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DECEMBER 21, 2023
WILLISTON’S NEWSPAPER SINCE 1985
Onward and upward in Taft Corners
New building would be area’s tallest BY JASON STARR Observer staff
At six stories and nearly 90 feet, a building proposed for a parcel just south of the intersec-
tion of Route 2 and 2A in Taft Corners would be the tallest structure in Williston — the first mixed-use building reviewed under new zoning regulations approved by the selectboard earlier this year. Property owner Jeff Mongeon said the 59 apartments
will loosen the area’s housing market and help growing businesses like his attract and retain employees. Mongeon is founder and owner of Polly insurance agency, located in an existing three-story building on an abutting parcel. see TAFT CORNERS page 3
WWW.WILLISTONOBSERVER.COM
A six story building planned near the intersection of Routes 2 and 2A will be the tallest in Taft Corners. RENDERING COURTESY OF WILLISTON PLANNING AND ZONING OFFICE
CJC gets funding thumbs up from Richmond, Hinesburg BY JASON STARR Observer staff
Flood redux
Two-plus inches of rain combined with an autumn’s worth of melting snowpack to overwhelm the banks of rivers and streams on Monday, flooding areas of Williston that flooded in July, and areas that didn’t. As in July, the Winooski River spilled onto fields near the Essex-Williston town line, overrunning North Williston Road. The road was closed Monday and Tuesday. The Winooski also flooded River Cove Road, which remained closed to traffic on Tuesday, as well as the lower section of Governor Chittenden Road near the Richmond town line. Governor Chittenden had reopened by Tuesday morning. Van Sicklen Road and Sunset Hill Road didn’t flood in July, but on Monday, water from Muddy Brook was flowing across Van Sicklen and water from Sucker Brook was overrunning Sunset Hill. Both roads were closed Monday and reopened Tuesday morning. OBSERVER PHOTO BY RICK COTE
Town leaders in both Richmond and Hinesburg appear willing for the first time to help fund the Williston Community Justice Center. The restorative justice group operates out of Williston Police Department headquarters but serves both neighboring towns, adjudicating crimes with a restorative approach that keeps offenders out of the punitive justice system. It also provides a host of mediation and educational services. The center is primarily funded through the Vermont Department of Corrections, but the Town of Williston is anticipating $72,000 of expenses in the coming fiscal year not covered by the state, according to Town Manager Erik Wells. In addition, the future of state funding is in doubt, Wells said. “I’m reaching out to see if Richmond and Hinesburg would be interested in providing … budget allocation to support the work of the WCJC,” Wells wrote in a November memo to his administrative counterparts in Richmond and Hinesburg. Wells proposed a cost split based on the population of the three towns. That would cost Williston $38,000, Hinesburg $18,000 and Richmond $16,000. In selectboard meetings held after Wells’ request, both Richmond and Hinesburg officials said they value the Community Justice Center’s service and expressed a willingness
to contribute financially. “We should be paying our fair share of this,” Richmond selectboard member Jeff Forward said in a November meeting. “It’s a really valuable service.” Hinesburg Police Chief Anthony Cambridge, who is serving as Richmond police chief on an inter-municipal agreement between the two towns, said Hinesburg and Richmond have, combined, referred more cases to the center than Williston in recent months.
“It’s a really valuable service.” Jeff Forward Richmond selectboard
“We really are using them quite a bit,” Cambridge said. “It really is something we need.” In Hinesburg, selectboard members discussed the funding request at their Dec. 6 meeting. Town Manager Todd Odit disagreed with the population-based formula, saying the funding formula should also take into consideration how much each town is using the center. However, the center does not currently have accurate data on usage broken down by town, according to Richmond Town Manager Josh Arneson. “The town does get benefit from it, and we should contribute something,” Odit said. “What that contribution is, I don’t know.”
Page 2 •
Williston Observer • December 21, 2023
Warmest Wishes From
the staff at the Observer
Around Town Judging begins for town’s Holiday Decorating Contest The Williston Recreation and Parks Department is encouraging residents to view the holiday displays outside the homes and businesses that registered for the town’s Holiday Decorating Contest.
A map of homes and businesses participating, as well as an online judging form, will be posted at www.willistonrec.org this Friday. Winners will be announced Jan. 4.
Police set up sobriety checkpoints The Williston Police Depart-
ment and partner law enforcement agencies will be conducting sobriety checkpoints in Chittenden County throughout the month of December. Officers will be enforcing laws against driving under the influence of alcohol and illegal drugs as well as incorrectly installed car seats. “Please make the roadways safe for everyone this holiday season,” the department said in a news release. “If you are drinking alcohol, please designate a sober driver for your night’s activities.”
Rotarians ring the bell for kids Members of the WillistonRichmond Rotary Club — from left, Howard Novak, Jennifer Murphy and Armand Fournier — collected donations for the annual Toys for Kids campaign outside of Walmart in Williston on Saturday. The group collected two and a half barrels of toys over four hours that day.
Williston
OBSERVER COURTESY PHOTO
Local author publishes a dog’s tale Williston author and dog-lover Karen Sturtevant has published her fourth children’s book, a story of two neglected dogs who escape their enclosure to find a safe home. “Penny and Maple Find Their Forever Home” is available on Amazon. Based on a true story, the book comes with a resource page with information about how to help neglected or abused animals. The book is illustrated by Max Bahr and co-authored by Susan Bahr. Sturtevant previously published a book about the Williston Police Department’s comfort dog, Duke.
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December 21, 2023 •
Taft Corners continued from page 1
“This is meant to be workforce housing,” he said. “We have some really thriving companies that are either in, or right around, Williston that are growing rapidly, and there is a need for housing for people who we are trying to get to move here.” The building is designed with studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, underground parking, street level commercial space and a gym for residents. Twelve of the apartments will be rent restricted as affordable for people making 80 percent of the area median income. The building is sited
in front of the building where Polly moved its headquarters in 2019, along Route 2A. TD Bank currently runs a branch in the Polly building but is planning to move into the new building with a drive-through teller window, Mongeon said. A total of 10,300 square feet of commercial space will be built on the ground level. “We’ll be looking to fill the commercial space with hopefully some businesses that are complementary to both Polly as a business and the residences above — things that make living more comfortable, more walkable and more community-based,” Mongeon said. A native of Colchester, Mongeon participated in some of the
“This is meant to be workforce housing. We have some really thriving companies… that are growing rapidly, and there is a need for housing… Jeff Mongeon Property owner
public meetings that the planning commission held while developing the new zoning regulations — a “form-based code” that prescribes the look, size, materials and orientation of
Wishing you a safe and joyous holiday season.
buildings in Taft Corners. Mongeon is a proponent of the new regulations but said they are “hard to comply with. There are a lot of different things you have to account for in your design.” The new regulations allow development applications to bypass the citizen-comprised Development Review Board and instead seek approval from town planning staff. Town staff reviewed the application during a meeting last week. Some residents spoke out at the meeting against the building’s height, echoing concerns expressed during the drafting of the new regulations. Resident Peter Brooks said during the meeting that the proposed
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building is a departure from surrounding building heights, would be imposing and change the feel of the area, according to meeting minutes. Town Planner Matt Boulanger said he is working this week to finalize a “certificate of conformity” determination that would green-light a groundbreaking. The building is designed by Wiemann Lamphere Architects of South Burlington. “(It) is kind of the beginning of what everybody in Williston wants,” Mongeon said, “which is a really thriving, walkable commercial-residential area in Taft Corners. I think this is a great first step and we’re committed to building a really nice place.”
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Williston Observer • December 21, 2023
WILLISTON:
BUSINESS
HUB
OF
VERMONT
Insurance market buckles under climate strain
Will frequency of disasters make it harder to get affordable coverage? BY JASON STARR Observer staff
Two floods in one year? More severe thunderstorms? More frequent damaging winds? Vermont is not in the hurricane, tornado or wildfire crosshairs that other states are, but the Green Mountains are proving to be no haven from global warming. And what happens when property is ruined or damaged in these extremes? People call places like Polly — the Williston insurance agency that has thousands of customers in Vermont and throughout the country — to initiate insurance claims that will hopefully allow them to fully recoup losses and rebuild. But insurance carriers are re-evaluating their risk with the increased frequen-
cy and severity of extreme weather, according to Polly founder Jeff Mongeon. On the hook for larger and more frequent payouts, companies like Vermont Mutual and Union Mutual in Vermont and national carriers like Travelers, Progressive and Nationwide have increased rates and decreased their appetite for taking on new business. “We are directly smack-dab in the middle of a very severe hard market cycle,” Mongeon said, “and people are going to see it in their renewals. Whether you own a house, a car, a business, an apartment building — everybody is seeing rate increases.” Property insurance rates have risen 24 percent in Vermont over the past three years, he said, and auto insurance rates have risen 16 percent as insurance carriers try to return to profitability. “A lot of carriers over the last two or three years have become very unprofitable,” said Mongeon. “(They) need to
Floodwaters from the Winooski River flow by stacked up picnic tables outside Stone’s Throw pizzaria in Richmond on Tuesday. PHOTO BY GLENN RUSSELL/VTDIGGER
slow down growth and increase rates to ensure they are stable enough financially to pay claims.” Compounding the problem of climate induced claim frequency is the inflated costs associated with rebuilding damaged property. Construction costs have increased 30-40 percent, Mongeon estimates; for example, a home insured for $300,000 that is destroyed could cost an insurer close to $450,000 to rebuild. “The reality is, when the climate changes and things get more expensive,
insurance has to track that,” he said. Polly insures homes, cars, boats and businesses in Vermont and throughout the country. It formed from the combination of the former Winooski Insurance agency and DealerPolicy and is owned by two childhood friends from Colchester — Mongeon and Travis Fitzgerald. It has been headquartered in Williston since 2019 (see related story, page 1). In other states where Polly does business — places like Florida, Louisiana and Texas, where natural disasters have been more severe — the insurance marketplace has nearly come to a halt. “People think ‘I’m going to shop around,’ but there’s no availability. There is no marketplace. It’s like going to the store and there’s nothing on the shelves,” Mongeon said. Vermont has so far been spared a lack of insurance availability. Mongeon credits the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation for that. The department is responsible for approving rate increases for insurance carriers and has done so in a timely way that has kept carriers operating here. “Although Vermont is still restricted, there are still a number of (carriers) that will accept new business. That’s a testament to (the Department of Financial Regulation),” Mongeon said. “They work with insurance carriers well and allow them to do what they have to do to keep the market healthy.”
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December 21, 2023 •
Ice cream producers unionize at Ben & Jerry’s & the When
VT DIGGER
Employees of Ben & Jerry’s flagship plant in Waterbury have chosen to unionize, according to the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union. Ronald Petronella, president of the Connecticut-based UFCW Local 371, said that more than 60 percent of the plant’s ice cream producers and processors had signed cards seeking to join the union. The company recognized the union after a neutral third-party verified that a majority of the nearly 100 employees in the bargaining unit supported the move. “They want to make sure that what they enjoy today they’ll enjoy in the future and maybe get some improvements along with that,” Petronella said. In a joint statement provided by the union, the company said, “In keeping with Ben & Jerry’s commitment to being a values-led organization with a progressive social mission, we respect our employees’ decision.” The company said it looks forward to working “in the spirit of mutual respect and collaboration” as the process progressed. “Our priority is to collectively bargain in good faith to eventually reach a fair and equitable contract that recognizes our hard-working employees and equally works for them, the company, and Ben & Jerry’s incredible customers,” the statement reads. Petronella said his local had been working to organize plant employees since March. He said he appreciated that the company had voluntarily recognized the union through the card check process instead of opposing it and
Speak up! Send your letters and story ideas to email editor@ willistonobserver.com
forcing an election. “We’re just very pleased that Ben & Jerry’s chose to go down this path rather than to be in an adversarial situation,” he said. The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union represents roughly 1.2 million North American workers in the grocery, retail, pharmacy, food processing and meat packing industries. Local 371 represents
employees of some 40 companies in Connecticut and Massachusetts — and now Vermont — according to Petronella. In May, employees of Ben & Jerry’s Burlington scoop shop joined the Workers United union, making it the first of the company’s stores to unionize. At the time, Ben & Jerry’s said it welcomed the move and pledged to work with the union.
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Williston Observer • December 21, 2023
GUEST COLUMN
Williston
RACK LOCATIONS
Williston Adams Farm Market Belle’s Café Chef’s Corner Dorothy Alling Memorial Library Fairfield Inn Gardener’s Supply Green Mountain Bagel Hannaford Healthy Living Williston Home2Suites Korner Kwik Stop Marriott Courtyard Men At Wok M&T Bank Ramunto’s Rehab Gym Shell Gas Station (Essex Rd) Simon’s Mobil Williston Simply Divine Café Sonesta Sunoco Station Town of Williston Offices UPS Store Vermont Meat & Seafood Williston Coffee Shop Essex Junction Essex Automotive Five Corner Variety Hannaford Inn at Essex Mac’s Market Martone’s Deli Price Chopper Quality Bake Shop River Road Beverage Richmond Cumberland Farms Richmond Free Library Richmond Market Richmond Mobil Mart
A call for increased taxes on Vermont’s wealthiest BY ANIKA HEILWEIL We can build a Vermont that works for everyone who lives here. We can have thriving downtowns, safe roads and bridges, and housing that people can afford. Our children can learn in vibrant and supportive schools. We can protect our environment. We can care for Vermont families at every stage of life. But first, we need to look at our tax code. That’s right — our tax code. In recent decades, wages for many Vermont residents have not kept up with the costs of living. Meanwhile, elected officials tell us that Vermont doesn’t have the money to make crucial public investments to take care of families, infrastructure and the environment. Yet the data show that this scarcity narrative is rhetoric, not reality.
Williston’s Community Newspaper Since 1985
www.willistonobserver.com P.O. Box 1401, Williston, VT 05495 | 802-489-5499 ADVERTISING Rick Cote, Associate Publisher rick@willistonobserver.com 802-373-2136 EDITOR Jason Starr editor@willistonobserver.com PRODUCTION & DESIGN Jan Kenney jan@willistonobserver.com
tial state revenue to ensure that our downtowns are clean and safe, our families are supported, our environment is healthy, and our economy is flourishing.
By increasing taxes on those with more than enough, we can build a better Vermont for everyone, including our wealthiest residents. By raising revenue in a way that is fair and equitable, we can make crucial investments today, instead of deferring expenses
that will multiply and cost more in the long run. By increasing taxes on those with more than enough, we can build a better Vermont for everyone, including our wealthiest residents. This — not austerity — is the fiscally responsible strategy for our present and future. A fair tax code is critical to building a Vermont that works for everyone who lives here. Anika Heilweil of Burlington works for Public Assets Institute and is the campaign manager for the Fund Vermont’s Future Coalition and the Fair Share for Vermont Campaign.
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ADVERTISING SPACE DEADLINE Friday at 5 p.m. for the next Thursday issue rick@willistonobserver.com, 802-373-2136 CLASSIFIED ADS Deadline is Friday 5 p.m. There is a fee for business, real estate, help wanted and legal ads. Free classifieds must be 25 words or fewer and are printed on a space available basis.
PUBLISHER Susan T. Cote susan@willistonobserver.com
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The Williston Observer reserves the right to edit or refuse submissions or advertising. Opinions expressed in the paper are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the paper.
A publication of Twin Ponds Publishing LLC
MEMBER:
Income inequality is growing in Vermont. Our wealthiest residents are getting wealthier. Our highest income earners are earning more and getting a larger and larger share of overall income. And our current tax structure protects the wealth of a small number of residents, instead of focusing on the needs of all people in Vermont. The solution is clear: We need to raise revenue to build a better Vermont by increasing taxes on the wealthiest Vermont residents. It’s time to build a Vermont that’s affordable for all Vermonters, because we can’t afford a Vermont that only the wealthy can afford. By increasing taxes on the wealthiest, we can raise substan-
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December 21, 2023 •
Williston Observer • Page 7
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Shoplifting policy questioned Reading the front-page article in the Dec. 14 issue of the Observer about shoplifting (“‘Kind of a free-for-all’”), we were gobsmacked to read that Marshalls employees are not permitted to notify police when they are aware of shoplifting. What could possibly be the reason for this? We can understand the store’s position that employees not intervene, but how is
Dec. 7 at 10:43 a.m. — Assisted South Burlington Police with recovering a stolen vehicle on Pinecrest Circle. Dec. 7 at 11:59 a.m. — Suspicious male at Home Depot. A male, age 45, had an active arrest warrant. He was transported to court. Dec. 7 at 4:17 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Marshalls. A female, age 41, was issued a citation to appear in court. Dec. 8 at 12:59 a.m. — Following a traffic stop,
leaving police out of it going to help address the problem? Larry Mindell and Peg Allen Williston
School district priorities out of whack As part of the Champlain Valley School District budget process, there is a proposal to make the current Communications Director and Digital Learning position two separate full-time positions. a male age 26, was issued a citation to appear in court for suspicion of DUI. Dec. 8 at 10:25 a.m. — Retail theft reported at Hannaford. A female, age 35, and a male, age 45, both had an active arrest warrant. Both were transported to court. Dec. 8 at 8:38 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Best Buy. A female, age 30, was issued a citation to appear in court. Dec. 8 at 11:16 p.m. — Following a traffic stop, a female, age 29, was issued a citation to appear in court for suspicion of DUI. Dec. 9 at 12:52 p.m. — Following a traffic stop,
Currently, this position is filled by one person. In order to offset the cost of this, the district’s plan is to eliminate four para-educator positions. As a Williston taxpayer, I don’t feel like there is full transparency about where and how much of our funds are being used at the district level. Year after year the budget gets approved, positions get added at the central office and, meanwhile, student supports at the local school level are being pulled. We don’t need more people telling us
what to do, we need more people doing it! That is in the best interest of our students, faculty and staff. Since Covid, the needs of our students have heightened and the expectation is for us to do more. The reality is, we can’t do more with less support. I don’t see how adding more positions at central office is going to help us meet our students needs at the local level. The current budget proposal is not one I can support in good conscience. Angie Thibault Williston
a male, age 32, was issued a citation to appear in court for suspicion of DUI. Dec. 9 at 10:08 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Walmart. A female, age 28, was issued a citation to appear in court. Dec. 9 at 11:26 p.m. — Group of people going through dumpsters on Munson Drive. A female, age 32, had an active arrest warrant. She was transported to the correctional facility. Dec. 10 at 11:17 a.m. — Report of storage units being broken into on Avenue A. Case is still under investigation. Dec. 11 at 7:32 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Best Buy. Suspect has been identified but not located. Dec. 12 at 4:23 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Marshalls. Male was located and issued a no-
tice of trespass. Dec. 12 at 11:25 p.m. — Following a traffic stop, a male, age 21, was issued a citation to appear in court for suspicion of DUI. Dec. 13 at 7:10 a.m. — Report of a stolen vehicle on South Brownell Road. Case is still under investigation. Dec. 14 at 7:36 a.m. — Burglary reported at Guy’s Farm and Yard. Case is still under investigation. Dec. 14 at 11:58 a.m. — Stolen vehicle reported from Krupp Drive. Case is still under investigation. Officers also responded to 12 alarm activations, 14 motor vehicle crashes and conducted 36 traffic stops during this time frame.
Page 8 •
Williston Observer • December 21, 2023 TEENS D&D
Tuesday, Jan. 2, 5-6 p.m. Ages 12-plus. Join our Dungeons & Dragons campaign. No experience needed. BABY TIME
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.
lection by picking an ornament from the library’s giving tree. Donations can be made in-person or online using the link on www. damlvt.org. Thank you for your support of the library!
Visit www.damlvt.org to apply for a library card and to register for programs that require registration. Need help? Call (802) 878-4918 or email daml@damlvt.org. Please note, the library will be closed on Dec. 25-26. We will resume our usual hours on Wednesday Dec. 27. The library will also be closed on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024 for New Years Day.
Children in fourth grade and younger must be supervised by someone over 16 years of age.
GIVING TREE
Throughout December and January, make a donation toward a library program or the book col-
YOUTH PROGRAMS
TEEN MOVIE NIGHTS
Wednesdays, Dec. 27, 5-7:20 p.m. and Jan. 3, 5-8 p.m. Ages 12-plus. Get your time-turner and goblet ready for some third- and fourth-year trials. LEGO TIME
Thursday, Dec. 28, 3-4 p.m. Build something with the library’s LEGO collection. STORYTIME
Tuesday, Jan. 2, 10:30-11 a.m. Drop in for stories and fun with Danielle.
Wednesday, Jan. 3, 10:30-11 a.m. Enjoy gentle activities with your baby. AFTER SCHOOL LEGOS AND BOARD GAMES
Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2-3 p.m. Play favorite games or build something with the library’s LEGO collection. PRESCHOOL MUSIC AND PLAYTIME
Thursday, Jan. 4, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Enjoy music with Linda Bassick, then stay to play. SATURDAY STORYTIME
Saturday, Jan. 6, 10:30-11 a.m. Please note our Saturday Storytime will be starting at 10:30 a.m. moving forward. Join Cindy and start your weekend off with stories and fun.
Pick up a copy of this year’s Vermont Reads book at the library (also available as an eBook in Libby/Overdrive). In “Last Night at the Telegraph Club” by Malinda Lo, teenager Lily Hu is fully immersed in the life and culture of San Francisco’s Chinatown, home to Chinese immigrant families like hers. But as she comes of age in the 1950s, her passion for rockets and space exploration is matched by her curiosity about the Telegraph Club, located in a neighboring part of the city her parents have asked her to avoid. Vermont Reads is sponsored by the Vermont Humanities Council. VERMONT READS EVENT: COMMUNITY COOKBOOK
Food plays an important cultural part in the Chinatown setting of “Last Night at the Telegraph Club.” Through Jan. 31, submit a family recipe, with a three-to-five sentence story about its significance to your family or culture, to our community cookbook. Details at www.damlvt.org.
MULTI-AGE PROGRAMS VERMONT READS: ‘LAST NIGHT AT THE TELEGRAPH CLUB’
ADULT PROGRAMS For online programs, email daml@
damlvt.org for Zoom link. ADULT MEDITATION (ONLINE)
Fridays in December and January, 12-12:30 p.m. Join our online guided meditation. ADULT WINTER READING CHALLENGE
Tuesday, Jan. 2 through Thursday, Feb. 29. Stop by to pick up a Winter Book Bingo challenge card or email us for a PDF version. Challenge yourself by reading books to fit the bingo categories. Bring in or email a completed bingo card to be included in our prize drawings. SPANISH CONVERSATION (ONLINE)
Wednesday, Jan. 3, 5-6 p.m. Join us to brush up on your language skills with teacher Elliot Lafferty. ADULT CRAFTERNOON: SOCK SNOWMEN
Thursday, Jan. 4, 2-3 p.m. This little winter buddy won’t melt on your shelf. Pre-register. MAH JONGG
Friday, Jan. 5, 1-3 p.m. Drop in to play this popular tile game. All levels welcome.
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December 21, 2023 •
Williston Observer • Page 9
SAVVY SENIOR What is the retirement saver’s credit and how does it work?
Dear Savvy Senior, Can you explain to me how the retirement saver’s tax credit works? My wife and I are in our 50s and are looking for creative ways to boost our retirement savings beyond our 401(k). Is this something we may be eligible for? Struggling to Save Dear Struggling, If your income is low to moderate and you participate in your employer-sponsored retirement plan or an IRA, the Retirement Savings Contribution Credit (aka “Saver’s Credit”) is a frequently overlooked tool that can help boost your retirement savings even more. Here’s how it works. If you contribute to a retirement-savings account like a traditional or Roth IRA, 401(k), 403(b), 457, Thrift Savings Plan, Simplified Employee Pension or SIMPLE plan, the Saver’s Credit will allow you to claim 10, 20 or 50 percent of your contribution of up to $4,000 per year for couples or $2,000 for singles. Keep in mind that a credit is not the same as a tax deduction — it’s better: While a tax deduction just reduces the amount of your income that is subject to taxes, a tax credit reduces your actual tax bill dollar-for-dollar. To qualify, you must also be at least 18 years old and not a full-time student and not claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return. And your adjusted gross income in 2023 must be below $73,000 as a married couple filing jointly, $54,750 or less if filing as head of household, or $36,500 or less if you’re a single filer. These income limits are adjusted annually to keep pace with inflation. To get the 50 percent credit, you’ll need to have an income below $43,500 for married couples filing jointly; $32,625 if
on your tax return. It’s also worth mentioning that the Saver’s Credit is in addition to any other tax benefits you get for your retirement contributions. So, in the previous example, not only would you be entitled to a $400 credit, but you would also be able to exclude the $4,000 401(k) contribution from your taxable income. So, if you’re in the 12 percent tax bracket, this translates to an additional $480 in savings, for a total of $880.
Saver’s Credit. To access it, go to IRS.gov/Help/ITA and click on “Do I Qualify for the Retirement Savings Contributions Credit?” under the “Credits” tab.
Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org.
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To claim the Saver’s Credit, you will need to fill out Form 8880 (see IRS.gov/pub/irs-pdf/ f8880.pdf) and attach it to your Form 1040 or 1040NR when you file your tax return. For more information on the Saver’s Credit, see IRS Publication 590-A “Contributions to Individual Retirement Arrangements” (IRS.gov/pub/irs-pdf/ p590a.pdf). The IRS also offers an online quiz you can take to help you determine if you qualify for the
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you’re filing as head of household; and $21,750 if you’re a single filer in 2023. The 20 percent credit rate applies to couples earning between $43,501 to $47,500; for head of household filers it’s $32,626 to $35,625; and for individuals it’s $21,751 to $23,750. And the 10 percent rate is for couples with an adjusted gross income between $47,501 and $73,000; for head of household filers it’s $35,626 to $54,750; and for individuals it’s between $23,751 and $36,500. Here’s an example of how this works. Let’s say that you and your wife earned $75,000 in 2023. Over the course of the year, you contributed $4,000 to your employer’s 401(k) plan. After deducting your 401(k) contribution, your adjusted gross income on your joint return is now $71,000. Since your income puts you in the 10 percent credit bracket, and you’ve contributed the $4,000 maximum that can be considered for the credit, you are entitled to a $400 Saver’s Credit
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Page 10release • Williston dates: Dec.Observer 23-29, 2023•
December 21, 2023
51 (23)
Next Week:
Our states: North Carolina Founded by Betty Debnam
image courtesy Muddy Boots
image courtesy Scholastic
• Ready to make some magic in the kitchen? Pick up “The Official Harry Potter Cookbook” by Joanna Farrow. More than 40 recipes guide young cooks through snacks, desserts and drinks any wizard or witch could love: Hagrid’s hearty soup, Draco Malfoy blondies and more. • “Mya McLure, The Brave Science Girl: The Toad Cave” tells the story of a second grader and her teacher who team up to find new homes for a family of toads that are being threatened by land developers. Author Douglas Haddad gives Mya the power to make a positive change in her community. • With professional football season in full swing, sports fans may want to cuddle up with “Inspirational Football Stories for Young Readers: 12 Unbelievable True Tales To Inspire and Amaze Young Football Lovers.” Author Mike Johnson captures moving stories of players, coaches and owners that’ll warm winter hearts. Make a list of the books you’d like to read this winter and compare it with a friend’s.
image courtesy Curious Press
image courtesy Andrews McMeel Publishing
image courtesy HarperCollins
image courtesy Andrews McMeel Publishing
Reading is a terrific pastime when winter winds are blowing or you just need a break from all the excitement of the holidays. This week, The Mini Page checks out some new books. • Fans of Will Henry’s “Wallace the Brave” comic strip will want to dig into his series of hilarious adventure books. The newest one is “The Great Pencil Quest.” Wallace, Spud and their friends search for a way to sharpen a giant pencil named Big Betty. • “Your Voice, Your Vote” by Leah Henderson is a timely story about Quetta and her family as they set out to vote on Election Day. Despite a few bumps in the road, Quetta’s mom and grandmother get to cast their votes, and Quetta learns how important that is. • The natural world’s wonders are captured in Fiona Cook’s “The Wheel of the Year.” With beautiful illustrations, the book shares the changes of the seasons and the traditions and rituals that accompany them.
image courtesy Quarto
Kids who read for pleasure do better in school, studies show.
• Did you ever wonder what floats down a river, and where it ends up? “The River That Flows Beside Me” by Charlotte Guillain answers those questions, explaining the ecosystems of waterways and their importance to human beings. • Some of our most important inventors experienced a lot of failures before they succeeded. In “When Everything Went Wrong” by Max Temporelli, Barbara Gozzi and Agnese Innocente, readers learn that the mistakes we make help us move toward success. • If you’ve ever wondered why we yawn, or how come your brother is lefthanded, but you’re not, “Welcome to the Mysteryverse: A World of Unsolved Wonders” may be for you. Author Clive Gifford explores unanswered questions ranging from outer space to your living room rug.
image courtesy Quarto
What To Read This Winter
Mini Fact:
image courtesy Andrews McMeel Publishing
Issue 51, 2023
Resources On the Web:
• thechildrensbookreview.com
At the library:
• “Writing Prompts for Kids” by Sheryl Green • “How To Write a Novel Before You Turn 13” by Ollie Ood
The Mini Page® © 2023 Andrews McMeel Syndication
”There is more treasure in books than in Try ’n’ Find Mini Jokes all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island.“ Words that remind us of winter reading are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find: ADVENTURE, BOOKS, COOKBOOK, ELECTION, FOOTBALL, FRIEND, HILARIOUS, INVENTOR, MAGIC, MYSTERY, NATURE, PASTIME, POSITIVE, READING, RECIPE, RITUALS, RIVER,
U R I F E R U T N E V D A P S S E Y S E A S O N S Q A J O R I C R F L H I L A R I O U S E N I E R P A S T I M E H B I A V P T I C O O K B O O K O T D E E S E L E C T I O N I O I I N N Y N N V N A T U R E K V N T M M D X O E R E V I R S E G
Bina: How do you catch a whole school of fish? Bodie: With bookworms!
~ Walt Disney
Eco Note A 23-year study of bird migration across the American Great Plains
image McMe
the changes of the seasons and the traditions and rituals that accompany them.
owners that’ll warm winter hearts. Make a list of the books you’d like to read this winter and compare it with a friend’s.
Green • “How To Write a Novel Before You Turn 13” by Ollie Ood December 21, 2023 •
The Mini Page® © 2023 Andrews McMeel Syndication
Try ’n’ Find
Mini Jokes
Words that remind us of winter reading are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find: ADVENTURE, BOOKS, COOKBOOK, ELECTION, FOOTBALL, FRIEND, HILARIOUS, INVENTOR, MAGIC, MYSTERY, NATURE, PASTIME, POSITIVE, READING, RECIPE, RITUALS, RIVER, SEASONS, VOTE, WINTER.
Williston Observer • Page 11
Bina: How do you catch a whole school of fish? Bodie: With bookworms!
U R I F E R U T N E V D A P S S E Y S E A S O N S Q A J O R I C R F L H I L A R I O U S E N I E R P A S T I M E H B I A V P T I C O O K B O O K O T D E E S E L E C T I O N I O I I N N Y N N V N A T U R E K V N T M M D X O E R E V I R S E G O L L A B T O O F K C I G A M R W I N T E R I T U A L S Y W
Eco Note A 23-year study of bird migration across the American Great Plains finds that geomagnetic disturbances caused by solar storms can disrupt the navigational skills of migratory birds, causing some to become entirely “lost.” Researchers at the University of Michigan found a 9% to 17% reduction in the number of migrating birds in both spring and fall during severe space weather events. And those birds that chose to migrate during such events experienced greater difficulty.
You’ll need: • 1 medium acorn squash • 1 tablespoon butter, plus 1 teaspoon
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar • 1 teaspoon honey
What to do: 1. Cut the acorn squash in half. Scoop out all the seeds. 2. Place the two halves in 1/4 inch of water in a glass baking dish. Make sure the cut portion is facing down in the water. 3. Cover with plastic wrap. Microwave on high for 12 to 15 minutes. 4. Allow to cool slightly, then scoop cooked squash out of the rind and into a bowl. 5. Mix in butter, brown sugar and honey until blended well. 6. Divide into 4 servings.
adapted with permission from Earthweek.com
The Mini Page® © 2023 Andrews McMeel Syndication
Acorn Squasharama
* You’ll need an adult’s help with this recipe.
Cook’s Corner
For later:
Look in your newspaper for reviews of children’s books.
Teachers: Follow and interact with The Mini Page on Facebook!
Page 12
•
Williston Observer •
December 21, 2023
CROSSWORD • SOLUTION ON PAGE 15
TODAY’S HISTORY:
• In 1620, the Pilgrims went ashore at Plymouth Rock. • In 1913, the New York World newspaper published Arthur Wynne’s “Word-Cross Puzzle,” the first crossword puzzle. • In 1937, Disney’s “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” the first feature-length animated film, premiered. • In 2012, the Walt Disney Company completed its $4.06 billion purchase of Lucasfilm Ltd.
TODAY’S FACT:
• “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” derided by Hollywood insiders as “Disney’s Folly” while it was in production, cost Disney Studios an estimated $1.5 million to create. Walt Disney mortgaged his home to help cover the unanticipated expenses.
SUDOKU • SOLUTION ON PAGE 15
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December 21, 2023 •
Williston Observer • Page 13
OBITUARIES
Martha Burroughs Martha Burroughs of Williston, VT passed away on Nov. 24, 2023 after more than 40 years of extremely difficult health issues. She never let these issues slow her down. Martha “MABBY” was the daughter of the late Chester C. Eaton, Jr. and Elizabeth Tracy Eaton and was born on July 10, 1958 in Charleston, WV. She was married to the love of her life Glen Allen Burroughs on February 11, 1978 at the First Congregational Church in Burlington, VT where they met. She always said her greatest accomplishments were the birth of her children, daughter Nikole Burroughs and her son Joshua Glen Burroughs and followed by 6 beautiful grandchildren whom she loved with all her heart. She was absolutely adored and loved by her grandchildren. She truly believed that it was the love of her hus-
band, daughter, son and her grandchildren and many family members and friends that gave her the strength and courage to endure her health issues and keep fighting her battles. Martha was known for saying when she gets to heaven she was going to jump up on God’s lap and have a conversation with him and ask him why. Martha is survived by her husband Glen, her daughter Nikole (partner/boyfriend Anthony) of Bethesda, MD (Nikki to us Vermonters) as well as her son Joshua and his wife of Colchester, VT and by her 6 grandchildren Ali, Luke and Catie from Bethesda, MD and Anya, Mason and Aubri of Colchester. Martha is also survived by her brother Robert T. Eaton and his wife Ann Eaton and her nephews Duncan and Jeremiah and her dear NH cousins David and Donald Eaton, Buffie Parisi, Judy Jarnutowski, Carol Raffle and their spouses and families. Her brotherin-law and sister-in-law Stuart and Jeneva Burroughs of Williston, VT and their children Jeneva Stone, Jeffrey Burroughs, Peter Burroughs and Sarah Joly and their spouses and families. Also, her brother-in-law and sister-in-law John and Susan Burroughs of Essex Jct., VT and their children Kadi Luchsinger and Heather Burroughs and their spouses and children and her great nieces and nephews and also her Tracy cousins Emily, Mary Jo, Ruth Rebecca and Jeannie and their families. She was predeceased by her father and mother Chester and Elizabeth Eaton, her paternal grandparents Chester C. Eaton Sr. (Ba) and Marjorie T. Eaton (Grammie). Her very special Aunt Shirley H. Eaton (her God Mother) and her uncle Robert I. Eaton, her maternal grandparents Gordon S. Tracy and Muriel R. Tracy, her uncles Richard and John Tracy (her God Father). Martha enjoyed summers on Lake Winnipesauke in Moultonborough, NH at Far
Echo and Long Island with her Aunt Shirley, Uncle Bob, Ba, Grammie and her five Eaton cousins. Her fondest memories include when Ba would load the family on his 40’ Cabin Cruiser and they would cruise the lake for hours then anchor the boat to swim and eat. Everyone at Far Echo would come running down to the beach when Ba blew his horn. Martha loved spending her summers sleeping on the boat with her cousins swimming and boating and Easter dinners with egg hunts and early Christmas celebrations. She also felt she was blessed to have her Aunt Shirley Eaton whom she adored and treasured in her life. They would spend weekends at the lake with all the kids once they became adults. They just sat and watched the boats speed by and just talked, and then one by one her cousins would stop by for a visit or take them out for boat rides. Shirley was Martha’s confidant, never yelling or telling her she was wrong. They decided they were solving the world’s problems. Martha was well known for continuing the family traditions she grew up with. Many parties, especially her 4th of July parties, like at Far Echo and she established the Burroughs Family Reunion on the 3rd of July. The effort she made to be there for all eight of the Reunions was nothing short of miraculous. She was a room mother to her children’s classes, PTA President, Fun Festival Coordinator as well as a member of the PTA. She was also softball coach at Williston Central to “The Golden Girls” for 4 years with help from so many parents. She loved all her girls and while her batting line up may have shaken a few heads, every girl got to try each position. “How do you know what position you like until you’ve tried them all?” They had lots of singing, lollipops and fun and 4 very successful years. She was on the
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Williston Recreation Board and helped develop the Summer Camp for children at the Williston Central School. She was known as the chocolate chip mom. Every week for all the sports her children played, for the teams throughout junior high and high school she made the cookies for the A and B teams (over 200 a week) because she truly believed everybody who played a sport deserved a treat. She also cut up oranges. She co-ran the concession stand at the high school basketball games at CVU. Gardening was at one time her favorite past time, as well as refinishing furniture, until she was no longer able to. She loved her job as a “Work Hardening Specialist” at Injury and Health Management Solutions, Inc. (IHMS) but mostly all her co-workers with whom she thought of as family, and watching them get married and have children. The family would like to thank Dr. Marie B. Sandoval of UVM Medical Center in South Burlington who has been her physician for over 35 years. Her compassion and care was unwavering. We would also like to thank her cardiologist Dr. Robert Battle of Charlottesville, VA. Thank you to all of the Hospice care workers too numerous to name. All of the incredible workers at the Infusion Center at UVM/MC and of course Dr. Mildred Reardon retired. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the charity of their choice in her honor. A celebration of life will be held at the Williston Federated Church in Williston on July 3, 2024 at 1 p.m. and followed by a gathering at her home out back by the pool she loved from 3-5pm. There will be no visiting hours. The family invites you to share your memories and condolences by visiting http://awrfh.com/. Inurnment will be at the convenience of her family.
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Page 14
•
Williston Observer •
December 21, 2023
OBITUARIES
Prekindergarten Lottery is now open for 2024-2025!
Subs Needed PrekindergartenDaily Lottery is now open for 2024-2025! Hourly rate of $18.00 per hour.
The CVSD Early Education Program is now accepting applications for
a randomProgram prekindergarten lottery drawing applications for the 2024-25 for school The CVSD Early Education is now accepting a random year.drawing This lottery is for opportunity to enroll in oneThis of our school-is for an opportunity prekindergarten lottery for thean2024-25 school year. lottery basedValley classrooms which run 10 hours week. Our school-based Champlain School District is per seeking andweek. reliable to enroll in one of ourprekindergarten school-based classrooms which run 10flexible hours per Our schoolclassrooms are 5 STARs, licensed early education substitute teachers. Choose assignments based on your schedule, based prekindergarten classrooms are 5play-based, STARs, developmentally licensed earlyappropriate education programs that programs that provide preferred location for within theindistrict and when itcurriculum works for you! provide play-based, developmentally appropriate environments all children in an inclusive environments all children an inclusive setting. Ourfor indergarten Lottery forLearning 2024-2025! is based onnow the Vermont Early Standards (VELS). setting. OurExperience curriculum isinis based onopen the Vermont Early Learning Standards (VELS). educational settings preferred but not required.
Our follow the CVSD school Children will 3 or older by ucation Program is now accepting applications forChildren acalendar. random Our programs follow theprograms CVSD school calendar. who will who be age 802-383-1234 or by stop by our office toare submit your be age 3 school or older September 1, 2024, not eligible for interest. ery drawing Call for2024, the 2024-25 year. This lottery iswho for an opportunity September 1, who are not eligible for kindergarten, and live in the communities of kindergarten, and run live in the communities of Charlotte, Hinesburg, Applications are available at the CVSD Central Office at 5420 ur school-based classrooms which 10 hours per week. Our schoolCharlotte, Hinesburg, Shelburne, St. George, and Williston are eligible to St. George, and Williston are eligible to enter the lottery. enter the lottery. en classrooms areselected 5Shelburne, STARs, licensed early education programs that Shelburne Rd Suite 300 Shelburne VT 05482. Families who are for the lottery and choose to enroll their child in Families who are selected for the lottery and choose to enroll their a CVSD program developmentally appropriate environments for all children anthe inclusive child in a CVSD program access their Act 166infor publicly funded access their Act 166 publicly funded prekindergarten funds school-based program. um is based on the Vermont Earlyfunds Learning prekindergarten for the Standards school-based (VELS). program.
Carol W. Echo
CVSD is an equal opportunity employer. Black, Indigenous,
Carol W. Echo, 84, passed
All applications must be received by(BIPOC), Februaryimmigrants, 5, 2024, andwomen, are located on the CVSD Early and People of Color and away peacefully on Dec. 10, 2023 All applications must be received February 5, 2024, are LGBTQ+ the CVSDwebsite school calendar. Children who will bebyage 3 oror older byand Education at: https://tinyurl.com/CVSDEarlyEd using this QR code. the CVSDencouraged Earlylive Education areonstrongly apply.at: https://tinyurl. who are notcandidates eligible located for kindergarten, and in thetowebsite communities of with her family by her side at the Paper applications are available upon request. com/CVSDEarlyEd or using QR code. g, Shelburne, St. George, and Williston arethis eligible to enter the lottery. McClure Miller Respite House. lected for the lottery Paper and choose to are enroll theirupon child in a CVSD program applications available request. or any concerns Carol was born on May 22, For additional information, questions about our program, publicly funded prekindergarten funds for the school-based program. about your child’s development, please visit our website or contact For additional information, questions about our program, Director or any 1939 the first daughter of Raoul concerns aboutatyour child’s development, please visit ourEducation website of Early Education, Erin Gagne egagne@cvsdvt.org. Our Early and Lucille West who provided t be received by February 5, 2024, and are located on the CVSD Early or contact Director of Early Education, Erin Gagne at egagne@ team is also available for developmental screenings in code. the areas of t: https://tinyurl.com/CVSDEarlyEd or using this QR her with a wonderful childhood. cvsdvt. Our Early Education team is also communication, social-emotional development, screenings motor skills, adaptive development, are available upon request. available for developmental She attended Johnson, VT priand cognition. More ininformation an Early Multi-Tiered System of Supports is also the areas about of communication, socialmary and high schools and upon emotional development, motor skills, mation, questions about our program, or any Services concerns available on the website under the Support tab. graduation moved to Burlingadaptive and cognition. More evelopment, please visit our development, website or contact Director information about an Early Multi-Tiered ton to attend Champlain College Erin Gagne at egagne@cvsdvt.org. Early Education System of SupportsOur is also available on the where she earned her associate e for developmentalwebsite screenings in Support the areas of tab. under the Services degree in secretarial sciences. ial-emotional development, motor skills, adaptive development, While at Champlain, she met information about an Early Multi-Tiered System of Supports is also bsite under the Support Services tab. her husband Curtis and was im-
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mediately smitten by his good looks and charisma. Curt and Carol were married Feb. 7, 1959 and in the following nine years they had four cherished children, Curtis III, Candace, Caren and Christopher. Carol’s primary focus was her husband and her children along with her parents, siblings and in-laws. Later in life, she considered herself blessed to have nine grandchildren and enjoyed every moment she spent with them. Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing her immediately found Carol to be a kind and nurturing soul. She enjoyed life’s simple pleasures; family, friends, days at the beach, a good game of golf and making her delicious meat pies at Christmas, a tradition now passed to her son Christopher. Carol is survived by her husband Curtis Echo, Jr., her children Curtis Echo III (Lisa), Candace McCarthy (Peter), Caren Foard (Herb), and Christopher Echo (Heidi). She is also survived by nine grandchildren; Kate, Mallory and Curtis Echo IV, Samuel and Caroline McCarthy, Alex Foard, Hannah, Chloe
and Molly Echo, as well as, two step-grandchildren Angela Kiser and Laura Mercadante. She leaves her siblings, Dean West (Aggie), Robert West (Monica), Julie Godfrey (Mark), Jackie Bailey (Art) and Laurie McLean (Barney), two sisters-in-law Gail Spencer (Malcom) and Susan Howard (Tom), and several special nieces and nephews. Carol was predeceased by her parents Raoul and Lucille West, her in-laws Curtis and Thelma Echo, her daughter-in-law Lisa Holden Echo and sister-in-law Donna West Carol’s family would like to express our gratitude to Dr. Julian Sprague, Dr. Sarah Gillett, Dr. Jesse Moore and Dr. Naomi Hodde for the excellent care they provided to Carol and to all of the UVMMC oncology department care givers and support staff who were incredibly kind to her. Carol was devoted to St. Jude, donations can be made in honor of Carol W. Echo at www.stjude.org. A remembrance service will take place at St. John Vianney Church, Hinesburg Road, South Burlington, VT on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024 at 10 a.m.
Full-time with a great Town Office team and excellent local government benefits, including colleagues who want you to thrive. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and aim to hire, motivate, and retain a diverse workforce across all departments. The Town of Shelburne team has grown to require an energetic, people-focused HR professional. Help all our staff achieve their best, and cultivate the spirit of public service in our town. This specialist will support all of our departments in the full suite of HR functions 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.
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When you shop for yourself, remember the Shelf! The Williston Community Food Shelf is seeing a large and increasing number of clients.
WE NEED YOUR HELP! WILLISTON COMMUNITY
FOOD SHELF
This new position is a priority for the Shelburne Selectboard, to enhance all of the Town’s services.
400 Cornerstone Drive, Suite 130, Williston • Mail Donations: PO Box 1605, Williston, VT 05495
Hours: Tu. 5-6:30 pm | Thu. 9-11 am | Sat. 9-11 am
December 21, 2023 •
Williston Observer •
Page 15
CLASSIFIEDS LEGAL
Town of Williston Notice of Public Hearing Proposed Operating and Capital Budgets January 2, 2024 Notice is hereby given that the Williston Selectboard will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at 7:30 P.M. in the Beckett/McGuire Meeting Room at Williston Town Hall to receive comments on the proposed operating budget for fiscal year 2025 and capital budget and program for fiscal years 2025 to 2030. A remote option to participate using the online platform zoom is available using the following web address: https:// us02web.zoom.us/j/8245371082. The zoom meeting can also be accessed by calling 1-646-558-8656 and entering the meeting ID 824-537-1082.
LEGAL
c/o Nick Smith requests preapplication review of the proposed ±81,000 SF commercial ministorage facility at 269 Shunpike Road in the Industrial Zoning District West (IZDW).
TOWN OF WILLISTON DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD AGENDA Monday, January 8, 2024 – 7:00 PM
DP 24-12 Pre-App Duane Merrill & Company c/o Bryan Currier requests pre-application review of the proposed 3-Lot subdivision of a 4-acre parcel to create one (1) ±1.88-acre parcel with an existing structure, one (1) ±0.89acre parcel with a proposed 9,600 SF warehouse, and one (1) ±0.76-acre parcel at 137 James Brown Drive in the Gateway Zoning District North
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 Public Forum Public Hearing DP 24-11 Pre-App Patrick O’Brien
(GZDN). DP 24-13 Allen Brook Development, Inc. c/o Brian Bertsch request discretionary permit review of a site plan amendment to create a dumpster enclosure at 100-400 Cornerstone Drive in the Mixed-Use Residential Zoning District (MURZD) and Taft Corners Form Based Code area. APP 24-02 Waldo and Mary Siple c/o Alex Goodrich appeal the zoning violation dated October 24, 2023, Re: RV Use Exceeding Duration Limits and Unpermitted Establishment of a Dwelling Unit at 1250 South Road in
CROSSWORD SOLUTION
The proposed operating budget provides for expenses of $15,198,507. This represents a 8.7% increase over the current fiscal year. The funds are used to provide municipal services including, but not limited to: Police, Fire, Highway, Library, Recreation & Parks, Planning & Zoning and General Administration.
the Agricultural/Rural Zoning District (ARZD). Communication, Final Plans and Other Business Minutes of December 12, 2023 Adjourn 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: 802-8786704 or email planning@willistonvt.org
SUDOKU SOLUTION
Puzzle found on page 12
Puzzle found on page 12
The purpose of the capital budget is to identify major physical improvements needed to serve the community for next fiscal year and for the subsequent five years. Projects include, but are not limited to: building, park, and road improvements and equipment purchase and replacement. Potential revenue sources include property taxes, impact fees, fund balance, ARPA funds and debt. For fiscal year 2025 the total proposed expenditure for capital projects and equipment funded is $3,034,050. Copies of the proposed operating and capital budgets are available for review at the Town Hall and on the Town’s website by visiting https://www.town.williston. vt.us/budget. Dated at the Town of Williston, Vermont this 11th day of December 2023. Erik Wells Town Manager
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Brian Bittner • 802-489-5210 • info@bittnerantiques.com Showroom at 2997 Shelburne Rd • Shelburne Open Wed-Fri, with walk-ins to sell every Thursday. www.bittnerantiques.com
96 Commerce Street | Williston | www.floortraderwilliston.com | (802) 204-1080
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BEAGLE BUILDERS, LLC Remodeling & Additions
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802-862-1600
Email: info@turnbaughinsurance.com 188 Allen Brook Lane, Suite 1, Williston turnbaughinsurance.com/contact
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Monkton, VT
beaglebuilders@gmavt.net
802-453-4340 CALL US!
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11 Maple Street, Street, Essex Junction, VT VT 11 Maple Essex Junction, 11Open Maple Street, Junction, VT Mon SatEssex 10-5 Sun 11-4 Open-Mon - Sat 10-5 Sun 11-4 Open Mon - Sat 10-5 Sun 11-4 5CornersAntiques.com 5CornersAntiques.com 5CornersAntiques.com
Page 16 •
Williston Observer •
December 21, 2023
CHRISTMAS CHURCH SERVICE DIRECTORY
Sunday, Dec. 24
Monday, Dec. 25
1033 Essex Rd., Williston
www.cmcvermont.org
• Sunday Service: 10 a.m • Christmas Eve Candlelight Service: 4 p.m.
1560 Williston Rd., South Burlington
www.communitylutheranvt. wpcomstaging.com
• Christmas Eve Services: Children’s Program, 10 a.m.; Candlelight Service, 7 p.m.
237 Commerce St., Williston
www.crosspointvt.org
• Sunday Service, 10 a.m.
Essex Alliance Church
37 Old Stage Rd., Essex Junction
www.essexalliance.org
• Christmas Eve Services: 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 5 p.m.
Ignite Church
1037 S. Brownell Rd., Williston
www.ignitechurchvt.com
• Sunday Service: 10 a.m. • Christmas Eve Service: 5 p.m.
Immaculate Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church
7415 Williston Rd., Williston
https://immaculateheart. vermontcatholic.org
• Mass: 6 p.m.
• Mass: 10:30 a.m.
Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church
64 West Main St., Richmond
https://immaculateheart. vermontcatholic.org
• Mass: 4 p.m.
• Mass: 8:30 a.m.
Richmond Congregational Church
20 Church St., Richmond
https://www.facebook. com/rccucc/
• Christmas Eve Family Service: 10 a.m. • Christmas Eve Lessons & Carols Service: 7 p.m.
Trinity Baptist Church
300 Trinity Drive, Williston
www.tbcvt.org
• Christmas Eve Candlelight Service: 5:30 p.m.
2025 Williston Rd., South Burlington
www.vibrant.ch
• Christmas Eve Candlelight Service: 4:30 p.m.
www.steeple.org
• Christmas Eve Services: Worship, 9:30 a.m.; Family-friendly Service, 5 p.m.; Candlelight Service, 7:30 p.m. • Christmas Eve Service at Old Brick Church: 11 p.m.
Christ Memorial Church Community Lutheran Church Crosspoint Church
Vibrant Church
Williston Federated Church
44 North Williston Rd., Williston
• Christmas Day Service: 10 a.m.
Happy Holidays! l l a m o r f t a s u f o
&
Rossi Riina r e a l
www.RRVermont.com Email: info@rrvermont.com
Thinking of buying of selling a home?
Call today! 802-448-2604
e s t a t e
62 Merchants Row Williston