Via Community News Service, a University of Vermont internship, for Shelburne News
SHELBURNE — Residents of all ages gathered to talk, listen, vote and share a meal together on Monday, March 2 at the annual Shelburne Town Meeting dinner. From long-term residents to first-time attendees, those who gathered said the event allows community members to connect face to face and talk about local issues.
At the dinner, people greeted old friends and introduced themselves to neighbors that they didn’t know.
Jane and Gene Heyerdahl, Shelburne residents since 2008, said they come for information about budgets and new programs. After missing a few years, they were happy to be back. One aspect of this year’s town meeting dinner stood out to Jane Heyerdahl: the fact that children attended with their parents.
“This is the first time I’ve been here that I am seeing and hearing children and that is incredible. I love it. I love it. That’s good that they want to be here and learn — that is important,” Heyerdahl said.
Vermont Sen. Virginia “Ginny” Lyons, D-Chittenden Southeast, attended the dinner and spoke about why town meetings are so meaningful. She described them as the foundation to democracy and a place where local voices connect directly with state government.
As chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare, Lyons highlighted recent efforts to reduce overall healthcare costs.
“Ultimately, my goal is to make sure that the reductions in costs reach patients, citizens’ pockets, and keep money in their pockets,” Lyons said.
“People are under such stress right now, all of us, with inflationary pressure and all of the horrible changes at the federal level that are removing subsidies and tax credits for people,” Lyons continued.
Attending the dinner was an opportunity to listen and share, Lyons said, adding, “It’s really one of the highlights of the year for me.”
Of course, no Shelburne Town Meeting would be complete without food.
Mike Ralston and Chelsea Palin, co-founders of Cucina Antica, have been catering the town meeting dinner for ten years. Together, they prepared their famous lasagna — both vegetarian and meat options — along with fresh salads and homemade chocolate chip cookies. Town meeting brings neighbors and elected officials together to discuss important topics, Ralston said.
“It’s just a good way of expressing yourself, face to face, which I think is kind of missing in today’s world,” he said.
He especially liked seeing youngsters at the event.
“Town meetings are really important and good for future generations. You see people with kids, you see local Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts being involved. Also police officers, firefighters and legislators,” Ralston said. “The local level is, I think, where a lot of important decisions are made that directly impact your life. So, it’s just an important day.”
Diana Vachon, Shelburne town clerk, said many people volunteer to make the event happen. “It’s just a great community gathering.”