Dead Creek
Story hour
Popular family event returns post-pandemic
Drag queens make community connections with library program
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South Burlington’s Community Newspaper Since 1977
the SEPTEMBER 22, 2022
otherpapersbvt.com
VOLUME 46, NO. 38
One apple at a time
Ball battle
Picking away across the Champlain Valley ABIGAIL CARROLL COMMUNITY NEWS SERVICE
Apple-picking season is back in Vermont, and orchards across the state are starting to come alive with visitors — and apples. The Other Paper checked in with three orchards across the Champlain Valley to see what their owners think about this year’s fall fun.
Shelburne Orchards
PHOTO BY AL FREY
Champlain Valley Union’s Charlie Jennings pulls the ball back from South Burlington’s Hammad Ali during the Wolves’ game against the Redhawks Sept. 16 in Hinesburg.
Public Art Gallery exhibit showcases work of three South Burlington artists Through Dec. 13, the South Burlington Public Art Gallery features “South Burlington Showcase,” an exhibit of more than 60 paintings, photographs and mixed media works of three artists from the city — Gin Ferrara, Jeffrey Pascoe and Michael Strauss —
curated by Jessica Manley. Ferrara returned to artmaking following a severe head injury in early 2020. While recuperating, she began a daily drawing practice, which became cemented into a lifestyle as the pandemic took hold.
Drawings led to small watercolors, which in turn led to larger acrylic paintings. With the help of a grant from the Vermont Arts Council, Ferrara moved into a studio, where she has been able See EXHIBITION on page 3
For Nick Cowles, running Shelburne Orchards is a family affair. His dad ran the orchard, and Cowles took it over after his father almost sold the place in 1974. His daughter, Moriah Cowles, is set to take over from him, and he’s excited the orchard will stay in the family. Cowles is optimistic about the apple season at his orchard this year. About 90 percent of the orchard has been set aside for folks to pick their own apples. This year marks what’s known as a bumper crop, he said, or an unusually large harvest. It comes from a successful growing season with plenty of rain and warm temperatures, he said. “This year is a big, big year,” he said. “It’s crazy when you drive to the orchard to think that all these apples are gonna get picked. I mean, they’re just row after row
after row.” Along with about 8,000 apple trees, the orchard hosts a band each weekend and offers cider by the glass and doughnuts to go along with it. People who might want to visit by horse will find a special treat: a free apple for their equine friend. “It’s a wonderful place to bring the kids,” Cowles said. “They’re coming for the apples, but they’re also coming just to get out in the orchard and have something to do.” Out of all the apple varieties, Macintosh is the clear winner for Cowles, and he even recommends using it in apple pies. Something to try this fall is the orchard’s brandy — known as Dead Bird Brandy — that Cowles has been making out of apples that drop to the ground. He started this project in 2009, and it takes eight years for the brandy to age. “It’s the kind of thing that takes numerous generations, really, to make a really good brandy, and we’re feeling pretty good about how it’s all unfolding,” he said.
Yates Family Orchard, Hinesburg In the Hinesburg-Monkton area, Jessika Yates has been running See APPLES on page 10
HOWARD CENTER PRESENTS
Recognizing & Recovering from
BURNOUT with Dr. Alice Chen and Ferene Paris Meyer
Howard-Center-Burnout_BANG-strip-10.25x1.5in.indd 1
Oct. 12 6-8pm
802-488-6913 howardcenter.org
Free & Open to the Public
WITH SUPPORT FROM
9/19/22 2:12 PM