Barn saving
Play ball
Clemmons Farm purchase celebrated
CVU starts winter sports season well-positioned
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December 14, 2023
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Charlotte Selectboard targets employee benefits
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LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER
COURTESY PHOTO
Hinesburg Food Shelf volunteers delivered meals to more than 100 families on Thanksgiving. See related story, page 3.
To find cost savings the Charlotte Selectboard has adjusted the town’s salary administration policy to give itself more power in determining cost-of-living adjustments for employees. This is the final step in a three-week conversation that led to employee health benefit cuts of around $40,000 next year, a potential reduction in the HRA, and a change to the cost-of-living adjustment and salary administration policy. But some employees are left wondering, what is the point to all of this? “If we do make the change next year to decrease our benefits and then also to take See POLICY on page 13
Gun incident
School district, police apologize for lapse in communication COREY MCDONALD STAFF WRITER
The Champlain Valley School District and the Hinesburg Police Department in a joint statement acknowledged the need for “better communication and collaboration” following a jumbled response to last week’s discovery of a handgun and drugs at the Hinesburg Community School. In the aftermath of the incident on Dec. 1, when Hinesburg Community School students discovered a loaded handgun and, later, more than 30 grams of suspected crack cocaine outside of the school, the district and
police department offered conflicting narratives of events, and some parents expressed concern that information was not relayed to them in a timely manner. (Read the complete statement, page 11) Both parties in their statement apologized to the Hinesburg community for “any distress or confusion this may have caused” and noted that they were “working toward a robust and effective partnership in the future.” The statement, issued Friday, followed several meetings between school and town officials, including the school district Superintendent Rene Sanchez, chief operations
officer Gary Marckres, Hinesburg police chief Anthony Cambridge and Hinesburg town manager Todd Odit. Those meetings were facilitated by the Williston Community Justice Center. “Over the last two days, we came together to build an understanding of the sequence of Friday’s event,” the letter reads. “We reached an agreement for many of Friday’s events and now recognize that misunderstandings in communications and authority impacted the response.” Hinesburg residents Alex and Taylor Goodchild, the parents of the child who picked up the weapon and initially gave it
to a teacher, said during a recent selectboard meeting that the police department was “really open with us and responded quickly and appropriately,” and added that the school contacted them immediately. But, according to reporting from Seven Days, other parents of children among the group that found the handgun expressed frustration that the school never directly notified them of what had happened, aside from a district-wide letter sent on Dec. 3. “We were contacted immediately, and See COMMUNICATION on page 11
Page 2 • December 14, 2023 • The Citizen
Craft school opens new art space at Harbor Place LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER
As the holiday season moves in full swing, the Shelburne Craft School has opened a new permanent art space for families currently residing at Harbor Place in an effort to spread the joy of art to all those who call Shelburne home, even those who might be there temporarily. Harbor Place, which operates from the former Days Inn on Shelburne Road, is a transitional housing facility run by Champlain
Housing Trust for homeless individuals and families as part of the state’s emergency hotel housing voucher program. Since February Heather Moore, executive director of the Shelburne Craft School, has been visiting her neighbors at Harbor Place monthly to bring art classes to children of all ages. Moore said that during her hour-long sessions, she sees groups of preteens, some elementary-aged students and infants and toddlers. Although her programming is geared toward children, it also offers a way for
adults to socialize and get to know one another in a way that they might have not had before. While crafts vary each month, this week is focused on ornament-making since Shelburne’s Boy Scout troop donated a Christmas tree to help create an environment full of yuletide cheer. “That space just smells so good with that Christmas tree and then we’re making a variety of different types of ornaments to See HARBOR PLACE on page 3
Williston asks other towns to help fund justice center COREY MCDONALD STAFF WRITER
Williston is asking Hinesburg and Richmond for help in funding the Williston Community Justice Center, a regional group that provides restorative services to resolve civil disputes in local communities that is expected to see its workload climb as its state funding potentially drops. In a memo to the two towns, Williston Town Manager Erik Wells asked if they could provide a fiscal year 2025 budget allocation for the justice center. Since its inception, the center has been primarily funded through grants from the Vermont Department of Corrections, with some funds provided by the town of Williston, the grantee. The center serves the towns of
Williston, Richmond, Hinesburg, Huntington, Bolton and St. George, as well as parts of Shelburne, Charlotte, Jericho and Underhill — specifically for school referrals. But in recent years, Wells said, “the future of the grant funding from the DOC has become uncertain, and in the forthcoming legislature session changes may occur for the future of the funding model.” Cristalee McSweeney is the executive director for the center and is currently its only full-time employee. The center also has dozens of volunteers but has three part-time staffers that work an equivalent of one 40-hour-a-week position. One former restorative justice specialist left in November 2022, and the center has been working with a temporary staff ever since, Wells said.
With the growing number of cases, and “the growing complexities of cases that we have,” McSweeney said it became “apparent that Williston couldn’t handle the full financial responsibility and that we really were looking for some extra financial contributions from the towns that do receive quite a bit of our services.” “This is driven by community support. I have 65 volunteers who spend their time caring for their communities, wanting to be a part of their communities and be a part of the solution, which I think is just a beautiful thing,” she said. “But we need to have funding for staff so that everything we’re doing is sustainable, and we’re not experiencing staff burnout.” There are 18 community justice centers in Vermont, and each county in the state has access to
COURTESY PHOTO
The new Shelburne Craft School art space at Harbor Place in Shelburne.
one. Both Hinesburg and Richmond’s police departments — which are now both overseen by Hinesburg police chief Anthony Cambridge — have memorandum of understanding agreements with Williston’s justice center. Hinesburg, town officials said, used to have its own community justice center that was grant funded, but that money stopped, so the town joined the regional entity. “I do think the town does get a benefit out of it. We should contribute something. What that contribution is I don’t know,” Hinesburg
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town manager Todd Odit said at a selectboard meeting. “But over time this is going to grow. I think the state support is going to decline and it’s going to become more on the communities to fund these.” Instead of sending minor crimes to the court system, police departments and other law enforcement agencies like prosecutors — as well as agencies like school districts and the Department of Children and Families — can send referrals to a community justice center, where victims can meet with the person who committed a crime against them. A person caught graffitiing a public building, for example, or someone caught shoplifting, may be referred to a community justice center. From there, staff and volunteers from the community conduct an in-depth intake and try to learn what underlying factors may have contributed to the criminal act, be it socioeconomic or social strugSee JUSTICE CENTER on page 4
Correction
The highway equipment used by the town of Charlotte is owned by road commissioner Junior Lewis, not the town of Charlotte as reported in several photo captions last week.
The Citizen • December 14, 2023 • Page 3
Volunteers, donors help resource center serve residents in need The Hinesburg Community Resource Center has had a busy fall. Whether giving local families shopping options at the Hinesburg Food Shelf, providing emergency financial assistance for those in need, facilitating connection for young families at playgroup each week or providing medical equipment for community members, there
is always something that helps connect and support the center to the community. With the help of volunteers, the Hinesburg Community Resource Center was recently able to provide more than 100 Thanksgiving meals to food shelf families thanks to the turkey donations from the Charlotte-Shelburne-Hinesburg
Rotary and Lantman’s Market as well as so many other local residents and businesses. Waitsfield and Champlain Telecom also recently donated holiday gifts for families served by the food shelf. Many of these gifts were wrapped by the Hinesburg Youth Project at the United Church of Hinesburg and will be handed out this month.
JetBlue may reconsider departure, bring back flights to Burlington SARAH MEARHOFF VTDIGGER
JetBlue may restore its popular route between Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport and New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport by October 2024 after abruptly terminating it earlier this year, according to Vermont’s congressional delegation. The airline cited a chronic shortage of air traffic controllers, both at John F. Kennedy International Airport and nationwide, when it announced in October that it was pulling out of the Burlington airport. Due to the shortage, the Federal Aviation Administration has offered airlines “slot waivers” through October 2024, allowing them to temporarily suspend air routes but retain the right to reinstate them when the workforce shortage eases. During a meeting with Vermont’s three members of Congress last week, JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes reportedly said that “When the slot waiver expires,
JetBlue expects to restore service a letter to Hayes that the airline’s from Burlington to New York,” decision “has the potential to harm according to a press release from businesses in our state and make the delegation. travel for constituents between “We expect the current air traf- Vermont and New York signifific controller shortage to last for cantly more difficult.” some time and “We urge you will continue to not to leave rural The airline cited a engage policy America behind makers in Washby abandoning chronic shortage of ington to address this essential the current ATC service in places air traffic controllers staffing shortaglike Patrick es,” JetBlue wrote Leahy Burlingwhen it announced in in a statement to ton InternationVTDigger. “If the al Airport and October that it was controller shortremain willing age is resolved to work with pulling out of the and slot waivers you to help are removed, we address some of Burlington airport. will be happy to the circumstancreconsider our plans for Burling- es that led to your decision,” the ton.” delegation wrote at the time. News of JetBlue’s intentions For Vermont’s busiest airport, to suspend the Burlington-JFK the twice-daily route was critical. route was met with criticism in Roughly 10 percent of Burlinglate October, including from U.S. ton’s air travelers flew to and from Sens. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and JFK each month, many of whom Peter Welch, D-Vt., as well as utilized the major hub as a layover U.S. Rep. Becca Balint, D-Vt. At point to reach their final destinathe time, the delegation wrote in tions.
HARBOR PLACE continued from page 2
decorate it,” Moore said. She said the dream to create a permanent space came together more quickly than she envisioned. The project was supported by the Heart Show and the Hoehl Foundation with a colorful mural painted by sisters Charlotte and Sylvie Dworshak in just one day. “It’s delightful that it all came together during the holiday season,” Moore said. “It’s a very bright and happy space. It’s a super uplifting feeling in that room.” As of Monday, Chris Donnelly, director of community relations at Champlain Housing Trust, confirmed that there were five families currently living at Harbor
Place. Data on how many families have been in and out of Harbor Place this holiday season is hard to quantify, he said, since the numbers fluctuate nearly every day. He said there can be upwards of 20 children at Harbor Place at any given time. Donnelly said that by the end of November, there were 907 people in Chittenden County that agencies were working with to find housing, with 83 of them being children. This art room, Moore said, is just one way to make the transitional space feel more like a home. “Now that we have a space, we can do these projects and easily get messy,” she said. “There will
always be art supplies there. I firmly believe that everyone, especially children, should have access to the arts. Now that space allows for it no matter what time of day it is.” During the grand opening of the new art room, Moore brought in cakes from Le Marché, a French bakery located just down the road, to celebrate a new chapter for the partnership between the craft school and housing trust. “It’s just such a happy feeling to have everybody be welcomed into that space for the first time and to be eating big slices of fudgy cake,” she said. “I get that warm heart feeling whenever I think of it.”
Page 4 • December 14, 2023 • The Citizen
JUSTICE CENTER
Drive-thru
continued from page 2
COURTESY OF SHELBURNE POLICE DEPARTMENT
A car ran into the Shelburne Post Office Dec. 6, causing significant damage to the front of the building.
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gles. After the intake, the person will be set up in a restorative circle or restorative panel in front of staff and community members, and oftentimes come face to face with the victims of the act. “Our role is to help set them up for success and not to fail,” McSweeney said. “We want to make sure that the people that we’re bringing into the program, number one, have a willingness to accept responsibility, and a willingness to be held accountable, and a willingness to work with people who have been impacted by their behavior.” While the Williston Community Justice Center has seen 200 cases per year on average, according to McSweeney, that caseload is expected to grow following the Legislature’s passage of Act 11 in July, which clears the way for survivors of sexual and domestic violence to take their cases to justice centers rather than the court system. “Our caseloads as you can imagine will grow exponentially,” McSweeney said. The job is already a lot of work that “falls to my shoulders, and with a growing caseload of direct referrals ... my phone rings 24 hours a day for needs for our communities.” Wells said in his memo that grant funding for the center will continue for the 2025 fiscal year at least but the town is expecting a $20,000 drop in grant funding from the previous year to $123,000. Williston in fiscal year
2024 contributed $52,000 as well as in-kind services. Wells said the bottom line for funding in 2025 will be $195,000. “After backing out of the anticipated grant award it leaves $72,000 in operating revenue required for the program.” The thought, Wells said, was to use the population of their communities as a starting point for a possible cost-share program — a method used by Colchester to help fund the Essex Community Justice Center. In that model, Richmond could
potentially contribute $15,840 annually while Hinesburg would provide $18,000, based on a $100,000 total contribution. In discussing the proposal, Hinesburg town officials indicated that they would prefer a model based on service usage. “They do lots of things that sound great, but they’re not all happening in Hinesburg,” selectboard member Maggie Gordon said. “So, finding a means of figuring out a percentage of what we should pay needs to be based on services we’re actually receiving.”
Hinesburg Police Blotter Total incidents: 31 Traffic stops: 6 Arrests: 1 Dec. 5 at 1:11 p.m., police investigated suspicious activity on Richmond Road. Dec. 5 at 1:48 p.m., officers assisted first responders with a medical emergency on Hawk Lane. Dec. 6 at 7:03 a.m., officers responded to a residence on North Road for the report of several individuals overdosing on the property. John Balch, 33 of Waitsfield, was arrested for assault on a protected professional. During that investigation a stolen motor vehicle from South Burlington was located on the premises. Dec.7 at 7:41 a.m., officers assist-
ed fish and game officials with an investigation into suspicious activity on Lincoln Hill Road. Dec. 7 at 12:25 p.m., police investigated a motor vehicle complaint on Gilman Road. Dec. 7 at 2:35 p.m., officers responded to a residence on North Road for an unpermitted fire. Dec. 7 at 3:59 p.m., officers responded to a domestic dispute on North Road. Dec. 8 at 10:20 a.m., an officer responded to a two-car motor vehicle crash on Farmall Drive. Dec. 8 at 11:46 a.m., an officer responded to a two-car motor vehicle crash on Route 116. See BLOTTER on page 13
The Citizen • December 14, 2023 • Page 5
OPINION
NEW YEAR’S EVE BURLINGTON, VERMONT
2023
The 18 percent just a start set. The 18 percent figure is sort are paying more than others, and of a worst-case-scenario tax rate that some are benefiting more — if everything goes basically than others. Rep. Chea Waters Evans the worst way it could go, and if Our school in Charlotte is In the context of my legisthe Legislature does nothing to consistently ranked in the top 10 lative life, every time property course-correct. schools in the state, and Hinestaxes, the education fund, propWe don’t have the power to burg in the top 20. CVU is always erty tax increases, pupil weights change school budgets, but we do in the top five. We’re lucky to be or anything relating to that topic have the power to adjust the tax in this spot. This, I know, doesn’t comes up, the person speaking rate, and I assure you, I haven’t take the place of worries about or writing makes this spoken to one legislator how you’re going to pay your caveat: “It’s complicatwho’s like, “Hey, you heating bill, buy new boots for ed.” Or “It’s incredibly know what I think we your kids or keep living on your complicated.” Or “It’s should do? Raise every- fixed income as a retiree if your super complicated.” one’s property taxes by taxes take a sudden and unanticiIn all honesty, it’s almost 20 percent.” pated upswing. pretty new to me as There are some I do believe there’s a balance a concept and while tricks up our sleeves to to be had, and that balance isn’t I’m trying my best to avoid such a situation, an 18 percent increase — that understand how the like a reserve fund that figure is one that exists based on system works, I haven’t can be used to basically no action by anyone. I’m confiRep. Chea Waters Evans quite fully taken it on buy down people’s tax dent that the Legislature, school yet because it’s so … rates, among others. It’s boards and the governor and his complicated. a tricky year because of administration will find a way to What’s not complicated is that inflation, and because the federal make that Dec. 1 letter a worston Dec. 1, as required by law, the relief money from COVID-19 is case prediction rather than an state tax commissioner’s office winding down at the same time inevitability. released an education tax letter kids’ needs from that time are still Please let me know how that cautioned that property tax prevalent and sometimes acute. you’re feeling about this, and rates could go up more than 18 Also, in Charlotte, we are if you have an opinion. I know percent over the coming year. I such overachievers that we you don’t want your taxes to go don’t want that. And I’ve heard already completed our propup, but the more people I hear from enough Charlotte, Hineserty tax reappraisal ahead of from, the better idea I will have burg and Vermont residents that most towns, which raised some of how to represent you. My you all don’t want that either. I people’s taxes. phone number is 917-887-8231 don’t blame you. Education funding is complex for calls and texts, and my email If you’re interested in the in Vermont but it’s also special; is cevans@leg.state.vt.us. Happy pupil weight system, the non-par- we take student equity to heart, holidays and let’s get after it and tisan Joint Fiscal Office in and use those funds to make sure cause some good trouble in the Montpelier has put together this that we’re not leaving behind new year. Thank you all so much, document that explains much students with special needs, with from the bottom of my heart, for better than I ever could how the socio-economic struggles at all the support you’ve given me, pupil weight system works, and home, with learning differenceven when you’re mad. I’ve so how and why it’s changing. Find es, who live in rural areas or in appreciated it. it here: /bit.ly/47Q540P. places where there are no public Back to the taxes that none of schools at all. We collectively Chea Waters Evans, a Demous are excited to pay. The dreaded made that decision to equitably crat, represents Charlotte and 18 percent projection is based on fund schools, which means, of Hinesburg in the Chittenden-5 how much the state anticipates course, that some communities House district. school districts will spend in the upcoming year. The Champlain Valley School District, of which we are a part, is gearing up for Letters to the Editor its budget season, and we will vote on this budget in March. I encourage you all to go to their group’s meetings. Staff pay cuts not website and see when the school The working group’s seven just about numbers board public hearings and budget members are all local taxpayers: To the Editor: forums are held, and to take one from the selectboard, one Striking: the gap between advantage of the various ways town employee, and five of us reports about Charlotte’s employthey accept input from voters. from around town. We weren’t ee compensation group and what The time to shape decision convened until October, we met those of us on it actually experimaking is now. If just wait until just three times, and, despite March and vote down the budget, enced. several requests, we were never Exasperating: peddling the they’re going to cut it, but it convened again: We’ll never notion the Charlotte Selectboard might not be the way you want. know if this group would have is caught between our employees After school budgets are produced helpful recommendaand mythical monolithic taxpaypassed in the spring, and after tions. ers. the state can more accurately Despite being described as Baffling: the absence of predict the fiscal year revenue formally adopted minutes and and figure out the yield for the See LETTERS on page 6 ready access to recordings of the coming fiscal year, the tax rate is
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Page 6 • December 14, 2023 • The Citizen
Weighing whims of the few against rights of many Guest Perspective Meg Handler Time goes by and the public still waits for the Agency of Natural Resources to publish its final rule on wake boats. While acknowledging everyone’s frustration with the delay, we breathe hope into the fact that this process is taking so long. After all, so many public comments were made in response to a draft rule that now the staff at the Department of Environmental Conservation finds them-
selves struggling to make headway on its duty to respond. More than 82 percent of the 759 written comments submitted to Agency of Natural Resources requested that wake boats keep a distance from shore of 1,000 feet or more. Surely such strong support from members of the public must factor into finalization of the rule. We are approaching four months since the final public comment period closed and yet we continue to wait for the agency to finalize its responsiveness summary and complete the paperwork necessary
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for submitting this rule to the Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules. Agency of Natural Resources secretary Julie Moore’s decision to support the 1,000-foot rule sets the stage for the rules committee’s critical review. The committee, made up of four senators and four House members, can challenge the agency’ proposal, thus helping to determine whether it yields to pressure from wake boat owners — a tiny minority — or responds to the overwhelming support demonstrated by a vast majority of lake users for a 1,000-foot rule or outright wake boat ban on Vermont’s inland lakes. Meanwhile, we would like to remind everyone why our group continues to dedicate so much time and energy to wake boat regulation. Wake sports are a tiny niche interest. Why is this issue still relevant? Why do we press forward with such focus and determination when so many other environmental issues challenge Vermont? We can only respond with another question: Why does Vermont, with its national reputation for environmental excellence, allow tiny niche interests to flourish at the expense of wider communities, both human and natural? Unfortunately, Vermont’s willingness to indulge a few people in their desire to
engage in wake sports will result in the degradation of broader public rights to clean water, healthy shorelines, personal safety and more. One person’s desire to create ocean waves to surf on, far from the ocean, erodes the rights of everyone else — boaters, swimmers, paddlers, sailors, plants, animals, shorelines — affecting the very quality of the water itself. Vermont is grappling with overwhelming water quality challenges that are complicated and massively expensive to fix. Climate change and environmental degradation are real. Opportunities for meaningful improvement are rare. Strong, proactive rules remain a difficult sell in a world predisposed to reaction rather than prevention. This wake boat management rule provides a simple path forward. Focused on prevention, it gives Vermont the opportunity to take meaningful action while demonstrating leadership to the rest of the country. By acting now — at negligible government expense — Vermont chooses to prioritize health and safety, protecting inland lakes for future generations. Public testimony from other states warns of the consequences of unchecked See HANDLER on page 7
TotalFitnessEquipment.com
LETTERS
continued from page 5 having made a decision about cutting or not cutting our employees’ benefits this year, the group actually did no such thing. There was an informal straw vote, but no motion was requested or acknowledged, and what turned out to be the final meeting was adjourned. There followed a memo by a selectboard member stating there was a decision and outlining issues she thought should be considered further, but not by the group. You can’t deprive the group the opportunity to reach formal decisions and then legitimately blame the group for not reaching formal decisions. How we characterize the emotional issue of health benefits is much more significant. We guarantee it’s emotional by language tending to pit employees against taxpayers. We taxpayers are anything but monolithic. Some of us live quietly and pay taxes out of general satisfaction with how they are managed. Others are more vocal. Basic evidence we don’t all lean one way about employee benefits: the budget defeat last March was hardly overwhelming — 35 votes out of nearly 1,000 cast. A very slim majority may favor slashing employees’ benefits. It is certain, however, we don’t all view this as a choice between making employees “happy” or taxpayers “happy.” We should avoid divisive rhetoric. After all, our health care system is not exactly designed for happiness, is it? Finally, taxpayers might want to know why draft minutes of the working group’s meetings were not subject to formal approval or why the standard courtesy of
posting meeting recordings was not extended to what turned out to be the group’s final meeting. Our employees did nothing here but attend to their duties on our behalf. This is about them and about us all. It’s not just about numbers. Joel Cook Charlotte
District, others offer statement on gun incident To the Editor: We are writing to you jointly, as representatives of Champlain Valley School District, Hinesburg Community School, Hinesburg Police Department and town of Hinesburg to address the incident that occurred at Hinesburg Community School on Dec. 1. We understand there was great concern and worry about the incident. As a result, we have met to address our parts in how this incident played out in the community. We acknowledge that each of our entities is committed to addressing these issues and working toward a robust and effective partnership in the future. To make our communications accessible to all, go to bit.ly/JointStatementDec8. (The statement is also printed on page 11) Bonnie Birdsall Director, Digital Learning and Communication Champlain Valley School District
The Citizen • December 14, 2023 • Page 7
‘O Christmas Tree – your beauty green will teach me’ In Musing Carole Vasta Folley I am filled with such melancholy this Christmas season, and I know a tree will be just the remedy. There’s something about an evergreen standing inside my house that brings a combination of hope and tenderness. A triangular conifer that relentlessly points upward. Its Carole Vasta Folley branches reach out to me as if to say, “peace on earth” and “joy to the world.” These benedictions, weirdly both hallowed and hackneyed, have echoed in my bones since childhood. I still want to believe. It must be a real tree. For me, no artificial one will do. I love the asymmetry of it all. Its perfect imperfections. How each one is unique and worthy, from Rockefeller Center perfection to Charlie Brown trees that somehow still manage to purport themselves with dignity and significance. Getting the tree itself is a ritual. Selecting the one you’ll make your own, and later pronounce as your favorite, brings to mind the poignancy of adopting a dog. You promise to take care of them and love them even though you know it’s not
HANDLER
continued from page 6 wake boat activity. Vermont now has the chance to remedy this problem proactively before it becomes too overwhelming to fix. This is what fuels our determination. Many of us have been working at this for nearly three years. We know the effort — while hard to appreciate now, with so few wake boats operating in Vermont — is certain to pay off in the future. As it stands, with the distance from shore set at 500 feet, the state’s rule continues to favor a few individuals over the public good. We hope Moore will be moved by the onslaught of public comments to remedy this imbal-
A MAGICAL WORLD MARKETPLACE forever. Perhaps it’s this exact when my large family of origin consciousness that makes us love finally gave up buying for the and appreciate more. Whether multitudes and instead gifted it’s the Christmas tree or our ornaments. loved ones, everything is finite. Tokens of love that dangle Sometimes I can forget that. The from string. It speaks to the often tree reminds me. precarious belonging of family. The tree brings life to these I’m happy to report that the short days of December. When tree in my house is no longer adorned, it illuminates the night surrounded by layers of preswith a shimmer giving light to ents upon presents. It took some the darkness. And it’s a beautidoing to curtail my learned ful light, almost twinkling with instinct to shop ’til I drop for assurance. Christmas. Throughout the holiday, As if the letter “C” in this SUNDAY - WEDNESDAY 10-6 | THURSDAY - SATURDAY 10-7 I’m known to stand in front holiday stood for consumerism. THE ESSEX EXPERIENCE 21 ESSEX WAY SUITE 415 ESSEX VT of my tree, face to branch to Now, our family focuses on 802.764.0758 | @NUSANTARA_ESSEX pluck a dark green needle from time together. Cooking, eating, the bough. I bend it in half to singing, dancing and laughing. inhale the forest balsam. That Mostly mining the joy of the woodsy, crisp, almost spicy moment. Truth be told, this aroma calms me, transporting particular holiday season won’t me from far-afield worries to the come again. Let us share it in present moment of evergreen. I fellowship. I’d surmise it’s what am grateful for the reminder that we all really need, much more being present is the present. I am than another sweater, candle or grateful to the tree. calendar. Part of its offerings are the When the time comes for baubles that hang from each the tree to leave the house, it of its limbs. They are the same continues to give. Not just the ones I’ve pulled out of storage job of picking up evergreen year after year, decade after needles, a task that mysteriously decade. Accumulated and curated can last throughout the year. The ornaments that tell a story of my parting gift of the tree, if you’re Prekindergarten Lottery is now open for 2024-2025! life. The tiny wooden letter “P” I like me, is that when it leaves, Prekindergarten Lottery is now open for 2024-2025! painted the year of my daughter’s all of a sudden, my space feels The CVSD Early Education Program is now accepting applications for birth. It hangs on a red ribbon larger. As if there’s more room a randomProgram prekindergarten lottery drawing applications for the 2024-25 for school and when I hold it close, I feel in my life. I’m curious how I’ll The CVSD Early Education is now accepting a random year. This lottery is for an opportunity to enroll in one of our schoolfill this newfound space. It’s a that big, messy love I have for prekindergarten lottery drawing for the 2024-25 school year. This lottery is for an opp great sentiment to contemplate as this baby who is now a woman. based classrooms which run 10 hours per week. Our school-based enroll in one school-based classrooms which run 10 hours per week. Our s we head intotothe upcoming newof our A delicate ceramic camel prekindergarten classrooms are 5 STARs, licensed early education based prekindergarten classrooms are 5play-based, STARs, developmentally licensed earlyappropriate education programs year. my husband gave to me when programs that provide we first dated. It’s so fragile; provide play-based, environments developmentally appropriate environments all children in an for all children in an inclusive setting. Ourfor curriculum Carole Vasta Folley is an Lottery every year I’m surprised it has Prekindergarten is open forLearning 2024-2025! is based onnow the Vermont Early Standards (VELS). setting. Our curriculum is based on the Vermont Early Learning Standards (VELS). award-winning columnist and survived. But so it has — and playwright. Visit carolevf.com for us too. A colorful hummingbird Our follow the CVSD school Children will 3 or older Theago CVSDmore Early Education Program is now accepting applications forChildren acalendar. random info. my sister gave to me years Our programs follow theprograms CVSD school calendar. who will who be age be age 3 school or older by September 1, 2024,iswho are not eligible for prekindergarten lottery drawing for the 2024-25 year. This lottery for an opportunity September 1, 2024, kindergarten, who are notand eligible forcommunities kindergarten, and live in the communitie live in of Charlotte, Hinesburg, to enroll in one of our school-based classrooms whichSt. run 10thehours perWilliston week. Our schoolCharlotte, Hinesburg, Shelburne, George, and are eligible to enter the lo Shelburne, St. George, and Williston are eligible to enter the lottery. based prekindergarten classrooms are 5 STARs, licensed early education programs that Families who are selected choose to enroll child Families for whothe are lottery selected and for the lottery and choose their to enroll theirin a CVSD p provide play-based, access developmentally appropriate environments for all children anthe inclusive child in a CVSD program access their Act 166infor publicly funded their Act 166 publicly funded prekindergarten funds school-based pro setting. Our curriculum is based on the Vermont Earlyfunds Learning prekindergarten for the Standards school-based (VELS). program. ance by enacting an effective rule Meg Handler of Hinesburg must be received by February 5, 2024, and are located on the CVSD All applications All applications must who be received February 5, 2024, are that truly safeguards our lakes belongs to Responsible Wakes Our programs follow the CVSD school calendar. Children will bebyage 3 oror older byand Education website at: https://tinyurl.com/CVSDEarlyEd using this QR code. and ponds. for Vermont Lakes, Hinesburg located on the CVSD Early Education website at: https://tinyurl. September 1, 2024, who are not eligible for kindergarten, and live in the communities of Paper applications are available upon request. We continue to maintain that Conservation Commission, com/CVSDEarlyEd or using QR code. Charlotte, Hinesburg, Shelburne, St. George, and Williston arethis eligible to enter the lottery. such a rule requires a distance Hinesburg Land Trust and Lake Families who are selected forGroup. the lottery Paper and choose to are enroll theirupon child in a CVSD program from shore of 1,000 feet. Iroquois Conservation available request. or any concerns For additional information,applications questions about our program,
access their Act 166 publicly funded prekindergarten funds for the school-based program. about your child’s development, please visit our website or contact For additional information, questions about our program, Director or any concerns about your child’s development, please visit our website ofbe Early Education, Erin Gagne at egagne@cvsdvt.org. Our EarlyEarly Education received by February 5, 2024, and are located on the CVSD or contact Director of Early Education, Erin Gagne at egagne@ ObituaryAll applications mustteam is also available for developmental screenings in the areas of Education website at: https://tinyurl.com/CVSDEarlyEd or usingteam this isQR cvsdvt. Our Early Education alsocode. communication, social-emotional development, motor skills, adaptive development, Paper applications are available upon request. available for developmental screenings Anne Brown and cognition. More ininformation an Early Multi-Tiered System of Supports is a the areas about of communication, socialThere will be a celebraemotional development, motor skills, For additional information, questions about our program, or any Services concernstab. available on the website under the Support tion of life for Anne Brown on adaptive development, and cognition. More about your child’s development, please visit our website or contact Director Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023, at 2 information about an Early Multi-Tiered p.m., at the Charlotte of CongreEarly Education, Erin Gagne at egagne@cvsdvt.org. Early Education System of SupportsOur is also available on the gational church, 403 Church team is also available for developmental screenings in the areas of website under the Support Services tab. Hill Road, Charlotte. communication, social-emotional development, motor skills, adaptive development, and cognition. More information about an Early Multi-Tiered System of Supports is also
Page 8 • December 14, 2023 • The Citizen
Nonprofit celebrates purchase of Clemmons Farm AUDITI GUHA VTDIGGER
Lydia Clemmons has “magical” memories growing up on her family’s working farm in Charlotte. One thing that stands out from her childhood, she said, is her father repeating “like a mantra” that the farm was going to be a foundation one day. “We didn’t know what foundation meant. We didn’t know what he was talking about,” she said Now she thinks he was clairvoyant. Earlier this year, a nonprofit that Clemmons oversees purchased the African American-owned Clemmons Family Farm, which is known for nurturing and celebrating Black culture and community in the state. The nonprofit, which shares the farm’s name, bought the 138-acre property for $2.5 million in April, according to Clemmons and property records. The organization announced earlier this week that it had completed an 18-month fundraising campaign to fully pay for the purchase. The final piece of funding — the sale of a conservation easement to the Vermont Land Trust and Vermont Housing and Conservation Board — was completed in October, according to Clemmons. The sale will allow the farm to “secure both its history and its future,” it said in a press release, including as an example of an African American-owned farm in a country The 1700s-era Big Barn on the Clemmons farm. where systemic barriers have limited such operations. Jackson and Lydia Clemmons (both Leslie Wells, who grew up in Charlotte mother and daughter share the same name) and serves on the nonprofit’s board, said were a doctor and a nurse who moved to that’s a big achievement at a time when Vermont from Cleveland, Ohio, according there is a national moveto the younger Clemmons. ment working to dismanThe couple purchased the The nonprofit, which tle race-based education farm in 1962 and mainprograms and funding. tained it as a working shares the farm’s “Our supporters recogfarm with space to share nized the way in which the African American histoname, bought the Clemmons Family Farm ry, culture and arts for 61 had a positive impact on years. 138-acre property for the lives of all Vermonters Clemmons, who has by celebrating differences lived and worked in public $2.5 million in April. and commonalities through health in 25 countries in art,” she said. Africa, said she returned This year also marked another mile- to Vermont about 10 years ago because the stone: the 100th birthdays of Clemmons’ family was worried about the future of the parents and the farm’s founders, who were farm they had built and nurtured. among the first African Americans on the She helped create the nonprofit ClemUniversity of Vermont’s medical school mons Family Farm, Inc. in 2019, and serves faculty. as its president and executive director,
PHOTO BY NANI CLEMMONS
working alongside a diverse board. “Growing up, my parents really put a big emphasis on community,” she said. “They loved sharing the farm with their community. They’re very proud of their cultural heritage and loved people to love it … and share African American history and culture.” The farm includes prime agricultural land, forest and wetlands with six historical buildings, according to the website, and is an official landmark on Vermont’s African American Heritage Trail. The farm is particularly important in the context of African American history and the Clemmons couple’s personal story, including their ownership of the land and pioneering roles at UVM, said Ebonie Alexander, a founding member of its board of directors and executive director of the Black Family Land Trust based in North Carolina. The organization is one of the nation’s only conservation land trusts dedi-
cated to the preservation and protection of African American and other historically underserved landowners’ assets, according to Alexander. “It is so important to preserve the heritage that’s there,” she said, noting there are “so few” farms in the state owned by people who are Black, Indigenous or people of color. Plus, she said, “It is not a farm that has had a lot of attention from the land grant institution or from the land trust community. And it’s in an area that is developing quickly.” Land and federal assistance has historically been denied to African Americans in the U.S. and the gap between white and Black farm ownership remains stark. According to 2017 data from the U.S. See FARM on page 9
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The Citizen • December 14, 2023 • Page 9
Community Notes Charlotte Church Christmas observances Here is the Advent and Christmas schedule for Charlotte Congregational Church, an open and affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ, 403 Church Hill Road. • Lighting the Advent wreath: Sundays, Dec. 17 and 24, 10 a.m. •Advent sanctuary hours: Monday, Dec. 18, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Sanctuary open for prayer and meditation. • Christmas Eve, Sunday, Dec. 24, 10 a.m.: Simple morning service with carols and a few surprises; 4 p.m., outdoor family carol sing in the courtyard around the Christmas tree; 6 p.m., indoor service of lessons and carols with children’s choir; and 7 p.m., indoor service of lessons and carols. • First Sunday after Christmas, Dec. 31, 10 a.m. Visit charlotteucc.org for details. All events will be livestreamed except the outdoor family carol sing and the 7 p.m. indoor service on Dec. 24.
Santa ready to roll in Hinesburg, fire station SC VISUALS
Vermont singer-songwriter KeruBo sings in the historic Barn House on the Clemmons Farm.
FARM
continued from page 8 land Trust also contributed funding, and the nonprofit received a zero-interest two-year loan from Foodshed Capital, a nonprofit loan fund based in Virginia. The remainder of the funding came from Vermont grants and private donations, the release stated.
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Department of Agriculture, African American-owned farms make up less than a half percent of all farms in the United States. And African Americans own less than 2 million acres of land across the country, down from 15-19 million acres in the 1920s, according to Alexander. In Vermont, only 17 farms and fewer than 4,000 acres of the 1.2 million acres of farmland are owned or operated by African Americans, according to data from the USDA. Citing these statistics, the Clemmons Family Farm nonprofit called the purchase “an inspiring national model for the preservation of Black-held land and places that hold cultural and historic significance.” It was a quiet campaign — involving phone calls and word of mouth — at a time when the Covid-19 pandemic had strained funders, Clemmons said. The Vermont Community Foundation contributed more than $600,000 and the Trust for Public Land gave a $100,000 grant. Some of the funding came from the sale of the conservation easement, which will permanently protect farmland and wetlands on the property. The American Farm-
Santa is gearing up for his annual ride around Hinesburg and visit to the fire station. Santa’s ride will be Saturday, Dec. 16, and he will be at the Hinesburg Fire Department on Sunday, Dec. 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Snacks and beverages will be served and bring your cameras to take photos. Here’s Santa’s route: 4:10-4:30: King George Estates, St. George Town Hall and St. George trailer park 4:30-4:40: Rocky Ridge Circle 4:40-4:50: St George Estates
Valid through December 31, 2023. Coupon must be presented at time of drop-off. Coupon valid on original pricing.
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5-5:15: Creekside 5:20-5:30: Green Street 5:35-5:45: Upper lot of Hinesburg Community School 5:45-6: Lyman Meadows 6-6:15: Thistle Hill 6:15-6:30: Champlain Valley Union main parking lot 6:30-6:45: Jourdan Street (Sunset Trailer Park) 6:45-7: Birchwood Drive 7-7:15: Hillview Terrace (Hillview Trailer Park) 7:15-7:30: Mountain View Trailer Park Remember to follow Santa’s progress on the Hinesburg Fire Department Facebook page.
Cookie Walk returns to Hinesburg’s Church No time to bake? The United Church in Hinesburg is here to help. On Sunday, Dec. 17, 1-3 p.m., in the parish hall, the cookie walk returns. There will be a large display of cookies from which to make your selections. The church provides a box, plastic glove, some mulled cider and you take a walk among the cookies and selected the ones you one. Cookies will be $10 per pound. There will also be a surprise table with some stocking stuffers for sale as well.
Fire, rescue, police departments hold toy drive On Thursday, Dec. 21, new unwrapped toys and gift cards will be delivered to the University of Vermont Children’s Hospital thanks to various law enforcement agencies and other institutions around the state of Vermont. Operation Fire Cuffs is a joint effort to collect “new” toys and gift cards for the children at the University of Vermont Children’s Hospital
located at University of Vermont Medical Center. This is its 13th consecutive year and to make this a success, please donate toys and gift cards at one of the following locations: • South Burlington Fire Department • Vermont State Police barracks in St. Albans and Williston • Burlington Fire Department • Burlington Police Department • Chittenden County Children’s Advocacy Center • Burlington Electric Department • Colchester Police, Fire and Rescue Department • University of Vermont Police Department • University of Vermont Rescue Services • Department of Corrections Chittenden County • U.S. Marshals Service • Essex Fire Department • Swanton police and fire • Winooski Police and Fire Departments • Essex Junction Fire Department • Milton Police and Fire Department • Morristown Police Department • Cambridge Rescue • Cambridge Fire Department • Cambridge Elementary School • Fairfax Fire Department • Underhill/Jericho Fire Department • Vermont Department of Liquor Control • Vermont State Police dispatchers • Essex Fire Department • Swanton police and fire Other locations include Shaw’s Supermarket, 802 CrossFit, Salon Elixir & Boutique, A1 Flooring, Global Foundries, and PuroClean.
Page 10 • December 14, 2023 • The Citizen
Get towed? Vermont offers few protections card was charged $300 for towing services in the morning, but then the charge was refunded, and he If your car is towed in Vermont, was told he could not pay with credit. Even though his card had you’re on your own. Towing companies don’t have just been charged, he was told to to let you retrieve phones, prescrip- pay in certified funds — and the bill tions or anything else from your had gone up to $460. Both instances depict a vehicle. They can charge any rate to hold it, aren’t required to accept complaint that addresses something Vermont doesn’t credit cards and protect. There is don’t have to “Ninety percent of no law forcing take a picture towing compabefore towing. law enforcement nies to publicly If your vehicle post their rates, gets damaged in tows are without and towing storage, compacompanies aren’t nies don’t have the consent of the required to to reimburse you. accept credit as a You are entitled to owner,” adding form of payment. no compensation Legislative if the tow was illethat “a $40 towing efforts in the past gal. decade to reguVermont is fee falls short of late towing have among the five been fruitless. states with the compensation in Rep. Barbafewest protecra Rachelson, tions for owners almost every case.” D-Burlington, of towed vehicles, according to the — Vermont State Police has tried and failed to pass Public Interest Research Group, Lt. Tom Mozzer a towing regulation package the federation of consumer advocacy nonprof- in the Legislature for seven years. its whose Vermont chapter wields When asked about the holdup, Rachelson said, “The barriers are considerable state influence. “There are almost no protec- always the towing lobby.” The Vermont Towing Assotions in place in Vermont,” Vermont Public Interest Research Group ciation, a collective representing communications director Zach 45 towing companies, employs Vincent Illuzzi, Essex County Tomanelli said. And Vermonters are feeling state’s attorney and a former state it. Since 2017, people have filed lawmaker of more than 30 years, 35 towing-related complaints to as its lobbyist. Illuzzi directed the Vermont Attorney General’s requests for comments to the assoConsumer Assistance Program, ciation’s president, Bob Montminy many involving situations that of Northeast Kingdom-based B&B aren’t illegal in Vermont but are Towing, who did not respond to multiple calls and voicemails. sanctioned in many other states. “A lot of states have done a In 2023 already, more complaints have been filed than any ‘Towing Bill of Rights,’ where they say you have to take photos of the of the last six years. One consumer in 2021 reported situation before towing, it can’t be being charged $700 for 47 minutes more than a certain rate and then of work by a company that charges there’s somebody that’s regulating $350 per hour for a minimum of it so that it can keep current with two hours. The company never inflation,” Rachelson said. The last time one of her towing mentioned its rates online, and the consumer said they got quotes from bills was granted a hearing in the other businesses at a third of what House Transportation Committee was in March 2019. she was charged. That included a plurality of In another complaint, from 2018, a man reported his credit perspectives both for and against
Noble Train of Artillery
AUBREY WEAVER COMMUNITY NEWS SERVICE
COURTESY PHOTO
Fort Ticonderoga presents a one-day living history event on Saturday, Dec. 16, which will bring to life Henry Knox’s epic feat as he prepared to move massive cannon from Ticonderoga to Boston to force the British evacuation of 1776. Known as the Noble Train of Artillery, join in with soldiers and see horsepower, ox-power and manpower in action as they move, test and load cannon. Discover how testing the cannon was vital for weapons destined for the siege of Boston at the historic site in Fort Ticonderoga, N.Y.
the bill. Jack McCullough, the mayor of Montpelier and director of Vermont Legal Aid’s Mental Health Law Project, said in his testimony that he had seen towing issues with “some frequency” in his work. McCullough described how he had seen cases where Legal Aid clients have their cars towed when they are picked up by the police to be brought to a psychiatric hospital. “The car could be towed many miles away from where the person winds up, and the person could be in the hospital for days, weeks or sometimes months with no real ability to get the car back,” McCullough said. Before urging for greater regulation, he added, “It doesn’t take long for the towing charges to exceed the value of the car for an impoverished person.” Critics of that 2019 towing bill highlighted the anticipated material losses of implementing a $40 towing fee cap like the bill, H.201, proposed. Michael Kollman, then-president of the Vermont Tower’s Association, testified against the bill, citing expenses towing companies would incur. “You’re asking a tow truck
company to send $200,000 to $300,000 worth of equipment and three to five men to do a call for $40. None of that adds up,” he said. Kollman, the owner of Hillside Auto in Springfield, said that his personal cost per call in Springfield is over $80 per call. “That’s what it costs me to run a regular call,” he said. To Kollman, $40 just doesn’t cut it. “We have trained men. We have huge expenses and insurance costs.” Vermont State Police Lt. Tom Mozzer also testified against the bill, advocating for a law enforcement exemption for the proposed $40 towing fee cap. “Ninety percent of law enforcement tows are without the consent of the owner,” Mozzer said, adding that “a $40 towing fee falls short of compensation in almost every case.” Asked recently about compensation concerns, Rachelson clarified: “I get they should be paid, but they should not get to set whatever rates … Some states have done better jobs than Vermont has done.” A transportation omnibus bill passed last session and signed into law reformed one aspect of towing in the state by placing a $125 fee
Shape the community’s character LOCAL? WHY GO
Vermont Community Newspaper Group
cap on involuntary towing of abandoned vehicles. The bill was originally written with a proposed $40 cap but was revised before passage on the recommendation of towing operators like Montminy, who submitted notes requesting higher caps to the committee. As part of that act, the attorney general’s office was directed to put together a report on towing practices in Vermont to present to the Legislature by the start of the upcoming legislative session. Tomanelli, from Vermont Public Interest Research Group, said the organization had submitted suggestions to the attorney general’s office this fall. Rachelson plans to continue her fight to pass regulations on towing and remains hopeful things will be different next session. “I’ve gotten incredible survey data on people who, like, you can’t believe the stories — they’re pretty awful, and they’re pretty regular,” the representative said. Community News Service is a program in which University of Vermont students work with professional editors to provide content for local news outlets at no cost.
The business next door donates nearly twice as much as big-box stores and online retailers to local non-profits, events and teams.
The Citizen • December 14, 2023 • Page 11
COMMUNICATION continued from page 1
we’re very appreciative of that,” Taylor said. “I think that has a lot of families really concerned and worried feeling like they weren’t contacted because it didn’t — it wasn’t their child and they’re hearing that it was, and so from our perspective and what we’re feeling is we felt like we were supported in that, and that communication I think wasn’t clear with families.” Alex told town officials that he hoped the incident results in “a change in the order of any incident happening in a school zone.” “It needs to be reported to the administration at the school — whether it’s a car accident a burglary or a crime,” he said, “because in that case then they can have more time to prepare.”
At around 10 a.m. on Dec. 1, a group of students outside of the school at recess discovered a handgun near the school’s playground. One of the children brought it to a teacher, school officials said, and school employees immediately alerted the school’s co-principals, who called the police. The investigation remains underway, but police have previously suggested the gun and drugs were tied to an incident the previous night. Just before 11 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 30, police arrested Jermaine Rushing, 26, of Brooklyn, N.Y., for driving under the influence, excessive speed, negligent operation and leaving the scene of an accident. Rushing sped along Route 116,
attracting the attention of patrolmen, and led them on a chase before crashing into a tree at intersection of Route 116 and Silver Street near the school. Rushing fled the scene. The school turned over the gun to the police. The two officers, Andrew Thomas and Nick Labonte, then canvassed the school’s grounds. But it wasn’t until later in the day, after the officers had left and returned to the department, that school district officials notified police they had found the drugs on school grounds as well. The school district released its narrative of events on Sunday, but by then, social media was rife with rumors. The police department’s narra-
Joint letter: Strengthening our collaboration for a safer, more supported community This is the joint communication from Champlain Valley School District, Hinesburg Community School, town of Hinesburg and Hinesburg Police Department concerning the Dec. 1 incident at the Hinesburg Community School where children found a gun and drugs on school grounds. (Read it here: bit.ly/JointStatementDec8) Dear Hinesburg Community, We are writing to you jointly, as representatives of Champlain Valley School District, Hinesburg Community School, the Hinesburg Police Department, and the Town of Hinesburg, to address the incident at Hinesburg Community School on Dec. 1. We understand there was great concern and worry about the incident involving the discovery of a firearm and illicit drugs on HCS property. As a result, we have met to address our parts in how this incident played out in the community. We are committed to addressing these issues and working towards a robust and effective partnership in the future.
Acknowledgment of Differing Communication Regarding Friday’s Event First and foremost, we wish to acknowledge the need for better communication and collaboration between our school district and the police department. We understand that this has caused concern among parents, staff, and community members, and we apologize for any distress or confusion this may have caused. Over the last two days, we came together to build an understanding of the sequence of Friday’s event. We reached an agreement for many of
Friday’s events and now recognize that misunderstandings in communications and authority impacted the response.
Commitment to Open Communication Moving forward, we are dedicated to establishing open lines of communication. To facilitate this, we identified and agreed to these five commitments: frequent and regular communication; the need to repair; shared policy and procedures; memorandum of understanding; and monthly school safety meetings. These commitments to one another ensure a path forward for the safety and security of schools and our community. Transparency and open dialogue are crucial, and we are committed to keeping you informed and involved in our decision-making processes. 1. Frequent and regular communication: Each of our organizations contributes to the safety and security of the Hinesburg community. We understand that effective communication — with you and between us as collaborators — helps build trust, which increases security. 2. Need to repair: Representatives from the school and police department were harmed by the media coverage, social media posts, and direct attacks on their reported actions. In addition, other members of the community, students, caregivers, teachers, and others were also impacted. For the community to believe we deserve their trust, we need to build trust among one another. To do that, we will demonstrate integrity, humility, and honesty towards each other.
3. Shared Policy and Procedure: As mentioned earlier, responsibilities overlap across all four organizations regarding the safety and security of the Hinesburg community. Creating a common policy and procedure will go beyond just emergency operations to include a description of regular interactions, communication protocols, and shared responsibilities. 4. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): This is the written documentation of the shared policy and procedure. 5. Monthly School Safety Meeting: All schools in the Champlain Valley School District hold regular safety and security meetings. The Hinesburg Police Department will serve as a regular member of the HCS Safety and Security Committee. At these meetings, any items from the shared policy and procedure MOU can be reviewed to ensure the continued collaboration between HCS and HPD. Act 29 requires all schools in Vermont to review and rewrite their Emergency Operations Plan after it goes into effect in July 2024. The Town and the Police Department are essential partners in this endeavor. In closing, we thank the Williston Community Justice Center for its role in helping each party further understand the other so we can reach this point. We have learned from this experience and look forward to working alongside each of you to cultivate trust and shape an even more promising future for our community. Todd Odit Hinesburg Town Manager Rene Sanchez CVSD Superintendent
tive released that Monday then complicated matters. According to police, Thomas and Labonte, after returning to the department, told police Chief Anthony Cambridge that a school administrator wouldn’t let police search an outdoor classroom area because a class was in session. “Officer Labonte voiced concern that the kindergarten class was still outside after a loaded firearm was found,” Cambridge wrote in his timeline of the police response. He said Labonte asked the school administrator, “Can we search where the kids are?” but “she didn’t want to disturb or scare the kindergarteners.” Whether that issue was resolved in the meetings is unclear. Cambridge did not return messages seeking comment. “From my perspective, there’s not a lot of good that could come out of going back and saying who was right about this thing or the other thing, that’s not going to change what happened,” Odit said during a selectboard meeting. “What it can do is impact future actions and future situations. That’s really our goal.” Police returned to the school later that morning after Tim Trevithick, one of the co-principals at the school, told police that several small bags of drugs were found in the outdoor classroom area that hadn’t been searched, according to the police.
Cambridge asked him to bring the kids in immediately, and police returned to collect the drugs. Cambridge told The Citizen last week that he had been surprised that kids were allowed outside after the gun had been discovered. In their statement, both parties said they are “dedicated to establishing open lines of communication.” To facilitate this, the parties agreed to several commitments, including “frequent and regular communication,” and the creation of a shared policy between the district and the town’s three public service agencies. The Hinesburg police, the statement reads, will serve as a regular member of the Hinesburg Community School Safety and Security Committee and will attend regular safety and security meetings with the district. The statement also said that representatives from the school and police department “were harmed by the media coverage, social media posts, and direct attacks on their reported actions” and that “other members of the community, students, caregivers, teachers, and others were also impacted.” “For the community to believe we deserve their trust, we need to build trust among one another,” the statement reads. “To do that, we will demonstrate integrity, humility, and honesty towards each other.”
Page 12 • December 14, 2023 • The Citizen
SPORTS CVU starts winter sports season wellpositioned LAUREN READ CORRESPONDENT
Boys’ basketball Coach: Michael Osborne Last season: Division I state champions This season: 1-0 Key returnees: Tucker Tharpe, senior, forward; Kyle Eaton, senior, guard; Ollie Cheer, senior, guard/forward; Russell Willoughby, senior, forward; Colby Morehouse, senior, guard/forward; Nik Blasius, senior, forward; and Jack St. Peter, senior, guard. Key newcomer: Jacob Armstrong, junior, guard; Luke Allen, junior, guard/ forward; Jackson DuBois, junior, forward; Billy Bates, junior, guard; Chase Leonard, junior, guard; Riley O’Brien, junior, forward; Adrian Paliling, first year, guard; and Luke Everitt, first year, forward. Outlook: The boys captured the program’s first-ever state title last season. This year, the Redhawks return seven seniors from that title-winning team and add a strong core to its roster. The team started its title defense off well, beating Mount Anthony to open the regular season. “We feel like we have tremendous leadership with a seven-man senior class and a very strong inside-out duo to lead the way in Tharpe and Eaton,” coach Osborne said. “We believe we have excellent depth and will have the ability to improve daily with very competitive practices.” Up next: Saturday, Dec. 16, at Rutland, 5 p.m.
Boys’ ice hockey Coach: JP Benoit Last season: 7-10-3, lost in the D-I quarterfinals Key returnees: Alex Zuchowski, senior, defense; Travis Stroh, senior, forward; Nic Menard, senior, forward; Connor Malaney, senior, forward; Calvin Malaney, senior, defense; Trevin Keefe, senior, forward; Jacob Whitcomb, senior, defense; and Ted Connery, junior, defense. Key newcomer: Zavier Barnes, first year, forward; Teigen Holmes, first year, defense; and Jesse McCray, first year, goalie. Outlook: The team will look to take a step forward this season, with a strong See WINTER PREVIEW on page 13
PHOTOS BY AL FREY
A CVU hockey player protects the goal during a recent practice.
Basketballers start season with wins LAUREN READ CORRESPONDENT
Boys’ basketball Champlain Valley 71, Mount Anthony 25: The defending champion Champlain Valley boys’ basketball team opened its season with a convincing win over Mount Anthony on Saturday, Dec. 9, in the North-South Classic in Rutland. Tucker Tharpe led the way with 16 points for the Redhawks (1-0). Kyle Eaton added 13 points and Luke Everitt chipped in 10. Jack St. Peter scored eight points, one of 11 CVU players to score.
Girls’ basketball Champlain Valley 71, Mount Anthony 23: Samara Ashooh nearly had a double-double as the Champlain Valley girls’ basketball team opened its season with a win over Mount Anthony on Saturday in the North-South Classic in Rutland. Ashooh had 15 points and eight rebounds for CVU, who are the defending Division I champs. Nine Zimakas added 13 points and nabbed three steals, while Zoey McNabb had nine points. With the win, Redhawks moved to 1-0.
The Citizen • December 14, 2023 • Page 13
POLICY
continued from page 1 away the COLA to the discretion of selectboard and then also any kind of merit increases, I’m wondering what the goals are of the selectboard or what you foresee for the employees and what your hopes are as we continue to try to grow and expand what we do in the town,” Nicole Conley, the town’s recreation coordinator, said. Library director Margaret Woodruff echoed Conley and explained that for some part-time employees who don’t receive benefits, the cost-of-living adjustment is an important benefit. “I think this is more a reaction to the fact that we had a salary correction, which in some instances translated into significant increases,” board member Lewis Mudge said, noting that he felt the language used in the town’s staff policy is too prescriptive and doesn’t give enough leeway to the selectboard. “There was some blowback on that on those decisions taken and this has been a reflection of the fact that we feel that we’ve been asked to at least examine more closely issues such as benefits, step (salary) increases and COLA.” The cost-of-living adjustment is determined by the Social Security Administration based on the consumer price index for urban wage earners and clerical workers. Although this year’s adjustment is slated to be 3.2 percent, last year’s was at a high of 7.5 percent due to inflation. The town’s own salary administration policy outlines that the cost-of-living adjustment is determined annually in January by the selectboard during budget preparation for the next fiscal year. It also outlines that the indexes used to determine the percentage increase should be based on the consumer price index for the Northeast region and that all employees should receive an annual increase and that number should never be
less than zero percent. But in a motion made by the selectboard Monday, the board determined that cost-of-living adjustment will be more up to the discretion of the selectboard moving forward, including the indexes used to determine any increases. It also nixed the sentence saying that all employees will receive an annual adjustment but did determine that percentage with never be less than zero. “I wanted to use language saying the selectboard is going to be making these calls in order to reiterate in the policy that this is going to be made year by year, case by case,” said Mudge. “You’ll remember last year the issue was we used this index that gave us a number at a period of time which was very high, plus the step (salary) increases.” Additionally, the selectboard motioned for changes to the policy that determined “an annual salary increase is not mandatory and any decision to increase a salary by any percentage will first and foremost be guided by the fiscal health of the town and the fiduciary responsibility of the selectboard.” Although the budget was narrowly shot down last year with most residents voicing concern over employee costs, several residents, including members of
the working group charged with studying staff salaries, had differing opinions to the selectboard’s approach. “We’re acting as if there’s a strong mandate from the public to forever curtail employee spending,” Mathew Citarella, resident and member of the working group, said, noting that the budget was shot down by only 35 votes. “I wonder if there’s any possibility of this board in the future fiscal year putting together a budget that preserves the benefits of the employees, but does more effort educating the public as to why that budget is warranted? Because if you look at how many people voted down the budget, it’s less than 20 percent of town.” The selectboard has not yet determined this year’s final costof-living adjustment percentage and will continue the discussion as budget season unfolds in the coming weeks. “I think it is a good potential change for us in terms of allowing us to do what the citizens asked which is to be more mindful of costs of employment,” said board member Kelly Devine, who spearheaded the employee working group. “I mean our payroll, I think, is approaching a million dollars a year. It’s not an insignificant portion of our budget.”
continued from page 4 Dec. 11 at 11:55 a.m., a citizen was helped with a VIN verification. Dec. 11 at 12:54 p.m., an officer investigated a reported citizen dispute on Kelley’s Field Road. Note: Charges filed by police are subject to review by the Chittenden County State’s Attorney Office and can be amended or dropped.
The Hinesburg Selectboard will conduct a public hearing at 6:00 p.m. on January 3, 2024. The public may participate in-person or via a zoom link available on the town’s Selectboard website www. hinesburg.org The Operating Budget covers the annual operating expenses and the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is a five-year plan that identifies the Town of Hinesburg’s highest priority capital expenditure needs. The CIP provides a recommended financing schedule for those priority needs and identifies possible sources of funds. The proposed draft can be found on the town’s website at www. hinesburg.org. Dated December 3, 2023 by the Town of Hinesburg Selectboard
SHELBURNE Human Resources Coordinator Full-time with a great Town Office team and excellent local government benefits, including colleagues who want you to thrive. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and aim to hire, motivate, and retain a diverse workforce across all departments. The Town of Shelburne team has grown to require an energetic, people-focused HR professional. Help all our staff achieve their best, and cultivate the spirit of public service in our town. This specialist will support all of our departments in the full suite of HR functions and special projects. The ideal candidate has related education and experience in human resources work, including recruiting, benefits administration, training, and problem solving. We are excited to shape this position to the skills and interests of the right candidate. Visit www.shelburnevt.org/jobs to see the full job description and application. To apply, email scannizzaro@shelburnevt.org. Review of applications begins immediately.
WINTER PREVIEW continued from page 12
roster of returning players from last season’s D-I quarterfinalist group. With four seniors anchoring the offense and three seniors shoring up the back end, the Redhawks will have time to work in new players, including a firstyear goaltender in Jesse McCray. CVU coach JP Benoit pointed to depth and good team buy-in as key to the team this season, especially in early games. The boys will certainly be tested early as the Colchester Beech Tournament marks the start of their schedule. Opener: Wednesday, Dec. 13, at the Colchester Beech Tournament.
Public Hearing Notice Town of Hinesburg FY25 Operating and Capital Budgets
$24 - $28 hourly DOQ
BLOTTER
Dec. 8 at 6:18 p.m., an abandoned vehicle was found on Tyler Bridge Road. Dec. 8 at 8:06 p.m., someone reported an earlier motor vehicle crash on Silver Street. Dec. 9 at 1:03 p.m., police investigated a report of loose dogs on Jourdan Street. Dec. 11 at 7:20 a.m., an alarm activated on Ballard’s Corner Road.
CLASSIFIEDS
Girls’ basketball Coach: Ute Otley Last season: D-I state champions This season: 1-0 Key returnees: Elise Berger, senior, guard; Merrill Jacobs, senior, guard; Samara Ashooh, senior, forward; Nevaeh Parrish, senior, guard; Grace Thompson, senior, forward; Nina Zimakas, senior, guard; Lauren Vaughan, junior, forward; Kaitlyn Jovell, junior, guard; and Zoey McNabb, sophomore, guard. Key newcomer: Alexandria Montgomery, junior, forward;
Rose Bunting, junior, forward; and Aliza Flore, junior, guard/ forward. Outlook: The girls team looks to begin another state championship run this season. The Redhawks will do so with a roster full of experienced players and a few new ones. They kicked off the season with a win and will look to improve steadily as the season continues. “We’ll be able to defend the rim and use our size to make it difficult for our opponent to score,” coach Otley said. Up next: Thursday, Dec. 16, at Rutland, 7 p.m.
This new position is a priority for the Shelburne Selectboard, to enhance all of the Town’s services.
Page 14 • December 14, 2023 • The Citizen
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The Citizen • December 14, 2023 • Page 15
Horoscope December 14, 2023
ANSWERS FROM THIS ISSUE
Weekly Puzzles
Page 16 • December 14, 2023 • The Citizen
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