Williston Observer 06/29/2023 corrected

Food shelf seeks summer donations

Count the Williston Community Food Shelf among local institutions feeling the effects of Williston’s population growth.

According to food shelf board member Betsy Johnson, the number of people seeking sustenance at the food shelf on Cornerstone Drive has roughly doubled in the past two years. That has left the organization in need of food donations as it enters the summer months, when children lose access to school breakfasts and lunches.

The food shelf is open at 400 Cornerstone Drive for shoppers on Tuesdays from 5-6:30 p.m. and Thursdays and Saturdays from 9-11 a.m.

The theme of this year’s July Fourth Parade — growing community — hit home with the food shelf board of directors, and they hoped to create a way for people to donate food items as they walked with their float down the parade route. In the end, however, they were not able to find the people-power to pull it off.

The food shelf will have a presence in the parade, with a float, walkers and candy give-

aways to parade-watchers.

Meanwhile, the food shelf will continue to accept donations during its regular hours. It’s currently looking for: fruit snacks, microwave popcorn, granola bars, cereals, juice boxes, peanut butter, jelly, raviolis, cake mix and noodles.

Demand at the food shelf did soften slightly during the last three summers as the Williston Schools were able to offer free meal pickup through Covid relief waivers. Those waivers are no longer available, and the food shelf expects more demand this summer as a result.

“It was great when the schools were able to provide that and we did see a small drop in our numbers,” Johnson said. “With that not happening, we expect our numbers to go up.”

Williston’s population stands at just over 10,000, roughly 16 percent more than it was a decade ago, according to the 2020 U.S. Census. By 2030, the population is projected to be about 11,700, according to a 2022 school district demographic study.

Jason Starr

Williston’s waddlers

New signs teach forest geology, bird habitat and wetlands

BY JASON STARR Observer staff

Every walk around the town’s Catamount Community Forest is a learning opportunity thanks to new interpretive signs installed by the Catamount Community Forest Committee that teach passers-by about the forest’s geology, wetlands and wildlife.

Committee members wrote and designed the signs for printing on a weather-resistant aluminum composite. Four new signs were finished this week and are set for installation this summer. They will add to an existing series of about 10 signs that were installed last summer.

“They will be sited along the trails as people are walking, biking or skiing by,” committee member Reed Parker said. “Education is a big part of the committee’s

work — getting people to understand more about the forest — and this is a part of that.”

Many of last year’s installations discuss the reasons for the logging operation that Chittenden County Forester Ethan Tapper is overseeing this summer at the forest. Two of the new signs to be installed this year cover bird habitat, biology and nesting sites. Information from the Green Mountain Audubon Society and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology were used to create the signs; the information is specific to the bird ecosystem at Catamount.

Information from UVM and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy informed the two new signs that cover Catamount’s geology and wetlands.

“We expanded into different topics this year,” Parker said. “We want to increase awareness about what’s going on at Catamount for people who are visiting.”

Committee members are planning a walk around the forest to decide on the permanent locations for the four new signs.

An educational sign discussing bird nesting is one of four new signs being installed this summer to educate visitors at the Catamount Community Forest in Williston.

A vigilant goose guards her grazing goslings who are growing up fast beside a Williston pond. OBSERVER PHOTO BY SUSAN COTE

Memories of a mid-century village grocery

BY SALLY STOCKWELL METRO

Special to the Observer

I’m not one to proclaim that “life was so much simpler then …” I’m sure people had the challenges of their times to deal with, just as

we do today. And time does soften the edges of our memories. But it seems like growing up in a small village in Vermont in the 1950’s was a lot simpler than it might be now. My parents owned a small grocery store in West

Brattleboro Village. Kids walked the streets, played sports in back lots, and in the summer stayed outside till it got dark.

I worked in our store from an early age and watched my parents run the store and greet customers. It was the original store that my grandfather had started. It was a humble building with wooden floors and poorly lit aisles. But everyone knew where their favorite cereals and the canned beans were located.

My mother also ran a so-called “snack bar” on one side of the room. There she served coffee and donuts to the construction workers who came in on their way to work and sandwiches at lunch to people

on their breaks. Around Thanksgiving time, she roasted turkeys and served Thanksgiving-type dinners at lunch.

I was assigned to stock shelves, mark canned goods and run the cash register. We were not immune to power outages.

Over the cash register was an antique oil lamp. It hung from the ceiling on a cast iron chain. The body of the lamp was cast iron, but the globe above the oil bowl was white glass with small flowers in the design. It raised and lowered on the chain.

When the power went out, we used the lamp to see and rang up orders with a crank on the register. That lamp was one of the

Around Town

Rotary to host Patrick Gallivan of Camp Ta-Kum-Ta

On Thursday, July 6, the Williston-Richmond Rotary Club will host guest speaker Patrick Gallivan, who will share the story of Vermont’s Camp Ta-KumTa. Founded in 1984, the summer camp for children who have or have had cancer now offers year-

David Alan Miller Heinrich Medicus Music Director

round programing for kids and their families. Gallivan, camp director, has volunteered with the camp for over 25 years.

To attend in person or via Zoom, RSVP by email to RotaryClubofWillistonVT@gmail.com.

Meal pickup available for seniors

All seniors in the area — anyone over 60 years of age — are

treasures my mother got out of a couple boxes she bought at an auction for a few dollars. She was an enthusiastic auction fan.

On delivery days, when large trucks would back up to the loading dock, I enjoyed watching my mother go item by item over the invoice. The truck drivers knew better than to forget an item; Stella never missed a detail!

Little did I realize how difficult a task it was for the store owner to determine how many supplies you’d need each week to have enough for customer demand. When I became the person in charge of supplies for the Williston Community Food Shelf, that skill became obvious to me.

welcome to partake in a meal for pickup on July 11 sponsored by Age Well and the St. Catherine’s of Siena Parish in Shelburne.

Meals will be available for pickup from 11 a.m. to noon in the church parking lot at 72 Church St. in Shelburne. On the menu is cheese tortellini with Alfredo sauce, peas and carrots, spinach, wheat bread, watermelon and milk.

Order ahead by July 5 by emailing agewellstcath@gmail. com or calling (802) 503-1107. Provide name, address, phone number and date of birth with your order. A donation of $5 is suggested.

FREEDOM ROAD FESTIVAL

Join members of the Grammy Award-winning Albany Symphony

Auburn - Th. 6/29 - 3 pm

Home of of Abolitionist Harriet Tubman

Kingston - Fr. 6/30 - 5 pm

Sojourner Truth State Park

Learn more about this FREE Concert Series now at

Symphony Performances

Schenectady - Su. 7/2 - 5 pm

Mohawk Harbor

Amsterdam - Mo. 7/3 - 5 pm

River Park

All funds raised by this event go directly to Angel Flight Northeast, to support Vermont patients in need of transportation for medical care.

A trip down memory lane with members of the Williston Historical Society

Beckett graduates from leadership institute

Williston resident and planning commission volunteer Ellie Beckett was part of the 28th graduating class of The Snelling Center for Government’s Vermont Leadership Institute.

The 24 members of the Class of 2023 were celebrated with a June 3 ceremony in Vergennes.

In addition to her role on the planning commission, Beckett, daughter of longtime Williston Town Clerk Deb Beckett, works for the Vermont Department of Economic Development. Gus Seeling of the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board delivered a graduation speech.

The Vermont Leadership Institute is a professional development program of the Snelling Center for Government — a “non-partisan, non-profit organization committed to fostering responsible and ethical civic leadership, encouraging public service by private citizens, and promoting informed citizen participation in shaping public policy in Vermont,” according to its website at www.snellingcenter.org.

The Vermont Leadership Institute incorporates a series of eight overnight workshops on themes including leadership, public policy, innovation and diversity.

This year’s graduates join hundreds of other Vermont Leadership Institute graduates who are working in public policy, business, education and community development throughout the state.

Ellie Beckett

Vermont to receive $229 million for broadband

State goal: Connect every resident to highspeed internet

BY SARAH MEARHOFF VTDigger

Vermont is set to receive near ly $229 million in federal fund ing to expand broadband access — a sum that will get state offi cials significantly closer to their goal of connecting every resident to high-speed internet.

Vermont’s latest allotment comes through a Biden Admin istration initiative dispersing $42.45 billion across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and five territories to expand broadband.

The much awaited and highly anticipated Pêche Medical, owned and operated by Kellie Malaney, PA and Sarah Dietschi, NP is now seeing patients.

Known for their ability to listen carefully and execute a natural-looking, “un-done” appearance, Kellie & Sarah are two of the most experienced, respected and appreciated clinicians in the Medical Aesthetic field in Vermont. Come see them for a consult or treatment and see the difference that experience, artistry and integrity makes!

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Plan Act, Hallquist said the state is approaching its goal. Hallquist said bonding can fill the gap of about $176 million.

Hallquist said fiber optic is the most reliable and best suited type of broadband infrastructure for Vermont’s rural landscape.

“If it’s not fiber, it’s not broadband. If you look at fiber optic internet, it by far exceeds the capacity of cable, it’s much more reliable than wireless and it’s certainly a heck of a lot better than what people are using today,” Hallquist said. “We believe that, in investing taxpayer money, we should invest in the best technology possible. We don’t want to be replacing the network in 10

Christine Hallquist speaks at the Vermont Statehouse in 2019.

FILE PHOTO BY COLIN MEYN/VTDIGGER

Judge allows school’s lawsuit vs. Monsanto to proceed

Burlington claims company caused contamination, forcing BHS demolition

BY PATRICK CROWLEY VTDigger

A federal judge denied a motion to dismiss the Burlington School District’s lawsuit against Monsanto on Monday, allowing the suit to proceed.

U.S. District Court Judge William Sessions denied the motion in a lawsuit related to PCB contamination at Burlington High School. The school district alleged in a complaint filed in December that the agrochemical giant knew of the potential harm of PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls, a class of chemical commonly used in building materials until the 1970s that has been linked to damaging health effects.

Attorneys for Monsanto filed a motion in February to dismiss the school district’s lawsuit, arguing that the statute of limitations had passed because the school district should have known of the contamination much earlier than 2019, when testing first revealed elevated PCB levels in the high school building. In his ruling on Monday, Sessions said the lawsuit’s timeliness can’t be decided in response

to a motion to dismiss.

Monsanto also sought to dismiss a nuisance claim, in which the district alleged that Monsanto marketed and sold PCB-containing products knowing that they were harmful. Monsanto said it couldn’t be held liable for that claim because “it did not control the PCB-containing products when they allegedly caused harm,” Sessions wrote, summarizing Monsanto’s argument. Sessions rejected that argument on legal grounds.

In their motion, attorneys for Monsanto also said a “compelling public policy” reason was needed to make a nuisance argument. In denying Monsanto’s motion, Sessions pointed to a reason, writing that “the Court need look no further than the allegation of knowing and widespread private and public harm resulting from the manufacture and use of PCBs.”

Monsanto also argued that because the school district was responsible for bringing PCBs onto the property, there could be no claim of trespass, one of the claims that the district used in its original complaint.

Sessions set aside that question, for now.

“The Complaint alleges that Monsanto knew its PCBs were substantially certain to enter School property. At this early

stage in the case, that allegation is sufficient for a plausible claim of common law trespass,” Sessions wrote.

In reaction to Sessions’ order, a spokesperson for Monsanto parent company Bayer, Nicole Hayes, said in an emailed statement that the company disagreed with the decision and was confident that the “full evidentiary record will demonstrate Monsanto should not be held liable.”

The Bayer statement also sought to deflect blame to the state.

“The bottom line is that the state has underfunded its public schools and significantly deferred recommended best maintenance practices,” Hayes wrote. “Burlington High School illustrates some of the potential consequences of this mismanagement with the discovery of hazardous materials like lead and asbestos.”

Matt Pawa, an attorney for Massachusetts firm Seeger Weiss who is representing the school district, said in an email that the district “is very pleased with the court ruling today and looks forward to moving the case forward and holding Monsanto accountable for knowingly selling a toxic product for use in school buildings.”

Demolition of the former Burlington High School campus on Friday, June 12.

PHOTO BY GLENN RUSSELL/VTDIGGER

healthy lake.

Wake boats are large vessels powered by 500 horsepower (or so) engines. They take on water ballast to submerge the stern.

GUEST COLUMN

These features allow the craft to produce wakes 4 feet or greater for the benefit of rope-less wake surfing. Good fun for the few who can afford the $100,000-plus price tag of the specialized boat. But bad for just about every other user of Vermont’s public waterways, especially those out to enjoy a day’s fishing.

and ponds. The shallows are the nursery for juvenile fish. They are the home of mayflies, dragonflies and other bugs critical to the food chain. Wake boats, left unregulat-

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802-373-2136

EDITOR

SUMMER THEATER

rus, enhance algae blooms. These problems have already degraded many Vermont waterways. Large wakes also cause shoreline erosion, contrary to the goal of the 2014 Shoreline Protection Act passed by our Legislature to protect shores and water quality.

• 802.654.2281

Anglers are especially encouraged to scrutinize this new product from the power sports industry, which, in my opinion, is the single driver of getting these rigs on our waters. These boats are detrimental to angling interests on two fronts: environmental and enjoyment of our time spent fishing.

Wake boat’s propulsion creates a strong, downward thrust. In shallower waters, this disturbs lake-bottom sediments. These shallower regions are the nursery of all that lives in our lakes

Who wants to go fishing

when you are rocked by waves larger than any ever experienced in a pond or lake’s history?

ed, will upset this fragile and critical habitat.

GREATER 281 Terrace Drive, Williston, Sold for $930,000

The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation is spending millions of dollars today attempting to reduce water-borne phosphorus levels, which are rising in many of Vermont’s more pristine lakes. It employs an army of scientists — at taxpayer expense — to curtail pollution in public waterways. Does it make sense to permit wake boats contrary to public interest?

Lake bottoms are also host to nutrient-rich materials deposited over hundreds, even thousands, of years. When disturbed, these nutrients, which include phospho -

From an angler’s viewpoint, wake boats are a two-edged threat. One is the harm to fishery and aquatic habitat. The second is

see SHEA page 8

Williston’s Community Newspaper Since 1985

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Deadline is Monday noon for Thursday issue. News/ story tips are welcomed. Letters to the Editor must be 300 words or fewer and should include your name, address and a daytime phone number so that we can verify the letter’s author.

The Williston Observer reserves the right to edit or refuse submissions or advertising. Opinions expressed in the paper are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the paper.

BURLINGTON’S PROFESSIONAL This Meadowridge Home SOLD for $80,000 Over the Asking Price and Spent Just 5 Days on Market! Thinking of selling? Call, text, or book online for a free price analysis with local agent, Elise Polli!

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Anglers at odds with outsized boat wakes

Veto override impact

Gov. Phil Scott’s common sense vetoes attempting to control state spending and keep Vermont affordable have been overridden by all six of Williston’s elected state lawmakers. His drive for financial responsibility with Vermonters’ tax dollars has been rejected by our legislators.

We now have the largest state budget in Vermont’s history at $8.5 billion. That’s over $13,000 in spending for every resident of Vermont. For comparison, New Hampshire’s budget is less than $6,000 per resident.

Gov. Scott’s veto on the new payroll tax funding increasing childcare benefits for households making up to $172,000 a year was overridden and is now law. This payroll tax is to be paid by all employers and employees, and ultimately, the business portion of the tax ends up with the consumer.

Our governor knows Vermonters are financially overburdened enough and cannot afford more taxes, fees and state spending on top of continued high consumer inflation. Our “representatives” — Sens. Thomas Chittenden, Ginny Lyons, Kesha Ram Hinsdale and Reps. Angela Arsenault, Erin Brady and Noah Hyman — thought otherwise.

Bruce Roy Williston

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

A dangerous lack of bike lanes

First off, a thank you to the State of Vermont for re-striping bike path lines on Route 2 and Route 117 this spring. These were very significant improvements. On a second note, I have concerns about the Town of Williston’s bike path striping.

Last October, I sent my concerns to the Williston Public Works Department, and Public Works Director Bruce Hoar responded, saying the town strives to refresh lines every other year

but has had trouble finding qualified contractors.

While Mr. Hoar did a good job explaining the issues with getting the job done, he did not give any projections on when we might see improvements.

In much of Williston, it has been years since bike path striping has been done. It’s not accurate to say it is getting done bi-annually.

On the roads I ride on a regular basis — North Williston, Marshall, Kimball, Shunpike and Brownell (just to name a few) — bike path striping is

Letter Policy

simply non-existent.

Safe bike riding must be a Williston Public Works priority. The town needs to understand the severity of the situation. There are too many drivers out there with bad judgement, cell/ text distractions or alcohol impairment.

A vehicle-bicycle collision is much more likely to result in a fatality than a vehicle-vehicle collision. We must get our municipal government priorities in order before it’s too late.

Craig Bloxham Williston

SALE

ALL ANNUAL 6 PACKS UP TO 45% OFF 4” POTS OF ANNUALS ONLY $5 (REG. $6.25)

20% OFF bagged mulch

$5 OFF Hanging Baskets

50% OFF ALL vegetables

Quality Plants

Vermont grown right here!

Perennials

Patio Planters

Fruit Trees

Blueberries

Compost

Topsoil Mulch

FREE FIRST FRIDAY EVE

Letters should run no longer than 300 words. We edit only for length, clarity, style, spelling and grammar.

Please include your name, town or city where you live and a daytime phone number (which we won’t print) so we can verify you wrote the letter.

The deadline is Monday at noon for letters to be printed in Thursday’s paper.

5–7:30 p.m. | Bands start at 6 p.m.

Celebrate summer at Shelburne Museum and join us for Free First Friday Eve events this season. Enjoy an evening of live music, lawn games, food trucks, and special exhibitions–the entire Museum campus will be open and FREE to all!

Free First Friday Eves is generously sponsored by

JOB POSTING

The Recreation Department is in need of day camp counselors.

Apply soon to not miss out on this great opportunity. Job postings and application materials can be found at www.willistonrec.org.

THE R.E.C. ZONE

GET FIT W/JAZZY

Age 18-plus. Wednesdays, 6-6:45 p.m., $10 per class. Instructor: Jazmin Averbuck

RETRO DANCE CARDIO & CORE

Age 50-plus. Mondays, 4:305:30 p.m., $5 per class. Instructor: Jazmin Averbuck

JAZZERCISE CARDIO SCULPT

Age 50-plus. Mondays and/or

Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Instructor: Kit Sayers

SENIOR FITNESS

Age 50-plus. Tuesdays, 10:3011:30 a.m. Instructor: Toni Kunker

TAI CHI- BEGINNER SUN STYLE

Age 50-plus. Thursdays, 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Instructor: Chris Curtis

HEALTHY LIVING FOR YOUR BRAIN & BODY

Age 50-plus. Last Monday of each month, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Instructor: The Alzheimer’s Association-VT Chapter

VOCAL PERCUSSION AND IMPROVISATION WORKSHOP

Age 13-plus. Saturday, Aug. 12, 1-3 p.m. Instructors: Root 7

DAY CAMPS

You can still register for day camps

R.E.C. Camp, for kids entering grades 1-6. Mondays-Fridays, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. or half days 7:30 a.m.-12 p.m. or 12-5:30 p.m.

L.I.T. Camp, for kids entering grades 7-8. Mondays-Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Lawsuit

continued from page 5

In December, attorneys for the school district and district officials made clear in court filings and interviews that they wanted Monsanto to pay the cost of demolishing the former high school and to assist in building a new one at the site.

The school district alleged that the levels of PCBs in the school made the Institute Road campus unusable. In 2020, the building was closed. When in-person learning resumed in 2021, students were moved to a temporary location at the former Macy’s department store in downtown Burlington.

In November, Burlington vot-

O.U.R. Camps, for kids entering grades 6-8. Mondays-Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

ENRICHMENT CAMPS

There are still spots available in the following Enrichment Camps this summer:

• Strike Zone Baseball Camp

• Art with Letters Camp

• Abstract Art Camp

• Creative Engineering Camp

• Voltage Soccer Camp

• Drawing in Nature Camp

• Lego BricQ Camp

• Wicked Cool STEAM Camp

• Chess Wizards Camp

• Safe Sitters Camp

• Horse Camp

• Ninja Science Camp.

ers approved borrowing up to $165 million to help pay for the nearly $200 million construction project. The demolition — and environmental remediation — of the old high school began in February and is still underway. District officials hope a successful lawsuit against Monsanto could help to pay down the construction debt.

Burlington is not alone in seeking damages related to PCB contamination. A Burlington attorney said last week that he has been retained by multiple Vermont school districts who are seeking legal action against Monsanto.

Earlier last week, Attorney General Charity Clark filed suit against Monsanto for damaging the state’s natural resources and schools.

Shea

continued from page 6

a collision of recreation interests: wake boats and their 4-foot waves vs. the angler who customarily is a tranquil presence enjoying his or her sport. Large wakes pose a safety threat to small craft (kayaks, canoes, small trolling skiffs).

Who wants to go fishing when you are rocked by waves larger than any ever experienced in a pond or lake’s history? Predictably, when wake boats commence operation, most other waterbody users — anglers included — will retreat.

Must the Vermont public embrace every new product produced by the power sports industry? It’s doubtful that there are a half-dozen people in the state that are even interested in getting one of these rigs, and it’s likely all of them can afford a real surfing safari, rather than muck up our waters. How can all of the environmental pitfalls that these serve up possibly be trumped by what is not even a mild public clamor for them? Besides “the industry,” who wants them?

The Department of Environmental Conservation has been petitioned by a citizens’ group http://responsiblewakes. org/ to restrict wake boat operation 1,000 feet from shore in waters 20 feet or deeper. Some 16 Vermont lakes would qualify. The department has proposed a more moderate rule — 500 feet from shore, 20 feet deep or more. This version includes 40-plus lakes and ponds in Vermont. Of course, neither version recognizes the reality that whatever limit is set, it is likely to be violated repeatedly and routinely.

Many critics, and that includes me, would welcome an outright ban on wake boats. I cannot grasp how we’ve come to have to decide between “bad” and “really bad.”

That said, anglers are encouraged to get educated about this new class of vessels and to participate in the state rule making, which is now underway. Visit https://dec.vermont. gov/watershed/lakes-ponds/ rulemaking to get involved.

Peter Shea is a Vermont angler, geographer and outdoor author. He lives in Burlington.

Independence Day Celebrations

Kaynor reluctantly steps into spotlight

BY TAYLOR ANTONIOLI Special to the Observer

Chapin Kaynor had one stipulation when he was asked last month to be the Grand Marshal of this year’s Williston July Fourth Parade. He would take on the ceremonial parade leader role only if he could march with the Williston Town Band, as he has done as one of the band’s members for the past 20 years.

Kaynor will march with the band this July Fourth, but he won’t exactly blend in. As Grand Marshal, there will be a creative way to make him more visible to the crowd.

Kaynor, a member of the planning commission and volunteer extraordinaire, was surprised to be asked to be Grand Marshal. But he’s not nervous and ready to go with the flow. He sees his role as a representative of all of the members of the community who volunteer their time on local boards, committees and organizations.

“I don’t want that kind of attention, but I realized that I could celebrate the volunteers in town,” he said. “So much volunteering happens in town. I hope we can recognize all of them.”

Kaynor has been active in the Williston community since long before his retirement in 2014. While his new primary role is being a care partner for his wife who struggles with dementia, he continues to give back to his community in a multitude of ways, including volunteering with the Alzheimer’s Association.

One of his other passions is environ-

mentalism. His grandfather was a Maine guide and took groups out on overnight trips through the forests. 4-H was a large part of his life growing up and he loves working with horses.

Now, he is a part of the Four Winds school program and has been for about 10 years. He spends about an hour each month teaching students about nature, often volunteering in the kindergarten classes at Allen Brook School.

Kaynor has also been a member of Sustainable Williston and is involved with its Tree Island project — a planting of trees around Allen Brook School. He’s also helped lead “April Stools Day,” when volunteers pick up dog poop on the bike path to make sure it doesn’t wash into the Allen Brook.

Kaynor has taken a Vermont master naturalist course and got a pesticide license from the state to treat buckthorn.

With the honor of being Grand Marshal, he hopes to promote his fellow volunteers and to encourage more connection to our environment, our land and our animals, including our pets.

Chapin Kaynor will be the Grand Marshal of this year’s July Fourth parade, but insists on marching not from the ceremonial front but with his bandmates in the Williston Town Band. OBSERVER FILE PHOTO BY AL FREY

“So much volunteering happens in town. I hope we can recognize all of them.”

Chapin Kaynor

SATURDAY

JULY 1

Deb Beckett Memorial 5K Race/Walk

8:15 a.m.

Williston Community Park

Kids Half-mile Run/Walk

8 a.m.

For ages 4-14. Races sponsored by the Williston-Richmond Rotary

JULY 3

Friends of Dorothy Alling Memorial Library Book Sale

4 p.m.-6 p.m.

Williston Central School

For more information, contact the library at 878-4918

Ice Cream Social

6:30 p.m.

Village Green

Ice Cream Social sponsored by Williston Federated Church

Town Band Concert

6:30 p.m.

Village Green

Schedule of events

★★ TUESDAY

JULY 4

Friends of Dorothy Alling Memorial Library Book Sale

9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Williston Central School

Independence Day Parade

10 a.m.

Parade Route: Rt 2/ Williston Road

West from Johnson’s Farm to Old Stage Rd

Activities on “The Green”

11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Village Green

FOOD: BSA Troop 692 selling hot dogs, chips, soda, water

BOOTHS:

★ Rotary Club of WillistonRichmond 50/50 raffle

★ Williston Community Justice Center

★ Williston Energy Committee

★ Williston Planning & Zoning

ACTIVITIES:

Big Blue Trunk

Sponsored by Crosspoint Church

Stovepipe Corners Schoolhouse

Open House

Village Green

9-10 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Hosted by the Williston Historical Society

Fire Dept.

Open House

Fire House, 645 Talcott Rd.

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Hosted by the Williston Fire Department

Evening Celebration

6 p.m.-9 p.m.

Village Community Park

FOOD TRUCKS:

★ Grazers

★ III B’s Ice Cream

★ Yum

★ Frank’s Dogs

★ Adams Farm Market

Sponsored by Adams Farm Market

ACTIVITIES:

Top Hat Entertainment with inflatables, photo booth, and

Independence Day Celebrations

Rotary offers raffle and prizes

At its booth on parade day, July Fourth, the Williston-Richmond Rotary Club will be holding a 50/50 raffle to benefit the group’s youth scholarship program.

Each year the Rotary Club offers up to three scholarships to graduating seniors who have plans to further their education beyond high school. The scholarships can be applied toward vocational training programs and college tuition and are open to residents of Williston, Richmond and St. George. Previous recipients have written essays sharing ideas on how the Rotary Club can serve the community.

The club’s booth will also feature a Rotary prize wheel where those who stop by can spin to win giveaways reflecting this year’s parade theme of “Growing Community.”

Dinners and desserts in the food truck lineup

Stationed in the bus line-up area in front of Williston Central School on July Fourth will be a diverse selection of food trucks offering meals and desserts ahead of the evening fireworks dis play.

Adams Farm Market, as it did last year, is sponsoring the food truck aspect of the evening celebration, donating 10 percent of all profits to the Williston Community Food Shelf. The trucks will be serving food from 6-9 p.m.

Grazers’ food truck is returning from last year, offering burgers, lobster rolls, hand-cut fries, cheesesteaks, milkshakes and more.

Joining Grazers will be a selection of newer trucks. III B’s Ice Cream, a new family-owned business, will have the typical fare of an ice cream truck, with ice cream sandwiches and other packaged frozen desserts. Frank’s Dogs has a wide selection of toppings for their dogs, such as pulled pork and chili, though there are “Plain Janes” for those wanting just to add some ketchup and mustard; YUM provides comfort foods, including mac and cheese, served plain or topped with buffalo chicken, and snow cones.

Taylor Antonioli

Editor’s Note: Taylor Antonioli is the daughter of Adams Farm Market owner Kim Antonioli.

CLOCKWISE (top to bottom) The Grazer’s food truck. Frank’s Hot Dogs’ menu. The Yum food truck.

PHOTOS BY KIM ANTONIOLI AND TAYLOR ANTONIOLI

Independence Day Celebrations

Saturday Beckett 5k will kickoff the weekend

The Deb Beckett Memorial 5 K Run/Walk will kickoff the town’s Independence Day celebration on the morning of July 1 at Village Community Park. The pre-registration deadline has passed but registration will be available on race day starting at 7 a.m. All running and walking levels are welcome.

Walkers start at 8:15 a.m. and runners at 8:45 a.m.

On-site registration is $30 per person for those over 17 and $20 for 16 and under. Proceeds from the run support Rotary Club community projects.

The course goes along paved paths and sidewalks through the park, onto North Williston Road, Mountain View Road and Old Stage Road before turning back into the park.

This year there will also be a free half-mile Kids Run for children ages 4 to 14. Children should arrive for registration by 7:30 a.m. for an 8 a.m. start time. An adult may accompany a child, but this is not mandatory.

The Deb Beckett Memorial 5K Run/Walk is named after the late Deb Beckett, longtime Williston Town Clerk, and sponsored by the Williston-Richmond Rotary Club.

Classic rock vibes set for pre-fireworks celebration

Fourth of July

Williston has had a fireworks show and evening celebration for many years during its Independence Day celebration. The festivities have been held in the Village Community Park, moved to Allen Brook School, and returned to the park just outside of Williston Central School.

While in past years there have been DJs that have provided musical entertainment, this year the evening celebration will have a live soundtrack played by the Northern Comfort Band. JL Davis Realty is sponsor-

ing the concert.

“It’s the first time we’ve had live entertainment at the evening celebration,” Recreation and Parks Director Todd Goodwin said.

The Northern Comfort Band plays a mix of “classic rock and Southern rock,” its website says, covering artists and bands such as Darius Rucker, Florida Georgia Line, and Old Dominion. The concert will run from 6-9 p.m.

Taylor Antonioli

The Northern Comfort Band plays classic rock and Southern rock. It will play in Village Community Park on July Fourth from 6-9 p.m.

Free shuttle service to the fireworks

Last shuttle is at 10:30 p.m.

There will be 2 shuttles run by SSTA on July 4 starting at 6:30 p.m.

Last shuttle time to get to the fireworks at Village Community Park will be at 9 p.m. Fireworks start at 9:20 p.m. Shuttle will also run after the fireworks.

SHUTTLE STOPS:

• Allen Brook School parking lot: There will be a sign at the end of the sidewalk west of the school heading towards the walking path.

• Corner of Stillwater Lane and

Holland Lane in Finney Crossing: There will be a sign on the corner.

• Corner of Market Street and Holland Lane: diagonally across from Healthy Living parking lot. There will be a sign on the right side corner before the intersection.

• Shaw’s parking lot: left-side parking lot/east side of Shaw’s (not main parking lot.)

• Williston Central School: There will be sign at the end of bus loop at the beginning of path.

Look for this SSTA shuttle at the various stops around town.

June 16 at 7:07 a.m. — Death investigation at Casella. Nothing suspicious reported.

June 16 at 1:45 p.m. — Home Depot reported a retail theft. Officers conducted a traffic stop with the suspect vehicle, vehicle took off. Case is still under investigation.

June 16 at 2:29 p.m. — Retail theft at Walmart. A Female, age 39, was issued a citation to appear in court.

June 17 at 10:43 a.m. — Retail theft reported at Walmart. A male, age 44, was issued a citation to appear in court.

June 17 at 2:04 p.m. — Suspicious male walking around Taft Corners. Male was given a courtesy ride to Burlington.

June 17 at 3:23 p.m. — Report of a car off the roadway. A male, age 42, was issued a citation to appear

Boys of summer

The Armadillos, Williston’s team in the Vermont Senior Baseball League, beat the Waterbury Warthogs on June 18 at Williston Central School.

in court for suspicion of DUI.

June 17 at 7:12 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Walmart. Officers caught up with the male after a brief foot pursuit. A male, age 52, was issued a citation to appear in court.

June 18 at 6:18 p.m. — Suspicious male looking in car windows at Walmart. Male was located and moved along.

June 18 at 11:03 p.m. — Suspicious vehicle located in Sucker Brook Park. Officer located vehicle and told driver to move along.

June 19 at 7:40 a.m. — Vehicle reported stolen on Hurricane Lane.

June 19 at 11:06 a.m. — Retail theft reported at Lenny’s. Case is still under investigation.

June 20 at 1:21 p.m. — Retail theft

reported at Best Buy. A male, age 33, was issued a citation to appear in court.

June 21 at 1:21 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Best Buy. A male, age 52, was issued a citation to appear in court.

June 21 at 2:30 p.m. — Female reporting that her cell phone was stolen at Home Depot. Phone was

recovered and given back to the owner.

June 22 at 2:39 p.m. — Report of a male who was unresponsive on Bishop Ave. Male was fine and refused services. It was discovered that the male, 33, had an outstanding arrest warrant. He was issued a citation to appear in court.

June 22 at 4:51 p.m. — Walmart

requested having a male in the store trespassed. Male was trespassed and moved along.

Officers of the Williston Police Department also responded to 12 alarm activations, eight motor vehicle crashes and conducted 17 traffic stops during this time frame.

Adam Bufano, right, waits for his pitch.

OBSERVER PHOTO BY AL FREY

Our Majestic National Bird

Our country has a special bird as its national symbol. The bald eagle is so powerful and so strong, and soars so high in the sky, that it is a symbol of freedom to many.

Types of eagles can be found on every continent except Antarctica. The bald eagle is one of two species found in North America. (The other is the golden eagle.) The bald eagle is found only in North America.

An emblem of freedom

The bald eagle was selected in 1782 to be placed on the design of the Great Seal approved by Congress in 1782. The Great Seal is the official stamp, or mark, of the United States.

You can find the great seal and eagles on several of our coins and bills, including the quarter.

Great hunters

Bald eagles are raptors. Raptors are birds

Mini Fact: Eagles are diurnal (dieURN-ul). They hunt during the day and sleep during the night.

These birds are important to the balance of nature. They control the population of rodents and other prey species. Since raptors eat dead animals, they help clean up the environment.

Eagle facts

An eagle’s eyesight is possibly as much as eight times sharper than that of a human with perfect vision. From about 1,000 feet high, an eagle might spot prey over a threemile area.

Bald eagles have as many as 7,000 feathers. They molt, or gradually lose and grow new feathers, once a year. When they lose one feather on one wing, they lose a matching one on the other. In this way, they don’t lose their balance.

Their feathers are used for:

• Insulation in all kinds of weather.

Next Week: Constellations

A recovering species

Eagles were once on the endangered species list, but conservation efforts helped them recover. They are threatened by:

• Being hit by cars, trains and planes.

• Running into power lines.

• Poisoning and pesticides.

• Being shot.

• Drowning.

• Eating a dead animal that was shot with lead bullets.

Alaska has the highest number of breeding bald eagles in the United States, with about 50,000 birds.

A sacred bird

Some Native American peoples regard the bald eagle as sacred. For example, Navajo people believe an eagle feather is healing and protective; Lakota people might present an eagle feather as a symbol of honor. Some believe that the eagle is a messenger between gods and humans.

Wildlife experts say they have documented a “remarkable” trans-Atlantic voyage by a female osprey that

Founded by Betty Debnam Issue 26, 2023 RAPTOR, RECOVER, SACRED, SEAL, SPECIES, STAMP, STRONG,

photo © Wikipedant

photo by Steven Vacher

photo by marnejill

Some bald eagles migrate. Others who have a good food source year-round do not.

• Have hooked beaks. Other raptors include owls, ospreys, hawks, vultures and falcons.

Try ’n’ Find

it a crime to take possession of an eagle or any part of an eagle, including its feathers, nest or eggs. This law was passed in 1940.

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

BALANCE, BALD, BEAK, COUNTRY, EAGLE, EYESIGHT, FEATHERS, MOLT, NATIONAL, POWERFUL, PREY, RAPTOR, RECOVER, SACRED, SEAL, SPECIES, STAMP, STRONG, SYMBOL.

Mini Spy Classics

Mini Spy and her friends are singing the national anthem. See if you can find the hidden pictures. Then color the picture.

Mini Jokes

Ellen: What bird needs to wear a wig? Evan: A bald eagle!

Eco Note

Wildlife experts say they have documented a “remarkable” trans-Atlantic voyage by a female osprey that was born in Scotland and then “flew” 4,124 miles to Barbados. “It is highly unlikely that even an osprey could have completed this in a single flight, even with strong tailwinds,” said Tim Mackrill of the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation. “So it is probable that she took the opportunity to rest on boats, which may themselves have been traveling to the Caribbean from the U.K.,” he added.

For later: Look in your newspaper for other symbols of the United States.

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

DAN THOMPSON

The Mini Page® ©

2023 Andrews McMeel Syndication

By Jim Miller

How to locate volunteer opportunities

Dear Savvy Senior, Can you recommend some good organizations or websites for locating interesting volunteer opportunities? I’ve been doing some volunteer work since I retired last year, but most of the jobs I’ve tried haven’t been very fun or satisfying.

Retired Volunteer

Dear Retired,

For many retirees, finding a volunteer opportunity that meets your interests, utilizes your talents and fits your availability can be challenging. To help you find some interesting and satisfying volunteer opportunities, here are some tips and online tools that can help you search.

GETTING STARTED

Volunteering is a great way for retirees to make a positive contribution to their community and stay actively engaged — it’s good for your health too. But how can you find the right opportunity for you?

Start by asking yourself some basic questions like: What types of organizations or activities are you interested in? What kind of skills can you offer a volunteer organization? How much time are you willing to give? What do you want to gain from your experience (for example, meet new people, learn new skills, help those in need, exposure to a particular issue)?

Once you get a general idea of what you’d like to do, there are dozens of volunteer websites that can help you search for different opportunities in your area and virtually.

Most sites work like search engines that let you choose an area of interest and type in your ZIP code or city and state. The sites will then give you a list of oppor-

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

Price Chopper

Quality Bake Shop

River Road Beverage

Richmond

Cumberland Farms

Richmond Free Library

Richmond Market

Richmond Mobil Mart

tunities that you can check into. Depending on your interest and expertise, here are some top websites to help you get started.

General volunteer sites: To find a wide variety of volunteer opportunities in your community that serve causes like children, animals, seniors, education, health, the arts and more, check out sites like www. VolunteerMatch.org, www.Engage. PointsofLight.org, www.IdeaList. org and www.UnitedWay.org.

Retired volunteer sites: If you’re interested in opportunities targeting older adults and retirees, some good options include AARP’s Create The Good (https:// createthegood.aarp.org) along with AmeriCorps Seniors (www. AmeriCorps.gov/serve/americorps-seniors), which matches retirees with community projects and organizations that need experienced volunteer help.

AmeriCorps Seniors offers three different programs: RSVP, which has a variety of volunteer activities with flexible time commitments; the Senior Companion Program that brings together volunteers with homebound seniors who have difficulty with day-to-day living tasks; and the Foster Grandparent Program that matches volunteers with kids in the community that have exceptional needs.

Niche volunteer sites: There are also a number of niche websites to help you look for specific types of volunteer opportunities

in your area. For example, to find natural and cultural volunteer opportunities in places like national and state parks, see www. Volunteer.gov. If you’re interested in emergency preparedness and disaster response volunteer services, try www.Ready.gov or www.RedCross.org. If you have a knack for construction or have an interest in learning about interior design, see www.Habitat.org. Or, if you’re interested in longer-term volunteer opportunities check out www.AmeriCorps.gov and www. PeaceCorps.gov/50plus, which offers three-month to two-year programs in the U.S and abroad.

Professional volunteer sites: If you have expertise in areas like business planning and development, marketing, communications, finance, fundraising, web and graphic design, or writing and editing, there are sites like www.Catchafire.org and www. TaprootPlus.org that can link you to volunteer opportunities with nonprofit organizations in need. Or you can help entrepreneurs and small business owners through the www.SCORE.org volunteer mentoring program.

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.

Market

Martone’s Deli

Williston

Almanac

TODAY’S HISTORY:

• In 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed into law the Federal-Aid Highway Act, creating the interstate system.

• In 1972, in Furman v. Georgia, the Supreme Court ruled that the death penalty as it was then applied in the United States was unconstitutional for being “cruel and unusual punishment.”

• In 1974, Isabel Peron was sworn in as Argentina’s president, becoming the Western Hemisphere’s first female head of government.

• In 1995, the space shuttle Atlantis docked with the Russian Mir station for the first in-orbit changing of a crew.

• In 2007, Apple Inc. released the first iPhone.

TODAY’S FACT:

• The United States executed 18 convicts in 2022.

SOLUTION

1 coastline (8)

2 atoll (4)

3 palatial beach construction (10)

4 device for riding waves (9)

5 shelter from the sun (8)

6 water activity (8)

7 promenade (9)

proud of our smiles!

ANDREWS MCMEEL

PaddleSurf

LEGAL

Notice of Public Hearing

TOWN OF WILLISTON

July 20, 2023, 7:00 PM - Town Hall Meeting Room

To participate remotely: zoom.us/join or call (646) 558-8656

Zoom Meeting ID 873 0175 0819

The Williston Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider amendments to the Williston Unified Development Bylaw on July 20, 2023 at 7:00 PM in the Beckett McGuire Meeting Room in Town Hall at 7900 Williston Road. The public hearing may also be attended virtually on Zoom. Public comment at this hearing is welcomed and encouraged.

The proposed amendments to the town’s Unified Development Bylaw include:

• Amend the number of members and name of the Historic and Architectural Advisory Committee (WDB 3)

• Amend the permit thresholds and exemptions (WDB 4) to provide clearer statements on permit types and thresholds.

CLASSIFIEDS

• Add provisions for inclusionary zoning (WDB 11):

• Establish an alternative path to growth management for inclusionary projects.

• Require minimum percentage of affordable units for inclusionary zoning.

• Establish fee-in-lieu provisions.

• Establish requirements for affordable units.

• Establish incentives for inclusionary projects.

• Add exemptions from growth management for low-impact projects (4 or less dwelling units on a parcel, adaptive reuse from commercial to residential).

• Amend growth management criteria to encourage applicants to commit to energy conservation measures in residential development.

• Encourage solar canopies in parking lots (WDB 14).

• Amend non-residential accessory uses and temporary uses (WDB 17) as follows:

• Increase the spatial area limit on limited service eating places that are accessory to

DO YOU HAVE A LOVE FOR ALL THINGS

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We are seeking a full-time Veterinary Receptionist to join our growing team who can step into the essential role as the first point of contact for the hospital. As a Veterinary Receptionist you will be responsible for, but not limited to; triage of patients over the phone, processing transactions, managing patient admittance, updating records, and helping us maintain a flourishing workplace culture where everyone can thrive. We truly believe our reception team is a critical part of helping our clients and their cats get the care they need.

Communication is a key part of what makes us a great place to work. You can talk with your manager or the owner anytime you need, and they will reach out to see how they can help you. We take a lot of pride in our communication and training everyone on staff to develop their unique individual skills. Our veteran staff members will take an active role in your training and continuing education is highly encouraged.

We offer market competitive pay and benefits commensurate upon experience. There are no evenings or long weekend shifts, but your schedule will include some Saturdays. If this sounds like the place for you, please email your resume to caylin@cb-strategies or call us at 802-860-2287!

SUDUKO SOLUTION PUZZLE FOUND ON PAGE 21

non-residential uses.

• Allow electric vehicle charging infrastructure with an administrative permit.

• Temporary events are no longer regulated by the bylaw and are instead regulated by the town’s Temporary Event Ordinance.

• Require demolition sites to be secured (also included under WDB 18) and erosion control measures.

• Allow mobile vendors to be established in non-residential parking lots with those that occupy less than 1,000 square feet being approved administratively.

• Amend density provisions (WDB 19)

• Adaptive reuse projects are exempt from residential density requirements.

• Residential projects in mixed-use districts that include >30% of affordable dwellings qualify for a density bonus.

• Clarify that Transfer of Development Rights applies only to receiving areas within the Growth Center outside of the Taft Corners Form Based Code District.

• Amend residential improvements (WDB 20) to allow dog kennels without

administrative approval, allow EV charging infrastructure, allow poultry on all residential parcels, allow automated swimming pool covers.

• Amend signage requirements (WDB 25) to allow signage for temporary events approved under the Temporary Event Ordinance without administrative zoning approval.

• Amend the requirements for Habitat Disturbance Assessments (WDB 27) at discretionary review to be contracted by the town at the developer’s expense.

• Amend definition of affordable housing to be consistent with Inclusionary Zoning provisions (WDB 46).

• Amend definition of dwelling.

• Add definition for emergency shelter.

• Correct errors and citations contained in the above WDB chapters.

View the proposed changes online: https:// bit.ly/willistonbylaw2023

Contact Matt Boulanger at the Williston Planning Office at (802) 878-6704 or mboulanger@willistonvt.org for additional information.

Job Openings

The Town of Hinesburg, Vermont seeks qualified applicants for the following positions:

• Highway Foreperson

• Highway Maintainer

• Water and/or Wastewater Operator

• Firefighter/AEMT

• General Seasonal Summer Help

Detailed information and an application form can be found at www.hinesburg.org under the employment tab. Applications can be mailed or delivered to Todd Odit, Town Manager, 10632 Route 116 or emailed to todit@hinesburg.org.

The Town of Hinesburg offers a comprehensive benefits package and very competitive pay. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Applications will be reviewed as received and accepted until the position is filled.

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

PUZZLE FOUND ON PAGE 21

Jazzercise Salsa Jeh Kulu Swing Jam

Every Thursday at 5:30 pm

June 30 July 28 August 25 September 29

Fridays from 7 - 10 pm

Historic Tours Imagination Station