Williston Observer 11/3/2022

GivingGuide

Glasers propose 100 homes

Landowners employ rare ‘specific plan’ to bypass growth management

BY JASON STARR Observer staff

The owners of roughly 100 acres at the corner of Mountain View and Old Stage roads have filed a “spe cific plan” application to build 100 homes, a first of its kind under Wil liston’s land use regulations.

The specific plan process allows a developer to bypass the town’s growth management rules that slow the pace of housing construction to no more than 20 new homes a year in the residential zone, and to create site-specific building standards that may not comply with the town’s land use regulations.

Landowners Jack and Caitlin Glaser are proposing an expedited building schedule of 25 homes a year for four years. If the project went through a standard devel

COMMUNITY MEETING

WHAT: Glaser Property ‘Specific Plan’

WHEN: 7 p.m. Nov. 15

WHERE: Police Station Meeting Room at 7928 Williston Rd.

opment application, it could be granted up to 141 homes. How ever, the majority of new home allocation in the residential zone for the next several years have al ready been granted to two other proposals, also on Mountain View Road — a neighborhood planned

at the Catamount Golf Course and another at Trinity Baptist Church.

The Glasers promise to keep 11 acres fronting Mountain View undeveloped — preserving an un obstructed view of Camel’s Hump — as well as 42 acres on the south end of the property. The southern open space would allow the Wind swept Farm equestrian facility to continue to run horses on the property. Duplex homes would be built in two distinct areas separat ed by a wetland and connected by a rec path, and two roads built off Old Stage Road.

Former Williston Planning Director Ken Belliveau is serving as the Glasers’ consultant on the project. Belliveau submitted a for mal application in September to his successor in the planning of

What do you mean, ‘community center?’

Committee forms to consider library expansion, new community center

BY JASON STARR Observer staff

Should Williston expand its public library? Should it build a new community center? What about combining both into one space?

These are among the ques tions a newly formed committee will investigate in the coming months with the help of a Mont pelier-based architectural consul tant.

The selectboard on Tuesday appointed four residents to the “Community Center Scoping and Library Assessment Steering Committee.” A member of the selectboard, the library board of trustees and the recreation and parks committee will join them, along with Town Manager Erik Wells, Recreation and Parks Di rector Todd Goodwin and Library Director Jane Kearns. The select board has allocated $100,000 in federal funds granted to the town

What’s going on at deer

under the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act for the project.

Conceptual drawings and a report on the town’s options are expected by the middle of next year. The report will include con struction cost and ongoing opera tional cost estimates. Black River Design is the consultant.

“A lot of this work is going to be community engagement and assessing the library space and trying to determine what the op

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Hot air balloons make a pit stop in front of Allen Brook School on Friday. Students were called out of the building to witness the spectacle.

COURTESY PHOTO BY GRETA D’AGOSTINO

Stories of the iconic Miller House

BY GINGER ISHAM Special to the Observer

The Miller House is across the road from the Korner Kwik Stop. It was built by Solomon Miller who arrived in Vermont in the 1780s. It is a Greek Revival style house with large columns facing Route 2. There is a carriage house next to it that was once attached to the main house. Later it was bought by a doctor, A. C. Welch, whose wife was a member of the Chittenden family.

Their granddaughter married a doctor by the name of A. L. Bing ham, who was newly graduated from the University of Vermont Medical School. He and his wife lived there from the late 1800’s until 1917. After Dr. Bingham’s death, his son lived in the house for some years. He then sold it to Jack and Betty Bradish.

It was an interesting house during the Bradish years. For a short time it was known as the Old Brick House Inn with a tea room and tourist accommodations.

During the war years it was rented out, and when the Brad ishes returned, they remodeled the barn into a restaurant called The Carriage House, which they

operated until 1949. Mr. Bradish became postmaster in 1951, suc ceeding Sylvia Warren, who lived across the road from the Williston Federated Church, on the other

corner of Route 2 and Oak Hill Road. Sylvia’s home also housed the town library.

Mr. Bradish remodeled the center section, which connected the main house with the carriage house into a post office and lob by until the 1960’s when it was moved to a new building on the town green. That building is no longer there. Today it would be next to the town’s surviving oneroom schoolhouse.

Today the house has several businesses and apartments. The carriage house is a private res idence; the section connecting the two buildings was torn down some time ago.

A couple of stories about the house: Once Dr. Bingham had a man doing some work on the house. There were lots of chickens in his yard. The man mentioned he wished he had some chickens. The doctor told him to help himself — the chickens belonged to the par sonage next door.

Another story is about a young man who remembers when his fa ther and uncle cut down a large tree on the corner of Route 2 and Oak Hill Road next to the house. They used a pair of horses to pull out the stump. An evergreen tree about 5 feet tall was planted in this spot. It was thought the tree was do nated by the Johnson Farm down the road. Young people in the vil lage use to decorate it with lights at Christmas time. This beauti ful, majestic evergreen is thought to be more than 70 years old and is enjoyed today for the shade it provides while people watch the town’s July Fourth parade.

My son-in-law-to-be remod eled the house over 30 years ago. He mentioned finding a skull of a horse’s head under the front steps of the house. When he finished the job he put it back in the same place.

The Miller House at the corner of Route 2, North Williston Road and Oak Hill Road in Williston Village.

OBSERVER PHOTO BY JASON STARR

Veterans town hall set for Nov. 6 at St. Mike’s

Vermont nonprofit forms to organize future vet events

The McCarthy Arts Center at St. Michael’s College will host a Veterans Town Hall on Nov. 6 at 1 p.m. The event, open to the pub lic, is a community forum aimed at increasing communication and understanding between local war veterans and their communities.

The event is organized by a new nonprofit based in Essex called Vets Town Hall, which aims to organize similar events nationwide.

Founder and author Sebastian Junger orga nized his first Veterans Town Hall in 2015 in Massachusetts. The events allow veterans of

any era who served in any capacity to stand before their community and speak about what it was like to serve their country. The events are non-political and welcoming of all per spectives.

“It takes courage to stand up and speak. It also takes courage to sit down and listen,” said Junger, referencing a quote often attributed to Winston Churchill.

Vets Town Hall aims to establish annual town halls in every state supporting local or ganizers and hosting a calendar of events at www.vetstownhall.org.

Email vermont@vetstownhall.org for more information.

Church organizes turkey dinner food drive

The Williston Federated Church is seek ing the community’s help to make Thanks

a joyful

for local families.

A food drop-off will be held Nov. 12 at the Williston Federated Church parking lot, 44 North Williston Rd. between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Food items for a Thanksgiving meal are sought, plus staples to supplement families’ needs during the upcoming school break.

Items of need include: potatoes, canned vegetables, Jiffy pie crust mix, pie filling, evaporated milk, cranberry sauce, stuffing, gravy, as well as a $15 (alcohol and tobacco free) gift card from Hannaford for the pur chase of a turkey.

Additional food items needed are: peanut butter, cereal, pasta sauce, canned fruit and granola bars. Excess food will be donated to the Williston Community Food Shelf.

Public welcome at Veterans Day observance

The Williston-Richmond Rotary Club is sponsoring a Veterans Day observance to be held at Williston Veterans Park between the Town Office and Annex at 7:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 11. Along with honoring our veterans, the observance will include the dedication of the Deb Beckett Memorial Bench. There will be an invocation by the Rev. Kimberly Hornung-Mar cy and speakers from the Williston-Richmond Rotary Club and Town of Williston.

This event is open to the public and it is hoped that community members will attend to honor our veterans.

VOTE

Angela Arsenault

Successfully won passage of Universal School Meals in her

term and proudly voted to protect reproductive liberty in the Vermont Constitution

Member of the House Education Committee

Nationally recognized high school social studies teacher for

years

of the CVSD School Board,

elected

2016

• Chair of the CVSD School Board, first elected in 2019

with the Education Justice Coalition of Vermont, the Williston Community Justice Center, and CY Mentoring at Williston Central School

member of the Williston-Richmond Rotary Club

Professional journalist with

years of

Brady

by Erin Brady for Williston, 48 Brookside Dr. and Angela Arsenault for State Representative,

Williston,

Erin Brady (D) & Angela Arsenault (D) For State Representative Send two PROVEN Williston community leaders to the Vermont State House

Former Town Clerk Deb Beckett, pictured here as a member of the Vermont National Guard, will be honored at Williston Veterans Park on Veterans Day with a memorial bench bearing her name.

OBSERVER COURTESY PHOTO

CVU Theater Presents: ‘Amélie’

The CVU Theater at Champlain Valley Union High School in Hinesburg will host four showings of “Amélie” next weekend.

The story of a young woman in Paris finding her voice, discovering the power of connection and seeing possibility around every corner will open Friday, Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. A Saturday matinee (2 p.m.) and evening show (7 p.m.), and another matinee Sunday (2 p.m.) will follow.

Tickets are available for purchase online at https://www.ticketsource.us/cvutheater or at the door.

Show description: “’Amélie’ is the story of an extraordinary young woman who lives quietly in the world but loudly in her mind. She covertly improvises small but surprising acts of kindness that bring joy and mayhem. But when a chance at love comes her way, Amélie realizes that to find happiness she’ll have to risk everything and say what’s in her heart. Be inspired by this imaginative dreamer …”

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Teen production of ‘Listen Up’ hits the screen

COMMUNITY NEWS SERVICE

A spoken word and musical show exploring the messy realities of Vermont teens and the causes they care about has swept the state in the last two years. And last week folks in Winooski got to see it them selves.

Community College of Vermont in Winooski screened a recording of the show, “Listen Up,” as performed last summer live at Shelburne Farms. The Sept. 29 event was put on with the help of Vermont Public, the Winooski Partnership for Pre vention and Kingdom County Pro ductions.

The musical, written and acted by Vermont teenagers, was per formed across Vermont last year, and now Kingdom County Produc tions is running screenings of the film version of the play.

The show is about 90 minutes

Historical Society welcomes local author

The Williston Historical Society will hold its annual meeting Sunday, Nov. 6 at 2:30 p.m. in the Commu nity Room of the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library. Following the annual meet ing, the group will welcome local author and photogra pher Stephen Mease for a presentation on his recent ly published history book about the Champlain Valley Fair.

long and moves through themes of depression, anxiety, LGBTQ+ rela tionships, social media, COVID-19, immigration, gun violence in schools, racism in Vermont and more.

“We’ll unpack all of the boxes,” one of the cast members said in the show’s introduction sequence, ex plaining that the performance would be emotionally intense and vulner able.

The second-to-last segment of the show features only the cast’s nonwhite actors, who spoke about their experiences in a majori ty-white state and encouraged the majority-white audience at Shel burne Farms and viewers at large to “listen up” to their words.

For the final segment and cur tain call, the full cast returned to sing about how the show wasn’t the end of their work and that they will continue to push for their causes.

‘Past the tipping point’

Leaders call for increased funding for affordable housing

The Building Homes Together campaign issued its annual as sessment of housing production in Chittenden County last week, advocating for continued gov ernment spending on affordable housing.

“With nearly 1,000 homes overall completed and occupied in 2021, communities in our re gion have made some progress towards addressing the simple lack of housing available,” said Charlie Baker, executive director of the Chittenden County Region al Planning Commission. “But we are still seeing an affordability problem that has been exacerbated in recent years by many factors. We’re past the tipping point. We all need to fully support the build ing of more housing to address cli mate change, equity and people’s economic needs.”

The Regional Planning Com mission, along with Evernorth and Champlain Housing Trust, or ganized the Building Homes To gether campaign with the support of Vermont Speaker of the House Jill Krowinski, Senate President Pro Tempore Becca Balint and Burlington Mayor Miro Wein berger, among other state and lo cal leaders.

In 2021, 909 homes were built in Chittenden County, including single family homes, condomini ums and apartments. Of that total, 151 are permanently affordable. Still, the county has a historical

ly low rental vacancy rate of less than a half-percent.

“I cannot stress this strongly enough. There is an acute short age of affordable housing in Bur lington and Chittenden County,” said Michael Monte, CEO of the Champlain Housing Trust. “In addition to the direct negative impact this has on individual Ver monters and on our communities, the housing crisis in Chittenden County threatens the economic

well-being of the whole State of Vermont.”

The campaign has a goal of 250 permanently affordable homes de veloped per year in Chittenden County through 2027.

“We have to build upon the his toric and necessary investments in affordable housing the state has made in the past few years if we want to solve this problem,” Mon te said.

Champlain Valley School District is required by federal law to locate, identify and evaluate all children with disabilities. The process of locating, identifying and evaluating children with disabilities is known as child find.

Champlain Valley School District schools conduct Kindergarten screening each spring, but parents may call to make an appointment to discuss their concerns at any time. As the school district of residence, CVSD has the responsibility to identify and provide services to any child with special needs who may require special education and related services in order to access and benefit from public education.

If you have, or know of any CVSD resident who has a child with a disability under the age of 21 or a child who attends a private school located in Charlotte, Hinesburg, Shelburne, St. George or Williston, Vermont, we would like to hear from you. Sometimes parents are unaware that special education services are available to their children.

Please contact the School Principal (Charlotte Central School –425-2771, Hinesburg Community School – 482-2106, Shelburne Community School – 985-3331, Williston Central/Allen Brook Schools – 878-2762) or the Director of Student Support Services, Anna Couperthwait at 383-1234 or acouperthwait@cvsdvt.org.

Champlain Valley School District (Charlotte, Hinesburg, Shelburne, St. George & Williston) Child Find Notice

GUEST COLUMN

Clean water is a human right

Taking stock of the Clean Water Act after 50 years

BY BRIAN SHUPE

The federal Clean Water Act turns 50 this fall.

As we continue working to ad dress water pollution in Vermont and across the country, this is an important moment to take stock of both the progress we have made and to identify what more we need to do to ensure that everyone has access to clean, safe water as a hu man right.

Before the CWA was enacted in 1972, it was legal to dump all kinds of pollution into our lakes, ponds, rivers and streams. In Ver mont, this translated into raw sew age being regularly discharged to our waters. In the 1950s, the Connecticut River was being de scribed as the “world’s best land scaped sewer.”

In 1903, a Vermont Board of

Health report contained the fol lowing description of the situation in Ryegate: “Several sewers run ning, one down Main street and the others which empty into the bed of the river as it formerly ran

gress passed the CWA in October of 1972 on an overwhelmingly bi partisan vote.

The Clean Water Act underestimated the impact from stormwater and farm pollution on water quality, and the EPA and the states were lax in implementing the provisions addressing these sources of pollution.

… a most filthy and unwholesome place.”

Nationally, the water pollu tion crisis was punctuated by the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland catching fire in 1969 because of the massive amount of industrial pollution in the river. In response to this crisis, and the resulting public demand for action, Con

The goal of the CWA was nothing less than “to restore and maintain the chemical, physical and biological integrity of the nation’s waters.” To achieve this goal, Congress gave the Environ mental Protection Agency (EPA) broad authority to protect waters and prohibit unpermitted dis charges.

For the first 20 years, the CWA was very successful in addressing

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Water

the raw sewage and industrial pol lution destroying our waterways. Approximately 200,000 polluters, including sewage treatment facil ities, industrial facilities and cer tain farms and construction sites, are currently regulated under the law.

In Vermont, we have built hundreds of wastewater facilities as a result of funding from the CWA and the mandate to stop all untreated sewage and industrial wastewater from discharging di rectly to our waters. As a result, the conditions prevalent in the early 20th century no longer exist in Vermont.

In addition, the CWA has re quired dozens of hydroelectric facilities to meet modern water quality standards. This has result ed in a significant improvement in water quality and fisheries habitat throughout Vermont.

While these successes should be celebrated, the CWA has not reached its goal of restoring wa ter quality of all waters, and much of the CWA implementation has

fallen short. The best example of this in Vermont is the unrelent ing phosphorus pollution in Lake Champlain.

In a way, Lake Champlain perfectly exemplifies the success and failure of the CWA. While the CWA focused on discharges of raw sewage, water pollution from stormwater and agriculture con tinue to pollute the lake.

Unfortunately, the CWA un derestimated the impact from stormwater and farm pollution on water quality, and the EPA and the states were lax in implementing the CWA provisions addressing these sources of pollution. The combined effect has been devas tating for water quality.

The pollution in Lake Cham plain put a spotlight on these prob lems, but it was not until litigation on behalf of environmental groups in the 1990s forced the state to ad dress these issues that they were taken seriously. Lake Champlain is now on its second version of a CWA-required cleanup plan.

Cleanup plans have also been put in place for stormwater polluted waters, and steps have been taken to better address farm pollution.

The Vermont Clean Water Act,

passed in 2015, took significant steps forward to address these sources of pollution.

However, we are still grappling with addressing farm pollution under the CWA. Just this year, the Conservation Law Foundation, the Vermont Natural Resources Council (VNRC) and the Lake Champlain Committee filed a pe tition demanding that EPA step in to address these issues.

In addition, another significant threat to our water system is when combined sewer overflows (CSOs) are allowed to discharge partially treated sewage from several Ver mont wastewater facilities, which occurs when stormwater com bines with sewage during signif icant rain events that overwhelms these facilities. Just this year, VNRC challenged the CSO condi tions in a discharge permit for not complying with the CWA in an effort to expedite the elimination of these harmful CSO discharges.

Other problems, such as the discharge of toxic substances (e.g., PFAS chemicals), have emerged since the CWA was passed. EPA has been slow to assess the true risk to human health and the en

8

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Safeguarding cyclists

The death of Williston resident Gerard Malevenda in South Burl ington last week has brought much attention to the issue of bike riding and path safety. The loss of one’s life in pursuit of a recreational passion is the definition of a tragic event.

In Williston, I find certain roads are distinctly under maintained from a bike-lane-striping stand point. Most are scenarios where a striped designation once existed but — because of years of traffic, budget restraints and simply lack of priorities — do not exist in varying degrees today.

Roads of particular danger in clude North Williston Road, Mar shall Avenue and Talcott Road, just to name a few that I ride reg ularly. Certain bike lanes between Williston and Richmond on Route 2 are not practical to use because of the deterioration of the asphalt.

On Route 2A, the drainage grate (which is recessed close to 12 inches) on the northeast corner with Mountain View Road in the middle of the bike lane is an acci

dent just waiting to happen.

The bike path section of the bridge going over the Allen Brook is also not navigable because of as phalt irregularities, which dictate riders move to the streets. This is in addition to small sections of the road between Taft Corners and Five Corners (in Essex Junction) where bike paths just are not in existence.

I know it’s easy to complain, and I also know that both the Town of Williston and the State Agency of Transportation work hard to protect us and do their jobs. I also appreciate the budget constraints that are always a hindering factor in public agencies.

But even if we can’t make ev erything perfect in the flawed traffic patterns that exist today, it is imper ative that we strive to properly main tain the safeguards that do exist and improve existing hazards. The loss of a human life is too great a sac rifice to say “whoops” to in hind sight.

Craig Bloxham Williston

GOVERNOR PHIL SCOTTGOVERNOR PHIL SCOTT

PAID FOR BY PHIL SCOTT FOR VERMONT, PO BOX

MONTPELIER, VT

TREASURER GLEN WRIGHT

Water

vironment posed by these chemicals, and states have been flummoxed as to how to address these chemicals under the CWA. Leaving these risks unaddressed is simply unacceptable and counter to the goals and purposes of the CWA.

In a particularly cruel bit of timing, on the eve of the CWA’s 50th anniversary, the U.S. Supreme Court heard the case Sack ett v. EPA that could significantly limit the waters protected under the CWA. Thank fully, Vermont’s definition of waters is broader than the CWA, and regardless of the decision in Sackett, Vermont state protections will remain intact. However, this is not the case throughout the country, and even Vermont would lose the benefit

of some federal protections if the Supreme Court weakens the CWA.

So, 50 years after the Clean Water Act became law, we should appreciate the progress we have made while, at the same time, remain wide eyed about the threats and challenges before us, and those we cannot yet see. In the end, I believe our leaders got it mostly right 50 years ago. They took aggressive action to clean up our polluted waters, and protect our healthy waters, so in the future all people will have access to safe clean water. It’s up to us to continue to fight to implement the vision of the CWA.

After all, Americans cannot exercise their right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness without clean water.

Brian Shupe is executive director of the Vermont Natural Resources Council.

Baby-Tested Baby-Approved

Glasers

continued from page 1

fice, Matt Boulanger.

“The Glasers have owned the property for roughly 20 years and have endeavored to be both good neighbors and stewards of the land,” Belliveau wrote in the appli cation. “The time, however, has come for the Glasers to consider other options for this property, including developing the property. They are hoping to be able to do so in a cooperative manner with the town that would enable both the town and the property owners to reach their respective objectives.”

A requirement of a specific plan is that the town receive a “substantial benefit” from the project. The developers are sub mitting the preservation of the 53 acres, which would come under town ownership, as the benefit. The planning commission, in an Oct. 4 meeting, agreed that there is a potential public benefit and set a com munity meeting for 7 p.m. Nov. 15 at the Police Station next to Town Hall to decide whether to accept the preserved acreage and advance the specific plan process.

The next step would be to either em panel an advisory committee to create more detailed plans for the project, and

Center

continued from page 1

tions are for facilities … and what the com munity wants,” Wells said.

Informal discussions among residents about a community center have focused on building a public pool. The commit tee will have at least one organizational meeting in the coming weeks, then begin taking formal input after the new year, Wells said.

“A real central part of this project is to hear from members of the community

The Glasers promise to preserve an unobstructed view of Camel’s Hump.

hold public hearings, then forward a rec ommendation to the selectboard; or for the planning commission to develop the site plan, hold public hearings and vote wheth er to recommend it for approval to the se lectboard.

If the selectboard approves the plan, the project could then apply for permits through the development review board. The entire process is estimated to take the better part of a year.

In October, Jack Glaser told members of the planning commission that if the spe cific plan process isn’t approved, he will try to sell the land to a professional devel oper to submit a proposal through the stan dard development review board process.

and unpack what a ‘community center’ really means and what types of facilities they would like to see in a community center,” said Wells.

If the committee recommends con struction of a new facility — and the se lectboard and library board of trustees agree —the project would move into a new phase of siting the new building.

“The time is right to be looking at the future and we’re very excited that, what ever option emerges, it will be good for the town,” said Kearns, director of the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library.

the year draws to a close and the holidays are upon us, it’s a great time to think about ways to give back, to support the health and wellbeing of our community and beyond. This guide contains a list of nonprofit organizations located in or serving Williston that can benefit from your donations or your time and talents as a volunteer. Whether supporting these organizations or other meaningful causes, we hope those who are able to share this year will be inspired by the good work going on all around us.

Well

Age Well provides services free of charge to Vermonters 60 years of age and older and to their caregivers. For nearly 50 years, Age Well has provided services and support that allow aging Vermonters to stay indepen dent, and remain healthy at home, where they want to be. We excel at integrating community resources, health services, and wellness programs to enhance and improve the quality of life for older adults.

We offer care & service coordination, Meals on Wheels, Grab & Go meals, com munity meals, wellness programs, social activities, transportation services, expertise on Medicare, insurance, long and short-term care options, and the Helpline 1-800-6425119. Overwhelmingly, Vermonters want to grow old in their own homes, Age Well provides the services and support to ensure that is a possibility.

Age Well’s mission is to provide the support and guidance that inspires our community to age with confidence.

DONATIONS SOUGHT:

Your donations help ensure that older adults have access to the nutritious meals, safety checks, and care coordination they deserve. As a non-profit, our services are pro vided at no charge, and your support ensures

Giving Guide

that we are able to continue to provide our services to those in need.

Age Well accepts donations of cash through one-time or monthly gifts, stock donations, charitable bequests, and even donations of working or non-working vehi cles. Learn more: agewellvt.org/giving-back/ ways-to-give

HOW TO DONATE:

Whether one-time, monthly, or in honor of someone special, your gift helps older Vermonters here in Northwestern Vermont age well. Age Well is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. EIN #22-2474636. Donations are tax-deductible. You can donate at any time on our website at agewellvt.org/?form=donate. Donations can also be mailed to: Age Well, 875 Roosevelt Hwy, Ste 210, Colchester, Vermont 05446.

Call Sara Wool, Director of Development at 802-662-5229 or email swool@agewellvt. org for more information about supporting Age Well.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

There are several ways to give your time to those who need it most. Opportunities to volunteer are available in Addison, Franklin, Grand Isle, and Chittenden counties. You can volunteer as an individual or team! Several local businesses and community groups create volunteer teams.

Opportunities to volunteer include: Delivering Meals on Wheels, veterans visiting other veterans, providing transportation, friendly visits, grocery shopping, budgeting assistance, and more. Contact the Volunteer

Services Team to learn more at 802-6625249 or volunteer@agewellvt.org.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Phone number: 1-800-642-5119 Email address: info@agewellvt.org Website URL: agewellvt.org

Building Bright Futures State Advisory Council

DONATIONS SOUGHT: Cash

HOW TO DONATE: • Donate online at https://building brightfutures.org/donate/ • Or by check to: Building Bright Futures, 600 Blair Park, Suite 160, Williston VT 05495

CONTACT

INFORMATION: Katie Mobbs 802-876-5010 kmobbs@buildingbrightfutures.org www.buildingbrightfutures.org

Cancer Patient Support Foundation

DONATIONS SOUGHT: Financial support allows CPSF the flexi bility to meet the wide-ranging needs of the patients we serve.

HOW TO DONATE: Donations can be made online at www.cpsfvt.org or checks can be mailed to: Cancer Patient Support Foundation, PO BOX 1804, Williston, VT 05495

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: CPSF is always looking for volunteers to help with fundraising events, social media & marketing, and board opportunities.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Sarah Lemnah 802-488-5495 info@cpsfvt.org www.cpsfvt.org

Building Bright Futures (BBF) is Vermont’s early childhood public-private partnership charged under Title 33, Chapter 46, and the Federal Head Start Act (Public Law 110-134) as Vermont’s Early Childhood State Advisory Council (SAC) and network, the mechanism used to advise the Governor and legislature on the well-being of children in the prenatal period through age eight and their families. BBF’s mission is to improve the well-being of children and families in Vermont by using evidence to inform policy and bringing voices together across sectors and within regions to discuss critical challenges and problem-solve. BBF maintains the vision and strategic plan for Vermont’s Early Childhood System.

The Cancer Patient Support Foundation (CPSF) serves Vermont cancer patients and their families in a time of extraordinary need by providing financial assistance and support during diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. The CPSF Emergency Fund removes barriers to treatment and helps cancer patients and their families meet their basic needs. In 2021, over $156,000 was awarded to 525 local cancer patients. This fund helps with such needs as the cost of gas to drive to treatment, food, housing, utilities, prescriptions, childcare, and medical costs not covered by insurance.

Catamount Outdoor Family Center

Create outdoor experiences at the Cata mount Community Forest that build active lifestyles, friendships, and environmental awareness. We envision a community in which: Playing in nature is everyone’s first choice.

Catamount Outdoor Family Center began as a cross country ski center in 1978 as a way

Experience, trusted advice and local knowledge!

to utilize the unique 500-acre property. Since that time, Catamount has grown to include year-round activities such as mountain bik ing, trail running, fat biking and snowshoe ing. Catamount also offers a variety of events throughout the year including weekly races and an extensive summer camp program. The trail network has grown as well and now includes a variety of trails covering about 25 miles in total. Since 2005, Catamount has been operating as a 501(c)3 nonprofit and strives to offer opportunities for all ages and abilities. The business began as a means to keep the property preserved for people to use and enjoy into the future.

In 2019, the Trust for Public Land, Catamount Outdoor Family Center, the Town of Williston, and a small group of dedicated volunteers partnered to protect 393-acres of forests, fields, and wetlands that were managed by the Catamount Outdoor Family Center. With the goal of securing long-standing recreational opportunities for the public and safeguarding both the water resources and sensitive wildlife habitats, the Catamount Community Forest was created and conveyed to the Town of Williston. The Town of Williston has partnered with the Catamount Outdoor Family Center to manage and operate the trail resources and recreational opportunities on the Catamount Community Forest.

DONATIONS SOUGHT: Financial support

HOW TO DONATE: • Online: https://catamountoutdoor.org/ donate/ • Mail check to 592 Governor Chittenden Road, WIlliston, VT 05495

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

There are lots of ways to get involved with Catamount as a Volunteer including trail work and event support. Please complete our volunteer interest form to get involved. (https://catamountoutdoor.org/volunteer/)

CONTACT INFORMATION: 802-879-6001

thehub@catamountoutdoor.org https://catamountoutdoor.org

Child Care Resource

Giving Guide

care providers to problem solve challenging classroom behaviors, and we advocate on be half of the child care industry to ensure that children birth to age thirteen are developing to their full potential and are well prepared for school and life.

DONATIONS SOUGHT: We appreciate unrestricted donations to support our on-going work in the community.

HOW TO DONATE: People can donate on our web site www. childcareresource.org, or by sending a check to CCR, 300 Cornerstone Drive, Suite 128, Williston, VT 05495.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Jane Van Buren 802-863-3367 jvanburen@childcareresource.org www.childcareresource.org

First: Earth Project IshamFamilyFarm Summer Series

First: Earth Project brings forth aware ness and inquisitiveness about our natural environment while celebrating coming together as an inclusive community, through performing arts and educational programming. We believe passionately in the strength of continued learning and support of our natural environment and are committed to making an impact towards positive change for the environment and

everyone in our local community. First: Earth Project is committed to being an in strument for our community in which good can ensue by using excess revenue from the Project to support Vermont environmental organizations through:

First: Earth Summer Series

Williston Community Theatre

First: Earth Youth Community Theatre and Environmental Education First: Earth Forums (The excess revenue from the 2022 season of First: Earth Project has helped support Vermont Center for Ecostudies https://vteco studies.org/)

DONATIONS SOUGHT:

Financial donation would be greatly appreciated. These donations will be used for a multitude of reasons such as supporting our performing artists, renting bathrooms, publicity and other expenses per season. Our expenses are high and so is our enthusiasm!

HOW TO DONATE:

To make a donation by check, please make checks payable to: Tiny Seed Project (Memo = First: Earth Project), 154 Silver Road, East Hardwick, VT 05836

Tiny Seed Project is the fiscal sponsor of First: Earth Project, https://tinyseedproject. org/

To make a donation electronically, visit www.WillistonCommunityTheatre.com and click DONATE. Your electronic contribution will be accepted by our fiscal sponsor, Tiny Seed Project.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

First: Earth Project has a multitude of volunteer positions! Our summer series needs volunteers per concert for various reasons, we continually seek out people to sit on the production team and are always ready to listen to thoughts in regard to future

performing artists!

CONTACT INFORMATION: Helen Weston 802-989-4112 westonforte@gmail.com

Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity

Green Mountain

2 or ajohnson@vermonthabitat.org.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Now building in Shelburne, Vermont. Join us for a day of hands-on construction to help build homes, community, and hope locally. No experience is necessary! Just a willingness to learn, help and have fun.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity (802) 872-8726

ajohnson@vermonthabitat.org

vermonthabitat.org

Grounds for Health

Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity partners with financial donors, local families, and community volunteers to build and sell affordable homes in Chittenden, Franklin, Grand Isle, and Lamoille counties.

Habitat homebuyers help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an af fordable mortgage. Through our efforts, 102 local families have achieved the strength, stability, and independence they needed to build a better life for themselves and their families.

DONATIONS SOUGHT:

One-time or recurring monthly donations, planned gifts, gifts of stock, land donations, or in-kind support.

HOW TO DONATE: Visit vermonthabitat.org to donate online, or send donations via mail to: Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity PO Box 1436 Williston, VT 05945

Please do not send credit card information through the mail. If you have questions about your donation, contact Alison Johnson, Development Director, at 802-872-8726 ext.

Grounds for Health is an international non-profit organization with a small administrative head office in Vermont and a team of in-country staff, currently in Africa, who are native to the regions we serve. Our vision is to help build a bridge to globally inclusive health care through the prevention of cervical cancer in coffee communities. The coffee industry has a notable interest in supporting the workers at the beginning of their supply chains. As a result, we have always worked in coffee growing regions, some of the most rural and underserved communities around the globe. We have 25 years’ experience in on-the-ground implementation of cervical cancer screen and treat programs for wom en, building local capacity in the provision of high-quality clinical care. We work within the public health system to develop a sustainable, comprehensive program to

Life’s Journey

Child Care Resource (CCR) was founded in 1984 with a mission to help families in Chit tenden County locate quality child care. In addition, today we support families through the application process to receive state child care subsidies, we consult with child

Email:

Lane,

Giving Guide

keep women healthy and stop deaths from

cancer, an entirely preventable

DONATIONS SOUGHT: Grounds for Health accepts all types of financial and in-kind support including individual, business, and grant donations.

HOW TO DONATE: Donations can be sent by check to Grounds for Health, 600 Blair Park, Suite 311, Williston, VT 05495 or through our website: https://groundsforhealth.org/bethereason/

CONTACT INFORMATION: Patti Gannon (802) 876-7835 patti@groundsforhealth.org www.groundsforhealth.org

Habitat ReStore

books, clothing, and décor.

HOW TO DONATE: Visit vermonthabitat.org/restore for a list of store locations and donation hours. Dona tions can be dropped off, or if you have large donations, free pick-ups can be scheduled by calling 802-857-5296.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: From unloading donations to stocking the sales floor to testing electronics, our team can help find (or create!) the perfect vol unteer niche for you. Scheduling is flexible and no experience is necessary. Volunteers must be 16+. To learn more, contact Bridget Mientka, at bmientka@vermonthabitat.org.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Green Mountain Habitat ReStore 802-857-5296 restore@vermonthabitat.org vermonthabitat.org/restore

Howard Center

checks payable to Howard Center to: Howard Center Development Office 208 Flynn Ave nue, Suite 3J Burlington, VT 05401.

CONTACT INFORMATION: 802-488-6910 rvail@howardcenter.org www.howardcenter.org

Humane Society of Chittenden County HSCC

We at the Humane Society of Chittenden County believe that supporting, strengthening and sustaining the bonds between people and pets improves the well-being of individuals, families and communities. Our mission is to ensure that every pet has a loving home and that every pet owner has access to the resources they need to give those pets happy, healthy lives.

Our mission is to:

The Habitat ReStores are independently owned donation centers and resell stores operated by Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity (GMHFH). The stores accept dona tions of new and gently used items, then sell the merchandise to the public at a fraction of the retail price. Sale proceeds stay within Northwest Vermont and directly support GMHFH’s mission of building affordable homes in partnership with families needing better housing.

DONATIONS SOUGHT: New and gently used furniture, applianc es, building supplies, vehicles, housewares,

We help people and communities thrive by providing supports and services to address mental health, substance use, and developmental needs.

DONATIONS SOUGHT: Gift cards or financial support to support our year-round Help is Here Client Funds. Funds offer direct support for basic needs, holidays, and enrichment activities.

HOW TO DONATE: Online at www.howardcenter.org or mail

• Provide for the health and well-being of companion animals that are in need and find each a loving home

• Reduce the number of unwanted ani mals through spay/neuter programs

• Offer affordable health and wellness services and resources to pet owners in need, targeting the underserved population

• Promote the animal-human bond through outreach, humane education, and therapeutic programming

• Advocate on behalf of animals in crisis and as an enforcer of their rights and

Giving Guide

Our mission statement is “No Kids Sleep On The Floor In Our Town.”

DONATIONS SOUGHT:

Depending on what your interest level is we seek Bed Sponsorships. We also always seek Bedding Donations and of course Monetary donations.

HOW TO DONATE:

The best method is to visit our facebook page where there is a post with a Donations tab, which will bring you right to our donor page. The facebook page is: ShpchittendenCo.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

Wishlist: www.hsccvt.org/wishlist

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Volunteers’ contributions are vital for the health and well-being of the wonderful animals we shelter. From dog walkers to board members, from those who help with events to those who clean kennels, every volunteer is a valuable part of our shelter community. We’ve all come together to benefit animals’ lives. Find out how to become an HSCC Volunteer at hsccvt.org/volunteer

CONTACT INFORMATION: Emily Hecker, Director of Development 802-862-0135 x 15 emilyh@hsccvt.org hsccvt.org

Sleep In Heavenly Peace

We will post our build days open for Volunteers on our facebook page as well as bed delivery help.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Bob Brosseau 802-734-1283 Robert.brosseau@shpbeds.org www.shpbeds.org

Split the Ticket Fund

We are a nonprofit organization that involves the community to sponsor and help us build beds for kids that have none or are sleeping on couches or on substandard frames or sharing beds with parents, etc.

The Split the Ticket Fund matches financial contri butions with donations of heating oil, kerosene and propane from local energy providers. The delivery ticket is split 50/50 with the fuel company, every $1 donated buys $2 worth of heating fuel. These providers are mostly small, family-owned businesses and are often the first to hear about and respond to a heating emergency. This program gives local businesses, organizations and individuals, the opportunity to provide a gift of warmth.

DONATIONS SOUGHT: Financial donation

HOW TO DONATE:

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

for

CONTACT INFORMATION: Matt Cota

Stern Center for Language and Learning

For nearly 40 years, the Stern Center for Language and Learning in Williston, Ver mont, has been trusted by learners, families, and schools, and supported by visionary donors who share a commitment to a world that celebrates learning for all.

This nonprofit learning center’s dedicated and caring teachers love working one on one with students to make learning easier—to open up the doors to real, motivated learn ing that changes lives. They tailor instruction to each learner’s specific needs and use a strengths-based approach that builds confi dence, self-awareness, and motivation.

The Stern Center also offers special ized learning evaluations, social learning support, speech therapy, and courses and

Giving Guide

programs for educators and schools. It empowers teachers with the latest research and effective practices to improve learning outcomes for all students. And it collaborates with schools and districts to meet their goals through job-embedded professional learning, schoolwide literacy initiatives, social-emotional learning programs, and more.

“I support the Stern Center’s vision of transformation, creating partnerships with schools to help all children learn how to read. It’s a mission that focuses on what’s doing right for kids.”

—Elaine Pinckney, Retired Superinten dent of the Champlain Valley School District

DONATIONS SOUGHT:

Funds to support need-based scholarships for learners and families so they can access essential services, such as evaluations to assess learning differences; instruction in reading, writing, and math; social-emotional learning services, speech therapy, and more.

HOW TO DONATE: Visit: https://sterncenter.org/ways-togive/

CONTACT INFORMATION: Robin Bertrand 802-276-8794 rbertrand@sterncenter.org https://sterncenter.org/

United Way of Northwest Vermont

tions and efforts to address the community’s most pressing issues. The problems facing our region are complex; they are issues that no single organization or individual alone can solve – real change is possible when nonprofit, public and private sectors work together. United Way has the networks, partnerships and strategic initiatives to improve the lives of our family, friends and neighbors. Learn more and get involved: unitedwaynwvt.org.

DONATIONS SOUGHT:

United Way of Northwest Vermont brings the community together to solve complex problems and harness the power of people to create a stronger region. We proudly serve Chittenden, Franklin, and Grand Isle coun ties. We make real change in the lives of our neighbors by focusing on the unmet needs most important to—and told to us by—our community. Our investments focus on 5 Key Strategies: Meeting Basic Needs, Promoting Mental Health, Reducing Substance Misuse, Supporting Families and Advancing Financial Stability. Our mission is to build a stronger Northwest Vermont by mobilizing our com munity to improve people’s lives. United Way of Northwest Vermont is investing more than $6.3 million into the community in 2022 which would not be possible without the generous support of over 4,000 individual donors and workplaces who participated in United Way’s 2021 Community Campaign. Community giving supports local organiza

Community giving makes our work pos sible. There are many ways to give including individual donations, workplace campaigns, planned giving and more.

HOW TO DONATE:

To donate to United Way of Northwest Vermont, visit our website https://www. unitedwaynwvt.org/ or contact Liz Gamache at lizg@unitedwaynwvt.org or 802-861-7843.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

Volunteers play a crucial role in the success of the work we do at United Way of Northwest Vermont. There are many ways to volunteer with United Way and with the community organizations and partners we support. Visit our website for Volunteer opportunities: https://www.unitedwaynwvt. org/get-involved/volunteer/

CONTACT INFORMATION: 802-864-7541 info@unitedwaynwvt.org https://www.unitedwaynwvt.org/

Vermont English Bulldog Rescue Bulldogs and Buddies

EVERYTHING STARTS WITH TRUST

Established in 1911, we are a local team of highly qualified and experienced advisors, working together to serve the people of our community. For over a century, we have been building relationships with our Fiduciary services that last generations. Our role enables us to focus on the objective, access a wide range of services, and avoid any potential conflicts of interests. We are committed to offering the best possible solution, tailored to your needs.

Vermont English Bulldog Rescue and Bulldogs and Buddies work tirelessly to save dogs destined to die in high kill shelters in Texas and beyond. We save breeder dogs from puppy mill abuse all over the country. We accept as space is available surrenders from private homes, whose life changes have caused them to not be able to care for their pets. 25% of our dogs are seniors and many disabled such as deaf, blind, or have life threatening diseases. Our goal is to rehabilitate and solidly rehome.

HOW TO DONATE: We accept monetary donations either by check through the mail or by using our donate link on our website. We accept direct donations to any one of our regular veterinary clinics. Contact Dawna Pederzani to arrange direct donations.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: We are always welcoming volunteers. Most folks come to walk and spend social time outside with the dogs. Others offer training skills, computer skills, fundraising and manning our booth at fundraisers throughout the year.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Dawna Pederzani 802-399-2550 staurolitefarm@aol.com www.vermontenglishbulldogrescue.com

Vermont Land Trust

Vermont is a place where the well-being of land and people is entwined. With families, communities, and partners, we conserve land and foster life-long connections to the farms, forests, and natural areas that define us.

With expertise in conservation, ecology, community engagement, and finance, we help:

• Conserve land with important eco nomic, community, and environmental benefits by limiting development and ensuring sound land stewardship practices

• Support farmers in buying land and growing sustainable businesses

• Improve the health of land, water, and soil, and share that knowledge with all others

• Ensure that permanent legal protec tions on 2,200 parcels are upheld, in partnership with landowners

• Connect all people to the outdoors through education and events

DONATIONS SOUGHT: The Vermont Land Trust accepts monetary donations, along with bequests, real estate, stock, automobiles and more.

HOW TO DONATE: Go to https://vlt.org/support-us/ways-togive/ to learn about ways to support and to donate online.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Champlain Valley Office - Richmond (802) 434-3079 info@vlt.org https://vlt.org

Williston Community Food Shelf

Giving Guide

Donations of Food can be dropped off at the Food Shelf during our operating hours.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

WILLISTON COMMUNITY FOOD SHELF

Established in 2008, the Williston Community Food Shelf is dedicated to the elimination of hunger in the towns of Williston and St George. Our mission is to provide high quality food, and connections to essential support services, to those in need in our community.

We are a 100% Volunteer Organization. We have no paid staff.

Operating Hours: Tuesday 5:00-6:30 pm, Thursday and Saturday 9:00-11:00 am

DONATIONS SOUGHT: Monetary or unexpired Food

HOW TO DONATE:

Monetary Donations can be mailed to W.C.F.S., P.O. Box 1605, Williston, VT 05495, or dropped off at the Food Shelf at 400 Cornerstone Drive, Suite 130, Williston, VT.

The Food Shelf is always looking for vol unteers to work during our open hours, and to be on call to do pickups around town or to meet deliveries at the Food Shelf. Please contact us and we will happily add you to our list of wonderful volunteers.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Ginger Morton, President 802-578-0586 info@willistonfoodshelf.com www.willistonfoodshelf. com

Williston Community Theatre

strives to bring purpose and creativity to our region. We are committed to providing a safe, diverse and inclusive environment for all who participate in our company – as a part of the team or in the audience. We strive to make a positive impact for everyone in our local community and feel that when we connect as neighbors, we can accomplish great things.

DONATIONS SOUGHT:

We are seeking financial sponsorship, first and foremost. Putting on a show is expensive! Your financial donation will help support Williston Community Theatre’s “First Annual Winter Pageant” on December 2nd at the Williston Central School and also the musical, “Little Shop of Horrors.” Your contribution will help support the renting of the space, publicity, liability insurance, set, costumes and much more.

We are also seeking out tangible donations, such as gift cards, food items, new clothing for our silent auction at “GALA NIGHT at the THEATRE” on June 22, 2023 –which is the opening night of our 2nd annual summer musical “Little Shop of Horrors” – to be presented in the beautiful, historically renovated Isham Family Farm Barn.

Tiny Seed Project (Memo = Williston Community Theatre), 154 Silver Road, East Hardwick, VT 05836

To make a donation electronically, visit www.WillistonCommunityTheatre.com and click DONATE. Your contribution will be accepted by our fiscal sponsor, Tiny Seed Project.

To make a donation for our June 22, 2023 Gala Night at the Theatre, please contact Helen Weston, westonforte@gmail.com.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

So many volunteer opportunities!!! WCT is committed to producing 2 shows a year (A Winter Pageant is December 2 and “Little Shop of Horrors” is June 22, 23, 24 of 2023). Would you like to be a part of the creative team for future shows? We seek out directors, choreographers, producers, music directors, costumers, stage management and of course, ACTORS! Our next auditions will be January 17, 2023 (visit our website) for the launching of the musical, “Little Shop of Horrors.”

WCT is a part of First: Earth Project and its fiscal sponsor, Tiny Seed Project. Founded in 2022 with the launch of the musical, “Tales and Things,” Williston Community Theatre

HOW TO DONATE:

To make a donation by check, please make checks payable to:

During our productions, we seek out volunteers to build and strike the set, help set up and strike the house, parking, ticket sales, etc. We are a community family and will welcome all. We would love for you to be a part of this exciting new community connection. See you at (or before!) the show!

one

needs a place to

home.

support helps

children

families

Our raw honey is a sweet and simple way to give back this holiday season. Buy online or at our distillery shop.

Every jar of honey sold = a meal donated to the Vermont Foodbank. (from 11/1 - 12/31)

We

With your help, our partner families achieve the strength, stability and independence they need to build a better life for themselves and their families.

building affordable homes throughout

Giving Guide

CONTACT INFORMATION: Helen Weston 802-989-4112

willistoncommunitytheatre@gmail.com or westonforte@gmail.com https://www.willistoncommunitytheatre. com/

WillistonRichmond Rotary Club

women who enjoy giving and serving in our community and, through the parent organi zation of Rotary International, in the world.

This Club sponsors a 5K run on the 4th of July, memorial events for Veterans Day and MLK Day, an Easter Egg Hunt and Halloween Trunk or Treat event for local children, a luncheon for seniors in December, ramp building for disabled individuals, and many more events.

The Club also raises funds to support children’s literacy, youth academic scholarships and leadership training, home heating fuel assistance and more.

HOW TO DONATE: Checks made out to ‘Williston Rotary Club Charities’ can be sent to the Williston-Rich mond Rotary Club at PO Box 114, Williston VT, 05495.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Watch the local Front Porch Forum and news in The Observer for events coming up and join us!

CONTACT INFORMATION: RotaryClubofWillistonVT@gmail.com Website: portal.clubrunner.ca/1453

The

DONATIONS SOUGHT: Both time and treasure are valued by the Williston-Richmond Rotary Club. People are encouraged to join the Club or to help with our events, or to make financial donations to help make our work possible.

If your nonprofit or charitable organization would like to be added to the online version of our Giving Guide, please send your details to susan@ willistonobserver.com.

Give the Gift of Life

The Williston-Richmond Rotary Club and Williston Church of the Nazarene will host a Red Cross Blood drive. Saturday, December 10

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Williston Church of the Nazarene, 30 Morgan Parkway, Williston, VT 05495

To schedule an appointment, visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/donation-time or call 1-800-733-2767.

Almanac

TODAY’S HISTORY:

• In 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 2 with a dog named Laika aboard. Laika was the first creature to be sent into orbit.

• In 1964, residents of Washington, D.C., were eligible to vote in the presidential election for the first time since the city was established in 1800.

• In 1973, NASA launched Mariner 10, the first space probe to reach the planet Mercury, from Cape Canaveral in Florida.

• In 2014, One World Trade Center opened in New York City.

TODAY’S FACT:

• Though he didn’t receive a single electoral vote, third-party candidate Ross Perot won 18.9% of the popular vote nationally in 1992.

Meet the U.S. Marines

Each November, Americans honor veterans of the U.S. military. This year, The Mini Page learns more about the United States Marine Corps, which celebrates its 247th birthday on Nov. 10.

Who are the Marines?

The United States has six branches of military forces: the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Space Force.

The branches work together on some missions, including during wartime.

The Marine Corps (pronounced CORE) is the United States’ expeditionary force in readiness. This means that Marines are trained in and work at responding quickly in a crisis. (An expedition is a journey that people take with a purpose or goal in mind.)

Marines are also trained to provide power projection, or force, from the sea.

Marine history

The Second Continental Congress made a resolution on Nov. 10, 1775, to form the Continental Marines. The first eight Marines signed up that day at the Tun Tavern in Philadelphia.

In March 1776, the Marines made their first amphibious landing at New Providence Island in the Bahamas. (“Amphibious” means

a military unit can assault a land target from the water.) They captured a British fort and took away the supplies there for Washington’s army in the Revolutionary War.

Marines helped with other battles of the war and fought off pirates. After the war ended, the Continental Marines were disbanded, or broken up.

First foreign battle

In July 1798, President John Adams signed an act to establish the U.S. Marine Corps.

Three years later, Marines joined the U.S. Navy to respond to raids on merchant ships (ships carrying goods) in the Mediterranean Sea. In 1805, after several battles in Tripoli, a treaty was signed with that country.

The “Marines’ Hymn” remembers this battle in its first verse: “From the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli, we fight our country’s battles in the air, on land and sea.”

Marine Mini Facts

• The Marine Corps motto is Semper fidelis. This is Latin, meaning “always faithful.”

• Honor, Courage, Commitment are the core values, or principles, that Marines live by.

Famous Marines

Have you ever heard of Iwo Jima? This island, part of Japan, was the scene of an important battle during World War II.

The Japanese had air bases on the island that made it difficult for American planes to bomb Tokyo. In February 1945, Marines invaded, and the battle continued until the end of March.

When Marines and sailors overtook Mount Suribachi on the island, they raised a flag on the peak of the mountain, and photographer Joe Rosenthal took a picture. The picture became a famous symbol of the war.

At the library:

Mini Fact: Marines land an amphibious assault craft during an exercise in Finland.

Next Week: Thanksgiving origins

Founded by Betty Debnam

On the Web:

bit.ly/MPMarine

• “The United States Marine Corps” by and Tracy Vonder Brink

• “The U.S. Marine Corps in Action” by Percy Leed

Resources

by

by

The flag from Rosenthal’s photo can be seen at the National Museum of the Marine Corps. The high winds at the top of the mountain shredded its edges.

An amphibious assault vehicle lands on an island near San Clemente, California, for exercises.

In March 1776, the Marines made their first amphibious landing at New Providence Island in the Bahamas. (“Amphibious” means

Try ’n’ Find

• Honor, Courage, Commitment are the core values, or principles, that Marines live by.

Percy Leed

Mini Jokes

Words that remind us of the U.S. Marine Corps are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:

AMPHIBIOUS, BRANCH, CORPS, EXERCISE, EXPEDITION, FLAG, IWO JIMA, MARINE, MERCHANT, MILITARY, MOTTO, MOUNTAIN, POWER, ROSENTHAL, SERVICE, SHIP, VALUES, VETERANS, WAR.

Mini Spy Classics

Mick: What do you call a part-time Marine? Mia: A submarine!

Eco Note

Iron may soon be used as a source of clean and renewable energy. The element has an energy density higher than gasoline in powder form but produces no carbon emissions. It can easily be transported for use in heavily polluting industrial plants and ships. After iron is burned, it leaves behind iron oxide, which can be turned back into iron. However, other energy is needed for that chemical reaction.

For later:

Look in your newspaper for articles about Veterans Day activities in your area. Veterans Day is Nov. 11.

and Tracy Vonder Brink

• “The U.S. Marine Corps

Action”

W U R E W O P X R H T A Y V E P I H S J I W O J I M A R A X

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DAN THOMPSON

Savvy SeniorEstate 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.

What you’ll pay for Medicare in 2023

Dear Savvy Senior, I’ve read that retirees will be getting a nice cost-of-living increase in our Social Securi ty benefits next year, but what about Medicare? What will our Medicare Part B monthly pre miums and other Medicare costs be in 2023?

Planning Ahead

Dear Planning, From an entitlement program standpoint, 2023 is going to be a very good year for retirees! Not only will you receive a nice 8.7 per cent cost-of-living increase in your Social Security retirement benefits — the largest since 1981 — the Centers for Medicare and Med icaid Services also recently an nounced that your Medicare Part B standard monthly premium will be lowered 3 percent ($5.20) from the current rate of $170.10 per month, to $164.90/month in 2023.

The reason for the reduction is a correction to last year’s hefty Part B premium increase, which was larger than it needed to be. The 2022 premium hike of about 14.5 percent was announced amid un certainty about the potential impact of a new Alzheimer’s drug called Aduhelm, which threatened to ex

plode Medicare costs. That didn’t happen. The cost of the drug was cut roughly in half from an original $56,000 a year and Medicare sharply limit ed coverage. This created a large financial reserve for Part B, allowing the program to re duce next year’s premium.

You’ll also be happy to know that, in addition to the premium reduc tion, the annual deductible for Medicare Part B will also be lowered $7 from $233 in 2022, to $226 in 2023. And if you have a Medicare Part D pre scription drug plan, the average premium in 2023 will be about $31.50, which is a 1.8 percent de crease from $32.08 in 2022.

But the news isn’t all rosy. The deductible for Medicare Part A (hospital coverage) per benefit pe riod (which generally starts when you are admitted to the hospital)

will be $1,600 in 2023, up $44 from this year’s $1,556. That applies to the first 60 days of inpatient care. For the 61st through 90th day, the coin surance will be $400 per day, up from $389 this year. And for days 91 to 150, the charge will be $800 per day (up from $778 in 2022).

And the skilled nursing facility coinsur ance for days 21-100 will also increase to $200 per day, up from $194.50 in 2022.

WEALTHY BENEFICIARY BREAKS

High-earning Medicare benefi ciaries, which make up about 7 per cent of all Medicare recipients, will also receive a break in 2023. Medi care surcharges for high-earners are based on adjusted gross income from two years earlier, which means that 2023 Part B premiums are de termined by 2021 annual income.

with an income between $123,000 and $153,000 ($246,000 and $306,000 for joint filers) will de crease from $340.20 to $329.70 in 2023.

Individuals earning above $153,000 up to $183,000 ($306,000 to $366,000 for joint filers) will see their monthly premium decrease from $442.30 to $428.60 in 2023.

For those with incomes above $183,000 up to $500,000 ($366,000 to $750,000 for joint filers), your 2023 Part B premium will be $527.50, down from $544.30 in 2022. And single filers with an income of $500,000 or more ($750,000 or more for joint filers) will pay $560.50 per month next year, versus this year’s premium of $578.30.

High-income beneficiaries with a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan will also pay a little less next year. If your income was over $97,000 ($194,000 for joint filers) you’ll pay a $12.20 to $76.40 month ly surcharge on top of your regular Part D premiums based on your in come level.

For more information on Medicare’s 2023 costs, see www. Medicare.gov/basics/costs/medi care-costs.

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

For FREE consumer reports, articles, and estate planning webinars, please visit us at www.unsworthlaplante.com

Honor the memory of your beloved pet.

So if your 2021 income was above $97,000, up to $123,000 ($194,000 up to $246,000 for mar ried couples filing jointly), your 2023 Part B monthly premium will be $230.80, down from $238.10 in 2022.

Monthly premiums for singles

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.

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E LMWOOD -M EUNIER

11/11/22

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426 Industrial Ave #155 Williston • 497-0336

| Elmwoodmeunier.net

FUNERAL & CREMATION CENTER Burlington - (802) 864-5682

By Jim Miller

OBITUARIES

Mary R. Gaffney

Mary R. Gaffney, 88, passed away peacefully at UVM Medi cal Center on October 23, 2022 with her loving family at her side. Mary was born on August 12, 1934 in Throop Pennsylva nia. Her parents were Stanley and Nora (Swenton) Rasalla. She graduated from St. Paul’s High School and was a credit analyst/supervisor with Scran ton Better Business Bureau.

In Vermont she worked with UVM Extension and Macro Sur veys. Her Williston community activities included 4-H Leader, Boy Scouts and Little League baseball fundraiser, and Lake Iroquois Red Cross swim coor dinator.

In September 1961 she mar ried Don and together they have had sometimes hectic but always happy 61 years.

Mary had a bright smile, cheerful positive disposition,

liked traveling, cross country skiing, gourmet dinners and helping others.

Mary is survived by husband Don; daughter Patricia Peter son; son Don II and his wife Ce lina; 3 grandchildren, Michael Gaffney, Isabella Gaffney and George Peterson Zellman. Mary was predeceased by her sisters Anne Rasalla, Theresa Horne, Sally Mills, Henrietta Carr; and brothers Anthony and Stanley

Rasalla.

Her family thanks the medi cal staff of UVM Medical Cen ter Home Health, Age Well, Birchwood Nursing Home and Dr. Michael Johnson of Ever green Health for her great care over the past few years.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 am on Nov. 7, 2022 at St. John Vianney Church, Hinesburg Road, South Burlington. Interment in Res urrection Cemetery will be at a later date.

Arrangements are by Bouch er & Pritchard Funeral Home, 85 North Winooski Ave., Burl ington, VT 05401.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your favor ite charity. Some of Mary’s were Salesian Missions, VT Food Shelf and St. Joseph’s Center Foundation, 2010 Adams Ave., Scranton, PA 18509.

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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/

LEGAL

CLASSIFIEDS

TOWN OF WILLISTON DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD AGENDA

Tuesday, November 8, 2022 – 7 p.m.

Hybrid Meeting: Town Hall Meeting Room, (7900 Williston Road) or Zoom Meeting ID 846 5863 3532 on zoom.us/join or call 1-646-558-8656

DP 21-18 Pre-App The Annex: The Snyder Group Inc requests pre-application review to participate in Growth Management in March, 2023 for their proposed residential subdivision located on a 54.2± acre site at the Essex Alliance Church property on Beaudry Ln. and Alpine Dr., north of Knight Ln/ Chelsea Pl./Dunmore Rd. in TCZD.

DP 23-03 Pre-App Michael and Cindy Olson (c/o O’Leary-Burke) request pre-application review for a 2-lot residential subdivision on a 10.1 acre parcel to create 1 new dwelling unit located at 98 Snowdrift Ln. in ARZD.

DP 23-04 Pre-App George and Patricia Shortsleeves (c/o O’Leary-Burke) request pre-application review for a 2-lot subdivision to create 1 new dwelling unit at 607 North Williston Rd. and a boundary line adjustment between 607 North Williston Rd. and 55 Keystone Dr. in RZD.

DP 23-05 Pre-App Shenk Enterprises LLC (c/o O’Leary-Burke) requests pre-application review to develop two (2) 25,000sf commercial/industrial buildings and associated parking, loading, private drive and stormwater treatment on Lot 5 of the Robear Subdivision, a vacant 6.98acre parcel located at 269 Shunpike Rd. in IZDW.

AP 23-0062 – Zoning Administrator referral for discretionary review. Dawna Pederzani requests an administrative permit for continued operation of a non-profit dog rescue kennel contained within the garage with outdoor kennel space in the back yard located at 170 Lamplite Ln. in RZD.

Project details and site plans are available online, go to bit.ly/DRBagendas. Contact Planning & Zoning Office for more information: 802-878-6704 or email planning@willistonvt.org

LEGAL

TOWN OF WILLISTON

DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD AGENDA

Tuesday, November 22, 2022 – 7:00 PM

Beckett/McGuire Meeting Room (Town Hall, 7900 Williston Road, use rear entrance) or Zoom Meeting ID 846 5863 3532 on zoom.us/join or call 1-646-558-8656

DP 23-06 Pre-App Jonathan Maguire (c/o Don Welch) request pre-application review to construct one (1) residential building with 3 new dwelling units on a 6.2acre parcel at 376 Mountain View Rd. in the RZD.

DP 21-19 GPA, LLC c/o Scott Ireland request a discretionary permit to develop three (3) commercial/ industrial buildings (approx. 103,750 SF total) with parking, loading areas, and related appurtenances on Lot 4 of the Robear Subdivision, a vacant 8.74-acre parcel located on Williston Rd. opposite Munson Dr. in the IZDW.

Project details and site plans are available online, go to bit.ly/DRBagendas. Contact Planning & Zoning Office for more information: 802-878-6704 or email planning@willistonvt.org

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

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

continued from page

fatal in humans and animals. However,

with the rabies vaccine is nearly

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.

is a deadly viral disease of the

It is most often

and

pets and livestock can also get

virus

spread through the

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.

SHELBURNE DAY continued from page 4 face Towards burne-Hinesburg headtotheLittleLeaguefield the Golf depending land. Rotary’s

Shelburne Historical Society will have a display and president Dorothea Penar will lead a cemetery tour at 1 p.m. Food ven dors round out the event with everything from coffee and lemonade to burgers and creemees. Kids will enjoy meeting animals from Shelburne Farms, craft projects, and

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