Now dance
Day in the life
High school dance coach to judge Burlington dance competition
Experience a day with one UVM Extension master gardener
Page 2
Page 9
POSTAL CUSTOMER
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #217 CONCORD, NH ECRWSSEDDM
South Burlington’s Community Newspaper Since 1977
the SEPTEMBER 3, 2026
otherpapersbvt.com
Nonprofit will acquire newspaper company TOMMY GARDNER STAFF WRITER
A Colorado-based nonprofit organization founded five years ago with the mission to acquire newspapers and avoid creating “news deserts” will purchase the five weekly publications under the Vermont Community Newspaper Group banner. The Other Paper is one of those papers. The National Trust for Local News announced the acquisition this week as part of its expansion to a fourth state — the Trust owns papers in Colorado, Georgia and Maine — calling it a “community-first” decision by the Vermont
VOLUME 50, NO. 36
First day of school
publications’ owners. The deal, “for a nominal fee,” will close later this month, according to a press release. The Vermont Community Newspaper Group’s weekly titles are the Stowe Reporter; News & Citizen of Lamoille County; The Other Paper of South Burlington; Shelburne News; and The Citizen of Charlotte and Hinesburg. Citing increased financial stresses on their business, VTCNG majority owner Bob Miller and minority owners Judy Kearns and Biddle Duke decided earlier this year to establish nonprofit ownership by the end of 2026. See NONPROFIT on page 12
More doctors are offering memberships for health care BRIANA BRADY STAFF WRITER
Over the more than two decades nurse practitioner Holly Whitcomb has been providing primary care, things have changed — and it’s not just the switch to electronic records. “We used to just sit with patients and learn who they are and what they needed and what their goals were, and it was really personal,” Whitcomb said. After 24 years providing care
in Hinesburg, Whitcomb is opening a new practice on Timber Lane in South Burlington. Her practice, Horizon Primary Care, will offer concierge medicine, an increasingly popular model that mixes a membership fee paid by patients with insurance billing. Whitcomb said that, with this model, she wants to get back to taking her time with patients and PHOTO BY SOPHIA BALUNEK
See HEALTH CARE on page 15
Students at Gertrude Chamberlain Elementary School pose for photos on the first day of school last Wednesday. See more photos, page 10.
family-style
Your favorite pasta, parms & salads made to share — for your next catering event or family dinner!
Open Daily from 4PM Dine In & takeout 27 Market Street, Williston Order » 802.764.0097
spaghet.com
Page 2 • September 3, 2026 • The Other Paper
Stormwater upgrades highlight partnerships of city, neighborhoods BRIANA BRADY STAFF WRITER
COURTESY PHOTO
Michelle Dorwart (right), a family physician, and Scott Phillips, of Tango, El Camino studio, are partners for this year’s competition.
High school dance coach to judge dance competition with Burlington ‘stars’ MARI HUGLIN STAFF WRITER
Burlington celebrities will hit the dance floor at the Vermont Association for the Blind and Visibly Impaired’s annual “Dancing with the Burlington Stars” on Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. at The Flynn located at 135 Main St., Burlington. South Burlington High School’s varsity dance coach Allison Gingras will be one of the judges giving scores to professional dancers and their “celebrity” partners. Gingras has been involved in dance since she was three years old and said she fell in love with it since she “was constantly moving.” She danced through school and even minored in dance at the University of Vermont, mainly doing jazz, tap, contemporary and hip-hop. “When I walk into the studio, it’s like time has stopped, and I’ve entered this other world where really nothing else matters and it’s beautiful,” Gingras said. “I look forward to it, and it truly makes me happy.” She has coached the dance team for 13 years — as head coach for 12 — and teaches dance classes at other studios throughout the year. Gingras is the special education coordinator for seventh graders, eighth graders, high schoolers and adults through 22-years-old in in the South Burlington School district. Gingras said dance makes her
COURTESY PHOTO
Allison Gingras is South Burlington High School’s varsity dance coach.
feel good, allowing her to express her feelings, process emotions and helps her move forward. “Dance is a way for you to experience perhaps some other feelings that you have suppressed because of society or whatever reason,” Gingras said. The teacher and dancer has performed at the Dancing with the Burlington Stars event twice and coached the professional routines. Health issues hindered Gingras and her partner competing in the event this year.
Even though she can’t perform, she said she is still excited to be involved in the judging. On Sept. 12 six teams will perform and be scored live through the night. The winners from last year, Rebecca Bell and professional dancer Amanda Moxley, will treat guests to a performance alongside two other professional dances by area studios. Dancers will be judged on See DANCING on page 4
Since 2020, when Vermont revamped its stormwater permitting regulations, certain neighborhoods, businesses and property owners around the state have been reassessing their stormwater treatment, sometimes scrambling to draw up designs to meet the state’s timeline. In South Burlington, stormwater projects that bring together the city with property owners, neighborhood groups and businesses have been moving steadily forward. In a bid to address the rising level of phosphorus in Lake Champlain, which can cause dangerous algae blooms, the state enacted the “three-acre rule” six years ago. Sites designed before 2002 and with more than three acres of impervious surface — think rooftops or pavement — would have to upgrade their stormwater treatment, pulling more phosphorus and other contaminants from runoff before it could reach the state’s waterways. The deadline for the permit application is Oct. 1, 2027. In South Burlington, several of the sites the state identified were commercial. The list provided by the Department of Environmental Conservation includes areas that might come to mind first when considering large areas of impervious surface: shopping plazas, car dealerships or business complexes. However, of the 12 sites for which the city is acting as a co-applicant for the stormwater permit, eight involve homeowners associations or a collection of individual homeowners, now tasked by the state to both implement and pay for stormwater upgrades. “Regardless of who is kind of hiring the engineer or managing the construction, I think the important thing is, it is a team effort with both permittees, and we are working closely together on every one of those situations,” Brett McCreary, the city’s deputy director of water resources, said. All the sites are different, McCreary noted. The landscape, whether there is already some form of stormwater treatment, and the financing all vary site to site. On Monday, Aug. 31, McCreary, stormwater project manager Caroline Foley and Julia Keay, an engineer at Geosyntec who has worked on the design, met with residents of the Overlook and Summit at Spear neighborhoods — one of the sites where the city is acting as a co-permittee. The
meeting highlighted variation in projects and the communication required for the city’s partnerships with homeowners. “As part of those meetings, what we’re looking for is not only buy-in on the proposed design from the community, but also, you know, support in the approach of how we’re funding the project, how and when it will get built,” McCreary said. For the Overlook and Summit neighborhoods, McCreary and Keay presented a design that would retrofit existing stormwater ponds to meet regulations. During research, McCreary said, they went through multiple possibilities that involved soil testing, looking into the capacity for a gravel wetland, even partnering with a University of Vermont-owned site to the north. “After talking with the regulators, we definitely want to work within the existing footprint of the current ponds, and also save as many trees as possible,” Keay said at the meeting with residents. McCreary also took residents through the financing. Rolling the project permit into the city’s broader stormwater permit earlier would mean residents may not pay the project’s exact cost, but rather an impact fee to the city for the acreage added onto its own permit. In the case of Overlook, its 11 acres would result in well over $700,000 in impact fees. Alternatively, McCreary said, residents and the city could split the cost, based on each side’s ownership of impervious surface. In this case, the residential share is 72% of the estimated $600,000 cost of the pond upgrade. There are also grant possibilities — the city already has a 100% forgivable loan from the state’s clean water revolving fund for design — and the costs could ultimately be added as an incremental payment on residents’ utilities bill. Because this set of residents is not governed by a homeowners association, the city might create a special district related to the project. For other projects, the financial math might work out differently, and decisions will continue to be guided by residents’ preferences. This is just one location, one project. “Ultimately, the HOA signs the application as a permittee, just like the city does. So, they really do need to be in support of the proposed design and permit application that we come up with together,” McCreary said.
The Other Paper • September 3, 2026 • Page 3
REPAIRS APPRAISALS
Ring Sizing • Cleaning • Stone Tightening • Rhodium Plating
Performed by Our Graduate Gemologists
91 MAIN STREET, STOWE ~ 802.253.3033 ~ STOWE@FERROJEWELERS.COM @FERRO_JEWELERS_STOWE ~ FACEBOOK.COM/FERRO.JEWELERS WWW.FERROJEWELERS.COM
PHOTO BY SOPHIA BALUNEK
Market Street in South Burlington’s City Center during rush hour on Friday.
One year in, more businesses are setting up in City Center BRIANA BRADY STAFF WRITER
As South Burlington’s City Center has built up and out, the last year has seen a series of businesses taking up residence on Market Street. The city’s renewed downtown nonprofit South Burlington City Center Collaborative is rounding out its first year, and according to its leaders, this is a good sign. “More residents are living there, more businesses are opening their doors — more reasons for people to come to Market Street,” Sophia Babbitt, the inaugural director of the collaborative said. “I see this next phase as about activating what we’ve built and creating the kind of downtown that people intentionally choose to visit and work and shop and dine and gather.” At the group’s annual meeting Aug. 27, the collaborative invited Amy Bernhardt, who co-owns Leunig’s Bistro and Café in Burlington to speak. Bernhardt is a South Burlington resident and is in the process of renovating a space on Market Street to open the
Correction
Brice Goldsborough is back to driving school bus for the South Burlington School District. A letter to the editor last week stated he was retired.
long-beloved restaurant’s second location. “South Burlington is up and coming,” Bernhardt said to the school district’s superintendent, Joe Clark, who was acting as her interviewer. “It’s far enough from downtown, and people still come out. I think it’s just it’s a good place to be, community-wise.”
Leunig’s is one of a string of businesses that have opened nearby. The street level of the area’s new buildings now also house an outpost of the popular local pizza chain Folino’s, poke bowl spot The Scale, Bliss Bee See BUSINESS on page 11
L’IVRESSE VRESSE LINGERIE E IS MO OVING TO BURLIN NGTON IN SEPTEMBER! TELL YOUR FRIENDS & WE’LL SEE YOU SOO ON AT 180 B BATTER T Y ST. ST TE 120 ON THE WA ATERFRO T NT
PRESENTS
CHEESE T H E D AY A C E L E B R AT I O N O F VERMONT CHEESEMAKERS WINE GARDEN F R E E C H E E S E TA S T I N G S LIVE MUSIC & MORE!
F R I D AY, S E P T E M B E R 1 8 5-8PM | FREE EVENT O P E N TO A L L B U R L I N G TO N V T BRA FITTING, LINGERIE & LOUN NGEWEAR
SUPPORTED BY O U R F R I E N D S AT
MEDIA SPONSOR
802.857.5065 Shop instill Essex visit our website for moving updates! You can Yo shopand in Esse x and see our website forr moving updates!
shoplivresse.com
G E T A L L T H E C H E E S Y D E TA I L S A T CHURCHSTREETMARKETPLACE.COM
Page 4 • September 3, 2026 • The Other Paper
South Burlington Police Blotter: Aug. 24-30
HOLIDAY ADVERTISING HOLIDAY/SEPT. 3 ISSUE AD DEADLINE: (ON NEWSSTANDS FOR LABOR DAY) Monday, Aug. 31, at 10 a.m.
Total reported incidents: 433 911 hangup: 4 Crash: 17 Alarm: 16 Animal bite: 2 Animal problem: 3 Aggravated assault: 1 Agency assist: 11 Public assist: 16 Community contact: 39 Directed patrol: 26 Disturbance: 5
Domestic: 5 Drugs – information: 3 Driving under the influence: 1 Field contact: 14 Foot patrol: 13 Found/lost property: 4 Fraud: 3 Identity theft: 3 Intoxication: 2 Juvenile problem: 3 Larceny from a motor vehicle: 2 Larceny from a structure: 2
SEPT. 10 ISSUE AD DEADLINE: Friday, Sept. 4, at Noon STOWE REPORRTER NEWS&CITIZEN Serving the people of Lamoille County since 1881
WE ARE CLOSED MONDAY, SEPT. 7
Do you have photos
Other larceny: 2 Mental health issue: 7 Motor vehicle complaint: 9 Needle pickup: 1 Operations – community service: 7 Operations – patrol: 4 Noise ordinance violation: 2 Overdose: 1 Paperwork service: 6 Parking: 1 Possession of stolen property: 1 Repo: 2 Retail theft: 10 Sex crime: 1 Stalking: 1 Stolen vehicle: 2 Suicidal person: 1 Suspicious event: 20 Theft of service: 1 Threats: 2 Traffic hazard: 1 Traffic stop: 122 Trespass: 11 Unlawful mischief: 1 Violation of conditions of release: 2 Welfare check: 20
you would like to share with the
DANCING
continued from page 2
community?
Send them to us:
news@otherpapersbvt.com
COURTESY PHOTOS
the
Say ‘cheese’
South Burlington’s Community Newspaper Since 1977 A publication of Vermont Community Newspaper Group LLC otherpapersbvt.com Advertising Director Judy Kearns judy@otherpapersbvt.com (802) 734-2928 Advertising Wendy Ewing wendy@shelburnenews.com (802) 238-4980 Editor Tommy Gardner tommy@stowereporter.com (802) 253-2101 x25
General Manager Katerina Werth katerina@stowereporter.com Billing inquiries Leslie Lafountain leslie@stowereporter.com (802) 253-2101 Advertising submission deadline: Friday at 5 p.m. advertising@otherpapersbvt.com classifieds@otherpapersbvt.com
Editorial Assistant Sophia Balunek
Editorial submission deadline: Friday at 12 p.m. news@otherpapersbvt.com
Staff Writers Liberty Darr, Patrick Bilow, Briana Brady, Mari Huglin
Calendar submission deadline: Friday at 12 p.m. news@otherpapersbvt.com
Production/Design Stephanie Manning stephanie@shelburnenews.com Kristen Braley kristen@stowereporter.com
Contact: PO Box 489 Stowe, VT 05672 (802) 253-2101
The Other Paper is published weekly and mailed free to South Burlington residents and businesses, and rack distributed in select high-traffic areas. The Vermont Community Newspaper Group LLC assumes no responsibility for typographical errors in advertisements and reserves the right to refuse advertising and editorial copy.
Elementary students post in front of the back to school school bus on the first day of school.
various criteria including overall performance, technical skills, costume, theme and presentation in their three-minute routine. Their routines can be in any style of dance with any music. Prizes will be awarded to various performers in different categories including overall winner, fan favorite and which team raised the most funds. Partners were matched in May and have been practicing once or twice a week since. Gingras said this event is to spread awareness of Vermont Association for the Blind and Visibly Impaired and show off what the organization does for the community all while supporting it during a fun night of dancing. The event that has been going on since 2018 and is the association’s only fundraiser of the year. All the funds donated at the event will help the organization assist blind or visually impaired children and help adults be more independent. Gingras also said this event publicizes local dance studios and can introduce people to dance as a sport and hobby. Gingras said she hopes people interested in dance will give it a try since dance is a form of communication, a community activity and open and accessible to all skill levels. “It’s expressing oneself not necessarily through voice, but in other ways,” she said. More information and tickets can be found on The Flynn’s website at flynnvt.org/see-anddo/dancing-with-the-stars/.
The Other Paper • September 3, 2026 • Page 5
OPINION
YOUR MONEY. YOUR RATE.
A nonprofit future for our newspapers Guest Perspective Bob Miller, Biddle Duke, Judy Kearns Newspapers like this are the lifeblood of the communities we serve. They mark births and marriages, deaths and departures, challenges and successes, transgressions and triumphs. Most importantly, they help us to understand where we live so we may best chart our future. But, as anyone who is paying attention knows, newspapers themselves are struggling to remain viable businesses. Our newspapers are no exception. Establishing a sustainable future for the Vermont Community Newspaper Group’s five community newspapers — the Stowe Reporter, the News & Citizen (Lamoille County), the Shelburne News, The Other Paper (South Burlington) and The Citizen (Charlotte and Hinesburg) — has been our preeminent priority for several years. The years since the end of the Covid-19 pandemic have been hugely challenging financially, but we now have a plan, thanks to the non-profit National Trust for Local News (see story, page 1). These businesses, which were being challenged before Covid, would have certainly been forced to close during the pandemic if not for the government’s Paycheck Protection Program and the Employee Retention Credit program. They enabled us to stay in business, just as they did for many businesses in the communities we serve. Emerging from Covid, however, the stresses on our businesses have only increased. Declines in print advertising and
inflation (in particular, ever-increasing costs of the U.S. Postal Service upon which we depend for timely delivery to most of our readers) have combined to cripple revenue growth and virtually wipe out profitability. None of this likely is news to you, dear reader. Newspapers across America have been under economic threat for more than a decade; many have been forced to contract or close. Nearly 3,500 local print newspapers have disappeared across the United States over the past two decades, with close to 1,000 shutting down during the last decade alone. This ongoing decline has left hundreds of places as “news deserts” with no reliable local journalists or journalism — in other words, no one and no place to call and count on with the information, ideas and questions that enliven and connect life in the communities and regions they serve. For the past decade, the Vermont Community Newspaper Group’s owners — the majority owner Bob Miller, and minority owners Judy Kearns and Biddle Duke — have been committed to these five newspapers and their communities. The way forward is to become fully nonprofit. This does not mean the papers are backing away from their advertising or circulation revenue streams. They need them, both because they sustain the newspapers and because advertising itself is essential information and eye-catching content in our print and online publications. But the businesses need to supplement those revenue streams with philanthropy, by tapping into national funding that exists to support local news ecosystems and by tapping into supporters in our communities
who value and will support the service we provide. The nonprofit model allows the newspapers to tap into philanthropy, not only so they can survive but so they can continue to invest in expanding their coverage and broadening their use of social media and other technologies to thrive in a climate where local news is so important and increasingly difficult to find. It is essential to acknowledge some history here. This important transition occurs thanks to the vision and hard work of the remarkable people who established and have run these long-running newspapers, and those who keep them running today. Our oldest newspaper, the News & Citizen, has been serving Lamoille County for around 145 years. The others came in the second half of the 20th century, starting with the Stowe Reporter in 1958; Shelburne News in 1967; The Other Paper in 1977; and The Citizen in 2006. All were started, yes, as businesses, but the underlying impetus was always community service. It is thanks to civic-minded leaders like Roz Graham and Alice Winn in Shelburne, Trow Elliman in Stowe, and Brad Limoge (and the Limoge family that owned and ran the News & Citizen for more than seven decades) that we are here today. Along, of course, with the current team of editor Tommy Gardner, general manager Katerina Werth, and director of sales Bryan Meszkat. Ultimately, however, readers and advertisers, this is your newspaper. Its existence and continued service to our communities has thrived and will continue to thrive thanks to you. Onward!
Mark your calendars for energy festival Clean & Green Fred Kosnitsky The popular South Burlington Energy Festival has broadened its focus and changed its name to the South Burlington Green Community Festival. The city and the Energy Committee, which organized the past Energy Festivals, recognize that we should recognize and promote the city’s efforts that deal not only with energy and climate issues but also with a
broad array of other environmental, sustainability and affordability concerns. The Green Community Festival will be held on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Market Street in front of City Hall and the South Burlington Public Library. As in the past, the street will be closed to traffic to create a real street festival that is fun and informative for all ages. Joining the city and many of its committees in sponsoring the festival are Vermont Gas Systems,
Green Mountain Power, BETA Technologies and Bin Tere Done That. Additionally, there are many exhibitors who can answer all your questions about making your homes and workplaces more energy efficient, sustainable and environmentally friendly. You can find out about solar panels, heat pumps, electric cars, electric bikes and bike commuting, home electrification and See KOSNITSKY on page 6
Get the CD That Works for You.
4.00 % APY
*
9-Month New Money CD
3.75 % APY
*
9-Month CD
Open Yours Today!
802cu.com
*Annual Percentage Yield. 9-month new money CD dividend rate is 3.92%. Funds must qualify as new money, which implies the funds are not currently held in any account at 802 Credit Union. 9-month CD dividend rate is 3.68%. Early withdrawal penalties may apply. Fees may reduce earnings. Minimum deposit $500. Maximum deposit is $250,000 per individual. Limited-time offer – may end at any time. Share account required. CD will automatically renew at maturity into a standard 6-month CD at the current rate in effect at the time of renewal unless you instruct us otherwise. | Federally Insured by NCUA | © 2026 802 Credit Union
SATU RDAY, SEP TEMB ER 1 9 Join us for South Burlington’s Green Community Festival—a fun-filled, engaging event for all ages, with opportunities to learn about energy efficiency, sustainability, and the environment Green Community Festival 11 AM - 3 PM 180 Market Street
Community Yard Sale 11 AM - 1 PM Behind City Hall
Live Music 11 AM - 12 PM Matt & Jodi Johnson and Friends 12 - 1 PM Linda Bassick 1 - 2 PM City Center Jazz Band RAIN DAT E : SUNDAY, SE P T E MBE R 20 Plus: Ask an Expert, kids entertainment, and food trucks from Meza Bosnian Cuisine, Leunig’s Bistro, and Copper at Dorset! Learn more and see all our exhibitors at www.southburlingtonvt.gov/greencommunityfestival
Page 6 • September 3, 2026 • The Other Paper
Letters to the Editor Trees obstruct Overlook Park’s overlook To the Editor: The Aug. 27 edition includes a photo entitled “Ever green” of the arborvitae at Overlook Park. I doubt anyone visits to admire
these trees that further obstruct the views implied in the park’s name. The row of burly pines lower down made the name obsolete years ago. Moira Daly South Burlington
KOSNITSKY
continued from page 5 alternatives to panel upgrades, urine recycling and the effects of wildfire smoke on asthma in children. Exhibitors at the festival include: Tuttle Middle School; South Burlington High School Green Team; Vermont Department of Public Service, UVM Extension Community Horticulture; South Burlington Public Library; Bur Oak Studio; Common Roots, VEIC/Efficiency Vermont; Green Mountain Power; Green Mountain Solar; Green Mountain Transit; Net Zero Vermont; New Leaf Design; Chittenden Area Transportation Management Association; Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity; FUNJ Shrooming Co.; Sierra Club; Intervale Center, South Burlington Land Trust; SunCommon; Vermont Gas/Clover Energy; Vermont Natural Resources Council; Local Motion; Window Dressers; Vermont Interfaith Power and Light; and Wasted. For the kids, there will be plenty of fun to keep them happy. We’ll have a bounce house for the entire time, as well as face painting from noon-2 p.m. Crowd favorite Champ will be at the festival from noon until 1 p.m. And for music lovers there is a great lineup of entertainers. Matt
and Jodi Hohnson are playing from 11 a.m.-noon, followed by Lind Bassick from noon until 1 p.m. Matt Van Wagner will finish the music at the music stage from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. And save some room for the great food vendors at the festival. A Taste of Abyssinia serves up Ethiopian fare and Mezza feature Bosnian cuisine. Leunig’s will be there to showcase the new Leunig’s on Market Street, as well as Copper on Dorset. You might also want to check out some of the restaurants within a short walk of the festival in the exciting food scene at City Center. Interested in being a vendor? Go to the South Burlington Green Festival site online to find the exhibitor application form. We hope to see you all on Saturday, Sept. 19 on Market Street for the South Burlington Green Community Festival. Bring your family, bring your questions and bring your appetites. It promises to be a great day of fun and learning about how we can all make South Burlington a true green community. Fred Kosnitsky has lived in South Burlington since 1999 and is a member of the city’s Energy Committee.
The Other Paper • September 3, 2026 • Page 7
Autumn Arrivals at Vermont’s Finest Plant Nursery Fall Specials COLORFUL MUMS ARE READY! 30% OFF Fruit, Flowering & Shade Trees*
20-30% OFF
Bushes & Shrubs*
Including Blueberries, Hydrangeas & Raspberries
20-75% OFF
*
Red Tag Sale FF -70% O
50 rubs, Trees Select Sh ials & Perenn
Pottery & Hard Goods
Plant Stands, Coco Liners, Tools, etc.
20% OFF
Amazing Perennials*
LATE SUMMER AND FALL PLANTERS!
10236 Williston Road, Route 2, Williston, VT
4.5 MILES EAST OF TAFT CORNERS OR 1 MILE WEST OF I-89, EXIT 11
802-434-2794 • Mon-Fri 8-5, Sat 8-4, Sun 10-4
vermontnursery.com NOW OPEN IN COLCHESTER
Attention Vermonters
GET BACK TO FEELING LIKE YOURSELF Expert Spine Care and Pain Treatment
Looking for a new car this Labor Day?
EASTRI SE I S HERE TO MAK E I T HAP P EN.
We have the same interest rates whether you buy new or used Get 0.25% off APR for qualifying green vehicles Get up to $200 cash back when you refinance
More Options When Other Treatments Have Not Worked Accepting New Patients Without Long Wait Times Call 518-324-7246 for an Appointment. 463 Mountain View Drive, Suite 103, Colchester, VT 05446 Learn More:
champlainspine.com
Scan the QR code or head over to eastrise.com/auto to learn more.
APR= Annual percentage rate. Rate may be adjusted based on your individual credit standing and term. 1% cash back based on loan amount refinanced, up to $200. Amount deposited into an EastRise checking account. Offer subject to credit approval. Cashback offer is for external refinances only. Terms and conditions apply. Federally insured by NCUA.
Page 8 • September 3, 2026 • The Other Paper
COMMUNITY Community Notes
Make Our Home, Your Home.
Uniquely Affordable Residential Care Homes
Active, Independent Lifestyle in a Homelike Environment Prepared Meals • Daily Activities • Private Rooms/Suites • Medicaid Accepted 24/7 Nursing Oversight and Medication Management St. Joseph’s Residential Care Home BURLINGTON • 864-0264 Michaud Memorial Manor DERBY LINE • 873-3152 St. Joseph Kervick Residence RUTLAND • 755-5133
VERMONTCATHOLICHOMES.ORG
PHOTO BY MELANIE LEMAHIEU
The Robert Cray Band is to play the blues at the Barre Opera House Sept. 19.
FREE ROOFING ESTIMATES
Gallery to show off ‘Painter of Vermont’ J. Kenneth Fine Art and Atelier Frame & Design will present Painter of Vermont 1900-1955, a group exhibition featuring artists inspired by the Vermont landscape. The exhibition runs Sept. 2 through Oct. 3 at J. Kenneth Fine Art, 145 Pine Haven Shores Road, Suite 1160, Shelburne. The exhibition spans more than five decades of Vermont art, from turn-of-the-century paintings through mid-century works of the 1950s.
Robert Cray Band brings the blues to Barre The Robert Cray Band, led by the five-time Grammy winner and Blues Hall of Fame member, opens the Barre Opera House season, Saturday, Sept. 19, 7 p.m. Dave Keller will open the show. Tickets are $32-$65, plus fees. Information and tickets are available at barreoperahouse.org or by calling 802-476-8188.
Support your support professionals at State House
VTROOFING.COM 802-644-3528
Direct Support Professionals, the people they support, families, community partners and policymakers will gather Wednesday, Sept. 9, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on the Vermont State House lawn, for
a statewide morning of recognition and celebration. Held during National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, the event honors professionals who help Vermonters with developmental disabilities live, work and thrive in their communities.
September Age Well luncheon St. Catherine of Siena and Age Well will offer a luncheon Tuesday, Sept. 8, for anyone 60 or older at St. Catherine of Siena Parish Hall, 72 Church St., Shelburne. Checkin is at 11:30 a.m., with lunch served at noon. The suggested donation is $7. The menu includes baked chicken breast with Hawaiian pineapple sauce, black beans and rice, corn with peppers, an apple and milk. Registration is required by Sept. 3. Contact Pam Niarchos at 802-662-5283 or pniarchos@agewellvt.org. Tickets also are available at the Age Well office, 875 Roosevelt Highway, Suite 210, Colchester.
Story Labs elevates its film offerings On Sunday, Sept. 6, at 6:30 p.m., Spruce Peak Arts will host a free screening presented by Stowe Story Labs featuring the award-winning short film “The Boy with the Dinosaur Head” and the feature “Definitely Gangster.”
“The Boy with the Dinosaur Head,” written by Ali Imran Zaidi, was made with a Stowe Story Labs Short Film Production Grant. “Definitely Gangster,” a family-friendly motion-capture feature, was written and directed by Stowe Story Labs alum JLee MacKenzie. A Q&A with MacKenzie will follow. Information and registration are available at sprucepeakarts.org.
Pedal for Prevention Gravel Ride The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s second annual Pedal for Prevention gravel ride will be held Saturday, Sept. 12, at Frost Beer Works in Hinesburg. Riders can choose from 20-, 30- or 45-mile routes on Vermont gravel roads. Registration includes a post-ride beer courtesy of Frost Beer Works and a raffle ticket. The first 50 registrants will receive a free pair of custom event cycling socks. Register at bikereg. com/76400?utm_source=chatgpt. com. Other upcoming AFSP events include the Burlington Out of the Darkness Walk on Oct. 17 at Veterans Memorial Park in South Burlington and Pickle for Prevention on Nov. 21 at Edge Sports & Fitness in South Burlington. See COMMUNITY NOTES on page 11
The Other Paper • September 3, 2026 • Page 9
HOME & GARDEN A day in the life of one UVM Extension master gardener ELODIE REED CONTRIBUTOR
One Thursday in June, at 9 a.m. on the dot, a landline telephone rang in UVM’s Plant Diagnostic Clinic. Sue Stanne picked up the receiver. “UVM Extension Master Gardener Helpline,” she said. “This is Sue speaking.” On the other end, a caller from Windsor County tried to describe a displaced, overabundant and “weird” vine. Stanne suggested what might help is for the caller to go through the helpline’s online ticket system, and send a photo of the vine in question. “Our online system makes it so much easier to identify problems,” she said. Using the caller-provided photos, the Vermont Invasives website and the Extension Foundation’s “Search Extension” tool that finds science-based resources from Extension organizations across the country, and in consultation with Deb Heleba and Lisa Chouinard from UVM Extension’s Community Horticulture Programs (which includes Master Gardener) — Stanne was able to provide some answers. That vine? It was bittersweet. The caller had some pigweed and yellow rocket growing, too. For all three plants, Stanne shared more information and management tips, including hand-pulling. “Normally we might say something about solarization to smother the plant,” she said. “But this was in her garden, you can’t smother everything else.” Answering the helpline phone from 9
If it’s important to you or your community look for it in The
a.m. to noon on Thursdays between April and October, then following up afterward with callers, is part of Stanne’s role in providing science-based gardening education as one of Vermont’s 442 Master Gardener volunteers. Stanne has been a master gardener since taking the certification course in 2003, and she’s personally been gardening “pretty much forever.” During her childhood, her father grew flowers, blueberries and strawberries. “You think you know something about gardening until you take the course,” Stanne said. “Then you realize how much you don’t know, but you learn.” She’s been continually learning for 23 years now. She’s received a Lifetime Achievement Award, given to master gardeners who have volunteered for 1,000 hours. Her projects have included: • Leading the gardens at the former Vermont Respite House in Williston for 13 years. • Managing a plot at the Williston Community Garden, where all the produce was donated to the Williston Community Food Shelf. • Answering any questions fellow gardeners had at the Williston Community Garden. • Tabling at local fairs, farmers markets and the Vermont Flower Show. More recently, in addition to volunteering for the Helpline, Stanne has taken on a new project: a community gardening shed at The Farm at South Village, which is an “agrihood” development in South Burlington. Along with members of the South
COURTESY PHOTO
Sue Stanne is master gardener who gives science-based education on gardens to callers.
Village Stewardship Committee, she’s set up the shed as a hyper-local resource hub. Gardeners can access donated seeds from Harts, borrow tools, look over a provided planting schedule and get the latest informa-
tion packets tacked under the “Current problems in our garden” sign. See GARDENER on page 11
Invest in COMFORT Save Energy. Save Money
Winter preparation starts in the summer. Contact us TODAY!
Other Paper.
Page 10 • September 3, 2026 • The Other Paper
PHOTOS BY SOPHIA BALUNEK
Back to school Students at Gertrude Chamberlain Elementary School and South Burlington High School commence the first day of school last Wednesday morning.
The Other Paper • September 3, 2026 • Page 11
South Burlington Recreation and Parks News South Burlington Recreation and Parks have lots of events on the docket for this fall. • Park Hop Brews sponsored by Farrell Distributing: Thursdays, Sept. 10-Oct. 1, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Join us for a traveling beer garden through South Burlington parks during the month of September. Every Thursday evening from 5:30-7:30 p.m., come join us in a different park for music, food, games, giveaways and brews. Thursday, Sept. 10, Baycrest Park at 5:30 p.m. Music by Jacob Green with food vendors Vamo Arriba and The Beverage Shack. And its trivia night (free). Thursday, Sept. 17, The Overlook at Underwood Park at 5:30 p.m. Music by Red Hot Juba with food vendors Primal Provisions and The Beverage Shack. And a paint and sip (free). Thursday, Sept. 24, Goose Pond at 5:30 p.m. Music by Jacob Green and food vendors Yong Suk’s Korean Kitchen and The Beverage Shack. And free yoga at 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, Szymanski Park at 5:30 p.m. Music by DJ Dakota with food vendors
Pizza 44 and The Beverage Shack. It also features a Glow in the Dark pickleball tournament. (Sold out, waitlist only). • Rhythm & Reels sponsored by DR Power: Friday, Sept. 11 6-9:30 p.m. at Rick Marcotte Central School. A brand-new free community event series bringing live music, family fun, delicious food and outdoor movies to elementary schools throughout the city. Live music is by The Night Shift and Yong Suk's Korean Kitchen will provide food. The movie is “Goat.” • Color Fun Run: Saturday, Sept. 12, 1-3 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park Join SBRP for a vibrant Color Fun Run on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 1 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park sponsored by Associates in Orthodontics. Feel free to walk or run the park path, and this one-mile loop allows you to choose the milage you’d like to get. A special half-mile loop option is available as well. Registration fee covers an event t-shirt to be picked up at check in, which will be at the Veterans Memorial Park Band Shell.
COMMUNIYY NOTES
continued from page 8
Kelly Brush Ride returns to Middlebury The 21st annual Kelly Brush Ride, powered by Union Mutual, will be held Sept. 12 at Alumni Stadium at Middlebury College, 14 Old Chapel Road. The fundraising event supports programs that help people with spinal cord injuries lead active lives and improves safety for ski racers. Participants can choose supported road routes, a 30-mile gravel route or a remote ride option available through Oct. 24.
Hexum Gallery presents ‘Wallflower’ Hexum Gallery, 16 State St., Montpelier, will present Wallflower, a group exhibition featuring the work of 11 artists, Aug. 28 through Sept. 25. The exhibition explores both the flower and the social idea of the “wallflower,” with artists responding to a shared theme centered on identity and self-portraiture. The exhibition features painting and
drawing by Matteo Callegari, Amie Cunat, Francesco Igory Deiana, Jack Kenna, Jenny Kemp, Danielle Mysliwiec, Elizabeth Powell, Erik Probst, JD Raenbeau, Kelli Thompson and Velvet Other World. An opening reception will be held Friday, Aug. 28, from 4 to 8 p.m. Admission is free and all are welcome.
BUSINESS
continued from page 3 Market, Judi’s Ice Cream and a new location for ALIGN studio and a wellness studio and spa called Bijou Blue. Bernhardt has some hopes for how the area might further develop. She told Clark that she’d love to see some more retail find a home nearby, imagining a scenario in which shoppers are able to stop by for a meal or ice cream after browsing at local stores. While the City Center collaborative might not outright court potential businesses — the leases on spaces are at the discretion of building owners — Babbitt said the organization acts a kind of “connective tissue.” “If we hear things or businesses reach out to us to say ‘we’re thinking of relocating,’ or
it’s a new business opportunity or whatever, then what I just do is I just connect the pieces,” she said. She can give someone the name of a property owner or a real estate agent that’s been looking for a good fit for a location. The businesses, however, are just one piece, Babbitt said. As an organization, they’re hoping to build a sense of place. This, she said, comes from things like events and public space and art that give the city an identity. Several years ago, Babbitt said, the area around Market Street was open space and a dirt road. “We’re becoming a place,” she said.
GARDENER
continued from page 9 “I’m starting to warn people about cucumber beetles,” Stanne said during an interview this summer. “And flea beetles are already here.” It’s efforts like this that make Stanne the embodiment of what the Extension Master Gardener Program values in its volunteers. That’s according to Deb Heleba, who leads the Extension Master Gardener and Vermont Master Composter programs. “Not only is she among the kindest humans I’ve met, but she is also committed to sharing her deep gardening knowledge with fellow Vermonters,” Heleba said. “We are incredibly fortunate to have volunteers
of Sue’s caliber representing UVM Extension.” Stanne said being a master gardener gives her something useful to do in her spare time. And in fielding questions about soil test results, how much compost to apply, what to do with flooded gardens and many, many more topics, she said it’s rewarding to learn enough about an issue to be able to provide some answers. “They really feel like they’re stuck on a problem, and they call in, or they put in a ticket, and realize, oh, it’s not as bad as they think,” she said. “They really appreciate being able to get the information. “
Spruce Peak hosts annual Homegrown in Vermont fest Spruce Peak Arts will present the third annual Homegrown in Vermont Music Festival on Saturday, Sept. 5, at noon at the WhistlePig Pavilion at Spruce Peak. The festival will feature a full day of music from more than 20 Vermont artists, culminating in a performance by Ryan Miller of Guster and Vermont’s Freeway Clyde. The festival is part of Spruce Peak Arts’ initiative to support Vermont musicians and is community funded. It will take place at the base of Mount Mansfield. Tickets for children ages 5-12 are $10.35; children 5 and younger are admitted free.
Evenings with a book or a friend Enjoy wine & beer, light bites, shareable boards, baked brie and more
Brand new state-of-the art facility!
Open Thursday-Saturday until 9pm Sunday-Wednesday until 6 pm 27 Market St., Williston | 802-755-5986
Page 12 • September 3, 2026 • The Other Paper
NONPROFIT
continued from page 1 “Establishing a sustainable future for our community newspapers has been our priority for several years,” the owners said in a statement. “By selling these publications to the National Trust, not only can they survive but there will be investment in expanding coverage to thrive in a climate where local news is so important and increasingly difficult to find.” The Trust’s top brass has been bullish on the newspapers’ potential and emphasized there will be no layoffs at the newspapers — its 15 full-time and two parttime employees will be retained, and the office will remain at its current location on Mountain Road in Stowe. The Trust’s management team has reiterated that everything will remain status quo for read-
ers and subscribers — editorial leadership will stay the same, and advertising will remain a key component of the newspapers’ business model. However, the nonprofit designation will open a new world of potential revenue for the newspapers. And the Trust has stated its commitment to “providing the capital, expertise and infrastructure needed to unlock the publications’ growth potential.” “These publications have a solid foundation from which a stronger future can be built,” National Trust CEO Tom Wiley said. “They are vital local news sources for northern Vermont, led by an experienced team that has trusted relationships with readers, advertisers and a wide range of community partners.”
Bill Stille will immediately begin working with the Vermont team as a transition and transformation adviser provided by the National Trust. Stille previously held leadership roles at The Detroit News, The Columbus Dispatch and The Buffalo News. His work will include identifying opportunities to strengthen partnerships and collaborate with statewide stakeholders, according to the press release.
Fast rise, stabilize The National Trust for Local News was founded in 2021 and grew quickly. The Poynter Institute, a nonprofit journalism organization that covers media happenings around the country, suggested last year that the Trust had gotten out ahead of its skis as it amassed 64 local newspapers in three states and grew into a $50 million media business. In the first half of 2025, it sold more than 20 of its Colorado newspapers to a for-profit media company and closed two others. The Trust’s Maine subsidiary cut print production and laid people off, according to Poynter. However, those moves were initiated before Wiley started as CEO, following the abrupt departure of co-founder Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro. Poynter reported last year that Wiley said “he’s focused on stabilizing the nonprofit and its current newspapers before turning to
acquiring more publications.” That more purposeful approach may be reflected in the Trust’s recent acquisitions. The Vermont Community Newspaper Group is one of just three the Trust approached over the past year — its Georgia subsidiary in July acquired the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer and The Macon Telegraph from the McClatchy Media Company. It is unclear what the Trust’s venture into Vermont signals for the rest of the Green Mountain State’s media landscape.
Local angle The Stowe Reporter purchased the News & Citizen in 2015 and, after purchasing the three Chittenden County titles, changed the parent company name to the Vermont Community Newspaper Group in 2019. The pandemic was an era of turbulence for the papers. Its sixth title, the Waterbury Record, was almost immediately shuttered in 2020, just weeks after Vermont declared a state of emergency. Two months later, the company laid off roughly a third of its newsroom and its production department, amid a precipitous drop in advertising revenue — local businesses were also bleeding money during the pandemic. The papers stabilized and continued publication, but they continued to, as a collective, lose money or barely break even. The one bright spot in advertisement
revenue has been the Stowe Guide magazine, in some years carrying the rest of the titles on its twiceyear, glossy, 250-page back. After publisher and editor Greg Popa retired at the end of 2024, the company formed a five-person management team to help guide operational decisions. The team’s first major move was to drastically change the delivery model for some of the weeklies, largely eschewing the U.S. Postal Service and relying on a beefedup rack delivery system. After a year under the management team model, majority owner Miller hinted at, and then gradually insisted on, exploring the nonprofit route. The three owners address the changes, and reiterate the newspapers’ continuing mission, in an opinion piece this week (see page 5). “Newspapers like this are the lifeblood of the communities we serve. They mark births and marriages, deaths and departures, challenges and successes, transgressions and triumphs,” they write. “Most importantly, they help us to understand where we live so we may best chart our future.” Disclosure: Tommy Gardner is editor of the Vermont Community Newspaper Group and a member of its management team. He knew about talks with the National Trust for Local News, but was not part of the process.
The Other Paper • September 3, 2026 • Page 13
Horoscope September 3, 2026
ANSWERS FROM THIS ISSUE
Weekly Puzzles
RABIES BAIT Page 14 • September 3, 2026 • The Other Paper
zen center yard sale 4x5
continued from page 2
The week-long bait drop is a cooperative effort between Vermont and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services to stop the spread of the potentially fatal disease. Rabies is a deadly viral disease of the brain that infects mammals. It is most often seen in raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats, but unvaccinated pets and livestock can also get rabies. The virus is spread through the bite of an infected animal or contact with its
saliva. If left untreated, rabies is almost always fatal in humans and animals. However, treatment with the rabies vaccine is nearly 100 percent effective when given soon after a person is bitten by a rabid animal. So far this year, 23 animals in Vermont have tested positive for rabies, and 14 of those have been raccoons. According to wildlife officials, rabid animals often show a change in their normal behavior, but you cannot tell whether an animal has rabies simply by looking at it. People should not touch or pick up wild animals or strays – even baby animals.
THE OTHER PAPER
SERVICE DIRECTORY To advertise in the service directory email judy@otherpapersbvt.com or call 802-734-2928
H 2083 N Wolcott Rd., Wolcott, VT
802-888-7012
• Basement Waterproofing • Crawl Space Repair • Sump Pump Systems • Foundation Repair • Egress Windows
1111-855-DRY-TIME • www.northernbasements.com
SCRAP METAL
TRANSFER STATION ROLL OFF BOXES DEMOLITION
CAR PICK UP All Metals Recycling Hardwick
802-793-5363
Sh di lea do fro cr fro
YPE
Sports Collectibles and Memorabilia R ELIC
We will custom build, too!
STORAGE SHEDS - GAZEBOS GARAGES - WOODSHEDS HORSE BARNS - RUN INS CHICKEN COOPS
con
R
Check out our large inventory in Wolcott.
SH
Covering Your Life’s Journey
SERVICE DIRECTO Bob & Jessica Trautwine
Home • Auto • Motorcycle • Watercraft
RABIES Business BAIT• Contractor
Call/Text • Hyperreliccards@gmail.com saliva. If802-233-1451 left untreated, rabies is almost al3762 Shelburne Rd • Ste 3 • Shelburne, VT continued from page 2 ways fatal in humans and animals. However, By appointment only 802-862-1600 • info@turnbaughinsurance.com treatment with the rabies vaccine is nearly www.hyperrelic.com • Insta: hyperrelic 188 Allen Brook Lane • Suite 1 • Williston, VT 05495 The week-long bait drop is a coopera- 100 percent effective when given soon after Build /Vermont Remodel tive effort between and the U.S. a person is bitten Health by a rabid animal. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services So far this year, 23 animals in Vermont VALLEY, INC. toPLEASANT stop the spread of the potentially fatal haveANTIQUES tested positive forWANTED rabies, and 14 of Downsizing? 4/29/2019 disease. those Decluttering? have been raccoons. Roofing We can help you discover, learn about and sell: Rabies is a deadly viral disease of the According to wildlife officials, rabid • Exterior Paint & Stain Siding WATCHES • JEWELRY • COINS • SILVER • ARTWORK 3.5 x 2 AD for Shelburne News & The Citizen brain that infects It is most often animals often show a change in their nor• Siding & mammals. Trim Repair Renovations seen in• Consecutive raccoons, skunks, foxes,$18.00/week and bats, malfor behavior, but you$432.00 cannot tell whether 24 both papers Painting Decks, Stairs & Weeks Landings but unvaccinated pets and livestock can also an animal has rabies simply by looking at Decks Brian Bittner • 802-489-5210 • info@bittnerantiques.com get rabies. The802-343-4820 virus is spread through the it. People should not touch or pick up wild Wednesday-Friday, with walk-ins to sell Thursdays 802-343-4820 bite of an infected animal or contact with its animals or strays – even baby animals. www.pleasantvalleyvt.com
www.pleasantvalleyvt.com
SH
con
Sh dis lea do M fro D cre & fro
bittnerantiques.com • 2997 Shelburne Road • Shelburne
Funeral / Cremation
Health
CORBIN & PALMER
BEAGLE BUILDERS, LLC
FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES SHELBURNE FUNERAL CHAPEL
Remodeling & Additions
Since 1988
ALL TYPES OF SIDING Vinyl/Wood/Composite
Tim Gould Windows & Doors • Decks & Porches
FamilyHouse owned andWashing operated since 1921 Specializing in Low-Pressure Vinylavailable Siding Washes Pre-planning services Washing Decks, Gutters, Patios, Walkways & More 209 Falls Road,-Shelburne, VT Owner operated Call Greg Mack (802) 985-3370 802-238-3386
Monkton, VT tel 985.4440 beaglebuilders@gmavt.net www.DeePT.com 802-453-4340 CALL US! 802-355-0807
Build / Remodel
Health
SERVICE DIRECTO
Funeral / Cremation
South Burlington 23 San Remo Drive tel 865.0010
Kitchens & Bathrooms Sunrooms & Garages Shelburne 166 Athletic Drive
DEE.PT.bCARD.2.4x1.5FINAL.indd 12
PLEASANT VALLEY, INC.
Roofing • Lawn M owing Siding • Spring C leanu p & M u lch Renovations • Stone W alks, Patios & W alls Painting • Planting & Excavation • Driveway, Lawn & Tree W ork Decks 802-343-4820 802-343-4820 www.pleasantvalleyvt.com www.pleasantvalleyvt.com
PT, MS, DPT
4 P ti
1/9/14 9:12 AM
The Other Paper Service Directory
It does a BIG job for your business for a little price.
Call 802-734-2928 for details. Health
M
D &
The Other Paper • September 3, 2026 • Page 15
HEALTH CARE
continued from page 1 personalizing their care — actually having the time to pick up the phone and answer a patient’s health questions. She’s not the only one making the switch. According to a Harvard study published less than a year ago, the number of practices using concierge medicine and direct primary care, which bypasses insurance entirely in favor of a membership fee, grew by 83% nationally between 2019 and 2023. Susan Ridzon, the executive director of Health First, a statewide association of private practices, said that, while practices and providers using membership models still only make up a small portion of the organization’s members — about 7% — it’s been growing. “To be clear, this is a response to a payment system that doesn’t cover the work that practices are doing,” Ridzon said. For many providers making the switch to a membership system, she said, it’s a way to keep a private practice financially sustainable.
The way insurance reimburses a practice not only depends on the kind of insurance, care or procedure involved, Ridzon said, but can also vary depending on the biller. Big systems like the University of Vermont have negotiating power with insurance companies. For smaller private practices, she said, they’re more often having to take what they’re offered. With Medicare, she said, there are also different fee schedules for hospital system care — hospitals get a higher rate. “It’s really kind of obscene sometimes the differences for the exact same service,” she said. On top of that, Ridzon said, a lot of the work that goes into good primary care doesn’t get billed to insurance. Services like answering patient questions over a portal or the phone, or coordinating care with different specialists, all things Whitcomb said she wanted more time and capacity to do. Membership fees can vary across different offices and models. Concierge, which offers the
membership alongside insurance said, employees are offered — and billing, is often the more afford- incentivized — to take Champlain able option for patients — a look at Medical up on direct primary care local providers shows prices often paid for by ECI. hovering around “If the indi$2,000 annually, vidual came to us “I’m doing this to sometimes, as in for one primary Horizon’s model, genuinely try to take care visit a year, with scaled pricwhich included, ing depending on you know, some better care of my age or family size. basic lab work, Other local and we do EKGs patients.” practices have and hearing tests found ways to them,” Schil— Holly Whitcomb for make direct ler said. “Then primary care work for patients they have access to our facility for as well. Beth Schiller, the nurse the rest of the year — for whatever, practitioner who owns Champlain urgent care, primary care, essentialMedical, an urgent care center in ly any of their other needs.” South Burlington, only offers direct The relationship, she said, has primary care through a special rela- made primary care visits accessitionship with some local employ- ble and easy to get for a group of ers. Schiller said that she’s been people who might not otherwise working with ECI for years as have it. Recently, she said, doing an Champlain Medical handles care EKG on one patient led to a referral for their workplace injuries as well to a cardiologist, a stress test and a as the necessary physical exams for triple bypass procedure. some employees. While the company offers insurance outside her services, she
The number of primary care doctors in the state is falling — according to a report from the Department of Health there were 40 fewer PCPs in 2024 than 2022 and almost a third of Vermont’s primary care physicians are over 60. While this doesn’t necessarily account for nurse practitioners such as Whitcomb and Schiller, Ridzon said that membership models may help sustain more doctors in the state for longer. “They’re finding a way to make it happen rather than retiring. Because a lot of them are so burnt out that they exit the field or retire,” Ridzon said. Whitcomb is looking forward to opening her practice. She’s already begun coordinating care for some patients. “I’m not doing this to make a gazillion dollars. I’m doing this to genuinely try to take better care of my patients in the way that I think they should be cared for,” she said.
Career Opportunities City of Burlington
Obituary Lynne Porter If you knew Lynne, you knew she had a special sparkle, from her bright blue eyes down to her glitter shoes. She truly was one of a kind. She was known for her kind spirit and gentle nature. She was a nurturer down to her core and always took care of the people around her. Whether she was bringing a neighbor one of her amazing baked creations, sending a care package, or donating to someone in need, she had a way of putting others’ needs before her own. If you were loved by Lynne, you knew she loved fiercely. Her greatest joys were her four children, Larissa, Ashley, Meriel, and Kelsey, and her greatest title was Gemma, the name her grandchildren lovingly gave her. Lynne never forgot a birthday and found joy in celebrating every holiday. She was known for having a wreath for every occasion, and you counted yourself lucky if you received one of her elaborate gingerbread houses or Easter sugar eggs. Though her bright and gentle spirit persists, Lynne Beth Porter left the earthly plane on Aug. 22, 2026. Lynne was born in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, to Dr. Gilbert and Wilma Porter and was the elder sister of Leigh (Johnstone). She was a free-spirited and studious young woman who graduated as Salutatorian of Cazenovia High School in 1972. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from
Lynne Porter
Niagara University, where she met her future husband, James “Jim” Naro. They married in 1977 and built a life together in Marlborough, Massachusetts, where Lynne began her nursing career at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. They then spent many years in Florida where Lynne continued her nursing career while exploring several entrepreneurial ventures. After 17 years together, she and Jim divorced. Some may be surprised to learn she earned a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo and studied massage therapy before eventually moving to Vermont. In Vermont, Lynne worked in pediatrics and became known not only for her compassionate care, but also for her custom-painted holiday and seasonal shoes, a perfect reflection of her creativity and unmistakable sparkle. She later lived in Florida and Illinois so she could
remain close to her children and grandchildren, before settling back in Vermont in 2015. Lynne’s nursing career spanned many decades and specialties, including obstetrics, geriatrics, pediatrics, and care in a variety of facility settings. She was adored by her patients and colleagues alike. She skillfully blended the art and science of nursing and took great pride in mentoring new nurses and sharing her knowledge with those beginning their own careers. After retirement, Lynne devoted her time to the people she loved most, doting on her children and grandchildren. She was a voracious reader, avid baker, and an endlessly creative crafter, always making something with her hands. Her projects ranged from whimsical fairy gardens to beautiful crocheted blankets. She leaves behind her four children, their spouses, and her six beloved grandchildren: Lilly, Annabelle, Noah, Evie, Danny, and Winston. But the list of people who will miss her is much longer than any obituary could ever contain. We will miss her voice. Her stories. Her stubbornness. Her hugs. Her generosity. Her sparkle. Her advice, even the advice we didn’t ask for. Most of all, we will miss the way she made life feel a little more vibrant simply by being in it. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the South Burlington Food Shelf or Movement for Parkinson’s at the Flynn.
PARALLEL JUSTICE PROGRAM SPECIALIST This position provides trauma-informed, victim-centered advocacy, case management, resource coordination, referral, and restorative justice services for individuals impacted by crime and harm throughout Chittenden County. The position will also work with non-criminal community referrals, in collaboration with agency staff and community partners. This position exercises a high degree of independence, initiative, and professional judgment and will support program volunteers. While primarily based at the South Burlington CCCJC office, the position will also spend time in the Williston office and the Essex Police Department office. Salary: $65,936.00-$73,486.40 and comprehensive benets
COMMUNICATIONS, VOLUNTEER AND OPERATIONS SPECIALIST This position serves as a key ambassador for the Chittenden County Community Justice Center (CCCJC), helping create a welcoming, organized, and community-centered environment for participants, volunteers, partners, and visitors. This position coordinates volunteer recruitment, engagement, and support; maintains communications and outreach activities; and provides front-office, operational, and administrative support to ensure the efficient day-to-day functioning of the CCCJC. The Specialist also coordinates communications activities, maintains communication platforms, supports volunteer engagement, and assists with community outreach under the direction of CCCJC leadership. Salary: $55,244.80-$61,505.60 and comprehensive benets
To learn more and to apply: governmentjobs.com/careers/burlingtonvt THE CITY OF BURLINGTON IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND ENCOURAGES APPLICANTS WHO CAN CONTRIBUTE TO OUR GROWING DIVERSITY.
Page 16 • September 3, 2026 • The Other Paper
HONORING OUR
Now in Williston | Accepting New Patients!
Blaze new trails with new hips!
VETERANS
On Nov. 5, The Other Paper will be honored to publish photos of the men and women who have unselfishly served our country.
Over 3,000 performed since 2010.
The Other Paper
G ORmIoN HOVeN Us terans A ng
WALTER J. LUCHINI United States Army, SP 4 Years of service: 1963 - 1966 United States and South Korea
ROBERT A. MILLETTE United States Navy; WW II Seaman 1st Class
GEORGE R. NATTRESS United States Marine Corps Pacific Theater
FELIX F. COWEY, JR. Col. Ret. United States Army Korea 1949, 1951-52 West Point 1946
am
am
ori
ori
em
em
M In
JUDITH A. COHEN Captain, Nurse Corps, USNR-R Reserve service 1973-2004
Active duty 1975-1978 National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, MD
M
In
M
FLORENCE M. MACALISTER United States Marine Corps Sergeant | WWI 1918-19 HQS, US Marine Corps, Washington, D.C.
We treat your hip pain so you can live an active lifestyle again!
am ori M
ori
em
ELEANOR ALEXANDER Jacobson (In Memoriam) United States Navy, WAVE Yeoman Third Class September 1944–June 1946
In
ori
em
M
em
am
am
RICHARD ARVID
JACOBSON United States Navy
Yeoman 2nd Class October 1943–June 1946
MSGR. JOHN R.
MCSWEENEY United States Air Force 1st Lieutenant 4750th Air Defense Wing Yuma, Ariz. 1953 - 1956
W. DONALD DALTON, SR. United States Navy 1942–1946
C. LOUIS “LOU” DEFORGE United States Army Captain 1967 - 1971
TIMOTHY J KEEFE United States Marine Corps Corporal May 1976 - May 1980
CHRISTOPHER GIRARD United States Air Force Lieutenant Colonel 1965-1985
HENRY JOSEPH GIROUX III United States Navy Chief Petty Officer
RICHARD GARROW United States Navy Torpedo Man
iam
Feb. 1962–Jan. 1969
In
The
MORTON A. LORD United States Air Force Captain
The Other Paper • November 7, 2024 • Page 11
In
ber 10, 2022 •
Page 14 • Novem
Page 10 • November 7, 2024 • The Other Paper
Same-day, computer navigated, anterior total hip replacement
em
or
Easily accessible building
M M
In
em
M
or
em
DEBBIE OAKES United States Army Sergeant 1977-1980
KYLE GRAY United States Army Private First Class ALBERT “SKIP” BALTZ
Force (Ret.) United States Air Ch (Col) 1978-2010
DANE C. BACON Force United States Air Sergeant - October 1980 October 1976
ATHERTON CPL. HENRY V. Bomb US Air Force, 448th r B-24’s Armore Group Aircraft g, Station 146, Seethin d Norfolk, Englan - July 1945 November 1943
No long wait times and time for our patients Small, personable team Operating at Green Mountain Surgery Center
LAURIE JACQUES USCG and ARNG 1994-2005
E ARTHUR J. BLAIN (Ret.) Force United States Air Master Sergeant , Germany, 1954-1976: France and Guam d Vietnam, Thailan
W WILLIAM AGNE USMC Corporal 1980-1983
WILLIAM F. LADD United States Air Force Airman 1st Class 1955-1959
ROBERT K. LAMONDA United States Army PFC 43rd Division 1941-1945
THOMAS R. KLEH US Merchant Marines United States Navy Captain 1943-1977
TE CHESTER L. BODETan WWII Germany/Jap USAAF/USAF/VTANG T 1944-1987 CMSG
HETTE BRIAN N. BLANC 71 USNR 1965-19 69 active duty 1967-19
RAYMOND ‘RAY’ LEBLANC United State Air Force Strategic Air Command Alert Force Feb 1960 - Mar 1968
ROBERT ERNEST KAIGLE United States Navy World War II, 1943-1945 Korean War, 1950-1951
ROBERT ‘BOB’ LEBLANC United States Air Force 1st Lieutenant, F-100D Pilot Mar 1956 - Dec 1958 Lost on classified mission Posthumous burial Arlington National Cemetary
GORDON KEARNS United States Army WWII
DAVID W. GARVEY USMC, Sargent EOD Specialist 1985-1993
JAMES M. KEHOE VT Air National Guard Chief Master Sergeant 158th FW DET 1 at Langley AFB
TRAVIS J. KEHOE VT Air National Guard Technical Sergeant
426 Industrial Ave. Williston
A. RICHARD BOERA United States Navy Lieutenant (J.G.) World War II er 1946 July 1943–Septemb
DEAN KIRBY United States Air Force A1C Viet Nam 1970
DAVID R. LECLAIR United States Marine Corps Corporal 1976-1980
PIERRE LEMIEUX United States Marine Corps 4th Marine Infantry Regiment Sergeant, Vietnam Veteran July 23, 1963–October 14, 1966
LOU LERTOLA US Army, US Army Reserve & VTANG 1960–1994 Command Sergeant Major 40 years military service
CHAD LEWBER (w/daughter Leanne) VTANT/US Marine Corps Sargeant, Flight Medic Served in Iraq
RUSSELL D. CHASE Army Air Corp (Ret.) 2nd Lieutenant 967 1942–1946, 1950–1
In
or In
M
em
iam em or M In AN BRUCE BOOZ United States Army SP/4 1968–1969 Vietnam/Korea
M
iam
em
or
iam
ROBERT ALLSTON LACLAIR United States Navy Quartermaster April 1943- April 1946
ROGER L. BOURGEA United States Navy Armed Guard Gunners Mate Third Class Served on Tankers and Liberty Cargo ships Dec. 1942 - Jan. 1946
DENNIS JOHNSON A2C USAF 1959 -1963
In
ROSANNE M. GRECO United States Air Force (Ret.) Colonel | 1973 - 2003 Strategic Intelligence Officer & Nuclear Arms Control Negotiator Postings across the US, Europe and Far East
M
em
ori
am
GE LEONARD ROBERWW II United States Navy; Yeoman First Class 1942–1945
EDWARD GARVEY United States Air Force WM DAVID GERNS, JR S/Sgt, Communications BETTY BANDEL Specialist Corps ICC(SW) Woment’s Army United States Navy (Ret.) 764th Radar Squadron, 1st Class Petty Officer St. Albans Air WAC Division 45 Headquarters, ant Colonel, 1942-19 Lieuten 31st Air Division, MN
In
iam or
iam
BILL OAKES United States Army Corporal 1952-1954
In
1944-1946
MARK EVNIN Corps Corporal US Marine Scout Sniper 4/03/03 Born 5/10/81, Died
KNER ROBERT D. BRUEC United States Army
TONE DONALD JOHNS WWII United States Army Sargent Tech/ 30th Infantry Div. 1943-1945
If you have a veteran you would like us to honor, please mail or email your photo and the following information by
THURSDAY, OCT. 29 Please include: • Name of veteran • Branch of service • Rank • Years of service • Town of residence
EMAIL PHOTOS AND TEXT TO: stephanie@shelburnenews.com OR MAIL TO: The Other Paper, P.O. Box 489, Stowe, VT 05672
Call 802-755-7171
to make an appointment today!
Learn more at BurlingtonOrthopedics.com