The Other Paper - 1-11-24

State of state

Growing pains

Scott challenges Democrat’s spending

Author’s new book tackles grief and growth

Page 12

Page 13

POSTAL CUSTOMER

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #217 CONCORD, NH ECRWSSEDDM

South Burlington’s Community Newspaper Since 1977

the JANUARY 11, 2024

otherpapersbvt.com

VOLUME 48, NO. 2

City eyes Long land for conservation, some housing units Family previously had plans for development COREY MCDONALD STAFF WRITER

South Burlington is in active negotiation to purchase property on Spear Street formerly owned by the Long family, and says it plans to conserve most of the property but include a small mixed-income neighborhood. Little details are known so far about the potential purchase. City manager Jessie Baker said that the city remains in active negotiations with the current landowners, Tom and Janet Bellavance, but said she “thought it was important that we come to you and present some

work that city staff and the Bellavance’s are working on.” The shared goal of the city and the Bellavances, Baker said, is to “conserve the majority of the acreage” at the properties. “This would be done through a third part conservation easement that would be executed at the time of sale,” Baker said. “Additionally, there’s a shared goal around using some of the acreage, a small portion of the front of the acreage along Spear Street, to partner with a development partner to build See LONG PROPERTY on page 9

Council chair will not run for reelection Caps a 12-year tenure on the council COREY MCDONALD STAFF WRITER

Helen Riehle, the chair of the South Burlington City Council, announced she would not be seeking a fifth term on the council in March and would be ending her 12-year tenure. Riehle, who was first elected to the South Burlington City Council in 2012, said she felt it was “time to pass the baton to another resident.” “Participating in local govern-

ment has been the highlight of my community service and the most satisfying part of my public career,”Riehle said, acknowledging the “consistently dedicated and talented city employees, two extremely competent city managers, their excellent leadership and, most importantly, the respectful and wonderful fellow councilors with who I have served.” “I sincerely thank you for See RIEHLE on page 2

PHOTO BY GLENN RUSSELL/VTDIGGER

South Burlington Police Chief Shawn Burke testifies before the House Judiciary Committee at the Statehouse in Montpelier on Jan. 5.

House panel weighs legislation to increase retail theft penalties SHAUN ROBINSON VTDIGGER

Heather Tremblay, who manages the University Mall in South Burlington, worries that repeated cases of retail theft are driving away badly needed staff — and shoppers. In her more than three decades in the retail business, “I have just never experienced the incidence of retail theft and threatening behaviors that I’ve seen over the past few years,” she said on Jan. 5, speaking to members of the House Committee on Judiciary. Tremblay and Shawn Burke,

the South Burlington police chief, told lawmakers they’re not focused on people who make one-off decisions to steal from a store. But they’re concerned about people who are stealing regularly or violating court-imposed orders when they do so. The judiciary panel took up two related bills Friday aimed at curbing a reported increase in theft at retailers across the state. H.534 and H.579 would both increase penalties for people convicted of retail theft — though the bills would take different approaches. The panel hasn’t settled yet on one or the other.

Under current law, retail theft can be either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the value of property that a person steals. If that figure totals $900 or less, the charge is a misdemeanor of up to six months in prison or a $500 fine. But if it surpasses $900, the charge bumps up to a felony, carrying up to 10 years in prison or a $1,000 fine. Rep. Martin LaLonde, a South Burlington Democrat who chairs the judiciary panel, told his colleagues that this See RETAIL THEFT on page 3

Page 2 • January 11, 2024 • The Other Paper

Riehle won’t seek reelection to council

RIEHLE

continued from page 1 giving me the opportunity to help define South Burlington’s future,” she said. Riehle will wrap up her fourth three-year term with the city council in March. She served as the vice chair on the council before being appointed to the head role on the council in March 2016, the same month she was sworn in as a Chittenden County state senator. At the time, Gov. Peter Shumlin moved to appoint Riehle to fill a seat that had been vacated. She was making a brief stop in familiar territory. By then, Riehle had already served in both chambers of the Legislature and had notched more 15 years of service. She served as a state representative from 1983-1992 and was a member of the health and welfare and appropriations committees. She then later represented Chittenden County as state senator from 1993-2000, where she chaired the health and welfare, administrative rules, and the health access oversight committees. Her “final role” as South Burlington’s council chair placed her at the center of some of the most important issues in the city in the last decade — be it the battle over the F-35s, or balancing growth and conservation. She said she championed the development of City Center, including the library and city hall, and helped usher in affordable housing regulations. She described her time as council chair as providing

“an evenhanded and sensitive approach to controversy and differing perspectives, which provided an improved tenor of council meetings and forward progress on many shared goals.” Riehle cited four accomplishments for which she is most proud: creating the tax increment financing, or TIF, district, boosting economic incentives for City Center, creating the affordable housing trust fund, and adopting policies and regulations “that balanced protection of the environment with necessary growth.” She said she will “miss the ongoing and exciting challenges the city faces,” but that she was confident she leaves “having helped build a strong foundation and vision for the future.” Riehle’s retirement leaves two of three open seats up for election this March without an incumbent. The vice chair of the council and the longest tenured councilor, Meaghan Emery, will be up for reelection in March. An open seat vacated by Tyler Barnes is also up for grabs. Elizabeth Fitzgerald, who formerly served on the South Burlington School Board and, more recently, worked on the city’s charter committee, submitted petitions to run for the remaining year of that two-year term. Laurie Smith also announced a bid this week for the seat. (See both Riehle’s and Smith’s statements, this page.)

Certificate of Deposit

SPECIAL

% 5.00 APY*

9 Month CD

Call (800)728-5871 or visit 802CU.com for more details. *APY= Annual Percentage Yield. Early termination fees will apply. Fees may reduce earnings. Minimum deposit $500. Maximum deposit $50,000 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.

ful and wonderful fellow councilors with who I have served. “I sincerely thank you for Helen Riehle giving me the opportunity to help South Burlington City Council define South Burlington’s future,” chair Helen Riehle will not seek a she wrote in a press release. Riehle has spent fifth term. over 30 years in an “After 12 years servelected position, as a ing the city, I feel it is state representative, a time to pass the baton Chittenden County state to another resident,” she senator and as a South said. “Participating in Burlington city counlocal government has cilor. been the highlight of my In the final role she community service and led the council as chair the most satisfying part for eight years. Riehle of my public career.” championed the develShe expressed grat- Helen Riehle opment of City Center, itude for the support City Council Chair the new library and city given to her, the consishall, as well as affordtently dedicated and talented city employees, two able housing. She described her extremely competent city manag- tenure as city council chair as ers and their excellent leadership providing “an even-handed and and, most important, the respect- sensitive approach to controversy

Political Notebook

and differing perspectives, which provided an improved tenor of council meetings and forward progress on many shared goals.” Over the past 12 years the city has experienced many changes. Riehle cites four accomplishments for which she is most proud: the city becoming a Tax Incremental Financing, or TIF, district resulting in a new city center; creating a civil and respectful meeting atmosphere; creating an affordable housing trust fund and significant affordable housing; and the adoption of policies and regulations that balanced protection of the environment with necessary growth. She said she will miss the ongoing and exciting challenges the city faces but is confident that she leaves having helped build a strong foundation and vision for the future.

Planning commissioner runs for council found in nature, in my ability to dential subdivision development repair or build just about anything and individual residential projects. and working with wood. As a Over the years I have had the Laurie Smith self-employed entrepreneur and opportunity to participate in municMy name is Laurie Smith, and I creative problem solver, I turned ipal government as a member of the Shelburne Develam excited to announce my candi- these passions into opment Review Board, dacy for the South Burlington City successful businesses by founding a woodworkauditor for the South Council. Burlington Fire District Vermont has been my home ing company in 1977 #1 (Queen City Park) for over 47 years and my roots and later, a design-build and as a current member run deep in this community. My construction company of the South Burlingwife, Laura, and I live in the from which I retired in ton Planning CommisQueen City Park neighborhood 2013. Throughout my sion. My commitment to near Red Rocks Park, and we are community service and fortunate to have parents, children career, I’ve collaborated the time I have spent as a and grandchildren living nearby in with city councils, planning and zoning depart- Laurie Smith planning commissioner South Burlington and Burlington. development have inspired me to seek I have had a lifelong love for ments, a position on the South nature and care deeply about the review boards and the environment. Since a young age, Vermont Act 250 Commission for Burlington City Council. If I am fortunate enough to be my joy and inspiration have been commercial redevelopment, resielected to the council, my goal will be to implement the updated city plan. My vision is to form a framework that comprehensively maintains focus on pressing core concerns — housing, education, budget, infrastructure and sustainable growth — while undertaking actions that address the existential challenges of climate change. I understand the need for fiscal ESTABLISHED INDEPENDENT SENIOR COMMUNITY responsibility and how taxes and spending impact personal finances, community growth, schools and infrastructure. I will carefully seek balanced, practical and creative solutions that equitably Spacious 1- and 2-Bedroom Apartments meet the needs of all residents Hair Salon • Massage Studio • Art Gallery when addressing both short term and future goals. Expanded Outdoor Patio and Grilling Area • Exercise Room We need to increase access to Community Rooms • Mature Landscaping • Resident Garden affordable and quality housing Vibrant Social Atmosphere with Weekly Events and Activities in the city while using environmentally sound principles. Going LOCATED IN THE HEART OF SOUTH BURLINGTON forward, development of housing

Political Notebook

Call today to plan for your future home at The Pines.

7 Aspen Drive, South Burlington, VT • 802. 865.1109

www. SummitPMG. com

See SMITH on page 3

The Other Paper • January 11, 2024 • Page 3

RETAIL THEFT

Vermont’s Premier Specialty Fitness Store

continued from page 1 framework could be improved. Someone time period, and could lower it, LaLonde can commit multiple retail thefts, he said said.) — and some individuals are committing LaLonde is the primary sponsor of the many — but as long as the value of each bill, which also has dozens of co-sponsors. theft is less than $900, they’ll face only H.579, meanwhile, would levy felony misdemeanor-level charges. charges on someone who steals more than A yearslong backlog in Vermont’s courts $900 worth of merchandise, across multiple has meant that court dates for those people instances, within a six-month period. Like are likely months out, officials said. In some H.534, the bill also calls for felony charges cases, jury trials could be years away. if retail thieves are found to act “in concert.” “We have to have But the latter bill — accountability in the short which is sponsored by Two bills up for term,” Burke told the committee vice chair Rep. lawmakers. Thomas Burditt, R-West debate would allow Underpinning both Rutland — takes measures bills is the idea that the further, creating a new prosecutors to state can create more felony charge in state effective deterrents by law called “aggravated aggregate the value combining the value of retail theft.” To meet that items taken during differcharge, a person would of merchandise a ent instances of alleged have to leave a business retail theft by the same through an emergency exit person steals over person or group of people “to facilitate the theft,” or — and thus, charge a more possess “an item or device multiple different serious crime. intended to overcome a More than a dozen security system” while thefts — turning other states have enacted, committing a theft. what would or are considering, similar Burditt’s bill also calls “organized retail crime” for felony-level charges if now be multiple laws, according to data a person steals merchanfrom CNBC discussed at dise, in any amount, with misdemeanor-level Friday’s hearing. the intent to resell it to H.534 would impose another person, according charges into a felony. to the legislation. harsher penalties than what’s currently on the Burke and Tremblay books if a person convicted of retail theft said that they supported both bills. The is also found to be working together with police chief said South Burlington police others. People acting “in concert” — and collected about 490 reports of retail theft who steal a combined value of $900 to last year, up from about 260 reports in $10,000 among them — would each face a 2020. Tremblay said these figures are likely felony charge of up to five years in prison, undercounts since many incidents of retail or a $1,000 fine. theft are not reported to police. The penalties would be higher for those LaLonde and other lawmakers pointed who steal more than $10,000 combined. to FBI data showing that property crime has H.534 also would levy felony charges if increased in Vermont since the onset of the a single person steals more than $900 total COVID-19 pandemic, though levels remain of merchandise, at “more than one loca- lower than they were a decade ago. tion,” within a two-week period. (LawmakThe judiciary panel expects to take more ers said they aren’t set on the length of the testimony on the bills this week.

SMITH

in South Burlington must focus on being sustainable and affordable. My life experience, skills and broad perspective will enable me to effectively contribute to our city council. I strongly believe in the collaborative process between city leaders, government and citizens. I will utilize consensus-building, mutual respect and support to ensure that South Burlington remains an affordable and great place to

LOCAL?

High Quality Residential & Commercial Fitness Equipment Personalized Sales Delivery Installation & Service 10 Dorset Street South Burlington

Across from the University Mall

(802)860-1030

TotalFitnessEquipment.com

JOB FAIR SAVE THE DATE!

continued from page 2

WHY GO

New Year, New You!

live, learn, grow, work and play. I am committed to open communication and transparency throughout my campaign and, if elected, during my time in office. I look forward to conversations to better understand your concerns, ideas and visions for the future of our wonderful city. I am eager to serve and work collaboratively toward a bright future for South Burlington.

JANUARY 27, 2024 11:00am–2:00pm

O’Brien Community Center 32 Malletts Bay Avenue Winooski, VT BACK UP DATE: 2/3/24

Shape the community’s character Vermont Community Newspaper Group

The business next door donates nearly twice as much as big-box stores and online retailers to local non-profits, events and teams.

Page 4 • January 11, 2024 • The Other Paper

CRIME & COURTS Trial in cyclist death case yet to be scheduled COREY MCDONALD STAFF WRITER

The criminal case of Richard K. Lewis, charged by police after hitting a cyclist with his car, remains ongoing as several status conferences have been postponed or cancelled since Lewis was first arraigned. Lewis, a 69-year-old from Hinesburg, was cited in February of last year with grossly negligent operation stemming from an incident on Oct. 15 when Lewis, driving southbound on Hinesburg Road, struck Gerard Malavenda, 65, of Williston, with his car. Malavenda was treated at the scene but was later pronounced dead at the University of Vermont Medical Center. Lewis pleaded not guilty to the charge at his arraignment in April and was released under several conditions, including that he cannot operate a motor vehicle. A tentative trial date was later set for September. But court proceedings have delayed that start date. At least five

status conferences have been postponed or cancelled since Lewis’ arraignment, according to court documents. A new hearing is scheduled for Jan. 18. Neither Lewis nor his attorney, Brooks MacArthur, have responded to messages seeking comment. In Oct. 2022, Malavenda was found breathing but seriously injured on the side of the road near 1410 Hinesburg Road. Lewis, who was driving his GMC truck, had pulled over on the side of the road, and told police he had been going to visit his son. While driving southbound, Lewis “was attempting to avoid the male but stated he was suddenly right in front of Lewis’ truck,” South Burlington police wrote in its affidavit. There were no witnesses to the crash, but the Vermont State Police investigation of the crash scene later showed Lewis’ car had veered nearly three feet over the See LEWIS on page 5

the 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) 864-6670 x21

Billing inquiries Leslie Lafountain leslie@stowereporter.com (802) 253-2101

Advertising Wendy Ewing wendy@shelburnenews.com (802) 985-3091 x12

Advertising submission deadline: Thursday at 5 p.m. advertising@otherpapersbvt.com classifieds@otherpapersbvt.com

News Editor Tommy Gardner

Editorial submission deadline: Friday at 5 p.m. news@otherpapersbvt.com

Staff Writers Aaron Calvin Corey McDonald Liberty Darr Production Manager Stephanie Manning stephanie@shelburnenews.com

Calendar submission deadline: Friday at 12 p.m. news@otherpapersbvt.com Contact: 1340 Williston Road South Burlington, VT 05403 (802) 864-6670

Editor/Publisher Gregory Popa gpopa@stowereporter.com

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.

South Burlington Police Blotter: Jan. 1-7 Total incidents: 234 Agency / public assists, field contact: 23 Directed patrol: 10 Traffic stop: 19 Accident: property damage: 7 Alarm: 13 Foot patrol: 12 Suspicious event: 18 Retail theft: 15 Motor vehicle complaint: 4 Larceny from a vehicle: 9 Welfare check: 10 Trespass: 13 Leaving the scene: 6 Mental health: 5 Unlawful mischief: 5 Noise: 4 Disturbance: 15 Larceny from a structure: 3 Arrests: Sept. 27 at 6:05 a.m., Harley D. MacDonald, 38, of Burlington, was arrested for negligent operation, leaving the scene of an accident, felony unlawful mischief and felony retail theft on Hannaford Drive. Oct. 18 at 12:22 p.m., Devin F. Legassie, 32, no address provided, was arrested for retail theft on Hannaford Drive. Dec. 8 at 9:09 a.m., Victor Orfin, 30, no address provided, was arrested for credit card/ATM fraud on Shelburne Road. Dec. 8 at 9:09 a.m., Miranda M.

Mumley, 32, no address provided, was arrested for credit card/ ATM fraud on Shelburne Road. Dec. 28 at 9:46 a.m., Ashley R. Skidmore, 37, no address provided, was arrested for felony retail theft, violating conditions of release and unlawful trespass on Dorset Street. Dec. 29 at 5:33 p.m., Laurie A. Slingerland, 55, of Burlington, was arrested for felony retail theft on Dorset Street. Jan. 2 at 4:17 p.m., Tyler Dawson, 34, of Burlington, was arrested for retail theft on Dorset Street. Jan. 3 at 11:47 a.m., Raymond David Benson, 35, of Burlington, was arrested for retail theft on Williston Road. Jan. 3 at 1:37 p.m., Chapman Y. Smith, 41, no address given, was arrested for unlawful trespass and retail theft on Dorset Street. Jan. 4 at 9:55 a.m., Connor J. Bushnell, 33, of Cambridge, was arrested for driving with a criminally suspended license at Hinesburg and Williston roads. Jan. 4 at 9:39 p.m., Trever J. Hoag, 48, no addressed provided, was arrested for violating conditions of release on Dorset Street. Jan. 4 at 10:16 p.m., Trent J. Beayon, 23, of Burlington, was arrested for violating conditions of release on Quarry Hill Road.

Jan. 4 at 9:39 p.m., Samantha A. Tonnessen, 36, no address provided, was arrested for possession of stolen property and retail theft on Dorset Street. Jan. 5 at 6:35 a.m., Adam W. Lee, 24, of New Braintree, Mass., was arrested for driving under the influence, first offense, on Williston Road. Jan. 6 at 4:23 p.m., Katie Blanchette, 27, of Milton, was arrested for simple assault and retail theft on Dorset Street. Jan. 6 at 9:27 p.m., Shan McGlynn, 50, of Barre City, was arrested for eluding a police officer, driving under the influence, first offense, and on an in-state warrant on Interstate 89. Jan. 7 at 9:19 p.m., Olivia A. Hines, 30, of South Burlington, was arrested on aggravated disorderly conduct on Williston Road. Untimely deaths: Dec. 26 at 11:12 a.m., police responded to Allen Road for the death of Gayle Bryant, 80, of South Burlington. The medical examiner’s office is determining cause and manner of death. Note: Charges filed by police are subject to review by the Chittenden County State’s Attorney Office and can be amended or dropped.

PRICES SLASHED!

The Other Paper • January 11, 2024 • Page 5

LEWIS

continued from page 4 white fog line into the southbound shoulder where Malavenda was with his bike. Speed was not a contributing factor in this motor vehicle crash “but rather a lane deviation possibly due to an inattentive operator,” the state police crash report said. The South Burlington police, in its affidavit of probable cause, said that Lewis “failed to exercise ordinary care by not only failing to avoid a bicyclist on the shoulder of a public highway ... but in fact driving more than two feet to the right of the fog line and striking the bicyclist.” Just after the incident, responding officers said Lewis was in his truck on a phone call. Officers examined Lewis’ phone and noted that his call and missed call history folders were both empty, aside from the call he had just been on.

South Burlington police later seized Lewis’ phone and determined his cellphone had been connected to the vehicle’s Bluetooth system minutes before the crash occurred, according to court documents. They then sent a subpoena to AT&T, but the company told them that there were no records of phone calls or text messages available made between 11:51 a.m. and 1 p.m. that day. “I advised the representative (that) I had observed the individual using their phone and making calls between 11:51 a.m. and 1 p.m.,” South Burlington officer Hazen Powell wrote, according to court documents. “The representative advised (that) AT&T had provided all of the information they had for the hours of 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. from Oct. 15.”

Drug dealer who made millions in Vermont, elsewhere sentenced MIKE DONOGHUE CORRESPONDENT

A part-time Vermont resident who masterminded coast-to-coast conspiracies to distribute heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine and crack and powder cocaine and to launder drug money, was sentenced to 12 years in prison during a recent federal court hearing in Burlington. DaJuan A. Williams, 31, developed a Chittenden County drug trafficking business that also had additional distribution points in North Dakota, Montana and California that generated him a million-dollar annual enterprise, according to court records. He boasted on a video played in court that he was a “$6 million man.” Williams also supervised the laundering of drug money into various bank accounts, officials said, later transferring the proceeds using a variety of methods, including mobile payment services such as Venmo, Cash App and Zelle. In addition, Williams also bought numerous luxury vehicles, including an Audi, BMW and Maserati and clothes, jewelry and houses with proceeds from the sale of drugs. Williams also maintained stash houses in several towns, including Shelburne, Winooski and Burlington. One co-defendant estimated that Williams shipped drugs in suitcases between 35 and 50 times and in one case, another co-defendant took at least 10 outbound trips from California. The profits were up to “tens of thousands of dollars per day,” records noted. Chief Federal Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford ordered more than $600,000 in forfeitures from bank accounts and other property generated from the drug trafficking. Williams will be under supervised release for four years once discharged from prison. A 12-month investigation led by U.S. Homeland Security in Vermont led to an initial 16-count indictment of eight defendants. Another handful of people were added in a subsequent indictment. Crawford noted in court on Jan. 4 that the drug distribution caused significant

devastation in the community, noting some people lost lives or overdosed and others lost homes because of the drugs distributed. One Shelburne apartment was used to store and package drugs for resale with four co-defendants working there, records show. The renter of the apartment was given drugs for allowing Williams’ associates to operate there, but he would later die from an overdose, court records showed. “The business relied on a complicated network of logistics to obtain drugs from suppliers, transport them across the country, and distribute them to customers,” former Assistant U.S. Attorney John Boscia said in court papers. “On the financial side, Williams micro-managed on-the-ground distribution, checking in with his workers and frequently demanding the ‘count’ — an accounting of drugs sold, and money earned. Earnings of over a million dollars were returned to bank accounts controlled by Williams. The business even had a slogan: working in ‘perfect harmony,’” records showed. Defense lawyer Chandler Matson of Stowe argued that Williams came from a broken home in Detroit and had been living on the street since he was about 8 years old. He said Williams has turned his life around since being in prison in pre-trial detention for almost three years. Matson said Williams earned his high school degree and 70 other certificates for programs offered at the Northwest State Correctional Facility. Matson maintained that Williams did not

ONCEPRICES IN A LIFETIME PRICING!

40% 50 40% SLASHED!

ONCE IN A LIFETIME PRICING!

off

off

STOREWIDE ANNIVERSARY SALE EVENT!

*

STOREWIDE ANNIVERSARY SALE EVENT!

*

HURRY,SALE HURRY, SALEENDS ENDSNOV. DEC 26th! 2! HURRY,SALE HURRY, SALEENDS ENDSNOV. DEC 26th! 2! PSST... WE ARE EXPANDING!

40% off 40% off 50% OFF

all sofas, loveseats, chairs,all sectionals, sleepers sofas, loveseats, (special included) chairs,orders sectionals, sleepers

30-50% off 30-50% off

30-50% OFF

our entire selection of bedrooms and dining our entire selection of rooms (including Vermont made!) bedrooms andselection dining our entire of rooms

most sofas, loveseats, (including made!) bedroomsVermont and dining rooms chairs, sectionals JOIN every (including Vermont made!) day! (specialUS orders FOR included) ANNIVERSARY CAKE

(special orders included)

JOIN US FOR ANNIVERSARY CAKE every day!

The coolest, most affordable modern furniture in Vermont. The coolest, most affordable modern furniture in Vermont.

See WILLIAMS on page 8

Vermont State Police Blotter: Jan. 7 Jan. 7 at 2:20 a.m., police arrested Travis Fuller, 25, of South Burlington, for driving under the influence, first offense, after police he crashed on the Interstate 89 southbound ramp in South Burlington.

2915Shelburne Shelburne Road802.985.8487 802.985.8487 2915 2915 Shelburne Road Road 802.985.8487 Open 10-5, Sun 12-4 Mon-Sat 10-5, SunMon-Sat 12-4 www.moderndesignvt.com Mon-Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4 www.moderndesignvt.com *Excludes Items Price Controlled By Manufacturer.

*Excludes Items Price Controlled By Manufacturer.

MODERNDESIGNVT.COM

Untitled-40 1 2V-moderndesign112719.indd 1

2V-ModernDesign011023.indd 2V-moderndesign112719.indd Untitled-40 1 1 1

11/22/19 3:39 11/17/17 5:13 PM 1/5/2411/22/19 3:36 PM 3:39 11/17/17 5:13 PM

Page 6 • January 11, 2024 • The Other Paper

OPINION Advocate for access to justice for low-income Vermonters child custody cases involving their abusers. When such cases languish, survivors may be Rep. Martin LaLonde further traumatized and unable to Courts need to handle matters obtain closure. efficiently, processing and Access to justice in civil adjudicating cases in a timely matters should not solely focus manner. In addition to on the speed of moving complying with statucases through the tory time limits, courts courts, however. The must deliver certainty Legislature also should and immediacy to all ensure that individuals parties. of limited means get the Efficiency is help they need. plainly important in In civil court, people the criminal context. in poverty cannot Defendants’ individual afford an attorney and liberties are at stake they will not have one and victims are seeking Rep. Martin LaLonde appointed for them, as prompt justice. For happens in criminal a deterrence effect, court. Currently a large accountability must follow percentage of cases involve pro offenses as soon as possible. se litigants, individuals repreEfficiency matters beyond the senting themselves without an court’s criminal docket as well. attorney. Expeditious case processing is In certain types of cases, the essential not only to justice but fact that only one side is reprealso to the perception of justice. sented by an attorney often leads Civil cases that take a very long to a power imbalance. This is time to resolve can undermine the situation, for example, in the perceived legitimacy of the eviction cases: Landlords are judicial system represented by and reduce trust an attorney in Legal assistance that the courts over 90 percent will resolve of the cases attorneys can help disputes fairly. while tenants Research are represented a tenant file an suggests that in less than 30 because of answer in an eviction percent. inefficiencies in Providing the administralegal assistance proceeding, assist tion of justice, in civil cases people may be to those who an immigrant in less likely to cannot afford an turn to the courts attorney would obtaining a work to resolve their help enable legal issues. In stable families authorization addition, people and communimay be less ties. Stability, permit or ensure likely to comply which is key to the reinstatement with court orders. crime prevenDelays also result tion, is chalof a family’s health in increased lenged by housfinancial costs. ing and income insurance. Improving inconstancy, efficiency in substance use disorder and untreated mental court case flow is necessary to health conditions. give confidence and satisfaction Legal assistance organizations to those seeking access to justice provide critical services that help in the courts’ civil and family low-income residents address divisions. Individuals pursuing personal injury, medical malprac- issues affecting their families’ homes, incomes, jobs and access tice, employment discrimination to vital services. By creating or other civil claims should not meaningful access to the legal have to wait months or even years to have their cases decided. system to resolve disputes, obtain Moving cases swiftly through benefits or services and defend the civil docket and family courts rights and processes, these legal services bring stability to low-inwould also have a positive effect come Vermonters. on public safety. For example, For example, legal assistance survivors of domestic violence attorneys can help a tenant file an may have pending divorce or

From the House

answer in an eviction proceeding, assist an immigrant in obtaining a work authorization permit or ensure the reinstatement of a family’s health insurance. They can represent a domestic violence victim in a relief-from-abuse hearing, guide a client through the divorce and custody process or help a low-income family connect with a pro bono bankruptcy attorney.

Low-income legal services help pro se litigants in poverty in a manner that supports families and communities and, in turn, advances public safety. To fulfill this role, these organizations need additional resources. Accordingly, in the current session, I will be advocating not only for sufficient resources to improve the functioning of the courts, but also for additional

resources for legal assistance organizations such as Vermont Legal Aid. If you have any questions or input on this or other issues before the Legislature, contact me at mlalonde@leg.state.vt.us or at 802-863-3086. Martin LaLonde, a Democrat, represents South Burlington in the Chittenden-12 House district.

Letters to the Editor Bailey won’t seek reelection to school board To the Editor: My two-year term on the South Burlington School Board concludes on Town Meeting Day, March 5. I want to thank the South Burlington community and thank my fellow school board members for their teamwork and service. Considering the challenge of balancing the important work of the board with emerging family priorities, I have made the difficult decision not to seek reelection in 2024. I’m proud of the work we’ve accomplished together over the last two years. We passed a budget and bond to finance critical building maintenance needs and added new classrooms for our fifth graders at Orchard and Rick Marcotte schools. We hired superintendent Violet Nichols who jumped right into the work and hasn’t missed a beat since day one. We monitored and worked to support all students through difficult transitions and into a new post-pandemic normal. We also responded to students’ needs by establishing a Safe Routes to Schools Task Force, opening an alternative program and affirming all students belong regardless of race, class or gender identity. Our district staff go above and beyond in their dedication to students every day, and I’m proud to live in a community that is so committed to excellence in public education. Vermonters are rightfully proud of their citizen government. We appreciate knowing our elected officials and have a long tradition of localized, direct democracy. However, for our state and local governments to truly represent all Vermonters, we need to invest in the public

service structures that exist and support working families in government. South Burlington’s City Council established a committee in 2022 to update to the city’s municipal charter with a goal of “exploring governance structures that ensure that voices are equitably represented at policy making tables.” So far, the council has moved forward with one of the charter committee’s recommendations to expand the school board, but this is just one small step. Much more can be done in our elections and governance to represent South Burlington’s diverse population, including residents of all ages, races, nationalities, genders and religions, paying particular attention to people who have been historically marginalized. My service on the school board has been incredibly rewarding albeit difficult to balance with full time work, and I know it is even more challenging for caregivers or those raising young children. I hope the South Burlington City Council will continue to consider charter changes and invest in creative solutions toward a robust, representative democracy to govern our school district and community without overburdening volunteer public servants. Kate Bailey Chair South Burlington School Board

City’s plan should support economic development To the Editor: The South Burlington Business Association supports economic development and growth in South Burlington.

City Plan 2024 should focus on attracting new economic investment, supporting small start-up businesses and promoting the hospitality and retail sectors. The effort underway to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within city limits is commendable, but this work should supplement, not supplant or supersede, the other important goals of the city. City Plan 2024 must recognize the importance of workforce support and quality of life. It should find opportunities to build more affordable housing, child care, education, and training opportunities to attract and retain a diverse workforce. The plan must acknowledge the need for marketing and branding efforts to showcase the city’s vision and attract businesses, including those in the green technology sector. The economic viability and quality of life in South Burlington are two important elements in any comprehensive plan. As such, greater efforts should be made to attract new economic investment. Marketing and branding initiatives should be encouraged to promote the city as a business-friendly destination and highlight its growing cluster of high-tech businesses. As South Burlington plans for the future, it must recognize the need to address the aging workforce and attract and retain a diverse range of workers with different backgrounds and expertise. As we acknowledge the importance of quality jobs in South Burlington, we also recognize the need for sufficient housing to attract workers to the region. Matt Cota South Burlington South Burlington Business Association

The Other Paper • January 11, 2024 • Page 7

District wants to give all students rich, meaningful experiences From the School Board Chelsea Tillinghast Monica Desrochers The South Burlington School District has been focusing on creating meaningful educational experiences and connections as the foundation of its work. To name a few, the district is continuing to develop and refine its multi-tiered systems of support, protecting transgender and non-binary youth rights and utilizing engagement tools to measure the experiences of the school Chelsea Tillinghast, community — all to South Burlington ensure a comprehensive approach to creat- School Board ing safe and healthy schools that focus on diversity, equity and inclusion. At the heart of the district’s educational philosophy is the multi-tiered systems of support, a framework designed to provide students with intervention and support as a way of ensuring educational equity. It is required by Act 173, a law intended to enhance the effectiveness and availability

of services provided to students who need additional support. This approach acknowledges the diverse learning needs of students, emphasizing high-quality education for each and every one of our students. The South Burlington School District fosters an environment where collaboration among educators, parents and specialists ensures that students receive the necessary support for academic and social-emotional success. What does multitiered systems of support mean for all students? It is founded on research that shows the power of Monica Desrochers, our students’ unique Director of diversity, identities, and how equity, inclusion, they can teach us about anti-racism and social refining instructional emotional learning practices. To make the multi-tiered systems of support effective for every student, we know that some students may need different levels of support. The district uses math and literacy specialists, instructional coaches and special educators to support teachers in the new learning that systems change bring.

GOT THE POST HOLIDAY BLUES?

Our new displays will put you in a spring time frame of mind!

Save the Date Our 7th Birthday Party is Feb. 3!

Shop local It matters 802-489-5571 • willowhousevt.com • 11 Falls Road • Shelburne, VT

the overall well-being and satisfaction of this community. Our educators routinely work to create meaningful educational experiences for students, while also establishing strong relationships. For example, on professional learning days, educators have been working to develop social and emotional learning standards for Pre-K-12, refine proficiency-based learning in middle and high school and, finally, work to increase the effectiveness of literacy and math instruction. Finally, we are partnering with Abundant Sun to better understand and move toward a healthy and just system. All these layers work synchronously, to ensure that every student has rich and meaningful experiences in school, called for in our policies. Chelsea Tillinghast is clerk of the South Burlington School Board. Monica Desrochers is the school district’s director of diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism and social emotional learning.

Winter Coat &

Sweater

Sale

in Store &

Online

CAMP ABNAKI

Overnight boys camp in North Hero

www.jessboutique.com

» Campers gain confidence and find community » Sailing, archery, high-ropes course, campfires, much more » Tech-free friendship + FUN Sessions are filling up!

In the spirit of inclusivity, the district just passed a transgender policy. This policy sets clear guidelines and support structures, creating a safe and affirming environment where every student can express their authentic selves. We actively work to increase diversity and reflect the many identities in our classrooms and school communities through pre-K-5 readalouds. The school district aims to nurture empathy, understanding and a sense of belonging among its youngest learners through carefully curated selections that reflect each one of us. To better understand how we can support all students through multi-tiered systems of support, the district has adopted a feedback tool, Panorama, to gauge the climate of the district. This feedback tool enables the district to assess how families, students, staff and faculty feel about their experiences within the South Burlington School District. By gathering insights and perceptions, we can make informed decisions, address concerns and further enhance

The Y’s Community Partner

campabnaki.org Visit us online at OtherPaperSBVT.com

Page 8 • January 11, 2024 • The Other Paper

Skip, skip, skip to your loo, my darlin’ In direct contrast to the spa-like bathrooms touted on every home improvement show, Carole Vasta Folley our bathroom was an assault to the senses. Someone decided wallWho waxes poetic about to-wall carpet was a good idea. In a bathroom? Especially when a bathroom! Probably a decision there’s no double marble vanity, best blamed on my father who oversize soaking tub or rainfall also rugged his bald head. shower system, let alone enough Indeed, toupees and floor space for dance pro shag were the trends Valentin Chmerkovskiy of the times. Unfortuto teach the samba while nately, the carpet theme Roomba vacuums the continued on the toilet rest of the expanse? No, itself. Never a good I’m talking basic here idea. Nothing says bad as I wistfully recall the hygiene better than a small bathroom of my furry toilet. youth. Eventually our It’s hard to believe tub-shower combo was that for most of my Carole Vasta Folley upgraded with frostchildhood there was a ed-glass sliding doors. single bathroom in a You remember the house containing nine kind, perpetually misaligned with people. You do the math. It was the most coveted real estate going. rusty, gunky tracks that eventually became mold farms. This And, since possession is ninetenths of the law, whoever was left questionable renovation likely outside was up an infamous creek, happened at the same time as the carpet installation since it providas my mother would say.

In Musing

ed the exact same level of style and cleanliness, i.e. none. Slivers of bars of soap lingered on the tub edge. Your choice of brand, Ivory Soap or Irish Spring, depending on whether you wanted to feel “99 44/100 percent pure” or “ fresh and clean as a whistle.” In the corner, an empty bottle of Jean Nate After Bath Splash was wedged next to the box of Calgon just waiting to take someone away. The back of the toilet featured a crocheted doll with a roll of toilet paper under her skirt. Why? I never could fathom. It sat next to an ashtray, another relic of its time, when puffs and poos were de rigueur, along with a Renuzit gel air freshener in lemon-sunshine. I remember reading the logo, “Renuzi Dooz-it,” taking a deep breath, and thinking, “Dooz-it, really?” By now, you might be wondering where is the aforementioned waxing poetic about my childhood bathroom? While the above violations to design sense and

The choice is yours. KWINIASKA RIDGE

SPEAR MEADOWS

SHELBURNE

S BURLINGTON

Townhomes From the Low $700’s

Townhomes & Carriage Homes From the Mid $700’s

Contact Ron Montalbano for more details. rmontalbano@snyderhomesvt.com

Contact Karyn Lewis for more details. klewis@snyderhomesvt.com

802 985 5722 x 142 | snyderhomesvt.com

sanitation are true, what’s also true is that it was perfection: the only room in the house with a lock. Ah, a locked door. Inside, it was one’s own domain. Quietude. Peace. Privacy. To this day, where do most people go to find it? Of course, we go to the bathroom for the obvious reasons, but there are a host of others that this one locked door can provide wherever you are. We fix our hair or our tie. We practice our presentation, our speech, our interview or audition. We cry. We do crosswords. We get out of doing the dishes. We read. We check social media. We think about what to say. We hide out of embarrassment,

fear or discovery. We play Candy Crush, Wordscapes or Super Mario. We tell our secrets to a mirror. We sing. We reevaluate our very lives. We scroll, text and post. We have a single, solitary moment alone. For respite, for peace of mind, for ourselves. Whether at work, at home or out and about — sometimes we all need a minute or 15. And where better to find it than in a bathroom? Be it a stall or even your own luxury loo, long live this escape hatch from our ever- busier lives. Carole Vasta Folley is an award-winning columnist and playwright. Visit carolevf.com for more information.

WILLIAMS

continued from page 5 need a long sentence. Boscia argued in court for an 18-year sentence, which a plea agreement suggested as a maximum penalty. Under federal sentencing guidelines Williams could have faced 60 years in prison. Making a rare appearance with Boscia at the prosecutor’s table was U.S. Attorney Nikolas Kerest, who reportedly has applied to fill a vacancy by Crawford’s upcoming retirement. He offered no comment during the hearing. In court, Boscia played a video showing a woman shooting up in the backseat of a car with Williams, and a sometimes-inaudible recording of Williams and his now estranged wife. During the December 2019 phone call, Williams threatened his wife and her family, Boscia said. “DaJuan Williams jeopardized the lives and safety of the Vermont public during his time as one of the area’s most prolific criminals,” Homeland Security agent Alex Zuchman said. “He wrought havoc on the region and led a drug and money laundering conspiracy that spanned coast-to-coast and included the trafficking of deadly fentanyl,” he said. Williams went to Mexico in January 2020 to obtain a source of supply for drugs. He was accompanied by a few associates, including his now estranged wife, records showed. South Burlington Police Chief Shawn Burke, whose department played a significant role in the investigation along with the Vermont Drug Task Force, was pleased with the prison sentence. “The court recognized the criminal acts of DaJuan for both

the severity and the degree of victimization that he imposed in Vermont,” Burke said. Burke said Williams said it was clear Williams was involved in organizing various criminal activities and at a significant level. Williams was arrested Jan. 13, 2021, in California at a mansion — his $15,000 a month rental — perched high in the hills of Los Angeles under the famous Hollywood landmark sign, court records showed. On the same day, law enforcement agents executed search warrants at a second residence in Los Angeles and a storage locker associated with Williams’s drug trafficking organization. During the searches, agents found a stolen assault rifle and approximately two pounds of methamphetamine. During a simultaneous raid on that day, law enforcement also arrested a second defendant in Los Angeles, two more in Vermont, and one each in Gary, Ind., Owl’s Head, Maine, and Grand Rapids, Mich. Williams is well-known to federal, state and local law enforcement in the Chittenden County region. Williams, while living in Burlington in September 2018, was charged with two counts of unlawful restraint of a pair of women and two counts of simple assault for an incident while visiting a Charlotte house on Greenbush Road known for drug trafficking, state police said. Also assisting in the investigation were members of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Burlington Police.

The Other Paper • January 11, 2024 • Page 9

LONG PROPERTY

continued from page 1

affordable homes or a very small mixed-income neighborhood.” The Long Property, located at 1720 and 1730 Spear Street, was for decades the family home of Dr. Littleton “Tiny” Long, an English professor at the University of Vermont, and Carolyn Elley Long. The two grew apples they would sell from the porch. Neighbors who grew up in the area remember taking piano lessons from Carolyn. Littleton died in 2003, and Carolyn in 2017, just before she turned 99. Their four children inherited the 39-acre property, and consulted with engineers about developing the land, which now borders the Churchill Street Townhouses to the south and housing lots on South Pointe Drive to the north. The Long property, among others, has long been identified in numerous city studies as one of most important areas of land in our city for conservation, being directly adjacent to the Great Swamp to the east, a top conservation priority for the city. “Conserving this property will protect the natural resources it contains while providing residents with opportunities to enjoy nature and outdoor recreation,” the South Burlington Land Trust wrote of the property. The siblings submitted sketch plans in 2021 to develop a 49-unit housing project on the property and were given preliminary approval by the city Development Review Board, said Alan Long, one of the four siblings, but got push back from neighboring residents at public meetings. “A lot of the neighbors didn’t like the idea, but that’s to be expected,” Long said. “They live in their adjacent developments, and they don’t want any more development. But the plans were stymied by efforts at the time to craft new land development regulations for that area of the city, called the southeast quadrant. The city, as it wrote those regulations, instituted a three-year period of interim zoning, which began in 2018 as a temporary stopgap form of zoning while more permanent zoning was put in place. “I wouldn’t call it a moratorium on building in the southeast quadrant, but I think the city was determined to make it much harder for people,” Long said. Long and his siblings requested the city council allow their sketch plan to move forward under interim zoning, but councilors denied the request in a 3-2 split in June 2021, with former councilors Matt Cota and Thomas Chittenden voting in favor, and current councilors Helen Riehle, Meaghan Emery and Tim Barritt voting no. Those land use regulations were eventually passed in February 2022. They significantly limit-

ed development potential in much of the area, which has some of the city’s last remaining open land. The new regulations zoned 50 percent of the Long property as a natural resource protection area. The siblings pursued ideas about selling the property outright to developers rather than entering a partnership, but Long said many were reluctant “just because of the difficulty with permitting.” “Not only the city, but there are something like 20 different steps you have to take with the state to develop a property,” he said. “Designing something that would comply with all those things ... it did look like a multi-year effort. Our money would have been tied up for a long time.” The family put the properties on the market in September 2022, and, in November of the same year, sold them to the Northeast Agricultural Trust, a limited liability company owned by Tom Bellavance, for nearly $1.4 million. Janet Bellavance is the secretary with the South Burlington Land Trust. The Northeast Agricultural Trust “acquires agricultural and open lands and holds on to them until the lands can be transferred to farmers or entities who will conserve the land,” the South Burlington Land Trust says on its website. “By acquiring the property, NEAT is giving the city and community time to plan for the conservation of this land without the pressure of development. Their motive was to give the city and the community one to two years to conserve the land.”

PHOTO BY COREY MCDONALD

The Long property sits vacant on Spear Street.

The property is less than a mile south of Hubbard Park, property that the city purchased in 2017 for open space and recreation. Baker, during a city council meeting last month, said that the Northeast Agricultural Trust has been working with the South Burlington Land Trust to craft plans for the property. It is “very likely” that the sale and development of the land would be done through a conservation planned unit development, she said. Residents at that meeting questioned the intent to purchase the property. Mike Simoneau, vice chair of the city’s recreation and parks committee, said he hoped the city “could pursue a path where the maximum number of homes that could be permitted on this property would be permitted.” Dan Albrecht, a resident, said he was disappointed the city was

expending effort to buy this property for conservation “and yet, where all the growth is planned for, namely the Shelburne Road corridor, we still see no efforts by the city to buy open space on the west side of Shelburne Road, or create a

park or a community center.” Baker at the meeting said the city is working with other partners in the development and conservation sectors in the state “to think about how we bring the highest and best value project forward.”

ENERGY AUDIT PROPOSED SOUTH BURLINGTON MUNICIPAL PLAN CITY COUNCIL THIRD PUBLIC HEARING Monday, January 29, 2024 at 7:00 pm PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the South Burlington City Council will hold a public hearing on Monday, January 29, 2024 at 7:00 PM, to consider the City’s Draft Municipal Plan (known as CityPlan 2024). Participation options: • • •

In Person: City Hall Auditorium, 180 Market Street Interactive Online: https://meet.goto.com/SouthBurlingtonVT/ specialcitycouncilmeeting01-29-2024-i Phone: (646) 749-3122 Access Code: 380-779-949

The Purpose of this hearing is to consider the readoption of the City’s Municipal Plan pursuant to 24 VSA § 4381-4387. This draft Plan affects all areas within the City of South Burlington. A table of contents for the draft plan is as follows: Guiding Principles; Introduction; People & Population; Housing; Economy; Energy; Environment; Transportation; Community, History, & Culture; Recreation; Community Services; Water & Utilities; Land Use Plan; Appendix A & B Act 174 Enhanced Energy Plan Data and Assessment; Maps Copies of the proposed Plan are available for inspection at the Department of Planning & Zoning, City Hall, 3rd Floor, 180 Market Street South Burlington, between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM Monday through Friday except holidays, and on the city website at www.southburlingtonvt.gov. Helen Riehle, Chair January 11, 2024

­

Page 10 • January 11, 2024 • The Other Paper

‘Sixty Four Project’ celebrates realistic body imagery

Community Notes Holistic security: Protect yourself online Learn how to secure your online life at a free interactive presentation that tackles such topics as the cloud, data in motion and at rest, surveillance capitalism, password managers and multi-factor authentication. This presentation takes a holistic approach to securing your online life, offering practical steps to defend yourself online. It will be held in the South Burlington Community Library community room,180 Market St., on Thursday, Jan. 18 from 5:30-6:45 p.m., sponsored by the South Burlington Democratic Committee. Bring your laptop or mobile device. For more information, go to secure.actblue.com/donate/holistic-security-2024

Shelburne host blood drive, sign up now

PHOTO BY ALAIN DAHAN

“The Sixty Four Project,” an art installation and exhibit celebrating women’s beauty, diversity and strength while promoting realistic body imagery, is on display Thursday to Saturday, Jan. 18- The exhibit is being held in conjunction with the Vermont Burlesque Festival. Conceived and engineered by Fairfax resident Mark Hitchcox, “The Sixty Four Project” features photographs and testimonials of 64 women, including breast cancer survivors. The group represents a diverse range of ages, ethnicities and body types. The exhibit’s centerpiece is an installation of rotating cubes, each featuring a photograph of a volunteer model’s breast. As the cubes randomly turn, different right and left breasts are displayed, highlighting the beautiful diversity of women’s bodies. “Scars don’t define me, my age doesn’t define me, how my body looks doesn’t define me, I’m still an attractive person worthy of love and affection,” Moxie Blue, a breast cancer thriver, burlesque performer, and producer from Seattle, said. A free opening reception with light snacks and cash bar will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 18, with a short presentation at 6 p.m. Proceeds from donations and a basket raffle will go to the University of Vermont Cancer Center. For more information or exhibit hours, go to thesixtyfourproject.com.

St. Catherine of Siena Parish is hosting another Red Cross blood drive on Tuesday, Jan. 23, noon-5 p.m., in its parish hall, 72 Church St., Shelburne. To give, call 800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org and enter Shelburne to schedule an appointment. Appointments are strongly recommended as walk-ins cannot always be accommodated. If you are an eligible type O, B - or A - donor, consider making a power red donation. Red blood cells are the most transfused

POST-HOLIDAY CREDIT CARD DEBT? Vermont Federal Credit Union can help!

blood component. Streamline your donation experience and save up to 15 minutes by visiting the website to complete your rapid pass, pre-donation health history.

Bell choir celebrates 60th anniversary First Church in Burlington hosts the Austin Chimers Bell Choir’s 60th anniversary concert on Sunday, Jan. 14, 3-4:30 p.m. The Congregational church, 38 South Winooski Avenue, offers parking on site and free street parking and a garage nearby. For more information, email info@firstchurchburlington.org or go to firstchurchburlington.org.

Age Well, church host Frosty Funfair Luncheon St. Catherine of Siena and Age Well are teaming up to offer a Frosty Funfair Luncheon on Tuesday, Jan. 16, in the St. Catherine of Siena Parish Hall, 72 Church St. in Shelburne. The check-in time is 11:30 a.m. and the meal will be served at noon. There is a $5 suggested donation. The menu features roast pork with sauce, diced cabbage, sliced carrots, home fries, dinner roll, apple cake and milk. There will also be a 50/50 raffle and door prizes. Register by Wednesday, Jan. 10. Contact Kerry Batres, nutrition coordinator, at 802-662-5283 or email kbatres@agewellvt.org. Tickets are also available at the Age Well Office, 875 Roosevelt Highway, Suite 210; Colchester. Restaurant tickets will be available for distribution for a suggested $5 donation.

Scout Troop 602 holds open house

0% APR* FOR

12 MONTHS

Transfer exisiting credit card debt and VERMONTFEDERAL.ORG (888) 252-0202 pay it down faster while saving money!

APPLY TODAY!

VERMONTFEDERAL.ORG • (802)658-0225

*APR = Annual Percentage Rate. 0% APR for 12 months applies only to the balance transfer. New purchases will receive normal interest rates based on creditworthiness. Offer available on NEW Platinum Credit Cards only. Balance transfers to existing cards or other card types are not eligible for the promotion. Balance Transfer promotional rate is valid on NEW Platinum credit card transfers made between January 1, 2024 and March 31, 2024. A 2% balance transfer fee is assessed and charged at the time the balance transfer is initiated by VTFCU. Promotional rate on balance transfers will revert to existing APR after the twelve month period. As of 11/1/23, the rate is as low as 12.20% APR, but may change prior to the end of the promotional period. APR is variable and can change based on the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate plus a margin as low as 3.70% for Visa Platinum cards. Rates are quoted as “as low as” and may vary based on your individual credit. Must be a member of the Credit Union to obtain a credit card. $5 share deposit required for membership. All loans subject to approval. Offer subject to change or end without notice.

On Monday, Jan. 22, Scout Troop 602 of Shelburne will hold an open house for recruitment from 6:30-8 p. m. at the blue Scout Barn in Davis Park by the tennis courts. There will be information about what the troop does, Scout experiences and desserts! For information, contact Aedan Curley, senior patrol leader, Troop 602, at aedan.j.curley@gmail.com or 802-881-4313.

Shop local and please remember our advertisers!

The Other Paper • January 11, 2024 • Page 11

SPORTS Wolves win decisively in girls’ hockey against CVU LAUREN READ CORRESPONDENT

Boys’ ice hockey South Burlington 1, BFA-St. Albans 0: South Burlington scored in the third period to beat BFA-St. Albans by one goal on Saturday, Jan. 6. Miles Van Mullen scored the game-winner for the Wolves, who moved to 6-1. Jules Butler and Christian Butler each tallied an assist. James Chagnon earned the shutout for South Burlington after making 18 saves. The Wolves also won Wednesday, Jan. 3, beating Champlain Valley 3-2.

Boys’ basketball South Burlington 66, Essex 40: The boys jumped out to a 21-10 lead in the first quarter and did not look back in a win over Essex on Friday, Jan. 5. Deng Aguek led all scorers with 21 points for the Wolves, who moved to 7-1. Tyler Bergmans added 18 points for South Burlington.

Girls’ ice hockey South Burlington 5, Champlain Valley-Mount Mansfield 2: A four-point

effort from Sabrina Brunet helped the girls’ hockey team beat Champlain ValleyMount Mansfield Wednesday. Brunet had two goals and two assists for the Wolves, who moved to 4-3. Ava Hershberg and Hadia Ahmed each added a goal and an assist for South Burlington, while Jordan Larose chipped in a goal. Oli Roy (22 saves) and Taylor Tobrocke (nine saves) combined to get the win in net.

Girls’ basketball Rutland 57, South Burlington 31: Rutland jumped out to a 20-point lead in the first quarter and South Burlington could not come back in a loss on Wednesday. Abby Duffy scored 12 points for the Wolves (0-3) and Tori Griffin added 10.

Gymnastics South Burlington 118.45, Harwood 117.1: The South Burlington gymnastics team beat Harwood Saturday at the Green Mountain Training Center. Ella Maynard won the all-around competition for the Wolves, with a sweep of first place in the vault, bars, beam and floor exercises. Kelsey Adams was second in the vault, bars and floor exercise for the Wolves.

Vermont snowboarder premieres new film, ‘Liminal,’ next week The premier of the film “Liminal,” featuring Jake Blauvelt and Mason Lemery, will be held Wednesday, Jan. 20 at 4:30 p.m. at Stowe Cider. Enjoy drinks, raffles and live music from the Neon Wave Stowe House Band, all to benefit the Friends of Waterbury Skatepark. “Liminal — A Jake Blauvelt Retrospective” is a film by Liam Gallagher and Ian Post. Blauvelt grew up in Vermont, riding Bolton Valley and Stowe, where his technical riding and massive airs landed him on podiums of slopestyle and halfpipe competitions throughout his teens. The biggest win came in 2004 when he won one of snowboarding’s most prestigious events, U.S. Open. Suddenly, at age 17, the snowboarding world was his oyster. He moved to Mammoth, then Tahoe, but found his West Coast home in Bellingham, Wash., and at nearby Mt. Baker — the deepest resort in the contiguous United States — where Jake became a master of powder and style. The backcountry was his new home, where an endless offering of lines and natural terrain challenged his imagination and

COURTESY PHOTO

Snowboarder Jake Blauvelt in a scene of his new film, “Liminal.”

creativity. Through the next decade, Blauvelt produced award-winning video parts with Forum, Absinthe and Snowboarder Magazine, but it was his solo film project, “Naturally,” that catapulted Jake to the upper echelon of riders. The event is presented Neon Wave, a snowboarder owned and operated shop in Stowe. For more information and to RSVP, go to https://bit.ly/3tAZwIJ.

Page 12 • January 11, 2024 • The Other Paper

State of the State

Scott tackles Vermont’s demographic challenges, Democrats’ spending SARAH MEARHOFF AND SHAUN ROBINSON VTDIGGER

In his annual State of the State address Thursday Jan. 4, Republican Gov. Phil Scott reinforced to a full House chamber some of his perennial concerns: state demographics, public safety, affordability and housing. And at least partially at fault for these grim trends, he scolded, is a Legislature emboldened by its veto-proof Democratic supermajority. “Now, I’m a realist, and I know you have a supermajority. I know all too well,” Scott said. “You’ve proven the final budget, and the growing burden of taxes, fees and other policy-driven costs, is in your hands. So, all I can do is make my case.” Scott’s rhetoric Thursday built on years of headbutting between the Republican executor — who has shown little hesitation in vetoing legislation during his seven years in office — and a Legislature which, especially in the last year, has been eager to flex the muscle of its historic supermajority to override those vetoes. Indeed, just hours before Scott delivered his remarks, the House voted 112-32 to override yet another of his record-setting vetoes. This one, a holdover from last year’s session, was a bill rewriting the state’s recyclable beverage container redemption law. It wasn’t only Democratic legislators’ budgeting that the governor bluntly criticized. On the issue of public safety, he pointed to the Legislature’s recent efforts at bail reform, saying that criminal suspects are “put back on the streets, hours after being apprehended only to reoffend again and again,” leading to Vermonters questioning “the wisdom of the work done here in this building.” On the housing crisis, Scott pointed to the Legislature’s lack of appetite to pass major reforms to Vermont’s land use bill, Act 250, saying, “This issue is too important and too consequential for two committees, and a couple of special interest groups, to control the outcome.” It was a framing that Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Baruth, D/P-Chittenden Central, rebuked — especially when, in the same speech, Scott also urged the Legislature to “put aside” partisanship and election year agendas. “He’s so much about bipartisanship, but

PHOTO BY GLENN RUSSELL/VTDIGGER

Gov. Phil Scott arrives in the House chamber to deliver his State of the State Address before a joint session of the Legislature at the Statehouse in Montpelier on Jan. 4.

he seemed to indicate that any problems that might exist were because of us people in this building, rather than the administration,” Baruth told reporters after the conclusion of Scott’s speech. He noted that the governor controls the Department of Public Safety, the Agency of Human Services and the Department for Children and Families. “But he seemed to be saying that only statutes that we pass would have any responsibility for those problems,” he said. “So, I guess if you’re governor, and you don’t have to point the finger at yourself, why do it? But it was a bit of a departure from the idea that we’re all in it together.” In his speech, Scott said that it’s these three seemingly disparate issues — public safety, affordability and housing — that coalesce to contribute to Vermont’s preeminent, ongoing demographic challenges. A quickly aging population is leaving the workforce and placing a greater burden on the state’s health care and social services, he said, while the remaining workforce is left to shoulder those costs. It’s a dynamic with which the state has reckoned year after year. Scott on Thursday harkened back to several of his own prior State of the State addresses — 2017, 2018 and 2020 —- where he rang the same alarm. With fewer young people in the state to bear the state’s tax obligations, Scott said their burdens are growing heavier — and they can’t afford it. He pointed to a Dec. 1 letter in which his administration warned that property tax bills across the state are expected to rise an “unacceptable” 18.5 percent in the next year. Vermonters, he said, are “all going to struggle to figure out how to pay for this.” “Not to mention inflation that’s still making everything more expensive, or

“There was going to come a day in future burdens like the payroll tax you passed last year, that will take effect in which the federal largess was going to July,” Scott said, addressing the Legisla- wind down. Well, it’s wound down,” Brock ture directly. “Or the 20 percent increase said after the conclusion of Scott’s speech. in DMV fees that began three days ago “Now, we have to look at prioritizing what — both over my, and some of your, objec- we do and recognizing there’s some things that we may want to do, but we simply tions.” “Concern about taxes, fees and cannot do. And that is the discipline that increased costs is a concern about people,” we’ve got to hold ourselves to. I hope more and more members of the majority party Scott said. will recognize that, as It’s for this reason that well.” Scott cautioned legislators “Now, I’m a realist, Baruth said Demoto adopt a more conservacratic leadership found tive approach to this year’s and I know you have Scott’s characterization budget. In his own budget of the state’s fiscal picture proposal, set to be released a supermajority. I later this month, Scott said “a little dire,” though the he will advocate for a 3 budget challenges ahead know all too well. percent spending increase “are definitely real.” You’ve proven the across state government House Speaker Jill — an increase, yes, but Krowinski, D-Burlingfinal budget, and the ton, told reporters that one that lags significantly behind the rate of inflation. she agreed with the growing burden of The budget proposal will governor that there will be “sobering” to some in be “tough decisions to taxes, fees and other make” this year come the Statehouse, he predicted. budget time. But she policy-driven costs, is questioned whether that “With historic one-time federal aid ending, anothmeans lawmakers need in your hands. So, all er large increase in our to stay within a certain pension obligation and limit, as Scott suggested. I can do is make my last year’s spending deci“Instead of saying sions catching up to us, we can only work with case.” we are back to where we this number,” she said, were several years ago “I think we need to say, — Gov. Phil Scott what are the challenges with difficult decisions to be made,” Scott said. “For in our communities and many of you, this will be the first time how best can we serve people? you’ll work on a budget without hundreds “It doesn’t matter how much money we of millions of dollars in surplus. For others, have, or we don’t have,” Krowinski continit’s deja vu.” ued. “We’re always trying to forge a path According to Senate Minority Leader forward that we know will have the greatRandy Brock, R-Franklin, a cautionary est impact on all Vermonters that helps approach to budgeting is long overdue. them get ahead.”

The Other Paper • January 11, 2024 • Page 13

Author’s new book talks addiction, grief, growth LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER

“The whole of Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon has its roots in Vermont,” said Zoe Fowler, motioning to the book sitting on her lap, her voice steady, offering a peaceful presence amid the sounds of the bustling cafe. “I was just reading this lovely thing about how it can only come from Vermont because of these Vermont characteristics like reliability, generosity, trusting and not just being trustworthy.” Fowler, a South Burlington resident, moved to Vermont from the United Kingdom nearly a decade ago and has formed a strong bond with the Green Mountain State that goes far beyond just a typical love for the outdoors. It’s here that she began to heal with the unsuspecting help of a woman who has been dead for almost 40 years: Lois Wilson, the founder of Al-Anon and partner of Bill Wilson, founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. “I fell in love with her a little bit. She’s extraordinary,” she said. “She walked the Long Trail in 1920, one of the first women to walk the Long Trail, one of the first women to wear hiking pants to walk the Long Trail. That just spoke to me. So, I began researching her life at the same time as writing about the end of my marriage.” Both Lois and Bill Wilson had deep roots in Vermont — Bill was born in East Dorset and Lois visited Manchester often throughout her childhood. As Bill’s addiction intensified in their marriage, he founded the 12-step program known as Alcoholics Anonymous, and just a few years later Lois started Al-Anon, a support group for families and friends of

COURTESY PHOTO

Zoe Fowler

alchoholics, which at the timewas attended by the many wives whose husbands were part of Bill’s program. “How (Lois) would tell it, Bill was hosting AA meetings in their house in Brooklyn in the late 1930s,” she said, speaking of Lois like an old friend. “The wives were sitting outside in their cars, waiting for their husbands to finish the meetings. She decided the sensible thing was to invite the wives into the kitchen and for them to bear witness to one another.” As a creative writer, grief and isolation created room for a new kind of self-discovery for Fowler,

and in her newest book — part memoir, part biography — she pens many of the difficult realities of loving an addict. While she journeyed metaphorically through the twists and turns of a new life, she was also literally walking in the footsteps of Wilson by hiking parts of the Long Trail. “I realized that I was looking to her for guidance as this very strong female character,” she said, adding that the societal expectations of “being a good wife” are also very similar to those seen in a co-dependent relationship. “I began to recognize those qualities in myself that I’d gone from being a good

wife to somebody who enabled and who took on guilt.” In addition to being published in a slew of online journals, she’s found recent fame after publishing an essay last month in the New York Times titled, “First My Husband Left, Then My Stuff,” which recounts the story of emptying a storage locker full of items from her past life, the gray New England landscape mirroring the difficult emotions that would settle the moment she opened the locker door, or as she puts it, the door to a whole new purpose in life. The feedback from the essay was something she never expect-

ed. Thousands of people from all over the globe were quick to fill her inbox with stories of their own loss and grief, sensing her thoughtfulness. But through the success, she has also been learning how to tread the ethical balance between telling one’s own story without “outing” another person — something she says is the central tension with loving somebody who is struggling with addiction. “There is no shame in being an addict,” she said. “Dealing with addiction is crippling and awful and requires unbelievable amounts of strength. But so does loving somebody who’s an addict, so does raising children with somebody who is an addict.” Although not yet published, the manuscript is nearly three years in the making and began first as a part of her master’s program at Oxford University. Through its evolution, she began to realize that the true purpose of the book was to reach a different demographic of people, one she related most with. “To write this story became something I very much wanted to do so that other people could tell their stories,” she said. “It’s like they’ve needed permission to be able to talk about their own experiences of grief and despair.” The stifling stigma around addiction in society, she said, pressures many to suffer in silence, including those who find themselves in partnership with an addict. “That’s the bit I want to break,” she added. “That, in a way, is what I’ve tried to do through writing my book. I’d love to be able to provide that space where people can talk about what’s really going on for the first time.”

DIRECT CREMATION SERVICESSERVICES DIRECT CREMATION SERVICES DIRECT CREMATION

Our Locally Owned Owned & Operated On Site Crematory Our Locally Owned &isOperated is On Site Our Locally &Crematory Operated Crematory is On Site Your Loved One is always in Our Care Your Loved One is always in Our Care Your Loved One is Always in Our Care Providing Families with Compassionate an Affordable price. Providing FamiliesCare withat Compassionate Care at an Affordable price.

Providing Families with Compassionate Care at an Affordable Price AAmember of the W.AA.W. Rich Funeral Home member the A. W. Home Rich Funeral Home member of A. the RichofFuneral Family Family Serving families for over 100 years. Family Serving families for over 100 years.

Family Serving Families for over 100 years

No Cremation Society Fees 24 Hours Staff Available No Cremation Society Fees

OtherPaperSBVT.com Get the News of South Burlington 24/7

Outside Chittenden, Lamoille, Franklin, Washington, Grand Isle,and Addison Counties, add $500

Compare our save Compare our pricesCompare andprices save ourand prices and save $1,065. Service Charge Service Charge: $1,065.00 Service Charge: $1,065.00 $390. Crematory Crematory Charge Crematory Charge $390.00 $390.00 $25. Medical Examiner Medical Examiner Permit $25.00Permit MedicalPermit Examiner $25.00 $10. Certified DeathDeath Certificate $10.00 Certified Certificate Certified Death Certificate $10.00 Transit Permit $5. $5.00 Transit PermitTransit Permit$5.00 Total Direct Cremation Charges: $1,495.00 Total Direct Cremation Charges: $1495. $1,495.00 Total Direct Cremation Charges

Also included at no extra charge is a cremation our signature Also included at no extra chargecontainer, is a crematon container, our signature high Also included at no extra charge is a cremation container, our signature high quality “Going Home” urn, newspaper obituary notice assistance andnotice assistance and life quality “Going Home” urn,quality newspaper obituary high “Going Home” urn, newspaper obituary notice assistance and life tribute placement on our website. Price effective January 1, 2020. placement on our website. Price effective tribute placement on life ourtribute website. Price effective January 1,January 2021.1, 2020.

(802) 879-4611 (802) 849-6261 www.dcsvt.com • (802) 878-2220• (802) www.dcsvt.com (802) 879-4611 (802)(802) 849-6261 (802) 879-4611 www.dcsvt.com 849-6261 878-2220 57 Main St. 1176 Main St. 57 Main St. 1176 Main 57 Main St.05452 1176 Main St.St. www.awrfh.com (802) 878-2220 Essex Jct., VT Fairfax, VT 05454 www.awrfh.com Essex Jct., VT 05452 Fairfax, VT 05454 Essex Jct, VT 05452 Fairfax, VT 05452 www.awrfh.com

FP-SPAD0128053938 FP-SPAD1009161937

FP-SPAD0128053938 FP-SPAD1009161937

Page 14 • January 11, 2024 • The Other Paper

SERVICE DIRECTORY To advertise in the service directory email judy@otherpapersbvt.com or call 802-864-6670

Check out our large inventory in Wolcott.

TONY BRICE PAINTING, LLC

We will custom build, too!

Storage Sheds - Gazebos Garages - Woodsheds Horse Barns - Run Ins Kennels - Chicken Coops 2083 N Wolcott Rd, Wolcott, VT

FAIR • DEPENDABLE • RELIABLE Free Estimates

Covering Your Life’s Journey

Call NOW for Interior Painting - Winter 2024 Schedule NOW for Spring Exterior Painting

Home • Auto • Motorcycle • Watercraft Business • Contractor

802.777.8771

802-862-1600 • info@turnbaughinsurance.com 188 Allen Brook Lane • Suite 1 • Williston, VT 05495

YPE

R

H

(802) 888-7012

Buying & Consigning

R ELIC

Sports Cards

Hyper Relic Sports Cards Bob & Jessica Trautwine

Cell/Txt: 802-233-1451 • Office: 802-497-1681 Hyperreliccards@gmail.com • hyperrelic.com

FLOORING

Flooring Inventory  IN STOCK 

HARDWOOD • LUXURY VINYL LAMINATES • CARPET • CARPET TILE TILE • FLOORING SUPPLIES

Piano and Composition Lessons

Piano Lessons

Give the gift of music-making Remote and In-Person Lessons Basic, intermediate - children, teens, adults National Keyboard Arts Curriculum References, scholarships available

Edward Darling South Burlington

Edward802-318-7030 Darling, So. Burlington

edwardjohndarling@gmail.com • 802-318-7030 1111-855-DRY-TIME • www.northernbasements.com

96 Commerce Street | Williston | www.floortraderwilliston.com | (802) 204-1080

Residential • Commercial • Industrial

ANTIQUES WANTED Decluttering? Downsizing?

GEORGE GARDNER CPL, RST, CPS, CHI

We can help you discover, learn about and sell: WATCHES • JEWELRY • COINS • SILVER • ARTWORK

884 Old Hollow Road North Ferrisburg, VT 05473 (802) 425-3060 Certified Locksmith & Safe Technician Professional Security Consultant E-mail: georgessafes@gmavt.net www.georgeslocks.com • www.georges-safes.com

Brian Bittner • 802-489-5210 • info@bittnerantiques.com Showroom at 2997 Shelburne Rd • Shelburne Open Wed-Fri, with walk-ins to sell every Thursday. www.bittnerantiques.com

Build community LOCAL? WHY GO

Vermont Community Newspaper Group

• Basement Waterproofing • Crawl Space Repair • Sump Pump Systems • Foundation Repair • Egress Windows

ADVERTISING •

• • • • • • • •

•

an idea that SELLS.

CALL 864-6670

Buying and shopping locally helps independent businesses, which in turn helps all of us shape our community’s distinct flavor, personality and character.

The Other Paper • January 11, 2024 • Page 15

Horoscope January 11, 2024

ANSWERS FROM THIS ISSUE

Weekly Puzzles © 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

Page 16 • January 11, 2024 • The Other Paper