With the closure of the one remaining indoor tennis court in the area scheduled for next summer, Scott Barker, tennis director at Norwich University, has persuaded the school to open its courts to the public, for a fee.
“I want to offer indoor public play at Norwich and get the community more involved with the Norwich tennis team by having them on campus,” Barker said. “This will also give the tennis community a chance to watch top-level, Division III tennis matches at Norwich with colleges from throughout the Northeast.
This is also a new fundraising program for the men’s tennis team to raise money for such things as new uniforms and equipment, he said.
Barker, who is also the tennis director for the Montpelier Recreation Department, previously served in that role at the former First in Fitness indoor courts on Granger Road in Berlin. That facility is now owned by Green Mountain Community Fitness, where the high demand for pickleball courts has led to the planned closure of its remaining tennis court.
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“I want to provide access to area tennis players who otherwise will have to drive to Stowe or Burlington for an indoor court,” Barker said, noting that several hundred tennis players live in the immediate area.
Players can reserve an indoor tennis court weekly by contacting Barker. The tennis courts in Jacob Shapiro Fieldhouse will be available on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Barker began taking court reservations in November and has availability in December. The cost is $40 per court for 90 minute sessions.
In the future, tennis camps, tournaments, and other events will also be offered as a part of this program, Barker said.
To reserve a court, or for more information, contact Barker at 802-595-5692 or scottbarkertennis@gmail.com.
—J. Gregory Gerdel
A new budget from the Montpelier city manager will be completed Dec. 6 and presented to the city council on Dec. 11, according to the Nov. 22 weekly City Manager’s Report. City Finance Director Sarah LaCroix said at the Nov. 13 council meeting that initial figures to run the city in fiscal year 2026, without cutting current expenses, would cause taxes to go up over 24%.
The city has five public budget discussions planned before city councilors vote on the budget on Jan. 22, 2025. Voters will make the final decision on the budget on Town Meeting Day, March 4, 2025.
The city has created a budget survey for residents to get their input, as well: bit.ly/MontpelierBudgetSurvey.
“The FY26 Budget Survey asks Montpelier residents to share their thoughts on budget priorities for the upcoming year. Community members have the opportunity to respond to the survey until midnight on Dec. 10, when submissions will close,” according to a Nov. 25 press release from the city.
—Cassandra Hemenway
Cathy Clark was recently named as Revitalizing Waterbury’s 2024 Volunteer of the Year. This award recognizes a volunteer whose exceptional contributions over the past year have significantly supported the nonprofit community development organization’s mission and impact.
Clark has been a key member of the Waterbury Arts Fest team, handling tasks such as notifying neighbors about road closures and soliciting and collecting raffle items. She is also an important volunteer for the Wrap it Up and Win program, where she helps distribute materials to participating businesses.
One of her most constructive contributions involved tackling Revitalizing Waterbury’s long-overlooked archive project. Over six months, she sorted old files from the historical society as well as Jack Carter’s collection. Clark reorganized and created a filing system, turning what was once office clutter into an efficient resource for the community.
“Cathy is an extraordinary volunteer and a true champion for Revitalizing Waterbury,” said Karen Nevin, former executive director.
—press release
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