A new haven for tennis players
With the area’s only remaining indoor tennis court set to close next summer, Norwich University Tennis Director Scott Barker has persuaded the school to open the court to the public for a fee.
“We want to get the community more involved by offering indoor public play in Norwich and having the Norwich tennis team on campus,” Barker said. “This will also give the tennis community the opportunity to watch top-level Division III tennis competition in Norwich, featuring universities from across the Northeast.
This is also a new fundraising program for the men’s tennis team to raise money for new uniforms, equipment and more.
Barker, who is also director of tennis for the Montpelier Recreation Department, previously held that role at the former First Inn Fitness indoor courts on Granger Road in Berlin. The facility is currently owned by Green Mountain Community Fitness, Inc., but due to high demand for the pickleball courts, there are plans to close the remaining tennis courts.
Noting that hundreds of tennis players live nearby, Barker said, “We wanted to provide access for tennis players in the area who would otherwise have to drive to Stowe or Burlington to use the indoor courts.” “
Players can reserve indoor tennis courts weekly by contacting Barker. The Jacob Shapiro Fieldhouse tennis courts will be available Monday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Barker began reserving courts in November, with spaces available in December. The cost is $40 per court for a 90 minute session.
Barker said tennis camps, tournaments and other events will also be offered as part of the program in the future.
To reserve a court or for more information, contact Barker at 802-595-5692 or scottbarkertennis@gmail.com.
—J. Gregory Gardel
montpelier budget
The new budget from the Montpelier City Manager will be finalized on Dec. 6 and will be submitted to the City Council on Dec. 11, according to the Nov. 22 Weekly City Manager Report. City Finance Director Sarah LaCroix told the Nov. 13 City Council meeting that the city’s initial numbers for fiscal year 2026 would increase taxes by more than 24% unless recurring expenses are reduced.
The city plans to hold five public budget discussions before council members vote on the budget on January 22, 2025. Voters will make a final decision on the budget on Town Meeting Day, March 4, 2025.
The city also created a budget survey for residents to get their input (bit.ly/MontpelierBudgetSurvey).
“The FY26 Budget Survey asks Montpelier residents to share their opinions on next year’s budget priorities. According to a Nov. 25 press release from the city, community members will be asked to submit by the deadline You will have the opportunity to complete the survey until midnight on December 10th.
—Cassandra Hemenway
Waterbury Volunteer of the Year
Kathy Clark was recently named Revitalize Waterbury’s 2024 Volunteer of the Year. This award recognizes a volunteer whose exceptional contributions over the past year have significantly supported the mission and impact of a nonprofit community development organization.
Clark has been a key member of the Waterbury Arts Fest team, and has been responsible for informing neighbors of road closures and collecting raffle prizes. She is also a key volunteer with the Wrap it Up and Win program, helping distribute materials to participating businesses.
One of her most constructive contributions was her work on Waterbury’s long-neglected revitalization project. She spent six months sorting through the historical society’s old files and Jack Carter’s collection. Mr. Clark reorganized and created a filing system, turning what was once a cluttered office space into an efficient resource for the community.
“Kathy is an extraordinary volunteer and a true champion of Waterbury revitalization,” said former Executive Director Karen Nevin.
-press release
