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Burlington Area Newspaper Group consequences.

Continuous learning is non-negotiable when it comes to high-performance building. For Vermont builders, there are many ties and nonprofits with a wealth of knowledge to help guide builders and carpenters. our heavily-carbon-footprinted world: organizations that offer information and training on basic carpentry skills, high-performance building strategies, energy code updates and high-performance certifications. Additionally, there are nationally recognized conferences, online learning opportuni-

Despite Vermont’s Energy Code being excellent, many builders are unaware of the code, do not build to conform to the code, do not have the skills to build to the code, or do not provide documentation of their work. Which brings us to the question: “Do you hire a company knowledgeable of the code, capable of understanding the code, believing in its relevance and purpose, and capable of building according to the code?” Remember, poor evidence of compliance with the code compromises any sale of your property.

• Are the architects/builders/ carpenters (not just the owner) up-to-date with high-performance certifications or in the process of learning best practices?

• When did they take the training (training should be updated every three years) and who conducts the training (is it given by a reputable organization)?

• What percentage of the work crew, from top to bottom, is engaged in continuous learning?

But you, as a homeowner or future homeowner, can be proactive and smart. You can start by asking these questions to make sure your project is up to code so your home will be comfortable and safe for you for years to come – and one of the homes that help make a big change on a local level in

• Is your builder aligned with state or nationally recognized authorities on Energy Star/ high-performance building?

• Is your builder registered with the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation?

Research the record of Energy Code compliance of the builder’s last few projects. You can go to your town clerk’s office for evidence of compliance.

Inquire as to the registration of the builder’s crew in ongoing learning. Ask for certificates of attendance/completion. The knowledge base of high-performance building must be deployed throughout the crew and not just with the builder.

Finally, to read an article about interviewing your building professional, written by one of Vermont’s most highly recognized high-performance builders, Peter Yost, go to www.buildingscience. org/interviewing-your-building-professional.

Guy Payne is the executive director of the Sustainable Energy Outreach Network, a Brattleboro nonprofit whose mission is to educate builders.

In response to the letter to the editor written by Leslie Allen (“Wrongs by Association” July 13), I feel compelled to respond.

Both the Finney Crossing Master Residential HOA and the Condo HOA operate within Vermont statute per corporate counsel. Homeowners have allotted time to speak at every board meeting, and members of the board are available to hear homeowner issues via email or phone between board meetings.

I personally went to Mr. Allen’s home to try to understand his issues better. Unfortunately, Mr. Allen interprets disagreement as dismissal and uses it as a basis of accusing the board of withholding from him his right to have a voice.

What is most important for me to convey is that Finney Crossing is one of the nicest communities I have ever lived in, and I am blessed to have as colleagues some of my neighbors with whom I work on the master board alongside those on the condo board who are dedicated to preserve the great nature of our community and who diligently carry out the business of the community within the law and to the benefit of all homeowners.

Williston

I’m sorry Mr. Allen’s intransigent position does not allow him to see this truth.

Pamela Cowan President of the Board of Finney

Crossing Master Residential Homeowner’s Association

Williston

I am writing to express my strong disapproval of any installation of cell equipment in the belfry of the Old Brick Church (“Verizon seeks space in Old Brick Church” July 20).

For 60 years we have fought to preserve and protect this landmark, arguably the town’s most historic landmark. To let a mega-corporation come in with cash to defile the old structure is abominable.

There are many other more creative alternatives. The most obvious is to require Verizon to install a mast on the hill behind the village near the tree line, or even a mast on the fire station would be higher in elevation than the Brick Church.

The town has not yet seen fit to install fire suppression in the church and now proposes to cram one of the belfry tiers with electronic equipment and snarl new cables down through the interior?

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

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

Richmond

Cumberland Farms

Richmond Free Library

Richmond Market

Richmond Mobil Mart

A lightning strike nearly caused the destruction of this irreplaceable landmark several years ago. Only fortune and the quick response of the fire department saved it. Even then, the belfry was totally destroyed. If fire ever finds its way into the attic, with its nearly 299-year-old timbering, the result would be catastrophic.

Please use common sense and leave this building alone. Let your town board know your feelings.

Mark Hutchins Williston

I am very concerned about Verizon wanting to place cell phone antennas on the Old Brick Church steeple in Williston, and that the Williston Selectboard is not looking into the health dangers of these radiations (“Verizon seeks space in Old Brick Church” July 20).

Also, exactly what is Verizon planning to keep in its “storage shed?”

We must examine the research, since no amount of convenience of having cell phone service is worth people getting cancer and other brain and physical disorders. There is lots of research demonstrating the dangers, but it’s ignored by the governing agencies that are run/supported by the cell phone industry. (Check out www.radiationhealthrisks.com).

In addition, a new federal bill that threatens to eliminate all state and local control in cell tower and small cell placements is making its way through Congress. Proposed bill H.R. 3557 aims to expedite the deployment of wireless and other communications facilities through a massive federal power grab that strips away state and local control in permitting and regulatory review processes — the very mechanisms designed to protect citizens from the threats posed by wireless facilities.

If H.R. 3557 passes, it will result in a truly unrestricted proliferation of cell towers and small cell installations near schools, playgrounds and homes without any local or community input.

Janet Smith Williston