the South Burlington’s Community Newspaper Since 1977
S. Burlington School Board searches for new member
With the start of a new school year just underway, the South Burlington School Board is now searching for its fifth member after Elaine Cissi resigned last month, just seven months after being elected.
Cissi was voted in on Town Meeting Day this year, filling the two-year seat vacated by former board chair Kate Bailey. Her last meeting will be at the Oct. 9 board meeting.
She told her fellow board members in September that the decision to resign was a challenging one, but unexpected family responsibilities will demand more of her attention this year and make serving the rest of her term difficult.
“I want to be absolutely clear that I so admire every single one of you at this table so much,” she said. “You have the backs of the community; you have the backs of the students. Your hearts are so in the right place.”
“This has absolutely nothing to do with my attitude toward the work or the people because you’re amazing. All of you are amazing,” she said.
Although Cissi was new to the school board scene, she has been an active member in the South Burlington community since she and her family moved to the city over a decade ago. Previously, she served as the president of the Frederick H. Tuttle Middle School parent-teacher organization.
“This has been my daughter’s home for so many years. She went to Rick Marcotte (Elementary School) and is now at (Frederick H. Tuttle Middle School), and it’s a huge life change for all of us,” she said. “But I looked at all the circumstances and said, ‘This is what I have to do.’”
She began her campaign for the school board seat in February as the former school board was moving through a challenging budget season with the rollout of a new
See SCHOOL BOARD on page 13
Pizza Hut development gets go-ahead from city
Original appeal heads to Supreme Court
The abandoned Pizza Hut and Shell Gas station on Shelburne Road could see new life
after a revised plan for the property’s development was greenlit by the city’s development review board in May — nearly one year after an original proposal was denied by the city.
Meanwhile, the developer and owner of the property, Gary Bourne, has now appealed to the state’s Supreme Court an environmental court’s decision siding with the city in its rejection of the initial proposal.
Director of Planning and Zoning Paul Conner said the appeal could allow Bourne to keep his options open going forward.
The original plan was stonewalled over a disagreement about the number of market rate and affordable housing units in the development and a drive-through ATM, which was set to service a Chase Bank.
That decision was appealed to the state environmental court last year, which issued
a decision in September in favor of the city, saying that Bourne failed to include the requisite number of affordable rental units and that an ATM was prohibited by the city’s regulations.
The original plan proposed 30 units — 10 more than the city’s base zoning density
See PIZZA HUT on page 13
PHOTO BY TOM O’KEEFE
South Burlington sextons lead headstone clean-up at historic Eldridge Cemetery. Read more, page 7.
LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER
School News
Orchard Elementary School students in different grades wore differently colored shirts for last week’s fun run.
Orchard Elementary holds colorful fun run
Orchard Elementary School held its annual fun run on Friday. Every grade wore a different color shirt and were cheered on by families and friends.
Lunch and Learn series
As part of South Burlington High School’s Career Development and Flexible Pathways Lunch and Learn series, Julia Rogers from En Route Consulting, an expert in experiential learning opportunities, met with 18 students in grades nine to 12 to talk about all the ways a student can craft a gap year experience.
Rogers shared everything from volunteerism and service to creating one’s own passion project, and from interning to trekking in Patagonia.
In our election guide last week, Rohan St. Marthe, R-Jericho, is also a candidate for the Chittenden-Southeast Senate district.
COURTESY PHOTOS
Shamberger appointed to credit union board
Tracey Shamberger of Hinesburg has joined the board of directors of NorthCountry Federal Credit Union.
She has served as the director of business development and communications at Age Well since 2019.
“I have a strong commitment to financial empowerment and greatly admire the credit union’s mission to uplift our community,” Shamberger said. “I look forward to using my background in business development and communications to help it expand its reach and create a positive impact for our neighbors and local families.”
Her previous experience includes serving on the board of directors at the University of Vermont Lane Series for the Performing Arts, where she leveraged her expertise to support the cultural enrichment of the community, and on the board of the Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility, where she supported sustainable business practices and ethical leadership.
NorthCountry is headquartered in South Burlington.
Matt Cota appointed to Vermont Climate Council
Matt Cota, a former city councilor and development review board chair in South Burlington, was appointed to the Vermont Climate Council.
Speaker of the House Jill Krowinski appointed Cota to the position in September.
He is the owner of Meadow Hill, which provides advocacy and management services for Vermont nonprofit trade associations in the energy and transportation sector. A former journalist with a master’s degree in public policy, Cota is also an adjunct professor at the University of Vermont.
Appointed to the Public Utility Commission’s Clean Heat Technical Advisory Group and Equity Advisory Group, Cota has also served on the Green Mountain Transit Authority and the Plainfield Planning Commission. As the founding director of the Split the Ticket Fund, he has organized the delivery of more than 100,000 gallons of free heating fuel to Vermont’s neighbors in need.
South Burlington man joins health care group
Christopher Vitale of South Burlington has joined Vermont Information Technology Leaders as director of interoperability.
The Vermont-based nonprofit shares health information to help providers care for patients.
Vitale will connect health care data standards with the group’s products and
Saturday, 10/12, 10am-12pm
Prospective Families are invited to come check out Rice!
•Learn about our academic programs
•Tour our campus, meet our teachers
•Hear from parents and students about their experiences 802-862-6521x2246
bessette@rmhsvt.org 99 Proctor Ave, S. Burlington
Tracey Shamberger
Matt Cota
South Burlington Police Blotter: Sept. 23-29
Total incidents: 239
Agency / public assists: 19
Directed patrol: 23
Traffic stop: 7
Accident: property damage: 8
Alarm: 10
Foot patrol: 18
Suspicious event: 24
Retail theft: 11
Motor vehicle complaint: 8
Welfare check: 9
911 hangup: 3
Domestic: 2
Disturbance: 8
Animal problem: 8
Field contact: 8
Fraud: 3
Threats: 3
Accident: insurance purposes: 4
Leaving the scene: 5
Noise: 4
Larceny: other: 2
Larceny from a vehicle: 9
Mental health: 6
Found/lost property: 6
Juvenile problem: 6
Arrests:
Randy Scott Persad, 48, of Bay Shore, N.Y., was arrested for possession of stolen proper-
ty, possession of cocaine, and as a person prohibited from possessing firearms stemming from an incident on Sept. 18 at 7:21 a.m. on Joy Drive.
Robert L. Lafayette, 39, of Burlington, was arrested for stalking and disorderly conduct by phone stemming from an incident on Sept. 18 at 9:05 p.m. on Dorset Street.
Sept. 24 at 11:39 a.m., Teilya M. Bruney, 36, of South Burlington, was arrested on an in-state warrant on Williston Road.
Sept. 25 at 12:58 p.m., Ryan R. Hardy, 31, of Burlington, was arrested for possession of hallucinogenic drugs on Shelburne Road.
Sept. 27 at 8:21 a.m., Jack A. Hurlburt, 28, of St. Albans, was arrested for possession of stolen property, false pretenses and credit card/ATM fraud on Williston Road.
Note: Charges filed by police are subject to review by the Chittenden County State’s Attorney Office and can be amended or dropped.
Look Forward To Coming Home
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CRIME & COURTS
Police are looking for this man, who they say
Police search for man who robbed Key Bank
South Burlington police are looking for a man they say robbed the Key Bank on Shelburne Road Sept. 25 around 4 p.m.
Witnesses said man walked into the bank with a bag, told the teller he had a bomb and asked for the money in the drawer, totaling approximately $3,000.
The suspect fled on a dark-colored mountain bike. He was wearing a ball cap with “Brooklyn” across the front, a light gray hoodie, dark color pants (possibly brown) and black boots. The man covered his face with a black face mask. He also appeared to have a crewcut-style haircut.
Anyone with information should contact Sgt. Dave MacDonough at 802-846-4193 or email dmacdonough@southburlingtonpolice.org.
Sept. 26 at 1:44 p.m., police arrested Jennifer Bernier, 40, of Sabattus, Maine, for driving under the influence, first offense, with injury resulting. Police say Bernier crashed on Interstate 89 in South Burlington while traveling north, injuring herself and a passenger. They were taken to the University of Vermont Medical Center for treatment.
Fire damages South Burlington apartment
A six-unit apartment building sustained $125,000 in damage last Tuesday morning in South Burlington. No one was injured in the blaze.
A neighbor reported the fire at 1 Executive Drive and South Burlington fire crews arrived about five minutes later to find smoke
coming from the eaves and fire on the side of the building.
The department brought the fire under control within 20 minutes and damage was contained to two rooms of one apartment. Adjacent apartments had minor smoke damage from the shared attic space. One resident was evaluated by EMS.
The fire was deemed accidental from a malfunctioning bathroom vent fan.
Sixteen South Burlington firefighters responded as well as personnel from the Vermont Air National Guard Fire Department and University of Vermont Rescue.
SOUTH BURLINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
apartment complex and firefighers contained most of the damage to one unit.
OPINION
Taking the Long view on conservation partnership
Guest Perspective
Meaghan Emery
On Sept. 9, the city council signed a letter of support for a funding application made by the Northeast Agricultural Trust and South Burlington Land Trust to the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board for the Long View Project, supported by Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity.
If it returns to the city council for approval, the project will lead to the construction of 16 affordable owner-occupied homes, community gardens, biking and walking trails and the permanent conservation of 32 acres of land that includes a portion of what is called the Great Swamp, a forested wildlife habitat long identified by ecologists as one of the most important natural resource areas in South Burlington. This project upholds and fulfills past municipal agreements. More importantly, it upholds and fulfills many of the community’s core values and priorities. There is significant history that underpins the council’s support of this project.
First, the Champlain Valley Conservation Agreement was signed in 2019 by former South Burlington council chair Helen
Riehle and leaders from four partner municipalities: Williston, Shelburne, Hinesburg and St. George. Among the goals of the agreement is working with local, regional, state and national partners to prioritize and steward regionally significant parcels for conservation, maintain the connectivity and integrity of forest blocks to promote biological diversity and allow for movement of wildlife, and improve the water quality of Lake Champlain by developing a strategy for wetland and riparian protection and restoration. Since its establishment, the Champlain Valley Conservation Partnership has gained new partners, including local conservation boards, the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission, Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife, Audubon VT, Winooski Valley Park District and Vermont Land Trust. The city had dedicated a page on its website to the partnership, which features a map showing that the Great Swamp is part of the Shelburne Pond wildlife block and corridor.
University of Vermont professor Allan Strong addressed the council on Sept. 9 and described how the land in question is part of a contiguous habitat block of interest to the region and the state. In addi-
tion to all its other natural resource attributes (sequester of carbon and biodiversity), its conservation will provide us with rich ecological infrastructure that filters stormwater and supports the state’s efforts to improve the water quality of Lake Champlain.
When members of the public assert that all our land conservation dollars go to the southeast quadrant, the area with the highest household incomes in the city, this is simply not true. The map on the city’s website describing our parks and natural areas shows they are located throughout South Burlington.
There are additional natural areas and trails that residents can access that do not appear on these pages or on the map: 19 city parks in all.
Within the northwest quadrant, our residents can also access Centennial Woods, 100 beautiful acres of natural resources just north of Williston Road and west of Patchen Road, managed by the Burlington and Winooski Valley Park District. In addition to Red Rocks, residents of the southwest quadrant can access Burlington’s Oakledge Park, on Burlington’s Greenway bike path. Our city’s natural resources, planners and grounds crew are part of a regional
network that ensures equal access to green space. Additionally, city taxpayers contribute every year to the Winooski Valley Park District, which also includes Burlington, Colchester, Essex and Winooski. Its mission is to plan, acquire and manage lands and waters within its member municipalities for purposes of conservation, preservation of natural areas, establishment of parks and resource-based education and recreation. For 2024, taxpayers paid nearly $73,000 into the district and have been making annual payments since its establishment in 1972. The Winooski Valley Park District has acquired and manages three areas within South Burlington, all in the northern quadrants:
biologist at Vermont Fish and Wildlife, to learn more about state priorities. We also worked with the regional planning commission to create a natural resources inventory map.
When members of the public assert that all our land conservation dollars go to the southeast quadrant, the area with the highest household incomes in the city, this is simply not true.
• Muddy Brook: 27.5 acres of meadows and woodlands between the airport and Winooski River, with canoe access and walking trails.
• Valley Ridge: 18 acres that run along the Winooski River, and a rich wildlife corridor for bobcat, otter, beaver, muskrat, mink, fox, deer, raccoon and waterfowl with access to Centennial Woods.
• Winooski Gorge Natural Area: 11 acres featuring a Limestone Bluff Cedar-Pine Forest and over 1,500 feet of shoreline along the Winooski River, with a footpath and habitat for over 20 bird species.
The Long View Project surfaced after work was completed by the Open Space Interim Zoning Committee, which first convened in January 2019 and published its final report in March 2020. Over 15 months, this 11-member committee studied lands adjacent to Muddy Brook, Valley Ridge, the Winooski Gorge and Centennial Woods. It studied land adjacent to the city’s parks and natural areas.
We (since I was a member) studied past reports the council commissioned between 2002 and 2018. We used BioFinder, the state’s database and mapping tool for identifying Vermont’s lands and waters that support important ecosystems, natural communities, habitats and species. We spoke with Jens Hilke, conservation planning
As chair, Strong, a scientist, ensured the integrity of the committee’s methods and soundness of its findings. Rather than prioritizing land parcels, the committee organized them “around the most significant ecological features of South Burlington: The Great Swamp, Potash Brook and the Shelburne Bay shoreline, Muddy Brook and South Burlington’s relatively small border with the Winooski River.” The land for the Long View Project is within the Great Swamp. Most of the priority land in the northern quadrants are managed by UVM or the Winooski Valley Park District. Most of the priority land in the southern quadrants are provided limited protection by the city’s natural resource protection designation. Acquisition and management of these areas are a priority of the Champlain Valley Conservation Partnership and municipal, regional and state partners. The Long View Project participates in this effort. It’s the culmination of the people’s work.
As a member of the interim open space committee (2019-2020) and past city councilor (2008-2012, 2014-2024), I know that years of research, public advocacy and partnerships have informed decisions taken by successive councils to serve the long-term interests of residents.
The city’s new housing regulations work in tandem with conservation efforts. The latter does not compete with the former. Together, they ensure the balance required for sustainable growth, and this balance throughout the city has been a longstanding goal in the region, since at least 1972. I have full confidence that the Long View Project advances both our conservation and housing goals.
Meaghan Emery served on the South Burlington City Council from 2008-2012 and again from 2014-2024. She lives in South Burlington.
Sextons play crucial role in city’s history
JASON KIRCHICK CONTRIBUTOR
On Sept. 21, the South Burlington Sextons orchestrated a community-driven effort to clean up headstones at Eldridge Cemetery on Airport Parkway.
The event saw a strong turnout, with valuable support from local organizations and youth groups.
Eldridge Cemetery, formally deeded in 1816, has a rich history that predates its official establishment. The site was already known to be a burial ground prior to its formal dedication, with several interments dating back to the late 1700s. This longstanding heritage makes Eldridge Cemetery one of the oldest historical landmarks in South Burlington.
Often referred to as the Airport Cemetery due to its proximity to the Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport, this burial ground is a treasure trove of local history. The cemetery serves as the final resting place for many notable community figures and families, including veterans from various conflicts.
Of historical significance is the grave of Samuel Allen, the oldest known veteran buried at Eldridge. Allen, who served in the American Revolution, died in 1810, predating the cemetery’s official establishment. The site also features a monument dedicated to 24 soldiers of the War of 1812 who tragically succumbed to smallpox, further emphasizing its importance in preserving local military history.
Community recognition
The Lions Club of Shelburne, Rotary Club of South Burling-
Roy will ensure two-way conversations in Senate
To the Editor:
“Who is Bruce Roy” is a fair question as he’s asking us to elect him as the next senator from the Chittenden Southeast district.
Roy graduated from the University of Vermont with a degree in mathematics, making him uniquely qualified to serve us in Montpelier. He understands the complexity of the
Letters to the Editor
numbers that are discussed and how they impact property taxes, school budgets, the numerous climate change scenarios and the potential devastating impact on many people as they try to heat their homes or drive their vehicles.
Fortunately, Roy can explain those numbers to us in clear terms so we can understand the financial impact they have. He has had a distinguished 30-year career with both the Vermont Air Guard and IBM. In both careers,
he rose through the ranks by leading others in a team effort to accomplish the mission they were given, realizing it takes a team effort to achieve change and accomplish goals.
He is also the guy who you’ll see in his jeans and work shirt out mowing his lawn, visiting neighbors and enjoying sunset views with his wife and family dog. He is the dad taking his
ton, and South Burlington Scout Troops 6011 and 611 deserve special recognition for their participation and hard work during the clean-up. Their involvement underscores the community’s commitment to preserving local heritage and maintaining important historical sites.
This initiative not only helped to restore and maintain the cemetery but also fostered a sense of community spirit and respect for the city’s history. The sextons’ efforts in organizing such events play a crucial role in keeping local landmarks in good condition for future generations.
Current members of the South Burlington Sextons are Donna Kinville, chair; Jason Kirchick, vice chair; Jen McClory, clerk; and Chuck Rainville, John Simson and Peter Taylor.
Their continued service to the community ensures that South Burlington’s historical sites are well-maintained and respected.
Getting involved
Great care is taken during these clean-up events to preserve and avoid any harm to grave markers and headstones. The sextons and volunteers use a non-toxic biological solution known as D/2, along with soft brushes, to clean the stones effectively while ensuring their longevity.
For those interested in learning more about cemetery restoration, the Vermont Old Cemetery Association is an excellent resource. It has assisted the sextons in the past with the clean-up of South Burlington cemeteries, including
See SEXTONS on page 10
PHOTO BY JASON KIRCHICK
The South Burlington Sextons at Eldridge Cemetery, from left, Chuck Rainville, John Simson, Jenn McClory, Donna Kinville and Jason Kirchick.
COMMUNITY
Community Notes
School hosts housing fundraiser at homecoming
The South Burlington High School Student Justice Union is hosting an advocacy and fundraising event at the school’s homecoming soccer game to raise awareness about Vermont’s housing and homelessness challenges.
The event takes place at Munson Field at South Burlington High School and will include a guest speaker at halftime and information about the issue.
Spectators are encouraged to wear purple to support accessible housing for everyone and to bring donations for a 50/50 raffle and supply drive. The supply drive accepts hygiene products, men’s and teen clothing, and bedding. Proceeds from both fundraisers will be delivered to a local homeless shelter.
For information, contact Julia Todd at toddj@sbschools.net or 802-777-1524.
Storytelling: ‘A Celebration of Showing Up’
Come out for an evening of stories told by Vermont storytellers, celebrating the work of
hard-working communities and nonprofits doing great work all around us on Saturday, Oct. 12, 7-8:30 p.m., at Hula, 50 Lakeside Ave., Burlington. Hear inspiring stories told by Vermont Adaptive’s Misha Pemble-Belkin, Spectrum’s Mark Redmond and others. There will be music by James Stewart. Tickets are $17.50. Learn more at solavida.org.
Church hosts community blessings of the animals
Faith United Methodist Church, 899 Dorset St., hosts a community blessing of the animals on Saturday, Oct. 5, at 3 p.m.
All creatures great and small — including humans — are welcome for this fun, free event, open to the public and animals of all kinds.
Learn more at faithsbvt.org.
Vote411 voter guide goes live
Come sing with us Me2 (“me, too”), the world’s only classical music organization created for individuals living with mental
and the people who support them, on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 7:20-9 p.m. at Faith United Methodist Church,
The chorus will meet monthly on Wednesdays and be led by conductor Stefanie Weigand. There are no auditions or fees to participate. Email phoenix@me2music.org to register or for questions. This is an inclusive, stigma-free community. Learn more at me2music.org. Above, Members of Me2 Chorus sing in Boston.
The League of Women Voters of Vermont launched Vote411, a comprehensive voter guide to help voters make informed decisions as they prepare on Election Day.
This free one-stop shop for statewide election information includes candidate information, voter registration, polling place information and other helpful election day resources, including links to candidate forums. With
tools in both English and Spanish, Vote411 is tailored to meet the unique needs of Vermont voters.
Go to vote411.org and enter your address to find what is on your ballot, information on candidates and where they stand on issues. The online guide will feature photos of each candidate who responded and their answers to league questions on their qualifications and issues.
Tibetan Buddhist master gives talk at All Souls
On Wednesday, Oct. 23, from 7-8:30 p.m., Vajrayana Buddhist master Anyen Rinpoche and Allison Choying Zangmo will give a talk on finding authentic happiness at All Souls Interfaith Gathering in Shelburne.
Rinpoche was raised by a family of yak herders in the high-forest mountains of eastern Tibet. Rinpoche served his root lama, Khenchen Tsara Dharmakirti with devotion day and night for 18 years, becoming a master of both practice and study. He not only gained recognition as a great scholar (khenpo), but also became a heart son of his root lama. In doing so, he became the fifth in an unbroken lineage of heart sons who received an uncommonly short and unbroken lineage of the Longchen Nyingthig directly from the renowned Dzogchen
PHOTO BY TAYLOR ROSSI
illness
899 Dorset St. South Burlington.
daughter off to college and getting her settled. You’ll see him in local businesses and eating at local restaurants.
Yes, Roy is one of us and he had been enjoying his retirement, but his sense of duty to others has been awakened again. He sees a need to help his fellow Vermonters who are struggling financially due to Montpelier’s heavy-handed control over our lives with onerous taxes, fees and regulations. He feels that to have change and to make progress, we need to have two-way conversations in Montpelier, something not possible with the supermajority now in power.
We need a seat at the table in Montpelier to exchange ideas and evaluate problems and solutions for the benefit of all Vermonters. Vermont has become very unaffordable and that can’t change if we only keep raising more revenue, meaning taxes and fees. Continuing to do the same things, electing the same people and expecting different results is not working. Just ask your wallet.
We need new approaches. Where can we save money? Are there old programs that need to be retired or are there programs we just can’t afford? We need someone to ask the questions, help craft alternatives, offer new ideas and keep us informed, and the answer is just down the road at Bruce Roy’s.
Let’s give him a nice indoor job this winter in Montpelier and a return to serving his fellow Vermonters.
John Marcotte Williston
Set aside $1.3 million to offset taxes
To the Editor:
I read the article regarding the distribution of the $1.3
million surplus. (“South Burlington City Council distributes $1.3 million surplus,” Sept. 26, 2024)
It seems to me that the more appropriate decision, with things being what they are today, would have been to set it aside and use it to offset or minimize any tax increases in next year’s budget.
Paul Couture South Burlington
Bear hunting disrupts their natural behaviors
To the Editor:
If you’re a black bear in
Vermont, September means one thing: It’s time to work on your figure by bulking up for winter hibernation. Beechnuts, acorns and berries are in season and ripe for harvesting, providing the critical calories needed to survive a long winter slumber.
Unfortunately, bears themselves have also come into season — hunting season, that is. Vermont’s black bear hunting season begins each year on Sept. 1 and runs through Nov. 24, putting these animals at risk just when they need protection the most.
As if that weren’t bad enough, bear hunting also leads to the deaths of mother
bears and their cubs. While the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department asks hunters to avoid shooting mother bears with cubs, it still happens every year. A petition to prohibit killing mother bears with cubs was denied by the Fish and Wildlife Board and department last year, with the reasoning that hunters already follow this “etiquette.”
Black bears play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity, mostly by being nature’s very own gardeners. In their quest to bulk up for winter, bears spread more seeds than birds do — talk about multitasking. Unfortunately, bear hunting and hounding disrupt these natu-
ral behaviors, leading to some serious side effects. Believe it or not, according to some studies, hunting can increase the chances of bear-human conflicts. Another study concluded that bears being chased during hunting season will sometimes avoid hunters by wandering onto roads, increasing the risk of bear-vehicle collisions. And exhausted bears might turn to easier food sources — like your garbage or bird feeders — further escalating conflicts.
It sounds like we should just let them fatten up in peace.
Katie Nolan Richmond
GERALD MALLOY
BUSINESS NOTES continued from page 3
technology, ensuring that its work aligns to standards and meets customer goals.
A pharmacist by training, Vitale has focused on clinical informatics for the last 15 years, most recently serving as senior director of clinical informatics at Availity Clinical Solutions. His experience includes knowledge engineering, systems design, software engineering, clinical research and data standards for organizations including Partners Healthcare and the American Medical Association.
SEXTONS continued from page 7
Eldridge.
It’s worth noting that Eldridge Cemetery is one of two cemeteries overseen by the city, the other being Shelburne Road Cemetery. Both sites benefit from the careful attention and preservation efforts of the sextons and community volunteers.
ies. The sextons welcome all who are interested in participating in future events.
Preserving history
For those interested in contributing to future clean-up events, the sextons are compiling a volunteer contact list. Community members who want to be added to this list can reach out to Kinville at donnakinville@yahoo.com. These clean-up events provide an excellent opportunity for residents to get involved in community service, learn about local history and help maintain the beauty and dignity of the city’s cemeter-
COMMUNITY NOTES continued from page 8
The sextons are also keen to gather more historical information about Eldridge Cemetery. If any readers have newspaper articles or stories of historical significance related to the cemetery, they are encouraged to contact Kinville. These contributions can help piece together a more comprehensive history of this important local landmark.
Stay tuned for announcements of upcoming clean-up dates and other community initiatives.
Jason Kirchick is vice chair of the South Burlington Sextons.
master Patrul Rinpoche. Rinpoche and Zangmo spend much of their time in Denver, where they run a Dharma center, Orgyen Khandroling. They also have a center on the West Island of Montreal. Their compassionate activities bring them around the country where they offer teachings and programs.
Advance tickets can be purchased online at bit.ly/4fl539c. Learn more at orgyenkhandroling. org.
Christopher Vitale
COURTESY PHOTO
Anyen Rinpoche and Allison Choying Zangmo
SeaWolves capture fourth win on season
LAUREN READ CORRESPONDENT
Girls’ soccer
Mount Mansfield 4, South Burlington 3 (OT): After leading by two goals, South Burlington surrendered two in regulation and one in overtime to fall to Mount Mansfield on Saturday, Sept. 28.
Eva Geblin completed a hat trick and the MMU comeback with the game-winning goal in overtime to lift the Cougars to a win.
Reese Gordon tallied twice for the Wolves (1-5-1), while Lila Hamme also scored. Gillian Bachand made six saves in goal.
Boys’ soccer
Mount Mansfield 3, South Burlington 1: South Burlington’s five game unbeaten streak came to an end on Friday in a loss to Mount Mansfield.
Connor Watson had the lone
goal for the Wolves, who fell to 4-3-1. Marco Stazi had an assist and Will Goyette stopped nine shots.
Football
South Burlington-Burlington 69, BFA-St. Albans 6: The South Burlington-Burlington co-op football team captured its fourth win of the season, beating BFA-St. Albans on Friday, Sept. 27.
The SeaWolves moved to 4-1.
Field hockey
South Burlington 8, Middlebury 0: South Burlington grabbed its sixth win in a row in field hockey, beating Middlebury 8-0 on Thursday, Sept. 26.
Oli Roy scored twice for the Wolves, while Grace Landerman, Sawyer Bailey, Bella Gordon, Cece Fontana, Lucie McCarney and Laney Lamphier each added a goal.
Amber Rousseau made three saves for the shutout and South Burlington moved to 6-2.
COURTESY PHOTO
HONORING OUR VETERANS
PIZZA HUT
continued from page 1
unit-maximum. Seven of those were affordable units. However, the city’s review board argued that the developer needed 10 affordable units to meet the city’s requirements.
Per South Burlington’s inclusionary zoning law, new housing developments are required to include affordable units totaling 15 percent of the overall number of units, to keep a mix of both affordable and market-rate apartments.
“We
Bourne submitted a revised sketch plan for the site in December that took steps to remedy the number of affordable units in the development. A final application was submitted to the board in March.
and shrubbery.
“We have a job here. We do it to the best of our ability, but we think Mr. Bourne has acted in good faith and is proposing a significant improvement to that corner of South Burlington,” board member Frank Kochman said. “While it may not have appeared it at times, I think we appreciate it.”
think Mr. Bourne has acted in good faith and is proposing a significant improvement to that corner of South Burlington.”
Bourne, a co-owner of Bourne Petroleum, is a former Morristown resident who now lives in Massachusetts. Several attempts to reach him went unanswered by press deadline.
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The plan, like the original, will see the construction of a Chase Bank, a two-story mixed commercial and residential building and a three-story, 27-unit multifamily building. The two buildings will include 10 total affordable units — one in the mixed-use building and nine in the three-story building.
The new plan also did away with the drive-through ATM.
The site has been shuttered since at least 2011 and the building has become infamously known around the city as a graffiti-masked eyesore overgrown with weeds
SCHOOL BOARD
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state education funding formula known as Act 127. This was partially why she chose to join the board in the first place.
“Act 127 has wrought so many difficulties in the South Burlington School District. Even if the school budget increased zero percent — not possible in this economic climate — taxes in South Burlington would still rise by double digits. South Burlington can’t fix the state mandates of Act 127,” she told The Other Paper in February. “We are thus left to deal with the repercussions. Our schools and children are left to deal with the repercussions.”
After this year’s budget was shot down on Town Meeting Day, Cissi’s early months as a new board member were less than easy as the board was forced to make difficult decisions about spending. At that same time, the board was also searching for a new member after the chair — and the longest reigning member on the board — Alex McHenry resigned his position just hours after the vote.
“I remember when you first joined the board, and I was telling you about what I felt the different strengths in different board members were, and I feel like you bring a really specific skill set of a wonderful lens for our students, and I think you have a really great connection to the community, and you care a lot about equity, and you’re
Frank Kochman
According to review board documents, the development is proposed to occur in two phases, with the bank and the mixed-use building being built first. The second phase will include the construction of the multifamily building.
When asked how long those phases may take, architect Greg Rabideau told board members in April that phase one is set to happen “immediately.” The construction of phase two depends “on the economy.”
“Who knows? Honestly, given the cost of construction and interest rates right now, it’s a real challenge,” Rabideau said.
sensitive to different viewpoints,” current board chair Chelsea Tillinghast said at the meeting last month.
Superintendent Violet Nichols said she believes the board is in a good place overall — a positive step that she said Cissi helped bring about.
“We have the understanding — and are appreciative of your time with us — that you need to support your family. I also admire that decision,” Nichols said. “Be in touch and you always have a place here.”
The board will begin the search for a new member when it meets Oct. 9.
“I think you are, as a team, prepared to onboard a new member, and I feel confident in you all,” Nichols said.
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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
Robin Drive, Shelburne,
COURTESY PHOTO
South Burlington Recreation and Parks hosted a paint and sip at last week at Hubbard Recreation Area.
Blank canvas
SERVICE DIRECTORY
