on Friday.

Dylan Karpinski led the way with five goals, while Brady Sweet chipped in four and had two assists. Will Anderson added four goals and one assist. Will Goyette tallied twice with three assists.

Caden Clayton made 10 saves in goal and the Wolves moved to 7-4.

Boys’ tennis

Stowe 5, South Burlington 2: Stowe swept the doubles matches enroute to a 5-2 win over South Burlington Saturday.

Yuyang Zhang and Omar Dauodi each won in singles for the Wolves, who fell to 5-5.

Girls’

tennis

Stowe 6, South Burlington 1: Evangeline Clifford and Yorda Gebreselasie earned the lone win for South Burlington in doubles as the Wolves fell to Stowe 6-1 on Thursday, May 16.

South Burlington fell to 7-2.

PHOTO BY AL FREY

South Burlington’s Meredith Lambert gets ready to make a throw during a recent matchup with Champlain Valley Union. The Wolves lost 11-6.

Michael D. Samara

Michael David Samara, 76, died unexpectedly from a heart attack at his home on Friday, April 26, 2024 with the extraordinary staff from the South Burlington emergency departments and his beloved wife, Lucy, by his side.

Michael was born on March 5, 1948, to Josephine and Frederick Samara of Manchester, N.H. He grew up in a close-knit Lebanese and Syrian American family, with his Arabic-speaking grandparents living in the apartment downstairs. Throughout his life, he took significant pride in his heritage.

In 1970, he earned his degree at the University of New Hampshire and went on to earn his Master of Education in Counseling and Personnel, also at UNH, two years later. It was during this time at university that he met his best friend and partner, Lucy. They married in 1975 at the Community Church of Durham, United Church of Christ, in New Hampshire.

Group for the pastoral program.

Michael returned to Saint Michael’s College in a part-time position from 2013 to 2018, serving on the campus minis try staff and in academic support. On his second retirement from St. Michael’s, he wrote: “I must end with a special thank you and acknowledgement to the Society of Saint Edmund. The Edmundites took a chance on a young man in 1977. I have always felt their hospitality, support, love and faith ful care. I am most grate ful.”

Michael’s greatest love was his family. He adored his two children, Julie Samara Thompson and Andrew Samara, and their spouses Matthew Thompson and Emily Hubbard Samara. Michael dearly loved spending time with his five granddaughters, Audrey and Madeleine Samara Thompson, and Franny, Juno and Robin Samara, who experienced their “Jiddo” as full of poems, stories, games, laughter and silly songs.

Stop For A Bite or Stay The Night

The Boat Club at Basin Harbor is a great sailing and boating destination on Lake Champlain. Come stop for lunch, dinner, or a cocktail, or better yet, stay the

Michael served as co-director of residential life and director of counseling at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Indiana until moving to Vermont in 1977 to serve as director of student life at Saint Michael’s College. Michael was soon promoted to the role of dean of students and vice president for student affairs and served for 35 years before retiring in 2012.

During this time, he touched the lives of a broad range of people: students, faculty, administrators and the dining-hall staff. He was beloved for his thoughtful, caring demeanor, advocacy, equity and inclusion. He formed lasting relationships, including with students, many of whom stayed in touch with him for decades after graduating.

Following his retirement, Michael enrolled in the Clinical Pastoral Education Program at the University of Vermont Medical Center. Michael went on to serve as a per diem chaplain at the medical center and on the Professional Advisory

Michael had passion for writing, following Boston’s sports teams and University of New Hampshire hockey and football, playing guitar and vacation ing on Wells Beach. He loved watching his children and grandchildren in all their interests and activities. Michael also took significant meaning from his faith and was an active member of the First Congrega tional Church, United Church of Christ, of Burlington for nearly 40 years, serving the church community in many roles.

Along with Lucy, his children and their spouses, and his grandchildren, Michael is survived by his brother, Richard Samara of Manchester, N.H.; and many beloved in-laws, cousins and friends.

A celebration of Michael’s life will be held on Friday, May 31, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Burlington. In lieu of flowers, donations in Michael’s honor can be made to the Joint Urban Ministry Project (jumpvt.org) or to the First Congregational Church of Burl ington (firstchurchburlington.org) Pastoral Care Fund.

Michael D. Samara

LAND USE CASE

continued from page 1

land over 20 years ago with the intention to develop it, sought monetary damages in addition to an injunction preventing the city from enforcing the law.

The lawsuit, however, was dismissed by the district court as “unripe,” a decision upheld in November 2023 by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit following an attempt by the developers to appeal the district court’s original ruling.

Put simply, the judges of both courts argued that Nick and Davis jumped the gun by suing the city, since the developers had not actually applied to develop the land — and therefore had not been refused the right to do so — under the new regulations.

to move forward,” said Kathryn Valois, an attorney with the Pacific Legal Foundation, who is representing the developers.

After receiving the developers’ complaint, the court requested a response from South Burlington by mid-June, which Valois said was “always a good sign.”

“It means that someone at the court is interested enough to want to hear from the other side,” Valois said. “But you can never really read the tea leaves.”

Even if the Supreme Court decides to take the case, that does not mean the judges will side with Nick and Davis.

Driver Wanted

“We’re hopeful that the U.S. Supreme court would uphold the decision of the Second Circuit and the District court,” Colin McNeil, the city attorney for South Burlington, said in an interview. “We agree with those decisions.”

Hart & Mead Energy and All Star Fuels in Hinesburg/Bristol area is looking for an individual with a clean CDL-B / Hazmat endorsement. Able to pass federally mandated drug screening. DOT physical required. Competitive wage, paid holidays and sick time.

Contact hartmeadllc@gmail.com or 802-482-6666

In his dismissal of the initial lawsuit, Judge Geoffrey Crawford of the U.S. District Court of Vermont wrote that, “in absence of a concrete plan, submitted to the DRB (Development Review Board) and a final decision from the DRB, it is not possible to tell how far the regulations encroach on the Plaintiff’s right to develop it’s property.”

In their appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, however, Nick and Davis contend that the rejection of a preliminary “sketch plan” they submitted for the project, which the city council voted against under interim regulations in anticipation of the 2022 law, already demonstrates the consequences of the regulations.

“We think nothing is more final than an actual city council vote in which they indicated they would not permit the application

Moreover, a decision in the developers’ favor would just mean more litigation. Since their original case was thrown out on the grounds of ripeness, the merits of their arguments were never fully determined. According to Valois, a positive Supreme Court decision would likely result in the case returning to a lower court for reconsideration of the details, which could mean years of litigation.

“You have to think of ripeness as getting past the starting line. You have to get to the starting line to be able to actually argue your case,” Valois said. “They would be able to then move forward with the actual merits of the property case.”

Green Mountain Bike Club June rides

For club rules and to join, visit the gmbc. com.

Saturday, June 1

Hinesburg Monkton Gravel Grinder: From Hinesburg on rolling gravel hills.

Meet at 9:15 a.m. at Hinesburg Park and Ride behind the town offices. The leader is Brian Howard, 802--304-0610, bjhowd@ gmail.com.

Sunday, June 2

Grand Isle Flats: One of the flattest rides of the season. 28-mile route circles Grand Isle. 73-mile ride visits St. Anne’s Shrine and a fossil bed.

Meet at 9:15 a.m. at Folsom School, South Hero. Leader is Dave Merchant, 802-8253808, merchand59@gmail.com.

Saturday, June 8

Stone Walls and Solar Panels: 30-mile gravel ride from Underhill to Cambridge.

Meet at 8:45 a.m. at St Thomas Church of Underhill, 6 Green St. Leader is Phyl Newbeck, 802-734-7016, vtphyl72@gmail. com.

Sunday, June 9

Jaunt from Jasper Mine: 40- or 60-mile rolling hill ride passes through Georgia and Milton before heading to St. Albans Bay for a break by the bay and over to Swanton.

GARAGE SALE

68 LAUREL HILL DRIVE, SOUTH

BURLINGTON: Sat., May 25 9 a.m.

- 2 p.m. Small Kitchen appliances, glassware, baby Webber grill with stand a and cover and lots more!

Meet at 8:45 a.m. at Jasper Mine Road, off Route 2. The leader is Dave Merchant, 802-825-3808, merchand59@gmail.com.

Sunday, June 16

Hinesburg Hollow: Huntington via Hinesburg Hollow Road. 25- and 47-mile options.

Meet at 8:45 a.m. at Williston Central School by the tennis courts. Leader is Tom Kennedy, 802-735-5359, etomkennedy@ gmail.com.

Saturday, June 22

Mostly Unpaved Ride No. 2: In the Charlotte area.

Meet at 9:15 a.m. at Charlotte Central School. William Regan, 571-730-8160, william.regan.802-@gmail.com.

Sunday, June 23

Way to Weybridge: 64-miles through rolling hills from Shelburne to Weybridge.

Meet at 8:45 a.m. at Shelburne Village Shopping Center. Allan Kunigis, 802-3249958, akunigis@gmail.com.

Saturday, June 29

Texas Hill and Duxbury loop: 43-mile gravel ride starts with a fairly big climb followed by a downhill out to Duxbury and North Road out to Waterbury.

Meet at 9:15 a.m. at either North Road turnaround or Iroquois Trucking on Mechanicsville Road.

The leader is Brian Howard, 802-3040610, bjhowd@gmail.com.

Sunday, June 30

Rouse’s Point Rouser: Mostly flat 50- and 60-mile loop. Returns by the ferry.

Meet at 8:45 a.m. at Grand Isle Ferry Parking Lot. The leader is Matt Kuivinen, 802-881-9045, mattkui@earthlink.net.

welcoming her to the team.”

Gruendling will fill the role left by the school’s principal for the last two years, Scott Sivo. Under the recommendation of Nichols, the school board opted not to renew his contract in March.

Gruendlin, who lives in Shelburne, was born in Vermont and is no stranger to Chittenden County. She graduated from the University of Vermont with a bachelor’s degree and Master of Education, in addition to earning a Master of Liberal Arts Management from Harvard University. She also holds a graduate certificate in strategic management from Harvard and a graduate certificate in project management from Georgetown.

She began her teaching career in middle school math and science in the Champlain Valley School District nearly 25 years ago before moving into school leadership for 15 years, first as assistant principal at Camels Hump Middle School and later as the longtime principal at Summit Street School in the Essex Westford School District.

She currently serves as the same school district’s director of student engagement.

Gruendling said the jump to work in administration was a natural one in her career since a large priority for her is ensuring teachers are equipped with the necessary tools to facilitate learning, especially since she spent a decade in the classroom.

“Leading teachers and ensuring that they have everything they need to do great things with students is probably my biggest draw to administration and how closely you get to work with families and creating systems across the school that work for students,” she said. “It can be really easy to just provide information which is really different than engaging families in the experience and being able to have their voice as well.”

In that vein, she currently serves as a Vermont Principals’ Association mentor to the Rick Marcotte Community School assistant principal Chris Shackett.

“I believe strongly in how we grow the profession of teaching and leading, and making sure that everybody is well supported when they are coming into these roles, because when we support our leaders, we’re supporting our teachers, our students and our families through that,” she said.

Since most of her career has been spent working with middle school students, she explained that that age is such a “dynamic” time of development where students are beginning to truly

find their footing. What largely drew her to apply for the role in South Burlington was due to the expansive programming the school district prioritizes.

“It’s a great time for our students to have a lot of opportunities in front of them so that they can try different things and

find their fit,” she said. “But one of the things that really excites me about South Burlington is how many activities that they have for students, that are so varied from athletics and the arts and music and clubs. We want to make sure that students all have access to that.”

While she said the interview process helped her become acquainted with some of the school’s students, staff and families, she looks forward to building connections and engaging the community.

When she isn’t working, Gruendling is an avid runner and remains dedicated to sharing a focus on wellness with staff and students. She has run 62 marathons and has spent the last 12 years training and coaching the Junior Milers, a middle school running group set to race in the Vermont City Marathon this weekend.

Join Our Team

Academic

•Educational Coordinator

• Special Education Teachers

•Academic Case Managers

• Certi ed Classroom Teachers

Residential

•Community Leaders

•Youth Counselors

•Awake Overnight Counselors

•Transporters

•Cleaning Sta

•Maintenance Sta

Leadership

•Assistant Program Director

•Mental Health Clinicians

•HR Coordinator

•Nurse

•Food Service Coordinator

Our Trauma-Informed program o ers supportive living and environments designed to change the lives of youths and families struggling with signi cant mental and behavioral health issues.

The academic sta will employ innovative strategies to help nontraditional students learn while being supported by trained mental health professionals. We o er academic support services for individualized learning and our students will have access to the general education curriculum, as outlined by the Vermont Agency of Education.

For more information please contact Tina Robinson at 603-960-4487 or email tr.humanresources@MPA.US Sentinel Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE SOUTH BURLINGTON SIGN ORDINANCE PUBLIC HEARING

MONDAY, JUNE 3, 2024 AT 7:00 PM

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on Monday, June 3, 2024 at 7:00 PM, the City Council will hold a public hearing and second reading on possible amendments to the City’s Sign Ordinance. The hearing will be held in person and remotely via GoToMeeting. Participation options:

• In Person: City Hall Auditorium, 180 Market Street

• Interactive Online: https://meet.goto.com/SouthBurlingtonVT/ • citycouncilmeeting06-03-2024

• Telephone: (872) 240-3412; Access Code: 227-464-229

The proposed amendments would (1) replace “Sign Design District” with “City Center Sign District,” modifying geographic applicability and streamlining review process; (2) expand permissibility for perpendicular signs citywide; (3) prohibit new freestanding signs within the City Center Sign District except along specific roadways; (4) expand allowances for temporary sidewalk signs and continue to allow larger temporary signs and banners as event signs; (5) prohibit free-standing signs within designated site amenities and civic spaces; (6) expand allowance for wall signs on single-tenant buildings; (7) clarify that School District signage is exempt under the same allowances as City signage; (8) expand the allowed size for “help wanted” and similar signs; (9) expand allowances for commercial flags; (10) extend requirements for internally-illuminated signs to have opaque backgrounds City wide; (11) extend compliance period for newly-created non-conformities to come into compliance within seven (7) years; and (12) clarify definitions, including for prohibited sign types, incorporate legal and technical corrections, and update fine schedule.

Following the public hearing and second reading, the City Council may take action on final passage of the amendment.

Copies of the proposed amendments are available for inspection at the Department of Planning & Zoning, City Hall, 3rd Floor, 180 Market Street, and on the city website at www.sbvt.gov.

PUBLIC NOTICE CLASSIFIEDS

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.

Tim Barritt, City Council Chair May 23, 2024

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

Town of Charlotte Recreation Director

Suzanne Gruendling

Superior Customer Service

Customers love our team! We strive to give everyone superior, friendly service from our awesome local crew. From customer service, to help desk, technicians & more!

Fiber-Fast Speeds

Consistent fiber-fast speeds! Our customers agree! Our state-of-theart fiber network can meet all of your internet needs. No throttling or data caps, just fast symmetrical internet!

Trusted Tech Partner

We are your local technology partner! Let us help you cut the cable cord and switch to streaming. Save like many of our customers have done! We are here every step of the way.

We can help you switch to streaming for your live TV needs with our Smarter TV initiative! Switching to streaming can help you save money and you can watch what you want to watch with no contracts!