Tree stewards
Pride month
Group plants 200 trees at Allen Homestead
For gay, trans people, battle is far from over
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Volume 52 Number 25
shelburnenews.com
CVU grad speaker says
‘Find purpose, passion’ in life STAFF WRITER LIBERTY DARR
The prevailing message to the Champlain Valley Union graduating Class of 2023 was simple: When the going gets tough, find the chocolate chips. On a day that was full of many firsts, the 350 graduating seniors and those who filled the benches in the University of Vermont’s Patrick Gymnasium saw happy tears, reminiscent words and, of course, ringing cowbells and flying chocolate as each senior speaker showcased the unique personalities of the graduating class. Welcoming words shared by
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Out into the world
Anna MacFaden reminded those preparing to walk the stage of those who were there during their first steps, their first time hitting a home run or scoring the game-winning basket, and even those moments spent crying doing math homework at the kitchen table. “Every outdoor sports game I’ve attended since the ninth grade, I’ve sat in the crowd and rang this bell,” MacFaden said as she held a white cowbell in the air. “But the original people ringing the bell for us are the people filling the stands: See GRADUATION on page 7
Shelburne officials seek solutions as motel voucher program ends LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER
As the motel voucher program that housed thousands during the pandemic ends, Shelburne officials are trying to figure out how to handle the influx of people experiencing homelessness in town. The General Assistance Emergency Housing Program has been supported by federal funding for the duration of the pandemic, but as that support winds down, the program has narrowed eligibility during warmer months to stricter, pre-pandemic criteria.
The expanded eligibility that housed roughly 800 people in motels ended on June 1 with additional eligibility restrictions set to expire July 1. Of the 1,223 who remain currently eligible, the Burlington District’s Office — which includes those housed in the five motels in Shelburne — has nearly 241 people who still utilize the program, down from 353 on May 31. “I know because of the work I did a year ago that Shelburne is See HOUSING on page 10
PHOTO BY AL FREY
Champlain Valley Union High School Class of 2023 packed Patrick Gymnasium at the University of Vermont campus on June 16 for the afternoon commencement ceremony.