The South Burlington City Council faced a good problem at last week’s meeting: where to allocate nearly $1.3 million in surplus money?
Finance director Martha Machar said the city received a lot of requests from different department heads but was able to narrow the list down to six items, including adding to the city’s fund balance — money kept in reserve should an emergency arise.
Projections were conservatively estimated during the fiscal year 2024 budget process, said Machar, but the actual biggest revenue drivers — the local option tax, inspection fees, interest-earned income and ambulance billing services — significantly outperformed budget projections.
Revenues from the local option tax, a 1 percent tax on rooms, meals and alcohol came in $251,000 over budget, and revenues from ambulance billing services brought in $240,000 more. Interest-earned income brought in almost $1 million more while fire and electrical inspection fees totaled roughly $57,000 more than was budgeted.
The council last week — in a 4-1 vote
Residents appeal Wheeler Park decision to supreme court
The future of a 7-acre slice of land next to South Burlington’s Wheeler Nature Park will be determined by the state’s highest court after residents opposing a housing development on the property appealed a lower court’s decision.
The appeal comes after the Vermont Environmental Court ruled in favor of the development in August following a six-day
trial earlier this year. The project calls for 32 mixed-housing units directly adjacent to the park, at the
See WHEELER PARK on page 11
PHOTO BY AL FREY
South Burlington’s field hockey team celebrates its 4-2 win over Champlain Valley Union on Sept. 18. Oli Roy, Rosa DiGiullian and Sawyer Bailey all scored in the come-from-behind
their goals in the second half.
LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER
South Burlington guide to the 2024 General Election
MADELEINE LEVESQUE COMMUNITY NEWS SERVICE
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5. Before you can vote, you must determine your eligibility, check your voter registration status and inform yourself on candidate platforms.
How do I know if I’m eligible to vote?
You are eligible to vote in the state of Vermont if you are 18 or older, a U.S. citizen, a Vermont resident, and have taken the Voter’s Oath. (bit.ly/4eaUULj)
What is the Voter’s Oath?
Vermont’s Constitution contains its unique Voter’s Oath. If you register to vote online, you will be prompted to take the Voter’s Oath by checking a box. If you are unsure about whether you have taken the oath and are voting in-person, confirm with a poll worker who may administer the oath to you.
How can I register to vote in-person? Register to vote in person through your local town or city clerk. The South Burlington City Clerk’s Office is located at 180 Market St., and is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., closing at noon on the day before the election. The City Clerk’s Office can be reached at 802- 846-4105 and through its website at bit.ly/3XARudD.
How can I register to vote online?
You can register to vote online through the Vermont Secretary of State at olvr. vermont.gov. You will be prompted to register based on whether you have a Vermont driver’s license, permit or ID. Through this same website, you can also check the status of your registration and confirm that your mailing address is correct.
Will I be mailed a ballot automatically?
S.15, signed into law on June 7, 2021, made permanent the initial COVID-19 provisions requiring the Vermont Secretary of State’s Office to mail ballots to all active voters for general elections. Ballots are expected to be mailed out by Oct. 1 for the 2024 General Election.
Log into MyVoterPage (mvp.vermont. gov) to track the status of your ballot. If you don’t receive a ballot in the mail, you can contact the city clerk’s office. If you live at an address different from the one at which you’re registered or will be out of state at the time of the election, you can apply for an absentee ballot.
Can I send my ballot in before Election Day?
If you wish to vote early, you can bring your completed ballot to one of two secure drop boxes at South Burlington City Hall, to the clerk’s office during operating hours, or mail your completed ballot to the city clerk’s office.
Can I still vote in-person on Election Day?
Polling locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 5. If you choose to vote in-person, bring your mailed ballot with you to your district’s designated polling place. Polling and ballot drop box locations are accessible via the Green Mountain Transit bus system. Visit ridegmt.com for more information on bus routes and schedules.
Who will appear on my ballot?
Sample ballots for each district — Chittenden-8, Chittenden-9, Chittenden-10, Chittenden-11, Chittenden-12 — are available from the City of South Burlington at bit.ly/4eootZG.
Where can I find candidate information for the state Senate and House?
South Burlington belongs to the Chittenden-Southeast Senate District. There are three seats up for election and five candidates on the ballot for State Senator. Candidates are listed below as they will appear on the ballot:
• Thomas Chittenden (D), Incumbent
• Taylor Craven (I)
• Kesha Ram Hinsdale (D), Incumbent
• Virginia “Ginny” Lyons (D), Incumbent
• Bruce Roy (R)
South Burlington also belongs to the Chittenden 8-12 legislative House districts. There is one seat up for election and one candidate on the ballot in each district for representative. Candidates are listed below as they will appear on each district’s ballot:
• Chittenden-8: Bridget Marie Burkhardt (D)
• Chittenden-9: Emilie Krasnow (D), Incumbent
• Chittenden-10: Kate Nugent (D), Incumbent
• Chittenden-11: Brian Minier (D), Incumbent
• Chittenden-12: Martin LaLonde (D), Incumbent
Voter District Map
South Burlington, Vermont
Chittenden-10
Chittenden-11
Chittenden-12
Chittenden-8
Chittenden-9
Polling Places
Chamberlain School (CHI-10)
Middle School (CHI-9 & 11)
Orchard School (CHI-12)
City Hall Senior Center (CHI-8)
FCHITTENDEN COUNTY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION
A map showing the various polling places for the city of South Burlington.
If you have further questions about the voting process, contact the South Burlington City Clerk’s Office at 802-846-4105 or southburlingtonvt.gov.
This report comes via Community News Service, a University of Vermont journalism internship, on assignment for the Other Paper.
Seasonal Corn Maze - Carillon Boat Cruises - Museum Exhibits
Mt. Defiance Hands-on Family
Beta founder group looks to buy airport in Caledonia County
EMMA COTTON VTDIGGER
Vermont’s Agency of Transportation is poised to sell the Caledonia County Airport to CRAFTVT, a group founded by Kyle Clark, the CEO of Beta Technologies, a South Burlington-based aerospace manufacturer.
The agency announced on Wednesday that it entered into a purchase and sale agreement with the company.
“We are excited about the opportunities for infrastructure improvements and economic development under new, private ownership of this vibrant Vermont airport,” Transportation Secretary Joe Flynn said in the announcement. “We wish to assure current and future airport users that they will continue to have full access in perpetuity.”
Before the sale can proceed, the Federal Aviation Administration must evaluate whether the airport can be privatized, according to Trini Brassard, an assistant director at the Agency of Transportation. Brassard said the evaluation process is “in depth” and could take anywhere from a few months to a year to complete.
Airport users have long been asking for upgrades to the Lyndon
facility, including a repaved main runway and taxiways, which are in poor condition. Other state airports were in line to receive federal funding ahead of the facility, and state officials reasoned that privatization would help upgrade the airport more quickly.
Lawmakers authorized the sale of the airport in 2023, after which the Agency of Transportation initiated a request for proposals. Flynn described Beta Technologies as a party interested in purchasing the airport to lawmakers at that time.
CRAFTVT’s proposal was “the only response we got, but it was a good one, so we pursued it,” Brassard said.
If the sale moves forward, CRAFTVT would pay the state $500,000 in cash, pave the runway within the first two years of ownership, honor all current leases, and keep the airport public.
Members of CRAFTVT, which include Clark and his wife, Katie Clark, who also works at Beta, and Bina and Martine Rothblatt, are “aviation enthusiasts and entrepreneurs who believe that small, general aviation airports like Caledonia County State Airport are important economic and social assets,” Dennise Casey, a spokesperson for the group, said
in emailed responses to questions.
Keeping airports like Caledonia County updated and public is “essential,” she said.
Casey said the group is waiting for the Federal Aviation Administration’s official approval before developing detailed plans for the airport. But the buyers expect to expand by upgrading buildings and potentially build more hangars, which are in demand, she said.
“Increasing access to the airport and enhancing amenities and services will make it a regional draw that supports businesses and recreation in the area,” Kyle Clark said in a press release from the Agency of Transportation. “In my meetings with folks across the region, it’s clear there’s an energy around growing more opportunity here and the airport is part of that vision.”
The group has also communicated with non-profits, business owners, municipal leaders, elected officials and education leaders, Casey said. They hope to offer economic and educational opportunities “through internships and participation in courses offered at area institutions,” for example.
“We intend to continue those conversations and work together with leaders as we move forward,” she said.
Total incidents: 283
Agency / public assists: 25
Directed patrol: 23
Traffic stop: 13
Accident, property damage: 12
Animal problem: 10
Field contact: 8
Alarm: 8
Threats: 7
Foot patrol: 5
CRIME & COURTS
South Burlington Police Blotter: Sept. 16-22
Disturbance: 9
Suspicious event: 22
Retail theft: 6
Motor vehicle complaint: 16
Welfare check: 23
911 hangup: 3
Trespass: 14
Domestic: 5
VIN verification: 5
Noise disturbance: 5
Juvenile problem: 3
Accident, insurance purposes: 4
Leaving the scene: 6
Simple assault: 3
Larceny from a vehicle: 6
Sex crime: 2
Larceny from a structure: 6
Accident injury: 2
Arrests:
Sept. 16 at 9:42 a.m., Nicolette A. Haverty, 24, of Braintree, was arrested for simple assault on Shelburne Road.
Sept. 17 at 5:46 a.m., Teilya M. Brunet, 36, no address provided, was arrested on an in-state warrant on Logwood Street.
Sept. 17 at 6:02 a.m., Joshua J. Jerger, 36, of Starksboro, was arrested on an in-state warrant on Shelburne Road.
Sept. 18 at 7:21 a.m., Robert J. Persad, 48, of Winooski, was arrested on an in-state warrant on Joy Drive.
Sept. 18 at 8:25 p.m., Sean M. Marra, 40, no address provided, was arrested for unlawful
the
trespass on Queensbury Road. Sept. 19 at 9:58 a.m., Janna M. Campbell, 41, of Essex, was arrested for violating conditions of release and driving with a criminally suspended license on Dorset Street. Jan. 20 at 3:58 p.m., Steven M. Provost, 44, of Colchester, was arrested for unlawful trespass on Shelburne Road. Jan. 22 at 10:53 p.m., Maximiliano Mesones, 31, of Crown Point, N.Y., was arrested for possession of drugs and possession or cultivation of cannabis/hashish 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.
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The Other Paper is published weekly and mailed free to South Burlington residents and businesses, and rack distributed in select high-traffic areas. The Vermont Community Newspaper Group LLC assumes no responsibility for typographical errors in advertisements and reserves the right to refuse advertising and editorial copy.
OPINION
Too many questions remain on Long Property purchase
Guest Perspective
Sandy Dooley
Do you have questions about the city’s plan to purchase 32.2 acres of the Long Property? Here’s the history:
The South Burlington Land Trust board members first reached out to city councilors to urge purchase of part of the Long Property in the fall 2022. City staff began meeting with South Burlington Land Trust board members in January 2023.
On Feb. 20, 2024, the city council approved a letter of support for South Burlington Land Trust’s application to the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board for a grant for The Long Project. The letter included no indication of the city’s plan to use open space funds to purchase Long Property.
The public had to wait until this month, when the council’s agenda for its special Sept. 9 meeting was posted on the city’s website to receive additional written information from the city about the council’s plans. The agenda package included a draft letter of support and written information about the city’s plan to purchase 32.2 acres of the Long Property.
Many members of the public attending this meeting considered approval of the letter of support a fait accompli. It was approved.
And so ended the long and secretive process the city employed to carry out this plan.
I remain concerned about the use of open space funds for this purchase.
Environmental justice
According to the 2022 American Community Survey, the median household income for South Burlington’s four Census Tracts is $154,182 (#33.01), $93,086 (#33.04), $70,489 (#36), and $74,599 (#40.02). Median household income for Census Tract 33.01 is the highest in
Vermont. The Long Property is in that tract, also known as the southeast quadrant.
In general, households in the southeast quadrant have substantially more economic resources than households residing in South Burlington’s other three census tracts.
Households in the southeast quadrant also have access to substantially more city-owned open space than other South Burlington households. A major reason for this disparity in access to open space is that all seven parcels purchased using the open space fund are in the southeast quadrant.
The total funds and acreage involved are $4.1 million and 626 acres.
Does this pattern of directing open space tax dollars only to land in the wealthiest section of the city constitute environmental justice? Based on Vermont’s definition of environmental justice, the answer is no.
The South Burlington Land Trust’s application to Vermont Housing & Conservation Board is paired with its request that the city expend $461,000 in open space funds to purchase yet another parcel in the southeast quadrant, a parcel for which current environmental protection zoning precludes development, including a conservation easement. This would be an egregious continuation of the historic pattern of environmental injustice in open space fund usage.
According to Vermont statute (3 VSA §6002(3)), environmental justice “means all individuals are afforded equitable access to and distribution of environmental benefits; equitable distribution of environmental burdens; and fair and equitable treatment and meaningful participation in decision-making processes, including the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. Environmental
Don’t repurpose cathedral for housing
To the Editor:
After writing about the importance of saving the Edward Larrabee Barnes Cathedral and the Dan Kiley-designed park on Pine Street in Burlington, I have received pushback from people who live in Burlington and who talk about the need for housing. (“Burlington’s cathedral, its parkland should not be demolished,” Sept. 12, 2024)
I am writing now to suggest that more housing in Burlington will not solve Vermont’s housing problem. Burlington’s problem will be alleviated — hopefully — by the housing to become available in the new city center. All people —workers, young entrepreneurs and families — want to live in places where livable wages are paid, where there are good jobs and families feel safe. That does not appear to be downtown Burlington now. Building more high-rise housing instead of maintaining a park and utilizing a beautiful cathedral as a music and performance center, or as a rehabilitation center, or both, creates positive downtown energy and will help rebuild Burlington’s reputation as a dynamic, and safe university city.
The Vermont Supreme Court will hold a hearing on Thursday, Sept. 25, in the Supreme Court Building in Montpelier.
I have no direct authority to speak on this issue, but I have a bachelor’s degree from Wellesley College in art and history, a master’s from the University of Vermont, and matriculated into the historic preservation program at George Washington University. I spent many years in the Monterey, Calif., area saving murals that had been created for the U.S. Army at Fort Ord, plus a mural by Chiaro Obata, a professor at Berkeley and who was interned at Poston Internment Camp during World War II.
Sally Giddings Smith Montpelier
Pet-eating lies no laughing matter
To the Editor:
I feel compelled to address the claims made by Donald Trump and JD Vance about Haitians eating pets in Springfield, Ohio.
We have all seen the funny memes and jokes. I confess to having even laughed at some of them. But words matter and
Letters to the Editor
harmful words have consequences. We must look beyond the humor to the danger such accusations pose to other human beings.
I am particularly offended because I worked at a Haitian hospital for a year after college. Haitians impressed me with their love of family, their resilience, their capacity for joy and their commitment to one another. The hospital staff were diligent workers and cultivated a strong sense of community. I have also taught smart, compassionate students from Haiti in my Community College of Vermont classes.
Furthermore, my cousin lives in Springfield. Her community is experiencing great pain because of these lies by Trump and Vance. Their words have seriously endangered the children of Springfield, as well as the lives of all immigrants there. Their followers have sent death threats to local officials. Schools were evacuated due to bomb threats. Two hospitals had to lock down after threats, with a negative impact on patients, services and staff.
My cousin writes: “The Haitians have come here because there are companies, (mostly distributions center who invited them) on the Interstate 70 and 75 corridors who need workers.
They are working, paying taxes, trying to learn English and are here legally. Downtown pastors held a press conference on Thursday trying to stem the hate and violence. My heart is broken. Please pray for Springfield and spread the truth wherever you can.”
To make matters worse, Vance has been exploiting the death of an 11-year-old child (Aidan Clark) to vilify Haitians. Clark was recently killed in a car accident and the driver happened to be a Haitian man. Clark’s parents are outraged to see their son’s death turned into a political ploy, and they have pleaded with these politicians to stop using their son to falsely justify hate.
Such behavior on the part of politicians is reprehensible. Those parents need to be left alone to grieve and not see their son’s death used to promote xenophobia.
Given these realities, it’s now time to stop laughing and instead, decent people need to speak up in defense of maligned people everywhere. It’s no laughing matter.
Katherine Maynard South Burlington
Vote for Bruce Roy for Senate seat
To the Editor: I am weary of the finger pointing between the Legislature and the governor. Communication is the responsibility of both sides in a conversation.
I am weary of simply throwing money at every problem. Government needs to be fiscally responsible and consider long-
term sustainability when attacking issues. I believe we must all recognize that state government may not be able to solve every single problem, nor should it be responsible for every problem.
I am weary of reading about elected officials who declare “I don’t believe there is a conflict of interest for me” when it seems obvious to this citizen that they will personally benefit in some way from their position. We need people in the Legislature who can reasonably and fairly consider all sides of issues, including budgets, and come up with cost-effective compromises on our collective behalf and not their own.
I worked with Bruce Roy at IBM in Essex Junction for more than 20 years. Our jobs, at different levels, were to help IBM’s external semiconductor customers be successful. That meant representing the customers’ needs to IBM and vice versa. It meant constant communication among parties with very different interests and perspectives. It meant being creative in solving problems. It took hard work and effort to craft compromises. I watched Roy craft these compromises repeatedly. I often walked out of his office wondering how the heck he did it. He was always respectful of everyone. If he said he was going to do something, he did. He stood by his people and his customers. Roy is a gem of a human being, and we would be very fortunate to have him serve in the Legislature in the Chittenden-Southeast Senate district.
Sarah Weber South Burlington
DOOLEY
justice recognizes the particular needs of individuals of individuals of every race, color, income, class, ability status, gender identify, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity or ancestry, religious belief, or English language proficiency level.”
The second of four key principles in South Burlington’s 2024 city plan reads as follows: “Inclusive, Fair, and Just. Be equity-oriented, transparent, equitable and fiscally responsible in governance. Support high quality of life, community belonging, public safety, housing affordability, and education for all people of varying incomes, lifestyles, and stages of life.”
So, the obvious question is whether the city plan’s key principle embodying inclusivity, fairness and justice is nothing more than words on paper?
Question of self-dealing
South Burlington Land Trust is a 501(c)(3) charity. Janet Bellavance is both a South Burlington Land Trust board member and co-owner of Northeast Agricultural Trust. Northeast Agricultural Trust paid almost $1.4 million for the two Long lots (39.2 acres).
South Burlington Land Trust’s proposal is for $461,000 from the open space fund and $175,000 from the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board, or a total of $636,000, to be paid to Northeast Agricultural Trust for the purchase of 32.2 acres, including the conservation easement. The combined purchases amount to $1.24 million.
This leaves Northeast Agricultural Trust continuing to own 4.5 acres of Long Property. Based on the Habitat price ($240,000 per acre), this 4.5-acre parcel is likely to be worth $1 million (or more). The value to Northeast Agricultural Trust of these transactions is $2.24 million or $840,000 more than their purchase price.
Based on my understanding of Internal Revenue Service rules, this may constitute self-dealing. As a board member, Bellavance is a “disqualified person” under Internal Revenue Service rules.
Will an expert be commissioned to determine whether these transactions constitute prohibited self-dealing before they are carried out?
continued from page 5 OCTOBER 5,
The Linden Nursing Home is hosting an Open House for LNAs, Nurses, and individuals interested in becoming licensed nursing assistants.
Wake Robin wants to support you in your career growth working with older adults to include scholarships and loan forgiveness programs as well as great benefits, a pristine working environment, work/life balance, and an opportunity to build strong relationships with staff and residents in a dynamic community setting. Come see for yourself!
LNA / Nurse / LNA Trainee Open House Tuesday, October 15 - 7:30am - 9:00am and 1:00pm - 4:00pm Wake Robin Drive, Shelburne, Vermont
Green Mountain Habitat has signed a purchase and sales agreement to pay $600,000 to purchase a 2.5-acre lot to develop housing.
Sandy Dooley is a 50-plus-year resident of South Burlington. She is a member of the city’s Affordable Housing Committee, and the views stated here are her own.
Pick your ride - 10/25/50 miles of
PHOTO BY JEFFREY PASCOE
The partial lunar eclipse in the Vermont sky on Sept. 17 at 10:46 p.m. as seen from the home of South Burlingtonian Jeffrey Pascoe.
Event celebrates legacy of Lydia Clemmons
“Looking Forward: A Celebration of Legacy with Clemmons Family Farm” celebrates the legacy of Lydia M. Clemmons with collaborating artists and beloved community members., on Saturday, Oct. 5, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Come together to walk, talk, eat, plant a tree, enjoy art and look to the future.
The Clemmons Family Farm stands on a 60-year legacy of community-building by Jack and Lydia Clemmons that centers African American history, arts, culture and a deeply meaningful place — the historic 138-acre Clemmons farm.
The mission of Clemmons Family Farm is to preserve and maintain the historic farm in Charlotte as an educational prototype, and a model for preserving African American-owned agricultural land, cultural and heritage assets in the U.S.; to empower a growing network of Vermont’s Black artists and culture bearers with opportunities for professional development, advocacy, visibility, networking, paid engagements, collective healing and a safe haven for creativity that helps them to thrive; and to build a loving multicultural community around African American and African diaspora of history, arts and culture.
Tickets are required through Eventbrite.
Local student semifinalist in national merit program
Senior Winslow Solomon of Richmond was named a semifinalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program. He is a student at the Vermont Commons School in South Burlington.
Solomon has attended the school since eighth grade and currently serves as co-pres-
COMMUNITY
ident of the Student Senate and is co-captain of the boys’ varsity volleyball team. Solomon also plays violin with the Vermont Youth Orchestra and is a youth artist leader of the Young Tradition Touring Group, bringing his talents on both fiddle and banjo.
Semifinalists, who are the highest-scoring entrants from each state, represent less than 1 percent of all high school seniors. Finalists and winners are announced in the spring.
Solomon is the son of Dr. Andrew Solomon and Rebecca Starks.
Give blood, honor memory of former SB teacher Kathy Buley
Chamberlin Elementary School will hold its annual blood drive in honor of former teacher and South Burlington resident, Kathy Buley, on Saturday, Oct. 5.
When Buley was diagnosed with cancer, she needed several transfusions. When people asked what they could do to help her, she asked them to become blood donors to support all the people in need of life-saving blood.
Chamberlin then began the tradition of an annual blood drive in her honor, so please remember Buley by donating blood at Chamberlin on Saturday, Oct. 5.
Use this link to sign up: bit.ly/47mgusD.
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, Oct. 8.
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 chicken cacciatore, peas and carrots, wheat roll, pumpkin cookie and milk.
To order a meal contact Kathleen at agewellstcath@gmail.com or 802-5031107. Deadline to order is Wednesday, Oct. 2. 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, Ste. 210, Colchester VT 05446. Forms will be available at meal pick up.
Vermont Climbing Festival comes to Waterbury
CRAG-VT holds the sixth annual Vermont Climbing Festival on Sept. 27-29 at Farr’s Field in Waterbury.
Climbers from across the state and beyond will gather for a weekend of climbing, skill-based clinics, free workshops, competitions, speakers, trail projects, music and more.
North Face athlete Mark Synnott will be the keynote speaker on Saturday evening. All festival proceeds support the work of CRAG-VT to preserve, protect and steward Vermont climbing.
Here’s the schedule of events:
• Friday, Sept. 27: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., climbing clinics; 7-8:30 p.m., social hour; and 8:30 p.m., climber story hour and campfire.
• Saturday, Sept. 28: 7:30-10 a.m., check in and demo gear, yoga, coffee and pancake breakfast; 9 a.m.-3 p.m., climbing clinics; 9 a.m.-4 p.m., bouldering competition; 4-7 p.m., base camp workshops, vendor village; 7 p.m., keynote; and 8 p.m., dyno competition and crack wrestling with DJ Kang
Join a conversation with a local farm worker and Madeline Sharrow from Migrant Justice, a Vermont-based human rights organization, and Charlotte resident Steve Hill, a volunteer providing humanitarian aid at the southern border with No Mas Muertes (No More Deaths).
The talk, “Migrant Justice Issues in Vermont and Beyond,” will take place Tuesday, Oct. 1, 6-7 p.m., at the Charlotte Library. It will explore national immigration policy and the humanitarian responses both at the southern border and in our own backyards.
Snacks will be provided.
Shelburne church, Age
well host July luncheon
Age Well is offering a luncheon on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 11:30 a.m., in the St Catherine of Siena Parish Hall, 72 Church St. in Shelburne.
Entertainment will be provided by Gerry Ortego on guitar.
The menu is lasagna roll ups with sweet Italian sausage and marinara sauce, parmesan cheese, spinach salad with Italian dressing, dinner roll, applesauce, pumpkin cake and milk.
Register by Wednesday, Oct. 9, to Kerry Batres, nutrition coordinator, 802-662-5283 or email kbatres@agewellvt.org.
COURTESY PHOTO
A blood drive in honor of Kathy Buley is Saturday, Oct. 5, at Chamberlin Elementary School.
SB business group hosts summer mixer
The South Burlington Business Association gathered for its summer mixer Sept. 12 at the new BETA Technologies manufacturing facility. Over 100 members and friends attended, making the event one of the largest gatherings of the year.
Attendees had the opportunity to tour the state-of-the-art facility, gaining insights into BETA Technologies’ approach to manufacturing and sustainable aviation. Founder and CEO Kyle Clark briefly addressed the crowd, offering an overview of the company’s growth and its future at the new location. He also highlighted shared challenges facing the business community in South Burlington, including workforce development, housing affordability and infrastructure needs.
The event provided an opportunity for networking and collaboration among local business leaders, fostering connections
PHOTOS BY BRIAN JENKINS
Business leaders gather at the South Burlington Business Association summer mixer. Below: Beta founder Kyle Clark and Roland Groeneveld of OnLogic address the crowd.
SPORTS
Volleyballers win, remain undefeated
South Burlington Wolves blank Rutland
LAUREN READ
CORRESPONDENT
Football
South Burlington-Burlington 28, U-32 21: The South Burlington-Burlington football team came back from a six-point halftime deficit to defeat U-32 on Saturday, Sept. 21.
Ahmed Diawara had two rushing touchdowns and threw another for the SeaWolves, who moved to 4-1. Trailing 13-7 at halftime, Diawara scored on a 62-yard TD rush, then Andre Bouffard added a 19-yard TD run and Diawara added a second rushing touchdown.
Jack Kelly also added an 80-yard touchdown catch for
South Burlington-Burlington in the first half.
Girls’ soccer
Champlain Valley 4, South Burlington 1: Champlain Valley scored two goals in 38 seconds and that was enough to defeat South Burlington on Saturday in girls’ soccer.
Lexi Paquette scored the lone goal for the Wolves, and they dropped to 1-3-1. Gillian Blanchard stopped seven shots in the loss.
Boys’ golf
South Burlington came in just behind first-place finisher Champlain Valley on Thursday in the North Country Invitational.
Jack McDougall had a 73 to
lead the Wolves, who finished with a score of 315, just behind CVU’s 310. Teddy Maynard had a 79, Evan Marchessault had 80 and Trey Smith scored an 83.
Boys’ soccer
South Burlington 0, Mount Mansfield 0: South Burlington battled to a scoreless tie with Mount Mansfield in high school boys’ soccer on Saturday.
Goalkeeper Will Goyette made eight saves to preserve the shutout for the Wolves.
South Burlington also won Thursday, Sept. 19, beating Essex 1-0. Sebastian Bertmann scored the lone goal for the Wolves, while Will Goyette stopped six shots.
With the tie and win, South Burlington moved to 3-2-1.
Girls’ volleyball
Essex 3, South Burlington 0: South Burlington girls’ volleyball fell to Essex on Thursday, its sixth loss in a row.
The Wolves dropped the first set 25-7, the second 25-15 and then fell in the third set 25-8.
South Burlington is now 1-6 on the season.
Boys’ volleyball
South Burlington 3, Mount Mansfield 0: South Burlington remained undefeated with a win over Mount Mansfield on Friday. The Wolves eked out a narrow
25-23 win in the first set, then clinched the match with 25-17 and 25-20 victories in the second and third sets.
South Burlington moved to 5-0.
Field hockey
South Burlington 8, Rutland 0: South Burlington scored three goals in the first half and then added five more in the second frame to beat Rutland on Friday, Sept. 20.
Sawyer Bailey had a hat trick for the Wolves, who won their fourth game in a row and moved to 4-2. Julia Vandernat tallied twice, while Bella Gordon, Elise Knoth and Gwen Soper each scored.
Barre, Williston, St. Albans & Plattsburgh, NY
PHOTO BY AL FREY
Anya Johnson blocks a shot from South Burlington’s Katie Williamson Sept. 21. Champlain Valley Union went on to beat the Wolves 4-1. Johnson had the save.
WHEELER PARK
continued from page 1
intersection of Dorset Street and Park Road in South Burlington, part of a larger parcel that itself was once the subject of a lengthy court case.
Although the project’s developers, BlackRock Construction, won development review board approval in 2021 and Act 250 approval in 2022, the project was quickly appealed by a group of 125 nearby neighbors from the Inverness, Glen Eagles and Villas at Water Tower Hill homeowners’ associations and the Neighbors Committee to Stop Neighborhood Blasting. It has been moving through the courts since.
Key issues for residents include their contention that the scenic view of the Green Moun-
SURPLUS
continued from page 1
with councilor Andrew Chalnick voting against the motion — approved six items across the city’s different departments, to receive the one-time spending allocation.
Those include $103,000 for fire department projects, which include $35,000 for officer development and $68,000 for computer-aided dispatching upgrades.
The department, anticipating that over the next three years several members of its senior staff will retire, is looking to educate and prepare some of its newest officers.
tains over the nature park would be disturbed, noise from the blasting of rock needed to build the homes, overall aesthetic and wildlife impacts and undue traffic burdens.
A lower environmental court sided with the developer this summer, finding that the project complies with Act 250 criteria for aesthetics, noise and traffic, also adding that the project is consistent with many nearby developments that also affect views of the mountains.
But the crux of the problem for residents is that the land should remain a nature park.
The 110-acre Wheeler Nature Park has had years of legal history since it was first acquired by
the city in 1993. The parcel at the heart of this latest court battle was first created in 2015, the result of a settlement with landowner JAM Golf that included the swapping of these 7 acres for 22 acres that have been conserved forever as Wheeler Nature Park. A second amended agreement between the parties was reached in 2017.
The land swap was approved by city voters in 2011, although the vote was not legally binding and only considered a “good faith” gesture on the part of the city, former city attorney Jim Barlow said at a council meeting in 2015, according to previous
reporting in The Other Paper. That agreement created specific zoning for the parcel, laying out specific development guidelines.
“The main issue that we have is that this is a park,” James Leas, one of the opposing neighbors and a patent attorney who is representing himself in the case, said. “The city made a deal, and it feels that instead of just representing the people of South Burlington, it now has to represent JAM Golf, a private owner of land in South Burlington. What about the people of South Burlington? What about the fact that state law requires public input when you’re
changing the land use designation?”
The appellants, Leas and two other neighboring residents, Alan Luzzatto and Jeanne Zagursky, submitted a 13-page statement to the state’s highest court last week that outlines 32 points the team plans to court.
“I think we have very solid case,” Leas said. “We recognize that we’re just three volunteers. But there were more than 20 people from the community who came out to testify about how they use the park, how they enjoy the park, how they love walking on the trails.”
system and not piggyback on Burlington’s, it would be much more expensive, and we lose some control when we do that.”
Other allocations included:
• $100,000 to the city’s Department of Public Works for additional paving of city roads.
“This is a huge example of how we are regionalizing
services.
If we were to
own CAD
buy our
system
and not piggyback on Burlington’s, it would be much more expensive, and we lose some control when we do that.”
South Burlington and Burlington have partnered in a shared computer-aid dispatching contract for fire dispatch. Burlington has chosen to move to a cloudbased server model for the system instead of replacing its aging on-premises servers.
— Jessie Baker, City manager
South Burlington sees an added, but beneficial cost to the upgrade, including shortened downtime for maintenance, continual software upgrades, heightened security and redundancy of the servers as well as direct access for South Burlington to resolve issues as they arise.
“This is a huge example of how we are regionalizing services,” city manager Jessie Baker said. “If we were to buy our own CAD
• $200,000 for renovations at 19 Gregory Drive, which houses the South Burlington Veterans Center and the police department training room.
• $125,000 for facilities improvements at various city buildings.
• $275,000 for a new finance software system.
• $25,000 for a traffic circulation study for the Dattilio Drive and Market Street intersection.
Remaining money will be allocated to the city’s growing fund balance — a funding mechanism that is supposed to maintain a minimum balance of one month, or 8.33 percent, of operating expenditures.
Through many years, the city has grown its fund balance from less than $100,000. The remaining $524,905 of the fiscal year 2024 surplus will bring the city’s fund balance to $4.35 million, or 15.3 percent of the fiscal year 2025 budget — well above the targeted percentage requirement, and just shy of the 2-month recommendation.
Fall Safety Tips
Finishing up digging projects before the snow flies?
Before you dig, you or your contractor must contact Dig Safe™ at 811 at least 48 hours prior to digging.
Before the work begins, Dig Safe will notify member utilities, who will then ensure the locations of buried facilities they own are clearly marked. Please insist that any work within 18 inches of the marked lines be done by hand.
Be safe
Scan the QR Code or visit vgsvt.com/ be-safe for more safety information.
How to Detect a Gas Leak
Smell: Natural gas is normally odorless. A distinctive, pungent odor, similar to rotten eggs, is added so that you will recognize it quickly.
Sight: You may see a white cloud, mist, fog, bubbles in standing water, or blowing dust. You may also see vegetation that appears to be dead or dying.
Sound: You may hear an unusual noise like a roaring, hissing, or whistling.
If you suspect a leak:
Move immediately to a safe location. Call VGS at 800-639-8081 or call 911 with the exact location. Do not smoke or operate electrical switches or appliances. These items may produce a spark that might result in a dangerous condition.
Do not assume someone else will report the condition.
Howard Center shines light on suicide prevention month
As September marks Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, Howard Center wants to shine a light on vital resources that are available to the community.
Suicide is an indiscriminate crisis, affecting people from all walks of life. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, there is help available. There are individuals available to provide support, and a wealth of resources designed to guide them through these challenging times.
Schoolhouse Learning playgrounds get upgrade
After a whirlwind fundraising effort, The Schoolhouse Learning Center in South Burlington this summer broke ground and installed several new pieces of playground equipment. An official celebration and opening party were held Sept. 20. “We’ve needed to make improvements for so long — one of our play structures was 30 years old and way past its prime — so we decided to take the leap this year and get it done,” Liz Shayne, head of school, said. The
equipment is a blend of modern concepts combined with a rustic log frame construction. The upgrade includes two main structures sized for toddlers or bigger children, along with stand-alone pieces including two spinning seats, a spring-loaded rider, and a balance beam. “My favorite is the new rope bridge,” Kalman Sherman, a first grader from South Burlington, said. The playground is also open to children in the surrounding neighborhoods.
Pianist Black presents ‘Forests & Fairy Tales’ around Vermont
Burlington-based pianist Claire Black performs “Forests & Fairy Tales,” a program of Romantic and 20th-century works for solo piano, featuring at the Charlotte Congregational Church, 403 Church Hill Road, on Sunday, Oct. 13, at 4 p.m.
This benefit concert is jointly presented by Charlotte Congregational Church and the artist. Audience contributions, after expenses, will be split equally between the New Community Project to support weekly food shares and Joint Urban Ministry Project to fund bus vouchers.
Her passion for chamber music synergizes with abundant experience, including many seasons of performance tours with the Stellaria Trio, Vermont Virtuosi, Cialde Quintet and the Elegua Duo.
The program will include Waldszenen (Forest Scenes), Op. 82, by Robert Schumann; V mlhách (In the Mists) by Leoš Janáček; Märchenbilder (Fairy Tale Pictures), Op. 3, by Erich Wolfgang Korngold and Impromptu, Op. 24 No. 3, “Eros”, by Sergei Bortkiewicz.
In “Forests & Fairy Tales,” evocative titles depict ancient myths, wilderness and weather, flora and fauna. Listeners are invited to receive this imagery — through the distinct sound world of each composer represented — for what it is and for what it might symbolize.
Noted as “a fine pianist with substantial, crystal-clear technique, plenty of power, yet with a sensitive musicality and a penchant for lyricism” (James Lowe, Times Argus), Black is an active performer of classical music as both a collaborator and soloist.
Black’s latest solo projects spotlight works by Clara Schumann. She won second prize in the 2022 International Clara Schumann Competition.
She served for a year on the faculty and as staff accompanist at Whitworth University, but her musical life has been based in Burlington for the better part of a decade. She traces her collaborative roots to Baldwin Wallace University, where she kept an extensive roster of clients as a staff accompanist and coach.
Black specializes in intermediate- and advanced-level instruction in her private studio. Past teaching engagements include positions at Middlebury Community Music Center, Oberlin Conservatory Community Music School, and the piano festival Summer Sonata.
Other performances include Christ Episcopal Church on Sunday, Oct. 20, at 4 p.m., in Montpelier; Richmond Free Library on Saturday, Nov. 2, 7:30 p.m.; and livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook on Sunday, Nov. 3 at 4 p.m.
The suggested donation is $20.
For more information, visit newcommunityproject.info and jumpvt.org.
Identifying signs that someone may be thinking of suicide is essential, as early intervention can be lifesaving. While some signs may be clear such as talk about suicidal thoughts or wanting to be dead, others can be more subtle. It’s crucial to know what to look for to make a difference. Here are common warning signs:
• Talking about suicidal thoughts or a desire to die.
• Sudden shifts from deep sadness to an upbeat mood, which could mean acceptance of the decision to attempt suicide.
• Giving away cherished possessions or making farewell statements.
• Dramatic mood swings, increased use of alcohol or drugs or social withdrawal.
For more examples of warning signs, see the National Institute of Mental Health’s website at nih.gov.
Recognizing these signs is a crucial step, and it’s essential to reach out, regardless of how awkward or challenging it might seem. It is important to stay vigilant, even when things appear to improve. Whether it’s a friend, family member or someone else, your intervention could be lifesaving.
Firearm Storage
Suicide is a significant concern in Vermont, ranking as the ninth leading cause of death in the state, with 52 percent of suicides involving firearms, according to Vermont Vital Statistics and the Vermont Department of Health.
‘Murder
“In Vermont, where over half of suicides involve firearms, safe storage is a necessity and can save lives,” Mark Margolis, Howard Center’s suicide prevention coordinator, said. “That’s why we’re offering free gunlocks to members of the community and their friends and families.”
Access to firearms at home increases the risk of suicide. To help prevent such tragedies, Howard Center is offering free gunlocks that are available for pick-up at 208 Flynn Avenue in Burlington, weekdays from 8:30 a.m.-4 pm.
For more info, contact First Call for Chittenden County at 802-488-7777.
Additionally, Howard Center offers a comprehensive and free information and resource guide, “Suicide Prevention Across the Lifespan.” Recently updated to its third edition, this guide is designed to provide general information on suicide prevention to anyone living or working in Chittenden County.
Translations are available in French, Nepali, Somali and Swahili. To access the resource guide, and for more information, translated suicide prevention materials, and available support, visit howardcenter.org.
If you are interested in learning more about Suicide Prevention, available suicide prevention training, or to request copies of the guide, call Howard Center at 802-488-6000.
Helpful crisis numbers
If you or someone you know is in crisis, consider reaching out to the following resources, available day or night:
• Howard Center First Call for Chittenden County: 802-488-7777 (local).
• Suicide and crisis lifeline 9-8-8 (state and national).
• Crisis text line: Text VT to 741741 from anywhere in the U.S., anytime, about any type of crisis.
• In immediate danger, call 9-1-1 or seek assistance at the emergency department.
at Eight’ holds world premiere, stars local actor
How often do you get to find out who done it before the rest of the world? This fall, join The Shelburne Players for “Murder at Eight,” a world premiere murder mystery written and directed by Shelburne resident Alex Nalbach.
The show will be presented at the Shelburne Town Center, 5420 Shelburne Road, from October 4-12.
“Murder at Eight” is the story of a young widow who invites six close friends to commemorate the anniversary of her husband’s death. But grief turns to terror when she announces that she has poisoned the guest she believes was responsible for his death, who must confess in front of the other five witnesses by reaching for the
antidote before the clock strikes eight.
“What better way to start off crunchy, spicy October leaf time, than with a murder mystery?” Nalbach said.
“This is a play that features a lot of wit and style and an enormous emotional range. We are excited to offer this world premiere.”
Produced by Kym Taylor of St. Albans, the show features eight local actors, including Sam O’Shea of South Burlington. O’Shea makes his first appearance on stage, after a decade-long hiatus since his leading role as Billy Flynn in Kimball Union’s production of “Chicago.” A recent trip to
COURTESY PHOTO
Alumni student Grantham Cannon of South Burlington, second from right, helps cut the ribbon on the new playground.
Sam O’Shea
Claire Black
Rice Memorial High School is holding a ribbon cutting ceremony for its new state-of-the-art turf playing field on Thursday, Sept. 26, at 3:45 p.m., 99 Proctor Ave.
The new field represents a significant enhancement to the school’s athletic facilities, providing student-athletes with a high-quality surface for soccer, field hockey, football, lacrosse and other sports, according to school officials.
The field is designed to improve
MURDER AT EIGHT continued from page 12
the site of the Globe Theatre in London lit a spark in Sam — nothing like the birthplace of western theater to get the blood flowing.
O’Shea first trained among the small community of actors at Trinity College. There he was exposed to black box theater, character development and the New York City theater scene. Under the eyes of former Broadway actor and college professor
playing conditions, extend practice seasons and reduce weather-related interruptions.
“We’re excited to celebrate the launch of this new field a mere three months after construction began. This is the first phase of a larger strategic campus improvement plan. Expansion takes time and resources and we’re taking one step at a time,” principal Adam Nagy said.
The ceremony will feature brief remarks from Nagy and other
guests, including project donors, alumni and student leaders. A blessing of the field will be led by Bishop John McDermott.
Following the ceremony, the Rice field hockey team will play the inaugural game on the field at 4 p.m.
“We are thrilled to unveil this amazing facility that will benefit not only our current students but future generations of Rice athletes,” athletic director Neil Brodeur said. For information about the cere-
Michael Preston, he found a new passion.
In the winter of 2016, Sam left college to pursue an opportunity with Freeform and was featured in a teaser trailer for the release of Sara Shepard’s mystery novel, “The Amateurs.” O’Shea says he is determined to not let that become his 15 minutes of fame.
He is a sales consultant for Kria Botanicals, a Vermont
cannabis extraction and manufacturing company. Besides acting, he dreams of shooting under par. Other cast members include Eliza Noxon, Adeline Cota and Christian Acosta of Burlington; Jenna Raynoha of Essex; Glen Wallace of Colchester; Matti Nichols of Vergennes; and Rachel Smith of Middlebury.
For tickets and more information, shelburneplayers.com.
Rice high school unveils new sports field
mony, contact Megan Shrestha, director of marketing and communications at shrestha@rmhsvt. org or 802-233-8361 or Nagy at 802-862-6521 or nagy@rmhsvt. org.
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COURTESY PHOTO
Rice holds a ribbon-cutting on its new playing field tonight, Sept. 26.
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