Williston Observer 09/07/2023

Man allegedly attempts carjackings in Village

Foot chase leads to arrest in front of school

OBSERVER STAFF REPORT

Two drivers received life-threatening scares while traveling through Williston Village last Wednesday evening when a man reportedly approached them, flashed a weapon and demanded they get out of

their cars.

The alleged attempted carjackings took place on Williston Road near the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library and Williston Central School, according to a sworn statement from responding Williston Police Officer Avery Lemnah. The incidents led to a foot chase around Old Stage and Maple roads and the eventual arrest of a man in front

A new role for Redhawks: defending champs

BY LAUREN READ Observer correspondent

Last fall, the CVU football team walked off the field at Rutland High School with some new hardware and a new title — Division I champions. Now the Redhawks walk into this season in unfamiliar territory, as defending champs and the No. 1 team to beat.

“When we look at the accomplishment — and it was history making, winning the state championship — we have to appreciate it and then understand that isn’t us, and we define who we are one week at a time,” said CVU coach Rahn Fleming. “Every practice, every game we have to earn it.”

CVU captured its first-ever state title last season behind a powerhouse offense. But that offense will have to plug some holes to start the year — most notably Gatorade Player of the Year Jack Sumner and wide receiver Alex Provost.

“Candidly, there’s no replacing an Alex Provost, there’s no replacing a Jack Sumner,” Fleming said. “But their leaving opens a space for somebody else to rise up into.”

The Redhawks will look to some key returning players to set the tone early, includ -

ing quarterback Ollie Cheer, running back Jacob Bose and wide receivers Brian Rutherford and Jacob Armstrong, who all should give CVU some early chemistry on offense.

Rutherford and Armstrong already had some standout moments in the team’s opening game, while Bose, Anderson McEnaney and Asher Vaughn will gets reps at the running back position to pick up where Sumner left off.

“We’re changing our look a little bit to be able to best employ our athletes,” Fleming said. “We aren’t married to a system. We’re developing a system around the guys we have on the ball field.”

The group will also rely on its defense, which made a dramatic stand on the final play of the title game last season to clinch CVU’s win. Confidence on the defense, and returning defensive linemen like Joshua Quad, Sean Kennedy and Connor Simons, will help as the program works to find its rhythm early in the season.

Newcomers like Lucas Almena-Lee, Orion Yates and Dylan Terricciano will slot in at the linebacker positions to provide some new looks on the defensive side of the ball.

Alleged attempted carjacking

of Williston Central School, according to Lemnah’s statement. It was the first day of the new school year.

Both drivers were able to elude the alleged carjacker and were unharmed. They both drove to the Williston Police station nearby to alert police. The incidents occurred separately about 6 p.m.

“I was shaking and scared,”

one of the alleged victims wrote in a sworn statement to police.

“I thought that he was first approaching my car for money, but he seemed very lucid and clear and looked me right in the eyes. He held something in his right hand that was tube-like. It did feel like he was ready to harm me.”

The other alleged victim

see CAR JACKINGS page 7

The CVU football running backs, top, work on balance and ball security during a practice at UVM’s Virtue Field last week, and receivers, right, get a chance to show their skills. As a team, above, the players work on line bocking and practice running plays.

OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY

“I was shaking and scared … It did feel like he was ready to harm me.”

victim

Around Town

Williston energy fair set for Sept. 16

The Williston Energy Committee will host a Williston Energy Fair at Allen Brook School on Talcott Road Saturday, Sept. 16. The free event will be from 1-4 p.m.

The event expands on last year’s “EV Fest” that focused on electric vehicles. This year’s event will be a similar showcase of a wide range of electric vehicles as well as information about energy efficiency programs, so -

Town bills due Sept. 30

The Town of Williston water, sewer and stormwater bills have been mailed and are due by Sept. 30, according to the Williston Department of Public Works.

Eagle Scout project benefits school garden club

lar energy, home weatherization planning and products, e-Bikes, EV charging devices, heating and cooling options and other energy-related topics.

Electric car owners will have their vehicles on hand and will be available to talk about their buying and ownership experiences.

There will be representatives from Green Mountain Power, Green Mountain Solar, Vermont Gas, Building Energy, Efficiency Vermont and the Safe Routes to School program.

“The Williston Energy Fair is designed to help people make informed decisions by obtaining a wide variety of information about energy efficiency products, equipment, vehicles and current government and utility rebate and tax credit programs” said Reed Parker, chair of the Williston Energy Committee.

Email energy@willistonvt. org for more information.

Road construction continues

The roadwork season is still in full swing. Here are some of the projects underway in Williston, according to the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission.

— A paving project on Oak Hill and North Williston roads will cause traffic delays Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

— Work to construct a parkand-ride south of the Interstate 89 Exit 12 interchange will cause one lane of alternating traffic and delays on Route 2A from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. during the week. The park-and-ride is expected to be ready for use this fall.

— A reconstruction project at the intersection of Route 2 and Industrial Avenue will cause lane shifts from 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Flaggers will be present to direct traffic. This project is expected to be complete in the fall.

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Robert Nesbit of Williston Troop 692 recently attained the rank of Eagle Scout with his project, a bottle and can collection bin located behind Williston Central School. Proceeds from bottles and cans collected will go to the school’s garden club to support the school’s chickens, among other things.

OBSERVER COURTESY PHOTO

Last year’s EV Fest at ABS.

Did state overrule school mask mandates?

Feds launch probe into discrimination complaint

BY PETER D’AURIA VTDigger

The U.S. Department of Education is investigating Vermont’s Agency of Education over claims that state officials overruled school districts’ mask mandates — and violated students’ rights by doing so.

The investigation is focused on “whether the AOE limited school districts’ ability to make individualized determinations that allow for the mandatory masking of students and staff as a reasonable modification,” according to a letter from the federal Department of Education to the Vermont Agency of Education, “thereby discriminating against students with disabilities who are at an elevated risk of severe illness from COVID-19 by denying them an equal educational opportunity to access in-person learning, in violation of (federal law).”

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights launched the probe in April of this year. The federal agency opens investigations in response to complaints alleging discrimination in educational settings. It’s not clear who filed the initial complaint, nor when it was filed.

A spokesperson for the federal Department of Education, Alberto Betancourt, declined to comment. A spokesperson for the Vermont

Agency of Education, Ted Fisher, also declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigation.

But in response to a request from VTDigger, Fisher provided communications between the feds and the state.

According to an April 20 letter from the Office of Civil Rights

pandemic response to ensure the equal educational access of students with disabilities including students with disabilities who are at an elevated risk of severe illness from COVID-19 exposure,” Bouchey wrote. “If the AOE erred in its responses, guidance or otherwise, it is eager to address the error and make corrections for the benefit of students.”

The investigation touches on one of the most fraught issues in public education during Covid-19: mask mandates.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, state directives about masking at schools were often confusing and seemingly contradictory. Officially, Vermont’s policy has been to allow local districts to make their own decisions about masking, although the state was not always clear about whether districts had the authority to do so.

to the Agency of Education, the initial complaint alleged that Vermont discriminated against students with disabilities by preventing local school districts from imposing mask mandates. The alleged actions had taken place “at least since June 2021,” according to the letter.

In a reply sent to federal officials in May, interim Secretary of Education Heather Bouchey said the agency had no intention of discriminating against students with disabilities.

“The AOE devoted significant effort throughout its COVID-19

But in at least one case, the Agency of Education pushed a school district to lift its mask mandate.

In March 2022, the Washington Central Unified Union School District imposed a masking requirement in response to rising Covid-19 cases. After that decision, then-Secretary of Education Dan French emailed the then-superintendent and urged her to lift the mandate.

“With all due respect, I am unaware that your district has greater public health expertise than the Vermont Department of Health,” French wrote. “I strongly encourage you to defer to their expertise in these types of decisions.”

The complaint alleged that Vermont discriminated against students with disabilities by preventing local school districts from imposing mask mandates.

Ninth-graders arrive for the first day of school at Champlain Valley Union High School in Hinesburg on Aug. 25, 2021.

PHOTO BY GLENN RUSSELL/VTDIGGER

Homeless face ‘nightmare’ bureaucracy for motel vouchers

BY LOLA DUFFORT VTDigger

Most Wednesdays, Elizabeth Blakeney is late for work for her shift at Berlin’s Hilltop Inn. She said she feels bad for the coworkers who sometimes have to cover for her, although her tardiness is out of her control.

Blakeney also lives at the Hilltop with her husband as part of a special emergency housing program for people experiencing homelessness, and six times a month the couple must recertify the state voucher that subsidizes their stay. To do so, Blakeney makes the trek to the Department for Children and Families’ offices in Barre, which is difficult because she doesn’t have a car, and bus service is unreliable. And once there, she must wait, often for hours on end, to be seen.

“I can be there for four or five

hours,” she said.

Because of Blakeney’s partial disability benefits, she and her husband were among some 2,000 individuals included in a special pandemic-era cohort of unhoused individuals entitled to shelter through April — at least in theory. But the program extension came with new requirements, and in July alone, the only month for which data is yet available, over 100 households left the program simply because they failed to renew their benefits, about triple the figure that actually found permanent housing.

It’s possible that some of the people who didn’t renew did find housing and never reported it to the state. And officials have told lawmakers that they’re doing everything they can to get in touch with program participants, and that being booted from the program might prompt people to submit the necessary paperwork to re-enroll.

“As individuals lose their benefits, that sometimes entices them to reach out to the state,” Agency of Human Services Secretary Jenney Samuelson told lawmakers in July. But this belies the reality on the ground, where both motel residents and the service providers who work with them report that people are desperately trying to maintain their benefits in the face of extraordinary and unpredictable administrative burdens.

There are only two ways for people to renew their benefits: in person — which Blakeney prefers because she believes it’s more reliable — or over the phone. Wait time data for phone calls provided by the Department for Children and Families for four weeks this summer show that people seeking to renew their vouchers were on hold for an average of just under two hours to three hours.

see HOMELESS page 5

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Charles Jenkins, who lives and works at the Hilltop Inn in Berlin, where he cares for his disabled brother, has waited on hold for over six hours to speak to DCF.

PHOTO BY LOLA DUFFORT/VTDIGGER

Homeless

continued from page 4

But service providers and motel residents alike say the state’s data doesn’t fully capture the severity of the problem.

One Hilltop resident, Charles Jenkins, who also works at the inn doing maintenance work, showed a reporter the call log on his phone in a recent attempt to reach DCF’s economic services division. It was for 6 hours, 29 minutes, and 12 seconds.

Jenkins said he waited as patiently as he could, finishing his shift while remaining on hold. But it was difficult and frustrating, particularly since he had to vigilantly keep recharging his phone to make sure he didn’t get disconnected — and sent to the back of the queue.

“It’s stressful, especially when you have another individual relying on you,” said Jenkins, who cares for his disabled brother, who lives with him at the Hilltop. He noted that in earlier iterations of the program, he’d recertified monthly — a process that eventually became biweekly, and now, for a reason he couldn’t explain, weekly. “It’s a nightmare,” he said.

An hour south down the highway, Katie Edwards, a service coordinator at the Upper Valley Haven in Hartford, echoed Jenkins verbatim, calling recertification “a nightmare.” She guessed the state’s data must not take into account how often people are disconnected and must start all over again from the back of the queue. There’s a callback system, added Edwards, who helps people navigate the process, but she hasn’t seen it work.

People often start the recertification process days out from their renewal date, she said, and as each day passes and they fail to get through, they begin to panic as they consider being forced to pay out of pocket or, if they have no money, simply leave.

“I can’t even describe that level of stress,” she said.

And the process is even more difficult for those who must renew their vouchers more than once a month. The law says that participants must renew every 28 days, but many have to do so more frequently, either because the hotel wants to house them on a trial basis, or because the state wants to re-calculate how much they will owe toward their stay with every paycheck.

Ironically, the system makes things particularly difficult for those who work. Blakeney is paid every other Friday, and her husband is paid every Wednesday. With each paycheck, the state requires a new recertification, which Blakeney treks over to Barre to complete.

State officials say they’re doing this to make sure that people who participate pay 30 precent of their income toward their stay — a pre-pandemic rule reintroduced by lawmakers this July. But Blakeney said she’s had to pay more, because when delays or complications hold up her voucher, it’s on her to pay the difference — or plead for patience from the hotel.

Carolyn Bower, the hotel project manager for the Good Samaritan Haven, a shelter network in central Vermont, is typically posted at the Hilltop. Because one older resident has dementia, Bower is tasked with calling the state on his behalf, and as of last week she estimated that she’d probably called four or five times hoping to get through to a state worker in August. She typically has to hang up after about two hours, Bower said, because the man can’t handle waiting so long and usually retires to his room to sleep. The hotel had been allowing him to stay for free for nearly a month, she said, taking it on faith that the state would eventually recertify him.

Bower predicted that he eventually would get his voucher. But such an arduous process, particularly for people who have preexisting trauma and mental health problems, is “playing with their heads,” she said. “It’s just not fair.”

Edwards, the Upper Valley service work-

er, says the process is also deeply confusing. Because people are told verbally when they need to renew, and because the state has changed the schedule for when people need to recertify, people often don’t know when they’re due. And for someone like Edwards, who is attempting to get people into more stable housing, the process is particularly maddening because it feels so counter-productive. She recalled taking a woman to the DCF offices one recent Friday, only to be told that the woman would need to return on Monday, since her voucher wasn’t expiring until then.

“It really is a waste of my efforts to get people into permanent housing, to spend

a concern. But she nevertheless expressed confidence that no one was losing their benefits if they were putting in a good-faith effort to renew their benefits, and said the state was doing its own outreach.

If someone hasn’t renewed in time but wait times have been high, “we are giving them extra time to get in touch with us, and for us to call them.”

“But that means I also need people to answer their phones when economic services is calling,” she said. Gray also pointed to the callback option, which she said the state had put in place in response to wait times — but she expressed surprise when a reporter told her that motel residents and caseworkers frequently complain the function is unreliable.

“I have not heard that,” she said.

She also expressed frustration at the notion that the state’s process for recertification could be impeding someone’s search for housing, calling it “a bit extreme.”

“I mean, I just think that there is a shortage of housing as well,” she said. As for the decision to ask people to recertify with every paycheck, Gray argued it was what the state needed to do to comply with the requirement to make people pay their share, as dictated by the state’s new law.

probably like half of my month just dealing with recertification,” Edwards said.

Rebecca Plummer, a staff attorney at Vermont Legal Aid, said the nonprofit law firm is hearing from service providers that people are being kicked out of the program simply because they can’t make it through the recertification process. And she argued that despite new rules imposed by the Legislature, the state could do more to simplify the process.

“People are falling through the cracks,” she wrote in an email to VTDigger. “The statute is not specific; it requires that participants are ‘engaging in monthly eligibility reassessments.’ Given the Department’s inability to affirmatively recertify each household in the program, there is no reason they can’t suspend this requirement or convert it to an opt-out rather than an opt-in requirement.”

Miranda Gray, the deputy commissioner of DCF’s economic services division, acknowledged that wait times are long and

Asked about the older Hilltop Inn resident who reportedly hadn’t had a valid voucher for weeks, Gray offered that perhaps the problem was that his caseworker hadn’t raised the problem with the state.

“If we’ve outreached multiple times and didn’t get anything and then the hotel continues to house someone — we don’t know that until it is brought to our attention,” she said.

But pressed about how the caseworker was expected to do this — given that reaching the state was precisely the problem — Gray replied that, on some days, wait times were quite short.

“I can tell you yesterday we had no wait time,” she said. Besides, Gray added, caseworkers should know that they can also raise concerns about a particular motel resident directly with DCF’s local field directors.

Gray has also pointed to the Agency of Human Service’s fair hearing process as one more way individuals can get back their benefits if they’ve lost them.

see HOMELESS page 7

People are desperately trying to maintain their benefits in the face of extraordinary and unpredictable administrative burdens.

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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

BY MICHAEL DEL TRECCO

Earlier this summer, each Vermont hospital went before their regulator, the Green Mountain Care Board, to present and defend their budget and answer questions from the board and its staff. This is just one part of a months-long process.

We are a fully non-profit hospital system in Vermont. That means that every dollar that passes through our organizations is reinvested in staff, equipment, supplies and our communities. There are no shareholders or hedge fund owners earning a profit.

The result of this structure is that hospitals collaborate, rather than compete, to deliver care. As Vermonters, this makes perfect sense to us. But you may be surprised to know that this is not the case in most states, where for-profit and non-profit hospitals exist just blocks from one another, competing for the most profitable patients and to perform the more profitable procedures to the detriment of those less desirable.

Our non-profit standing is more

than just a tax status. It’s a mindset for our people. These hospitals exist entirely to serve their communities and are determined to meet their mission, no matter the difficulties.

I can tell you unequivocally that each and every hospital took great effort to examine expenses and reduce costs where they could safely and reasonably do so. These budgets are responsible and expertly crafted to keep costs down — and never jeopardize services or care.

System-wide, we are at just a 2 percent margin, and most of our hospitals have had even smaller or negative margins over the last several years. We know that low and negative margins will lead to unintended disruptions to our patients, and we must avoid this at all costs. We must get to a place where hospitals are able to achieve a healthy margin to balance the needs of patients and staff while allowing each organization to make the necessary investments to remain current with new technologies and continue on the path of health care reform.

Importantly, these budgets are about people. For most of our hospi-

tals, the majority of their budgets are comprised of salary, wages and benefits for caregivers — and rightfully so. We cannot automate care like a manufacturing facility can. And we can’t rely on ChatGPT to diagnose a complex set of symptoms or comfort a patient. We need people — human beings — in every department and at all levels, who are well-trained and care deeply for our patients.

Above all, our hospital budgets are strong, well-reasoned and represent only what is needed to care for patients and deliver on our mission and our promise to the communities we serve. That is why we respectfully ask the Green Mountain Care Board to approve our budgets as submitted.

You can follow along the process by visiting the Green Mountain Care Board hospital budget review webpage: www.gmcboard.vermont. gov/hospital-budget-review.

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

Michael Del Trecco is president and chief executive officer of the Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems.

Williston

Carjackings

continued from page 1

gave a similar statement to police, describing how the man reportedly entered the road into oncoming traffic, stood in front of their bumper and yelled “Get out of the car.”

“(The alleged victim) ran to the back door of the Williston Police Department in a panic stating that a male … just tried to hijack his vehicle,” Lemnah wrote in her report.

Three officers then drove around the village in pursuit. Lemnah said she saw the suspect at the corner of Old Stage Road and Route 2 and chased him on foot north on Old Stage Road and across Maple Road. Two other Williston officers joined the chase; an officer with a trained police dog from Essex also responded.

“I began to run after him and yelled ‘Stop! Williston Police!’ but he continued to run … out of sight,” Lemnah reported.

Sgt. Brian Claffy then encountered the suspect in front of Williston Central School, according to police. Claffy drew

his gun and pepper spray. The suspect allegedly resisted arrest, but was handcuffed and taken into custody when other officers arrived, according to Lemnah.

Homeless

continued from page 5

Officer Avery Lemnah Williston Police

Two “box-cutter blades” were found in a search of the suspect, according to police.

The suspect, identified by police as Tyshawn Lee, was taken to the UVM Medical Center and later released. According to police, Lee is on probation and parole with the Burlington Police Department. Burlington police officers took him into custody and lodged him in jail, according to Lemnah’s report.

Lee was charged with two counts of assault and robbery and resisting arrest.

But the fair hearing process does not offer those who attempt to reinstate their benefits a particularly equal playing field. While the state can call upon a lawyer in the Attorney General’s office to assist them, the former voucher recipient has no guaranteed representation. (They can reach out to outside entities, like Vermont Legal Services, for help, but they don’t necessarily get it.)

And homeless individuals who ask for a fair hearing still lose their benefits while they wait for their appeal to be heard — which means that people might be left to figure out how to build their case while living outside. (For a period of time, the state was allowing people to stay in motels pending their hearing, but they’ve done away with that practice, arguing it was merely a pandemic-era measure.)

Asked if the program is set up in a way that works for the people it was intended to serve, Gray would only say that the state was doing what it was told to do by lawmakers.

“The program is set up as it was set forth in Act 81 is what I will say,” she said.

“I began to run after him and yelled ‘Stop! Williston Police!’ but he continued to run … out of sight.”

Soccer scrimmage sharpens skills

CLOCKWISE (l to r): The CVU boys varsity soccer team listens to instructions from Coach Rob Cole during practice last week. An intrasquad scrimmage during practice last week gives players a chance to work on team cohesion. Players get a chance to work on both their offensive and defensive skills. Goalies got a work-out as well.

Redhawks

continued from page 1

“What we’re doing is brand new with a bunch of willing athletes who are learning it as fast as they can and giving a 100 percent of what they’ve got,” Fleming said.

The Redhawks suffered a setback to open the 2023 schedule, falling to Burr and Burton 38-28 last Saturday afternoon. A tough loss against an opponent that is expected to be a championship contender was a building block for CVU, said coach Fleming.

“We came back with plenty to work with, plenty to work on,” Fleming said.

She-’hawks’ soccer

The CVU girls varsity soccer team works on attacking the goal during practice last week, giving goalies, defenders, below, and offense, right, plenty of opportunities to work on their skills.

“When a game gives you a practice plan for the whole next week, you don’t look a gift horse in the mouth, you say thank you and you start making kids better and giving them opportunities.”

The Redhawks will look to take the lessons learned from Week 1 into their next matchup on Saturday when they travel to BFA-St. Albans. Kick-off is at 7 p.m.

“We had a number of bright shining moments (against Burr and Burton), what we gotta do is take those bright shining moments and turn them into habits,” Fleming said. “That lack of satisfaction is what has to drive to define ourselves and establish our own achievements and identity this year.”

This CVU football receiver got a chance to show his skills during a practice at UVM’s Virtue Field last week. OBSERVER PHOTO BY AL FREY

OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY

Montpelier’s downtown sputters

BY LOLA DUFFORT VTDigger

Bear Pond Books, the independent book store in downtown Montpelier, celebrated its 50th birthday this summer — though you might have missed it.

“We were unfortunately closed for the party,” joked co-owner Claire Benedict, who was celebrating her bookstore’s grand reopening last Friday. Bear Pond was one of a handful of downtown businesses opening their doors anew last week after July’s historic flood inundated much of the capital’s downtown core.

Benedict and her husband used the occasion to reorganize the store.

Benedict said the business was able to replace its inventory and rebuild all of its shelving without taking on loans. It dipped into reserves, got a state grant, received philanthropic support and raised funds online.

“I guess time will tell. The customers are flooding in today, and if that keeps happening, we feel pretty good about it,” she said.

Over on State Street, Pho Capital reopened last Thursday, although Nghia Duong, the general manager, told an excited regular he was glad she would come on Friday instead. The day prior had been full of glitches as they tried to get their systems back online. Only half of the restau-

rant’s indoor space is open, but Duong said the Vietnamese eatery hopes it will be ready by the time the temperatures dip and they have to close their patio.

The federal government is offering low-interest loans, not grants, to businesses affected by the disaster. And according to Katie Trautz, the executive director of Montpelier Alive, a nonprofit organization that supports the city’s downtown businesses, that’s what’s missing for dozens of businesses that remain shuttered: cash.

“They have applied for every grant or, in some cases, loans but have not actually received the money in hand that would allow them to reopen — and it’s never enough. So they’re just trying to figure out how to make ends meet,” she said.

The Montpelier Strong Recovery Fund, a collaboration between Montpelier Alive and the Montpelier Foundation, has already doled out $500,000 to downtown businesses and is preparing to send out another $750,000 in the second round.

Businesses looking to reopen are also at the mercy of their landlords — who may themselves be struggling to find contractors.

Kent Bigglestone, who runs Capital Stationers alongside his brother Eric (the family has owned the store since 1950), credited his landlord, Tim Heney, with getting

many businesses on this Main Street block reopen so quickly.

“Half these places, they haven’t even got sheetrock on the walls yet,” he said, gesturing across the street.

Like Benedict, Bigglestone said the business was able to reopen its doors without incurring additional debt and mainly relied on community donations. But it also isn’t fully open yet — the store’s Hallmark section, for example, remains empty for now.

Many downtown institutions

to life

are finding ways to do business even as they rebuild. Charlie O’s is serving drinks on its outside patio. Kellogg-Hubbard Library’s building is still closed to the public, but it is offering curbside pickup. And many merchants are now selling a sampling of their wares each Saturday at the farmers market, which moved to the Vermont College of Fine Arts after the flood.

Montpelier Alive keeps a running list of businesses that are open

— or doing business in some capacity — and it included 67 as of last Friday. But about 120 businesses were impacted by the flood, Trautz said, and only a handful that have reopened are fully operational.

“There are businesses who are really on the fence about whether they can reopen because not everything is aligning in their favor,” she said. “And I would say it could be up to a year before some businesses reopen to the capacity that they were previously.”

The corner of Main and State streets in Montpelier on Friday, above.

A customer, right, peruses the racks as Bear Pond Books in Montpelier, which reopened last week after July’s floods.

PHOTOS BY GLENN RUSSELL/VTDIGGER

Enhancing wellness with bathroom upgrades

Wellness is at the forefront of many homeowners’ minds, including keeping germs at bay and creating surroundings that promote mental and physical health. Even small spaces like the bathroom can benefit from wellness-inspired changes.

A bathroom can be one of the easiest rooms in your home to give a little extra TLC to in order to create a healthier lifestyle. These five cost-effective measures can turn your bathroom into a more practical, functional space that promotes your well-being.

SWITCH UP SURFACES

The countertops in your bathroom, much like the flooring, must be able to withstand a lot of water.

Nonporous vanity tops, such as those made from quartz, hold up to being wet constantly and can help keep germs from breeding. In addition to being easy to clean, a solid-surface option like quartz never needs to be sealed or polished, making it an aesthetically pleasing, long-lasting option.

CLEAN GREEN

Bathrooms are often hot and steamy places, and water vapors in the air can carry potentially harmful chemicals from cleaning products. Green cleaning products are made to control the spread of bacteria and viruses using safe and effective means. Not only are they helpful in preventing asthma attacks and other respiratory

ailments, but they are a low-cost way to improve overall indoor air quality.

What you use to clean yourself is just as important. Using green or organic personal care items can help reduce toxin exposure and lessen the likelihood of an allergic reaction.

REDUCE HUMIDITY

All that steam can affect your health in other ways, too, since it creates a humid environment that encourages mold and mildew. A heated towel rack is an inexpensive way to add a touch of luxury to your space while generating heat that helps reduce humidity and the growth of mold and mil-

Bathroom upgrades like heated towel racks and nonporous surfaces can have wellness benefits, not just aesthetic ones.

Bathrooms

continued from page 11

dew, therefore benefiting indoor air quality. Heated towel racks like those from Amba Products come in a variety of finishes and styles to coordinate with your decor. Freestanding models are available if wall space is at a premium. Another advantage: Since the racks dry towels, your towels will stay mildew-free longer and don’t need to be washed as often, which helps save valuable natural resources.

ENHANCE AIR QUALITY

Creating a green, spa-like oasis with plants can bring wellness benefits that don’t

break the bank. Indoor plants help rid the environment of pollutants, and the energy and ambiance they add may have mental health benefits, too. Plants like mother-inlaw’s tongue or peace lily are popular options to incorporate as natural air purifiers.

EXPLORE COLOR

A bathroom’s color palette can also play a role in your wellness goals. Warmer shades like red and orange enhance energy while cooler colors like green and blue can be calming.

Begin planning bathroom upgrades that improve your health and well-being with more tips and ideas at www.ambaproducts. com.

— Family Features

Easy-care floors for busy bodies.

Bathrooms, often furnished with hard shiny surfaces of porcelain and chrome, benefit aesthetically from the addition of plants. But, there is the added value that indoor plants can act as natural air purifiers.

PHOTO BY STEVEN UNGERMANN, UPSPLASH.COM

5 must-haves for extended outdoor entertaining

Gatherings and get-togethers may commonly take place inside, but giving your guests extra space takes nothing more than a little creativity and the right outdoor appliances. Open a new door — literally — and head outside to take advantage of unused deck, patio and yard space.

As a natural extension of your home, a few key pieces of lighting, heating and cooking equipment can turn your backyard into an entertaining oasis. Let your personal style shine and elevate your hosting skills with these five ideas.

LIGHTING

Flame lighting may not be every homeowner’s first consideration, but more hosts are relying on it to add upscale elegance to outdoor gatherings. Custom lanterns, modern chandeliers, pendants and tabletop units offer stylish additions to modern and classic designs alike.

No matter your tastes, propane flame lighting fixtures can be placed in multiple areas for aesthetic and practical purposes. It’s hard to top the soothing effect of a starry night while calming flames reflect off your windows and add a glow to your patio. Flame lighting also can ward off intruders or animals and help prevent tripping in the dark.

GRILLS AND COOKING EQUIPMENT

Propane can help you bring your dream kitchen to life outdoors. First establish a budget and identify a builder, then build out the features of your kitchen in the peaceful setting nature offers. Often, the centerpiece of the space is your grill, available in a variety of sizes and styles. Some offer features like side burners for sauces and rotisseries.

Because they heat up fast and provide precise temperature control, propane-powered outdoor cooking appliances are a popular

choice for homeowners who want to spend less time preparing food and more time enjoying it. With instant on-off convenience just like indoor gas ranges, outdoor propane grills, pizza ovens and ovens help home chefs create perfectly cooked meals with no coals, soot or ash to clean up.

The appliances can also be built in to a straight, L-shaped or U-shaped bar to complete your outdoor cooking paradise.

PATIO HEATERS

If chilly weather brings on the blues, make the most of your outdoor space with a propane-powered patio heater. Propane patio heaters can raise the outdoor air temperature by 25 degrees while emitting a circle of radiant heat up to 25 feet in diameter.

FIREPLACES AND FIRE PITS

Another option for bringing warmth to outdoor entertaining can happen with the push of a button in the form of a propane fireplace or fire pit. These smokeless solutions come without the maintenance of wood-burning fires, meaning you can enjoy the heat and ambiance of flames dancing in the night sky while skipping the fuss of soot, ash and burning logs. Plus, propane delivers heat more efficiently with a lower carbon footprint than traditional energy sources like wood, which take a toll on the environment.

POOL HEATERS

You can maximize your fun for as much of the year as possible and combat the elements with propane pool and spa heaters. Available for in-ground and above ground pools and spas, propane heaters operate cleanly and take up minimal space.

— Family Features

Fall Safety Tips

Finishing up digging projects before the snow flies?

Before you dig, you or your contractor must contact Dig Safe™ at 811 at least 48 hours prior to digging.

Before the work begins, Dig Safe will notify member utilities, who will then ensure the locations of buried facilities they own are clearly marked. Please insist that any work within 18 inches of the marked lines be done by hand.

From patio heaters to fire pits, additions to your backyard space can extend outdoor entertaining well into the fall.

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.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES

Agencies team up for free lead soil testing

OBSERVER

STAFF REPORT

Gardeners can get their soils screened for lead at the Norwich Farmers Market on Sept. 9 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The screening is free, thanks to a partnership among the University of Vermont Extension Master Gardener program, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service.

There is a limit of three samples per person. Ornamental flower gardens do not need to be tested unless they include edible plants. Pre-registration is not required. Just bring your sample to the venue, located at 281 Route 5 South in Norwich.

Only one sample is needed from a large garden, but if you have multiple, edible gardens in different locations, you will need to sample these separately.

For a large area, collect soil from 5-10 random spots

throughout the area. For small beds, choose three random spots.

Dig down to 6-8 inches deep in each location for a soil sample. Then combine them in a clean container. Remove any pebbles, roots or other debris. Allow to air dry. Once dry, transfer 1-2 cups of the mixed soil into a clean one-quart zipper or slider storage bag.

As a best practice, wear gloves when collecting soil samples. If collecting more than one sample, remember to rinse your shovel and container between samples. You will want to label each bag if you have multiple samples so you know which test results apply to which area.

This event is sponsored by Soil Screening, Health, Outreach and Partnership — a program of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. This federal public health agency works with partner organizations to offer free lead screening of garden soils and information on health effects related to exposure to hazardous substances like lead.

Visit go.uvm.edu/gardensoilleadscreening to learn more about the event. For questions about soils, soil testing and gardening topics, contact the Master Gardener Helpline at go.uvm. edu/gardeninghelp.

A UVM Extension Master Gardener volunteer welcomes a gardener for a soil sample check at a soil screening event in May.

FALL/WINTER PROGRAM GUIDE

The Fall/Winter Program Guide has been mailed to Williston homes. Registration is now open for all programs in the guide. Be sure to check the website (www.willistonrec.org) often for new programs being added.

THE R.E.C. ZONE

Programs are ongoing at the R.E.C. Zone, 94 Harvest Lane, Williston. Some were put on hold over the summer but will be starting back up this fall.

JAZZERCISE CARDIO SCULPT

Age 50-plus. Mondays and/ or Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. $25 per class. Discounted class passes are available. Instructor: Kit Sayers

GET FIT W/JAZZY

18-plus. Classes will resume in October with new days and times. $10 per class. Instructor:

Jazmin Averbuck

RETRO DANCE CARDIO & CORE

Age 50-plus. Classes will resume in September with new days and times. $5 per class. Instructor: Jazmin Averbuck

SENIOR FITNESS

Age 50-plus. Classes will resume this fall. $5 per class. Instructor: Toni Kunker

VOCAL PERCUSSION & IMPROVISATION WORKSHOP

Ages 13-plus. Starting in the fall with a new day and time. Instructors- Root 7

FAMILY PROGRAMS

DANGEROUS GIRLS CLASS

Age 14-plus. This is a women-only cardio-kickboxing class that combines strength and conditioning with practical combat skills. Learn trips and throws, bounce to Beyoncé, hit hard, laugh a lot. Instructor: ONTA Studio Staff

ADULT PROGRAMS

PICKLEBALL 101

Age 18-plus. For players familiar with the game, this program will explore the technical aspects of Pickleball. Drills will include serving, return of serve, third shot drop, the soft game, volleying, basic strategies, and actual playing time. Instructor: Corey Gottfried

PICKLEBALL 102

Age 18-plus. A program for experienced players, Pickleball 102 will focus on refining skills such as: building a point, court coverage, lobbing and retrieving lobs as well as the mental side of the game: focus, mindset, breathing, goals, adjustments, shot selection and patience. Instructor: Corey Gottfried

DOG TRAINING PROGRAMS

Age 18-plus. Dog Training Basics and Dog Training Beyond Basics. Instructor: Deb Helfrich, Gold Star Owner. Register at www.willistonrec.org.

PICKUP BASKETBALL PROGRAMS

There are programs for Men’s 20-plus, Men’s 30-plus, and Women’s 19-plus. Programs meet once a week October through May. Register at www. willistonrec.org.

PICKUP VOLLEYBALL PROGRAM

This program is for adults 18plus. It meets once a week from October through May. Register at www.willistonrec.org.

FALL REC SOCCER

Registration open SOCCER SHORTS

Ages 3-4. Child/parent program. This program teaches the fundamentals of soccer using a fun and energetic curriculum. Each class is held in a fun and positive environment where

children are encouraged to learn and play with a parent and each other. Instructors: Rec. Staff KINDERREC SOCCER

Ages 5-6, Coed. This program is designed to teach the fundamentals of the game. Youngsters will be provided with the opportunity to learn, practice and develop their skills. Saturday practices and scrimmages. Parents and volunteers are needed to coach teams.

GRADE 1-2 SOCCER (COED)

This league provides the opportunity for youngsters to learn the game, improve their skills, and enjoy playing. The program meets twice a week — a weekday practice and Saturday games. Parents and volunteers are needed to coach teams.

GRADE 3-5 SOCCER

Separate boys’ and girls’ leagues are offered if numbers allow. The program meets twice a week — a weekday practice and Saturday games. Teams will have the opportunity to play other rec department teams. Parents and volunteers are needed to coach teams.

AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS

YOUTH TENNIS

Grades K-2 and 3-5. Taught by certified tennis professionals who are trained to instruct kids of all ages. Players learn basic stroke techniques. Instructors:

The Edge tennis staff FUN WITH CIRCUS SKILLS

Grades 3-8. Join this funfilled and exciting low-risk program focusing on circus skills: juggling (balls, clubs, rings and scarves), low stilt-walking, unicycling, flower sticks, diabolo, balance skills and more. Instructor: Rob Crites KNITTING

Grade 3-8. Does your child love to knit or do they want to learn? This program will teach them how to improve their knitting skills. The program offers the basics for first-timers, as well as provides early and intermediate knitters with specific how-to and help with projects. All materials are provided. Instructor: Christine Heavner, owner, Knitting Circle.

NINJA KIDS INTRO

Ages 4-8 and 7-11. This playbased curriculum increases strength and self-confidence, while moving meditation helps children manage their emotions and develop the connection between mental and physical well-being. Instructor: ONTA Studio staff

NINJA TEENS INTRO

Age 9-15. This play-based curriculum increases strength and self-confidence, while moving meditation helps children manage their emotions and develop the connection between mental and physical well-being. Instructor: ONTA Studio staff

LOCAL SHOP•EAT•SPEND•ENJOY

Safety at School

As we head back to school, The Mini Page reviews some safety basics to remember for a successful start to the year. Fill in each face to show how well you obey safety rules.

Mini Fact: Hundreds of thousands of students serve on their schools’ safety patrols.

• Get into and out of the car on the curb side?

• Help the driver by speaking softly?

• Always wear a seat belt and sit in the back seat?

• Get off and on one at a time and use the handrails?

• Arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes early?

• Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before standing up?

• Cross at least five giant steps in front of the bus so the driver can see you?

• Always wear a helmet?

• Walk your bike across busy intersections?

• Obey traffic signals?

• Obey school rules about riding bikes?

Next Week: World Rivers Day

As a walker, do you:

• Walk with a friend or adult?

• Walk, not run, across the street?

• Look left, right, then left again before crossing the street?

• Cross the street at corners or crosswalks?

• Never cross the street from between parked cars?

At recess, do you:

• Make sure you don’t run with anything, especially sharp objects, in your mouth?

• Look out for stones, holes and other hazards before playing in a field?

Resources

On the Web:

• bit.ly/MPschoolsafety

At the library:

• “Staying Safe at School” by Theresa Emminizer

Humans pumped so much water out of the ground between 1993 and 2010 that its redistribution on the surface

Founded by Betty Debnam

Photo courtesy of Shoreline Public Schools

As a car rider, do you: As a

bike rider, do you:

• Cross at least five giant steps in front of the bus so the driver can see you?

Try ’n’ Find

• Obey school rules about riding bikes?

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

ADULT, BACK, BICYCLE, BUS, CAR, CROSSWALK, CURB, HELMET, INTERSECTION, PATROL, RECESS, RULES, SCHOOL, SEAT BELT, SIGNALS, STOP, TRAFFIC, WALK, YEAR.

Cook’s Corner

Fruitful Chicken Salad

You’ll need:

• 3 cups diced cooked chicken

• 1 cup diced celery

• juice from 1 small lemon

• 1 tablespoon minced red onion

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup seedless green grapes, quartered

What to do:

• 1 (11-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained

• 1/3 cup sliced almonds

• 1/3 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1. Combine chicken, celery, lemon juice, onion and salt in a large bowl. Chill.

2. Gently stir in remaining ingredients.

3. Serve on bread as sandwiches or on lettuce leaves as a salad. Serves 6 to 8.

Mini Jokes

Sierra: Where do swimmers sit to eat dinner?

Sebastian: At the pool table!

Eco Note

Humans pumped so much water out of the ground between 1993 and 2010 that its redistribution on the surface caused Earth’s poles to shift by about 3 feet. Scientists say that is equivalent to the polar shift brought on by the melting of Greenland’s ice cap during the same period. Experts at the University of Texas at Austin say other factors also cause the planet to wobble like a top by several yards each year, due to the natural redistribution of water from season to season. They point to rising sea levels due to climate change as another factor.

For later:

Look in your newspaper for articles about school starting back up.

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

BY DAN THOMPSON

How seniors can save on prescription drug costs

Dear Savvy Senior, I take several medications for multiple health conditions and the prices keep going up, even with my Medicare prescription drug insurance. Can you recommend any tips that can help cut my costs?

Tapped Out Tina

Dear Tina,

The high cost of prescription drugs is an ongoing problem that stings everyone, but it often affects seniors more because they have a greater need for medications and Medicare doesn’t cover all their drug costs.

While the Inflation Reduction Act that was signed into law last year will help seniors save on their medications by negotiating lower drug prices and capping out-ofpocket spending at $2,000, it will be a few years before the law is fully enacted. In the meantime, here are some different strategies that can help reduce your costs.

Talk to your doctor: A good first step is to review your medications once a year with your doctor to find out if any of them can be stopped or reduced. If you’re taking any brand-name drugs, check to see if they are available in a cheaper generic form.

Also, for any drugs you’re tak-

By Jim Miller

ing long-term, ask your doctor for a cheaper three- or six-month prescription, versus a one-month. And find out if any of the pills you’re taking can be cut in half. Pill-splitting allows you to get two months’ worth of medicine for the price of one.

Review your insurance: Carefully review your drug coverage during the open enrollment period, which runs Oct. 15-Dec. 7 for Medicare beneficiaries. Check if your regular medications are covered in the plan’s formulary; that your current pharmacy is in the plan’s network; and that your plan covers additional medication coverage in the gap. To shop and com-

pare Medicare prescription drug plans, go to www.Medicare.gov/ plan-compare.

Pay cash: Not using insurance for prescriptions seems counterintuitive, but in some cases, it may save you money. Chain pharmacies and big-box stores like Walmart and Costco have their own prescription savings programs that may be lower than your insurance copayment. Coupons through www.GoodRx.com or www.RxSaver.com can save you up to 80 percent off the list price of generic and some brand-name drugs in certain pharmacies.

Shop online: You can also save on regularly used medications by having them sent to you from a mail-order pharmacy. Check with your health insurer or pharmacy to see whether it can get you a better deal. Check online pharmacies like www.CostPlusDrugs.com or www.HoneybeeHealth.com to see if their prices are less in some cases than your insurance.

Buy from Canada: Because prescription drugs are often much cheaper north of the border, many Americans have chosen this option for years. While this is technically illegal in most states, the Food and Drug Administration generally does not stop people from doing it. If you want to explore this option, use www.PharmacyChecker.com — an online tool that will help you identify reputable Canadian and international online pharmacies. Get more help: If your income is limited, you may also be able to get help through Medicare’s Extra Help program (www.Medicare. gov/basics/costs/help/drug-costs), your state pharmaceutical assistance program (www.Medicare. gov/plan-compare/#/pharmaceutical-assistance-program/states) or patient assistance programs (www. Medicare.gov/pharmaceutical-assistance-program).

Visit each website to see if you’re eligible and to apply.

CLUES SOLUTIONS

Almanac

TODAY’S HISTORY:

• In 1822, Brazil declared independence from Portugal.

• In 1927, inventor Philo T. Farnsworth transmitted the first image by electronic means, an innovation that would eventually enable broadcast television.

• In 1979, cable sports network ESPN was launched with the premiere of the long-running daily series “SportsCenter.”

• In 2008, the U.S. government took control of the mortgage financing enterprises Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

TODAY’S FACT:

• Philo T. Farnsworth was the first to produce a televised image in 1927, but Vladimir Zworykin, who was developing the same technology for Westinghouse, was the first to obtain the patent.

proud of our smiles!

Andrews McMeel

ANDREWS MCMEEL

Aug. 24 at 7:11 a.m. — Female in the lobby of Fairfield Inn refusing to leave. Female was trespassed and removed from the property.

Aug. 24 at 2:50 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Best Buy. A male, age 52, and a female, age 41, both issued a citation to appear in court.

Aug. 25 at 7:11 a.m. — Injured

hawk found on the bike path. Officers rescued the bird, and a rehabilitator took custody of it.

Aug. 25 at 11:15 a.m. — Report of a male and female trespassing at Walmart. After checking the video footage, it was determined that neither party entered the store.

Aug. 25 at 4:25 p.m. — Report of

a retail theft at CVS Pharmacy. A female, age 36, was issued a citation to appear in court.

Aug. 26 at 12:59 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Walmart. Female was trespassed from the property.

Aug. 26 at 2:27 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Home Depot. A male, age 48, and a female, age 36, were both issued citations to appear in court.

Aug. 26 at 4:30 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Home Depot. A male, age 46, was issued a citation to appear in court.

Aug. 27 at 1:06 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Best Buy. A male, age 43, was issued a citation to appear in court.

Aug. 27 at 6:27 p.m. — Retail theft

reported at Marshalls. A female, age 36, was issued a citation to appear in court. While recovering stolen property from Marshalls, stolen property from Home Depot was also recovered.

Aug. 28 at 12:31 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Best Buy. A female, age 36, was issued a citation to appear in court.

Aug. 29 at 10:58 a.m. — Report of tools stolen from Shunpike Road. Case is still under investigation.

Aug. 30 at 12:42 p.m. — Report of a male in Home Depot who was trespassed. A male, age 45, was issued a citation to appear in court.

Aug. 30 at 5:57 p.m. — Report of an attempted car-jacking on Williston Road. A male, age 22, was

When you shop for

charged with assault and robbery and resisting arrest. He was lodged at the correctional facility.

Aug. 30 at 8:14 p.m. — Stolen vehicle reported from Berlin City. Vehicle was located later that night.

Aug. 31 at 2:45 p.m. — Report of a male in Walmart that had been trespassed. A male, age 48, was issued a citation to appear in court.

Aug. 31 at 8:04 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Marshalls. A female, age 42, was issued a citation to appear in court.

Officers also responded to 10 alarm activations, 10 motor vehicle crashes and conducted 11 traffic stops during this time frame.

Remember the Shelf!

Plant options for brightening a dorm room

BY DEBORAH BENOIT Special to the Observer

Plants may not be the first consideration in adding a personal touch to a dorm room, but they will add a touch of color and improve the mood of even the drabbest space.

What makes a plant suitable for growing in a dorm room? Easy care and low maintenance top the list, as well as slow growth or compact size.

The snake plant is sometimes called mother-in-law’s tongue or Saint George’s sword. Variegated, stiff, spear-shaped leaves grow straight up from a rosette-shaped base.

Don’t worry if space is limited. This plant grows slowly. Snake plant will tolerate low light con-

ditions and irregular watering. It grows a bit faster with brighter light. Beware of watering too much or the roots will rot. Allow it to dry out between watering, and water sparingly.

In contrast, the peace lily sports single white flowers (called spaths) above dark green foliage. It prefers moist, but not wet, soil. If you forget to water, this plant will remind you when its leaves droop.

Give it a good watering, being sure to empty any water accumulated in the saucer. Let the soil dry a bit between waterings. Peace lilies grow in medium to low light, such as a north-facing window. Avoid bright, direct sun.

Are you looking for a bit of visual fun?

Lucky bamboo can be found

trained into spirals, even woven into decorative designs. Contrary to its common name, lucky bamboo isn’t really bamboo. This easyto-care-for plant prefers bright, indirect, filtered light. Avoid direct sunlight. It’s often grown with no soil in a container of pebbles and water.

When watering, use tap water that has been sitting at room temperature for at least a day to allow chlorine to evaporate, or use bottled water. Change water periodically, and don’t let the water level get below an inch. If grown in soil, be sure it’s well drained, not soggy.

Pothos and heartleaf philoden-

dron are equally suitable for the desktop, trailing from the top of a bookcase or a hanging basket. These vining houseplants are easy to care for, requiring indirect light and watering about once a week. Allow soil to dry a bit between waterings.

Aloe vera and other succulents are good alternatives for bright spaces. They prefer six hours of bright, indirect light a day.

Be sure the potting mix drains well, as excess water will result in rot. In general, water every few weeks. Aloe vera sports thick, fleshy leaves with serrated edges, but succulents come in many sizes and shapes.

If you already have a favorite plant that requires bright light, but your room conditions are medium to low light, single-plant grow lights are available.

If conditions are dry, but your plant likes humidity, mist daily and place on a tray of pebbles filled with water. Be sure to keep any drainage hole in the pot above the water level.

What if there’s absolutely no room for a plant?

Consider an air plant. In nature, air plants grow on other plants and have no need for soil. They require little care and can be placed anywhere there is bright, indirect light.

Water air plants by misting with a spritz of water a few times a week and periodically by submerging in water for 30 minutes. Let dry, then return to its usual location.

No matter what the conditions, there’s always room for a bit of nature in a dorm room, and there’s a plant that will grow there.

Low-maintenance plants such as (left to right) heartleaf philodendron, and snake plant are ideal choices for most college dorm rooms.

TOP PHOTO COURTESY OF UVM EXTENSION

LEFT PHOTO COURTESY OF JOSE FONTANA, UNSPLASH.COM

For more information and to view the “Houseplant Hero” video series, visit the University of Vermont Extension Master Gardener resources website at https:// go.uvm.edu/gardenresources and click on the “Houseplants” tab.

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

OF BURLINGTON

The Boys & Girls Club of Burlington helps 250 kids each day to create their own great futures by providing a safe place, building character and supporting academic success. 62 Oak Street, Burlington, VT 05401 802-864-5263 • www.bandgclub.org

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

PUZZLE FOUND ON PAGE 19

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNIES

LEGAL NOTICE

Public Auction

Under Self-Storage And Operators Lien

U-Haul of Williston 5010 Williston Rd Williston, Vt . 05495

On Sept. 20, 2023 at 9:00 am on www.storageauctions.com

The contents of the following units consisting of furniture, household goods and miscellaneous personal property will be SOLD to satisfy the lien of U-HAUL as self-storage operators.

This sale is held under the Uniform Commercial Code Section 16a, Paragraph 7-210 Enforcement of Vermont Self-Storage Lien.

CLASSIFIEDS

YARD SALE

Multi-family yard sale — Saturday, Sept. 9, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at 147 Windridge in Williston. Disneyana, Pokemon, new/ unopened office supplies, new/unopened scrapbook supplies, girls’ toys and clothing, tech (keyboards, monitor, mice), furniture, books and puzzles, craft kits, vintage wedding gown, generous free pile, and more. Rain or shine. If raining, the sale will be inside garage.

WANTED

Cider press — In need of cider press to use. Apples from our tree are ready to be pressed but we need a press. Love to barter or rent in Williston. Brantdinkin@ me.Com 802 363 6685.

LEGAL

Town of Williston Development Review Board Agenda

Tuesday, September 12, 2023

6 p.m. Site Visit at 31 Cottonwood Dr 7 p.m. Town Hall Meeting Room (Town Hall, 7900 Williston Road, use rear entrance) or Zoom Meeting ID 846 5863 3532 on zoom. us/join or call 1-646-558-8656

Site Visit DP 16-05.5 open to the public. Questions and discussion only for the purpose of orienting on-the-ground conditions to the site plans. No other business will be discussed and no public testimony taken.

DP 16-01.1 The Floor Trader of Williston requests discretionary permit review of a master sign plan for 96 Commerce St in the IZDW.

DP 16-05.5 Allen Brook Development Inc. c/o Al Senecal requests a discretionary permit to modify the phasing plan for Phase 1 infrastructure,modify the Overall Phasing Plan, modify the construction staging area, and amend the overall site plan with as-built conditions. Cottonwood Crossing is located at 27, 28, 31, 32 Cottonwood Dr and 323 Connor Way in the Taft Corners FBC Overlay District and MURZD.

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: 802-878-6704 or email planning@willistonvt.org.

LEGAL

Town of Williston Development Review Board Agenda

Tuesday, September 26, 2023 – 7:00 PM

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

DP 24-02 Pre-App Malcolm Willard requests pre-app review of a 3-lot subdivision on a 10.49-acre parcel to create one 6.49-acre parcel and two 2-acre parcels for 2 new dwelling units at 699 Nob Hill Rd in the ARZD.

APP 24-01 Appellant Craig Sampson, Jr. files an appeal of AP 24-0016, an

administrative permit for the proposed repositioning of Rosewood Dr, a shared private driveway for DP 19-03 Brownell & LaMarche Subdivision, docket no. 20ENV-00015, at 4354 South Brownell Rd in the ARZD.

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: 802-878-6704 or email planning@willistonvt.org

LEGAL

Notice of Public Hearing

TOWN OF WILLISTON

Thursday, October 5, 2023, 6:30 PM

In-person: Town Hall Beckett/Maguire Meeting Room, 7900 Williston Road

Online: Zoom Meeting ID 873 0175 0819 on zoom.us/join or call (646) 558-8656

The Williston Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider proposed amendments to the Williston 2016-2024 Comprehensive Plan (Town Plan) and Williston Unified Development Bylaws (WDB). The purpose of these amendments is to proceed with the Glaser Specific Plan in strict conformance with the criteria and procedures of WDB Chapter 9.

To view the proposed amendments online, including the proposed site plan, go to https://bit.ly/GlaserSP. Or go to www. town.williston.vt.us then select “Public Records and Documents,” then “Agendas and Minutes” and navigate to the Planning Commission meeting of October 5, 2023. Public comment is welcomed and encouraged. Comment letters can be emailed to Emily Heymann (eheymann@ willistonvt.org) or mailed: Williston Planning Commission, 7900 Williston Road, Williston VT 05495.

Questions or requests for accessibility accommodations can be directed to Emily Heymann at the Williston Planning Office at (802) 878-6704.

The Glaser Specific Plan proposes a 109± unit residential subdivision with the provision of ±53-acres open space donated to the Town as the substantial benefit. Jack and Caitlin Glaser own the ±97-acre parcel located at the southwest corner of Mountain View Road and Old Stage Road, in the Residential Zoning District (RZD) and town’s sewer service area. It is undeveloped and portions are currently leased to a neighboring farm for hayfield and horse pasture. The homes are proposed in two distinct areas: 39-units on a cul-de-sac located off Mountain View Road and 57-units with two-points of access onto Mountain View Road (across from Wildflower Circle). The open space offered to the Town includes ±15-acres along Mountain View Road with views to the Green Mountains, a view identified in the town plan, and ±38-acres of pasture, wetland, and forest, in alignment with broader town plan goals to support working landscapes and conservation.

Informational Session: Thursday, September 28, 2023 from 12-1pm. Williston’s Specific Plan process is codified in WDB Chapter 9. Learn more about this unique and rarely used zoning tool, as well as Williston’s Town Plan and zoning bylaws at this online info session hosted by Planning staff.

Vermont Army National Guard to host ‘Soldier Showcase’

The Vermont National Guard is hosting a Soldier Showcase at the Ethan Allen Firing Range in Jericho on Sunday, Sept. 10. The event is open to the public.

The event, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., will feature soldiers from a variety of jobs and positions across the Vermont Army National Guard showcasing their equipment and demonstrating their duties and skills.

There will be dozens of hands-on displays, including a helicopter, machine gun and mortar firing demonstrations, tree demolition and a climbing wall. All parking will be at Mount Mansfield Union High School in Jericho with shuttles every 15 minutes to the event. For more information, contact Capt. Mike Arcovitch at 802-338-3434 or 802-734-1677.

Vermont opens squirrel hunting season

The Vermont hunting season for gray squirrels began Sept. 1 and runs through Dec. 31.

According to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, the best habitat for squirrel hunting is stands of nut-bearing trees like oak, hickory and beech. Gray squirrels can be hunted with a rifle, shotgun or archery equipment.

“Vermont has a healthy population of gray squirrels, concentrated in southern Vermont and the Champlain Valley,” said Hunter Education Coordinator Nicole Meier of the Fish and Wildlife Department.

“They’re a fantastic small game species for new hunters to learn

the basics of reading the landscape, making a safe and ethical shot and cooking wild game.

“Gray squirrels are incredibly tasty,” she added. “Many would say better than rabbit.”

Walk to Defeat ALS set for Sept. 23

On Saturday, Sept. 23, people living with ALS, family members, friends, caregivers and others impacted by the disease will join the fight to find a cure at the Vermont Walk to Defeat ALS.

Check-in begins at 10 a.m. at Oakledge Park in Burlington (1 Flynn Ave.) and the walk kicks off at 11 a.m. followed by music, ice cream, raffles and awards.

ALS, often called Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive motor neuron disease that gradually robs people of their ability to walk, talk, swallow and eventually breathe. ALS has no known cause or cure.

To register, donate or learn more, visit https://bit.ly/vermontwalktodefeatals or contact event manager Tara Gottlieb at tara.gottlieb@als.org or (413) 320-2075.

Participants line up at the start of last year’s Walk to Defeat ALS in Burlington. This year’s fundraising event takes place Sept. 23.

OBSERVER COURTESY PHOTO

Hunters can pursue one of Vermont’s most abundant small game species -the gray squirrel -- anywhere stands of nut-bearing trees are found. The gray squirrel hunting season ends Dec. 31.

COURTESY PHOTO BY VERMONT FISH AND WILDLIFE

“Gray squirrels are incredibly tasty. Many would say better than rabbit.”

Nicole Meier Hunter Education Coordinator Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department