Williston Observer 10/27/2022

CVSD considers central office move to Williston

thing to

BY JASON STARR Observer staff

Champlain Valley School Dis trict administrators are looking to more than double the size of their workspace with a central office move from Shelburne to Hurricane Lane in Williston.

Some school board members, however, are questioning the need and cost.

First-year Chief Operating Of ficer Gary Marckres and Facilities Director Chris Giard have pinpoint ed a vacant office building at 312 Hurricane Lane as the best option for a new central office. They say it’s the only office space within the district’s five towns — Shelburne, Charlotte, Hinesburg, St. George and Williston — that has enough square-footage at an affordable costper-square-foot.

The district’s central office has been located in a 7,900-square-foot office in Shelburne for the past 20 years — the majority of that time as the Chittenden South school district before a 2016 merger created the Champlain Valley School District. According to Superintendent Rene Sanchez, central office staff has in creased from 15 to 37 people since it first moved in. In an Oct. 18 pre sentation to the board, Sanchez de scribed the space as “too cramped to carry out the work efficiently.”

The Williston building has 17,000 square feet available. The

lease would cost the district an addi tional $188,000 annually, more than doubling the expense from the cur rent $115,000 to $303,000. An addi tional $100,000 would be needed to reconfigure and prepare the space, Marckres said.

“This building is pretty much ready to go,” Giard said. “We were kind of lucky to find something that already had offices in place. We’re not having to do a lot of buildout.”

Central office administrators hope for school board approval of

a new lease in November, to begin renovations in December and to move into Williston in the spring. The district’s current central office lease in Shelburne has expired.

“This is a good time for us to be looking rather than when we have a lease in place,” Sanchez said.

The school board formed a sub committee of board members and administrators last week to assess the need and cost of the move. Board member Lynne Jaunich was skepti cal of both. She said the district has

an existing list of needs, including for more classroom space at Allen Brook School in Williston.

“There are lots of competing needs,” she said “I would love every one to have a lot of space. I just don’t know if that is reasonable.”

Marckres, the first-year COO, said more work is needed to figure out how the district would pay the more-than-doubled annual lease cost.

“I would be concerned if we had $187,000 sitting around that isn’t be

ing used,” Jaunich said. “I’d like to know where that money is going to come from.”

Jaunich is also concerned at the quick timeline administrators pre sented for the board to approve a new lease.

“I don’t like feeling pressured, especially if we don’t know if we have the money to do this,” she said.

Board member Erin Brady has similar concerns.

“The timeline feels ambitious to make a commitment of that size,” she said.

She anticipates residents in the district will question spending tax payer money on administrative space.

“If we haven’t addressed class room space at Allen Brook, but we are able to double administrative space, that feels like a hard thing to justify as a board member,” Brady said.

Williston board member Josilyn Adams suggested that some Allen Brook staff could use the new build ing, which is only a mile away, to free up space at the school. She sup ports the administrators’ proposal.

“We are growing,” Adams said. “We are adding positions that are needed, and we need to make sure the people we’re hiring have a good work environment.”

Board chair Angela Arsenault also expressed support for the ex pansion.

“The (new) space really affords room to grow, not just in the literal sense, but in a more metaphorical sense … with spaces that might be come community spaces.”

An office building on Hurricane Lane is under consideration by the school board to be the new central office of the Champlain Valley School District. The building is neighbors on the street — located just south of Exit 12 — with two hotels and several businesses, and near where the Vermont State Police is currently building a new barracks.

OBSERVER PHOTO BY JASON STARR

PROGRAMS

COMMUNITY

SANGHA STUDIO PASS

FLOW YOGA INTRO

The Recreation

Studio to offer a 5-class

to experience

MY HEALTHY VT

that allows

is collaborating with Sangha

have to offer.

Want to be healthier and feel better? My Healthy VT can help. Find a free course that’s right for you and take online any time. Go to the Rec. website for links to My Healthy VT website.

FAMILY PROGRAMS

HOLIDAY DECORATING CONTEST

Coming Soon! Watch for information on this year’s Holiday Decorating Contest in December. It has been a great event and we hope more families will enter. If you are a business and would like to donate a gift basket as a prize, please contact the Recreation Dept.

DANGEROUS GIRLS

Age 14+. This is a Women-only cardio- kickboxing class that combines strength and conditioning with practical combat skills. Learn trips and throws, bounce to Beyoncé, hit hard, laugh a lot. Instructor: Zachary Stevens, ONTA Studio

SNOWMOBILE SAFETY

Age 12+. The course provides the opportunity to earn the certification necessary to legally operate on Vermont’s Statewide Snowmobile Trails System. Course can be taken online at any time. Go to Rec. website for link to register for course.

ACTIVE AGERS

LIFTING FOR BONE HEALTH INTRO

Age 50+. The 8-week program will focus on lifting basics, including appropriate form, and appropriate progressions. Program focus will be to improve bone health. Participants will work out as a group but receive individualized programming. Instructor: Casey Moulton, Rehab Gym

ADULT PROGRAMS

TAI CHI INTRO

Age 18+. Come strengthen your body, regulate, and build physical energy, and cultivate your mental concentration and spirit with this gentle and nourishing practice. Instructor: Zachary Stevens, ONTA Studio

BOXING INTRO

Age 18+. An 8-week introduction to the fundamentals of boxing, for fun, fitness, and self-defense! We’ll focus on learning footwork, defense, and proper punching mechanics through a variety of safe, fun drills. Instructor: ONTA Studio Staff

Age 18+. Flow is excellent for those who find that moving helps create a state of physical exertion and mental concentration leading to deeper relaxation and steadiness after class. Intro programs offered Tuesdays & Thursdays. Instructors: Sangha Studio Staff

DOG TRAINING: BASIC & SOCIAL SKILLS

Age 18+. Using a simple-to-use training approach, this 6-week program covers the essentials of having a wellbehaved companion. Includes obedience, manners, social skills, and understanding behavior. Instructor: Deb Helfrich, Gold Star Dog Training

THERAPY DOG ACADEMY

Age 18+. This 6-week course gives dogs and handlers the necessary skills for not only passing the test, but also for working successfully as a therapy dog team. Instructor: Deb Helfrich, Gold Star Dog Training

PICKUP PROGRAMS

The Pickup Programs are by registration and payment Only. They are not free drop-in programs. There are Men’s Basketball, Women’s Basketball and Adult Volleyball. Details for each and to register go to the Rec. website.

VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE- COED

Age 18+. The league will be offered this Winter/Spring. Weekly games and a double-elimination tournament. A coed team requires two or more females on the court at any time regardless of substitutions. Contact Tim Armstrong- willistonvolleyball@gmail.com.

YOUTH/TEEN PROGRAMS

KINDERREC BASKETBALL

This is a parent/child program designed to teach the fundamentals of the game. Each week youngsters will be introduced to a new skill and fun activities that will enhance their learning. This program meets on Saturdays in January and February. Instructors: Rec. Staff

1ST-2ND BASKETBALL

This program provides the opportunity for youngsters to learn the game, improve their skills, and enjoy playing. This program meets on Saturdays in January and February. The hour session will consist of a practice and scrimmage time. Parent volunteers are needed to coach teams. Sign up to coach when registering your child.

3RD -4TH BASKETBALL

There are separate boys’ and girls’ programs offered if numbers allow. The programs provide the opportunity for youngsters to play and improve their skills. The program meets twice a week for 1 hour each time- 1 practice and 1 game. Parent volunteers are needed to coach. Sign up to coach when registering your child.

5TH -6TH BASKETBALL

There will be separate boys’ and girls’ leagues offered if numbers allow. The leagues meet twice a week for

1 hour each time- 1 practice and 1 game. The 5th -6th are part of the CVRA League, which plays other Rec. Depts. Parent volunteers are needed to coach. Sign up to coach when registering your child.

7TH -8TH BASKETBALL

There is a league for boys if the numbers allow. The team meets twice a week for 1 hour each time- 1 practice and 1 game. The 7th -8th is part of the CVRA League, which plays other Rec. Depts. Parent volunteers are needed to coach. Sign up to coach when registering your child.

KNITTING

Grades 3-8. Does your child love to knit or do they want to learn? If so, this program will teach them how to or improve their knitting skills. The program offers the basics for first timers, as well as provides early and intermediate knitters with specific how-to and help with projects. All materials are provided. Instructor: Christine Heavner, Owner Knitting Circle

CHESS WIZARDS

Ages 6-12. Join either of these programs for tons of challenging chess lessons, exciting games, and cool prizes. You’ll improve your chess skills, meet new friends, and work out your most powerful muscleyour brain. Instructors: Chess Wizards Staff December 27-29 or February 27-March 3

NINJA KIDS INTRO

Age 4-8 or 7-11. The play-based curriculum increases strength and self-confidence, while moving meditation helps children manage their emotions and develop the connection between mental and physical well-being. Instructor: ONTA Studio Staff

NINJA TEENS INTRO

Age 9-15. The play-based curriculum increases strength and self-confidence, while moving meditation helps children manage their emotions and develop the connection between mental and physical well-being. Instructor: ONTA Studio Staff

NINJA SCIENCE CAMP

Ages 5-10. February Break. This camp unites the body and mind by combining martial arts, tumbling, and parkour with environmental science education. We help children realize their potential in an environment that is playful. Instructors: ONTA Studio Staff

LEARN TO SKI/RIDE

Information and Registration for the Learn to Ski/ Ride Program will be available on the Rec. website November 2. Be sure to register before the early bird discount to save- December 18. There will also be two fitting dates for equipment. You must register your family for a fitting time. Info is on the registration page.

SAFE SITTER COURSES

Grades 6-8. Safe Sitter® prepares teens to be safe when they’re home alone, watching siblings or babysitting. The course offers four main content areas: Safety Skills, Child Care Skills, First Aid & Rescue Skills, and Life & Business Skills. Instructor: Rec Staff

Getting to know Noah Hyman

South Burlington Dem runs unopposed in new split district

A portion of southwest Wil liston was joined this year with a portion of South Burlington to create the new Chittenden 8 Leg islative District in a statewide re districting by the Legislature driv en by the 2020 census.

The new district has one seat in the Vermont House of Representa tives. This year, South Burlington Democrat Noah Hyman is running unopposed for election to the seat. Ahead of Election Day, Nov. 8, the Observer asked Hyman to answer the following questions.

Describe your personal connection to Vermont and to Chittenden County.

As you may know, this new district was created to reflect the recent population growth in our area since 2010. Although I have lived in this district for almost 10 years, my story echoes that of our new district, in that I am in many ways part of this influx of new res idents to this area of Vermont.

It has not taken me long to realize how fortunate I am to be living in this wonderful state, as my family and I have settled into Chittenden County.

Why are you seeking a seat in the Vermont House of Representatives?

When we moved here, my wife joined a medical practice in South Burlington, and I made a choice to be at home with our children, who are now 12 and 10. I have been lucky to be able to be active in their lives and education from pre-school until the present.

I have also been active in their school communities, parent asso ciations and after school activi ties. I would like to use my expe rience working with several local community groups to be an effec tive representative of this district in the Statehouse.

What qualifies you to represent Williston residents in the Legislature?

As a founding member, and officer, of an environmental po

litical action committee in this area, I helped lead the fight to preserve wetlands, woods, rivers and streams that were in danger of development.

When I lived in Philadelphia, I took over my family’s business and was proud to be a fourth-gen eration jeweler and goldsmith. Owning and operating my small business taught me about the im portance of hard work and the positive impact small business owners can have on a community.

I will use this insight to sup port my fellow small business owners as well as all of the people of this district.

If elected, what would be your primary areas of focus?

If I am elected, I would seek to serve on the Energy and Technol ogy, Fish and Wildlife and Health Care committees. I will bring

my experience in these fields and keen interest to these committees.

I am very concerned about the health of our planet, and will sup port statewide initiatives to help mitigate the changing climate al ready impacting us.

I support the Williston Ener gy Plan that was adopted in 2020. I support the clean heating and clean water standards along with more preservation of our natu ral lands, open spaces and other initiatives recommended by Ver mont’s Climate Action Plan.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about your candidacy?

As a parent of two young chil dren, I am glad the Senate over rode the Governor’s veto and we now have a compromise gun safety bill with better laws on the books. I believe more com mon-sense gun safety measures will need to be a continual con versation to make our cities and towns safer for all of us.

Also, I will work and explore ways to improve our childcare systems for working families.

Regarding reproductive rights, I fully support a woman’s right to make decisions about her own body and Vermont’s own Propos al 5, the Reproductive Liberty Amendment.

I will be working to bring a broader and more equitable taxing system and find ways to incentiv ize small businesses to relocate to Vermont.

Taft Corners petition fails

New zoning regulations take effect

A citizen-led effort to over turn the Williston Selectboard’s approval of new zoning regula tions for Taft Corners has come up short.

Opponents of the new “formbased code” for the town’s most densely populated area — just north of Interstate 89’s Exit 12 in terchange — had been collecting signatures on a petition calling for a town wide vote on the code. The selectboard approved the code in a 4-1 decision Oct. 4. A total of 5 percent of the registered voters in Williston (435 people) would have had to sign the petition in order to force the townwide vote. A petition was submitted Monday with 300 sig natures, according to Town Clerk Sarah Mason, not clearing the threshold.

years with public input and the help of a design consultant.

“This has been the most lengthy, intense and involved planning project I have been a part of in Williston in my 14 years with the town,” Planning and Zoning Director Matt Boulanger said.

A petition was submitted Monday with 300 signatures …not clearing the threshold.

The regulations took effect Tuesday. They aim to organize land development in Taft Corners in an urban way, with walkable blocks, vertical buildings up to 87 feet in height and scattered parks and green spaces. The regulations were developed by the planning commission over a period of two

The result is “the most asser tive and comprehensive set of tools available to a municipality in Vermont, applied to Williston’s longstanding goal: that Taft Cor ners becomes a ‘design-conscious down town with a strong pedestri an orien tation,’” Boulanger added. Land owner ap plications to build in Taft Corners will now bypass the Development Review Board process and be reviewed solely by town staff to determine compliance with the code. The land will be posted with permit decisions, and abutters will be notified. Permit decisions and projects under review will also be posted to the town website, Bou langer said.

“I look forward to continuing the challenging and necessary work of administering and staff ing this new code on behalf of the people of Williston,” he said.

— Jason Starr

I’m running for Senate to work for you.

Noah Hyman

Cobbler calls it a career

A hand-written sign on the front door marks the end of the cobbler era in Chittenden County as the area’s last remaining shoe repairman closes up shop this week at Williston’s Taft Corners Shopping Center.

John Welsh said in a 2020 letter to the Observer that the shop was struggling amid the pandemic and he wasn’t sure how long it would survive. It lasted nearly two-anda-half more years. Its closing this weekend will culminate nearly 25 years at the spot. According to Welsh, 81, a retired Marine and law enforcement officer, there are two remaining cobblers in Vermont.

Demolition derby

Federal programs lifted millions out of poverty

Poverty has fallen in Ver mont, New England and the United States during the pan demic, according to data recent ly released by the Public Assets Institute.

During 2020 and 2021, Ver mont’s supplemental poverty rate dropped to just below 7 percent; approximately 14,000 fewer Vermonters were living in poverty in 2021 than in 2019.

The supplemental poverty measure factors in cash income as well as non-cash benefits and variable expenses, including tax es, child care and medical care.

Government benefits during the pandemic — direct stimulus payments and the expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Supple mental Nutritional Assistance Program — helped lower the

supplemental poverty rate.

Child poverty dropped na tionally to a record low in 2021, according to Public Assets Insti tute. Almost 3 million children were lifted out of poverty by the expanded Child Tax Credit alone.

Public Assets Institute is a Montpelier-based advocacy group, online at www.publicas sets.org.

Native plants replace milfoil in Lake Iroquois

The results of the Lake Iro quois Association’s fall aquatic plant survey show a near complete lack of invasive Eurasian Milfoil, the association reported in a news release last week.

Larry Eichler, who has con ducted plant surveys on Lake Ir oquois since 2017, completed the survey on Sept. 18. His results show that only a small, manage able clump of milfoil remains in

the lake, located in the south cove. That clump has since been handpulled, but that area will continue to be monitored.

Native plant species such as waterweed, muskgrass and wild celery have replaced milfoil as the most common plants in the lake, according to the sur vey. Similar to previous years, Eichler did find a small amount of the invasive curly-leaf pond

weed in the spring survey, but none in the fall survey. A 2023 spring survey is planned for ear ly June.

Anyone who goes out on the lake can report plant and algae bloom observations at www.lakei roquois.org/help/report-invasives. The entire plant survey report, as well as prior-year reports, is avail able at www.lakeiroquois.org/wa ter/plant-surveys.

The former office building on a hill overlooking the intersection of Talcott Drive and Route 2 — which had been for sale — is coming down this week as the parcel will be offered as a “build to suit” vacant lot. The building is the former home of a variety of nonprofits and small businesses but had been vacant since the start of the pandemic in 2020.

PHOTOS BY MARIANNE APFELBAUM

White House Conference on Hunger

BY ANORE HORTON AND JOHN SAYLES

marked the first

and Health in more than

years.

and Children (WIC).

These changes made signif icant headway in eliminating hunger, but, by the 1980s, pol icy changes and program cuts caused a resurgence in hunger nationwide.

sistently afford zzthe nourishing foods they need and want.

As we face the ongoing im pacts of the pandemic and in

here in Vermont.

1967.

Then it ended.

Elected

people who have experienced hunger, advocates, non-profits, and pri vate-sector leaders came togeth er to discuss solutions to the ongoing injustice of hunger. Far too many in our country know the experience of not having enough food, including many neighbors here in Vermont.

advancements came from the first conference of this kind, held in 1969, in cluding changes to food and nutrition policy, major expan sions of what is now called SNAP/3SquaresVT and School Lunch Program, and the cre ation of the Supplemental Feed ing Program for Women Infants

The goals and recommenda tions coming from the 2022 con ference offer a new chance to make positive, impactful chang es for decades to come — but only if we seize this moment for bold action and solutions cen tered in equity and justice.

Here in Vermont, more peo ple have experienced hunger this past year than at any other point during the Covid pandem ic. Recent data collected by the UVM-led National Food Ac cess and Covid Research Team found that two out of every five people in our state have experi enced hunger in the past year. This means thousands across the state are struggling to con

flation, we applaud the timely focus of the White House on hunger and its root causes and we acknowledge the opportu nities this renewed focus offers

Holding the conference is a welcome first step, and we call on the White House to be accountable, and to work with Congress to make the invest ments and implement the solu tions outlined in the National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition and Health.

Many of the ideas the White House has proposed are tried and tested, and, if implement ed, will help to end hunger. We know that strategies, like per manently expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit and increasing the minimum wage, work. The Ex panded Child Tax Credit in 2021 kept 5.3 million people above the poverty line and drove child poverty to the lowest level since

The White House has pro posed cost-effective invest ments in nutrition programs that we know will reduce hunger. These include expanding Sum mer EBT, to ensure families with kids can afford groceries when school is out, support for Meals on Wheels, and expand ing access to 3SquaresVT so that more people can use the program, including college stu dents and formerly incarcerated individuals.

But, the White House pro posal alone is not enough. We can and should do more. The White House strategy aims to decrease the number of house holds going without food, and

Many of the ideas the White House has proposed are tried and tested, and, if implemented, will help to end hunger.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Youth soccer gratitude

The Williston Recreation and Parks De partment would like to thank the following people for their participation in Rec Soccer this fall. Thank you to all the coaches who volunteered 1-2 hours per week and to the K-5 children in the programs.

Thank you to Dave Antonioli’s girls soc cer team for volunteering their time to referee the Saturday morning games. Having them allowed the coaches to focus on the players during the games.

Thank you also to all parents, grandparents and others that helped to support the coaches and players in practices and games this season. Thanks to everyone for keeping Rec sports a positive atmosphere for the children, coaches and referees. Thank you for your time and commitment, without you there would no Rec Soccer.

Todd Goodwin Director Williston Recreation and Parks

Arsenault gets an A grade

I want to add my voice to those who are endorsing Angela Arsenault for State Rep resentative. I consider myself lucky to have crossed paths with Angela last year and had the chance to get to know her, as the school

board chair, as a dedicated community mem ber, as a hard-working volunteer, as a loving mother, and as a person who truly exudes care for everyone around her.

I was very impressed with Angela’s will ingness to be open and listen as a member of the Champlain Valley School Board. She was willing to hear concerns, to consider other’s lived experiences and to work toward solu tions that benefit all. She doesn’t shy away from a challenge. She is the exact kind of per son we need representing us in the Statehouse.

Her list of qualifications is large, through her professional work as a journalist, her ex tensive volunteer work and her elected posi tion on the school board. What I believe is her strongest asset, however, is her desire to un derstand the issues those around her are facing and to work to resolve them. I have felt truly grateful to have her support when my family was struggling, and I know she can provide the same support for everyone in our commu nity if elected.

Angela strongly supports Article 22 (per sonal reproductive liberty), and she is also willing to have a conversation with you to explain why she does. She will listen to your views on it, and also explain why it is so im portant to her, as a mother and a woman, that it passes.

The value of this openness and desire to communicate and listen to those around her

can’t be understated. Please join me in casting your vote for Angela Arsenault by either vot ing early or going to the polls on election day.

Caroline Dahlstrom Williston

Wisdom for Williston

Despite years of growth in government spending and taxes, the Vermont Legislature continues to conjure up new programs. This worsens the crushing burdens on families, se niors, businesses and people on fixed or limit ed incomes. Some politicians seem to think of Vermonters as a debit card with no limit.

And it’s not only a matter of costing cit izens money. The Legislature has increased and extended control over more and more as pects of our lives. Government has its place, but it is reaching into areas that are the respon sibility of neighbors, parents and friends — in other words, people. This encroaches on our freedom and stifles creativity in solving public problems.

Tony O’Rourke and Bruce Roy know firsthand the challenges of running a business to provide jobs and benefits, as well as valuable

Route 2 detour begins for culvert replacement

A culvert replacement on Route 2 in Willis ton will detour traffic starting Friday through the end of the month, the Vermont Agency of Transportation announced Tuesday.

The project is located about a mile west of the Route 2 intersection with Route 117. The detour will divert vehicles to North Williston Road, Route 117, then back to Route 2.

Traffic will then be reduced to one lane through the remainder of the project time frame, Nov. 18.

goods and services. They are husbands, fa thers and neighbors. They are not perpetual politicians. They will bring depths of experi ence and know-how to the Vermont House of Representatives.

I urge you to vote for Tony and Bruce. Give them a chance to employ their wisdom to work for Williston.

Peggy Widmeier Williston

to cut the number of households strug gling to afford enough food, in half. In Vermont, that would mean one in five of us would still be facing hunger. We have a vision for ending hunger that doesn’t leave behind half of neighbors experi encing hunger.

The federal government must act to ensure that federal nutrition programs like SNAP, school meals and Meals on Wheels can meet the needs of people fac ing hunger. We need a national, perma nent Universal School Meals program; we need SNAP benefits to cover the true cost of nutritious food; and we need in vestments to help organizations like the Vermont Foodbank meet the unprece dented demand food shelves and pantries are facing across the state.

We also need to address the root causes of hunger, not just have a system that lifts some individuals out of pover ty temporarily, and excludes others. We need systems that allow everyone to have access to nourishing, dignified food. We need to address race-based inequities in access to food, and to ensure our systems don’t require families to make impossi ble choices in meeting basic needs.

Let’s not let this historic moment go to waste, or the national strategy to gath er dust. We are ready, and we are com mitted to doing the work alongside the federal government, state government and our partners in the public and private sectors.

Together we can end hunger.

Anore Horton is the executive director of Hunger Free Vermont.

John Sayles is the chief executive officer of the Vermont Foodbank.

GlobalFoundries gets approval for own electric utility

The Vermont’s Public Utilities Commis sion has issued a Certificate of Public Good approving the formation and operation of GF Power LLC as the electric utility for Global Foundries’ microchip manufacturing facility in Essex Junction.

Due to its size, GlobalFoundries is the only “transmission class” customer in Ver mont, meaning it takes service at a higher voltage than all other Green Mountain Power customers, in addition to owning, maintaining and investing in its own transmission and dis tribution system. This uniquely positions GF to take on the responsibilities of becoming its own utility, directly serving only the facility’s needs.

“GlobalFoundries is pleased with the com mission’s decision to issue the Certificate of Public Good approving the formation of our electric utility, which will assist in making our Essex Junction site more globally competi tive,” said Ken McAvey, vice president and general manager of Fab 9 in Essex Junction. “We appreciate the partnership with Green Mountain Power, the Department of Public Service and VELCO, as well as our commu nity partners, Greater Burlington Industrial Corporation, Lake Champlain Chamber and the Vermont Chamber, to make this a reality.”

The agreement with Green Mountain Power creates a four-year transition period, during which GMP will continue to supply GF’s electricity needs through a power pur chase agreement. GF will also pay a $15.6 mil lion transition fee to benefit GMP customers by offsetting most of the costs associated with the transition.

“The commission’s decision is good news for Vermont,” said Betsy Bishop, president of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. “This type of regulatory innovation will lead to in creased investment and modernization in the GF Vermont semiconductor facility, ensuring a continued commitment to our state. GF’s manufacturing has a large economic impact on Vermont with increased capital invest ment, career development and small business creation.”

GlobalFoundries has already announced plans to update and modernize its Essex Junction facility with new tools and equip ment. Nearly 2,000 employees work at the site, with a manufacturing capacity of more than 600,000 wafers per year. It is a “Trusted Foundry” for the United States and manufac tures secure chips in partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense for use in some of the nation’s aerospace and defense systems.

Diane Von Furstenberg

Wrap Yourself in DVF at Jess Boutique

Time to ‘button up,’ Williston

BY REED PARKER Williston Energy Committee

Williston

and think of last winter, were you concerned with:

Drafts — If cool air leaks in while your heat is on, you can be sure energy is being wasted. Drafts can originate in many places, in cluding windows, doors, exterior cellar entryways, outlets, dryer vents and bathroom ceiling fans.

Icicles — They may look pret ty, but icicles often indicate that heat is escaping through your roof, as well as being dangerous if they fall on you. They can also lead to ice dams and roof water leaks.

Mold — Lack of insulation can cause moisture to rise and get trapped in the attic and walls. This

line information webinars, in-per son meetings, or contact Efficien cy Vermont at (888) 921-5990 and request a free virtual home energy visit. This is the starting point for getting an assessment of your home and any potential ener gy-saving solutions.

Next, ask the question, can you

ings, replacing door insulation or adding foam air barriers to your electrical outlets.

not have to face another

in older (and some not so old)

have

windows and door casings, inadequate insulation and inefficient heating systems. These issues, combined with increased costs for natural gas, fuel oil, elec tricity and wood, could make this a very difficult winter.

There is a solution: It’s time to “button up” our homes.

The annual “Button Up Ver mont” campaign is sponsored by Efficiency Vermont, utility companies, nonprofits and your Williston Energy Committee. Designed to help all of us make good choices about weatherizing our homes, “Button Up Vermont’’ (www.buttonupvermont.org) of fers information about the basics of home weatherization, do-ityourself home projects, a wide variety of rebate programs and qualified contractors who par ticipate in Efficiency Vermont’s “Efficiency Expert Network.” All this information will help you be more comfortable and save money by using less energy to heat your home this winter.

The “Button Up Vermont’’ campaign is designed to help residents of all income levels, in cluding renters and homeowners, potentially benefit from one of the many programs.

Earlier this month, Gov. Phil Scott, along with representatives from Efficiency Vermont and Ver mont Gas Systems, announced a new website with a comprehensive inventory of programs and tools to help Vermonters navigate winter heating needs. It Includes finan cial assistance for low- and mod erate-income households, weath erization and home improvement incentives, and more. Vermonters can access this online inventory at www.vermont.gov/buttonupvt.

As you look around your home

Snow melt — Snow melting in some areas of your roof and not others can indicate that your attic is not properly sealed and insulat ed. A lack of insulation is a sure way to waste heating energy and make your home colder.

is a serious problem that can result in significant health issues.

FACED WITH ANY OR ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS, WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

First, don’t despair or ignore the problem; attend one of the on

do a project yourself, and if so, what rebates would your project be eligible for? If you can, deter mine the materials you will need, complete your project and apply for a rebate. Smaller projects in clude caulking your window cas

Is your project large, such as replacing windows, adding a new storm door, insulating the attic or obtaining a new heating system? Projects of this type may require a full-scale energy audit of your home. This is where Efficiency Vermont and their partnered con tactors can help you.

If you face any of these issues with heating and weatherization of your home, don’t delay, act to day and get the information and assistance you need. In-person meetings and webinars are under way and run through mid-Novem ber. Efficiency Vermont is always available to support you yearround at www.efficiencyvermont. com.

Let’s all “Button Up” our homes Williston and make this a more comfortable and affordable winter.

To participate in Williston’s energy future, reach out to your Williston Energy Committee at Energy@WillistonVT.org or at tend one of our public meetings, held on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. The agenda for upcoming meetings is posted on the Town of Williston website.

BY AMY HUNTINGTON Special to the Observer

They popped up on a section of lawn in

the “new” front yard. The flowers have mostly gone by on the tall, stur dy plants, but there are three or four goldfinches feasting on the bounty of seeds. They have been there off and on every day since late summer.

This spring I decided to let parts of our yard go unmowed. It’s a way to support invertebrates, like cat erpillars, who, in turn, support lots of other creatures. I was amazed by wildflowers, like this primrose, that

germinated without any interven tion on my part. But I wanted to find a way to add more species of native plants — and I found it!

Let me introduce the seed ball. I know … it could use a more elegant name. Some people call it a seed bomb, but that doesn’t really cut it either. More on that later.

Recently, Brian Collier, a Ver mont master naturalist and associ ate professor of art at St. Michael’s College, hosted a seed ball-making workshop under the umbrella of “Unlawning America.” At Geprags Community Park in Hinesburg, about a dozen people gathered around tables topped with plastic tubs and bags of native wildflower seed, compost and clay. We all dug in to mix these ingredients with water to fashion dozens of quar ter-sized, muddy seed balls.

Seed balls have an interesting history. The ancient Japanese called them “tsuchi dango” or “earth dumplings,” a much more fun name. In ancient Egypt, they were used to replant the banks of the Nile after annual flooding. Now, like a modern

Johnny Appleseed, we were making history too.

You can plant earth dumplings anywhere. Throw them in aban doned lots, on the side of the road and the edges of parking lots. The more the merrier.

Brian provided seed that is na tive to the Northeast from American

Meadows. It’s a diverse mix that can adapt to a wide variety of environ ments. You could collect your own seed too.

Brian had collected a bag of milkweed seeds that we added to the mud mixture. Besides being an important species for the endan

1 part seed - American Meadows has a diverse mix of wildflowers native to the northeast.

3 parts compost - A bag of cow manure works well.

5 parts clay - We used a bag of terracotta. You can find it at a pottery supply store.Ifs very powdery so you may want to use a mask while mixing.

Green tips

Weatherization quick check

Weatherization

You

Dumplings

gered monarch butterfly, the fluff attached to each milkweed seed helps bind the rest of the mud mix.

Once you have your darling dumplings, spread them out to fully air dry, then store in a paper bag. Most of our Northeast wildflow er seeds require overwintering, so it’s best to plant the bulk of them in the fall, once cooler temperatures settle in. You can save a few for a spring plant as well.

Brian has been making and using these

seed balls for years and has a few suggestions for planting. Just toss them; turn over a 6-by6-inch chunk of turf and press lightly into the up-side dirt. You can add a cardboard “donut” around the planting to choke out surrounding grass. Then, scatter on a newly mowed lawn and let nature take her course.

The goldfinches have changed into their winter suits and fewer are showing up on the primroses. As I write this, my two dozen-plus earth dumplings are drying on the back porch. Soon they will be under a blanket of snow awaiting spring’s warm sun.

I look forward to seeing what emerges.

Baby-Tested

Use

— Source: The Washington Post

New charges filed in Hinesburg murder case

sion did not give any details on the proffer.

BY RILEY ROBINSON VTDigger

The victim’s estranged wife and stepson each pleaded not guilty

morning to a new charge of conspiracy to commit

connected to the 2019

of a Williston man at a trailhead in Hinesburg.

Kory George, 34, formerly of Monkton, was charged with first-degree murder in the death of his stepfather, David Auclair, in 2019. George also faces relat ed charges of burglary and ob struction of justice.

Angela Auclair — George’s mother, who was married to Da vid Auclair — was charged with aiding in the murder and with obstruction of justice in 2019.

The courts have closely guarded an appeal in George’s case, going so far as to seal briefs and oral arguments in Vermont Supreme Court, there by keeping them out of public view. An entry order from the high court this spring stated George “made a proffer to the State,” meaning he offered to provide information to prosecu tors. The Supreme Court’s deci

George and Auclair have both been held at Northwest State Correctional Facility and Chittenden Regional Correc tional Facility, respectively. The new conspiracy charge carries a penalty ranging from 35 years to life without parole, which is the same possible sentence as first-degree murder.

Documents filed in the Chit tenden Superior Court criminal division allege George and Au clair worked together to plan David Auclair’s murder. Ac cording to an affidavit by Ver mont State Police Detective Sgt. James Vooris, an ex-girlfriend of George overheard a conver sation between George and his mother in which they plotted his killing.

In that conversation, George allegedly said he would get a burner phone to call David Au clair and pretend his car had broken down, as a way to lure David Auclair to a deserted road where nobody would hear the gunshots.

On the night of July 11, 2019, Hinesburg police respond ed to reports of gunshots near LaPlatte Headwaters Town For est in Hinesburg. Police found David Auclair, 45, in the town

forest parking lot around 10:40 p.m. He had been shot multiple times, and his death was later ruled a homicide.

George denied any involve ment in his stepfather’s death, and told police he was at a friend’s house in Burlington that night. The police affidavit alleges “preliminary digital evi dence” from George’s cellphone shows he was not in Burlington, but rather in the region includ ing Hinesburg, Monkton and Williston, before and after the time of the killing.

George’s friend, who had previously corroborated his al ibi, later told police she wasn’t sure what time George arrived that evening. The friend re called George had told her he was teaching his girlfriend to shoot, and didn’t want to get in trouble with his parole officer for possessing firearms, so he had asked for ammonia to wash gunshot residue from his clothes and hands.

George was sentenced in November 2021 to seven years in prison on a federal charge of possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony.

— Alan Keays contributed reporting.

Lawmakers release emergency cash for PCB mitigation in schools

BY PETER D’AURIA VTDigger

Lawmakers voted Monday to release $2.5 million in emergency funds to mitigate a harmful class of chemicals in schools, as a state wide testing initiative ramps up.

The Vermont Emergency Board, which is composed of the governor and four state lawmak ers, unanimously approved a re quest from three state officials to ease the burden on schools that discover polychlorinated biphe nyls, often known as PCBs, in their buildings.

Mitigation steps “need to be taken as quickly as possible in order to get to that permanent solution, which is remediation,”

Secretary of Natural Resources Julie Moore, who made the re quest alongside Secretary of Ed ucation Dan French and Health Commissioner Mark Levine, told lawmakers Monday afternoon.

The $2.5 million will allow the state to buy “mitigation supplies”

such as air filters. Officials plan to buy that equipment shortly, in stead of risking supply chain de lays by “waiting until the need is identified on a site-specific basis.”

Those dollars will also “pro vide cost-share to schools to con duct additional investigation and required materials testing,” ac cording to the state’s plan.

It’s not exactly clear how schools can apply for funds for that investigation. But under the cost-sharing agreement, the state would fund 80 percent of the ad ditional investigation and test ing while schools would fund 20 percent. State officials estimated that the total costs for those pro cesses could run from $30,000 to $75,000 per school.

Officials took care to note that the money could not be used for remediation. That will be paid for from another chunk of $32 million that the Legislature set aside this spring.

Vermont is currently engaged in a landmark effort to test hun

dreds of schools for PCBs, which are linked to serious health prob lems including cancer and dam age to the immune and nervous systems.

The campaign began after offi cials found high levels of PCBs in Burlington High School in 2020, which forced students out of the school and into a retrofitted mall.

In the wake of that move, state lawmakers voted in 2021 to man date PCB testing in roughly 350 Vermont schools built or renovat ed before 1980.

In November, Burlington vot ers will consider a $165 million bond to build a new PCB-free high school.

Meanwhile, state officials are stepping up their multi-year-long testing initiative. So far, that cam paign has turned up PCBs in two places: Cabot School and Oak Grove School, in Brattleboro.

Oak Grove’s PCB concentra tion was relatively low, meaning that students were not required to move, although the school will

eventually need remediation. But Cabot School’s levels were high enough to force the closure of the school’s gymnasium.

Mark Tucker, the superinten dent of Caledonia Central Su pervisory Union, which includes Cabot, has expressed concern with the remediation process.

“We were surprised to learn yesterday that the state doesn’t actually have plans in place for testing and remediation beyond the airborne testing that has been done so far,” he wrote in an Aug. 23 email to community members.

Tucker also appealed to law makers for help, saying in an email that “resolving this problem is beyond the financial capacity of the Cabot School District,” ac cording to Seven Days.

On Monday, Tucker told VTDigger that the Emergency Board’s decision “helps.”

“80 percent funding for our immediate costs is better than 0 percent,” he wrote in an email.

In Burlington, school officials

are seeking PCB remediation funds through another process: litigation. Earlier this month, Burlington School District of ficials announced plans to file a lawsuit against Monsanto, a long time PCB manufacturer, in hopes of lessening “the impacts on tax payers for costs they should not have to bear,” Burlington Super intendent Tom Flanagan said.

State officials are also consid ering legal action.

“I’ve read that at least one school district is taking Mon santo to court,” said Emergency Board member Rep. Janet Ancel, D-Calais, in Monday’s meeting, apparently in reference to Burl ington. “And it does occur to me sitting here that having a whole lot of lawsuits all around the state is probably not very efficient. So I hope that at some point, we think about maybe a state initiative in this direction.”

“We are,” Gov. Phil Scott re plied, adding later, “But we’re not here to announce that today.”

Be a part of the Williston Observer’s

2022 Community Giving Guide!

To be included:

Nonprofit organizations

Call or email susan@willistonobserver.com, 802-489-5499

Advertisers

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Deadline

Fall Ball champions crowned

Five

Suburban-White

The

Personalized protection

Run Redhawk, run

TOP to bottom: CVU’s Chase Leonard tries to get open during the Redhawks’ 42-14 win over the BFA St. Albans Bobwhites on Saturday in Hinesburg. Brian Rutherford lines up for a catch. Lucien Griffin tackles the BFA ball carrier. Jack Sumner leaps high to snag the ball out of the air.

OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY

Michael

OBSERVER COURTESY PHOTO

Winning smiles

Estate Planning, Elder Law & Medicaid Planning

Peace of mind for families and loved ones

What we do:

• Protection of assets without spending all down to qualify for Medicaid

• Wills & Living Trusts

• Assistance with Medicaid Applications

Ellen B. LaPlante, Esq. Stephen A. Unsworth, Esq. Wendy S Hillmuth, Esq.

Members of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys & National Association of Elder Law Attorneys.

26 Railroad Avenue Essex Junction, VT (802) 879-7133

For

www.unsworthlaplante.com

Mini Fact:

What Are Midterms?

Citizens of the United States elected a new president in 2020, Democrat Joe Biden. Our next presidential election will be in 2024.

But two years after a presidential election, there are midterm elections to select members of the House of Representatives and some senators.

Midterms are important because they can change the balance of power in Congress. Right now, the Democratic Party has a majority of members in the House: 222-213. The Senate is equally divided — 50-50 — but as president of the Senate, Vice President Kamala Harris can cast a tie-breaking vote as a Democrat.

U.S. representatives are elected to two-year terms, so every two years, all 435 seats are part of the election. We will vote for House members in 2024, too.

U.S. senators are elected to six-year terms. This year, we’ll vote on 35 Senate seats.

Midterms matter!

Many more people usually vote in general elections, when presidential candidates are on the ballot, than do for midterms. In fact, as many as 20% more people may vote when the president’s office is at stake.

When midterms roll around, members of the minority party hope voters who are unhappy with the president’s policies will cast their ballots for their party’s candidates.

Whichever party gains the majority on Nov. 8, they may have specific ideas about what is important and try to change the laws to reflect that.

This week, The Mini Page learns more about midterm elections. Who’s on the ballot?

You’ve probably been seeing a lot of television ads for politicians running for office. Some of them are state or local offices, such as governor or county commissioner. Others are hoping to go to Washington, D.C., to represent their state in Congress.

If the Republican Party should win a majority in the U.S. Senate or House, they will work against some of the policies of President Joe Biden. When a president’s party controls the majority in the House and Senate, it’s much easier for them to get their ideas and goals enacted.

Who can vote?

American

crime,

convicted

OLIVIA JAIMES

Next Week: Meet the U.S. Marines

Election security

Imagine you have an election in your classroom, say, to decide on a class mascot. After the voting, it’s important that every ballot gets counted so that every student has a voice in the choice.

After the 2020 general election, some people thought that the ballot boxes and computer systems used to vote weren’t secure enough. They believed that some votes had been “tampered with” — stolen or changed so they wouldn’t count.

But after investigating cases where voter fraud, or dishonesty, was suspected, government agencies decided that the election had been secure.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) all agreed that the 2020 election was “the most secure in American history.”

As I once said, “The ballot is stronger than the bullet.”

Why is election security so important? If people don’t believe their votes will be counted, they may not vote at all.

This year’s elections are called “midterms” because they fall in the middle of a president’s term.

Founded by Betty Debnam

Peter Houck

Mitch McConnell

Kevin

governor or

to go

state in

commissioner.

D.C.,

Try ’n’ Find

Words

You’ll

are

American

Mini Jokes

Mikey: What happened when Ben Franklin told a joke to the Liberty Bell?

Mona: It cracked up!

Eco Note

Scientists have issued a “warning to humanity” over the prospect of losing about a third of the world’s

species. The warning says that more than 100 known

species have already become extinct, with billions of individual trees being lost each year to pests, disease, invasive species, drought, climate change and industrial-scale deforestation. Forests provide homes to about 75% of all bird species, 68% of mammal species and as many as 10 million species of invertebrates.

For later: Watch

elections.

for news about

Teachers: Follow and interact

BY DAN THOMPSON

T C O T E F R A U D A A K L

M R E T D I M M R E T F N Y

J N O I T C E L E M E S E Y

S V A T W T N J N O T E Z F

V T R E P U B L I C A N I L

Y T I R O J A M D R T A T E

E R O N R E V O G A S T I S

L A R E N E G W V T T E C U

W M I N O R I T Y M U O N O

Y T I R U C E S N O L W K H

LIBRARY HOURS:

• Monday and Wednesday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

• Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

• Saturday: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Visit www.damlvt.org to apply for a library card, renew materials, access digital offerings and register online for programs. For help accessing materials or services, call 878-4918 or email daml@damlvt.org.

The library will be closed Friday, Nov. 11 in honor of Veterans Day.

James Crews

Monday, Oct.

clude

5-6 p.m.

this year.

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME Tuesdays, Nov. 1 and 8, 10:3011 a.m. Join Danielle for stories and fun.

DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS FOR KIDS

Tuesdays, Nov. 1 and 8, 3:304:30 p.m. Suggested ages 8-12. Try out D&D at the library.

BABY TIME

Wednesday, Nov. 2, 10:30-11 a.m. Wiggle and socialize with your baby and others in these gen tle baby activities.

AFTER SCHOOL LEGO AND BOARD GAME TIME

Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2-3 p.m. Challenge yourself with a new game or build something with the library’s LEGO collection.

PRESCHOOL MUSIC AND PLAYTIME

Thursdays, Nov. 3 and 10, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Enjoy music with Linda Bassick, then stay to play.

FOSSIL PAINTING

Friday, Nov. 4, 5-5:45 p.m. Dis cover dinosaur fossils and paint your favorites to take home as an ornament.

TEEN NIGHT: DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS

Monday, Nov. 7, 5-6 p.m. Ages 12+. Work your way through this one-shot campaign with friends.

AFTER SCHOOL MOVIE

Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2-4 p.m. Rated PG. Who knew serving evil could be so hard?

LEGO TIME

Thursday, Nov. 10, 3-4 p.m.

Build something exciting with the library’s LEGO collection.

MULTI-AGE PROGRAMS

READ TO A CAT

Thursday, Nov. 3, 3:304:30 p.m. Call to schedule an eight-minute time-slot to read to therapy cat, Oscar.

PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS

To join a program or for a Zoom link, email programs@damlvt.org.

TALES AND TOMBSTONES CEMETERY TOUR

Thursday, Oct. 27, 3:15-4:30 p.m. Meet behind the Korner Kwik Stop for a walking tour of historic Thomas Chittenden Cem

TODAY’S HISTORY:

• In 1682, the city of Philadelphia was founded.

• In 1787, the first of the Federalist Papers appeared in a New York City newspaper.

• In 1904, the first underground New York City subway line opened to the public.

• In 2005, after three weeks of criticism, Harriet Miers withdrew her nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court.

• In 2018, a gunman killed 11 people at a synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

TODAY’S FACT:

• Joe DiMaggio sent roses to ex-wife Marilyn Monroe’s crypt in Los Angeles three times per week for the next 20 years after the actress died in 1962. The couple’s divorce was finalized on this day in 1954.

Savvy Senior

How to find an old 401(k)

Dear Savvy Senior,

How do I go about looking for an old former company 401(k) plan that I think I contributed money to many years ago, but forgot about until recently?

Retired in Rochester

Dear Retired,

If you think you may have lost track of an old 401(k) retirement account, you aren’t alone. As Americans move from job to job, many leave scraps of their compa ny sponsored 401(k) plans behind, believing they’ll deal with it later, but never do.

In fact, according to a recent study, Americans have left behind around $1.35 trillion in retire ment accounts that are connected to previous employers. To help you look for an old 401(k), here are some suggestions along with some free resources that can help you search.

CALL YOUR FORMER EMPLOYER

The first way to look for an old 401(k) account is to contact

your former employer’s human resources department. Ask them to check their plan records to see if you ever participated in their 401(k) plan, and if so, how much it’s worth. You’ll need to provide them your Social Security num ber and the dates you worked for them.

If you need help tracking down your former employer because it may have moved, changed own ers or merged with another firm, help is available from the Labor Department (www.AskEBSA.dol. gov, 866-444-3272) and the Pen sion Rights Center and Pension Action Center (www.Pension Rights.org/find-help).

If there was more than $5,000 in your 401(k) account when you left, there’s a good chance that your money is still in your work place account.

Your former employer should be able to either get you the forms necessary to roll over your retire ment money to a different 401(k) or to an IRA, or to give you con tact information for any outside fi

Green Burials

nancial institution overseeing the plan on your employer’s behalf. By following the appropriate in structions, you’ll be able to move

By Jim Miller

your retirement money where you want.

But if your old 401(k) account was under $5,000, your former employer has the option of trans

ferring the money to a default indi vidual retirement account without your consent. Your cash may go into an interest-bearing, federally insured bank account or to your state’s unclaimed property fund.

If this is the case, and your old employer cannot tell you where your 401(k) funds were sent, you’ll need to track it down yourself.

SEARCHING TOOLS

While there’s no federally run national database where you can look for all the retirement accounts that are associated with your name, a good place to start your search is with the Depart ment of Labor’s abandoned plan database at www.AskEBSA.dol. gov/AbandonedPlanSearch, and with FreeErisa (www.FreeErisa. BenefitsPro.com), which main tains a rundown of employee ben efit plan paperwork.

There’s also the National Reg istry of Unclaimed Retirement Benefits at www.UnclaimedRe tirementBenefits.com. This site works like a “missed connections”

service whereby companies regis ter with the site to help facilitate a reunion between ex-employees and their retirement money. But not every company is registered with this site.

To see if your 401(k) mon ey was turned over to the state’s unclaimed property fund, use the National Association of Un claimed Property Administrators website (www.Unclaimed.org) to search. Or you can do a multi-state search in 39 states at www.Miss ingMoney.com.

Or, if you think you were cov ered under a traditional pension plan that was disbanded, call the U.S. Pension Guaranty Corp. at 800-326-5678, or use the trusteed plan search tool at www.PBGC. gov/search-trusteed-plans.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

Williston’s Hometown Home Care Agency

The practice of natural or “green”

dates back thousands of years. The principle behind this practice is to follow the natural cycle of life. Green burials provide a reduced environmental impact, as well as the benefits of land preservation and affordability. To learn more, contact us today.

care warms the heart.

Cote at

etery, where a group of WCS students will present skits about the lives of some of our most famous residents. Rain or shine. Cider and donuts provided.

GUIDED MEDITATION (ONLINE)

Fridays in November, 12-12:30 p.m. Take a break from your day to reconnect to your peaceful body and breath. Join us for a short, guided meditation session via Zoom.

SPANISH CONVERSATION (ONLINE)

Wednesday, Nov. 2, 5-6 p.m. Whether you are fluent or a beginner, join teacher Elliot Lafferty online to practice Spanish conversation.

ADULT CRAFTERNOONFELT MITTEN GIFT BAG

Thursday, Nov. 3, 2-3 p.m. Make a red felt mitten with furry cuff to use as a dec oration or gift bag. Hand sewing required. Register at www.damlvt.org.

MAH JONG

Friday, Nov. 4, 1-3 p.m. Drop in. All abilities welcome.

FROM THE PARLOR TO THE POLLING PLACE: SONGS AND STORIES FROM THE SUFFRAGISTS

Monday, Nov. 7, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Sing er and historian Linda Radtke, in period garb, celebrates the centennial of the 19th Amendment. This is a Vermont Humanities program available through its Speakers Bu reau Program, hosted at the library.

CURRENT EVENTS DISCUSSION

Wednesday, Nov. 9, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Drop by for a discussion of newsworthy topics.

AFTER HOURS BOOK CLUB

Wednesday, Nov. 9, 6:30-7:30 p.m. In “Magic Hour” by Kristin Hannah, a 6-yearold girl appears out of the Olympic National Forest. Can a child psychiatrist help free the girl from her fear and isolation? Available in Libby(Overdrive) and from the library.

Exploring the suffragists with songs and stories

The Dorothy Alling Memorial Li brary will host a Vermont Humanities Council talk with singer and historian Linda Radtke entitled “From the Parlor to the Polling Place: Stories and Songs from the Suffragists” on Monday, Nov. 7 at 6:30 p.m.

Radtke will dress in period garb and a “Votes for Women” sash to celebrate the centennial of the passage of the 19th Amendment, specifically highlighting the decades-long persistence of Ver monters, both women and men, in the suffragist movement.

Radtke will also examine the move ment’s alignment with other social jus tice initiatives such as temperance, la bor conditions, wage equity, peace and children’s welfare. Both the songs and stories will be accompanied by pianist Cameron Steinmetz and highlight Ver monters’ efforts from 1840-1921, as they lobbied in churches, at parlor meetings, at town halls and at the Statehouse for total enfranchisement.

The talk is free, open to the public and accessible to those with disabilities. For more information or to register to at tend, visit www.damlvt.org or call 802878-4918.

Why not have a job you love?

Positions include a sign on bonus, strong benefits package and the opportunity to work at one of the “Best Places to Work in Vermont”.

Service Coordinator: Continue your career in human services in a supportive environment by providing case management for individuals either for our Adult Family Care program or our Developmental Services program. The ideal candidate will have strong clinical, organizational & leadership skills and enjoy working in a team-oriented position. $47,000 annual salary, $1,500 sign on bonus.

Residential Program Manager: Coordinate staffed residential and community supports for an individual in their home. The ideal candidate will enjoy working in a team-oriented position, have strong clinical skills, and demonstrated leadership. $45,900 annual salary, $1,500 sign on bonus.

Direct Support Professional: Provide 1:1 supports to help individuals reach their goals in a variety of settings. This is a great position to start or continue your career in human services. Full and part time positions available starting at $19/hr, $1,000 sign on bonus.

Residential Direct Support Professional: Provide supports to an individual in their home and in the community in 24h shifts including asleep overnights in a private, furnished bedroom. You can work two days, receive full benefits and have five days off each week! Other flexible schedules available, starting wage is $20/hr, $1,000 sign on bonus.

Shared Living Provider: Move into someone’s home or have someone live with you to provide residential supports. There are a variety of opportunities available that could be the perfect match for you and your household. Salary varies dependent on individual care requirements. $1,000 sign on bonus.

Join our dedicated team and together we’ll build a community where everyone participates and belongs https://ccs-vt.org/current-openings/

Make a career making a difference and join our team today!

https://ccs-vt.org/current-openings/

Champlain Community Services, Inc.

CLASSIFIEDS

LEGAL

WILLISTON PLANNING COMMISSION

GLASER SPECIFIC PLAN COMMUNITY MEETING

7:00 pm | November 15, 2022

The Planning Commission is considering a Specific Plan application for the Glaser Property, 97± acres at 1095 Old Stage Road, for a 100± unit residential subdivision with the provision of 53± acres open space as the substantial benefit. As required by WDB 9.3.3, the Commission is holding community

meeting.

Police Station Meeting Room, 7928 Williston Road

Or online with Zoom Meeting ID 158 006 871

www.zoom.us/join or call (646) 558-8656

Learn more or submit a comment at www. bit.ly/GlaserSP

Town Contact Person: Emily Heymann, Senior Planner, 802-878-6704 ext. 3 or eheymann@willistonvt.org

OBITUARIES

Constance (Connie) Alma (Niquette) Loso

Constance (Connie) Alma

77, of Orlando,

away peacefully in

late evening hours of Tuesday, September 20, 2022 after battling

issues. Connie

behind her son Christo pher Loso and his wife Rebecca Stone of Baltimore, MD; daugh ter Jacqueline Loso Hongladarom and her husband Bob of Fulton, MD and their child (grandchild) Benjamin; sister Carol Izzo and her husband Louis Izzo of Willis ton, VT; and sister-in-law Sharon Niquette of Jeffersonville, VT; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. She was predeceased by her brother Richard Niquette of Burlington, VT in 2017.

Connie was born on February 23, 1945 at Fanny Allen Hos pital to parents Theodore and Gertrude (Marcotte) Niquette of Winooski who predeceased her. She attended St. Francis Xavier School in Winooski, VT through the 8th grade. She then attended Rice Memorial High School in South Burlington, VT, graduat ing in 1962.

al School of Practical Nursing in 1964. She was an accomplished pediatric nurse over the years, working in hospitals in Florida, Vermont, and Massachusetts.

Connie was a very gener ous woman, helping many of her neighbors and friends while living in Orlando. She baked her legendary pumpkin, banana and zucchini breads for family, friends and neighbors. She also helped many people in need, giv ing money and gifts to help sup port them.

In her most recent home in Orlando, she was an avid bingo player and enjoyed shopping and socializing with her friends liv ing at Kinneret Senior Living. Her generosity, kindness and compassionate nature will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched.

IMMEDIATE OPENINGS

Are you interested in work that will make a difference in the community for future generations?

Communications Coordinator: Develop, implement, and manage the District’s communication strategy and promote the District’s brand through reporting of events, programs and services. Strong organizational skills, technology/social media skills required. Bachelor’s Degree in English, communications, journalism, education or a related content area required.

Accountant II: Provide support with financial reporting, accounting duties and may serve as a backup to payroll processing. Knowledge of integrated financial software programs, and experience with financial reports, and associated account reconciliations. Associate’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or the equivalent.

Bus/Van Drivers: Transports students over established routes and special trips. Regular driver’s license for Van Drivers.

Commercial Drivers license (CDL) class B, Senior Vermont Operator’s license with Vermont School Bus Endorsement needed for Bus Drivers. Training may be provided to qualifying candidates for special licensure. Substitute position are also available.

Interventionist: Provides K-12 educational and personal support to students. Associate’s Degree or 60 college credits preferred.

Nutritional Services: Prepares and serves meals to students and staff. Experience with large-scale cooking, food preparation, and serving is preferred, but not required.

K-5 Lunchroom/Recess Monitors: Supervises students during lunch and/or recess. Helps to maintain a safe and respectful environment. HS graduate or equivalent.

LPN/Health Assistant: Under the direction of the School Nurse, provides health services and maintains records. Current Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Registered Nurse (RN), or EMT certified. Experience with adolescent aged students is preferred.

apply through SchoolSpring.com, Keyword: South Burlington School District, or contact Elissa Galvez,

Employment Specialist, at 802 652-7247 or egalvez@sbschools.net.

Connie worked for her parents during high school, who were the proprietors of the former land mark restaurant Ted & Gert’s Fine Food on Main Street in Winooski. She also worked in the mail room and as a switchboard operator at St. Michael’s College during high school. She loved working there and befriended many college stu dents from around the world.

After high school, Connie studied to be a nurse. She grad uated from Fanny Allen Memori

In lieu of flowers, monetary donations can be made in honor of Constance Loso to the Kin neret Council on Aging (https:// kinneretliving.org/donate/) and to the American Diabetes Asso ciation (www.diabetes.org). A memorial to be held in Vermont will be scheduled for Spring 2023. Anyone who would like to receive further information per taining to the memorial service, please email Christopher Loso at closo97@yahoo.com. He will provide you with the finalized date and time for the memorial service.

South Burlington School District

So

not touch or pick up wild animals or strays – even baby animals.

saliva. If left untreated, rabies is almost al ways fatal in humans and animals. However, treatment with the rabies vaccine is nearly 100percent effectivewhengivensoonafter a person is bitten by a rabid animal.

So far this year, 23 animals in Vermont have tested positive for rabies, and 14 of those have been raccoons.

According to wildlife officials, rabid animals often show a change in their nor mal behavior, but you cannot tell whether an animal has rabies simply by looking at it. People should not touch or pick up wild animals or strays – even baby animals.

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Community cameras

you to all of the community members who contributed their outstanding photos of Williston in all its autumnal glory.

PHOTO BY DONNA BUTKUS

PHOTO BY DONNA BUTKUS

OBSERVER PHOTO BYPHOTO BY ADRIENNE VOUTILA

PHOTO BY JIM HELTZ

PHOTO BY DONNA BUTKUS

PHOTO BY JIM BENOIT

PHOTO BY LIAM KELLEY

PHOTO BY

DONNA BUTKUS

PHOTO BY JUDSON KIMBLE