Williston Observer 07/06/2023

Runners loop the Village in Beckett’s honor

BY TAYLOR ANTONIOLI Special to the Observer

The Deb Beckett Memorial 5K Race/Walk kicked off Williston’s Fourth of July celebration weekend Saturday, taking participants on a loop around Williston Village from Village Community Park.

Kids ages 4-12 had their own half-mile event earlier in the day.

“It was a great event for the kids. I hope they do it again,” said Bridget Devine, mother of one of the half-mile participants.

While the kids’ part of the event was new, the 5K has been a part of Williston’s Fourth of July activities for years. In 2021, it was renamed in honor of longtime Williston Town Clerk Deb Beckett. Beckett’s son, Sean, was one of the runners this year. He shared that he comes every year because he wants to honor his mom but also because it’s a great way to see extended family who have come to do the same.

In addition to family, many of Beckett’s friends also came to participate.

“I can’t think of a better way to memorialize Deb than to do something I’m not qualified for,” said Sam Porter, who worked with Beckett

A show of Independence

A fireworks show over Williston Village on Tuesday caps an epic Fourth of July weekend celebration. See pages 2-4 and page 24 for coverage of the parade, ice cream social, town band concert, library book sale and 5K fun run.

OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY

A pack of runners start out on the Deb Beckett Memorial 5k Race/Walk at Williston’s Village Community Park on Saturday morning.

OBSERVER PHOTO BY AL FREY

Beckett

From page 1

at Town Hall for a decade.

Porter explained that Beckett was always pushing people to try new things and would often try them, too, no matter how skilled she might be at them.

It wasn’t just those who knew Beckett who were drawn to the event. Steve Dasilva has lived in town just over one year and “thought it was a good time to join community events,” he said. He enjoys running and was excited to participate, even with the humid weather.

A few of the runners were there in family groups, including the Williams family, who can boast that two of their kids were “firsts.” Ben Williams, 15, was the first kid to cross the finish line and, though it was a goal of his, he said he wasn’t expecting to actually do it. He’s been running since he was 10 and is on his high school cross-country and track

and field teams. Cate Williams, 8, was the first girl to cross the finish line, three minutes behind her brother.

Brad Patnaude was the very first person to cross the finish line, even with no running background. He shared that he was in the Army and he had never done a timed run before and wanted to see how he did.

Not far behind was his friend Tom Richmond.

“Expectations were for second place,” Richmond said. “Those expectations were met.”

He figured Patnuade would win, and competing with is friend pushed him into getting a good time. When asked if he was competitive, he smiled and shrugged.

“Once you learn to run fast, it’s hard to give it up,” he said. In honor of Beckett, a woman who pushed people to try new things, perhaps next year there will be more people throwing on their running shoes and being part of this community she loved.

LEFT TO RIGHT: Scott Shine and son Jack finish the Kids Half-Mile Run/ Walk at the Deb Beckett Memorial 5K Race/Walk on Saturday at Village Community Park. Brad Patnaude runs to a first-place finish in the 5K. Ellie and Sean Beckett, children of Deb Beckett, participated in honor of their mother.

OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY

Students join elders as ice cream scoopers

BY TAYLOR ANTONIOLI Special to the Observer

Monday’s Independence Day events included an Ice Cream Social next to Dorothy Aling Memorial Library.

The event was sponsored by the Williston Federated Church for the third year in a row. Volunteers Ginger Isham and Ursula White greeted those hoping to get a scoop of ice cream. The two were at a table taking donations for CVU SEEDS (Students Encouraging Equity Diversity and Success).

Isham said she wanted to volunteer to be a part of a community event, while White shared that she used to volunteer with the historical society. Both agreed that the biggest goal was to help the students, such as the CVU SEEDS members scooping ice cream for the event.

CVU SEEDS has worked with the Federated Church in the past, having also volunteered with them for the ice cream social in 2022.

Joyce Yodishembo, a member of SEEDS

for three years and now a CVU junior, described the group as a way for students of color to connect on things they aren’t able to with their white peers.

“Being in SEEDS has truly helped me feel comfortable because CVU is not always a space that makes me feel comfortable only because I don’t have people who look like me,” she said.

She continued by saying that she is grateful SEEDS was created by her older sister, Bene, and that her sister encouraged her to join. Yodishembo estimated that around 20 students filter through the club throughout the school day. She also shared that the club has increased the number of days that they meet from every other day to every day due to the interest from students.

“It’s a space for kids of color to express themselves, to be together,” Yodishembo explained.

The Federated Church and CVU SEEDS form a partnership that could continue running the ice cream social together in future years.

Members of CVU SEEDS (Students Encouraging Equity Diversity and Success) help out at Monday’s Ice Cream Social on the Village Green.

OBSERVER PHOTO BY TAYLOR ANTONIOLI

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: An appreciative audience enjoys the music of the Williston Town Band during the annual July Fourth Ice Cream Social and concert held Monday evening on the Village Green. Scoopers dish out ice cream. A crowd fills in on the green for the Town Band show. Nick Brissett (left), Millie Brissett (center) and Charlotte Brissett enjoy their ice cream.

ABOVE: Jen Reardon Brown checks out a selection of books with Library Trustee Ann Park at Williston’s Dorothy Alling Memorial Library’s annual Fourth of July book sale. ABOVE RIGHT: Folks check out the titles available at the fundraising sale. BELOW: Tables of books are for sale in the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library annual Fourth of July fundraiser. BELOW RIGHT: David Horn sings ‘The Teddy Bears’ Picnic’ at Williston’s annual Fourth of July Ice Cream Social and Town Band concert. The singing of the tune — with a melody written by John Walter Bratton in 1907 and lyrics later added in 1932 by Jimmy Kennedy — is a Williston Independence Day tradition.

Lake Iroquois overlooked by proposed wake boat rules

BY MEG HANDLER

Vermont enjoys a glowing reputation for good environmental practices. Across the country, people assume Vermont will “do the right thing” when it comes to environmental decision-making. Here at home, we trust that someone will be there to safeguard our clean air, clean water and open land. This assumption makes us content. But also makes us complacent.

Vermont’s green reputation is currently not working to protect the state from a new, destructive form of recreation — wake boating.

While relatively uncommon in Vermont right now, nationally, wake boats are the fastest-growing segment of the motorboat industry. They are designed to throw a wake the size of an ocean wave, so people can surf anywhere.

Waves generated by wake boats damage shorelines, churn up sediment, spread invasive species and terrorize people trying to swim, paddle, sail or otherwise enjoy the lakes.

Last March, Responsible Wakes for Vermont Lakes (RWVL) petitioned the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, seeking regulation of wake sports.

Under RWVL’s proposed new rule, wake sports would be confined to wake sport zones of at least 60 acres in size, more than 20 feet in depth and at least 1,000 feet from shore.

The state responded by coming up with its own weakened rule of at least 50 acres, more than 20 feet in depth and only 500 feet from shore. This is not adequate protection for Vermont’s most vulnerable lakes and ponds. Five hundred feet from shore is not enough. Faced with the opportunity for meaningful environmental protection, the state chose instead to settle for an ineffective rule.

RWVL brought its petition on behalf of 14 Vermont lakes, chosen for their size, location and popularity — factors that make them especially vulnerable to abuse by wake boats. Often heavily used for traditional lake recreation, these are small lakes, just barely big enough to entice boaters. Lake Iroquois (243 acres), which has shoreline in Williston and Hinesburg, is one of them. Forty-five organizations and more than a thousand citizens have signed on to the petition.

The state’s weakened 500-

foot rule excludes from adequate protection a majority of these petitioning lakes, including Lake Iroquois.

Under RWVL’s proposed rule, 19 of Vermont’s larger lakes and ponds (over 300,000 acres) would still allow wake sport activity in designated zones at least 1,000 feet from shore. These 19 lakes are large enough to allow wake boat waves to dissipate, and to permit paddlers, swimmers, anglers, sailors and others to safely enjoy their activities. Vermont’s smallest lakes would be fully protected from damage caused by wake sports.

Under the state’s rule, wake sport activity would be allowed in many more lakes, in designated zones just 500 feet from shore. Since Vermont has over 800 lakes and ponds, the number of lakes allowing wake boats might seem sufficiently limited, given that hundreds would still be fully “protected” by the new rule. However, any such defense of the state’s rule is highly misleading.

In fact, only 73 lakes in Vermont currently allow motorboats operating over 5 mph. The other 700-plus are already fully protected. Even among the 73 lakes

allowing motor sports, many are small, shallow ponds obviously inappropriate and rarely if ever visited by wake boats. Such ponds are not particularly at risk for excessive wake sport activity.

Thus, the state creates the illusion of a solution without the reality of significant change.

The lakes most vulnerable to abuse by wake boats are those lakes right in the middle, not large enough to tolerate massive waves, but not small enough for the state’s rule to ban wake sport activity altogether. In other words, precisely those lakes initiating the petition. The state has effectively abandoned these petitioning lakes. As a result, under the state’s rule, wake sports would explicitly be welcomed. This was certainly never the intent.

In fact, wake boats would now be granted privileged status to dominate these lakes, claiming the deepest areas often barely 500 feet from shore. Without a strong rule, more and more wake boats will arrive in Vermont, as the industry aggressively markets powerful new watercraft. This has already happened in many other states. The state’s rule includes no margin of error to accommodate future growth. Water quality will steadily decline, along with the health and enjoyment of Vermont’s lakes.

Vermont deserves better.

It is frustrating and disheartening to hear the familiar “it’s better than nothing” argument used in defense of an inadequate rule. Wake sports must be regulated thoughtfully to preserve our lakes and ponds for future generations.

The state is preparing to hold its last series of public hearings on this rule on Aug. 1 in person in Montpelier, and on Aug. 3 online. Written comments will be accepted until Aug. 10 at anr.wsmdlakes@vermont.gov. Connect to www.responsblewakes.org for the latest instructions on submitting comments and participating in the public hearings.

Vermont’s green reputation is no protection. Please show up to advocate for a minimum of 1,000 feet from shore for all wake sports.

Meg Handler of Hinesburg is a member of Concerned Citizens of Lake Iroquois.

Veto override impact

Gov. 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 as a result of overriding Gov. Scott’s veto. That’s over $13,000 in spending for every resident of Vermont. In comparison, New Hampshire’s budget is under $6,000 per resident.

In addition, 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

Thank yous go out for Independence Day

Thank you to everyone who helped with or participated in one or more of the Independence Day events this year. Thank you to all the town employees who set up and broke down the different events, to the police department for directing traffic and keeping everyone safe, to the fire department for being on call for emergencies and at the fireworks, and to those who participated in so many ways to make this celebration a success.

Thank you to the organizations that held an event this year: the Williston-Richmond Rotary Club (5K Race/Walk), Williston Federated Church (Ice Cream Social), the Town Band (concert), Friends of the Library (book sale), the Historical Society (Stovepipe Corners Schoolhouse open house) and the Fire Department (open house).

Thank you to the parade lineup organizers, Susan and Tony Lamb and the Lamb family. Thank you to the Johnson Family for allowing the use of their driveway and field for the parade lineup. Also thank you to all the vendors on the Village Green.

A special thank you to our

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

by all employers and employees, and ultimately, the business portion of the tax ends up with the consumer.

The Williston legislators voting to override Gov. Scott’s vetoes on this huge budget and increased taxes are Sen. Thomas Chittenden, Sen. Ginny Lyons, Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale, Rep. Angela Arsenault, Rep. Erin Brady and Rep. Noah Hyman.

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” thought otherwise.

Bruce Roy Williston

Editor’s Note: Due to an editing error, this letter, which appeared in last week’s Observer, is being republished.

Legislators go rogue on Clean Heat Standard

The Vermont House and Senate recently overrode Gov. Scott’s veto of the Clean Heat Standard bill (S.5).

The Clean Heat Standard is a complex program placed on fuel dealers designed to artificially raise the price of fuel to the consumer without direct taxing. This is to make heating oil, propane and similar fuels more expensive, so that the economic case for heating with electricity is less dire.

In the week before the House vote, the Ethan Allen Institute conducted and published a poll of 300 registered Vermont voters in regard to the Clean Heat Standard. Only 189 of the 300 were aware of the bill. Of those, 40 percent opposed the legislation with 27 percent favoring. If the respondents knew that the act would raise heating costs, then 61 percent were against

and 26 percent for.

As it turns out, all of the same Williston legislators who supported excessive state budget expenditures as noted in Bruce Roy’s letter (“Veto Override Impact”), also voted to override the Clean Heat veto. This is contrary to wishes of Vermont registered voters as indicated in the poll. Some legislators have justified their action on the basis that the act isn’t final as a committee must return to the Legislature in about 1.5 years for concurrence on implementing the program.

Simply, Vermont voters do not want the Clean Heat Standard, but our legislators voted to go forward anyway. This is an unaffordable program for Vermont residents and should not quietly get approved when the committee returns to the Legislature.

Jim Dudley Williston

sponsors, Adams Farm Market for sponsoring the food trucks/ booths, to Crosspoint Church for sponsoring the activities after the parade and prior to the fireworks and to JL Davis Realty for sponsoring the Northern Com -

Photos

fort Band.

A final thank you to anyone we might have missed who took part or helped out, and to the community and our visitors for helping to make this celebration a fun and safe one.

Hope to see everyone at next year’s celebration!

Todd Goodwin Director Williston Recreation and Parks

Around Town

Pink police patches support cancer research

The Williston Police Department is raising money for cancer research by selling pink patches. Each patch is $10 and can be purchased at the department’s offices or by sending a check made out to “Town of Williston” and a self-addressed stamped envelope to:

Williston Police Department

Attn: Pink Patch Project 7928 Williston Rd

Williston, VT 05495

Email Ashley at alizotte@willistonpdvt.org with any questions.

Walking tour planned to explain upcoming Catamount project

In the first event of a two-part series, Chittenden County forester Ethan Tapper and Rebecca Roman of the Vermont Land Trust will lead a tour of the Catamount Community Forest to discuss a management project that will begin this summer.

The event will take place from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 27.

The project aims to manage what is a relatively young forest in a way that promotes old-growth characteristics creating the habitats and qualities of an old-growth forest centuries sooner than they would naturally occur.

The Vermont Land Trust will host another visit to the site in October, after the work has been completed.

Anyone who wants to learn about managing forests for resilience and adaptability and enhancing biodiversity, forest health, renewable resources and bird habitat is encouraged to attend.

Eagle Scout installs flag retirement kiosk

Williston Boy Scout Thomas Mathon had a U.S. flag retirement drop box installed behind Town Hall near Veterans Memorial Park to complete his Eagle Scout project.

Residents with worn out American flags that are unsuitable for display can drop them into the box and local Boy Scout Troop 692 will collect them and retire them in the proper, respectful manner according to U.S. Flag Code.

Mathon thanks New England Air Systems of Williston and Finish Solutions of St. Albans for manufacturing and powder-coating the box. He also acknowledges the help and support of Town Manager Erik Wells and Public Works Director Bruce Hoar.

Park-and-Ride, VSP building take shape

Construction of a park-and-ride and a new Vermont State Police headquarters will continue after the July

Fourth holiday with widening on Route 2A just south of the Interstate 89 interchange and paving of the new access road to the facilities.

The park-and-ride lot will be outfitted with light poles and sidewalks in the coming weeks, and the police headquarters will get roofing, siding and windows. Painting, plumbing and electrical work on the building is ongoing. For more information, contact Zollie Horvath at (802) 558-2072.

Redhawk alum takes mound for Lake Monsters

Thomas Mathon, right, of Williston Boy Scout Troop 692, worked recently with Bruce Hoar, center, and Christine Dougherty, left, of the Town of Williston to install an American Flag retirement kiosk at Town Hall for his Eagle Scout project.

OBSERVER COURTESY PHOTO

Crews instal light posts at the park-and-ride under construction near Exit 12.

OBSERVER COURTESY PHOTO

Former CVU standout Oliver Pudvar pitches in relief of Sean Gamble during the Vermont Lake Monsters’ 12-2 win over the Pittsfield Suns last Friday evening at Centennial Field in Burlington. Pudvar is one of five Vermonters on the Lake Monsters roster.

OBSERVER PHOTO BY AL FREY

Vermont State University tries to find its footing

Unified state college system launches with interim president Smith at the helm

BY PETER D’AURIA VTDigger

Over the past three months, Mike Smith, former secretary of the Vermont Agency of Human Services, has quite literally gone back to school.

Smith, the interim president of Vermont State University, has made a point of spending time on the university’s multiple campuses: working out in the gym, eating in cafeterias, and even staying a night in the dorms.

Smith is quick to point out that he does not stay in a standard dorm room — it’s a separate, single resident assistant’s room, with its own bathroom and kitchenette — but it does entail sleeping in a bunk bed, which “has taken a while to get used to,” the 69-yearold said.

“I just felt that I needed to have (students’) experience to understand what they were talking about,” he said. “It connects me to them in a way that I can’t get connected if I’m sitting in an office.”

Over the years, Smith has gained a reputation for being a steadying hand at the helm of struggling institutions — Fairpoint Communications, the Enhanced 9-1-1 Board, Burlington College. That work has earned him the moniker of “interim fixerin-chief.”

Now, Smith has come out of retirement for one more job: pres-

ident of Vermont State University, an already beleaguered new public university created through the merger of three schools within the Vermont State Colleges system.

The institutions that will make up Vermont State University — Castleton University, Northern Vermont University (with campuses in Johnson and Lyndon), and Vermont Technical College (with campuses in Williston and Randolph) — have endured years of declining enrollment, multimillion-dollar deficits and chronic state under-funding.

What’s more, the official launch of Vermont State University on July 1 has been overshadowed by a series of headline-grabbing stumbles: controversial plans to downgrade athletic programs and remove books from libraries, a double-digit percentage drop in enrollment, and the abrupt resignation of the original president.

Now, in the first few days after launching, the question remains: With the fixer-in-chief at the wheel, can Vermont State University get up and running smoothly?

AN UNCERTAIN CLIMATE

To the unfamiliar, the sprawling campuses of the Vermont State Colleges can resemble something of an institutional Russian doll.

In 2018, Johnson State College merged with Lyndon State College to create Northern Ver-

mont University. On July 1, Northern Vermont University joined with Castleton and Vermont Technical College to become Vermont State University, or VTSU.

VTSU and the Community College of Vermont will together make up the Vermont State Colleges system.

That convoluted structure underscores Vermont’s fraught higher education climate. In 2019 and 2020, four small colleges in Vermont — Green Mountain Col-

lege, Southern Vermont College, The College of St. Joseph, and Marlboro College — all shut their doors. Each institution had its own unique challenges, but they shared a clear common denominator: The state simply does not have enough students.

Vermont’s slowing birth rate and aging population have translated into dwindling college enrollment across the state. At

Summer Safety Tips from VGS

Keep landscaping and large objects away from your meter

Please do not place mulch, topsoil or rocks in contact with your meter. Be careful when mowing and report any damage. If your meter is located where large objects, such as vehicles or dumpsters, could collide with it, a barricade should be installed. Contact us about barricade options at 802-863-4511.

During summer, you may see VGS representatives outside your home inspecting our system and painting meters.

How to Detect a Gas Leak

Smell: Natural gas is normally odorless. A distinctive, pungent odor, similar to rotten eggs, is added so that you will recognize it quickly. Sight: You may see a white cloud, mist, fog, bubbles in standing water, or blowing dust. You may also see vegetation that appears to be dead or dying.

Sound: You may hear an unusual noise like a roaring, hissing, or whistling.

If you suspect a leak:

Move immediately to a safe location. Call VGS at 800-639-8081 or call 911 with the exact location. Do not smoke or operate electrical switches or appliances. These items may produce a spark that might result in a dangerous condition.

Do not assume someone else will report the condition.

Mike Smith

Vermont State University, where in-state students make up roughly 80 percent of enrollment, those demographic forces are particularly threatening.

By comparison, only about 30 percent of the University of Vermont’s 2023 graduating class hailed from its home state, according to university spokesperson Adam White.

What’s more, Vermont has spent years at the bottom of national rankings when it comes to state funding for higher education, contributing to some of the highest tuition rates for public colleges in the country.

“You can’t underestimate the damage that was done for all those years in which the institutions were not adequately funded,” said Steve Howard, executive director of the Vermont State Employees Association, the union that represents staff members at the state colleges.

‘A HUGE WAKE-UP MOMENT’

Those twin crises came to a head in the spring of 2020. Covid-19 had sent students home for remote learning and the state colleges were refunding millions in room and board fees. Administrators were expecting a steep enrollment drop and ballooning

deficit, and the system seemed on the verge of collapse.

That April, Jeb Spaulding, then the chancellor of the Vermont State Colleges, proposed a radical reorganization of the university system: Shut down Northern Vermont University altogether, close Vermont Technical College’s Randolph campus, and cut 500 jobs.

That plan sparked an immediate backlash, and before the month was through, the chancellor had withdrawn the proposal and announced his resignation.

But in an interview last week, Spaulding stood by his plan: “I still think that was a good idea,” he said.

Vermont’s demographics, he argued, simply cannot support a system as sprawling as the state colleges. The consolidation of the universities into Vermont State University “will improve the odds that we can keep those campuses somewhat open,” he said. “But it wouldn’t surprise me to see them end up in the same kinds of decisions we made, somewhere down the road.”

Prior to Covid-19, Spaulding said, he had even approached the University of Vermont to discuss a possible merger of the two systems. UVM officials had rejected the idea, he said.

“The basic response was, ‘You have too many campuses,’” Spaulding said. The takeaway, he said, was “‘Come talk after you make the tough decisions.’”

White, the UVM spokesperson, said he was “unaware” of any merger proposal.

But that April 2020 crisis “was a huge wake-up moment,” said Sophie Zdatny, the chancellor of the Vermont State Colleges. “I think the reality check, that we could genu-

inely not be there, really did jolt people into appreciating what we do and the programs we provide and the training we provide.”

Lawmakers began directing millions

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Castleton University students brought posters and banners to a forum in February, where many protested the administration’s decision to move the libraries to an all-digital model and downgrade some campuses’ sports programs.

PHOTO BY PETER D’AURIA/VTDIGGER

VTSU

From page 10

more in state money and Covid-19 pandemic aid toward the state colleges — a total of over $200 million since 2020, according to administrators. Since then, lawmakers have increased the state colleges’ annual base appropriation from roughly $30 million to about $45 million.

But the Legislature expected action in return for its largesse. In 2020, lawmakers tasked the state colleges with trimming $5 million a year off their structural deficit, currently estimated at $22 million, through fiscal year 2026. And lawmakers also required the system to “transform itself into a fully integrated system that achieves financial stability in a responsible and sustainable way.”

That mandate laid the groundwork for the merger and the creation of Vermont State University. But the required belt-tightening also set the scene for another controversy this spring.

‘THIS IS WHERE WE’RE AT’

In early February, Vermont State University’s inaugural president, Parwinder Grewal, an-

nounced that libraries and sports teams on two campuses would be downgraded.

Athletic programs on two campuses would be reshuffled, and campus libraries would go

“all-digital,” and would be “repurposed,” according to an FAQ included with the initial announcement.

“As of July 1, 2023, these spaces will no longer provide services including circulation and physical materials (these materials will be available digitally),” the FAQ read, according to an archived copy of the website accessed via the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine.

The effect was a massive outpouring of anger from faculty, staff, students and onlookers. In retrospect, it’s hard to imagine a less hospitable place to implement those changes: To many in Luddite-friendly, deep-blue Vermont, efforts to remove books from libraries seemed a distinctly dystopian move, with undertones of censorship and book bans.

Over the next few weeks, VTSU officials backtracked: first apologizing for how the news was communicated, then issuing a revised plan, then finally reversing course altogether in April.

Grewal, who had spent less than a year as president, resigned

See VTSU page 13

A demonstrator dressed as a badger, the mascot of the Johnson campus of the Northern University of Vermont, joins several hundred people in more than 100 cars as they participate in a honking protest parade in downtown Montpelier on April 20, 2020. Demonstrators were opposed to a plan to close three Vermont State College campuses in Johnson, Lyndon and Randolph.

FILE PHOTO BY GLENN RUSSELL/VTDIGGER

Changes afoot for students focused on sexual violence prevention

BY TAYLOR ANTONIOLI Special to the Observer

Last month, Champlain Valley Union High School was the site of the third annual “Take Back the Night” event, inspired by the Take Back the Night organization founded by Katie Koestner in the 1970s to combat sexual violence.

This year’s turnout was smaller than previous years, with only about a third of the participants. Veronica Miskavage is taking over as one of the event leaders and has made it her goal to “bring back a sense of urgency and passion,” she said. “I want people fired up to make change.”

It was her second “Take Back the Night” event, and she shared that her hope for the event was to give others a feeling of power over their own situation and body and to be given a feeling of validation.

The sponsoring student organization, Student ACT (Awareness, Curriculum and Teaching) plans to change its name to ASAAP (Abuse and Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention). Miskavage hopes the new name will bring more at -

tention to the issue.

Student ACT was founded by Chiara Antonioli, who launched the organization by reading aloud in front of the entire faculty a series of stories from those

Women Build 2023

who had experienced sexual violence.

The club started hosting “Take Back the Night” in 2021, as then-leader Chloe Silverman was inspired by the Take Back the Night organization founded by Koestner in the 1970s.

But club members have seen a decline in student involvement. Suggestions were thrown around by those in attendance at this year’s event on how to increase participation, such as having “Take Back the Night” earlier in the year when students aren’t possibly burned out from finals and a long year of learning.

Julia Lamorey and Grace Kafferlin, this year’s leaders of the club, expressed

that passing leadership onto Miskavage was the right choice and that they were also upset about the lack of attention on sexual violence issues.

“My first experience was actually Take Back the Night,” Lamorey shared when asked what made her join Student ACT. “I really enjoyed the space that was created by that.”

Kafferlin agreed, stating, “It’s quite a welcoming environment, even though the subject matter is so serious. It really feels safe.”

Editor’s Note: Taylor Antonioli is siblings with Chiara Antonioli.

CVU students participate in a ‘Take Back the Night’ event at the high school in June.

OBSERVER PHOTO BY TAYLOR ANTONIOLI

VTSU

From page 11

abruptly, citing personal reasons. His departure — almost exactly three years after Spaulding’s — meant that he did not stay long enough to oversee the university’s official launch.

Grewal’s resignation was a “mutual decision,” said Zdatny, the state colleges’ chancellor. “It’s not the way any of us would have wanted it to happen, but this is where we’re at.”

Reached by phone last month, Grewal declined to comment on his resignation. “I’m just unhappy with the situation, the whole thing,” he said.

With the official launch less than three months out, trustees tapped Smith to take the helm of the university. But by that point, the damage — or at least some damage — was already done. The library controversy made national news, and the university clocked a 19 percent drop in enrollment for the fall semester.

Smith attributed that dip to a number of factors: Vermont’s de -

mographics, Covid-19, a response to the name change, as well as the uproar, “which I believe will go away if we can just keep ourselves out of the news,” he said.

‘YOUR EMPLOYERS WOULD HAVE NO EMPLOYEES’

The challenges are hard to overstate. VTSU faces a worsening demographic crisis and years of required budget cuts. Its first permanent president is gone, enrollment is down and the institution has endured months of unflattering news coverage.

But VTSU leaders have projected optimism.

Asked about the state’s decreasing number of young people, Smith, the interim president, pointed to a statistic showing that 45 percent of Vermont high school graduates do not go to college — an “untapped market,” he said. And administrators say that VTSU, which will offer many trade-specific programs and both in-person and virtual learning, is poised to welcome students of all ages and walks of life.

“We have always been going after the nontraditional student,

the adult student, the person who wants to go back and retrain,” said state Rep. Eileen Dickinson, R-St. Albans, who chairs the Vermont State Colleges board of trustees.

Ahead of its official launch, administrators repeatedly touted the practical outcomes of a VTSU education: affordable degrees in competitive fields that will offer graduates a wide array of job prospects.

The university has hailed a series of milestones toward those goals: tuition cuts for in-state and out-of-state students; a $6.3 million federal grant to expand nursing programs; a partnership with the University of Vermont on respiratory therapy programs; its accreditation, finalized earlier this month, by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

And VTSU leaders have equated the success of the university to that of Vermont as a whole. Vermont employers are struggling to hire a range of skilled workers — nurses, teachers, therapists, construction and trades professionals — that VTSU’s campuses help produce.

Without the state colleges,

“your employers would have no employees,” Dickinson said. “I mean, everything from nonprofits to hospitals to manufacturers — I mean, I don’t know how you would do it. I really don’t. The state positively, absolutely needs all of the programs that we have.”

‘I CAN SEE CLEARLY’

As the system neared its official launch date, faculty, staff and administrators on campus were busy merging departments, curricula and governance structures.

“It’s a lot of work, and it’s a very short period of time,” said Linda Olson, a Castleton sociology professor who represents the faculty union.

Perry Ragouzis, the student trustee on the Vermont State Colleges board and the president of Castleton’s Student Government Association, said students have contended with a “complex mix” of emotions as the merger progresses.

“Overall, I think the feeling is mostly just at this point fatigue, and, just, excitement to have everything slowly come to a close,”

he said.

But faculty, staff and students acknowledge that the library and athletics decisions took a toll. Ragouzis, a Castleton rising senior and political science major, said many students saw the cuts to libraries and athletics as further evidence that “we live in a world in which young people and their voices don’t matter.”

“Reversing those two decisions was incredibly beneficial to students and their mental health, I think,” he said.

The system’s financial woes are still on people’s minds, too. Smith, the interim president, has ruled out closing campuses under his watch, but he has pointed to other potential cost-saving measures: increasing class sizes, leaving open positions unfilled, trimming part-time faculty, leasing or selling some campus buildings.

He is still bullish about the system’s prospects. Compared to his past fixer-upper projects, the challenges posed by VTSU are “nowhere near what I’ve done before,” he said.

“I can see clearly what this institution can be,” he said.

The joys of planning a rose garden

BY DEBORAH J. BENOIT Special to the Observer

Who doesn’t love the smell of roses and the beauty of a rose bush in full bloom?

When planning a rose garden, the first thing to consider is location. This includes, not only how large (or small) an area you can devote to growing roses, but also the soil, moisture levels and other

environmental conditions.

Roses will grow best with six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Sites shaded by structures or trees may not provide enough light. Observe your proposed site throughout the course of a sunny day to confirm areas of sun and shade. In addition, strong winds can damage roses, so a location providing some protection is preferable.

Roses prefer rich, loose soil with a healthy amount of organic matter, good drainage and a pH of around 6.5. A soil test will not only provide information concerning pH, but also soil type, organic matter present and even plant-specific recommendations regarding soil amendments. For more information on obtaining a soil test, visit the University of Vermont Agricultural and Environmental Testing Lab website at https://go.uvm.edu/soiltest.

Once you have your soil test results, you can make amendments to the soil as needed. If your soil is very poor, extremely rocky or otherwise unsuitable, consider using raised beds. That way, you can create a soil mix to meet the needs of your roses and provide structure in your garden.

Water is another factor to consider. While established roses may not need supplemental watering, newly planted roses should be kept well watered (but not soggy) to encourage good growth and health. A watering can will work well for a single rose bush, but if your plans include multiple roses, access to a convenient water source is a big plus.

Once you’ve selected a location, the fun begins — choosing roses for your garden. Depending on the variety, roses are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness Zones 3-11. To learn more about plant hardiness zones, visit https://planthardiness.ars. usda.gov.

Keep in mind that to remain healthy, roses need good air circulation, so plan spacing (and the number of roses) based on their anticipated mature size. Allow plenty of room (about 24-36 inches) between plants.

There are many different types of roses, such as groundcover, shrub, hybrid tea (good for cut flowers), miniatures and climbing roses you can train to cover a trellis or arbor. Each has its own characteristics and a wide variety of colors from which to choose.

When selecting roses, you’ll

come across terms such as “grafted,” meaning the top portion of the rose has been joined to the roots of another, resulting in a stronger plant. Other varieties are grown on their “own roots.”

Roses are available for purchase “bare root” or in pots. You’ll want to soak bare root roses in water for eight to 12 hours then plant as soon as possible after purchasing. Potted roses can be planted at any time, but be sure to keep them well watered until planting.

It’s not just roses that will make your rose garden special. Include a bench or seating area to sit and relax to enjoy the garden.

Companion plants can add interest. Consider low growing perennials such as cat mint (Nepeta) and lady’s mantle (Alchemilla) or annuals such as marigolds (Tagetes). Whatever you choose, be sure to plant them at least a foot away from the base of the rose so they won’t impede air circulation or compete with the roses for nutrients.

Whether you would like to grow one, three or a dozen different roses, a rose garden just takes a little planning. And isn’t that half the fun?

Deborah J. Benoit is a UVM Extension Master Gardener from North Adams, Mass. who is part of the Bennington County Chapter.

All varieties of roses require six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily and prefer rich, loose soil with a healthy amount of organic matter, good drainage and a pH of around 6.5.

COURTESY PHOTO BY LISA HALVORSEN

What is a forest without symbiosis?

BY ETHAN TAPPER Special to the Observer

Forests are natural communities with thousands of species engaged in the vital, and often brutal, practice of life. Forests are defined not just by the organisms that inhabit them but also by the relationships between these organisms — the many forms of symbiosis.

Symbiosis is a commonly used and commonly misunderstood term.

While most people confuse symbiosis with mutualism, a mutually-beneficial relationship between organisms, symbiosis is actually any close relationship between organisms. Forms of symbiosis include mutualism, commensalism (a relationship where one organism benefits and the other is unaffected), parasitism (one benefits and the other is harmed), competition and predation. While some forms of symbiosis are more charismatic than others, each is foundational to the function of our forests.

As much as we would love to believe that all the relationships in forests are mutualistic, they aren’t. While mutualisms exist and are undoubtedly important, our bias toward them can lead to misunderstandings about how forests work and what it means to care for them. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the public fascina-

tion with the relationship between trees and mycorrhizal fungi.

While we know that trees and mycorrhizal fungi can, and often do, have mutualistic relationships, the public excitement surrounding these relationships has outpaced the research, largely fueled by the

been considered a mutualism, but some ecologists have suggested that it is actually a subtle parasitism — that some plants are exploiting ants, distracting them from more valuable foraging elsewhere.

book “The Hidden Life of Trees” by Peter Wohlleben.

While we know that trees benefit from relationships with some types of mycorrhizae, and that mycorrhizal networks can facilitate the movement of resources from one tree to another, a vision of forests as entirely connected, entirely altruistic, entirely cooperative communities is not supported by science.

When we look closely at the mutualisms in our forests, we often find that one species or another is getting the better part of the deal. Myrmecochory (the dispersal of plant seeds by ants, as we see with many of our spring ephemeral wildflowers) has long

There are also conditional mutualisms: relationships that are mutualistic sometimes, depending on conditions. For instance, a mutualism between trees and some types of mycorrhizal fungi may become pathogenic or parasitic in certain circumstances. Another example of this is synzoochory: the dispersal of tree seeds (like acorns) by seed-caching animals (like squirrels). While squirrels and oaks both benefit from this relationship when acorns are abundant (squirrels receive the nourishment of acorns and oaks receive the benefits of acorn dispersal) when acorns are scarce squirrels simply eat them all. While parasitism and predation might be less easy to appreciate than mutualism, they are equally essential to forest ecology. Insects, which are the foundation of the forest’s food web, are often parasites, feeding on trees and plants. Predation of insects by creatures like songbirds and

bats is vital to suppressing insect populations, keeping them from causing undue harm to trees and plants. When predation is removed or suppressed, insect populations explode, and these relatively innocuous parasitic relationships can become harmful.

While we are quick to label a symbiosis between two species as one type or another, these relationships are fluid, dynamic and complex. An insect which is the pollinator of a tree (mutualistic) may also be a defoliator of the same tree (parasitic). Many of the species of invertebrates, bacteria and fungi which are pathogenic to trees (parasitic) also help break down organic material, which enriches soils and ultimately benefits trees (mutualistic). The closer we look at these symbioses, the more difficult they are to define and to

Williston

categorize, and the less important naming them becomes. As much as we would love to believe that forests are built on mutualism, the truth is that they are built on relationships that take many different forms. If we can leave our judgements at the door, we can see that forests are as parasitic as they are mutualistic, that competition is as important as cooperation, that the death of a tree can be as beautiful as the birth of an animal. Our job as forest stewards is to care for forests as they are, not to place any form of symbiosis above the others.

Ethan Tapper is the Chittenden County Forester for the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation. Visit https://linktr.ee/ ChittendenCountyForester for more information.

The Williston Observer is mailed to every home and business in Williston and St. George every Thursday. In addition, we provide rack distribution to locations in Williston, Richmond and Essex.

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 (at Essex Shoppes)

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

When we look closely at the mutualisms in our forests, we often find that one species or another is getting the better part of the deal.

Even brutal predation is a form of symbiosis. OBSERVER COURTESY PHOTO

Issue 27, 2023

Constellations Light Our Way

For thousands of years, the night skies have sparkled with reminders of magical creatures. Ancient people told stories about the patterns they saw in the stars. These star patterns are called constellations

To learn more, The Mini Page talked with an expert from the National Air and Space Museum at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

Starring the real stars

Different cultures made up different stories to go with the same star patterns. For example, a row of three bright stars shines especially brightly in the winter night sky. To the ancient Greeks, these stars looked like the belt worn by a mighty hunter named Orion (oh-RYE-uhn) in one of their myths (miths), or stories. The constellation containing these stars is called Orion.

Other cultures have seen those same three stars as being the rod of Jacob from a Bible story, a yardstick, a wand, the three magi from the Bible story about Jesus’ birth, or the three Marys in Bible stories.

Star qualities

A star is a big ball of gases crammed together in a cloud. The gases are mostly hydrogen, with a small amount of helium. New stars are formed when the pressure

Try ’n’ Find

Next Week: Women’s World Cup

Mini Fact: The three stars making up Orion’s belt are blue supergiant stars. They are hotter and much larger than our sun.

of the gases and dust gets so great that the heat at the core of a cloud reaches millions of degrees.

The star begins to shine when the hydrogen atoms are fused, or joined together, to form helium atoms.

Reaching for the stars

In some cultures, such as ancient China, people did not make up stories to go with the star patterns. Star patterns with no stories attached are often called asterisms (AS-tuhri-zums).

Asterisms are usually smaller patterns than constellations. For example, the Big Dipper is an asterism inside the bigger constellation Ursa Major, or the Big Bear. Orion’s belt is an asterism in the constellation Orion. Sometimes, “asterism” is just another name for “constellation.” Both mean groupings of stars that can be seen as a design from Earth.

The supergiant stars in Orion’s belt are brighter and much larger than the sun. The lifetime of a supergiant star is estimated to be around a few million years, which is considered short for a star. Supergiant stars can be red or blue.

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

ASTERISM, BELT, BIG DIPPER, COORDINATES, CONSTELLATIONS, CROPS, DIRECTION, EARTH, GAS, MAGI, MYTHS, ORION, PATTERNS, PLANT, SHINE,

Star signs

Early travelers used stars and constellations to help them find their way. Modern spacecraft also use the stars to navigate.

Constellations helped ancient people plan their year. They noticed that different constellations were visible at night during different times of the year.

Ancient people used these apparent changes to help them figure out when to perform certain tasks, such as planting crops. For example, ancient Mayan people watched for the spring constellations to predict the return of the rains.

Star search

The star-forming region closest to Earth is called the Orion Nebula. From Earth with the naked eye, the nebula looks like the brightest star in Orion’s sword. It is not just one star, however, but a region with about 1,000 young stars.

Astronomers have given all the stars within a constellation certain coordinates (ko-OR-dinuhts), or numbers that tell a position. That way, they can tell where objects are in connection with other items.

Resources

On the Web:

• spaceplace.nasa.gov/ constellations/en

At the library:

• “Wishing on a Star” by Fran Lee

• “Constellations for Kids” by Kelsey Johnson

Mini Jokes

Conner: Why can’t aliens play golf in space?

Carla: Too many black holes!

A new study suggests that the last remaining sanctuary of year-round Arctic sea ice north of Greenland and Canada may soon disappear

Andrews McMeel Syndication

Founded by Betty Debnam

photo courtesy Digitalized Sky Survey, ESA/ESO/NASA

Orion’s Belt is most visible in the Northern Hemisphere around 9 p.m. during January. It is one of the brightest and best-known constellations.

together in a cloud. The gases are mostly hydrogen, with a small amount of helium. New stars are formed when the pressure

Try ’n’ Find

years, which is considered short for a star. Supergiant stars can be red or blue.

Mini Jokes

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

ASTERISM, BELT, BIG DIPPER, COORDINATES, CONSTELLATIONS, CROPS, DIRECTION, EARTH, GAS, MAGI, MYTHS, ORION, PATTERNS, PLANT, SHINE, SKY, STAR, SUPERGIANT.

Cook’s Corner Roasted Broccoli

You’ll need:

• 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 cups broccoli florets

• 1 cup sliced mushrooms

• 2 teaspoons garlic powder

What to do:

• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper

• cooking spray

1. In a medium bowl, pour olive oil over broccoli and mushrooms and mix well.

2. Add spices and stir to distribute evenly over vegetables.

3. Spray a baking pan with cooking spray. Add vegetables.

4. Roast at 400 degrees for 15 minutes until vegetables are slightly crispy. Serves 3.

7 Little Words for Kids

Use the letters in the boxes to make a word with the same meaning as the clue. The numbers in parentheses represent the number of letters in the solution. Each letter combination can be used only once, but all letter combinations will be necessary to complete the puzzle.

1. country north of the U.S. (6)

2. cute rabbits (7)

3. dad’s brother (5)

4. duplicate (4)

5. ice cream treat (6)

6. cutting the grass (6)

7. chocolate or vanilla (6)

Answers: Canada, bunnies, uncle, copy, sundae, mowing, flavor.

Conner: Why can’t aliens play golf in space?

Carla: Too many black holes!

Eco Note

A new study suggests that the last remaining sanctuary of year-round Arctic sea ice north of Greenland and Canada may soon disappear in summer. A similar disappearance occurred during a warming period around 10,000 years ago. While it has been uncertain whether the predicted disappearance will happen again in the next 20, 30 or 40 years, Danish researchers at Aarhus University say they have projected that we are very close to that scenario, and that temperatures will have to rise only a little more before the Arctic will become ice-free in summer.

For later:

Look in the newspaper for articles about stars.

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

The Mini Page® © 2023 Andrews McMeel Syndication

Savvy Senior

Best meal delivery services for seniors who don’t cook

Dear Savvy Senior, Can you recommend some good, healthy meal delivery options for seniors who don’t cook or get out much? My 80-yearold father, who lives alone, has a terrible diet and I worry about his health.

Concerned Daughter

Dear Concerned, There is a wide variety of healthy meal delivery options that can help non-cooking seniors who live at home. Here are several top options to check into.

COMMUNITY-BASED PROGRAMS

A good place to start is to find out if there’s a senior home delivery meal program in your dad’s area. Meals on Wheels is the largest program that most people are familiar with, but many communities offer senior meal delivery programs sponsored by other organizations that go by different names.

To find services available in your dad’s area, visit www.MealsOnWheelsAmerica.org, which

offers a comprehensive directory on its website, or call the area aging agency near your dad. Call the Eldercare Locator at 800-6771116 to get the local number.

Most home delivery meal programs across the U.S. deliver hot meals daily or several times a week, usually around the lunch hour, to seniors over age 60 who have problems preparing meals for themselves, as well as those with disabilities. Weekend meals, usually frozen, may also be available, along with meals for those with special diets (diabetic, low-sodium, kosher, etc.).

Most of these programs typically charge a small fee (usually between $2 and $9 per meal) or request a donation, while some may be free to low-income seniors who qualify for Medicaid. There are also some Medicare Advantage plans that cover limited meal service benefits.

MEAL DELIVERY SERVICE COMPANIES

Another great option for your dad is to order him some pre-

By Jim Miller

made meals online from a meal delivery service company. These companies provide a wide variety of tasty meal choices and will usually post the nutrition information for their meals right on their website.

Most companies will also cater to a host of dietary and medical needs, such as low-sodium and low-carb meals, diabetic meals, gluten-free, dairy-free and vegetarian options. Plus, the or-

dering process is very easy.

Depending on the company you choose, the food arrives either fresh or frozen and most deliver all across the U.S. Prices generally start at around $8 to $13 per meal, plus shipping, however many companies provide discounts or free shipping when you order meals in bulk. And most companies work with Medicaid and some Medicare Advantage plans to help reduce costs.

Some of the best meal delivery companies for older adults, as rated by Verywell Health for 2023 include:

Best variety: Magic Kitchen

Best value: Mom’s Meals

Best for nutrition consultation: BistroMD

Best plant-based meals: Mosaic

Best gluten-free: ModifyHealth

Best chef-prepared: CookUnity

Best for customization: Snap Kitchen

For more information on this list and the testing methodology,

visit www.VerywellHealth.com

and search “Best Meal Delivery Services for Seniors.”

GROCERY STORES AND RESTAURANTS

Depending on where your dad lives, he may also be able to get home-delivered meals from local grocery stores or restaurants. Some grocery stores offer a selection of pre-cooked meals and foods, including roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, and fresh soups and salads. Contact the grocery stores in your dad’s area to inquire about this option. Or check with some of his favorite restaurants to see if they offer home delivery. Or he could use a restaurant delivery service like Uber Eats, Door Dash or Grub Hub.

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.

erty in Guitar Center. The female, age 36, had an active arrest warrant. She was issued a citation to appear in court.

June 24 at 12:22 p.m. — Suspicious male walking around the Marshalls parking lot. Nothing found upon arrival.

June 24 at 6:40 p.m. — Assisted Williston Rescue with suicidal male. Male was transported to the hospital for evaluation.

June 25 at 12:43 p.m. — Report of a male in Home Depot who was previously trespassed. Male left before officers could arrive. Male stole from the store. Case is still under investigation.

June 25 at 4:19 p.m. — Report of a retail theft at LL Bean. Case is still under investigation.

June 25 at 4:28 p.m. — Report of a male in Home Depot who was previously trespassed. A male, age 45, was in a stolen vehicle when officers arrived. Officers recovered $237 worth of stolen property

from the vehicle. The male was issued a citation to appear in court for retail theft, unlawful trespass and violating conditions of release.

June 25 at 5:44 p.m. — Report of a stolen vehicle from REI parking lot. Vehicle was recovered in the Best Buy parking lot. Case is still under investigation.

June 26 at 7:17 a.m. — Reports of several cars being gone through on Williston Road. Case is still under investigation.

June 26 at 11:40 a.m. — Male causing a disturbance at Starbucks. Male was moved along.

June 26 at 1:41 p.m. — Retail Theft at Walmart. A female, age 38, was issued a citation to appear in court.

June 27 at 5:36 p.m. — Report of a female trying to sell stolen prop -

June 27 at 8:52 p.m. — Report of a female in Walmart concealing property in a bag. The female, age 36, had an active arrest warrant. She was issued a citation to appear in court.

June 29 at 4:54 p.m. — Report of a suspicious male and female in Bed Bath Beyond. The female, age 33, had an active arrest warrant. She was issued a citation to appear in court. Both male and female were moved along.

June 29 at 6:02 p.m. — Male in Hannaford who has been previously trespassed. The male, age 44, was issued a citation to appear in court for unlawful trespass.

June 29 at 8:05 p.m. — Suspicious male and female on Marshall Ave. The male, age 27, had an active arrest warrant. He was transported to the correctional complex. The male was also issued a citation to appear in court for violating conditions of release.

CROSSWORD • SOLUTION ON PAGE 22

Almanac

TODAY’S HISTORY:

• In 1785, Congress chose the dollar as the monetary unit of the United States.

• In 1854, the Republican Party was formally launched at a convention in Jackson, Michigan.

• In 1885, Louis Pasteur successfully tested his rabies vaccine on a boy who had been bitten by a rabid dog.

• In 1892, 16 people were killed during fighting between guards and striking steelworkers at a Carnegie Steel Co. plant in Homestead, Pennsylvania.

• In 1942, diarist Anne Frank and her family went into hiding in a secret annex in a house in Amsterdam.

TODAY’S FACT:

• Future Beatles bandmates John Lennon and Paul McCartney met for the first time at a fair in Liverpool, England, on this date in 1957.

SOLUTION FOUND ON PAGE 22

1 maximum number allowed (8)

2 Pacific coast Mexican city (8)

3 release from harsh reality (8)

4 deep sea vessel (11)

5 bone between femur and tibia (7)

6 wave’s foamy crest (8)

7 sonic atmosphere (10)

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.

to

the 7 clues. The numbers in parentheses

Ox Family Games, Inc., Dist. by Andrews McMeel

ANDREWS MCMEEL

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.

FRENCH STORYTIME

Saturday, July 8, 10:15-10:30 a.m. Drop by for French story time.

POKÉMON CLUB

Monday, July 10, 4-5 p.m. Stop by for themed games and activities.

TEENS DISNEY NIGHT

Monday, July 10, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Ages 12-plus. Cosplay and singing welcome. Enjoy the taste of New Orleans.

STORYTIME

Tuesdays, July 11 and 18, 10:30-11 a.m.

BUBBLE PARTY

Wednesday, July 12, 4:30-6 p.m. Party on the Town Green with games and bubbles.

PRESCHOOL MUSIC AND PLAYTIME

Thursdays, July 13 and 20, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Enjoy music, then stay to play.

TEEN NIGHT: FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Thursday, July 13, 5-6 p.m.

Ages 12-plus. Join our teen advisory group — you bring the thoughts, we bring the food.

TEENS D&D

Friday, July 14, 5-6 p.m. Ages 12-plus. Join our Dungeons & Dragons campaign.

KID CRAFTERNOON:

Friendship Jewelry

Monday, July 17, 2-3 p.m. Make friendship jewelry or keychains.

PJ STORYTIME

Monday, July 17, 5:30-6 p.m. Enjoy sleepy time activities and stories.

VERY MERRY THEATRE PRESENTS “DESCENDANTS”

Tuesday, July 18, 12-1 p.m. Get comfy on the Town Green for this performance.

BABY TIME

Wednesday, July 19, 10:3011 a.m. Bond with your baby and socialize with gentle activities.

MULTI-AGE PROGRAMS

“ROOM WHERE IT HAPPENS” STORYTIME (GOOD CITIZEN CHALLENGE)

Tuesday, July 11, 2-3 p.m. All ages welcome. Meet at the library and walk to the Town Hall to see where meetings take place. Stay for story time.

READ TO A DOG (LOLA)

Thursday, July 13, 3:304:30 p.m. Call to register for a 10-minute time slot.

FREEDOM AND UNITY ART (GOOD CITIZEN CHALLENGE)

Wednesday, July 19, 5-6 p.m. All ages welcome. Make some -

thing that represents “Freedom and Unity.”

MUSEUM PIECE ACTIVITY (GOOD CITIZEN CHALLENGE)

Thursday, July 20, 5-5:45 p.m. Bring a personal artifact and make a plaque to tell others about it. See others’ museum pieces.

PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS

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

ADULT MEDITATION (ONLINE)

Fridays, July 7 and 14, 1212:30 p.m. Reconnect with your peaceful body and breath.

MAH JONGG

Fridays, July 7 and 14, 1-3 p.m. Drop in to play this popular tile game.

FRENCH CONVERSATION

Saturday, July 8, 10:45-11:45 a.m. Join native speaker Romain Feuillette in conversation.

HOT DATE WITH A BOOK

July 10-31. Looking for a beach read? Our display of wrapped books will give a few hints, but you won’t discover your “summer read” until you’re home.

CURRENT EVENTS

Wednesday, July 12, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Discuss current topics.

LIFE STORIES WE LOVE TO TELL (ONLINE)

Wednesday, July 12, 2-3:30 p.m. Guest speaker Jane Wilson will share stories and pictures from her 12-week solo travels through Egypt.

AFTER HOURS BOOK CLUB

Wednesday, July 12, 6:307:30 p.m. “Hawk Mountain” by Conner Habib.

PUZZLE SWAP

July 17-31. Swap out your gently used puzzles for something new to you.

“EVICTED” BOOK DISCUSSION WITH THE COMMUNITY JUSTICE CENTER

Monday, July 17, 6-8 p.m. Continue to explore fair housing with this discussion of Matthew Desmond’s “Evicted” at the CJC Office at 7928 Williston Rd. Copies available in Libby (Overdrive) and at the library.

BOOK CLUB BUFFET (ONLINE)

Tuesday, July 18, 12:30-1:30 p.m. “What happened to the Bennetts?” by Lisa Scottoline.

COOK THE BOOK

Wednesday, July 19, 12-1 p.m. Share recipes from “The Complete Small Plates Cookbook” at the potluck.

CLASSIFIED

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS ACCOUNTING SERVICES TOWN AUDIT OR INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANT’S COMPILATION REPORTS TOWN OF SAINT GEORGE, VERMONT

The Town of Saint George, Vermont is requesting proposals from qualified firms of Certified Public Accountants to audit its financial statements or provide an Independent Accountant’s Compilation Report for fiscal years ending June 30, 2021; June 30, 2022, and June 30, 2023, and with the written consent of Selectboard, three additional years ending, June 30, 2024, June 30, 2025, and June 30, 2026.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS ACCOUNTING SERVICES

Town does not anticipate spending more than $750,000 in federal awards and should not require an audit in accordance with the Single Audit Act of 1984. However, this is only an anticipation and proposals should reflect the potential additional fees of an audit in accordance with the Single Audit Act of 1984.

Gregory N. Ashley

TOWN AUDIT OR INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANT’S COMPILATION REPORTS TOWN OF SAINT GEORGE, VERMONT

It is with great sadness that the family of Gregory N. Ashley, 72 of Williston, VT and Port Richey, Florida announces his passing on June 9th, 2023. Greg passed away peacefully in his home with loved ones by his side.

too hard of hearing to know the actual lyrics and would often have fun making up his own. In his most recent years, Greg had even started dancing regularly.

Greg had a big heart and taking care of his ailing mother in her last months was one of the proudest times of his life. Greg loved and was very proud of his family and will be dearly missed.

The Town of Saint George, Vermont is requesting proposals from qualified firms of Certified Public Accountants to audit its financial statements or provide an Independent Accountant’s Compilation Report for fiscal years ending June 30, 2021; June 30, 2022, and June 30, 2023 , and with the written consent of Selectboard, three additional years ending, June 30, 2024, June 30, 2025, and June 30, 2026.

Proposals will be evaluated by the Town based on technical qualifications and price. During the evaluation process, the Town reserves the right, where it may serve in the Town’s best interest, to request additional information or clarification from proposers. The Town reserves the right to request firms submitting proposals to make oral presentations as part of the evaluation process.

The Town of Saint George has a population of 794 (according to 2020 U.S. Census data), operating budget of approximately $300,000, and is Vermont’s smallest town. The Town Report can be viewed at stgeorgevt.com The Town currently has 3 employees and provides the following municipal services through contracts and has approximately 12 account funds to be audited.

For a full RFP Description or to submit a proposal, please contact Justin Mason, Assistant to the Town Boards by 12:00 PM on Wednesday, July 19, 2023. Proposals are anticipated to be reviewed by the Selectboard on July 20, 2023.

Greg was born in Burlington, VT on November 18, 1950, to parents Harley F Ashley and Margaret G Patterson. He grew up in Burlington and Williston with 4 older brothers and one younger sister.

Proposals will be evaluated by the Town based on technical qualifications and price. During the evaluation process, the Town reserves the right, where it may serve in the Town's best interest, to request additional information or clarification from proposers. The T own reserves the right to request firms submitting proposals to make oral presentations as part of the evaluation process.

The audit shall be performed in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards as set forth by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants; the standards for financial audits set forth in the U.S. General Accounting Office’s Government Auditing Standards. The

Justin Mason, Assistant to the Town Boards, Town of Saint George, 21 Barber Road, Saint George, Vermont, 05495 stgeorgeboards@gmail.com

802 482 5272

The audit shall be performed in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards as set forth by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants; the standards for financial audits set forth in the U.S. General Accounting Office’s Government Auditing Standards. The Town does not anticipate spending more than $750,000 in federal awards and should not require an audit in accordance with the Single Audit Act of 1984. However, this is only an anticipation and proposals should reflect the potential additional fees of an audit in accordance with the Single Audit Act of 1984.

He was a graduate of Champlain Valley Union High School where he met his high school sweetheart Darlene Burnett. They married in 1971 and raised two children together, David born in 1972 and Jennifer born in 1980.

He was predeceased by both of his parents as well as three of his brothers, James, Robert and Johnny Ashley.

HEAVENAlmost

When Greg was a child, he had dreamed of becoming a pilot. Once he was old enough, he decided to serve in the United States Coast Guard. He graduated from Sikorsky Helicopter Academy and participated in many rescue missions which he loved.

The Town of Saint George has a population of 794 (according to 2020 U.S. Census data), operating budget of approximately $300,000, and is Vermont’s smallest town. The Town Report can be viewed at stgeorgevt.com The Town currently has 3 employees and provides the following municipal services through contracts and has approximately 12 account funds to be audited.

For a full RFP Description or to submit a proposal, please contact Justin Mason, Assistant to the Town Boards by 12:00 PM on Wednesday, July 19, 2023. Proposals are anticipated to be reviewed by the Selectboard on July 20, 2023.

Justin Mason, Assistant to

saintmichaelsplayhouse.org • 802.654.2281

Town Boards Town of Saint George 21 Barber Road Saint George, Vermont, 05495 stgeorgeboards@gmail.com 802 482 5272

Upon returning home to Vermont, he accepted a position at General Electric in Burlington and remained with the company for over 20 years. He later worked at Husky Injection Moldings and Bio-Tek Instruments before retiring and moving to Florida.

Greg loved the sun, camping and being on the water boating

and fishing. He was a member of the local Bass Club and took part in numerous derbies including the LCI and salmon fishing with his son David in Pulaski, NY. Encouraged by his daughter Jennifer’s certification, he even started pursuing a lifelong interest of learning to scuba dive before his illness began to progress.

Greg also had a love of movies, comedy, space, photography, Golden Retrievers, music, and anything sweet! He spent many years with family at weekend BBQ’s, swimming, playing tennis and volleyball, horseshoes and basketball, and enjoyed a good game of cards. He had a good sense of humor and was very charming. He had a nice singing voice; however, he was

Greg is survived by his significant other and dancing partner, Delores Penman of Port Richey, Florida, his second wife, Johnna Daignault of Colchester, VT, and his first wife Darlene Ashley of Williston, VT and their family: His son, David Ashley and wife Carrie of Hinesburg VT, his daughter, Jennifer A. Ashley and husband Shawn J. Chapman of Williston VT, Five Grandchildren, Alissa, Cody, Joshua, Elijah and Samantha as well as two great-grandchildren, Christian and Elliot. He is also survived by his brother Dennis Ashley and wife Susan, of Essex VT, his sister Jeanne Boutin and husband James of Starksboro VT, many nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family will hold a celebration of life to honor Greg’s memory at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Greg’s memory to any animal shelter, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and/or The Myositis Association.

LOCAL SHOP•EAT•SPEND•ENJOY Williston

the

Almost Heaven f ollows the life and times of the American musical legend, John Denver. From growing up in a military family to his emergence on the 1960s folk scene, the climb to 1970s superstardom and his later career of the 1980s and 1990s, John Denver’s story is brought to life in this area premiere through his countless hits. JUNE 28 – JULY 8

GREATER BURLINGTON’S PROFESSIONAL SUMMER THEATER

CLASSIFIEDS

SHELBURNE

Shelburne Highway Department Truck Driver/Laborer

The Town of Shelburne has an immediate opening for a teamoriented Truck Driver / Laborer.

This full-time position is responsible for operating trucks and equipment to maintain Town roads and properties and working as a laborer on Town projects. A commercial driver’s license or the ability to obtain one within six months is required.

A complete job description is available at: https://www. shelburnevt.org/237/Human-Resources.

To apply, submit employment application and/or resume to scannizzaro@shelburnevt.org.

Equal Opportunity Employer

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

PUZZLE FOUND ON PAGE 19

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.

LEGAL

TOWN OF WILLISTON DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD

AGENDA

Tuesday, July 25, 2023 – 7:00 PM

Williston Recreation “R.E.C Zone” (94 Harvest Lane, use north entrance) or Zoom Meeting ID 846 5863 3532 on zoom. us/join or call 1-646-558-8656

DP 23-17 3JT, LLC requests a discretionary permit to subdivide a 4.4 ac lot into three lots; one 2.61 ac lot with the existing office building, a 1.14 ac vacant lot, and a 0.80 ac lot for a building reviewed under the Taft Corners Form Based Code at 2300 St. George Rd. in the TCZD.

Project details and site plans are available on the website, town.williston.vt.us, under “Public Records and Documents”, then “Agendas & Minutes”, and “Development Review Board”. Contact Planning & Zoning Office for more information: 802878-6704 or email planning@willistonvt. org

LEGAL

TOWN OF WILLISTON Selectboard

Notice of Public Hearing

Tuesday, July 25, 2023

7:30 PM

Do you want to turn your passion into a career? Then you want to be at Affectionately Cats, Vermont’s ONLY feline exclusive hospital! We are looking for great people that want to work with a dedicated team where they are well trained, appreciated, and passionate about their work.

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!

The Williston Selectboard will hold a public hearing to receive comment on proposed amendments to the Town’s Temporary Events Ordinance being considered. The public hearing will take place on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at 7:30 PM in the Beckett/McGuire Meeting Room of the Williston Town Hall located at 7900 Williston Road with remote participation offered using the online platform zoom with access information listed at the bottom of this hearing notice. If adopted, the Ordinance amendments may become effective 60 days after the public hearing and vote by the Selectboard. Proposed amendments to the Ordinance include:

• Exclusion of events associated with a home business from the Ordinance, instead referring to the Town’s Zoning Bylaw.

• Adding celebration to event types.

• Increasing quantity of attendees on private property requiring a permit to 40.

• Addition that any lease or license agreement on Town-owned property with organizations or individuals that makes specific provisions regarding when a permit is required will apply when administering the Ordinance.

• Changes to the application requirements.

• Increasing attendance threshold of events to 200 people for Selectboard review.

• Addition of Town public safety officials as parties that can revoke a permit.

Copies of the entire text of the proposed Temporary Events Ordinance amendments are available for review during regular business hours at the Town Hall located at 7900 Williston Road, Williston, VT and can also be found on the Town’s website at http://town.williston. vt.us by navigating to public records & documents then legal notices.

Contact Erik Wells, Town Manager at (802) 876-1168, or at ewells@willistonvt. org with any questions.

Zoom Participation: https://us02web. zoom.us/j/88163464534

Phone: 1-646-558- 8656; Meeting ID: 881-6346-453