Williston Observer 11/22/2023 by Williston Observer

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Town turns out with tons of turkeys

CLOCKWISE (l to r): Just a few of the 130 turkeys that were donated during the annual Williston Community Food Shelf Turkey Day on Saturday morning. The Kibon family donated four turkeys and all the fixings. Dick Nichols hands his donated turkey to volunteer Kim Bleakley from the Champlain Valley Junior League. Devon Penny (l) and son Myles help to keep the donations organized. OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY

Human remains identified in Williston woods OBSERVER STAFF REPORT The skeletal remains of a Panton man who went missing late last year were identified in the woods off South Brownell Road last Thursday. Williston Police were called to the area by a homeowner who reported finding the remains on their property last Thursday morning. Police responded with a canine search and rescue squad and confirmed that the remains were human. Police Chief Patrick Foley said it was initially unclear how long the remains had been there, but that it appeared that animals had gotten to them. The remains were transported to the office of Vermont’s Chief Medical Examiner, Elizabeth Bundock, at the UVM Medical Center in Burlington. Bundock identified the body as a 56-year-old man from Panton who had been reported missing in December, 2022. She reported the cause of death as suicide by hanging, according to a Monday news release from the Williston Police Department. Foley said the man had no known connection to Williston. “We scratch our heads and say ‘why did he pick this location?’” Foley said.

No signs of slowing

New residential, commercial development apps arrive at town offices BY JASON STARR Observer staff

In the coming weeks, two Williston committees will consider new proposals for a residential neighborhood, a six-story retail-apartment building and a manufacturing business expansion. MCCULLOUGHS ON MOUNTAIN VIEW

Former state legislator Jim McCullough and wife, Lucy, have submitted plans for a 39-

home subdivision on roughly 10 acres near the west end of Mountain View Road. The land slopes eastward from a home the McCulloughs lease to the Vermont Transcendental Meditation Center. The McCulloughs bought the land last year partially with proceeds from their 2019 sale of the Catamount Outdoor Family Center property at other end of Mountain View to the Town of Williston. Jim McCullough, a Transcendental Meditation practitioner, represented Williston in the Vermont Legislature for two decades. The subdivision application shows plans for a 24-unit apartment building, four duplex

homes and seven single family homes. A 2,700-square-foot neighborhood community center is also planned. The architecture will dovetail with the Transcendental Meditation center — informed by “Maharisi Vastu architectural principals,” according to the application. The application is on the agenda for the Development Review Board’s Dec. 12 meeting. THIRD EXPANSION ATTEMPT FOR CHIMNEY PART MAKER

Leaders at New England Chimney Supply have spent the past three years trying to figure out a way to expand their operation on a uniquely situated parcel see DEVELOPMENT page 3

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Williston Observer • November 22, 2023

Around Town

Bound for downtown A holiday tree bound for display on the Church Street Marketplace in Burlington was removed last week from a front yard on Wildflower Circle. The 40-foot-tall blue spruce was donated by the Escorpizo family and will be the centerpiece of the annual downtown holiday season display. A tree lighting ceremony is planned for Nov. 24 on Church Street. COURTESY PHOTOS BY JAMES HELTZ

Bottle drive to raise student trip funds

Rotary to host senior holiday luncheon

Williston Central School’s Swift House students are organizing a bottle drive to benefit their year-end trip. Students will collect bottles from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2. Collections will take place in the following neighborhoods: Brennan Woods, Southridge Road, Ledgewood Drive, Wildflower Circle, Lefebvre Lane, Katie Lane, Golf Links, Southfield Drive, Isham Circle, Pleasant Acres and Lamplite Acres. If you will not be home, leave bagged or boxed bottles labeled “Swift House” at the end of your driveway.

The annual Jonathan Milne Senior Holiday Luncheon will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 13 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Williston Federated Church Fellowship Hall, hosted by the Williston-Richmond Rotary Club. The event will begin with singing by students from Williston Central School followed by a seasonal feast of turkey and fixings. Those who would like to attend are asked to RSVP by Dec. 9 by calling (802) 557-4875.

Williston’s ‘Little Shop’ production vying for best musical Williston Community Theatre’s production of “Little Shop of Horrors” has been nominated by Broadway World for 2023 Vermont Best Musical. To vote for your favorite Vermont production visit: https://www.broadwayworld.com/ vermont/liveupdateregion.cfm?btype=1873&region=Vermont.

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Development continued from page 1

Zoning District and the Residential Zoning District — into parking lots for employees and customers. “(We) welcome input from the staff and the DRB specifically related to the issue of placing the parking in a different zoning district than the use that those spaces serve,” the application states. The application is up for preliminary review at the Development Review Board’s Nov. 28

meeting. REACHING NEW HEIGHTS

The auto insurance company formerly known as Dealer Policy — which bought, refurbished and moved into the brick building near the intersection of Routes 2 and 2A where TD Bank is located in 2019 and has since changed its name to Polly — submitted plans in September to build a mixed retail-apartment building on site. At six stories, it would be the

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on Williston Road. The parcel, at the intersection of Williston Road and Commerce Street, is a junction point of three separate zoning districts. Two attempts at a “specific plan” application that would have created special zoning regulations for the parcel were denied by town planners in 2021 and 2022. The company

has since acquired two adjacent residential parcels, according to plans recently submitted to the Williston Planning and Zoning Office. It also has a manufacturing facility in Virginia. The company is proposing a 27,000-square foot addition to its existing 40,000-square-foot facility. The expansion would be confined to the Industrial Zoning District. The company plans to redevelop the residential parcels — located in the Gatweay

The entrance to the Vermont Transcendental Meditation Center off Mountain View Road. The 10 acres to the left are planned for a new residential neighborhood under plans recently submitted by landowners Jim and Lucy McCullough. PHOTO COURTESY OF WILLISTON PLANNING AND ZONING

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Williston Observer •

tallest building in Taft Corners, allowed under “form-based code” zoning approved for Taft Corners last year. Plans show the building fronting Route 2A, sited in front of the existing Polly headquarters and TD Bank branch. The building would house 59 apartment units and ground floor retail space. A review by town administrators is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Dec. 15 and is open to the public.

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Williston Observer • November 22, 2023

No one in Vermont should be cold in their home

BY REED PARKER Williston Energy Committee

With winter at our doorstep, this is the time when an increasing number of residents of Williston and surrounding communities are going

to make the painful choice between paying for heating and electricity, food, transportation or medical care. In this article, we’ll talk about heating and electricity assistance and weatherization options — no one in Vermont should be cold in

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their home. First and foremost, if you need assistance with the cost of fuel or electricity, ask for help. There are organizations in the state and county, as well as the utilities, that have funding to help owners or renters. Here are some of the programs that can help reduce the cost of heating, this year and for years to come.

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In November, the state announced it had received $20 million from the federal “Low Income Energy Assistance Program” (LIHEAP), which will be distributed to eligible households that heat with fuel oil, propane, kerosene, coal, electricity and natural gas. According to the Department of Human Services, benefits are sent “directly to fuel dealers on behalf of 14,741 households and average $1,375 per household.” How can you potentially receive heating benefits from LIHEAP? Call the Chittenden County Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO) at (802) 863-6248, Option 2. Or, contact the Vermont Department of Children and Families at 1-800-4796151. REDUCE THE RATE YOU PAY FOR ELECTRICITY OR NATURAL GAS

Both of the major utilities serving Williston — Green Mountain Power (GMP) and Vermont Gas Systems (VGS) — participate in an energy assistance program that offers a lower rate for electricity or natural gas for income-qualified households. Managed by the Vermont Agency of Human Services Department for Children and Families, this assistance is based on a scale determined by the number of people in your home and total gross income. Benefits can result in a 25 percent reduction of your electric bill from GMP and a reduction of up to 20 percent of your natural gas bill from VGS. Don’t wait, call the Vermont Agency of Human Services Department for Children and Families at 1-800-775-0516 if you have questions about the program.

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EMERGENCY FUNDS AVAILABLE THROUGH THE WARMTH PROGRAM

GMP sponsors a program named Warmth, which is funded

Stopping the escape of heat from your home will result in a permanent improvement in your comfort and finances. PHOTO COURTESY OF EFFICIENCY VERMONT

through private donations. Funds for emergency assistance with utility bills are managed by community action agencies. If you find yourself in an emergency utility situation, call The Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity at (802) 863-6248. PURCHASING HEATING FUEL THROUGH GROUP DISCOUNT BUYING PROGRAMS

As not everyone will qualify for the programs described above, group purchasing discounts may be a way to reduce your fuel oil heating bills. According to the Department of Public Safety, “there are several fuel-group organizations that help their members save money by purchasing heating fuel in bulk at discounted rates negotiated with commercial fuel dealers. These include (but are not necessarily limited to): Energy Co-op of Vermont, Ruth Clark Fuel Group and VHeat Buying Program (through the Vermont State Employees Credit Union.” STOP LOSING HEAT BY SEALING THE GAPS IN YOUR HOME

Stopping the escape of heat from your home will result in a permanent improvement in your comfort and finances. We’ll discuss two programs that may benefit you. First, the Weatherization Assistance Program administered by the state provides free weatherization services, which could include a comprehensive energy assessment, state-of-the-art building diagnostics and full-service energy efficient retrofits. Eligibility is based on the num-

ber of people in your household and gross income. Benefits are potentially large. According to the state, the program, on average, makes about $10,000 worth of improvements per home, adds about 1,500 square feet of insulation, and reduces drafts by about 40 percent. To apply, contact CVOEO at 1-800-545-1084 (ext. 316) Second, VGS sponsors a number of rebate programs that can assist with weatherization of single family homes, condos, multi-family units and manufactured (mobile) homes. Manufactured homes often need the most work as they lack a pitched insulated roof and are open to the elements on the underside. The VGS program works with qualified contractors through the entire project, from assessment to installation, and provides rebates for the cost. To see if you can benefit from this program, please call the VGS Efficiency Department at (802) 863-4511. If you are cold in your home, please call for assistance as it is there for you. To participate in Williston’s energy future, reach out to your Williston Energy Committee at energy@willistonvt.org or attend a public meeting held on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. The agendas for upcoming meetings are posted on the Town of Williston website (www. town.williston.vt.us). For more information, visit: https://www. willistonvtenergycommittee.org.

November 22, 2023

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Page 5

State appoints clean heat standard advisers

BY EMMA COTTON VTDigger

The state’s Public Utility Commission has chosen members for two advisory groups that will be key in forming the details of a potential clean heat standard, a program aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions that come from heating and cooling Vermont’s buildings. The version of the law that the Legislature passed last May overturning a veto by Republican Gov. Phil Scott required the state commission to draft a blueprint that would contain the details of a potential clean heat standard. The program was one of the most controversial bills of the most recent session and the session before it, when House members failed to override Scott’s first veto by a single vote. Those who pushed back against the clean heat standard expressed concern that it could raise the price of fuel, thus impacting those who did not quickly transition to “clean heat” measures. Many clean heat measures, such as switching to electric heat pumps, come at a high upfront cost though a number of state and federal programs are available that bring costs down. Those in favor of the bill said it would be an effective way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the home heating sector, which is among the highest polluting sectors in the state, and lower monthly electricity bills with more efficient systems. Lawmakers ultimately passed a version of the bill that stated that the clean heat standard can only become a reality if lawmakers vote to approve the commission’s blueprint. Members of the two new advisory groups the Technical Advisory Group and the Equity Advisory Group will assist the commission in creating that blueprint, ultimately determining what a clean heat standard would look like in Vermont. So far, opinions on the appointments vary, and environmental advocates have expressed concern that the groups are overly representative of industry.

A clean heat standard is a credit system designed to lower heating emissions by incentivizing homeowners, plumbers, fuel dealers and others to install “clean heat” measures, such as insulation, cold-climate electric heat pumps, advanced wood heat, solar hot water systems or some biofuels. The person or entity installing these systems and improvements would earn credits. Meanwhile, a fuel dealer or other entity that brings heat-related fossil fuels into Vermont would owe the state credits. Called “obligated parties,” these entities could either offset their owed credits by installing clean heat measures, or they could pay a fee to the state, which would be used to fund clean heat measures. Within that basic framework, many of the program’s details still need to be fleshed out. When deciding whether to approve the program, lawmakers are likely to consider its cost, which can only be determined using the Public Utility Commission’s blueprint in hand. If lawmakers vote to approve the commission’s program, the technical group will exist in perpetuity. The law charges its members with creating a number of key elements of the program, such as determining the value of clean

heat credits credits for installing a heat pump would be worth a different amount than credits for using biofuels, for example. The group would also need to establish a method to calculate the emissions that obligated parties would need to offset using credits. The technical advisory group has 15 members. They include representatives from three state agencies: Melissa Bailey, director of efficiency and energy resources at the Department of Public Service; Jared Ulmer, climate and health program manager at the Vermont Department of Health; and Brian Woods, environmental analyst with the air quality and climate division of the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources. Other members include: • Matt Cota, a lobbyist for the fuel industry and owner of Meadow Hill Consulting • Luce Hillman, executive director of facilities management at the University of Vermont • Ken Jones, senior fellow at the Energy Action Network, which analyzes Vermont’s progress towards its greenhouse gas reduction requirements • Michelle Keller, principal at Fraktalas Energy, an energy efficiency consulting group • William “Casey” Lamont, re-

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Page 6 •

Williston Observer • November 22, 2023

GUEST COLUMN

Charting a path to sustainability at the Vermont State Colleges BY LYNN DICKINSON Optimization plans at Vermont State University (VTSU) chart a path toward financial sustainability by 2027, something that has eluded its legacy institutions for far too long. When we set about this work nearly four years ago, we knew that it would be a multi-year process, informed by input from stakeholders at all levels of the organization, including faculty, staff and students. We knew that fundamental change was required from the familiar ways we were used to, and we would need to update our academic programs to be more relevant to our students and to increase efficiencies in our operations. We knew some things would go away and other things would be built. What the Legislature and governor recognized when they created the “Select Committee on the Future of Public Higher Education in Vermont” and later endorsed its recommendations is that the Vermont State Colleges System has to transform to keep its institutions open and to thrive. And it will continue transforming in the years to come to better meet

the needs of our students and the state. The commitment to our host communities and the value of the system to Vermont have helped us stay focused on the ultimate goal of preserving the member institutions, even when single decisions have seemed hard.

We cannot and will not go back to a time where campus infighting was brushed off as ‘healthy competition’ … We knew from the get-go that the stakes are high and that the accessibility and affordability of rural public higher education in Vermont depends on us achieving this vision. Thanks to the steady and strategic leadership from system Chancellor Sophie Zdatny and VTSU leaders, we have sound plans in place to achieve financial sustainability. This is a profound accomplish-

ment in higher education. We are incredibly proud of the team for having the fortitude to follow through on the transformation process — even in the tremendously difficult moments, of which there have been many — and we have confidence in the Chancellor’s Office and VTSU leadership to continue implementing these plans. Every one of us seems to agree that we need to make structural changes and reductions as part of transformation, but everyone seems to think that the change should come from some other program or some other campus or some other department. The fact is that every single area of the system has been analyzed and evaluated in a process focused on sound metrics. The Community College of Vermont has been part of the administrative consolidation, which has resulted in the creation of shared services for information

technology, finance, human resources and legal services. Efficiencies have been realized across the system, including in the Chancellor’s Office, which now has only four positions. We need to rise above the anger and finger-pointing that keep us mired in opposition and do not serve us today. We cannot and will not go back to a time where campus in-fighting was brushed off as “healthy competition” because that is truly what leads to toxic work and education environments. We cannot protect our own program, department or campus over the well-being of the whole. Proposing to cut the Chancellor’s Office is neither serious nor reasonable. With two statewide institutions, a shared services organization, and an even greater demand for nimble and strategic leadership, the Chancellor’s role is essential to the success of the State

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Colleges System and securing continued progress of the ongoing transformation. Any savings from the elimination of the position of Chancellor would be dwarfed by the size of the structural deficit that the optimization plans seek to reduce. Those proposals are a short-sighted attempt to dismantle transformation. On a related note, the rhetoric of blaming state government needs to stop. Over the past four years, the state has stepped up significantly and has invested over $300 million with the expectation that the Vermont State Colleges System be restructured and the institutions set on the path to financial viability. It’s our job to deliver on that promise. To move forward productively and successfully, it is time for everyone to accept the gravity and magnitude of the financial chal-

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Page 7

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Forced to grow police For a while I’ve been concerned about the spread of crime in Williston, mostly around Taft Corners, but now seemingly spreading further. It is very troubling to read that our police force has some internal issues (“Top police lieutenant resigns” Nov. 9) and is already understaffed at a time when the force should be fully staffed and operating at maximum efficiency. I suggest that the town evaluate how we operate. Public safety is at the top of expected services. We hear constantly about the planned growth, which is

Dickinson

continued from page 6

lenges facing the system and to recognize that the path forward is with a single, multi-campus university and a statewide community college. Vermont State University

substantial, both residential and commercial. Without an adequate, experienced police force, crime will continue to outpace our ability to combat it, and it will increase exponentially if Williston is perceived as an easy target. Growth should be limited to what the police can handle. If more growth is allowed, then beef up the police force first to handle it. I know an adequate police force has a cost to the town, but it is a necessary cost of growth. If we can even consider spending substantial money on an indoor pool and/or community center, then we can certainly prioritize

funding our police department. A strong police department is kind of like a commodity, you get what you pay for, so do not be penny wise and pound foolish on this topic. I encourage the town manager and selectboard to quickly address this serious situation and for residents and businesses to speak up. John Marcotte Williston

I find it interesting that the article about Lt. Joshua Moore “resigning” was so brief with no actual reasons for his departure and fluffed with a report by Ma-

jor Baker that he does every few years for the Police Department in Williston and many around the state (“Top police lieutenant resigns” Nov. 9). Nice try but no dice. Why was Lt. Moore placed on paid leave for months before being forced to “resign?” If the Chief of Police is at the age where “any day now” is a common term used in regard to longevity in the department, maybe we should review his performance thus far on his planning for the future of the department. Headcount and coverage need is a consistent part of the budget planning process and a huge part of the duty of the Chief of Police.

Has that not been happening? I am curious what really did occur to make the town place the second-in-command on leave and remain silent for months to only then push him out under a hush contract. It smells funny. These days transparency is important. I am not seeing that in town government as a whole in Williston. I think the town may have forgotten who it is they actually work for. I understand many facts cannot be shared with the public, but you cannot hide a fox in a hen house for long without it being discovered. Marilla Whitcomb Williston

has successfully launched and secured accreditation. It is the state’s affordable, accessible, rural four-year institution with multiple campuses and multiple education platforms to serve our diverse student population. The transformation work to date has been incredibly hard, but we are headed for

calmer waters. Now that VTSU is on the path to financial stability, it is time to embrace this new university and all of its possibilities. That future is within reach if we work together to realize it. On behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Vermont State Colleges System, I want to ex-

press my gratitude for the contributions of the many people who have worked so hard and whose support and encouragement has led us to this incredible moment. It’s time to support our leaders, faculty, staff and students as the vision and promise of Vermont State University becomes reality.

After all, we’re better together. And by working together we can strengthen and build on that promise for the future.

Cop story smells fishy

Lynn Dickinson is chair of the Vermont State Colleges System Board of Directors. She lives in St. Albans.

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Williston Observer • November 22, 2023

‘A false narrative’: Abenaki leaders dispute legitimacy of VT’s state-recognized tribes white Americans with no known Abenaki ancestry have captivated the state with their peculiar brand of pan-Indian performance,” Leroux wrote in the peer-reviewed paper. Leaders of Vermont’s state-recognized bands have assailed Leroux’s work and dispute its accuracy. They have also maintained that many of the families that make up these four groups hid their Indigenous identities during the 20th century in an effort to protect themselves from being targeted by a state-sanctioned eugenics program. State records show that 256 people were sterilized in Vermont in the 1920s and ‘30s, according to Richard Witting, a UVM graduate student researching eugenics in the state. At the time, UVM zoology professor Henry Perkins and several assistants surveyed thousands more in an effort to identify those with supposedly socially un-

BY SHAUN ROBINSON VTDigger

This is Part 2 of a two-part article. Part 1 of this article was published in last week’s Observer. To view Part 1, visit www.willistonobserver.com. Scholars of New England and Canada’s Indigenous histories have questioned the legitimacy of state recognized tribes in Vermont — the Elnu Abenaki, Nulhegan Abenaki, Koasek Band of the Koas Abenaki Nation and the Abenaki Nation at Missisquoi. Darryl Leroux, a French Canadian researcher, asserts in a recently published paper that most members of the state-recognized tribes actually have white, French-Canadian ancestry. “In the case of Vermont’s state recognized ‘Abenaki tribes,’ a few thousand

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Abenaki

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desirable traits, including disabilities and mental illnesses. But Witting said in an interview that, contrary to a widely accepted narrative in Vermont — one that has been presented as fact by news outlets including VTDigger — neither he nor any reputable scholar he knows of has found evidence that Abenaki people, specifically, were identified for sterilization during the eugenics survey. Both Witting and a 2002 report by the Attorney General’s Office came to a similar conclusion: that it’s more likely that a person was listed in the survey because they were poor, not because they were Abenaki. Witting said Vermonters may have seen the state’s French-Canadian immigrant population at the time, many members of which had working-class jobs that brought in little income, as inferior. “The survey may have included some persons with Indian descent, and especially two families that intertwine with others of Indian descent. However, there is no documentation that these people were Abenaki,” the attorney general’s report states. Christopher Roy, a Temple University professor and former member of the Missisquoi group, told VTDigger that there is evidence that Abenaki people openly traveled throughout Vermont around the time researchers were conducting the eugenics survey. Roy pointed to one family, for instance, camping in North Hero in the ’20s and ’30s. “These Abenaki were no strangers to northwestern Vermont,” Roy said in an email. Roy has collected newspaper clippings that described known Odanak native families from Quebec visiting and camping in the state to sell baskets and other arts and crafts they had made. Odenak leader Jacquez Watso recalled this example in an interview, too. “If he were so scared of being sterilized, why would they have come down to Vermont?” he asked a reporter. He and fellow Odanak member Daniel Nolett said they could not recall ever hearing that their ancestors were concerned about being targeted for eugenics in Vermont. Moreover, they said the narrative that Abenaki people “hid” their Indigenous heritage in the 20th century disregards —

and disrespects — the thousands of registered Odanak and Wôlinak band members who lived openly as Abenaki at that time. Research by David Massell, a professor of Canadian Studies at UVM, also backs up the Odanak First Nation leaders’ claims. “No reputable scholar has seen or shared any credible historical evidence to support the theory (now a widely-embraced myth) that Vermont’s eugenics campaign had any interest in, or in any way sought to target, the Abenaki,” Massell said in an email. “None.” ‘THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STORY’

This academic research helped underpin a presentation at UVM held in April 2022, where the debate about Indigenous identity in Vermont reached a fever pitch. Over nearly four hours, Watso, Nolett and other Odanak citizens shared historical accounts of their ancestors and — for the first time publicly on U.S. soil, in no uncertain terms — disavowed Vermont’s four state-recognized tribes. They said members of these groups — including Stevens, whom they called out by name — were “pretendians,” or people who inaccurately claim Indigenous ancestry. Massell emceed the event at the school’s Dudley H. Davis Center and read remarks prepared by Roy, who was sitting onstage. The speakers were in no shabby company: Several hundred people attended in-person with more tuning into a live stream online. Among those on campus for the event were Rodger Cuzner, the Canadian government’s Consul General in Boston, and Marie-Claude Francoeur, delegate to New England for Quebec’s provincial government. Leaders of Odanak First Nation consider the event a major step toward correcting the record in Vermont. Nolett keeps a framed copy of the poster advertising the panel — “Au-delà des frontières,” his French version reads — prominently displayed on his large, wooden desk at the Odanak Abenaki government headquarters. In Vermont, “the four tribes that went for state recognition are the only ones being listened to,” Watso said during the presentation, urging the audience instead to “listen to the other side of the story.” But the panel faced backlash before it even started: Then-Missisquoi chief Richard Menard

wrote a letter to Vermont legislators asking them to speak out against the event and branding its intentions problematic and anti-Indigenous. And in the following weeks, news outlets, including VTDigger, published a flurry of opinion pieces that both praised and condemned it. Since then, news outlets in both Vermont and Canada have published stories examining Odanak First Nation’s arguments and the identities of the Vermont groups. At a meeting of the state Native American Affairs Commission in February of this year, UVM provost Patricia Prelock “apologized for the harm” the panel caused, according to meeting minutes, and said that the school would “do better” in the future. Two months later, another panel took place in the same room — addressing similar themes. It did not discuss any of Vermont’s state-recognized tribes, but was titled “Indigenous Sovereignty, Race-Shifting, and University Responsibility.” The subtext was clear. Kim Tallbear, a citizen of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate in South Dakota who spoke on the panel, said that people who claim false Indigenous identities — who race-shift — are “stealing actual Indigenous people’s stories of trauma and disconnection.” “They conflate their exaggerated and fabricated claims with the struggles of actual Native people,” said Tallbear, a professor at the University of Alberta, during the panel. “Self-indigenizers — in good colonizer fashion — denigrate our efforts as they seek to replace us as Indigenous upon the land.” Beverly Little Thunder, an enrolled member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, shared brief remarks at the outset of the UVM event. Little Thunder resigned from her seat on Vermont’s Commission on Native American Affairs earlier this year. She accused other members of sexism — and of being “pretendians.” “The commission is staffed with, in my estimation, a whole room full of white men pretending to be Native,” the Huntington resident told WCAX after the event. The impact of the two events continues to reverberate in the state. On a crisp evening in early May, leaders of the four state-recognized tribes convened a meetsee ABENAKI page 10

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Abenaki

continued from page 9

ing with a panel of UVM administrators at a church in Swanton. The purpose, according to a meeting handout: continuing attacks on the Abenaki community. About two dozen residents who identified themselves as members of an Abenaki tribe attended; many spoke up to share largely the same message with the UVM brass: that the panels caused their communities harm, and they would no longer feel safe having their children attend events or classes at the school. Several people who identified themselves as Abenaki said they had attended the UVM panels and felt unsafe, with some recalling personal confrontations with people they alleged were associated with Odanak First Nation. Stacey Gould, a Mississquoi member, said one of these interactions left her young daughter “traumatized.” Brenda Gagne, who runs a Mississquoi cultural enrichment program for youth in Swanton and Highgate, said she was upset that UVM — as an institution that played a role in eugenics — would allow two events questioning Indigenous heritage. UVM administrators at the meeting apologized for how the panels made members of the state-recognized tribes feel but defended the university’s right to host them, saying that it was im-

portant to air different perspectives in order to foster academic freedom. Gagne and others pushed back, accusing the university of allowing hate speech. “If I was an Indigenous person from any other part of this country and saw what was happening at UVM, why would I want to come to UVM?” said parent Keiona Fulton. Prelock promised to investigate the parents’ concerns with the panel, though it’s not clear specifically what steps the university has taken in the months since. A UVM spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment for this story. “We need to reflect on, how can we make sure this doesn’t happen again?” Prelock said at the early May meeting. “And how do we reaffirm to you that we recognize the (state-recognized tribes) and we want to operate from a place of good faith?” Odanak First Nation leaders, meanwhile, said they would not be opposed to holding more presentations in Vermont, if that’s what it takes to make their voices heard. “If there is a third one next year, we’re going to have triple the number of people from our community in attendance. I can tell you that,” Nolett said. “The more we talk about this issue, the more awareness we’re raising.” ‘IT’S DONE A LOT OF DAMAGE’

Members of Odanak First Nation have drawn a distinction between the culture many members

of Vermont’s state-recognized tribes practice and the culture of the Odanak and other tribes in the region — saying the former is, essentially, appropriated. Speaking at last year’s UVM panel, Mali-Agat Obomsawin, an Odanak First Nation musician and community organizer, said she and others were bringing their message to U.S. soil out of necessity. Leaders of Odanak First Nation regularly hear that they have “bigger things to deal with,” Obomsawin said, and she agreed that “we do have bigger things to fight.” “But these fake people who are stealing our identities are getting in the way of us addressing bigger issues, because of all of this confusion,” she said. “I want to make that really clear: Vermonters are misrepresenting us and what it means to be Abenaki.” “When other people that aren’t from the community that don’t have cultural continuity claim to speak for us,” she added, “our information and our teachings are diluted and they’re inaccurate.” As examples of appropriation, Obomsawin pointed to members of the state-recognized tribes speaking the Abenaki language, hosting cultural education events and serving in organizations as Abenaki community representatives. VTDigger is among the outlets that have covered these happenings, quoting members of the Vermont groups as representatives of Abenaki people. see ABENAKI page 11

November 22, 2023

Abenaki

continued from page 10

Several other members of Odanak and Wôlinak First Nations told VTDigger they’ve felt harm from seeing Vermonters adopt their culture. Yves Landry, 70, lives on the reservation at Wôlinak, which is about half an hour up the St. Lawrence River from the reservation at Odanak. Landry was visiting Odanak for the day in late May and sat at the end of a long table in the tribal community center, eating a corn and barley soup that Watso — who also runs a catering business — had just made. “It’s done a lot of damage,” Landry said. “For me, being Abenaki means a connection to the territory … and it means family.” Standing nearby was Isaak Lachapelle-Gill, 23, who lives at Odanak. Lachapelle-Gill said he gets frustrated when he goes online to read about Abenaki history but sees maps and articles come up that include the state-recognized tribes in Vermont. “I’m angry at them,” he said.

Chief Don Stevens of the Nulhegan band of the Abenaki at the Abenaki Land Link Harvest Festival in South Burlington on Saturday, Sept. 23. PHOTO BY GLENN RUSSELL/VTDIGGER

“For some of them, it’s not their fault. They grew up in this world and thought that since their parents were ‘Abenaki,’ they would be raised in that culture. They didn’t know it was actually fake.” For Lachapelle-Gill, being Indigenous means “the community accepting them, and holding them up as their own,” he said. Part of the reason Odanak First Nation leaders have grown more vocal about their objections are recent changes to Vermont

law that have granted members of the four state-recognized tribes some benefits other Vermonters don’t have. Members of the state-recognized tribes get free hunting and fishing licenses and some property tax exemptions from the state. They also qualify for certain federal benefits, including the ability to label arts and crafts they make as “Indian produced.” In Vermont, these benefits have been characterized by law-

makers and in the press as important progress toward mending a colonial-era government’s rule over land that originally belonged to Abenaki tribes. But Odanak First Nation leaders don’t see it that way, arguing if anyone should be getting those resources, it’s their band members. Nolett said he has been motivated to reach Vermonters’ ears recently because Odanak First Nation leaders also are concerned about Vermont’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission as its work gets underway. The panel is tasked with collecting testimony on ways that state policies have historically harmed marginalized communities, including Indigenous people, and ultimately recommend how best to correct those wrongs. Opponents of the legislation setting up the commission, which passed last year, argued that it would pave the way for Vermont to pay reparations to certain groups — even though the text of the law says nothing about reparations, specifically. Nolett said he worries future Vermont taxpayers may have to foot the bill for reparations to

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groups that, in his view, do not have legitimate claims to a marginalized identity. Rick O’Bomsawin, the Odanak First Nation chief, said earlier this year that he wants to make sure any such Vermont reparations go “to the right people,” Vermont Public reported. Meanwhile, Vermont’s state-recognized tribes continue to benefit from support at the local, state and federal levels. In early October, a Stowe woman donated 350 acres of land to a nonprofit, Abenaki Helping Abenaki, that is associated with the Nulhegan group. Around the same time, U.S. Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., visited the Missisquoi group’s headquarters in Swanton to laud a $500,000 grant from the Northern Border Regional Commission to a nonprofit associated with the state-recognized tribe, called Maquam Bay of Missisquoi. The federal funding has been designated to renovate an adjacent building for new use as a community center and food shelf. Speaking to a reporter after the event, Welch said he was

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November 22, 2023

Abenaki

continued from page 11

aware of the questions that had been raised about the Abenaki identities of the groups in Vermont but that he did not want to comment on the issue. Then he turned around and walked away. ‘THERE’S NO BOUNDARY, RIGHT?’

Rich Holschuh, an Elnu band member who lives in Brattleboro and chairs the Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs, stood up and started walking down a trail toward a mass of trees, forging a path that eventually led down the banks of the river. As he walked, he sketched out what he and other leaders of the state-recognized tribes in Vermont say they really think is the motivation behind Odanak First Nation: power and access to U.S. land. “They are the aggressors here,” he said, speaking of Odanak. “It’s not Vermonters.” Holschuh is one of three leaders — along with Stevens and Vera Longtoe Sheehan, a citizen of the Elnu state-recog-

nized tribe — of the recently formed Abenaki Alliance, which has been advocating for the state-recognized tribes in recent months. The group has hired a public relations firm based in Charlotte, called Junapr, to help manage its communications and pitch stories to reporters about the four groups. Through the public relations firm, the alliance provided a five-page document alleging that Odanak First Nation leaders could be leveraging a consulting agreement the First Nation has with Hydro-Quebec — a large public power company based in Montreal — to expand the First Nation’s influence in the U.S. as Hydro-Quebec acquires infrastructure along the Connecticut River, which forms Vermont’s border with New Hampshire. A spokesperson for Hydro-Quebec did not provide answers to written questions from VTDigger about the Abenaki Alliance’s assertions. Stevens said he had no proof for this claim that the First Nation and the power company were collaborating for that purpose but said he thought it was

“very suspicious and raises a lot of interesting questions.” He urged a reporter to investigate it further. Any effort by Odanak First Nation to assert its influence over Vermont, or infrastructure projects in the state, violates the state-recognized tribes’ authority, Stevens said. The Canadian group, he said, should “stay out” of the affairs of the Vermont groups. According to Nolett, when historic Abenaki people migrated north, they moved the center of their culture up to Odanak, where it is today. But Odanak First Nation still claims all of the Ndakinna as its unceded territory, including the state of Vermont. “We didn’t leave the country per se, because in our traditional territory, there’s no boundary, right?” Nolett continued. “It’s the white people that created the boundary.” He said Odanak First Nation is interested in making a claim to land on the U.S. side of the border but acknowledged any such claim would almost certainly be a longshot. Asked in an email

about the Abenaki Alliance document on Hydro-Quebec, Nolett called it a “smoke screen,” as opposed to additional evidence of Indigenous ancestry. Pitched discussions about “pretendianism” are fairly new to many people in the U.S., but they’ve long been a fixture of Canadian national politics, according to Kevin Bruyneel, a professor at Babson College and member of the Native American and Indigenous Studies Association. He said he wasn’t surprised, then, by the debate centering on Vermont. “A lot of Indigenous communities and citizens and academics and political leaders are having a little more of an eye on who’s really Native,” Bruyneel, who is Canadian, said in an interview. “Who’s claiming this? Who’s trying to get some sort of benefit from it, either in cultural capital, or in claims to benefits through the state or through fellowships?” Bruyneel, who is not Indigenous, noted that there are generally two parts of the process by which Indigenous groups are recognized: recognition by a

government and recognition by other Indigenous groups. “There is no ‘right’ way, no accepted way to do it,” he said, adding that one has to ask individual tribes and First Nations how they define themselves. Several leaders of Vermont’s state-recognized tribes said they want Odanak First Nation to be willing to work together with the Vermont groups. Sheehan, of Elnu and the Abenaki Alliance, said that especially in the Abenaki arts community on both sides of the border, there continues to be good communication and cultural cross-pollination. “There’s this political piece, and then there’s this ordinary citizen piece,” Sheehan said in an interview, adding that the former “completely ignores all the love, all the family and all the friendships across the border.” Editor’s note: Savannah Maher, a member of the Indigenous Journalists Association’s board of directors, served as a contributing editor of this story.

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SPORTS

Ice, ice baby ABOVE: The UVM Catamounts celebrate an Evelyne Blais-Savoie goal during the Catamounts’ 3-2 win over the Boston College Eagles Nov. 11 at Gutterson Fieldhouse. LEFT, top to bottom: UVM’s Maddy Skelton goes to work behind the Boston College goal; Skelton scored the eventual game winner a few minutes later. Alaina Tanski skates the puck into the offensive zone. Hailey Burns races for the loose puck. OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY Williston

The Williston Observer is mailed to every home and business in Williston and St. George every Thursday. In addition, we provide rack distribution to locations in Williston, Richmond and Essex. Rehab Gym Price Chopper Williston Shell Gas Station (Essex Rd) Quality Bake Shop Adams Farm Market Simon’s Mobil Williston River Road Beverage Belle’s Café Richmond Simply Divine Café Chef’s Corner Cumberland Farms Sonesta Dorothy Alling Memorial Richmond Free Library Sunoco Station Library Richmond Market Town of Williston Offices Fairfield Inn Richmond Mobil Mart UPS Store Gardener’s Supply Vermont Meat & Seafood Green Mountain Bagel Williston Coffee Shop Hannaford Essex Junction Healthy Living Williston Essex Automotive Home2Suites Five Corner Variety Korner Kwik Stop Hannaford Marriott Courtyard Inn at Essex Men At Wok Mac’s Market People’s United Bank Martone’s Deli Ramunto’s If you would like copies for your location, call Rick Cote at (802) 373-2136 or email Rick@WillistonObserver.com

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November 22, 2023

Heat

THE EQUITY ADVISORY GROUP:

continued from page 5

organization that works on the transition to renewable energy. • Patrick Wood, founder and general manager of Ag Methane Advisors, LLC The Equity Advisory Group will determine how the Public Utility Commission would smooth the state’s economic transition to a potential clean heat standard, with a particular focus on low-income and minority groups. The group, which would dissolve upon the adoption of the clean heat standard, must advise the commission about how to best involve low-income Vermonters in the process of creating a clean heat standard, assess whether customers are equitably served by the distribution of clean heat measures, and recommend programs, incentives and funding that would help address the high upfront costs of accessing clean heat measures.

• Melissa Bailey, director of efficiency and energy resources at the Department of Public Service • Matt Cota, a lobbyist for the fuel industry and owner of Meadow Hill Consulting • John Mandeville, executive director of the Central Vermont Council on Aging, representing the Vermont Association of Area Agencies on Aging • Jen Myers, financial energy coach at the Financial Futures Program of the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity. • Pike Porter, representing the interests of rental property owners • Emily Roscoe, project manager with Efficiency Vermont • Sriram Srinivasan • Chris Trombly, managing director of Community Development, Vermont State Housing Authority, representing renters’ interests

• Mia Watson, special programs manager of the Vermont Housing Finance Agency • Geoff Wilcox, weatherization program manager at the Department of Children and Families’ Office of Economic Opportunity

“I’m there to make sure that the thumb is off the scale, and that all fuels and all services are treated equally.” Matt Cota Fuel Industry Lobbyist

Ben Edgerly Walsh, climate and energy program director at the Vermont Public Interest Research Group, which lobbied in favor of the clean heat standard, told VTDigger he was concerned about the level of representation from industries, including biofuels. “When you’re looking at a

group like this, which is supposed to be giving impartial technical advice, and there are multiple representatives from the fossil and biofuels industries they really are looking out for their business’ bottom lines instead of the best interests of Vermonters,” he said. “That’s concerning.” While there are impartial experts in the group, Walsh said he doesn’t believe the group is well-rounded. “It feels like they have impartial experts and representatives pulling it towards combustion, and really, no one pulling away from combustion,” he said. Matt Cota, a lobbyist for the fuel industry who has long opposed the clean heat standard, is serving on both committees. He acknowledged the commission’s appointments, announced last week, might include more fuel representatives than some environmentalists expected, particularly from the biofuel industry. “I think the decision made by the PUC … clearly states that they understand that electricity alone will not be enough to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

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in accordance with the Global Warming Solutions Act, that it needs to be an all-in approach, and that includes renewable biofuels,” he said Friday. While fuel dealers across Vermont advocated for representation on the technical advisory group, Cota said lawmakers responded by making a statutory obligation for fuel dealers to be represented on the equity advisory group, a decision for which he said he did not know the foundation. He was pleased, however, to also be included on the technical advisory group, where he plans to give a voice to fuel dealers whose businesses will be impacted by the commission’s plan. “My commitment is to ensure that all fuels and all services that reduce greenhouse gas emissions receive recognition and credit under a potential clean heat standard,” he said. “And if they don’t, to make it clear that that the thumb is on the scale in favor of electricity. I’m there to make sure that the thumb is off the scale, and that all fuels and all services are treated equally.”

November 22, 2023

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Williston Observer •

Family Fun Page

Than

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Draw som ethin gy ou are thank ful for.

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Page 16 release • Williston Observer November 22, 2023 dates: Nov. 25-Dec. 1,• 2023

47 (23)

Next Week: Charles Dickens

Issue 47, 2023

Founded by Betty Debnam

Our States: New York

Mini Fact:

About 330,000 people visit Times Square in New York City each day.

photo by incognito7nyc

People usually think of New York City when they hear “New York.” It is the largest city in the U.S., with about 8 million people, but New York City is only part of the story. Forests cover about half the state. Farmland covers about one-fourth. Mountain ranges include the Adirondacks and the Catskills. There are 4,000 lakes and ponds, and more than 50,000 miles of rivers and streams. New York is a world center of finance, publishing, theater, art, music, manufacturing, trade, and apple and dairy farming. New York was the 11th of the original 13 colonies. New York City was the U.S. capital from 1785-1790. It is the fourth-most populous state, behind Texas, California and Florida, with about 20 million people.

New York facts

Albany is the capital, and about 100,000 live there. The bluebird is the state bird, and the sugar maple is the state tree. The Erie Canal is part of a canal system that forms the longest internal waterway system of any state — it’s 800 miles long! That’s about

as far as from Chicago to Oklahoma City. Niagara Falls, in the western part of the state, is 180 feet tall. It spills about 40 million gallons of water each minute. The first woman’s rights convention was held at Wesleyan Chapel in Seneca Falls in July 1848. Nearly 300 people attended. On the first day, only women were allowed to attend. Men could attend the second day.

New York City

New York City is famed for its theaters, museums, Wall Street financial district, skyscrapers and monuments. Broadway is a long street made world famous by the many theaters nearby. Many of the best-loved plays and musicals in history are associated with this area. Carnegie Hall is a world-famous concert hall for classical, jazz, opera and pop music. It has been showcasing the world’s best musicians for more than 100 years. Central Park has 840 acres of nature set in the midst of the city. It is the site of a zoo, sports areas, walking trails, gardens, a theater and a lake. Because of lack of parking, driving is not a convenient way for people to travel in New York City. There are more than 13,000 taxis to help people get from one place to another. People there also travel by subway.

Try ’n’ Find

The Empire State Building is one of the most famous landmarks in New York City, which is known for its towering skyscrapers. The 102 stories of the Empire State Building made it the tallest building in the world for many years. One of the bestknown pictures of this skyscraper is of the giant movie ape King Kong climbing to the top of the Empire State Building.

Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty has been welcoming immigrants and visitors to the United States since 1886. This 305foot copper statue in New York Harbor is probably the most famous symbol of freedom in the world. The Statue of Liberty was a gift to Americans from France.

Resources On the Web: • ny.gov

At the library:

• “Kid’s Travel Guide to New York City” by Julie Grady and Dylanna Travel Press • “New York: What’s So Great About This State?” by Kate Boehm Jerome

Mini Jokes

Words that remind us of New York are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find: ALBANY, ART, BLUEBIRD, BROADWAY, CANAL, CITY, EMPIRE, ERIE, FARMLAND, LIBERTY, NEW YORK, NIAGARA FALLS, PARK, SKYSCRAPER, STATUE, SUBWAY, SUGAR MAPLE, TAXI, THEATER.

Empire State Building

E L P A M R A G U E M P I R E D R I T R A H Y N A B L R R C E C Y A W D S E N I A G A R A U T D L A N A C L B A D N A L M R A W E G V I X A T E

S B A A F I F U

C E V O A B F T

P U C R L E U A

A L I B L R P T

R B T R S T F S

K B Y F Q Y E I

Ned: Where’s the best place to charge your phone in NYC? Nell: Battery Park!

Eco Note Volcanoes are disrupting life in several areas of the world. Tourists and locals were warned to remain far from an Icelandic volcano that began erupting 25 miles from the capital

The Erie Canal is part of a canal system that forms the longest internal waterway system of any state — it’s 800 miles long! That’s about

At the library:

travel in New York City. There are more than 13,000 taxis to help people get from one place to another. People there also travel by subway.

• “Kid’s Travel Guide to New York City” by Julie Grady and Dylanna Travel Press • “New York: GreatObserver About This November 22,What’s 2023 • So Williston • Page 17 State?” by Kate Boehm Jerome

Try ’n’ Find

Mini Jokes

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

C E V O A B F T A N

P U C R L E U A P C

A L I B L R P T E T

Ned: Where’s the best place to charge your phone in NYC? Nell: Battery Park!

R K B B T Y R F S Q T Y F E S I R R N E

Eco Note Volcanoes are disrupting life in several areas of the world. Tourists and locals were warned to remain far from an Icelandic volcano that began erupting 25 miles from the capital after an intense swarm of tremors rocked the country. Fagradalsfjall volcano also erupted in 2021 and 2022 without causing damage in the unpopulated area of the island nation. Nicaragua’s San Cristóbal volcano produced a blast that coated nearby communities in ash and produced a strong sulfur smell. Farmers say the ash and toxic vapors have damaged some of their crops.

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese • 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, grated

What to do: 1. Scoop out insides of zucchinis, leaving at least 1 1/4 inch of the shell. Save the filling and chop it finely. 2. In a small bowl, combine chopped zucchini and tomato and onion pieces. Mix well. 3. Spoon equal amounts of mixture into zucchini shells. 4. Sprinkle equal amounts of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese on top. 5. Place on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 20 minutes. 6. Sprinkle equal amounts of mozzarella cheese on each half. Bake 5 more minutes. Serves 4.

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.

TAR

ECT

LUN

RESS

GUI

WAIT

BASE

OON BALL

Answers: kind, lunch, correct, baseball, guitar, raccoon, waitress.

1. gentle and friendly (4) 2. noontime meal (5) 3. what teachers do with tests (7) 4. game played on a diamond (8) 5. strummed instrument (6) 6. masked animal (7) 7. server (8)

adapted with permission from Earthweek.com

You’ll need: • 2 zucchini, cut in half lengthwise • 1 tomato, chopped • 1/2 onion, chopped • 1/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs

Zucchini Boats

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

Cook’s Corner

For later:

Look in the newspaper for articles about New York.

Teachers: Follow and

interact with The Mini Page on Facebook!

Page 18

• Williston Observer • November 22, 2023

SAVVY SENIOR How an incentive trust can influence your heirs Dear Savvy Senior, What can you tell me about creating an incentive trust? I have an adult son and daughter that are both financially inept. Before I die, I want to put some type of requirements in place that they will need to follow in order to receive their

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portion of my estate. Frustrated Father Dear Frustrated, If you want to influence your heirs even after you’re gone, an incentive trust is definitely an option to consider, but be careful how you construct it because it can cause unintended, unfair consequences. Here’s how it works, along with some tips to help you create one. INCENTIVE TRUSTS BASICS

An incentive trust is an estate-planning tool designed to help encourage your heirs in a direction you desire when you’re no longer around. With an incentive trust, some or all of your assets are passed to your trust when you die rather than directly to your heirs. Your trustee is empowered to distribute funds from the trust only if and when your beneficiaries do whatever it is you have specified in the trust. For example, an incentive trust might encourage a beneficiary to graduate from college, enter a particular profession, get married or even have children. They could also reward beneficiaries who do charitable work or supplement the incomes of those who choose low-paying, yet meaningful careers like teaching or social work. Or they could penalize beneficiaries who don’t work by cutting

off or decreasing distributions, or placing restrictions on heirs with addictions by requiring that payments go directly to rehab centers. But be aware that these types of trusts can also have drawbacks. A poorly constructed incentive trust can have a high risk of unintended consequences. For example, if your trust provides a financial incentive for your children to be employed full-time, but one of them gets sick or seriously injured in a car accident and can’t work, they would be punished unfairly. You also need to know that incentive trusts aren’t cheap. You can expect to pay an attorney $2,500 to $5,000 to draft one. There are also legal limits on what you can do with an incentive trust. While state laws vary, incentive trusts that encourage a beneficiary to join or leave a particular religion, or leave a spouse or not marry at all, can be challenged in court and possibly struck down. HOW TO CREATE ONE

To create a solid incentive trust that accomplishes what you envision, you need to hire an estate-planning attorney who will include precise instructions that clearly spell out your wishes. You’ll also want to include language granting your trustee the right to use his or her discretion and saying that the trustee’s decisions should be final and binding. This allows your trustee to

make common sense rulings, which will reduce or eliminate the chances of unintended and unfair consequences. It also makes it very difficult for beneficiaries to successfully challenge the trust or trustee in court. When a trust grants final decision-making authority to its trustee, it becomes almost impossible for beneficiaries to successfully argue that this trustee is not correctly implementing the trust’s terms. The key is to select a trustee who’s smart enough to interpret your intent and has sufficient backbone to stand up to beneficiaries when necessary. You also need to select a successor trustee, too, if your first choice can no longer serve. Fees paid to a trustee vary widely depending on your state’s fee schedules, the size and complexity of the trust, and conditions laid out in the trust. To find an experienced attorney in your area to help you create an incentive trust, see the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (www.naela.org) and the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (www.actec.org). 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.

November 22, 2023

•

Williston Observer •

Page 19

CROSSWORD • SOLUTION ON PAGE 23

TODAY’S HISTORY:

• In 1497, explorer Vasco da Gama rounded Africa’s Cape of Good Hope. • In 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, and Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson was sworn in as his successor. • In 1990, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher resigned. • In 2005, Angela Merkel took office as the first female chancellor of Germany.

TODAY’S FACT:

• “Toy Story,” the first full-length film to be entirely computergenerated, was released on this day in 1995. The film earned $29.1 million in its opening weekend.

SUDOKU • SOLUTION ON PAGE 23

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Page 20

• Williston Observer • November 22, 2023 dy at our monthly Saturday Storytime. LITTLES DUNGEONS & DRAGONS

Dorothy Alling Memorial Library hours: • Monday and Wednesday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. • Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Visit www.damlvt.org to apply for a library card, access digital offerings and to register for programs. Need help? Call 878-4918 or email daml@ damlvt.org. Thanksgiving schedule: Closed on Nov. 23-24.

YOUTH PROGRAMS Children in fourth grade and younger must be supervised by someone over 16 years of age. SATURDAY MUSIC

Saturday, Nov. 25, 10:30-11 a.m. Sing and dance! KIDS SEWING WORKSHOP

Monday, Nov. 27, 3-4 p.m. Join us for a beginner-friendly sewing workshop. Thanks to the Rotary Club for sponsoring the workshop materials. STORYTIME

Tuesdays, Nov. 28 and Dec. 5, 10:30-11 a.m. Drop in for stories and fun.

Saturday, Dec. 2, 1-2 p.m. A mini session of Dungeons & Dragons for children ages 6-8. No prior experience required. Adults should stay to help their campaigner(s). Registration required. BABY TIME

Wednesday, Dec. 6, 10:30-11 a.m. Enjoy gentle activities with your baby.

Call to register for a 10-minute time slot to read to or hang out with a therapy dog. VERMONT READS: “LAST NIGHT AT THE TELEGRAPH CLUB”

Beginning Dec. 1, pick up a copy of this year’s Vermont Reads book at the Library. Through Jan. 31, submit a family recipe with a 3-5 sentence story for a chance to win a cookie decorating set. Details at www.damlvt.org.

ADULT PROGRAMS For online programs, email daml@ damlvt.org for Zoom link.

AFTER SCHOOL CRAFT

AFTER SCHOOL LEGOS & BOARD GAMES

Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2-3 p.m. Stop by after school to decorate a frame or trinket box.

Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2-3 p.m. Relax with games or the Library’s LEGO collection.

Last chance to take home puzzles!

PRESCHOOL MUSIC AND PLAYTIME

MULTI-AGE PROGRAMS

Fridays in December, 12-12:30 p.m. Join our online guided meditation.

Thursdays, Nov. 30 and Dec. 7, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Enjoy music, then stay to play.

WRITE-IN

Thursday, Nov. 30, 5-6 p.m. Ages 12-plus. Join our Dungeons & Dragons campaign.

Tuesday, Nov. 28, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Are you writing for NaNoWriMo (or any other reason)? Challenge yourself to write for a full hour at the library. All ages welcome.

SATURDAY STORYTIME

READ TO A DOG (ROCKO)

Saturday, Dec. 2, 10-10:30 a.m. Start your weekend off with Cin-

Monday, Dec. 4, 3-4 p.m. and Thursday, Dec. 7, 3:30-4:40 p.m.

TEENS D&D

PUZZLE SWAP ENDS NOV. 30.

ADULT MEDITATION (ONLINE)

BROWN BAG BOOK CLUB

Tuesday, Nov. 28, 12:30-1:30 p.m. “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt. MAH JONGG

Friday, Dec. 1, 1-3 p.m. Drop in to play this popular tile game. All levels.

HOLIDAY CARD WRITING

Saturday, Dec. 2, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Bring your own cards or use our free snowman cards. Bring your address book and stamps and share some treats while you write your own holiday greetings to friends and family. BROWN BAG BOOK CLUB (SPECIAL DATE)

Tuesday, Dec. 5, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Annual Reader’s Recommendation book club. Share your reading finds with the group and go home with a list of books to explore. HEARING HEALTH: FREE HEARING EXAM

Wednesday, Dec, 6, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Call for a time slot for a hearing exam by Dr. Jordan McShane, audiologist. SPANISH CONVERSATION (ONLINE)

Wednesday, Dec. 6, 5-6 p.m. Brush up on your Spanish language skills. ADULT CRAFTERNOON: WINTER TREES

Thursday Dec. 7, 2-3 p.m. Sparkle and snow will be used to make these delightful bottlebrush tree decorations. Preregister.

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View the current edition anytime at willistonobserver.com/ digital-edition

November 22, 2023

•

Williston Observer •

Page 21

OBITUARIES Joyce Ruth (Mack) Murray

Joyce Ruth (Mack) Murray passed away surrounded by the love and light of her beloved family at the McClure Miller Respite House on Nov.15, 2023. Joyce was born on Sept. 3, 1930 on her Grandmother Atherton’s farm in West Addison, Vermont to Percy and Margaret Esther (Atherton) Mack. She attended school in Middlebury and graduated from Middlebury High School in 1948 where she met her future and former husband John Boardman Murray. After John’s service in the Air Force during the Korean conflict, they moved to Floral Park, NY, where they started raising their family of four children until 1966. They then returned to their Vermont roots, settling in Williston. Joyce raised her family and she also worked outside the home as an administrative assistant at the University of Vermont Zoology Department for many years. She also worked at Gravel and Shea as a legal secretary for several years, returning to the University of Vermont Women’s Center until her retirement around 1999. Joyce was a talented quilter, enjoyed crocheting, reading, golf and spending time with her beloved family. Joyce is survived by her beloved children Michael John Murray of Essex Junction; Deborah and David Provost of Williston; Marcy and David Whittle of Shelburne; and Stephen and Laura Murray of Hopatcong, NJ; and her adoring grandchildren Miranda and Michael Johnson, Erin and Chris Auer, Katie and Walter Warner, Kellie and Daniel Houston, Adam Provost and Isa-

bella Faulstick, Shannon Murray and Chris Cavanna, Nicole Provost and Karson McMahon. She is also survived by her cherished great grandchildren Isabella McCaslin, Charles and Cameron Warner, Mia and Max Johnson, Alexander, Ethan and Sam Auer, Austin and Jaxson McMahon, Evelyn Joyce Houston, Ryder Rainn Provost and Noah Cavanna. Joyce is also survived by her lifelong friend, Jane Williams of South Burlington as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, her 4 siblings, her granddaughter, Jessica Hope Saunders, her son-in-law, Douglas Saunders and her former husband, John B Murray. Special thanks to the wonderful staff at McClure Miller Respite House for their loving support and care of Joyce and her family in her final days. We are eternally grateful to them. Mom lived her life with quiet grace. She always had a smile on her face and was immensely proud of her family. Needless to say, she was the best Mom, Gram and Nana and she will always be in our hearts! In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to McClure Miller Respite House. Gifts may be made at UVMHomeHealth.org or by mailing to: McClure Miller Respite House c/o UVM Home Health Network-Home Health & Hospice, 1110 Prim Road, VT 05446. A Celebration of Life will be held in the near future.

83, of North Providence, Rhode Island, formerly of Essex Junction and Williston, Vermont, passed away peacefully at home on Nov.13, 2023, after a battle with cancer. He is predeceased by his beloved wife of 57 years, Marlene Marie Sibley (Duell). Born in Bennington, Vermont Dec. 24, 1939, he was the son of the late Tarrant and Bertha Sibley. He graduated from Bennington High School and the University of Vermont. He was a member of the Vermont National Guard for 6 years and worked at IBM for 27 years before retiring. He is survived by his daughter Deborah Austin and son-in-law Marcel, of Smithfield, RI, his son Tarrant Sibley and daughterin-law Erin, of Westwood, MA, his grandchildren Kay, Thomas and Caroline Sibley, and his sister Linda D’Amico, of North Kingston, RI. Tony was devoted to his wife and family and adored his late French bulldogs Rosie and Daisy. He enjoyed DIY home projects and had a deep appreciation of gardening and the outdoors. A private memorial service is being held. His family is deeply grateful to Hope Hospice & Palliative Care of Providence, RI, for the comfort and care they provided in his last days.

John “Jack” Paul Vass

Tarrant “Tony” Sibley

Tarrant “Tony” Sibley, age

John “Jack” Paul Vass, 76, passed away Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 8, 2023 at his home. He was born on Nov. 8, 1947 in Youngstown, OH; the son of William and Eleanor (Anderson) Vass. He was raised in Youngstown and attended Woodrow Wilson High School.

He joined the USAF and was stationed at Pease Air Force Base in Portsmouth, NH. Between deployments to Guam and Vietnam, he met the love of his life, Mary Collins. When he returned from Vietnam, they married in Portsmouth on Nov. 6, 1970 and settled in Peabody, MA. They moved to Williston, VT with their two daughters in 1976. In 2000, Jack and Mary moved to Bethel, VT, where they bought 127 acres and built a log home. Jack was an avid hunter and member of the NRA. He was also a musician, enjoyed NASCAR, and was Stephen King’s “#1 fan.” Jack is survived by his wife, Mary; daughters, Ellen Vass Sanderson and Buffy (Vass) Gustafson & her husband Matthew Gustafson, all of Randolph; granddaughter, Jillian Hutchins of Chelsea; grandsons, Alec Sanderson of Randolph and Griffin Sanderson of Perth, Scotland; granddaughter Amber Sanderson and great-granddaughter Lilly Sanderson of St Albans, VT; sister, Sharon Pallay and her husband Denny of Boardman, OH; brother, Bill Vass and his wife Nina of Poland, OH; along with many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends. Calling hours for friends and family were held from 4-6 pm on Saturday, November 18th, 2023 at the Day Funeral Home. A committal service with military honors will be held at the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery Chapel in Randolph Center at 1 pm on Tuesday, November 28, 2023. Online condolences may be made at www.dayfunerals.com. Contributions in his memory may be made to the “Last Mile Ride” c/o Gifford Medical Center, 44 South Main Street, Randolph, VT 05060. Arrangements are under the direction of the Day Funeral Home in Randolph. obituaries

Nellie Caroline Germaine Nellie Caroline Germaine, age 96 of Williston, passed away on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at the McClure Miller Respite House.

She was born on May 16, 1927 in West Bolton, VT, the daughter of the late Robert A. and Sophronia (Root) Streeter. She attended school in West Bolton. Nellie was married at a young age, on July 29, 1944, for 78 years to Arthur R. Germaine. They lived in Williston and together raised seven children. She was a homemaker and enjoyed the time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, especially during the holidays. Her hobby was working on crafts. In the early years, she loved volunteering at church. She is survived by her five sons and their wives, Donald and Bonnie Germaine of Sheldon, Ronald and Jane Germain of Milton, Arnold and Geraldine Germaine of Richmond, Daniel and Janet Germaine of North Hyde Park, Robert and Laurie Germaine of Williston; two daughters and their husbands, Elizabeth and Mark Whitcomb of Starksboro and Jackie and Paul Osborne of Williston; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Betty (Lee) Wheelock of West Bolton, Dorothy Fuller of Richmond, and Pearl Boyer of Winooski; brothers, Johnnie Streeter of West Bolton, Raymond (Laurie) Streeter of West Bolton, and Joe (Phyllis) Streeter of Kingston, NH; many nieces and nephews; sister-in-law, Marion Streeter of West Bolton; and dear friend and caregiver, Darlene Ruggles. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sisters, Ramona Germaine and Phyllis Perreault; and brothers, Chet, Robert, Jr., Harold, and Richard Streeter. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, November 17th at 11 a.m. at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church in Williston with the burial following in East Cemetery. Donations in Nellie’s memory may be sent to the McClure Miller Respite House, 3113 Roosevelt Highway, Colchester, VT 05446. Arrangements are in the care of Ready Funeral & Cremation Services. To send online condolences, please visit www.readyfuneral.com.

Page 22

• Williston Observer • November 22, 2023

ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES

Fri., Dec. 1 @ 10AM

Preview: Tues., Nov. 28 11AM-1PM

By Appt. - helpdesk@thcauction.com

Over 180 lots of Antiques, Collectibles & Memorabilia including coins, clocks, geodes, vintage dolls, lamps, sport jerseys, vintage magazines, a sled and landscaping equipment. THCAuction.com  800-634-SOLD

LEGAL NOTICE OF TAX SALE The resident and non-resident owners, lienholders, mortgagees and all persons interested in the purchase of land in the Town of Williston, County of Chittenden and State of Vermont, are hereby notified that the taxes assessed by such Town for the 2022-2023 and prior fiscal years remain, either in whole or in part, unpaid on the following described lands and/or premises situated in the Town of Williston: Property commonly known and numbered as 0 Old Creamery Road, Parcel #19098-063000, being 5.0 acres, more or less, owned by Richard W. Glenn and Ann S. Glenn, and being part of the lands and premises conveyed to them by Warranty Deed of Roy J. Lunderville and Ida Mae Lunderville, dated May 8, 1969, and of record in Volume 36 at Pages 280-282 of the Town of Williston Land Records. Said lands and/or premises will be sold at a public auction at the Williston Town Office, 7900 Williston Road, Williston, Vermont, on Tuesday the 12th day of December 2023, at One o’clock in the afternoon (1:00 p.m.), to discharge such taxes with costs, unless the same are previously paid. Information regarding the amount of taxes due may be obtained at the offices of Stitzel, Page & Fletcher, P.C., P.O. Box 1507, Burlington, Vermont 054021507, (802) 6602555. DATED at Williston, in the County of Chittenden and State of Vermont, this 12th day of October 2023. Erik Wells Delinquent Tax Collector Town of Williston, Vermont

No further issues. Nov. 12 at 3:58 p.m. — Retail theft EMAILED ADVERTISEMENT at Best Buy. Female suspect has ADVERTISING INSERTION ORDER not been charged. Thomas Hirchak Company Nov. 13 at 12:38 p.m. — REI lookFROM: Cathy Morneault ing to have female trespassed who Phone: 802-888-4662 Nov. 8 at 9:18 a.m. — Following aEmail:inAdvertising2@THCAuction.com court. has stolen from them in the past. traffic stop, a female, age 58, was Nov. 10 at 9:08 a.m. — Assisted Officer was unable to locate feissued a citation to appear in courtTo: Rick male. Williston Rescue & Susan Cote with an unrefor suspicion of DUI. sponsive female in her car. Female Nov. 13 at 5:39 p.m. — Report of Paper: Williston Observer Nov. 8 at 11:54 a.m. — Retail theftMax Length a retail theft at Walmart. A male, was fine.12.5 reported at Shaws. A male, age 38, Nov. 11 at 2:39 a.m. — Following age 35, was issued a citation to apwas issued a citation to appear in pear in court. a traffic stop, a male, age 42, was court. issued a citation to appear in court Nov. 14 at 1:06 p.m. — Retail theft TODAY’S DATE: 11/17/2023 Nov. 8 at 10:34 p.m. — ReportNAME reported at Marshalls. A male, age forOF suspicion of DUI. FILE: 11232023_WO of a male being aggressive withDATE(S) 37, and a female, age 29, were both Nov. TO 11 at 7:3411/23/2023 a.m. — Retail theft RUN: Walmart staff. A male, age 30, issued a citation to appear in court. reported at Walmart. Male was rewas issued a citation to appear in Nov. 14 at 5:27 p.m. — Food Sciferred the Williston AD:to1/16 page (2”Community x 5”) court for violation of conditions ofSIZE OF ence called looking for assistance Justice Center. release. in trespassing a male. Male was Nov. 11TO: at Rick@Willistonobserver.com 11:39 p.m. — Noise disEMAILED Nov. 9 at 4:37 p.m. — Retail theft trespassed and moved along. turbance on White Birch Lane. reported at Marshalls. A male, age Parties were told to quiet down. Nov. 14 at 7:10 p.m. — Report of 29, was issued a citation to appearPublishes in Williston Observer SECTION: Auctions PO# 1542

SHELBURNE Human Resources Coordinator $24 - $28 hourly DOQ Full-time with a great Town Office team and excellent local government benefits. The Town of Shelburne team has grown to require a dedicated human resources professional. Help all our staff achieve their best, and cultivate the spirit of public service in our town. This coordinator will support all of our departments in the full suite of HR routines and special projects. The ideal candidate has related education and experience in human resources work, including recruiting, benefits administration, training, and problem solving. We are excited to shape this position to the skills and interests of the right candidate. Visit www.shelburnevt.org/jobs to see the full job description and application. To apply, email scannizzaro@shelburnevt.org. Review of applications begins immediately. The Town of Shelburne is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

a retail theft from Best Buy. A female, age 33, was issued a citation to appear in court. Nov. 15 at 12:50 p.m. — Report of a stolen vehicle from Commerce Street. Case is still being investigated. Nov. 15 at 5:40 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Home Depot. A female, age 33, and a male, age 34, were both issued a citation to appear in court. Nov. 15 at 7:35 p.m. — Guitar Center called to advise someone was trying to sell a stolen guitar. Guitar was seized and returned to owner. Officers also responded to 10 alarm activations, 13 motor vehicle crashes and conducted 37 traffic stops during this time frame.

CLASSIFIEDS LEGAL

TOWN OF WILLISTON DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD AGENDA Tuesday, November 28, 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 24-07 Pre-App WSW Investments, LLC requests pre-app review for 2 additions totaling 26,900 SF at the existing industrial use at 34 Commerce St in the IZDW and to locate 100 parking spaces adjacent to that use at 5190 and 5222 Williston Rd in the GZDW and RZD. 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, December 12, 2023 – 7:00 PM Williston Recreations “R.E.C. Zone” 94 Harvest Lane, Williston (use north entrance) or Zoom Meeting ID 846 5863 3532 on zoom. us/join or call 1-646-558-8656 DP 11-08.1 Vermont State University

requests a discretionary permit for a Master Sign Plan at 201 Lawrence Pl. & 72 Helena Dr. in the BPZD. DP 24-08 Pre-App Jim and Lucy McCullough request pre-app review of a proposed residential subdivision on an existing ±10.48-ac to create 39 new dwelling units at 88 Mtn. View Rd in the RZD. The application includes 2 concept layouts. DP 24-09 Pre-App Anna Benedetto requests pre-app review of a proposed 3-lot subdivision on an existing ±10.38-ac parcel to create a ±6.35-ac lot for the existing home, 1 ±1.86-ac lot, and 1 ±2.18-acre lot for 2 new dwellings at 1318 Butternut Rd in the ARZD. DP 24-10 Pre-App N. Williston Cattle Co. requests pre-app review of a proposed 3-lot subdivision to create 2 parcels for existing dwellings and 1 open space lot at 347 Fay Ln in the ARZD. No new dwellings will be created. 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

HELP WANTED PART TIME FARMER WANTED — Our dairy farm is looking for a reliable

animal lover to help with afternoon chores. Weekday and some weekend afternoons 3-6 p.m. $18 per hour. Attitude more important than experience. 802-238-5781.

Watch your sales rise. Place a classified or service directory ad. Email rick@willistonobserver.com or call 802-373-2136

This new position is a priority for the Shelburne Selectboard, to enhance all of the Town’s services.

Williston

November 22, 2023

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

SUDOKU SOLUTION

Puzzle found on page 19

•

Williston Observer •

Page 23

In print & online: We’re your neighbors, committed to keeping you informed on what’s going on in Williston.

Puzzle found on page 19

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ANTIQUES

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• Basement Waterproofing • Crawl Space Repair • Sump Pump Systems • Foundation Repair • Spray Foam Insulating • Egress Windows

Matt Clark's

Northern ..Dasemenll®

Responsible Waterproofing® ��

Scheduling now for 2024. Call today to reserve your spot!

Fully Insured 30+ years experience

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Place your order online or email afrey202@gmail.com

AlFreyPhotography.com

ALL TYPES OF SIDING

Joseph Corrigan: JJCContracting@gmail.com 802-696-9811 | Website:JJCContracting.Wordpress.com

Landscaping and Stonework Photos from the Williston Observer are available for purchase.

Remodeling & Additions

Window & door installations, finish carpentry, porch and siding repairs.

Page 24 •

Williston Observer •

November 22, 2023

SHOP LOCAL Shopping locally keeps money close to home.

Support your local community Our small business owners have curated a selection of unique and wonderful items for the holiday season and rely on your business. Shopping locally keeps money close to home and in our community.