Williston Observer 10/19/2023 by Williston Observer

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OCTOBER 19, 2023

WILLISTON’S NEWSPAPER SINCE 1985

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Spending ARPA’s millions

Selectboard presented with extensive list of funding requests

The 15 acres fronting Mountain View Road on the Glaser property, above, would be preserved as public land under a development plan recently approved by the planning commission. Consultant Ken Belliveau, left, and landowner Jack Glaser, right, participate in a planning commission meeting earlier this year at Town Hall. OBSERVER FILE PHOTOS

Planning commission endorses Glaser housing development BY JASON STARR Observer staff After more than a year of deliberations, the Williston Planning Commission has given its blessing to a housing development plan on the 100acre Glaser parcel at the corner of Old Stage and Mountain View roads. Property owners Jack and Caitlin Glaser, with the help of former Williston Planning and Zoning Director Ken Belliveau as a consultant, have applied for development approval through the town’s rarely used “specific plan” process. The process calls

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“Our involvement will end if the specific plan isn’t approved and the town will be working with a developer whose objective is to maximize profit.” Jack Glaser Property owner

for the Glasers to gift about half the acreage to the town in exchange for altering land use regulations to expedite the construction of 109 homes. The commission’s approval came earlier this month on a 6-1 vote, with member Chapin Kaynor opposed. The approval ends the commission’s involvement with the project and forwards it to the selectboard for consideration. The project would also need development review board approval before construction could begin. “I think the applicant has really made their case and earned the opsee GLASER page 8

Readers of a certain generation may remember a film where Richard Pryor’s character is tasked with spending $30 million in 30 days (“Brewster’s Millions” 1985). Divide the dollar amount by 10 and multiply the time frame by 60 and you have the situation the Town of Williston finds itself in. The town received $3 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds in 2022 and was given five years to spend it. The town has already spent $1.2 million of the federal funds, and town administrators have sought public input about how to spend the remaining $1.8 million. Suggestions have come from many sources. Leaders of organizations like the Williston Community Food Shelf, the Green Mountain Bike Club and the senior housing nonprofit Cathedral Square explained their needs during an Oct. 3 public hearing; the town’s advisory boards have submitted written wish lists; residents have sent emails about where to direct the funds; and Town Manager Erik Wells, with his unique insight into the town’s needs, has compiled his own list. As one might imagine, the list of suggestions overwhelms the available spending power. Discretion over the funds ultimately rests with the selectboard. Wells delivered a 42-page report with all the suggested uses to the board on Tuesday. “It’s not very often — I don’t know if we’ll see it again in our lifetime — that the federal government says, ‘here’s $3 million, Williston. Do with it what you will,’” Wells said. Board members struggled initially with how to prioritize the suggestions. One guiding principle has been to spend ARPA funds on one-time expenses, rather than on items that create ongoing expenses. The board is required by federal regulators to determine how to spend the money by the end of 2024, according to Wells, and to tap out the account by the end of 2026. “This is a multiple meeting discussion for sure,” he said. — Jason Starr

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October 19, 2023

Around Town Pumpkin Hill garage fire injures one

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A homeowner was injured Tuesday when a garage fire broke out in an area used to store firewood. The Williston Fire Department responded to the home on Pumpkin Hill Road in the early morning hours Tuesday to find smoke coming from the garage of a three-story house. The homeowners were alerted to the fire when their smoke detectors sounded, Williston firefighter Prescott Nadeau said. They called 911 and used water containers to try to put out the fire. The homeowner was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries, Nadeau said. The garage and its contents sustained about $90,000 in damage before firefighters extinguished the blaze. “The Williston Fire Department wishes to remind the public of the value of operating smoke and carbon monoxide alarms,” Nadeau said. “Firefighters recommend testing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly.”

Rotary to host Halloween Trunk-or-Treat The Williston-Richmond Rotary Club will host its annual Halloween Trunk-or-Treat on Sunday, Oct. 29 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. in the Williston Central School parking lot. Members of the Williston Recreation and Parks Department, the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library and the Williston Federated Church will also participate. Area families are encouraged to dress up and enjoy this free community event.

Harvest Lane closure upcoming The Williston Public Works Department advises residents that Harvest Lane will be closed Oct. 23-27 near the intersection with Route 2 for replacement of a culvert under the road. Access to businesses will be maintained via Marshall Avenue and Route 2.

Annual Williston Craft Show set for Nov. 4 The annual Williston Craft

Williston firefighters respond to a garage fire in the early morning hours Tuesday on Pumpkin Hill Road. PHOTO COURTESY OF WILLISTON FIRE DEPARTMENT

Show will feature over 100 crafters, artists and specialty food vendors showcasing their handmade products. Sponsored by Families as Partners, the event takes place at Williston Central School on Saturday, Nov. 4, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission and parking are free.

Public welcome at Catamount site visit Join Chittenden County Forester Ethan Tapper and Rebecca Roman of the Vermont Land Trust on a tour of the recently completed logging project at Catamount Community Forest. The event begins at 1 p.m. Oct. 21 in the forest parking lot on Governor Chittenden Road. Tapper and Roman will explain the goals of the logging project, which is part of a national research project studying how to manage forests in a changing climate.

Library, Community Center report ready The Williston Selectboard will hold a special meeting Monday, Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. in the Williston Central School auditorium to share the final report of the Community Center Scoping &

Library Assessment Steering Committee. The committee’s report is focused on the space needs of the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library and determining the scope of a future community center. It was created with the input of hundreds of residents over the past year in the form of interviews and survey responses. “The voice of the community is critical in this process, and it is reflected in the work of the committee as the potential size and scope of facilities that will be discussed reflects what community members would like the town to consider moving forward based on different possible space uses and configurations,” Town Manager Erik Wells wrote in an announcement of the Oct. 30 meeting. The committee’s report includes an assessment of different options from Black River Design, a Montpelier-based architectural firm. After the meeting, the selectboard will begin a process to consider what next steps to take in moving forward with potential new community spaces. For more information, contact Wells at ewells@willistonvt. org or (802) 876-1168.

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Deserving a hand

Williston woman turns challenges into entrepreneurial spirit BY JASON STARR Observer staff

Kate Hibbert opened Reach Hand Therapy earlier this month. OBSERVER PHOTO BY JASON STARR

Imagine starting fresh as a first-time business owner 15 years into your career. Now imagine your business is in health care, with its convoluted billing requirements, unique compliance burdens and sensitive medical records management. It’s a tall task but one that Kate Hibbert has spent the last 12 months tackling. After years working for the region’s largest hospitals as an occupational therapist with a specialty in hand therapy, Hibbert opened Reach Hand Therapy this month, an independent one-woman practice located in the Merchant’s Row retail plaza anchored by Panera. Hibbert explained her path to Reach during an interview

Tuesday in her office, a subleased space inside the Fyzical Therapy and Balance Center clinic. It’s a saga that started when she was 9 years old and diagnosed with juvenile rheu-

“Her story is one of heartache, grit, determination and inspiration. I can’t begin to explain the amount of work that went into this.” Seth Hibbert

matoid arthritis, leading to bilateral hip replacement surgery as a teenager. Four years ago, those artificial hip joints were in need of replacement. Her job as a therapist with UVM Medical Center would have to take a back seat

while she underwent four surgeries in the span of two years during the height of the Covid pandemic. “It’s been like four years of in and out of the hospital,” the Williston resident said of her two surgeries on each hip and subsequent recoveries. She was able to work between surgeries but ultimately was replaced while on medical leave one year ago. “Now what do I do?” she recalls thinking. As a certified hand therapist, Hibbert treats upper limb and hand injuries, and conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome; hand, wrist and elbow pain and tendon injuries. It’s a specialty she wanted to continue with, but her former employer, the UVM Medical Center, operates the only hand therapy clinic in the Burlington area. If she was going to enter the market as an independent hand therapist, Hibbert’s first idea see HIBBERT page 5

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October 19, 2023

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GlobalFoundries awarded $3.1 billion Defense Department contract

Tech Jam upcoming at Hula The Vermont Tech Jam, an annual career and tech expo, will take place Saturday, Oct. 21 at the Hula co-working campus in Burlington. The free event starts with a career fair and college expo and includes a day-long robotics demo, electric aircraft simulator and keynote presentation about lab-grown meat. The event starts at 10 a.m. Visit www.techjamvt.com for a complete schedule.

The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded GlobalFoundries a new 10-year contract for a supply of securely manufactured, U.S.made semiconductors for use across aerospace and defense applications. The new contract provides the Defense Department and its contractors with access to GlobalFoundries semiconductor technologies manufactured at its U.S. facilities, including in Vermont

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and New York. It is the third sequential 10-year contract between the Defense Department and GlobalFoundries. GlobalFoundries also has applied for U.S. CHIPS and Science Act funding for capacity expansion and modernization of the company’s U.S. manufacturing facilities. “This federal support is critical for GF to continue growing its U.S. manufacturing footprint, strengthening U.S economic security, supply chain resiliency and national defense,” said Steven Grasso, senior director of global government affairs at GlobalFoundries.

Financial guidance available to Vermont agribusinesses The University of Vermont Extension Farm Viability and Forest Business programs are currently accepting registrations from Vermont farm, forest and maple businesses for both shortand longer-term business planning services. Extension business experts will provide free, individual consultations by phone, videoconferencing or in person, tailored to the needs of each farm or business. These 90 sessions may be used for help with budgets and business plans, preparation of balance sheets, review of business goals, including marketing and strategic planning, and other financial questions. Typically, the planning happens over a 1-3 year period, and participants are charged a $75 fee. To register, go to https://go.uvm. edu/coaching.

Milton businessman to chair national concrete business association Kevin Camp of Camp Precast Concrete Products in Milton was elected chair of the National Precast Concrete Association during its 58th Annual Convention in Oklahoma City. Camp Precast was founded in 1968 in Montgomery, Vt., by Camp’s parents, Dale and Mary. “The outlook for the precast concrete industry is strong, and I look forward to serving in my role to promote the industry, our members see HAPPENINGS page 5

October 19, 2023

Happenings continued from page 4

and the benefits of precast concrete as the No. 1 choice in constructing our nation’s infrastructure,” Camp said.

SBA seeks award nominations The SBA Vermont District Office is accepting nominations for its annual small business awards. Categories include Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Microenterprise of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year, Financial Services Champion of the Year, Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year, Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year, Family-Owned Small Business of the Year, Exporting Small Business of the Year and Small Business Person of the Year. To nominate a business, email the name of the business along with the owner’s name and specific award category the company is being nominated for to darcy.carter@sba.gov. Businesses may self-nominate.

VBSR launches climate resilience program for businesses Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR) has launched ClimateReadyVT, a free program designed to help small businesses in Vermont adapt to the changing climate and build resilience to climate-related business interruptions. Registration is open at https://vbsr.org/ event/climatereadyvt/ and the cohort will convene starting in early November. There are spots for 20 businesses, with priority given to businesses that are BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and woman owned/managed, as well as those located in rural Vermont. Businesses will complete a climate risk assessment, identify hazard mitigation strategies, become familiar with government resources and professional services, understand how best to support their teams during businesses disruptions, learn about tools and methods for sustaining mental health and wellness, and develop a customized “Road Map to Resilience” for their business. Any Vermont business with 50 or fewer employees is welcome to apply.

Minimum wage bump set for January The Vermont minimum wage is set to jump to $13.66 per hour in January, an increase of 48 cents from the current minimum wage of $13.18. This annual adjustment also impacts the minimum wage for tipped employees. The tipped minimum wage will increase from $6.28 to $6.84 per hour. The minimum wage and tipped minimum wage are adjusted annually in accordance with Vermont law.

Hibbert

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was to approach existing physical therapy practices about adding her as a specialist. After some promising conversations last winter and spring, the details of a mutual relationship proved too difficult to iron out. “There was interest, but then when it came down to the nitty gritty, it kind of fell apart,” Hibbert said. “I knew from working at (UVM) that there was a need for more access to upper extremity rehab, because there is always a waiting list for evaluations there that can extend a couple of weeks. I was just trying to

find a way to provide for it.” Leaning on the professional marketing and communication expertise of her husband, the experience of a hand therapist friend who has a private practice in Middlebury and the prospect of patient referrals from a surgeon friend, Hibbert forged a path toward opening her own practice. Since last spring, she has worked on credentialing with Medicare and the area’s other major health insurers, branding, business planning, building a supply inventory and securing a location. She sought council with the Vermont Small Business Development Center as well as the American Society of Hand Therapists.

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“I never thought about opening my own business before … So it was a lot of new learning,” she said. The opening of her business in early October marks a new chapter in her life and career, one that her husband, Seth, is proud she has achieved. “Her story is one of heartache, grit, determination and inspiration,” he wrote in an email to the Observer. “I can’t begin to explain the amount of work that went into this.” Hibbert looks forward to proving herself to more and more referring doctors and building a client base. “There is a need for this,” she said. “I’m pretty confident I can make it work.”

Wood products industry losses mount following floods BY EMMA COTTON VTDigger Most loggers work between 160 and 180 days per year, according to Sam Lincoln, the owner of Lincoln Farm Timber Harvesting. But this year, since the end of March, he’s worked 31. The summer’s wet weather and flooding wreaked havoc for many Vermonters who work on the land, and loggers were no exception. In addition to flood-damaged equipment, muddy logging roads prevented workers from accessing woodlots, resulting in a lot of time off the job. The industry had at least $2.8 million in losses, according to a survey conducted and published by the Vermont Department of Forest, Parks and Recreation. Loggers and the department say that number is a conservative estimate of the losses. “I’m talking to businesses that have lost hundreds of thousands of dollars,” said Lincoln, a former deputy commissioner of the department. While state officials report that some lumber mills suffered losses, logging contractors were the business category hit hardest within the industry, with reported losses of more than $1.8 million, according to the survey report. Several companies reported losses topping $100,000. Most of the damages came in the form of business interruption, according to the survey results. Lincoln said he saw an 80 percent loss in revenue this summer, “and I still have to service my debt, pay my insurance, make repairs.” He used his equipment to help see WOOD page 8

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GUEST COLUMN

Can we disagree like adults? BY MARIA GIGLIELLO As the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department’s social media leads, Joshua Morse and I get a front row seat to the good, the bad and the ugly emotions that the department’s work brings to Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). Here are just some of the social media comments that the Vermont Fish and Wildlife information team sees on a regular basis. • “You’re no better than the Ku Klux Klan.” • “Bunch of inbreds out there just shooting animals for fun. Great job Vermont Fish and Wildlife!!!” • “Why any girl finds this fun (hunting) is beyond me ... She must not have maternal instincts.” • “They (Vermont Fish and Wildlife) need to be dispatched (tortured, beaten) the same way (as a trapped animal).” I write this piece as a reminder that, despite the public’s varying

feelings on the work we do at Vermont Fish and Wildlife, there is always a place for kindness. Probably due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we’ve seen a shift in the long-term trends of our social media audiences. More people are at home and online, therefore making them more observant and engaged with wildlife management decisions in the state. People are also interacting more with each other online, and that separation from person to person by a screen has increased boldness in people — boldness in their comments to us and each other. When people who feel strongly about wildlife conservation hit “send” on a comment that calls department staff or other commenters rude names, threatens us, undermines our work, personally attacks us, etc., there are always actual people on the other end of that comment reading it. These hateful comments are very concerning and do not accomplish anything positive. One of the department’s outreach goals is to use our social me-

We have noticed an increase in online hostility when hunting and trapping seasons start. It is that time of year again, and we ask that visitors to our social media channels approach each other with tolerance despite their varying viewpoints. dia platforms as educational tools. Teachers, students and other educational groups use our social media channels to learn about Vermont’s wildlife. We see the value in making the natural world accessible to all. However, we often receive comments that are wildly inappropriate for young eyes. We work hard to make our social media channels welcoming to all, and we want to keep our channels welcoming to all. Apart from the mental and emotional distress that daily hostile com-

ments bring to department staff, this behavior raises concerns regarding our physical safety as these comments can translate to the real world. In July, Oregon Public Broadcasting published an article on how Oregon’s natural resource staff face violent threats, including attack dogs and gunfire, in the field. In 2019, violent threats caused Washington’s Department of Fish and Wildlife to cancel informational wolf management meetings. And in 2019, the U.S. Government Accountability

Office found that public land employees were faced with threats that ranged from phone harassment to attempted murder. This is a reality that many Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department biologists are aware of and fear. While luckily no physical harm has come to our staff, it is an anxiety that lingers in the back of our minds, especially when we consistently experience aggressive and sinister language directed against the department on social media. We need to be able to do our jobs without fearing for our safety. If you want to help make our social media a more welcoming place for everyone and push back against the disturbing behavior that has become more common on these platforms, this fall is a good time to think about how to be a better member of Vermont’s online conservation community. We have noticed an increase in see GIGLIELLO page 7

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR It’s time for the BLM flag to come down Recently, the Chicago chapter of Black Lives Matter hit the headlines for celebrating the despicable attack of Hamas fighters on Israeli civilians. Other chapters also used the black silhouette of a Hamas motor glider, as if terrorism was something to celebrate. Hamas killed hundreds of innocent people that day, almost all civilians, including children, the elderly, babies, and many young people attending a music festival. If the overly simplistic lens of oppressed/ oppressor has made people so blind to the complex reality of the Israel-Palestine conflict that they fail to recognize the pure evil in these horrendous attacks, then their organization’s flags have no place on my lawn

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or, by extension, my town hall. Joerg Mellmann Williston

The garbage disposal question Given that the standard in Vermont concerning the discarding of food scraps is to compost rather than dispose, should it still be legal to throw food scraps down a kitchen sink with a garbage disposal? Food scraps processed using a kitchen sink garbage disposal can harm pipes and stress water treatment plants. But using a residential or commercial kitchen garbage disposal unit is a practice not yet banned in Vermont. One is left to wonder whether it ought to be. Morgan W. Brown Montpelier

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each other’s different values and opinions. Whether you are with an advocacy group, a hunter, a trapper, an angler or just an admirer of wildlife, we all want to see the ecological systems of our state thrive. I am certain that we will not achieve this common goal by being cruel to one another. Maria Gigliello is the communications coordinator for the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department.

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October 19, 2023

Glaser

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portunity to bring it forward to the (selectboard),” said planning commission member Ellie Beckett. The 53 acres due to be given to the town was recently appraised at $1.9 million. But its value goes beyond dollars, Belliveau said, as its preservation would allow for the continued operation of Windswept Farm, a beloved equestrian facility that the Glasers have allowed to use the land as horse pasture. Future farm operations would be subject to a lease agreement with the town. Farm owner Mike Mauss endorses the plan, noting that, under the town’s traditional subdivision regulations, the parcel could be developed with more than 200 homes. “My fear is if a major developer takes that land over, there will be a large increase in the number of houses, which will increase traffic and increase the effect on schools,” Mauss said. “We have an opportunity now to actually limit growth to (109) homes, as opposed to what could be there.” Glaser validated that fear when he explained his Plan B for the parcel — sell to a seasoned developer. “Our involvement will end if the specific plan isn’t approved and the town will be working with a developer whose objective is to maximize profit,” Glaser said, “and (that) means building the

most homes.” Over the course of the planning commission’s deliberations, the development plan changed to reduce the pace of buildout from a maximum of 25 homes a year to 18. The Glasers also agreed to keep 10 percent of the homes perpetually affordable and to split the road configuration so there is an outlet on both Mountain View and Old Stage roads. The original plan called for both new roads to intersect with Old Stage. Fifteen of the 53 acres to be given to the town are along Mountain View Road, preserving the easterly views that give the road its name. “This is probably the best outcome for this particular piece of land,” resident Terry Marron said. But Kaynor, the lone planning commission member to vote against the plan, disagrees. He prefers any housing development proposal for the property to go through the typical development review process, which includes growth management regulations designed to limit the pace of housing construction. Public sentiment, he said, is stronger for slowing the pace of construction than for preserving mountain views. “We are meeting one goal of the town plan and taking away another,” Kaynor said. “I don’t think the give is equal to the take … Our commitment to growth management shouldn’t be bypassed for one viewshed.”

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towns dig out in the immediate aftermath of the July floods, he said, and he knows others who are still working as contractors to help repair the roads. Heather Holt, office manager at Fontaine Sawmill in East Montpelier, said her business was lucky, having ordered an unusually large amount of wood over the winter. The business buys its wood almost exclusively from Vermont loggers, she said. “We were able to actually sustain through the summer, which I don’t think we would have been able to, had we not done that,” Holt said. “It’s only been recently that we’ve started receiving loads in again.” Danielle Fitzko, commissioner of the Department of Forest, Parks and Recreation, said loggers are “absolutely impacted by climate change.” Adapting, she said, may require loggers to shift their business models, buy new equipment or change the location of their work based on the new weather trends. While the summer brought extra stress to the industry, a complete picture of the industry’s current struggles can only be achieved by zooming out, Lincoln said. During the Covid-19 pandemic, as businesses needed more shipping material than usual and peo-

Logger Sam Lincoln explains the details of a logging operation in Tunbridge in February. FILE PHOTO BY GLENN RUSSELL/VTDIGGER

ple engaged in home improvement and new building projects, demand rose. Recently, it’s dipped. “All supply chains had been pushing to stay full through Covid, trying to produce, trying to produce, trying to produce to meet demand, and then all of a sudden demand came off,” Lincoln said. “And that was just like a big 10-car pileup.” Then came last winter’s wet weather, followed by a brief stint of good working conditions and then spring thaw — and then the summer flooding. “Not only have we not been able to work much — and when I say ‘we,’ I mean loggers everywhere — when we are working, we’re facing significantly lower prices for the material we’re producing,” Lincoln said. Fitzko said “a suite” of support is available to loggers who have been affected by flooding through

the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and loans are available through the Small Business Administration. A new Emergency Forest Restoration Program aims to address damages from the summer’s flooding, providing private landowners cost-sharing payments to restore land damaged by a natural disaster. Loggers could be the contractors to help complete that work, Fitzko said. Lincoln and Fitzko worry that the decline of the timber industry in Vermont could lead some landowners to sell their woodlots to developers. Fitzko cited a state initiative called Vermont Forest Future, which intends to chart a path toward financial stability for the industry in Vermont. “I don’t at all think it’s a hopeless situation,” Lincoln said. “I’m still here, still working, still planning for jobs, still moving forward. But it’s serious.”

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October 19, 2023

Prepping your house for the cold

•

Williston Observer

•

Page 9

a New Federal Tax Credit on SAVE with Energy-Efﬁcient Hunter Douglas Shades up to $

1,200

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T-Rex tape sticks to rough, dirty surfaces through all weather types and temperatures. PHOTO COURTESY OF STATEPOINT

Fall is in the air, which means there is a lot to get done around the house before the real cold sets in. From landscaping to insulation, read on for a homeowner’s guide to prepping for the upcoming season. Fall Furnace Check — Before winter arrives, ensure your heating system is in working condition and safe to use. Turn off the furnace first and then clean the vents, check for cracks or rust and swap out the dirty filter for a clean one. If it’s been a while since your furnace has been maintained, it may be time to schedule a professional visit. Gutter Clean Out — While the fall foliage is beautiful, it can quickly clog gutters and cause water backups and flooding. Put

on heavy-duty work gloves and remove debris near the downspout and work your way to the other end. As you clear away the leaves, easily repair broken or cracked pipes with T-Rex tape. Unlike ordinary duct tapes, this strong tape is built with intense holding power for long-lasting repairs, and its aggressive double-thick adhesive ensures it sticks to rough, dirty surfaces through all weather types and temperatures. Trim Your Trees — Cut bushes and trees hanging over the driveway or roof to prevent limbs from falling during snowstorms this winter. Focus on trimming any dead or drooping branches, as these are the ones that are most likely to cause damage. Stop the Drafts — Insulating

the home helps you stay warm and save money on energy bills. Identify trouble spots where drafts occur and use weather strip seals to effectively seal these gaps. Secure the Perimeter — Slips and falls can occur when steps and walkways are covered with ice and snow. Install proper outdoor lighting to illuminate these areas and to help prevent accidents. If you have steep or uneven wood or concrete steps, apply tread tape to improve traction on the surface. While fall maintenance can feel daunting, following these tips will simplify the process so you can feel confident that your house is prepared for changing temperatures. — Statepoint

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Page 10 •

Williston Observer

• October 19, 2023

HOME garden

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design

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area will help keep track of pens and sticky notes, and file holders will keep materials from each class separate and easily accessible.

SELECT A STUDY SANCTUARY

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Comfortable furniture can make all the difference during an intense study session, so be sure to pick out a cozy couch and chair. Add a standing desk, so students can stretch their legs while continuing with the task at hand, and consider purchasing a bean bag chair to keep the atmosphere relaxed. MAKE IT NEAT AND TIDY

Students can save time and reduce clutter by mounting a bulletin board to keep track of their exam schedule and other important study materials. Use heavy-duty, double-sided tape to hang it without damaging the wall, then personalize it with push pins, motivational quotes and a colorful tape border. Additionally, placing small bins in the desk

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A color scheme and wall art add fun and vibrancy to at-home study spaces. PHOTO COURTESY OF STATEPOINT

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One way to keep the motivation going during the busy school year is to make this space feel fun and vibrant. Pick a color scheme or theme for the space, then hang wall art, band and movie posters or framed photos of family and friends to go with your chosen design direction. Add some colorful pillows to the desk chair or couch, then customize school supplies and containers to match the mood. For a burst of brightness, use colorful tape to embellish pen holders or planters. COMPLETE WEEKEND RESETS

After a busy school week, offices can become cluttered and messy with dust, scattered papers and food crumbs from those after-class snacks. Designate time on Sunday to clean up before the new school week begins. As part of the reset, place items back into their designated spots, update the bulletin board with new to-do lists and wipe down surfaces to maintain a clean and hygienic environment. While the school year can get stressful, making use of these tips will help foster a great athome educational environment so students can succeed all school year long. — Statepoint

HOME

October 19, 2023

•

Williston Observer

•

Page 11

garden

real

estate

design

Build your new home now

MOVE IN THIS FALL! Designing a four-season container garden around a living evergreen or shrub will provide an eye-catching display of continuous color throughout the year.

A garden for all seasons

UVM EXTENSION PHOTO BY BRIDGET SCHROEDER

Use container plantings to continue to garden year-round BY PAMM POWERS Special to the Observer

With cooler temperatures upon us, we have to say goodbye to our beautiful summer annuals. However, with container plantings, you can continue to garden throughout the year. A four-season container al-

lows you to move easily into next season with a few simple updates. By choosing a woody ornamental (a “thriller”) as the focal point, this is easily achieved. As the seasons change, keep the thriller, but add new plant material (“fillers” and “spillers”) to provide bursts of color, added texture and form. Just be aware that when planting woody ornamentals or other perennials that remain

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Page 12 •

Williston Observer

•

October 19, 2023

HOME garden

real

estate

design

Garden

continued from page 11

Four-season container gardens can be created in all types of containers, provided they are big enough to accommodate a small woody ornamental and a variety of other plants to add color, texture and form. UVM EXTENSION PHOTO BY BRIDGET SCHROEDER

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above ground over the winter that the root systems may be more vulnerable due to the freezing and thawing effect we typically see now in Vermont winters as a result of climate change. It is this freezing and thawing that is most damaging to the roots. When choosing plant material, consider your U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone (https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov), light and watering requirements. Some plants may have multi-seasonal appeal and can be left through many seasons, while others will no longer add seasonal interest. Next, consider the container, and think big! You will need enough room around your small, slow-growing evergreen or deciduous shrub to add plants from season to season. Avoid terracotta pots as clay expands and contracts with different temperatures and will crack in the cold. Designing a four-season container garden around a living evergreen or shrub ensures never-ending color throughout the year. Container planting does not provide the same insulation as planting in the ground. Therefore, when choosing a shrub, look for one with a hardiness zone that is one to two zones colder than where you live to ensure overwintering. Evergreens such as Dwarf Alberta Spruce (Zones 2-7), Emerald Petite arborvitae (Zones 3-7), Blue Arrow Juniper (Zone 4) and Chamaecyparis (Zones 4-8) make excellent thrillers. I have used blueberry bushes, which are striking and unique three-season plants, and have decorated these with lights once they dropped their leaves. Red Sprite Winterberry, with its stunning red berries in winter, is another option. However, this plant is only a possibility if you have two containers, as both a male and female plant are needed to produce berries. As the seasons change, plants lose their luster or you may just want to change it up for variety.

Removing and adding new plant material is simple. One thing to keep in mind when adding plants in fall is to utilize well-established plants since the growing season has slowed considerably. I like to use hardy perennials from my own gardens, such as hosta, ferns, heuchera and ornamental grasses with splashes of color from pumpkins, gourds, ornamental kale, and mums. Creating a winter container can be as simple as removing fall plants before the potting soil freezes and placing lights on your shrub, or adding greenery, red twigs, berries and other decorations. Once you have added winter interest material, moisten the soil and allow it to freeze. This will ensure that limbs, twigs and other decorations remain in place. Spring and summer are exciting times for gardening. Be sure to check the frost dates for your region, and always start with the hardiest plant material to ensure it survives Vermont’s spring temperature fluctuations. A few great choices for spring fillers are hellebores, pulmonarias, pansies, lobelias and marguerite daisies. When to make the transition from spring to summer is entirely up to you. With an array of colors, textures, shapes and smells, creating a beautiful summer showpiece will be sure to evoke a sense of joy and satisfaction. For a shady spot, consider combining polka dot plant with a spider plant and begonias or tradescantia. Fillers such as salvia, lantana and other upright flowers work well with trailing scaevola, sweet alyssum and other spillers for a sunny location. Or go tropical with hibiscus, crotons or caladiums. Four-season container gardening can be started in any season. Just choose your design, collect your plant material and have fun creating your masterpiece. Pamm Powers is a UVM Extension Master Gardener intern from Shaftsbury.

Weinberger exploring a run for statewide office BY PATRICK CROWLEY AND SARAH MEARHOFF VTDigger

Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger is considering a run for statewide office. In an interview with VTDigger last Friday, Weinberger said Vermont faces “major challenges,” Miro Weinberger including a drug crisis and a “deep, acute housing shortage” — issues that have particularly plagued Burlington during his tenure as mayor. During his nearly 12 years helming the city, he has frequently criticized state government for standing in the way of local progress. Now, the Burlington Democrat has an eye on Montpelier. Since announcing on Sept. 28 that he would not seek a fifth term as Burlington mayor, the rumor mill has steadily churned, and Vermont political observers have quietly speculated about Weinberger’s future plans. On Friday, he pointed out to VTDigger that he is only 53 years old. “I’ve heard my announcement being referred to as retirement,” Weinberger said. “I don’t see it as retiring in any way.” Asked whether he is planning to run for governor in 2024, Weinberger said, “I’m absolutely exploring and going to be exploring for some time, you know, what is the best way for me to impact those issues?” The answer, he said, could be “some kind of statewide role.” Weinberger made clear that after close to a

dozen years in an executive role, he’d be less inclined to run for Congress. “I definitely see myself as more of an executive than a legislator,” he said, adding that he “understands how impactful executive leadership can be.” A person who has spoken with Weinberger about his plans in recent weeks told VTDigger that the mayor is seriously exploring a run for governor but has not made a final decision. Separately, a political operative told VTDigger that Weinberger’s confidantes had begun consulting with Vermont Democratic Party leadership to discuss a potential 2024 gubernatorial bid. Weinberger said Friday that with six months remaining in his mayoral term, it would be “some time” before he made a final decision. If he ran, Weinberger could face off against incumbent Gov. Phil Scott, a Republican who was first elected in 2016. Scott’s spokesperson, Jason Maulucci, told VTDigger on Friday that “the governor hasn’t made any decisions personally whether he is planning to seek a fifth term or not.” Asked when Scott might decide, Maulucci pointed to past election cycles, when Scott has historically announced his reelection bids in the spring of an election year. Asked about Weinberger’s potential gubernatorial candidacy, Maulucci said Scott “always welcomes different ideas coming to the table, always supports people putting their name forward, if that’s what they want to do.” “But, you know, for him, it’s too early to comment on 2024, given that he hasn’t decided what he himself is going to do yet,” Maulucci concluded.

October 19, 2023

•

Williston Observer

•

Page 13

Why Williston Place? Vermont’s Choice For

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Control of Blue Cross Blue Shield by larger Michigan insurer approved BY KRISTEN FOUNTAIN VTDigger Vermont’s largest private healthcare insurer, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont, will soon become a subsidiary of its much larger Michigan counterpart now that the state’s insurance regulator has signed off on the proposal. The Vermont Department of Financial Regulation issued decisions last week in two separate legal processes that together allow Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to take control of the Berlin-based nonprofit insurer. The orders include a long list of conditions. The two ‘Blues’ organizations refer to the relationship as an “affiliation,” rather than an acquisition or merger, saying that management and operations will remain in Vermont and responsive to the needs of the

state. Their request for affiliation was filed in May. A monthslong regulatory review happened over the summer. The insurance company will continue to be regulated by the Department of Financial Regulation and the Green Mountain Care Board. A majority of the board of directors will also be appointed by the Vermont organization. However, the Michigan organization will have veto power over their appointments, and will hold the Blue Cross Blue Shield affiliate license for Vermont. “Sharing expertise and technology with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, we will improve solutions for our members, customers, provider partners and communities here in Vermont,” Don George, president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont, said in a written statement.

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Page 14 •

Williston Observer

• October 19, 2023

SPORTS

Comprehensive Dentistry Quality Care for Your Entire Family

Gentle, Expert Dental Care for your Beautiful Smile

‘Hawks swoop Cougars

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

CLOCKWISE l to r: CVU’s Lauren Knudsen and MMU’s Sofia Randall battle for possession during the Redhawks’ 3-1 win over the Cougars Oct. 11 in Jericho. CVU’s Chloe Pecor gets a shot away in front of MMU’s Maddi Doyle. CVU’s Ava Barron looks for a downfield teammate. CVU’s Reese Kingsbury beats MMU’s Eva DeJong to the ball.

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October 19, 2023

•

Williston Observer

•

Page 15

SPORTS Racing thoughts TOP ROW: CVU’s Isabella Gravina-Budis, left, came in third, Maeve ParkerClarke, center, finished 13th and Lena Smith, right, finished 36th in the large school girls race at the NVAC Metro Cross Country Run at Missisquoi Valley Union on Friday afternoon. The girls’ team finished second in team scoring. SECOND ROW: The CVU boys’ team, left, finished first in team scoring. Dan Knight, center, finished first in the large school boys race and Luke Buehler (466) and Pat Frazier (471) finished 15th and 11th, respectively. THIRD ROW: Ethan Morris, left, finished sixth and Kody Guiterman, far right, came in fourth. OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY

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Page 16release • dates: Williston Observer • Oct. 21-27, 2023

October 19, 2023

42 (23)

Next Week: Our states: Virginia

Issue 42, 2023

Founded by Betty Debnam

All About Bats

photo by Phuketian.S

The smallest bat in the world is the bumblebee bat. From one wingtip to the other, it is only about 6 inches across.

Bats like to roost, or sleep, hanging upside down in high, protected places. Bats roost in trees, in buildings, under bridges, and even in the middle of giant spiderwebs. Safe and quiet caves, such as those in Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico, make good bat homes. Thousands of bats hang from the ceilings in the Carlsbad caves. Experts are not sure why bats sleep upside down. It may be easier for them to take flight if they can just drop. Hanging by their feet may allow more bats to crowd together in one area.

Traditional Halloween symbols include witches, ghosts, pumpkins — and bats! The Mini Page learns more about these curious mammals this week.

Helpful bats

photo by David J. Thomas Ph.D.

When you’re outside on a summer evening, do you notice bats flying around? Bats are a great help to people. One bat can catch 1,200 insects in an hour! Bats eat many insects that are harmful to humans, such as mosquitoes. Bats also help humans in other ways. We use bat droppings, or guano (GWAH-no), for fertilizer and to make products such as laundry detergent. Bats pollinate more than 500 species of plants. Scientists are studying how to use bat saliva, or spit, to make a medicine for people suffering from strokes or heart trouble.

Meet a bat

Baby bats

Bats are mammals, which means they give birth to live young, produce milk for their young, are warm-blooded and have hair similar to humans’. They are the only mammals that can fly. There are about 1,300 species of bats in the world. Bats make up about one-fifth of all mammal species. They live on every continent except Antarctica. Most live in tropical forests throughout the world. About 46 species live in the United States. Seventy-eight species of bats around the world are endangered or threatened.

A mother bat gives birth while she is hanging by her feet. She has to be very quick so she can catch the baby with her wing as it drops from her body. Baby bats, or pups, start hanging from the ceiling as soon as they’re born. They need about five to six weeks before they can fly out on their own. The mother bat goes out at night to feed, coming back into the cave several times a night to feed her pup. The father bat does not help care for the pup.

Try ’n’ Find

You may have heard the expression “blind as a bat,” but bats are not blind. They actually have good eyesight. Bats’ best sense is their hearing. Most bats use sound to find food and dodge objects. This is called echolocation (EHko-lo-KAY-shun). Bats make a high-pitched sound that humans cannot usually hear. This sound speeds through the air until it bounces off an object and comes back to the bat. With this system, bats can fly within a hair’s width of an object without ever touching it. They can identify an object from the shape of the sound waves. They can tell if an object is an enemy or something good to eat. Bat wingspans range from 6 inches to 6 feet! Their wings are actually their hands. Bats have a hand like humans do, with a thumb and fingers, but their fingers are very long. A membrane, or tight skin, stretches between their fingers. This forms the wing.

Resources On the Web:

• bit.ly/MPbats

At the library:

• “The Secret Lives of Bats” by Merlin Tuttle • “National Geographic Readers: Bats” by Elizabeth Carney

Mini Jokes

Words that remind us of bats are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find: BATS, CAVE, CONTINENT, ECHOLOCATION, ENDANGERED, FLY, GUANO, HANG, HELP, INSECTS, MAMMAL, MEMBRANE, POLLINATE, PUPS, ROOST, SALIVA, SPECIES, WINGS.

Bat facts

Mini Fact:

C Y O G N U T A I N N O E I N R

C R G S F I V I

A V E X H L H L T E T A N I L L N A H E K F L Y E I C E P S B P X D S G E N A R T A C O L O H C L H T X T B W I Z G M A M M A L

S T A B O P I Q X X U Q D O Q P B M E M E Z A P N G S L S E H E

Billy: Which of the witch’s friends was good at baseball? Betty: The bat!

Eco Note Scientists say a “significant” change in the ocean’s color over the past 20 years is likely due to climate

tropical forests throughout the world. About 46 species live in the United States. Seventy-eight species of bats around the world are endangered or threatened.

At the library:

The mother bat goes out at night to feed, coming back into the cave several times a night to feed her pup. The father bat does not help care for the pup.

• “The Secret Lives of Bats” by Merlin Tuttle • “National Geographic Readers: Bats” by October 19,Carney 2023 • Williston Observer • Page 17 Elizabeth

Try ’n’ Find

Mini Jokes

C Y O G N U T A I N N O E I N R T V A A

C A V E X H L H L R T E T A N I L L G N A H E K F L Y S E I C E P S B P F X D S G E N A R I T A C O L O H C V L H T X T B W I I Z G M A M M A L T S O O R S T C E E N D A N G E R E

Billy: Which of the witch’s friends was good at baseball? Betty: The bat!

S T A B O P I Q X X U Q D O Q P B M E M E Z A P N G S L S E H E S N I H D V O B

Eco Note Scientists say a “significant” change in the ocean’s color over the past 20 years is likely due to climate change and cannot be explained by natural, year-to-year variations. A team from MIT, the U.K.’s National Oceanography Center and other institutions says that while the color shifts may be subtle to the human eye, they have occurred over 56% of the world’s ocean areas. The researchers found that most regions have become steadily greener over the period, but they cannot explain exactly how the shift is occurring.

• 7 cups popped popcorn • 12 ice pop sticks

What to do: 1. Melt marshmallows and butter in a double boiler. Stir often. 2. Pour a third of marshmallow mixture into each of three bowls and stir in different food coloring in each. 3. Add equal amounts of popcorn to each bowl. With clean, buttered hands, mix popcorn and marshmallow mixture. 4. Form round popcorn balls around each ice pop stick. Give pops time to set. Serves 12.

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.

SSHO

GRA

BRO

READ GING

SHIV

GRIZZ

ERB

PPER

Answers: gold, moon, shiver, grizzly, grasshopper, gingerbread, brown.

1. valuable metal (4) 2. it circles the Earth (4) 3. shake in the cold (6) 4. large bear (7) 5. hopping insect (11) 6. cookie man (11) 7. the color of mud (5)

You’ll need: • 3 cups miniature marshmallows • 2 tablespoons butter or margarine • Food coloring (colors of your choice)

For later:

Look in the newspaper for articles about Halloween events in your area.

Teachers: Follow and

interact with The Mini Page on Facebook!

Colorful Popcorn Pops

* You’ll need an adult’s help with this recipe.

Cook’s Corner

Brevity BY DAN THOMPSON

Page 18 •

Williston Observer

•

October 19, 2023

SAVVY SENIOR Protecting your pets after you’re gone

By Jim Miller

Dear Savvy Senior, What is the best way to ensure my pets are taken care of after I’m gone? I have two dogs and a cat that are my fourlegged family, and I want to make sure they’ll be well taken care of after I die. Solo Senior

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Dear Solo, It’s a great question. Every year, approximately 500,000 cats and dogs enter shelters when their pet parents experience an emergency or pass away. Without a proper plan in place for the future care of your pets, they are at risk of ending up in a shelter where they could be euthanized. To avoid this scenario and ensure your furry family is cared for both physically and financially after you’re gone, you should consider including them in your estate plan. Talk to your attorney about how to insert them in your will or trust in accordance with your state’s laws. Here’s what you’ll need to do. WILLS

If you already have a will or are planning to make one, you could simply add in a trusted caretaker clause for your pets, along with an alternative if your first choice falls through. You should also set aside money in your will for your pet’s care with an explanation of how the funds should be spent. To determine how much to leave, multiply your pet’s annual food, care and medical costs by their life expectancy. You may want to add a separate document, called a letter of instruction, describing your pet’s rou-

tine, food and medication. But be aware that even with this provision in your will, the caretaker is not legally obligated to follow your instructions, spend the money as you intended or send the pet to another caretaker that you’ve named. Once the money is distributed to the caretaker, it’s an honor system. TRUSTS

Another option is to create a pet trust, which provides more legal protections. Depending on your state’s laws (see www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-planning/ pet-trust-laws), you could set up either a revocable pet trust, which can be changed or canceled during your lifetime, or an irrevocable pet trust, which can’t be reversed. A pet trust can be completely separate, or part of an existing trust that encompasses your other assets. Along with appointing a trustee to manage your trust’s finances, you name your pet’s caretaker (who could also serve as the trustee) and any alternative caretakers, as well as an optional trust protector for added oversight of the trustee, given that the beneficiary (your pets) can’t defend their own rights. Unlike a will, the caretaker has a fiduciary duty to follow your letter of instruction if you include one.

The cost for a living trust ranges anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000, while a will typically costs between $200 and $1,000. There are also cheaper do-ityourself resources for making a simple will or trust, like Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker & Trust (www.Nolo.com, $99) and Trust & Will (www.TrustandWill. com, $159). Or, if that’s more than you’re willing to pay, you can make your will for free at www.FreeWill.com or www.DoYourOwnWill.com. OTHER ARRANGEMENTS

If you don’t have anyone who would be willing to take care of your pets after you’re gone, you should make arrangements to leave them to an animal retirement home, a rescue, humane society, pet care program or other animal welfare group. Many of these organizations find new homes for pets or offer lifetime care, but may require a fee or donation. Talk to your veterinarian about the options available in your area. 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.

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October 19, 2023

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Williston Observer

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Page 19

CROSSWORD • SOLUTION ON PAGE 22

Almanac ANDREWS

MCMEEL

TODAY’S HISTORY: • In 1781, Gen. Charles Cornwallis’ British troops surrendered at Yorktown, Virginia, heralding an imminent victory for the Continental Army. • In 1960, the United States imposed an embargo on exports to Cuba except for medical supplies and certain foods. • In 1987, “Black Monday” set a new Wall Street record for a single-day decline when the Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged 508 points. • In 2003, Mother Teresa was beatified by Pope John Paul II. TODAY’S FACT: • John Jay, the first chief justice of the United States, was sworn in on this day in 1789.

SOLUTION FOUND ON PAGE 22

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Williston Observer

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October 19, 2023

Oct. 7 at 1:09 a.m. — Officer came across a male sleeping in his vehicle. Contact was made and the male, age 55, was issued a citation to appear in court for suspicion of DUI. Oct. 7 at 2:50 p.m. — Report of a male that was stealing from Marshalls. Male had a receipt for all items. Oct. 7 at 6:56 p.m. — Report of a fight in the Shaw’s parking lot. A male, age 22, was issued a citation to appear in court. Oct. 8 at 3:09 p.m. — Healthy Living advised of a male in the store that had stolen from them before. Wanted him trespassed. Male was trespassed and moved along. Oct. 9 at 8:21 a.m. — Retail theft reported at Home Depot. A male, age 34, was issued a citation to appear in court. Oct. 10 at 10:28 a.m. — Retail theft reported at Dick’s Sporting Goods. Case is still under investigation.

Oct. 10 at 10:42 a.m. — Suspicious vehicle reported at Walmart. Further investigation showed that a female, age 22, had an active arrest warrant. She was transported to the courthouse. Oct. 11 at 2:53 p.m. — Stolen vehicle recovered in the Petsmart parking lot. A female, age 37, was located in the vehicle and had an active arrest warrant. She was transported to the correctional facility. Female was also issued a citation to appear in court for retail theft from REI. Oct. 11 at 8:13 p.m. — Following a motor vehicle stop, a male, age 26, was issued a citation to appear in court for suspicion of DUI. Oct. 11 at 8:51 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Walmart. A male, age 34, was issued a citation to appear in court. Oct. 11 at 9:59 p.m. — Fireworks set off in the Walmart parking lot in front of an officer. They were told to

stop. Oct. 12 at 9:41 a.m. — Report of an intoxicated male at UHaul. Male was transported to the hospital for evaluation. Oct. 12 at 1:11 p.m. — Report of a male causing a disturbance at Walmart. Male was trespassed and moved along. Oct. 12 at 6:13 p.m. — Officer located a female with active arrest warrants at Home Depot. A female, age 36, was transported to the correctional facility. Oct. 12 at 8:40 p.m. — Report of a suspicious male in Marshalls. Male was located and issued a notice of trespass. Oct. 13 at 4:34 a.m. — Stolen vehicle recovered on Jakes Way. Vehicle was returned to owner. Oct. 13 at 4:56 p.m. — Suspicious female at Home Depot. A female, age 37, had an active arrest warrant. She was transported to the correctional facility. Officers also responded to six alarm activations, five motor vehicle crashes and conducted 29 traffic stops during this time frame.

When you shop for yourself, Remember the Shelf! The Williston Community Food Shelf is seeing a large and increasing number of clients (over 300 families per month!).

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OBITUARIES

Roger Milo McLaughlin Roger Milo McLaughlin (born June 19, 1939) passed away peacefully on Monday, Oct 9 at McClure Miller Respite House. Roger leaves behind his wife of 58 years, Edith Rawson McLaughlin, his children Heidi McLaughlin and husband Chris Wells, and Randy McLaughlin, and his grandchildren Colby, Riley, and Brody McLaughlin, and Logan Wells. Roger also leaves behind a sister, Dorothy Blodgett of Underhill and a brother and sister-in-law, Floyd and Vesta McLaughlin of Jericho, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son, Brian McLaughlin of Underhill, his brother and sister-in-law Edwin and Merlene McLaughlin of NC, and his brother Raymond McLaughlin of VA. Roger grew up in Williston and spent his teenage years logging with his uncle in Bolton Valley before the ski area was established. He served in the Vermont National

Guard for 8 years as a cook. After marrying Edith Rawson, he began logging some of his father-in-law’s land for the wood he would use to build them a home on Corbett Corner Road, where they would live for 50 years. A talented carpenter, Roger spent many years building high quality custom homes with his brother Floyd and son Brian. A grateful homeowner recently recognized the talent, work ethic, and integrity of the three by establishing the Building Vermont Award for Trade and Technical Training at Mount Mansfield Union High School. Roger enjoyed hunting and camping, even building his own camper, which he enjoyed with his wife and children for many years. One of his greatest hunting accomplishments was harvesting a deer with a record-setting rack, which placed him in the Vermont Big Game book; his record is now #12. Roger volunteered for many years at the Underhill Harvest Market pressing cider and enjoying the community event. But more than anything else, Roger loved spending time with family and friends, frequently visiting or calling to catch up, tell stories and reminisce. Edith, Heidi, and Randy would like to invite you to a celebration of Roger’s life, where we will gather to remember and share stories. Please join us at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct., 21 at The United Church of Underhill for a brief service followed by a potluck gathering downstairs at the church. Feel free to bring a snack or dessert to share.

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October 19, 2023

ADULT PROGRAMS HULA HOOP FITNESS FLOW

INSTRUCTORS WANTED

structor: Jazmin Averbuck

Do you have a talent or skill that you would like to share with others? If so, the rec department is accepting proposals for new programs and/or camps from people who have a talent to share or want to give to the community by being an instructor. Consider becoming an instructor and offering an ongoing program at The R.E.C. Zone or a program with 6-8 week sessions. We are always looking for people with a talent to share.

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Do you operate a business in Williston that offers programs? If so, the rec department would like to partner with you to bring your programming to the Williston community. Contact us at www. willistonrec.org to see how we can work together.

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18-plus. Wednesdays, 5:456:30 p.m. $10 per class. Instructor: Jazmin Averbuck JAZZERCISE CARDIO SCULPT

Age 50-plus. Mondays and/or Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. $25 per class; class passes: five for $99, 10 for $180. Instructor: Kit Sayers RETRO DANCE CARDIO & CORE

Age 50-plus. Wednesdays, 4:45-5:45 p.m. $5 per class. In-

Age 50-plus. Thursdays, 12:30-1:45 p.m. Free. Instructor: Chris Curtis

FAMILY PROGRAMS

Age 18-plus. Six-week program, Oct. 25-Dec. 6, 9:4510:45 a.m. $70. This program teaches foundational Hula Hoop tricks and transitions and combines these movements to create a flowing dance. Improve balance, dexterity, strength and coordination. Instructor: Karla Jones THERAPY DOG ACADEMY

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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. Program starting Oct. 11. Instructor: ONTA Studio Staff SNOWMOBILE SAFETY COURSE

Age 12-plus. This in-person course will provide the opportunity to earn the certification necessary to legally operate on Vermont’s Statewide Snowmobile Trails System. State law requires that all Vermont snowmobile operators born after July 1, 1983, must take and pass a state-approved snowmobile safety course before operating on Vermont Trails. Registration deadline is Nov. 27. The course is Dec. 2, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Lunch is provided. Cost is $10 per person. The program will be held in the Shelburne Town Municipal Center. Instructor: Richard Spitzer

Age 18-plus. This six-week course gives dogs and handlers the necessary skills for not only passing the therapy dog test, but also for working successfully as a therapy dog team. The program stars Nov. 30. Instructor: Deb Helfrich FOOD PRESERVATION WORKSHOP

Age 18-plus. Learn how best to preserve your harvest with hands-on instruction from the Vermont Garden Network’s Veducational Van. This 1.5hour workshop will cover best practices for a variety of food preservation methods, including canning, pickling, fermenting and dehydration. All materials provided. Instructor, Cedar Schiewetz, garden and nutrition program manager, Vermont Garden Network. 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

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Williston Observer

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Page 21

meet once a week October through May. Register at www. willistonrec.org.

Parent volunteers are needed to coach. Sign up to coach when registering your child.

PICKUP VOLLEYBALL PROGRAM

GRADE 5-6 BASKETBALL

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

YOUTH PROGRAMS KINDERREC BASKETBALL

This is a parent/child program designed to teach the fundamentals of the game. Each week, youngsters will be introduced to a new skill and fun activities that will enhance their learning. This program meets on Saturdays in January and February. Instructors: Rec Department staff GRADE 1-2 BASKETBALL

This program provides the opportunity for youngsters to learn the game, improve their skills and enjoy playing. This program meets on Saturdays in January and February. One-hour sessions will consist of a practice and scrimmage time. Parent volunteers are needed to coach teams. Sign up to coach when registering your child. GRADE 3-4 BASKETBALL

There are separate boys and girls programs offered if numbers allow. The programs provide the opportunity for youngsters to play and improve their skills. The programs meet twice a week for one hour each time, with one practice and one game.

There will be separate boys’ and girls’ leagues offered if numbers allow. The leagues meet twice a week for one hour each time, with one practice and one game. Teams play in a league with other town rec departments. Parent volunteers are needed to coach. Sign up to coach when registering your child. GRADE 7-8 BASKETBALL

Teams meet twice a week for one hour each time, with one practice and one game. Teams play in a league with other town rec departments. Parent volunteers are needed to coach. Sign up to coach when registering your child. NINJA KIDS INTRO

Ages 4-8 or 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

Ages 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

DIZZY? UNSTEADY? AFRAID OF FALLING? YOU’RE NOT ALONE. Our Balance Therapy Program will help you regain mobility and confidence in movement. 62 Merchants Row, Suite 202, Williston, VT 05495 (802) 857-5407 | williston@fyzical.com www.fyzical.com/williston

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October 19, 2023

CROSSWORD SOLUTION PUZZLE FOUND ON PAGE 19

PUZZLE FOUND ON PAGE 19

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Williston Observer

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Page 23

CLASSIFIEDS LEGAL

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL GRAND LIST 2024 OR 2025 TOWN-WIDE REAPPRAISAL Town of St. George, Vermont 21 Barber Road, St. George, Vermont, 05495 Due Date For Proposal: October 19, 2023, By 7:00 p.m. Please contact Justin Mason, Municipal Assessor VPA I, Town of St. George, Vermont, for a copy of the full RFP. Mail: 21 Barber Rd. St. George, VT, 05495 E-Mail: assessor@stgeorgevt.com

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2 proposed dwellings, and (1) 21± acre lot to be conserved as open space at 615 Butternut Rd in the ARZD.

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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

DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD AGENDA Tuesday, October 24, 2023 – 7:00 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 1-646-5588656 DP 24-05 Pre-App Armand Fournier requests pre-app review of the proposed 3-lot subdivision of an existing 28± ac lot to create (1) 2± ac lot for the existing dwelling, (1) 2± ac lot and (1) 3± lot for

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Page 24 •

Williston Observer

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October 19, 2023

SPORTS

Redhawks dominant in first-ever state title win BY LAUREN READ Observer correspondent

After losing by just three strokes at last year’s Division I girls golf state championship, Champlain Valley Union was determined not to come up short again. Last Thursday at Rutland Country Club, the Redhawks dominated the field to capture the program’s first D-I state championship. “When the last foursome finished their round, and the scores became official, it was great to see the smiles on the faces of the CVU players,” said coach Christopher Hood. “It’s a gift when a team can cross the finish line with the championship trophy ... It’s not a requirement for a fulfilling season, but it sure does feel good.” Champlain Valley left no mistake about who was this season’s top team, placing four golfers in the top 10 even though only the top two scores counted. The Redhawks finished with a 175, 42 strokes ahead of

second-place Burr and Burton (217). Ryan Sleeper led the pack with an 85, good for second overall, and teammate Stella Rakochy was right behind in third place with a 90. CB Stackpole-McGrath finished in fourth with a 101 and Rylee Makay was seventh with a 107. “Any of the four starters could have contributed to the lowest two scores, but on this day these two came through with the lowest two scores,” Hood said. Depth was one of the Redhawks’ strengths this season, with 10 players on the squad and five golfers who could shoot below 50 on a nine-hole course. The team was fortunate to be able to get on the course, driving range and putting green at the Cedar Knoll Country Club in Hinesburg regularly. With the two top scorers from the championship round returning next season — Sleeper is a junior and Rakochy is a sophomore — CVU has high hopes for the program in the future. But Hood is

The CVU girls golf team — from left, coach Christopher Hood, CB Stackpole-McGrath, Stella Rakochy, Ryan Sleeper and Rylee Makay — celebrates the program’s first state championship last Thursday at Rutland Country Club. OBSERVER COURTESY PHOTO

quick to point to the senior leadership of Stackpole-McGrath and Elizabeth Parent as setting the tone for the team both this season and beyond. “I really appreciate their leadership, organization and positive vibes,” the coach said. “Starting with our first August practices,

our captains and all team members have been supportive, committed, and brought a positive perspective to matches and practices. It’s been an honor to work and play with them. “We have confidence we can return next year as a serious contender to defend the title, and bring home a second title.”

PUBLISHING

Be a part of the Williston Observer’s NOV. 2

2023 Community Giving Guide! The Observer will be highlighting the groups and organizations in our area who would welcome the support of the community through donations and volunteers. To be included:

Nonprofit organizations

Call or email susan@willistonobserver.com, 802-489-5499

Advertisers

Call or email rick@willistonobserver.com, 802-373-2136

Deadline is Friday, Oct. 27. for Nov. 2 publication. Williston

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