Williston Observer 4/27/2023

Police get pay bump as ranks shrink

BY JASON STARR Observer staff

Four officers have moved on from the Williston Police Department since the start of the new year, prompting town leaders to bump officer pay and accelerate hiring and retention bonuses.

In a closed-door session earlier this month, the selectboard reopened the town’s three-year employment contract with the officers’ union and agreed on increased wages that amount to “a few dollars more per hour,” according to Town Manager Erik Wells.

very challenging job market right now. The town wants to be competitive among other agencies in the area, especially with a very limited pool of qualified, experienced officers out there.”

officers left in quick succession. Neighboring departments are similarly short-staffed (see related story, Page 4).

Williston Police Officer Matt Cohen works from his cruiser on a recent shift. The town has increased officer pay after several officers left the department.

OBSERVER COURTESY PHOTO BY KAREN STURTEVANT

Road construction stirs after winter lull

BY JASON STARR Observer staff

The third and final season of construction at the intersection of Industrial Avenue and Route 2 got underway this month.

The intersection has already been widened with new turning lanes installed entering and exiting Industrial Avenue over the past two construction seasons. This year, crews will be installing a stormwater filter at the Muddy Brook bridge — the Williston-South Burlington town line — and building a sidewalk up In-

dustrial Avenue toward Rossignol Park.

The Town of Williston recently secured a $300,000 state “transportation alternatives” grant to continue the sidewalk to the White Cap business park. That will still be about 1,000 feet short of Rossignol Park, where an existing sidewalk travels north to Essex Road (Route 2A).

“We’ll continue to look for grants or funding to … connect us up to (Rossignol) Park and North Brownell Road,” said Williston Public Works Director Bruce Hoar.

“It’s an important connection to

Wages were competitive within Chittenden County when the contract was finalized last January but had already become outdated, Wells said, as other agencies have finalized contracts over the past year.

“There is a real high demand for police officers,” he said. “It’s a

The selectboard also accelerated “hiring and retention” bonuses that it created last year. The board made $10,000 available for officers to be paid over three years. The first payments totaling $2,500 were distributed last spring. Earlier this month, the board bumped up this year’s payment from $2,500 to $3,750. That means next year’s payment is reduced from $5,000 to $3,750.

“It’s still the same overall amount over three years, we just shifted how we spread it a little bit,” Wells said.

The Williston Police Department was fully staffed from last August to January, when four

“It’s the nature of law enforcement right now,” said Wells. “There’s a lot of openings in Vermont and nationally. There are more people retiring or moving into a different career path than getting into policing. It’s anticipated to continue for the next few years at least.”

The town has hired a consultant to assess its current and future policing needs. The consultant, JW Consulting of Arlington, Vt., is led by former Vermont State Police director Jim Baker.

The study will break down where calls for police are coming from, predict where future needs will be and assess the role of mental health professionals supporting the police force.

make so we have a (pedestrian) connection between the two major routes, Essex Road (Route 2A) and Williston Road (Route 2).”

Sidewalk construction and the stormwater filter at the Muddy Brook will impact traffic flow on Route 2, causing a long-term lane

shift near the bridge. But, according to Bruce Martin, project manager for the Vermont Department of

see CONSTRUCTION page 24

Road widening on Route 2A south of Interstate 89 will cause traffic delays throughout the spring and summer as the state builds a park-and-ride and new police barracks across from Hurricane Lane. OBSERVER PHOTO BY AL FREY

Around Town

Church hosts donation drive for food shelf

The Williston Federated Church will host a food and hygiene drive to benefit the Williston Community Food Shelf on May 6 from 9-11 a.m.

Food items especially needed are: coffee (ground, instant or K-Cups), cereal, boxes of juice, canned pasta sauce; canned soup, tuna and chicken. Hygiene items needed are laundry detergent, shampoo, conditioner, razors, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant and soap.

To participate, drive into the back parking lot of the church at 44 North Williston Rd. and a volunteer will unload donated items from your car.

Catamount hosts weekend events

The Catamount Outdoor Family Center will host three events this weekend.

Tick Talk with Amanda — Saturday, 10-11 a.m.

Learn about the different tick species found in Vermont, which ones pose a risk to human health and how to best protect yourself while recreating outdoors in all seasons. The hour-

long program will be outside, so participants should dress appropriately for the weather. No registration required.

Outta-This-World Science Fun with Cheryl Owens — Saturday, 6-8 p.m. Participants will build a telescope and learn to use it. Registration required at www.catamountoutdoor.org/events-calendar.

Trail Days with Andy — Sunday, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

This is an opportunity to volunteer your skills and time to help get Catamount’s trails in shape for summer adventures. Trail days will also take place May 7, 14 and 21. Email trails@ catamountoutdoor.org to learn more.

CVU field hockey camp offered

A field hockey summer camp for players in grades 6-9 will take place June 19-22, 9 a.m.12:30 p.m. Current CVU players, alumnae and coaches will run the camp focusing on fundamental skills, scrimmage play and specialized positional work for registered players. The camp costs $135 and serves as a fundraiser for the CVU field hockey program.

Details and registration can be found at https://cvufieldhockey.weebly.com.

Bear alert issued for Williston

The Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife has issued an announcement to the Williston community advising residents to take extra steps to prevent bear conflicts from getting worse this spring. The department has been getting reports from Williston residents of bears getting into garbage and becoming bolder over the past few weeks. Once bears know about garbage as a food source in a community, it is important to take precautions to prevent them from gaining additional food rewards and continuing to visit.

JOBS

best option is to either invest in a bear-resistant garbage can or make your existing can bear proof.

Residents are also advised to wait until the morning of trash pickup to put garbage cans out for collection. The less time garbage is out, the less time bears will have to find it and reinforce their association between a neighborhood and easy food sources.

Simply tying down a garbage can lid is not enough to stop the behavior. The

Contact the Vermont Fish and Wildlife department at (802) 828-1000 or fwinformation@vermont.gov for more information. Bear incidents can be reported at www.anrweb.vt.gov/FWD/FW/WildlifeBearReport.aspx.

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department asks residents to bear-proof trash cans and report any bear incidents.

VERMONT FISH AND WILDLIFE PHOTO

Marking changed landscape at Allen Brook’s ‘Tree Island’

Allen Brook School kindergarten students joined local naturalist Chapin Kaynor and artist/ecologist Brian Collier last Wednesday in a dedication of Collier’s art installation in the “Tree Island Forest Park” area outside the school.

Collier’s artwork is designed as a temporary marker of ecological change on the sloping parcel — which has become a learning space and forest park located between the school and the Williston Fire Department building off Talcott Road.

Allen Brook kindergartners came up with the Tree Island name. Along with Sustainable Williston volunteers, Vermont Master Naturalist volunteers, Intervale Center staff and others, they have planted about 175 native trees, and removed invasive species, there over the last two years.

Last Wednesday’s event was to honor the change taking place on the land, which is in transformation from an abandoned pasture in the 1980s to early stage forest. It was also a celebration of Earth Day.

Collier has installed several ecological change markers around Vermont, including in Stowe, Colchester and Hinesburg. Visit www.changemarkers.briandcollier.net for more information.

Children gather at the ‘Tree Island’ natural area next to the Allen Brook School last Wednesday for the dedication of the ‘Ecological Change Marker’ created by artist Brian Collier. Naturalist Chapin Kaynor, top, teaches kids how to say ”Tree Island” in Abenaki — ”Abazemenahanik.” Taking part in the dedication were, above (l to r), Chapin Kaynor, Brant Dinkin, Marcy Kass and artist Brian Collier. Left, kindergartners plant flowers at the base of the newly dedicated ‘Ecological Change Marker.’ OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY

Hinesburg, Richmond to collaborate on policing

BY COREY MCDONALD VTDigger

Hinesburg has agreed to provide on-call police services for Richmond as part of an inter-municipal agreement between the two neighboring towns to assist the Richmond department, which is struggling to provide coverage with only two cops on hand.

The agreement, approved at last week’s selectboard meeting, allows

for Richmond to make an advanced request for a Hinesburg officer to respond to calls from Richmond at a rate of $50 an hour, but only when the Hinesburg department has the staffing bandwidth to do so.

“We’re only going to provide coverage when we’re able to — when we have more than one officer on,” Hinesburg police chief Anthony Cambridge said. “If our numbers are too low, or we’re too busy at the time, we’re not going to provide cov-

Author Talk: Gesine Bullock-Prado

Thursday, May 4, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

When Gesine Bullock-Prado left her Hollywood life and moved to Vermont, she fell in love with the Green Mountain State’s flavors and six distinct seasons.

In My Vermont Table, Bullock-Prado takes readers on a sweet and sovory journey through all the seasons: mud, stick, winter, spring, summer, and fall. With recipes such as Blackberry Cornmeal Cake, Shaved Asparagus Toasts, and Maple Pulled Pork Sliders, her food is based on Vermont produce, dairy, wine, and flour.

Join Gesine - baker, teacher, and cookbook author - to hear about the new book and about baking and cooking in Vermont.

Co-hosted with Kiss the Cook. Copies of Gesine’s books will be available for purchase and signing at the event. Recipe samples will be available too!

Location: South Burlington Public Library 180 Market Street, South Burlington 05403

erage, so it’ll be on a limited basis.”

Richmond may also request that a Hinesburg officer patrol the town at a rate of $70 an hour.

The department in Richmond currently only has two available officers on hand, each of whom “are basically kind of working opposite days, just to make sure that there’s someone here each day,” according to Richmond’s town manager Josh Arneson.

“What the agreement with

Hinesburg is going to allow us to do is, should there be a shift where we don’t have coverage, we’ll be able to rely on Hinesburg to respond for calls during that shift,” he said. “They’re not going to necessarily be here patrolling, but if a call comes in, they’ll respond, and they’ll be able to get here.”

The agreement marks a growing cooperative relationship between the two towns and their respective agencies for public safety services.

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In November, Hinesburg finalized a three-year contract with Richmond Rescue to provide ambulance services for Hinesburg. The two towns, meanwhile, have been in discussion to merge the town’s police departments via a union municipal district.

The merger would mark the first time two municipalities in Vermont created a shared department — but the prospect is still years away from materializing. Hinesburg put the talks on hold to give time for consultants to complete a public safety

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strategic plan — a roadmap for the town’s overall vision for its fire, police and possible ambulance services.

“It seemed like we were treading water,” Hinesburg selectboard Chair Merrily Lovell said of the merger talks.

With the Vermont State Police stretched thin, municipalities with their own departments have been asked “to get as fully staffed as they can or try to seek agreement with other neighboring towns for coverage so that there’s less of a demand and a burden on the state police,” Arneson said.

There was some reluctance among the Hinesburg Selectboard to approve the agreement, given the Hinesburg department has itself had trouble with staffing. The department was down from six to three cops in less than four months after its police budget in March 2022 was vetoed by residents.

“I’m certainly not opposed ... I just want to make sure, before we do the current strategic planning and everything, that this doesn’t turn into a request for a sixth officer to cover additional shifts,” selectboard member Mike Loner said.

Hinesburg recently hired a fifth officer who started this past weekend.

“I trust the chief and (town manager Todd Odit) to make sure nobody’s getting burned out,” selectboard member Maggie Gordon said.

“They’re not going to necessarily be here patrolling, but if a call comes in, they’ll respond…”

Josh Arneson Richmond town manager

Vermont State University reverses course on libraries, athletics

BY PETER D’AURIA VTDigger

Vermont State University is reversing course on changes to its libraries and athletics programs, putting an end — for now — to a controversial slate of decisions to transform member campuses.

The changes were announced Monday afternoon by Vermont State University interim president Mike Smith, who took over the institution after the surprise departure of embattled president Parwinder Grewal earlier this month.

The university will rescind layoff notices to library staff and will maintain athletics programs at two Vermont State University campuses for at least three years, Smith said during a meeting of the Vermont State Colleges board of trustees.

“I have not hidden the fact that I think these are distractions,” he said, adding, “This is a way to put these behind us.”

Amid rocky financial prospects, Vermont State University is engaged in an ambitious merger process to unite three public academic institutions — Castleton University, Northern Vermont University and Vermont Technical College — under one name. The university is scheduled to officially debut July 1.

But the upcoming launch has been overshadowed by controversial changes to libraries and athletics programs.

In February, the university announced plans to transition to an “all-digital” library system and downgrade sports programs. Library materials would be made available digitally, Grewal said, and most physical books would be donated. The library spaces themselves would be “repurposed.”

The plan would eliminate seven fulltime positions and three part-time ones in campus libraries, officials said.

Meanwhile, athletics programs on two campuses would be reshuffled: The system’s Johnson campus — currently, part of Northern Vermont University — would leave the National Collegiate Athletic Association for the smaller, less-competitive United States Collegiate Athletic Association.

Vermont State University’s Randolph location, currently a Vermont Tech campus, would leave the USCAA and offer only club sports.

Grewal pointed to long declines in the circulation of physical library books on campus, as well as struggles to field full athletic teams, as reasons for the decisions. But the announcement ignited a storm of controversy — one that university admin-

Spring cleaning?

istrators seemed unprepared for.

Amid protests from students, faculty and staff, university officials apologized for how the decisions were communicated, but said they would not abandon them. Last month, however, administrators released

a “refined” library plan, one that would maintain roughly 30,000 physical books across five campus libraries. That number would represent roughly 10 percent of the current collection.

The library shift was set to take place by July 1, and would have eliminated seven full-time positions and three part-time ones.

FILE PHOTO BY PETER D’AURIA/VTDIGGER

GUEST COLUMN

Why I voted ‘yes’ on the Affordable Heat Act

BY ANGELA ARSENAULT

If you’re confused — or even worried — about the Affordable Heat Act, I understand. I felt the same way until a few weeks ago. But after doing my homework and asking lots of questions, I was able to confidently vote in favor of this important piece of legislation.

We’ve been hearing about this bill, also known as S.5, since before the session started. A similar bill rather famously failed by one vote in the last biennium, so I knew this was one to watch coming into January.

As the letter S before its name indicates, this bill originated in the Senate and did not come over to the House until sometime in March. I paid attention to it in the Senate, but knew it was best to wait until it was in a final version to really try to get my arms and brain around it. While spending time in the House Committee on Environment and Energy, the bill underwent a few changes that brought it to a place of clarity and resulted in my ability to confidently vote in favor.

The main point that brought me

to my ‘yes’ vote is that this bill is all about gathering more information. Despite what you may have heard as part of a concerted effort on the part of some fuel dealers and lobbyists, this bill, as passed, will not impact your fuel costs over the next two years. Other factors, those that have always led to price volatility in home heating fuels, will continue to impact fuel prices. One of the goals of S.5 is to move away from the volatility inherent in the home heating fuel market, but we need more information before we take that step.

S.5 directs the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to find out exactly how a clean heat standard could be designed for Vermont, including its effects on heating costs and workforce. The PUC will work with a technical advisory group and an equity advisory group over the next two years to create a report that is due back to the legislature in 2025. Only then, armed with real data and real information (not “back of the napkin” figures designed to engender fear), will the Legislature vote on implementing a clean heat standard.

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To be clear, the 2025 legislature could vote to accept the proposed clean heat standard rules offered by the PUC; it could change the rules

lature to anything.

A few things stood out to me as being extremely important in this bill — especially the equity advisory group. The fact of the matter is Vermonters who can afford to do so are already moving away from the unpredictable, increasing cost of home heating. It is low- and moderate- income Vermonters who will be left behind without this program in place. The specific inclusion of renters and those who live in manufactured homes is significant.

the PUC the ability to pause this program at any point after implementation, for up to three years. If we start heading down the path and realize unintended consequences or negative impacts on Vermonters, the program can be paused. This gives me great confidence that we are approaching a very big and necessary change with the thoughtfulness and care that it warrants.

before implementing; or it could repeal the whole statute and choose not to proceed with a clean heat standard. The passage of S.5 last week does not bind a future Legis-

I was inspired by Rep. Laura Sibilia (I–Dover), who reported this bill on the House floor last week. She is a passionate advocate for those on low, fixed and moderate incomes in our state, and she spoke fiercely in favor of the Affordable Heat Act. She is also vice chair of the committee that studied this bill, so her knowledge runs deep.

Another important factor in my ‘yes’ vote was the clause that gives

The thermal sector (heating our homes and other buildings) is the second leading source of greenhouse gas emissions in Vermont (transportation is number one). There is no question that we need to make some changes in this vital area. We need to make it more affordable for all Vermonters to have the option of switching to more efficient, more price-stable ways to heat our homes. And if switching to a new heat source, like a heat pump, is not your preference, you can look

see ARSENAULT page 7

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This bill does not mandate that Vermonters make a change. It simply aims to create a system within which doing so is easier and more affordable than it is right now.

Arsenault

continued from page 6

into weatherizing your home or utilizing cleaner wood heat. This bill does not mandate that Vermonters make a change. It simply aims to create a system within which doing so is easier and more affordable than it is right now.

There has been a great deal of misinformation swirling around related to this bill. Please reach out to me (aarsenault@leg.state.vt.us) if you’d like to share your concerns or ask questions. I invite you to call my Statehouse number, (802) 828-2228 and leave a message if you’d like me to call you back.

Angela Arsenault represents Williston’s Chittenden-2 District in the Vermont House of Representatives.

University

continued from page 5

The announcement failed to quell the outrage, and on April 14, Vermont State University’s board of trustees announced Grewal’s abrupt resignation. In a press release, the university said that his departure “comes after much consideration about how best to lead the upcoming launch of Vermont State University.” The changes to libraries and athletics would be paused, officials said.

On Monday, administrators backtracked further. Layoff notices for library staff would be rescinded, interim president Smith said, and athletics programs at the Johnson and Randolph campuses are to be maintained for at least three years while officials collect data to determine whether those

programs are sustainable.

That data could include “the number of student athletes per program and total, the retention rates, and what athletics have to do with those retention rates,” Smith said at Monday’s meeting.

The about-faces have been met with celebration by campus unions, who fought the library and athletics transformation from the start. The Vermont State Employees Association, which represents Vermont State University staff, including library employees, called the announcement “great news.”

“The initial plan was a very bad one in the minds of many Vermonters, and that was evidenced by the large number of commentaries and letters to the editor blasting the decision, as well as plenty of testimony to lawmakers in the past few weeks

against the cuts,” Aimee Towne, the union’s president, said in an emailed statement Monday.

But the ultimate fate of the campus libraries is not yet clear. At Monday’s meeting, Smith said that the library collections would still undergo a “streamlining” process.

“If you look at what’s happening with libraries out there, there is a move towards the digital evolution or revolution, whatever you want to say,” he said.

Katherine Levasseur, a spokesperson for the university system, said that the future of the libraries would be determined through a “deliberative” and “collaborative” process.

“We are changing how we are approaching this work while also acknowledging that digital is in our present and in our future,” she said.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Loving our library

National Library Week is April 24-May 1. It is an opportunity for all of us who use and appreciate our wonderful library to let the staff know how much we appreciate them.

The library offers an extraordinary range of programs and activities for all ages. The staff is always welcoming, ready to answer any questions and incredibly helpful about finding and sharing resources and information.

Try to stop by the library this week and let the amazing staff know how much you appreciate all they do for our community.

Friends of the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Library Board of Trustees

• A variety of studio, one and two-bedroom apartments.

• Common areas including living and dining room, private dining room, country kitchens, cocktail lounge, exercise room, salon/barber shop, patios, walking paths and gardens.

• Delicious chef-prepared meals and snacks.

• Engaging activities and events, as well as health and fitness programs.

• Assistance with personal care, grooming, bathing, dressing, medication management and physical therapy.

• Housekeeping, laundry and maintenance services.

• Scheduled transportation for medical appointments, errands and events.

• Pendant call system to alert for immediate assistance.

Choosing a wilder lawn

‘No Mow May’ encourages homeowners to nurture nature in their backyard

BY DEBORAH MIUCCIO AND KEVIN THORLEY

Spring is here and along with the birds, we’ll soon hear the buzz of bees and other pollinators as they dance between snowy white clovers, brilliant yellow dandelions and vibrant purple violets.

While these flowers might be the nemesis of what we consider a “traditional lawn,” they are critical to providing food for pollinators at this crucial early season time of pollinators’ lifecycle. Now is your opportunity to join “No Mow May,” an international initiative to reduce the amount of lawn you mow during the month of May to allow more flowers to bloom and support the pollinators.

Why worry about pollinators? Because these important insects help fertilize our Vermont trees, plants and flowers, and much of the food we eat depends on pollinators. As the saying goes, “no bees, no food.”

You may have heard of the die-off that has been recorded with several species of pollinators, with bees being the most wellknown example. While there are many reasons for this, providing food for these insects early in their life is one thing we can do to support their continued survival.

Participating in “No Mow May” includes a commitment to omitting the use

of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which can be toxic to insects and birds, as well as pets and humans. Traditional lawns that are cut short also increase the volume and speed of water runoff, which carries loose soil, fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides into our streams and eventually Lake Champlain. Runoff creates problems like algae blooms, which can cause serious health conditions. Keeping parts of your lawn unmown helps prevent runoff.

You may be wondering if there are other ways to support pollinators in your

We’re all familiar with the experience of sitting down for a meal on a beautiful afternoon just in time to hear a mower start up a few houses away.

yard, and the answer is, yes! Planting native species supports native insects, which in turn supports other native species including birds. Providing habitat and food sources for these native insects is an important part of creating a backyard habitat. Early nesting birds don’t rely on seed for feeding their young. Also, please remember to take down your birdfeeders in spring and avoid a visit from a bear.

Resisting mowing and allowing your lawn to grow in May provides habitat and food for pollinators at the early stage of their annual life cycle.

COURTESY PHOTO BY DEBORAH MIUCCIO

Screen your soil for garden health

Vermont gardeners will be able to get their soils screened for lead at no cost at Garden Soil Health Day on May 13.

The event will be held from 1-4 p.m. at the University of Vermont Horticulture Research and Education Center (“Hort Farm”), located at 65 Green Mountain Drive in South Burlington.

The event is part of the national Soil Screening, Health, Outreach and Partnership (soilSHOP) initiative. It will provide free screening of vegetable garden soils to ensure safe and healthy home and community gardening. Interested gardeners should bring their soil sample in a plastic zip-locked storage bag for screening.

Technological upgrades in electric lawn care spark buzz of interest

BY STEVEN WISBAUM Special to the Observer

While the incessant drone of gas-powered lawnmowers has long been associated with summer in Vermont, it’s a sound that’s becoming less common with the growing popularity of battery electric lawn equipment.

There’s lots of reasons to switch to e-lawn equipment. For one thing, there are now over 25 manufacturers that are making residential zero-turn e-riding mowers. There are also now four manufacturers of heavy-duty commercial lawn mowers with “all-day” run times. In Vermont, these commercial e-mowers are now being used by the University of Vermont, the City of Burlington, Shelburne Farms, the Burlington Airport and at least nine lawn care contractors.

The purchase price of e-lawn equipment is competitive with gas-powered equipment, and the operating costs are significantly lower. In part, this is be -

cause the cost of the electricity used by e-lawn care equipment is a lot less than the cost of the gasoline used by conventional equipment. And without an in -

ternal combustion engine and fuel system, e-lawn care equipment doesn’t require oil changes or tune-ups. In Vermont, almost

Soil instructions and additional event details can be found at www.go.uvm.edu/soilhealthday. There is a limit of three soil sample bags per family.

In addition to the screening, attendees will learn how to build and maintain healthy garden soils through informational exhibits, self-guided tours of innovative cover crop research and exchanges with UVM Extension Master Gardener volunteers and soil science and health profes -

SPRING OPEN HOUSE

Sunday, May 7th

sionals.

Representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service in Vermont, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Composting Association of Vermont, Lawn to Lake and the Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District and its Rethink Runoff Stream Team will be available to talk with.

The event is a collaboration of the Vermont USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry and the UVM Extension Master Gardener Program.

Questions can be sent to debra.heleba@uvm.edu.

A May 13 event will offer screenings of garden soils for lead levels for a healthy growing season.

COURTESY PHOTO BY PEGGY GREB

see MOWER page 10

Electric lawn mowers are now in use by the University of Vermont, the City of Burlington, Shelburne Farms, the Burlington Airport and at least nine local lawn care companies.

OBSERVER PHOTO BY SUSAN COTE

Lawns

continued from page 8

Planting more native species of trees, shrubs and perennials has the additional benefit of eliminating lawn and the associated costs of maintaining that lawn. At the same time, it brings more wildlife to our yards. If this is a subject that interests you, “Bringing Nature Home” by Douglas Tallamy is an excellent book on the topic. The audiobook, e-book and Kindle versions are available at our town library.

Reducing mowing in May, and throughout the season, has other benefits as well. The most obvious is reducing noise pollution in our neighborhoods. We’re all familiar with the experience of sitting down for a meal on a beautiful afternoon just in time to hear a mower start up a few houses away. At least as important, though less obvious, is the air pollution that comes from lawn care equipment. In 2011, the EPA estimated that 5 percent of all air pollution in the country comes from lawnmowers, and in 2017, the California Air Resource Board estimated that, by 2020, the pollution from mowers would be greater than

Mower

continued from page 9

all the electric utilities also offer rebates to make e-lawn equipment even more cost effective.

E-lawn equipment is relatively quiet, has no tail-pipe emissions and the electricity it consumes produces a fraction of the greenhouse gas emissions of gas-powered equipment.

The collective impact of lawn equipment in the U.S. is huge. In fact, a recent Federal Highway Administration analysis estimated that, in Vermont alone, over 5 million gallons of gas are burned annually by lawn care equipment, which generates over 5,000 tons of CO2.

If your gas powered lawn equipment is at or nearing retirement and you’re considering making the switch, here are some things to keep in mind.

the pollution from all the cars in that state.

If you are part of a homeowners association that takes care of landscaping, see if your association would like to participate by not mowing a section of lawn and eliminating the use of pesticides and fertilizers for the month of May, or possibly all season.

If not mowing your lawn raises some eyebrows with your neighbors, help make them aware of the No Mow May initiative with a lawn sign. In collaboration with the Williston Conservation Commission, Sustainable Williston and the Williston Energy Committee, the Town of Williston will be offering a limited number of “No Mow May” yard signs for participants. These signs will help let neighbors know that some temporary “rewilding” is going on and not to worry, as it’s for a good cause.

“No Mow May” yard signs will be available for pick-up at the Town Fair on Green Up Day, Saturday, May 6 from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. on the Town Green next to the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library. These signs will also have a QR code that people can scan to learn more. Since there will be a limited number

There are lots of manufacturers, and quality is relatively consistent between them, so your choice will largely depend on

E-mowers are now being used by the University of Vermont, the City of Burlington, Shelburne Farms, the Burlington Airport and at least nine lawn care contractors.

the different features and specifications of each item. If you’re considering buying multiple items (e.g., mower and chore tools), stick with one manufac -

of signs available, you can also download and print your own from the Xerces Society Website (www.xerces.org/publications/other/no-mow-may).

We hope you’ll join us in “No Mow May” to help create important habitats for endangered insects. You may discover that you love the natural look and all the beauty it can bring yearround.

For more information, go to https://bit.ly/WillistonNoMowMay or https://beecityusa.org/ no-mow-may/ at Bee City USA. For more information about Sustainable Williston, visit www. sustainablewilliston.org.

To participate in Williston’s energy future, reach out to your Williston Energy Committee at energy@willistonvt.org or attend one of the public meetings, held on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. The agenda for upcoming meetings is posted on the Town of Williston website (www.town.williston.vt.us. For more information, visit www.willistonvtenergycommittee.org.

Deborah Miuccio is a member of Sustainable Williston. Kevin Thorley is a member of the Williston Energy Committee.

turer since batteries and chargers are not interchangeable between manufacturers.

For larger yards, it’s a good idea to invest in higher capacity/longer run-time batteries. Also, consider cooperative or shared ownership. Since there’s no need for oil changes, tuneups or buying and transporting gas, it’s a lot easier for neighbors to share the ownership of an e-lawn mower.

Lastly, while e-lawn equipment can be purchased online, consider buying local instead. Most local hardware, building supply and farm and yard equipment stores now sell e-lawn equipment.

Steven Wisbaum of Charlotte is the founder of www. mowelectric.org, an advocacy website promoting electric lawncare products and services in Vermont.

Danielle Fitzko appointed to lead Vermont Forest, Parks and Recreation

BY EMMA COTTON VTDigger

Gov. Phil Scott has appointed Danielle “Danny” Fitzko to lead the Department of Forest, Parks and Recreation, which is responsible for the state’s forest resources, operating its state parks and supporting outdoor recreation.

Fitzko, who has worked at the department for 20 years, had been serving as interim commissioner since January, when then-commissioner Michael Snyder stepped down. Snyder led the department, which is part of the Agency of Natural Resources, for 12 years.

“Danny has demonstrated a deep commitment to Vermont and our natural assets over the course of her two decades of service to the department,” Scott said in a statement on Tuesday. “I’m confident she’ll continue that good work leading FPR.”

The new commissioner first came to Vermont from the University of Maryland’s Extension program, where she focused on horticulture.

“I was doing everything from turf, to house plants, to vegetables and trees,” she said in an interview. “And I really just had a keen interest in trees and forestry — just the impact that they have on the landscape.”

At the same time, she became interested in land use and smart growth. Combining these interests led her to pursue a master’s degree that focused on urban and community forestry. When she graduated, a coordinator position opened up for the urban and

community forestry program in Vermont’s Department of Forest, Parks and Recreation.

Fitzko ran the program for 15 years. She oversaw projects to install trees as green infrastructure to help control stormwater, help towns develop recreation planning toolkits for municipal forests and promote the use of the VT invasives website, where residents can learn about controlling invasive species in their backyards.

“Really, it’s about empowering local communities to understand the public tree resource and to be better stewards of them going forward, and really about increasing urban tree canopy so it’s healthy and thriving for the future,” she said.

Fitzko said she’s likely to see much of her work through the lens of climate change. Forests sequester carbon dioxide, therefore providing a climate solution, but trees are also more likely to face challenges from pests, diseases and extreme weather.

Climate change has brought new discussion to the use of Vermont’s forests in recent years, with an increasing number of environmentalists urging those who manage state and federal forests to set forests aside so they can’t be logged. Meanwhile, loggers have worried for their livelihood and said their work can be part of the climate solution.

About 74 percent of the state is covered in forest, but only about 4 percent of the forests are permanently protected from logging, according to a forthcoming report by forest research and conservation groups including Harvard Forest, Highstead and Northeast Wilderness Trust. Across the region, scientists consider less than 0.1 percent of land in New England and New York to be occupied by old growth forests.

Asked how she thinks of the balance between working lands and permanent environmental protection, Fitzko said that while she believes a majority of the forest should remain sustainable working land, she hopes to find room to do it all.

“It’s a hard balance, but forests are so important,” she said. “And we need them for all the climate benefits, all the environmental benefits, and we need them also for the goods that they provide.”

A number of environmental groups celebrated Fitzko’s appointment on Tuesday, including the Vermont Natural Resources Council, The Nature Conservancy in Vermont, the Vermont Land Trust, Audubon Vermont and Trust for Public Land.

Danielle Fitzko, the new commissioner of the Department of Forest, Parks and Recreation.

OBSERVER COURTESY PHOTO

Throw back

CLOCKWISE (l to r): CVU’s Charlie Garavelli makes a catch between two Burlington defenders during the Redhawks’ 14-8 win over the Seahorses April 19 in Hinesburg. Quinn Bagnato gets up high to snag the disc. Zach Spitznagle makes a sure two-handed grab as a defender comes up over his back. Grayson Blom-Clarke flips a pass to one of his teammates.

OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY

Next Week: Plant a seed with Mom

Famous Georgians

Welcome to Georgia

Georgia was the fourth state to join the Union, in 1788. It is in the Southeast, just north of Florida. This week, The Mini Page learns more about Georgia.

In history

Georgia was named by English settlers for King George II. It is the 24th largest state by area and the 29th largest by population, with about 10.7 million people.

Atlanta, which lies in the northwest of the state, is the capital. About 6 million people live in the city and surrounding communities.

Georgia was one of the original seven states to secede, or split, from the Union before the Civil War.

Geography

Georgia is home to mountains, forests, beaches and natural wonders, including Providence Canyon and the Tallulah Gorge.

The Okefenokee Swamp, which straddles the state line with Florida, is the second-largest swamp in the U.S. Its name comes from a Native American word that means “trembling earth.”

Georgia’s products

Mini Fact: The Cherokee rose is Georgia’s state flower.

soybeans and pecans, along with blueberries and cotton. Factories produce textiles (fabrics), clothing, transportation equipment, paper products and chemicals.

Georgia also attracts many tourists. Visitors to Savannah can see buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries and visit historic homes.

Sports

Georgia’s fans root for professional baseball, football, basketball and soccer teams, in addition to sports teams from several colleges.

Georgia Fact-a-Roonies

• The Appalachian Trail is a walking path of about 2,000 miles. It starts just outside Atlanta and passes through 13 other states, ending in Maine.

• Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin near Savannah. His 1793 invention helped make cotton the leading crop in the South.

• The state fruit is the peach. One of Georgia’s nicknames is “the Peach State.”

• Marble from Georgia was used to build the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

• Golf is an important sport. The Masters

• President Jimmy Carter was born in the farming town of Plains on Oct. 1, 1924. His father was a farmer and businessman. His mother was a registered nurse.

Carter served as governor of Georgia and was elected president in 1976. After his term, he and his wife, Rosalynn, worked to promote peace around the world and helped build houses through Habitat for Humanity.

• Juliette Gordon

Low was born in 1860 in Savannah. Her nickname was “Daisy.” She founded the Girl Scouts of America in her home and started the first Girl Scout troop on March 12, 1912. She believed women should have opportunities outside the home. Daisy died on Jan. 17, 1927.

• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was born on Jan. 15, 1929, in Atlanta. He was a Black leader in the struggle for equal rights.

Dr. King strongly believed in finding peaceful ways to end segregation, or laws that punished Black people for using the same services as white people.

Resources

On the Web:

• bit.ly/MPGeorgia

At the library:

glow created by humans is increasing,

Founded by Betty Debnam Issue 17, 2023

ROSE, SAVANNAH, SCOUT, SECEDE, SOUTHEAST, SWAMP, TEXTILES, TOURIST, UNION,

Juliette Gordon Low

Tallulah Gorge

President Jimmy Carter

Ritger

photo by Martin Bravenboer

photo by Jimmy Emerson, DVM

Georgia’s products

Farmers in Georgia grow peanuts, corn,

Try ’n’ Find

• Golf is an important sport. The Masters golf tournament is held in Augusta every year.

Mini Jokes

Words that remind us of Georgia are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:

APPALACHIAN, ATLANTA, CARTER, GEORGIA, GORGE, KING, LOW, PEACH, PEANUTS, PECANS, ROSE, SAVANNAH, SCOUT, SECEDE, SOUTHEAST, SWAMP, TEXTILES, TOURIST, UNION, WHITNEY.

Cook’s Corner

Peach Crisp

You’ll need:

• 4 cups fresh or canned peaches, sliced

• 3/4 cup brown sugar

• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 cup rolled oats, uncooked

What to do:

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/2 cup butter, softened

1. Place peaches evenly on bottom of a greased 8-by-8-inch baking pan.

2. In a medium bowl, combine remaining ingredients except butter. Mix well.

3. Add butter. Mix until crumbly.

4. Cover peaches evenly with crumbly mixture.

5. Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 30 minutes. Serves 6.

making it hard to see stars in a sky that was nearly pitch dark before the invention of electric lights. Observations from tens of thousands of observers around the world show nocturnal sky brightness increased by 7% to 10% each year from 2011 to 2022. Greater light pollution is raising concerns over its impacts on people and nature.

For later:

President Jimmy Carter, now 98 years old, has been in poor health recently. Look in your newspaper for articles about him and the work of the Carter Center in Atlanta.

Teachers: Follow and interact with The Mini Page on Facebook!

BY DAN THOMPSON

What we do:

How to choose and use a walking

Dear Savvy Senior, I have some hip and back problems and could use a walking cane to help me get around. Is there anything I should know about canes before I buy one?

Limping Linda

Stephen A. Unsworth, Esq.

Wendy

Dear Linda,

When it comes to choosing a cane, most people don’t give it much thought, but they should. Walking canes come in many different styles, shapes and sizes today, so you need to take into account your needs and preferences to ensure you choose one that’s appropriate for you. Here are some tips that can help.

TYPES OF CANES

The first thing you need to consider is how much support you need. That will help you determine the kind of cane you choose. The three basic types of canes you’ll have to choose from include:

1. Straight canes — These are basic, single-point canes that typically incorporate a rounded “crook” handle or L-shaped ergonomic handle. They are usually made of lightweight aluminum or wood. Most of the aluminum

By Jim Miller

models are adjustable in height, and some even fold up.

2. Offset-handle canes — These also are single-point, straight canes but come with a swan neck curve in the upper part of the shaft that puts the user’s weight directly over the cane tip for added stability. These canes are typically aluminum, adjustable in height and come with a flat, soft grip handle that’s easy on the hands.

Some straight canes and offset-handle canes also come with

triple or quad-tipped bases that can add gripping support and allow the cane to stand up on its own when you let go, which is very convenient.

Both straight and offset-handle canes are best suited for people with a slight walking impairment.

3. Quad canes — These work best for people who need maximum weight bearing and support.

Quad canes come with four separate tips at the base, usually have an offset flat handle and can stand up on their own.

FITTING THE CANE

Once you decide on the type of cane, you need to make sure it has the weight capacity to support you, and that it fits your height. To do this, stand up with your arms hanging straight down at your side. The top of the cane should line up with the crease in your wrist, so your arm is slightly bent at the elbow when you grip the cane.

The cane should also have a rubber tip at the bottom to prevent slipping. A worn or torn rubber tip is dangerous, so check the tip frequently to ensure it’s in good condition and replace it when necessary.

The grip is also very important, so choose one that’s ergonomically designed, or one that has a molded rubber or foam grip that’s comfortable to hold.

cane

And if you travel much, consider getting a folding cane that can be packed or stored away easily.

HOW TO USE

When using a cane, it should always be held in the hand opposite of the leg that needs support. For example, if your knee pain is on your left side, you should use the cane in your right hand. The cane should then move forward as you step forward with the bad leg.

If you have to go upstairs, you should lead with the good leg. And when you go downstairs, you should put your cane on the step first and then step down with your bad leg.

The Mayo Clinic offers a slide show at www.MayoClinic.com/ health/canes/HA00064 that will show you how to choose and use a cane. It’s also a smart idea to work with a physical therapist.

WHERE TO BUY

You can buy canes at drugstores, discount retailers, medical supply stores and online, usually between $10 and $50. You’ll also be happy to know that Medicare covers canes with a written prescription from a physician.

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.

CROSSWORD • SOLUTION ON PAGE 20

ANDREWS MCMEEL

TODAY’S HISTORY:

• In 1521, explorer Ferdinand Magellan was killed in the Philippines.

• In 1865, the steamboat Sultana exploded in the Mississippi River near Memphis, Tennessee, killing some 1,700 passengers.

• In 2014, John XXIII and John Paul II became the first popes to be canonized as saints since 1954.

• In 2018, the leaders of North and South Korea signed the Panmunjom Declaration, officially pledging to work toward ending the Korean conflict.

TODAY’S FACT:

• In 1667, blind and impoverished poet John Milton sold the copyright to his masterpiece, “Paradise Lost,” for 10 pounds (roughly $2,777.65 in 2023 U.S. currency).

We’re proud of our smiles! We believe that our state-of-the-art, impeccable skills; cheerful, approachable attitudes and ability to handle all your dental needs under one roof means a visit with us will always leave you with a beautiful smile.

FOUND ON PAGE 20

James Arthur Mack Jr.

James “Jim” “Sonny” Arthur Mack Jr., 89, of Essex Junction, VT, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at Burlington Health and Rehab surrounded by his loving family. James was born on January 6, 1934, in Richmond, VT, to James and Isabelle (Smith) Mack.

He grew up in Vermont alongside six siblings: Martha, Francine, Robert, Wayne, Marilyn, and Michael, and graduated from Richmond High School in 1952. Shortly after, James joined the army and served four years in Germany.

In 1958, James married Katherine June (McEwing) Mack and they welcomed three sons, James, Daniel, and Timothy. They lived in Essex, Vermont the majority of their lives.

James loved to fish, hunt, tell stories, and most importantly, spend quality time with his beloved family. A pillar of his community, he worked as a master plumber and co-owned and operated McEwing Fuels. James frequented Quality Bake Shop, the Hornets’ Nest and Murray’s Tavern to share a coffee, beer and laughter with his friends.

James is survived by his wife, Katherine and siblings Franny, Marilyn and Mike. He is also survived by his sons: James, Daniel and Tim Mack along with grandchildren Kyle, Caitlin, Ryan, Kelly, Patrick, Liam, Nevin, and Brynlie. He is predeceased by his parents, sister Martha and brothers, Robert and Wayne.

Funeral services were held April 21 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church in Richmond immediately followed by a graveside burial then reception at the home of Timothy Mack, 256 Jericho Rd Essex, Jct. A local celebration of life took place at Murray’s Tavern in Essex April 23.

Joseph Raymond Genest

Joseph Raymond Genest, Sr. 84 passed away at his home in St. George from a long illness on Saturday, April 15, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. Joe was born on October 16, 1938 in Colchester Vermont. He was the eldest of 5 children, son of Robert and Lena (Shattie) Genest and the only one born in the hospital.

Joe grew up in the Fortpick of Winooski and graduated from Cathedral High School Class of 1956. After graduation Joe joined the Navy. He then married Rosalie Gonyo on May 28, 1960 at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception in Burlington. They stayed in Winooski and started their family of four children before moving to Montpelier, Vt., where Joe owned and operated Ron’s Sub Shop.

After selling Ron’s Sub Shop he went on to work for various construction companies working on many commercial buildings and bridges throughout Vermont before retiring from Pizzagalli Construction in the year 2000. Joe was most proud of designing and building his home in St. George in 1984 with its many angles.

One of his favorite getaways was Camp Clos ENuf in Bakersfield (which he also built with his family). Many gatherings were

held there but the most memorable one was July 4, 2022 when all his children spent the weekend there at his request.

He was a devoted Red Sox and Patriots fan and enjoyed watching Nascar especially Dale Earnhardt No. 3.

Joe and Rosalie started camping in 1960 in a tent and would travel to different areas throughout Vermont almost every weekend. They joined NAFCA where he held many different offices in Red Clover and Wilderness. He would prepare a spaghetti dinner for about 100 campers on a Coleman stove. After retirement they traveled across the US before settling in Haines City, Fla., becoming a snowbird. He enjoyed playing the BoomBa with the WildBoomers and being a part of many parades.

He is survived by his loving wife, Rosalie, of 62 years, his two sons Joe, Jr and wife Lori of Monkton, Erik of St. George,

two daughters Tamara Walker and husband Tom of Bristol and Jodi Snelling and husband Randy of Vergennes; two sisters Sandra LaBonte and Victoria Gonyea both of Florida; two sisters in law Pearl Whitehouse of Burlington and Ruth Shelley of Florida; nine grandchildren Amanda, Thomas, Nicole, Joseph III, Kahlie, Jayden, Christopher, Matthew and Justin; and eight great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his two brothers Robert, Jr and James.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Dr. Pamela Dawson and nurse Renee and Dr. Mark Plante for all the care and attention to Joe over the years.

Joe was a man of very few words but you almost always knew what he was thinking. He loved his family dearly and they were always his first priority. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.

Visiting hours were held on April 25, 2023 at St. Jude Parish Hall in Hinesburg. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on April 26 at St. Jude Catholic Church, 10759 Route 116, Hinesburg. Burial followed in the family lot in Resurrection Park in Burlington.

Donations in Joseph’s memory may be made to St. Jude Catholic Church, P.O. Box 69, Hinesburg, VT 05461 or to a charity of one’s choice. Please visit awrfh.com to share your memories and condolences.

Williston

Adams Farm Market

Belle’s Café

Dorothy Alling Memorial Library

Fairfield Inn

Gardener’s Supply

Green Mountain Bagel

Hannaford

Healthy Living Williston

Home2Suites

Korner Kwik Stop

Marriott Courtyard

Men At Wok

People’s United Bank

Ramunto’s

Rehab Gym

Shell Gas Station (Essex Rd)

Simon’s Mobil Williston

Simply Divine Café

Sonesta

Sunoco Station

Town of Williston Offices

UPS Store

Williston Coffee Shop

Essex Junction

Essex Automotive

Five Corner Variety

Hannaford Inn at Essex

Mac’s Market

Martone’s Deli

Price Chopper

Quality Bake Shop

River Road Beverage

Richmond

Cumberland Farms

Richmond Free Library

Richmond Market

Richmond Mobil Mart

Williston Observer rack distribution at these locations in Williston, Richmond and Essex Williston

If you would like copies dropped at your location call Rick Cote at (802) 373-2136 or email Rick@WillistonObserver.com

OBITUARIES

Rosemarie Leland

Rosemarie Leland of Richmond, VT passed away at home after a yearlong battle with kidney cancer.

Rosemarie was born Nov. 12, 1956 to Angelo and Angeline Mastroianni of Middlebury, CT. She graduated from Sacred Heart high school and the University of Connecticut with a bachelor degree in ornamental horticulture. In 1982 Rosemarie was married to James Leland and they resided in Richmond ever since.

Rosemarie worked in the landscape construction and maintenance industry for her entire professional career. Most recently she was the grounds manager at the University of Vermont for 20 years until her retirement in 2018. Many landscapes in Chittenden County are witness to her work, before UVM, installing landscapes and planting trees including the circ highway, for one. It is difficult to travel this area without passing by trees and landscapes

that she planted. Rosemarie was known to be the hardest worker in a field where women were few and far between and was once described as someone that would outwork “two men and a boy.” Few were able to keep up.

Rosemarie’s greatest efforts and joys were at home, however, raising two wonderful sons Caleb and Conor and keeping her home a thriving place of love, compassion and great food. Rosemarie was most gifted at thinking of everyone else

first and being there for all who needed her. Her kitchen was where we all shared her love and her cooking from the famous salsa to Thanksgiving dinners that always began with homemade pasta long before any turkey made an appearance.

Rosemarie was pre-deceased by her parents and her sister Catherine. She leaves her husband James, her sons Conor and Caleb and his wife Margaret, her brother Stephen and wife Mary Ann, brother Michael and wife Linda, brother-in-law Don Shiers and wife Donna and an extended family of nieces and nephews and their children whom she endlessly loved. She will be forever remembered by the trees she planted, the gardens she grew, the friends she loved and the

Semi Annual Open House

Saturday, May 13, 1-4 p.m.

Self-guided tours will be available as well as a manager on duty for questions. Look at a 1-bedroom unit, view our beautiful grounds, peek at our activity rooms, and walk through our exercise room, dining room, and other common areas that serve all our residents and all their vast hobbies and interests.

Self-guided tours at your own pace!

No registration necessary! We hope to see you soon!

family she nurtured. We all miss you terribly Rose. To everything there is a season.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, April 28, 2023 between 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Gifford Funeral Home, 22 Depot Street, Richmond. A Funeral Mass will be held April 29 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 64 West Main Street, Richmond.

A celebration of Rosemarie’s life will be planned for later this summer.

Arrangements are in care of Gifford Funeral Home, 22 Depot Street, Richmond, VT.

Sales Associate

Richmond Mobil Mart

If you’re friendly, dependable, and enjoy doing a variety of tasks

F/T, P/T, Flexible hours, days, nights, wk/ends. Hourly pay based on experience

Benefits and training

Apply in person: 1436 W. Main St , Exit 11 Call: 802.434.3818 or Email: rmm@gmavt.net

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

PUZZLE FOUND ON PAGE 17

OBITUARIES

Barbara Ellen St. Denis

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Barbara Ellen St. Denis, 92, of Jericho, VT, on April 14, 2023.

She was born in Richmond, VT on Jan. 30, 1931 to James and Mary Sweeney. She attended Burlington High School and worked for 27 years at the Jericho Elementary School in the food service program.

On Sept. 25, 1954 she married Raymond Oscar Chaffee. Raymond died Nov. 12, 1977.

She married Adrian St. Denis on Aug. 19, 1983. He passed away February 3, 2015.

Barbara was never one to sit still. She enjoyed crafts, jigsaw puzzles, reading, bird watching, quilting, sewing, and cooking. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were the lights of her life and will miss her dearly.

Left to cherish Barbara’s memory are her children Mary-Lou and

her husband, Lucien Lapierre of Jericho; Craig Raymond Chaffee of Jericho; Brian Patrick Chaffee of Jericho; and Derek Dean and his wife Penny Chaffee of Jericho; grandchildren Shawna and her husband Matt Lapierre; Dianielle and her husband John Goodrich; Nate and his wife Sierra Chaffee; Chantal Chaffee; Sara Chaffee; and Anna Chaffee; great-grandchildren Thackery Lapierre; Mikayla Chaffee; Lillian Chaffee;

Community Bankers – Chittenden County

BUILDERS | MAKERS | DOERS®

There is no better time to join our Team!

Northfield Savings Bank, founded in 1867, is the largest banking institution headquartered in Vermont. We are committed to providing a welcoming work environment for all. Consider joining our team as a Part Time Community Banker!

Relevant Skills:

• Customer Service • Cash Handling (we’ll train you!)

Even better… if you have prior banking experience, we encourage you to apply!

If you are 18 or older and have a high school diploma, general education (GED) degree, or equivalent, consider joining the NSB Team!

What NSB Can Offer You

Competitive compensation based on experience. Profit-Sharing opportunity. Excellent 401(k) matching retirement program. Positive work environment supported by a team culture. Opportunity for professional development.

Please send an NSB Application & your resume in confidence to: Careers@nsbvt.com

Emmett Goodrich, and Avery Goodrich; sisters-in-law Eleanor Sweeney and Ramona Bouchard; her brother-in-law Wade Chaffee; her good friend Marilyn Corlis, and many nieces and nephews including niece Cathy (Mobbs) Blanchard.

She was predeceased by her first husband, Raymond; her second husband, Adrian; her parents Mary and James; her sisters Irene Sweeney and Grace Mobbs; her brothers Lloyd, Elwin, Arnold, Wyman, and Newton.

Visiting hours were held on April 21, 2023 at Gifford Funeral Home, 22 Depot Street, Richmond. A service was held April 22, 2023 at the Jericho Congregational Church, 3 Jericho Center Circle, Jericho with burial immediately following in the Jericho Center Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society VT Chapter, P.O. Box 1070, Williston, VT 05495.

Dorothy Alling Memorial Library hours

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

• Tuesday, Thursday, 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 for programs. Need help? Call 878-4918 or email daml@damlvt.org.

YOUTH PROGRAMS

Children in fourth grade and younger must be supervised by someone over 16 years of age.

MEET THE MAMMALS

Saturday, April 29, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Learn about mammals and meet some animal visitors with Southern Vermont Natural His-

company. Positions

Full time, required. for experienced align, and secure parts experience a plus.

MIG –WELDER

INSTALLER/MECHANIC

tory Museum. Thank you to the Friends of the Library for sponsoring this event.

PAJAMA STORYTIME

Monday, May 1, 6-6:30 p.m. Get comfy and enjoy a nighttime storytime at the library.

STORYTIME

Tuesdays, May 2 & 9, 10:30-11 a.m. Join Danielle for stories and fun. On the Town Green.

BABY TIME

Wednesday, May 3, 10:3011 a.m. Socialize and bond with these gentle activities.

AFTER SCHOOL LEGO & BOARD GAME TIME

Wednesday, May 3, 2-3 p.m. Enjoy the library’s board games and LEGO collection.

PRESCHOOL MUSIC AND PLAYTIME

Thursdays, May 4 & 11, 10:3011:30 a.m. Enjoy music, then stay

to play. On the Town Green.

SATURDAY STORYTIME *NEW*

Saturday, May 6, 10:30-11 a.m. Meet our Saturday storyteller for storytime on the Town Green.

POKEMON CLUB

Monday, May 8, 4-5 p.m. Share your favorite cards and enjoy themed activities.

TEEN D&D

Monday, May 8, 5-6 p.m. Ages 12-plus. Join our teen Dungeons & Dragons campaign.

KIDS PHYSICS WORKSHOP

Tuesday, May 9, 5-5:45 p.m. Learn about how physics affect an array of fun crafts.

AFTER SCHOOL MOVIE

Wednesday, May 10, 2-4 p.m. Rated PG. A dog, a cat and a hamster defeat evil all the way from NYC to Hollywood.

LEGO TIME

Thursday, May 11, 3-4 p.m. All ages. Use the library’s LEGO collection to make something exciting.

MULTI-AGE PROGRAMS

READ TO A CAT

Monday, May 1, 5-6 p.m. Call

to register for an eight-minute time slot to read to (or hang out with) Oscar the therapy cat.

TOWN FAIR GREEN UP DAY

Saturday, May 6, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Visit the library’s table at the Town Fair and join us for a 10:30 a.m. storytime.

PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS

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

ADULT MEDITATION (ONLINE)

Fridays, April 28 & May 5, 1212:30 p.m. Join Maryellen Crangle and reconnect with your peaceful body and breath.

MAH JONGG

Friday, May 5, 1-3 p.m. Drop in for this popular tile game.

WRITE TIME WITH MARY

ANN FULLER YOUNG

Friday, April 28 & May 12, 1:15-2:45 p.m. at South Burlington Public Library (DAML patrons welcome). Drop by to explore the craft of writing in a supportive environment with the guidance of a trained associate of Amherst Writers and Artists.

SPANISH CONVERSATION (ONLINE)

Wednesday, May 3, 5-6 p.m. Meet online with this mixed-ability group to practice Spanish.

ADULT CRAFTERNOON: PONY BEAD SUNCATCHERS

Thursday, May 4, 2-3 p.m. Join us on the patio to design suncatchers made from pony beads. Add embellishment to your suncatcher at our June Crafternoon.

CURRENT EVENTS

Wednesday, May 10, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Drop in for conversation about weekly news events.

LIFE STORIES WE LOVE TO TELL (ONLINE)

Wednesday, May 10, 2-3:30 p.m. Maryellen Crangle will provide a prompt to guide the group in choosing a story to share.

AFTER HOURS BOOK CLUB

Wednesday, May 10, 6:307:30pm. A coming-of-age story set in the savory scene of the life of a magazine food writer. “Delicious!” by Ruth Reichl will have your mouth watering for more. Available in Libby (Overdrive) and in print from the library.

Manufacturer of custom truck bodies is looking for career minded, talented individuals to grow along with the company.

Looking for career minded individuals to grow along with the company. Positions available in production and service departments. Positions are Full time, Monday - Friday 7:00 am - 3:30 pm 40hrs. Some O/T may be required.

OPEN POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Monday – Friday 7:00am – 3:30pm (40 hours)

Hire Local! Advertise Local.

As a manufacturer of custom truck bodies we have openings for experienced Mig Welders to join our production team. Lay out, position, align, and secure parts prior to assembly, math skills needed. Aluminum welding experience a plus.

miscellaneous equipment on new/used experience desirable.

IMMEDIATE HIRE!!

MIG WELDERS

Community Bankers – Chittenden County

SNOWPLOW/TRUCK BODY INSTALLER/MECHANIC

Experienced, to join our production line. Accurately read work orders, ability to read and interpret drawings from customers and salespeople. Lay out, position, align, and secure parts prior to assembly. Solid math skills, ability to lift 75 lbs.

Temporary Positions Available

BUILDERS | MAKERS | DOERS®

MECHANIC

Perform set up and installation of snowplows, truck bodies & miscellaneous equipment on new/used trucks/vehicles. Mechanical experience required; hydraulic experience desirable.

There is no better time to join our Team!

Company Benefits Include:

• Health Insurance w/company contribution

Insurance/AD&D, Short Term & Disability

• 401K w/company match to 5%

• Paid Vacation, Paid Holidays

• Paid Sick

To upfit cab & chassis with various truck body types. Hydraulic experience desirable. Install wiring for lights & equipment per specifications. Fit and weld replacement parts into place, using wrenches and welding equipment, and other tools. Highschool diploma or equivalent required.

PAINT TECHNICIAN & PREP WORKERS

• Paid Life Insurance/AD&D, Short Term & Long Term Disability

PAINT TECHNICIAN: To assist lead painter. Auto body paint experience a big plus.

Even better… if you have prior banking experience, we encourage you to apply!

joannef@iroquoismfg.com Rd., Hinesburg, VT facility.

PREP WORKERS: Prepping truck bodies for painting which includes sandblasting/sanding as part of the prep work. Experience preferred but will train the right candidate.

Forward Resume & Cover letter to: joannef@iroquoismfg.com

Apply in Person: Iroquois Mfg. Co., 695 Richmond Rd., Hinesburg, VT Face Mask required and social distancing rules apply to enter our facility.

HANDYMAN/JANITOR

Looking for someone to perform janitorial cleaning work in shop and office, general small repairs and light groundskeeping. Knowledge of chemicals & solvents. Drivers license req.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Northfield Savings Bank, founded in 1867, is the largest banking institution headquartered in Vermont. We are committed to providing a welcoming work environment for all. Consider joining our team as a Temporary Community Banker!

Relevant Skills:

• Customer Service • Cash Handling (we’ll train you!)

9/22/20 11:25 AM

This position will support the activities of the accounting, receiving and sales departments. Responsibilities include, not limited to; answer multiple phone lines, greet customers, data entry, filing, purchase order receiving, and other various office duties as assigned. Previous office experience required.

Monday- Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm (40 hours)

Even better… if you have prior banking experience, we encourage you to apply!

If you are 18 or older and have a high school diploma, general education (GED) degree, or equivalent, consider joining the NSB Team!

Health Insurance w/company contribution, 401K w/company match TO 5%, Paid Vacation, Paid Holidays, Paid Life Insurance/ AD&D, Short Term, Long Term Disability, Paid Sick Time

Company Benefits Include: Resume & Cover letter to joannef@iroquoismfg.com or Apply in Person: Iroquois Mfg. Co., 695 Richmond Rd., Hinesburg, VT

Please send an NSB Application & your resume in confidence to: Careers@nsbvt.com

Equal Opportunity Employer / Member FDIC

Having a Garage Sale?

April 14 at 1:58 a.m. — Following a traffic stop, a male, age 26, was issued a citation to appear in court for suspicion of DUI.

April 14 at 3:31 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Walmart. Upon investigation, it was discovered that a male, age 28, had an active arrest warrant. He was issued a citation to appear in court.

April 15 at 1:26 a.m. — Following a traffic stop, a female, age 23, was issued a citation to appear in court for suspicion of DUI.

Community Bankers - Chittenden County BUILDERS I MAKERS I DOERS

ing a traffic stop, a male, age 21, was issued a citation to appear in court for suspicion of DUI.

April 16 at 12:57 p.m. — Assisted Williston Fire Department with an illegal burning issue on Porterwood Drive.

April 17 at 10:02 a.m. — Report of a runaway juvenile from Jean Garvin School. Officers located the juvenile and returned them to school.

Mountain View Road. Officer was unable to locate anyone.

April 19 at 1:00 p.m. — Report of a male suffering a mental health crisis. He met with Community Outreach.

April 20 at 12:47 a.m. — Report of someone crawling under cars on Dorset Lane. Officer was unable to locate.

April 20 at 5:02 p.m. — Following a traffic stop, a male, age 63, was issued a citation to appear in court for suspicion of DUI.

April 20 at 5:10 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Lenny’s. A male, age 38, was issued a citation to appear in court for retail theft.

Northfield Savings Bank, founded in 1867, is the largest banking institution headquartered in Vermont. We are committed to providing a welcoming work environment for all. Are you looking to start or continue a career in the finance industry? Consider joining our team as a Community Banker!

Job Responsibilities & Requirements

This frontline position is crucial in creating a positive, welcoming and inclusive experience for NSB customers. The successful candidate for NSB customers. The successful candidate will have exceptional customer service and communication skills.

The Community Banker will be responsible for receiving and processing customers’ financial transactions as well as opening and maintaining customer accounts and services. We are looking for someone who can develop and maintain relationships with our valued customers, protect bank and customer information, and uphold customer confidentiality. A high school diploma, general education degree (GED), or equivalent is required.

If you have customer service, previous cash handling, or banking experience we encourage you to apply!

Opportunity for Growth

NSB has training opportunities to engage employees and assist with professional development within our company. The average years of service for an NSB employee is 9! If you’re looking for a career in an environment that promotes growth, join our team!

What NSB Can Offer You

Competitive compensation based on experience. Well-rounded benefits package. Profit-Sharing opportunity. Excellent 401(k) matching retirement program. Commitment to professional development. Opportunities to volunteer and support our communities. Work-Life balance!

We understand the importance of having evenings and weekends with our friends, families, and the communities we serve!

Please send an NSB Application & your resume in confidence to: Careers@nsbvt.com or mail to:

Northfield Savings Bank Human Resources

PO Box 7180, Barre, VT 05641

There is no better time to join our team! Equal Opportunity Employer / Member FDIC

April 15 at 10:05 a.m. — Theft reported at Dick’s Sporting Goods. Case is still under investigation

April 16 at 12:49 a.m. — Following a traffic stop, a male, age 32, was issued a citation to appear in court for suspicion of DUI.

April 16 at 2:34 a.m. — Follow-

ESTATE SALE

MOUNTAIN VIEW ROAD — April 28-29, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Watch for our signs on Mountain View Road. Call 802-3094062 for more details.

FOR SALE

HARLEY 2004 ROAD KING CLASSIC — $6,500. Dusty gold and black paint. In excellent condition. LED headlights and tail light. DynoJet ECM programmer. Has user manual and shop

April 17 at 11:32 p.m. — Report of a male that was unresponsive in the bathroom at Walmart. Upon arrival, male was alert and transported to the hospital.

April 18 at 12:49 p.m. — Stolen vehicle was recovered on Hurricane Lane. Vehicle was turned over to Winooski Police Department.

April 18 at 5:18 p.m. — Suspicious male reported walking on

CLASSIFIEDS

manual. Contact pete@digitalfool.com, 802-343-7605.

LEGAL

TOWN OF WILLISTON

Notice of Adoption

Sewer Allocation Ordinance

(Attachment A) Amendment

On April 18, 2023, following a public hearing, the Williston Selectboard adopted an amendment to the Sewer Allocation Ordinance referred to as “Attachment A”

SALES EXECUTIVE

Award-winning group of community weeklies with offices in Stowe, Morrisville and South Burlington seeks a sales person. Ideal candidate should have a basic knowledge of the local towns, business and communities we serve. A proven track record in sales and an ability to offer topnotch customer service is a required. In addition to servicing established accounts, candidate must be able to generate sales from qualified leads as well as establish new ones. Our company offers health benefits, vacation time, and provides on the job training in newspapers sales. Generous base salary during training and ideal hours (few nights or weekends). If you possess these qualifications and would like to be considered, please send your resume and cover letter to: Bryan Meszkat at bryan@newsandcitizen.com.

April 20 at 6:57 p.m. — Report of a suspicious female at Walmart. A female, age 36, was cited to appear in court for violating conditions of release. She was transported to the correctional facility.

Officers from the Williston Police Department also conducted 95 traffic stops and responded to seven alarms and five vehicle crashes during this time period.

- an existing ordinance pertaining to the allocation of sewer system capacity. This attachment will designate the portion of the uncommitted reserve capacity that will be available for use during the next fiscal year which starts July 1, 2023.

The approved amendment is as follows: ALLOCATION

*Gallons per day

The amendment to this ordinance will take effect on July 1, 2023 unless a petition signed by at least five percent of the voters of Williston is filed with the Town Clerk by June 1, 2023, asking for a vote to disapprove the adoption. If a petition is received, the Selectboard will warn a special meeting and the voters may vote on that question pursuant to 24 V.S.A. § 1973. Copies of the text of the complete ordinance are available on the Town’s website at http://town.williston.vt.us. (Public Records - Legal Notices).

Any questions about this ordinance amendment should be directed to Matt Boulanger, Planning Director by mail at 7900 Williston Road, Williston, VT 05495; email mboulanger@willistonvt. org; or phone (802) 878-6704.

Dated at Williston, Vermont this 19th day of April 2023.

Construction

continued from page 1

Transportation, this season will not be as impactful as the past two at the intersection, when the new turning lanes were installed and a town water line relocated.

“New intersections take time for people to get used to,” Martin said. “There have been some people not understanding we have

two lanes on Industrial now. Once people get used to it, I think it will be a significant improvement.”

Another major facelift for the intersection will be the planned relocation of MD Motors to the south side of Route 2. Currently, the property there is a gravel lot with a dilapidated one-story building. The Williston Development Review Board approved the car dealership’s plans for the lot

last September. The dealership, which is currently located off Route 2A at the northern edge of Williston, plans an outdoor used sales lot and a 5,000-square-foot building.

Meanwhile, road widening and turn lane construction is just getting underway on Route 2A just south of Interstate 89, where

the state is building a new Vermont State Police barracks, a 142-space public park-and-ride and a new bus stop. Construction will require one-way alternating traffic along Route 2A and drivers are advised to expect delays. The park-andride is expected to be complete this August.

Top, the new Vermont State Police barracks is taking shape off Route 2A in Williston. Above, a stormwater filter is being installed at the Muddy Brook bridge on Route 2 at the Williston-South Burlington line. Right, drivers can expect lane shifts and traffic delays on Route 2A south of Interstate 89 as the state builds a park-and-ride and entrance to the new state police facility.

OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY

“New intersections take time for people to get used to … Once people get used to it, I think it will be a significant improvement.”

Bruce Martin VTrans project manager