Williston Observer 12/28/2023 by Williston Observer

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a retrospective BY JASON STARR Observer staff The growth of Williston went into overdrive in 2023, and along with it, a community grappling with growing pains. New retailers opened up shop, new apartment buildings welcomed residents and proposals for sizable housing subdivisions marched toward approval. And as Williston’s reputation as a viable downtown alternative to Burlington has spread, so too have the challenges of urbanization. Our Year in Review illuminates those challenges and the strides the community has made in addressing them. COTTONWOOD BLOSSOMS

An eclectic group of businesses opened in 2023 at Cottonwood Crossing, a residential and retail hub emerging on the east side of Taft Corners. Meanwhile, hundreds of apartments above the street-level stores are coming online. Community Bank was the first to open in the neighborhood in 2020, and Jr’s restaurant followed the next year. Over the past 12 months, the neighborhood has reached critical commercial mass with the openings of Champion Comics and Coffee, Align Cycling, The Body Lab pilates studio, Greene Mountain Nutrition and Smoothies, Allen Pools and Spas, Vermont Integrative MD (Dr. Sepinoud Basil), Sante Salon and a Canon sales office. With that, the new “Cottonwood Drive” is full. “It’s exciting. I think we have a nice synergy of businesses here,” Champion Comics and Coffee owner Rory Malone said. ALLEN BROOK SCHOOL OUTGROWS ITS SPACE

School administrators opened up more instructional space at Williston’s elementary school in October with the placement of two new prefabricated homes on the school’s front lawn. The space was added indefinitely to accommodate an anticipated jump in enrollment that a school district demographic study predicts will amount to about 55 students over the next five years. “This is not meant to be a longterm solu-

CLOCKWISE (l to r): North Williston Road floods after heavy rain in July. A rendering of what would be the tallest building in Williston, if approved. Mike Isham was elected to the selectboard on Town Meeting Day.

tion,” Williston Lead Principal Greg Marino said. A lasting solution would involve a permanent expansion of the school, requiring new voter-approved debt for the school district. For this school year, the new space is being used as office and meeting space for school staff, opening up rooms in the main school building for small group instruction. TOWN ADDRESSES HOUSING AFFORDABILITY

Following a February study that quantified housing affordability and availability gaps in Williston, town leaders empaneled a housing committee and passed affordable housing mandates on new development. “Inclusionary zoning” rules passed in October require housing developers to keep at least 10 percent of the homes in new neighborhoods perpetually affordable based on the area’s median income ($113,000 for a

family of four). Proposals that follow these rules will be allowed to bypass the town’s annual housing growth limits. Developers who fail to build adequate affordable housing will be assessed fees to be placed in the town’s Housing Trust Fund. A citizen housing committee created in July is tasked with recommending uses of the fund that help create affordable housing. The committee meets from 6-8 p.m. at Town Hall on the first Wednesday of every month. ISHAM JOINS SELECTBOARD, NARROWLY BEATING BECKETT

A mere three votes separated Mike Isham and Ellie Beckett in a Town Meeting Day election for a vacant seat on the Williston Selectboard. A recount confirmed Isham’s win. The owner of an Oak Hill Road farm that has been in his family since 1871, Ish-

am said he hopes to bring the perspective of rural Williston to the board. Beckett, the daughter of longtime Town Clerk Deb Beckett, continues to serve on the planning commission. The election was for just one year — the remainder of a three-year term vacated in 2022 by Gordon St. Hilaire. It will be up for election again this March. HOTELS, HOTELS, HOTELS

After a pandemic-slowed construction period marred by town code violations, a four-story hotel opened in September next to the Williston Post Office on Williston Road. The hotel is branded as a La Quinta Inn and Suites by Wyndham. Nearby, construction began on a 115room hotel in the Finney Crossing neighborhood. The hotel was the first land development application approved under the see 2023 page 2

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town’s new “form-based code” for Taft Corners, green-lighted by town staff rather than going through the citizen-led Development Review Board. The new Finney Crossing hotel will be located just yards from a 100-room Hilton that opened in Finney Crossing in 2021. “The existing hotel is doing very well, and that might give you some insight why another hotel might work,” Finney Crossing developer Scott Rieley said. GLASER SUBDIVISION PLAN CLEARS APPROVAL HURDLE

The planning commission gave near-unanimous support to the “specific plan” proposal for a 109-home neighborhood on the 100-acre Glaser parcel on Mountain View Road. The approval is one step in a multi-tiered process for the spe-

cific plan, a rarely used provision of Williston’s land use regulations that allow for zoning changes specific to a particular parcel. The Glaser family is seeking the changes to expedite construction of the homes in exchange for gifting more than half the acreage to the town. The plan is currently under review by the selectboard. The Glasers are working with former town planning director Ken Belliveau and Sheppard Custom Homes of Essex on designs for the neighborhood. They propose construction of 18 homes a year over six years with 10 percent built as perpetually affordable. They also propose giving the town 15 acres at the corner of Mountain View and Old Stage roads and 42 acres of meadow that would allow for the continued operation of the neighboring Windswept Farm equestrian facility — pending an agreement between the town and farm owners.

BOX STORE BANKRUPTCIES SHUTTER LOCAL STORES

Twentieth century retail stalwarts Bed Bath and Beyond and The Christmas Tree Shops closed their Williston stores after both companies filed for bankruptcy in 2023. The two Taft Corners locations, one in Maple Tree Place and the other near Walmart remained vacant at year’s end. Jeff Davis, owner of the Bed Bath and Beyond building, said he expects a new retail tenant will eventually take over the 40,000-square-foot building, which was built in 1999. “The location is great because it’s near a bunch of the other retailers that are really doing well,” Davis said, “so it’s likely someone is going to be interested in it from a retail concept.” LIBRARY EXPANSION, COMMUNITY CENTER RECOMMENDED

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ing options for expanding the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library and creating a community center presented its findings in November, recommending a doubling in size of the library and phased construction of a new community center in Taft Corners. The recommendations, made after taking public input and consulting with an architect, are aspirational: Town Manager Erik Wells noted that the town currently doesn’t have the funding or land to complete the projects. “Certainly there would need to be some public bonding, and debt would need to be taken on,” Wells said. The library expansion is drawn up as a two story addition to the back of the library on the Village Green, adding about 9,000 square feet. The committee did not pinpoint a specific location for the community center, but said Taft Corners is where the majority of

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Flooding in July closed North Williston Road.

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new housing is expected to be built and where public transportation is available. It is envisioned as a two-phase project with a first phase housing a gym, fitness studio, locker rooms, classroom space and a community room with a kitchen, and a second phase including a pool and splash pad. “A pool was the top requested item with nearly 50 percent of respondents mentioning a pool,” the committee noted in its written report. WINOOSKI RIVER FLOODS TWICE

At the Williston-Essex town line near the dairy operations of the Whitcomb family farm, the Winooski River overflowed its banks in both July and December of 2023. July’s storm brought 6 inches of rain upstream of Williston, while December’s 2-plus inches combined with melting snowpack to overwhelm the river. Both floods temporarily closed roads, including the bridge that connects Essex and Williston. The July floods, while more impactful in other parts of Vermont, flooded Whitcomb’s corn fields and pumpkin fields, but didn’t cause lasting damage. “The main issue is the silt in the water gets in the corn and makes it real dirty, but it’s early enough in the season now that, after the water drops down, the normal rains will clean it off,” farm owner Lorenzo Whitcomb said in July. “I don’t think we’ll have too big of an issue.”

na in the steeple of the Old Brick Church, a proposal the company first floated in 2018. The Old Brick Church Trustees voted in support of the proposal during their May meeting, and a company representative presented the plan to the selectboard in July. The selectboard made no formal endorsement. Verizon believes the antenna would improve mobile phone service in Williston Village, a notorious cell service dead zone. In addition to the antenna, the project would involve construction of a room off the back side of the church to house communication equipment. The company would lease the space from the town for $24,000 a year. The Old Brick Church was built in 1832 and later given to the town. It is on the National Historic Register. CATAMOUNT LOGGED FOR RESEARCH PROJECT

Hundreds of trees surrounding the Catamount Community Forest’s most popular biking, hiking and skiing trails were cut down in September to facilitate climate research.

Project leader Ethan Tapper, the Chittenden County Forester, said he chose the highest-use acreage partly as a way to increase the visibility of the research project. The project is a part of an international forestry research efcelebrate sober 2023.indd 27 fort called “Adaptive Silviculture for Climate Change.” It is an attempt to demonstrate how biodiversity and ecological integrity NOW THROUGH JANUARY 15, 2024 can be protected on a warming planet. It’s being undertaken with NEW MEMBERS UVM Forestry Program Director 3 MONTHS Tony D’Amato.

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POLICE LIEUTENANT RESIGNS AFTER BEING PLACED ON LEAVE

The Williston Police Department lost its second-in-command when Lt. Josh Moore resigned in October. The resignation came after Moore was placed on administrative leave four months earlier for reasons the town has kept confidential. A separation agreement required Moore to resign and not seek re-employment with the town. The agreement was “a resolution of all issues and claims related to” Moore’s employment see 2023 page 4

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Williston Observer • December 28, 2023

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with the town. In it, both he and the town agreed to waive any right to future lawsuits against each other. Moore ascended to the department’s lone lieutenant spot in 2019, a managerial position created by Police Chief Patrick Foley partly as a way to groom his successor. The resignation leaves the department without a clear successor to Foley, who turned 70 this year. HANDY FAMILY BUYS FORMER FRIENDLY’S SPOT

The former Friendly’s restaurant parcel at the corner of Routes 2 and 2A in Taft Corners was purchased in October by members of the Handy family — one of the Burlington area’s more prominent landowning families. The restaurant, one of the first national chains to locate in Williston in the 1980s, closed in 2022. Anthony Handy said he is hoping to land a new restauranteur to lease the building and return it to food service. “There are quite a few people who are interested in it,” Handy said in November. “We are waiting to see who is the best fit.” A hotel on Williston Road opened in October, top. A second hotel, bottom, is planned for Finney Crossing.

POLICE STRUGGLE WITH RISE OF RETAIL THEFT

A short-staffed Williston Police Department is struggling to control a consistent stream of retail theft from Taft Corners businesses. The most recent data, submitted in a November report to the Williston Selectboard by consultant Jim Baker, shows re-

tail arrests more than doubled from 2021 to 2022. But many of the thefts go unreported due to the corporate policies of some of the national retailers with stores in town. “It is happening on a daily basis, several times a day,” Williston Community Justice Center Executive Director Cristalee McSweeney said. To handle the crime that is occurring, and the needs of a community whose population is projected to grow, Baker recommends the department add 11 officers to its staff, despite the fact that the town is having trouble finding and retaining staff for its existing openings — as are law enforcement agencies around the region. “The Williston Police Department has not kept pace with (the town’s) growth and now faces the need for an investment to meet the current and future needs of the community,” Baker’s report states. WILLISTON’S TALLEST BUILDING PROPOSED

A six-story retail and residential building is proposed for a parcel just south of the intersection of Routes 2 and 2A. At nearly 90 feet tall, it would be the town’s tallest building. The proposal is under review by the Williston Planning Department, an expedited review allowed under the town’s new land use regulations for Taft Corners. The building is the first mixed-use building proposed under the new regulations. The building is designed with street-level retail space and five stories of apartments — a mix of 59 studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units. TD Bank plans to move its nearby branch into one of the ground-level commercial spots, according to landowner Jeff Mongeon.

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Williston Observer • Page 5

Lawmakers to renew push for overdose prevention sites Gov. Scott remains opposed to the concept BY PATRICK CROWLEY VTDigger Among the first orders of business in the Vermont House this session is likely to be a bill that would provide the legal framework and funding to launch overdose prevention sites in the state, Rep. Diane Lanpher, D-Vergennes, chair of the House Appropriations Committee, told members of her committee last Tuesday. The legislation could set up a showdown with Gov. Phil Scott, who reinforced last Wednesday that he is opposed to the concept. Lanpher said she had the bill scheduled for the appropriations committee to take up on Jan. 3. During a pre-session meeting, Rep. Theresa Wood, D-Waterbury, chair of the House Human Services Committee and a sponsor of the bill, said that while the current language of the bill, H.72 — which was significantly amended after its introduction — would fund a sin-

gle site with $1 million, she hopes lawmakers will amend it to fund two sites at a cost of around $2 million. “One of the things that is really propelling us forward on this is to try to prevent additional deaths in the State of Vermont due to overdoses,” Wood said. “And we firmly believe — and the data does support this — that this is another tool in our toolbox.” Wood said her committee has already heard “significant interest” from communities wanting to host the overdose prevention sites, which would allow for a supervised location where pre-obtained substances can be injected using clean needles and supplies. Staff on site would be prepared to reverse an overdose if needed. “The City of Burlington is ready, willing and anxious to host a site,” Wood said. “We would also like to establish one in southern Vermont.” Wood also said she thought that based on recent conversations, Health Commissioner Mark Levine had “softened” his stance on the

sites. In 2022, Gov. Phil Scott vetoed a bill that would have led to a study of how harm prevention sites might operate in Vermont. Asked about his administration’s current stance on harm reduction sites during a press conference last week, Scott said, “there’s no softening from my standpoint.” Jason Maulucci, a spokesperson for Scott, said in an email that the governor “continues to believe the unproven sites would divert resources away from more impactful and proven harm reduction, treatment and prevention strategies. They also remain federally illegal, which is not contemplated in the bill.” Scott said during the press conference that he hadn’t read the most recent version of the bill. Maulucci said the governor was concerned about language in the bill as introduced, portions of which had a stated goal of “reducing the criminalization of personal drug use,” according to the original language. The bill as amended would only provide immunity from drug possession charges for someone using

or working at an overdose prevention site, as well as a site’s property owner. Maulucci said the governor was concerned that the decriminalization language from the original version could still be reintroduced before passage. H.72 was introduced last year primarily focused on immunity for “safer drug consumption” programs, but it did not fund any prevention sites specifically. The bill was amended in early May by the House Ways & Means Committee, but did not return to the floor. To pay for the sites, the revised bill proposes drawing from the “manufacturer fee” fund, which charges pharmaceutical companies that participate in state-run health insurance programs an annual fee based on total prescription drug spending. Under the bill, that fee would increase to 2.25 percent from 1.75 percent. Wood said that fund was chosen over the opioid settlement funds due to the manufacturer fee being available “in perpetuity” rather than the settlement, which is time-limited.

Rep. Taylor Small, P/D-Winooski, one of the bill’s sponsors and a member of the human services committee, said the committee heard testimony from researchers working in British Columbia, Canada, and Rhode Island that changed the overdose prevention site concept from being something “theoretical” to something “tangible.” But she also said it wouldn’t be a “silver bullet.” “This is not going to solve all the problems when it comes to overdoses in our communities,” Small said. “But it’s necessary in order to get folks into treatment.” Wood told members of the appropriations committee that just a few years ago, she would not have supported overdose prevention sites, but after record overdoses in the state, she was now an enthusiastic supporter and hoped other House members would see that it’s the “right next step.” “I stand here today in front of your committee saying that it is absolutely the thing that we need to do,” she said, before adding, “one of the things that we need to do.”

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Williston Observer • December 28, 2023

It shouldn’t be so easy to do nothing about plastic

BY REED PARKER Williston Energy Committee

The plastic liquid bottle was invented in 1973 and rapidly replaced glass bottles. PHOTO COURTESY OF PEXELS.COM

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For those of us of a certain age, we remember Bakelite, that hard brown or black early form of plastic that was used for AM radio and TV cases, light switches and rotary phones. With its invention in 1907, polymer-based plastic forever changed civilization by giving us a moldable, lightweight and durable product that could often be produced at a lower cost than similar products made of metals, wood, glass and other natural materials. Before plastic, there was balance in place in civilization where much of the unwanted and wornout materials were collected to be formatted into a new product. Think of the historical “junkman” who collected metal, paper of all types and cloth, making a living reselling to manufacturing businesses.

A large percentage of our plastic packaging is not easily recycled. Plastic caused a significant shift in this balance, as it isn’t easily recycled into a new product. Across the planet and especially in highly developed countries such as our own, we make use of manufactured plastic products without thinking about the overall disposal cost and the associated impact on the atmosphere, land and water. Not addressing the complete cost and impact is the act of doing nothing. Let’s look further at plastic and what doing nothing really means. Plastic was primarily used to create durable products until 1960 when the disposable plastic

shopping bag was invented. By the 1970s, single use plastic products had skyrocketed with much of these items ending up in the dump. The bane of all was the invention of the plastic liquid bottle in 1973, which rapidly replaced glass bottles. While we have effective plastic recycling programs for common items such as bottles, a large percentage of our plastic packaging is not easily recycled. We’re facing a significant challenge today to our belief in the familiar universal 3-arrow recycling symbol on plastic packaging with the numbers 1 through 7. Realizing that plastic is not uniformly recyclable across the country, the EPA has recommended removal of the symbol. Plastic manufacturers have begun printing the symbol without any numbers and are adding the statement that the plastic may be recyclable. This is the act of dosee PLASTIC page 7

December 28, 2023 •

Wildlife crossing connecting Green Mountains moves forward BY EMMA COTTON VTDigger In western Waterbury, two forested blocks along the spine of the Green Mountains — one 72,000 acres and the other 54,000 acres — are separated by the busiest stretch of highway in Vermont. North and south of the roads, the forests are home to deer, moose, bear, mink, fish and many more species. “Really, any species — the vast majority of species in Vermont — are present in this area,” said Jens Hawkins-Hilke, conservation planner with the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department. A study about the roadways — Route 2 and Interstate 89 — conducted by Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) and Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, confirmed what members of both

Plastic

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ing nothing as responsibility of recycling falls fully on the consumer. Seeing no easy solution, the consumer often takes the easy route by throwing much of the non-standard plastic in the trash. For Chittenden County residents, this means hiding it in the Coventry landfill. Doing nothing with plastic waste can’t be a viable long-term solution. The problem side of plastic is the perceived value of single use containers for food, bags, water bottles and a myriad of packaging products. Manufacturers fully understand the cost of creating single use plastic items and include that cost when delivering a product to the end consumer. The long-term solution to single-use plastic waste is managing the disposal cost, which requires active participation by the manufacturer, consumer and government entities. The shift to recycle most plastic requires a nudge on humanity and an acceptance that there is a cost of doing nothing. An example of a company with a solution is TerraCycle, which has partnered locally with Casella Waste Management to accept a great deal of plastic products that are not easily recyclable. These plastic products include coffee pods, bags of all sorts, cosmetic containers and more. They process the plastic into durable outdoor furniture. But this comes at a cost and a change of mindset for the consumer.

The roads (are) splitting a major wildlife movement area along the spine of the Green Mountains into two parts, posing risks to both wildlife and people driving when animals attempt to cross.

Williston Observer • Page 7

Rest Assured

groups suspected: The roads are splitting a major wildlife movement area along the spine of the Green Mountains into two parts, posing risks to both wildlife and people driving when animals attempt to cross. see CROSSING page 8

Casella/TerraCycle offers various options for recycling, including individual recycling pouches at $10 per small pouch or $15 per large pouch. You can purchase them in larger quantities for a discounted price. You can then bring filled pouches to a dropoff station (currently there is one drop-off site, on River Road in Richmond). After several months of collecting plastic, I was able to drop off 10 TerraCycle bags at Casella. Now, I’m starting over. A more viable solution is combined community action utilizing community centers and schools for more dispersed collection sites. There will be a cost for those who participate that is worth paying instead of doing nothing. Plastic will remain in our civilization as it provides a valuable long-lasting material in so many products used by both businesses and consumers. Let’s all give ourselves a nudge to investigate the true cost of plastic disposal and start using alternative methods of recycling, or better yet, alternatives to plastic where available. 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 agenda for upcoming meetings is posted on the Town of Williston website (www.town.williston. vt.us). For more information, visit: https:// www.willistonvtenergycommittee.org.

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Williston Observer • December 28, 2023

Crossing

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“The conclusion of that study was, should you ever run into buckets of money, here are a couple of sites that you should consider for reconnecting the spine of the Green Mountains,” said Chris Slesar, environmental resources coordinator at VTrans. Recently, Vermont officials learned they would receive at least one bucket of money to kick-start the design phase of such a project. The Biden Administration has announced that Vermont will receive $1.6 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration to begin reconnecting the two forest areas. The money will fund only the design phase of the project. If it moves forward, the project would involve converting a long, skinny culvert that runs underneath both Route 2 and the north and southbound lanes

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An artist’s rendering of a state project to create a new wildlife corridor beneath Interstate 89 in Waterbury. VERMONT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RENDERING

of I-89 into an underpass. Wildlife could move underneath the roadways freely. The existing culvert is 5 feet wide and 390 feet long, according to Slesar, and it ineffectively channels a 20-foot-wide tributary to the Winooski River. Hawkins-Hilke described how water can shoot out of the downstream end of the culvert during wet times.

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“It shoots water straight out like a fire hose,” he said. “We can see the scarring on the ground 20, 30, 40 feet away from the end of the culvert.” The department has set cameras up to monitor wildlife in the area. The cameras have only ever recorded one mink passing through the culvert. “There’s a pinhole of light at the end of it,” Hawkins-Hilke

said. “The vast majority of species won’t go through that.” In the proposed project, the tributary would run freely through the valley below the roadways, allowing fish to move more easily. Wildlife could walk alongside the river, or along an earthen pathway built higher on the slope that will accommodate more types of wildlife. Slesar, with VTrans, expects the final project to be expensive. It would involve excavating through a large amount of fill that currently sits between the problematic culvert and the roadways. But the agency is “committed to this project,” he said. Out of 60 applicants, Vermont is one of 17 states to receive some of the $110 million that the federal government has allocated to improving wildlife-vehicle collisions. Strategies that could be funded include constructing wildlife crossings over and below busy roads, adding fencing, buying tracking and mapping tools, and more. Over five years, the federal government plans to distribute a total of $350 million, and Vermont plans to apply to the second round of funding to move forward with the project, Slesar said. “The Federal Highway Administration has skin in the

game already,” he said. “They’ve committed $1.62 million for this. So, you know, we don’t want to count our chickens, but we’re fairly confident that this project has traction.” Connecting the two wildlife areas could have impacts beyond direct safety improvements to animals and passengers, Hawkins-Hilke said. The project is also about climate resilience and climate adaptation, he said. Entire populations are adjusting their ranges of movement in response to climate change by an average of a mile per year, and Vermont is “the crossroads of connectivity across the entire north, Northeast U.S. and southern Canada,” he said. The northern Appalachian mountains are connected to the Green Mountains, too. “Wildlife are adjusting their range in the face of climate change, and they’re moving up the Appalachians,” Hawkins-Hilke said. “(Interstate) 89 is one of the most significant barriers along the Greens. And so, we’re not just replacing one bridge, we’re allowing for plant and animal movement across this whole Green Mountain chain and up into the mountains of Quebec, and down in the Taconics in Massachusetts, and so forth.”

December 28, 2023 •

INSTRUCTORS WANTED

The Recreation and Parks Department’s Spring/Summer Program Guide will be out in mid-February. The Department is currently looking for instructors. The deadline to make it into the Program Guide is Feb. 1. The deadline to make the Camp Guide is Jan. 21. Fill out a Program Proposal Form at www.willistonrec.org.

FAMILY PROGRAMS HOLIDAY DECORATING CONTEST JUDGING

Community members are welcome to judge the homes and businesses that are participating in the Williston Holiday Decorating Contest. Go out, view the decorated homes/businesses and judge them using the form at www. willistonrec.org. Judging ends Friday, Dec. 29. Winners will be announced Jan. 4. TABLE TENNIS

Ages 12-plus. Come out and play, stay fit and meet new people. This program is open to all experience levels. Players should bring their own paddles (a limited num-

Dec. 15 at 11:06 a.m. — Report of a retail theft at Walmart. Female took off and led officers on a short pursuit. Pursuit was called off. Female was located a short while later in a stolen U-Haul truck. The female, age 40, was issued a citation to appear in court. Dec. 15 at 5:55 p.m. — Report of a retail theft at Walmart. A male, age 45, was issued a citation to appear in court. Dec. 16 at 11:59 a.m. — Report of a retail theft at Home Depot. A male, age 55, was issued a citation to appear in court. Dec. 16 at 1:51 p.m. — Assisted the Williston Fire Department and wildlife rehabilitators with rescuing an injured goose on Williston Road.

ber of loaner paddles are available). Players under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Register ahead.

YOUTH PROGRAMS BASKETBALL REFEREES WANTED

The rec department is looking for basketball referees in January and February for Youth Rec Basketball programs. Referees are needed for grades 1-8 programs. If interested, contact the rec department at recreation@willistonvt.org. KINDERREC BASKETBALL

Ages 5-6. This is a parent/ child program designed to teach the fundamentals of the game. Each week, youngsters will be introduced to a new skill and fun activities that will enhance their learning. This program meets on Saturdays in January and February. Instructors: Rec Department staff GRADE 1-2 BASKETBALL

This program provides the opportunity for youngsters to learn the game, improve their skills and enjoy playing. This program

Dec. 17 at 12:24 a.m. — Report of an intoxicated male in the Walmart parking lot. A male, age 41, had an active arrest warrant. He was transported to the correctional facility. Dec. 18 at 11:41 a.m. — Report of a retail theft at Dick’s Sporting Goods. Male was issued a notice of trespass. Dec. 18 at 1:03 p.m. — Assisted Williston Highway Department with closing down roads due to flooding. Dec. 18 at 10:24 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Walmart. A female, age 35, was issued a citation to appear in court. Dec. 19 at 1:29 a.m. — Vehicle traveling the wrong way on the interstate. Male, age 21, was is-

meets on Saturdays in January and February. One-hour sessions will consist of a practice and scrimmage time. Parent volunteers are needed to coach teams. Sign up to coach when registering your child. LEARN TO SKI/RIDE

There is still time to register for the Learn to Ski/Ride program. Deadline to register is Wednesday, Jan. 3. NINJA KIDS INTRO

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

ADULT PROGRAMS @ THE R.E.C. ZONE 94 Harvest Lane, Williston. JAZZERCISE/DANCE

• Mondays — Jazzercise, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. • Tuesdays — Jazzercise, 4:455:45 p.m. • Wednesdays — Jazzercise, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. and Get Fit w/ Jazzy, 5:45-6:30 p.m. • Fridays — Retro Dance. 9:4510:45 a.m.

sued a citation to appear in court for suspicion of DUI. Dec. 19 at 8:40 a.m. — Report of a female going through the dumpsters on Munson Drive. Female was moved along. Dec. 19 at 4:48 p.m. — Report of a retail theft at Marshalls. Suspects took off in a stolen vehicle and fled the scene. Case is still under investigation. Dec. 20 at 1:34 p.m. — Report of a disturbance at Xfinity. Male was moved along. Dec. 21 at 9:49 a.m. — Retail theft reported at Petsmart. All parties were issued a notice of trespass. Dec. 21 at 4:59 p.m. —Report of a female causing a disturbance in Walmart. Female was located and issued a notice of trespass. Officers also responded to five alarm activations, 13 motor vehicle crashes and conducted 23 traffic stops during this time frame.

GENTLE YOGA

This class provides all of the benefits of yoga in a slower pace with a focus on increasing flexibility, releasing tension and improving strength. A gentle exploration of range of motion allows each person to determine their level of flexibility and proceed with an inward focus. Program starts Jan. 15 and is open to all ages but is geared toward 50-plus. Instructor: Jean Burke HULA HOOP FLOW

This program teaches foundational Hula Hoop tricks and transitions and combines these

Williston Observer • Page 9

movements to create a f lowing dance. Improve balance, dexterity, strength and coordination. There are so many variations and ways to use the hoop. The program starts Jan. 9 and is open to all ages but is geared toward 50-plus. Instructor: Karla Jones HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE CLASS

Hosted by University of Vermont Medical Center at the R.E.C Zone, 94 Harvest Lane. Learn the basics of controlling high blood pressure through eating healthier, becoming more active and more. Jan. 23-March 12, Tuesdays, 2-3:30 pm.

Seasons Greetings! 30 YEARS

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Page 10release • Williston • 5,December 28, 2023 dates: Dec.Observer 30, 2023-Jan. 2024

52 (23)

Next Week: A Kids’ 2024 Calendar

Founded by Betty Debnam

All About North Carolina

Shute Cove in North Carolina is one of many places in the state that offer gorgeous views. photo by petechar

North Carolina, a Southern state, stretches from the Atlantic Ocean on the east through farmlands and hills to the mountains of the western border. The state is a leader in the production of wooden furniture, tobacco goods and chemicals. Services such as health care, research, and financial and medical facilities are also important. The first English settlers built their colony on Roanoke Island off the North Carolina coast in 1585 and 1587. Virginia Dare, the first English child born in America, was born on Roanoke Island in 1587. North Carolina became the 12th state in 1789. Today the state has more than 10.5 million people and is the ninth-most populated state. Agricultural income includes money from chicken, hogs, peanuts, corn, soybeans and tobacco.

photo by Karen

12th state

Three hundred miles of the Appalachian Trail wind through the mountains. The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, with 250 rooms, is the largest privately owned home in America. The state bird is the cardinal. Charlotte is the largest city. It is a big financial center. It was named after Queen Charlotte of England. The state flower is the dogwood. Durham has many hospitals and is known as the City of Medicine. It is also the home of Duke University. Emeralds are among the gems found in the state. North Carolina is called “nature’s sample case,” with more than 300 different minerals. The nickname “Tarheel State” arose during the Civil War. North Carolina soldiers threatened to smear tar on retreating Confederate soldiers so they would “stick” better in the next fight. The longleaf pine is the state tree. Forests cover 57% of the state. Kill Devil Hills on the coast is the site of the Wright Brothers’ first flight of a powered airplane. Wright Brothers Memorial photo by Ken Lund

With beautiful mountain views and even a centuries-old island mystery, North Carolina has a lot to offer both residents and tourists. The Mini Page learns more about what makes North Carolina special this week.

Facts

Try ’n’ Find

Roanoke Island is bordered by North Carolina’s Outer Banks, which is a string of barrier islands. The Lost Colony on Roanoke Island was the name of an English Roanoke Island settlement established in 1587 that disappeared. A group of nearly 120 people sailed by ship from England to America early in 1587. Once the colonists got to North Carolina, they were faced with harsh conditions. There was very little food, and the only other people were local tribes, which they often clashed with. The colonists soon realized they were not prepared to survive, so a man named John White returned to England for assistance. When he went back to the island three years later, everyone had vanished. The settlement had been abandoned. The only clues left by the settlers on Roanoke Island were the word “Croatoan” carved into a fence post and the word “Cro” carved into a tree. The colonists were never heard from again. What happened to them is still a mystery.

Resources On the Web:

• youtu.be/ ekLtTY0MOzY

At the library:

• “North Carolina: What’s So Great About This State?” by Kate Boehm Jerome • “Raleigh and the State of North Carolina” by Kate Boehm Jerome

Mini Jokes

Words that remind us of North Carolina are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find: CARDINAL, CHICKEN, COLONIST, CORN, DOGWOOD, EMERALD, FOOD, HOG, ISLAND, MOUNTAINS, PEANUT, PINE, ROANOKE, SETTLER, SOYBEANS, TAR HEEL, TOBACCO.

The Lost Colony

Mini Fact:

photo by tehsuck

Issue 52, 2023

C H I C P I N E O L A N P E A N L E E H D N A L E T O T D L A R

K E N S J E Q N I D R A U T A E R A T B S I I Y S I N O E M E S

T Y G T I U C D A L O B H G X T W J L O C T O Y

R E L T T E S F

I M F O O O Y U O O N D U T N H A J O I C G N O

Noelle: Who was the penguin’s favorite relative? Noah: Aunt Arctica!

Eco Note New research finds that Antarctica is probably warming at twice the rate as the rest of the world, and much more rapidly than predicted

Agricultural income includes money from chicken, hogs, peanuts, corn, soybeans and tobacco.

Brothers’ first flight of a powered airplane.

Wright Brothers Memorial

• “North Carolina: What’s So Great About This State?” by Kate Boehm Jerome • “Raleigh and the State of North Carolina” Jerome Decemberby 28,Kate 2023 Boehm • Williston Observer • Page 11

photo by Ken

Facts

Try ’n’ Find

Mini Jokes

C H I C K E N S P I N E J E Q N O L A N I D R A P E A N U T A E L E E H R A T B D N A L S I I Y E T O T S I N O D L A R E M E S Y R O A N O K E X J T Y T O B A

Noelle: Who was the penguin’s favorite relative? Noah: Aunt Arctica!

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

Eco Note New research finds that Antarctica is probably warming at twice the rate as the rest of the world, and much more rapidly than predicted by climate change models. By looking at 78 ice core samples across the continent, which reveal climate details as far back as 1,000 years, researchers determined that the current warming is much greater than could be expected by natural variations. This could have dire consequences for coastal communities worldwide due to the potential of much higher sea level rises from a melting Antarctica than currently projected.

Cook’s Corner Mild Mango Salsa

What to do: 1. Combine first four ingredients in medium-size bowl. 2. Stir in lime juice and pinch of salt. 3. Chill for 30 minutes to combine flavors. 4. Serve with chips, or as a side dish with chicken, pork or fish.

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.

CHAP TER

VER

TERM KAN LO

ROO

ITE

Answers: fever, kangaroo, joke, chapter, termite, liar, lotion.

1. high body temperature (5) 2. hopping marsupial (8) 3. funny story (4) 4. section of a book (7) 5. bug that eats wood (7) 6. person you can’t believe (4) 7. skin conditioner (6)

adapted with permission from Earthweek.com

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

• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice • Pinch of salt

You’ll need: • 1 ripe mango, diced (about 1 1/2 cups) • 1/3 cup chopped cilantro • 1/3 cup chopped red bell pepper • 1/4 cup chopped red onion (optional)

For later:

Look in the newspaper for articles that include North Carolina.

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

Page 12

•

Williston Observer •

December 28, 2023

SAVVY SENIOR

Tips on caring for an aging parent Dear Savvy Senior, Where can I turn for caregiving help? I help take care of

my 80-year-old father and work too, and it’s wearing me out. Worn Out Wendy

We’re listening. From Green Burial to Pet Memorials, our goal is to provide the services and care you need. To learn more, contact us today. • Burial/Cremation Services • Green Burials • Traditional Funerals • Memorial Services • Pre-arranged Funeral Planning • Out-of-town & Foreign Services

Dear Wendy, Taking care of an aging parent over a period of time — especially when juggling work and other family obligations — can be exhausting. But help and resources are available. Here’s what you should know. To help you determine and prioritize the kinds of help you need, a good first step is to make a detailed list of everything you do as your dad’s caregiver and the amount of time each task takes. Identify the times when you need help the most and which tasks others might be able to do for you. Then list the types of care needed, such as simple companionship or doing active chores, like shopping or running errands. Once you determine this, here are some tips and places you can reach out to for help.

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Williston Observer

If you have siblings or other loved ones close by, start by asking them if they could come and help with specific tasks. And see if friends, neighbors or faith group members could help too. You also need to check into local resources that may be available. Many communities offer a range of free or subsidized services that help seniors and caregivers with basic needs, such as home delivered meals, transportation, senior companion services and respite services, which offers short-term care so you can

By Jim Miller There are also a bevy of online services you can use to help you save time on certain chores, for example, online grocery shopping and home delivery, and online pharmacy medication refills and delivery. You can also order meal kits or premade meals online through numerous meal service delivery companies and arrange needed transportation with ride-sharing services like Lyft and Uber. Or, if you can afford it, you may want to consider hiring someone a few hours a week to help with things like cooking, housekeeping or even personal care. Costs can run anywhere from $12 up to $25 per

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If you’re handling your dad’s financial chores, make things easier by arranging for direct deposit for his income sources, and set up automatic payments for his utilities and other routine bills. You may also want to set up online banking so you can pay bills and monitor his account anytime. Or, if you need help, consider hiring a bill paying service like Silver Bills (www.SilverBills.com), which charges a flat fee of $150 per month. BenefitsCheckup.org is another excellent tool to look for financial assistance programs that may help your dad, particularly if he’s lower income. TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

To help you keep tabs on your dad when you are away at work or if he lives alone, there are affordable technology devices that can help. For example, there are medical alert systems and smart speakers that help with communication and allow him to call for help if needed. Home video cameras with twoway speakers allow you to monitor and talk to him when you’re away. Electronic pill boxes can notify you if he has taken his medications. And to help you coordinate his care with other members of his care team, there are websites like www.LotsAHelpingHands.com. OTHER RESOURCES

Visit willistonobserver.com to see current and past photos of Williston events, school sports, nature shots and more!

hour. Care.com or CareLinx.com are two good websites to help you find someone, or you can work with a local home care agency. FINANCIAL AIDS

IDENTIFY YOUR NEEDS

CARE HELPERS

• Pet Memorials

take an occasional break. Call your nearby Area Aging Agency (800677-1116) for referrals to services.

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There are also a number of other organizations you can draw on for additional information, like the Family Care Alliance (www. Caregiver.org), which provides a state-by-state listing of caregiving programs and services; the Alzheimer’s Association (www.ALZ. org/help-support/caregiving) that provides information unique to the challenges of dementia caregivers; and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (www.Caregiver. va.gov), which offers caregiver support services to veterans and spouses. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org.

December 28, 2023 •

Williston Observer • Page 13

CROSSWORD • SOLUTION ON PAGE 15

TODAY’S HISTORY:

• In 1832, John C. Calhoun became the first U.S. vice president to resign his office. • In 1846, Iowa was admitted as the 29th U.S. state. • In 1912, San Francisco’s first municipally owned streetcars began service. • In 1973, President Richard Nixon signed the Endangered Species Act into law. • In 1981, the first American “test-tube baby” was born in Norfolk, VA

TODAY’S FACT:

• “Marvel Comics” was the first pulp fantasy comic book series published by Timely Comics, debuting in August 1939. Timely Comics editor Stan Lee reincorporated the name in 1961, publishing all of the company’s comic books under the brand name Marvel Comics.

SUDOKU • SOLUTION ON PAGE 15

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Page 14

•

Williston Observer •

December 28, 2023

OBITUARIES

Leonard S. Mercia Leonard S. Mercia of The Pines Senior Living, South Burlington, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and step-father went to be with the lord on Nov. 30. 2023. Leonard was born in Morrisville, VT, Feb. 1, 1923, the son of Ernest and Gladys Mercia. He graduated from Peoples Academy in 1941 and received his B.S. Degree in Agriculture from the University of Vermont in 1950 and his M.S. Degree from the Ohio State University in 1952. Len, as he was known to his friends, enlisted in the Army Air Corps on Jan. 12, 1942. He served as Crew Chief and Aerial Engineer while stationed in the United States and in North Africa with the Air Transport Command. He was honorably discharged in 1946. He was a charter member of the Vermont Air Guard from 1946 until 1950 and was in the reserve until his discharge from the Army in 1954. Len was employed by the Ohio Poultry Improvement Assoc. as Assistant Field Manager from 1952 to 1954. In 1954 he joined the staff of the University of Vermont and State Agricultural College as an Extension Poultryman and was a professor in the Animal Science Department until his retirement in 1983. While at UVM he did teaching and research and Extension work. He was the author of many Extension publications which were used by poultry producers and youth with 4-H poultry projects. He also authored two books — “Storey’s Guide to Raising Poultry” and “Storey’s Guide to Raising Turkeys.” These have been published in Spanish and English and received wide acceptance in foreign countries as well as the United States. In 1984 Len served as a poul-

try consultant in Kenya and exemplary record of service and ie), Kathie; son-in-law Henry odist Church where they made Uganda, Africa. In 1987 he spent commitment to fulfill the land Benis; stepson Kerry Loner- many new friends. A memorial several weeks in Honduras as grant mission to serve the people gan, step-daughters Kim Couch service to celebrate the life of and Kathy-Jo Lonergan; 12 Leonard Mercia will be held at Poultry Consultant for Partners of Vermont. Len was a member of the Wil- great-grandchildren. 12 grand- Faith Church, 899 Dorset St., So. of the Americas. He also served as secretary of the Vermont Poul- liston Federated Church from children; 3 step-grandsons, and Burlington, VT 05403 on a date try Association and secretary/ 1954 to 1989 and joined the First many more dearly beloved ex- to be announced. A reception treasurer of the Vermont Feed United Methodist Church in Bur- tended family members and will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations Dealers and Manufacturers As- lington in 1989. He had a love of friends. He was predeceased by music and he and Shirley sang in his first wife Barbara Martin, may be made to Faith Church or soc. for many years. Len was an avid skier, fisher- the church choir. They also loved daughter Marilyn Benis, and UVM Foundation, Grassemont Building, 411 Main St., Burlman, and hunter. He loved skiing singing duets together in church brother Norris (Ellie) When Shirley and Len moved ington, VT 05401. Funeral arin the Alps in Europe and in the as well as nursing homes, senior deep powder snow out west, in centers, and the Respite House. from Williston to So. Burlington, rangements are under the care of addition to skiing in Vermont. They always looked forward to they attended Faith United Meth- Corbin and Palmer. For about twenty years he made singing 14 years with the Cola yearly trip to Tuckerman’s Ra- chester Community Chorus. They volunteered 9 years at vine in New Hampshire where he and his skiing friends hiked up Allen Brook School in Williston the mountain with skis and ski and the teachers and students alboots on their backs and skied ways looked forward to hearing them sing in the annual variety straight down the headwall. He was an accomplished show at the Williston Central woodcrafter and enjoyed mak- School. Len made a little birch ing reproductions of dry sinks, canoe and he and Shirley sang a cabinets, and grandfather clocks, duet “On Lake Champlain in My as well as doing furniture resto- Little Birch Canoe” which was a Prekindergarten Lottery is now open for 2024-2025! Immediate Job Openings big hit in both the Variety Show ration. Prekindergarten Lottery is now open for 2024-2025! Len and his wife Shirley did and one spring concert with the The CVSD Early Education Program is now accepting applications for extensive traveling for nine years Colchester chorus. Maintenance Technician – Skilled a randomProgram prekindergarten lottery drawing applications for the 2024-25 for school CVSD isfornow accepting a random Len andThe Shirley lovedEarly doingEducation throughout the United States Immediate opening a skilled technician withofmechanical, year. This lottery is for an opportunity to enroll in one our schooldrawing for theconstruction 2024-25 school year.knowledge. This lottery work together. Theylottery in their R.V. Later they enjoyed volunteer prekindergarten plumbing & heating, andper electrical Thisis for an based classrooms which run 10 hours week. Our school-based in Fletcher one of ourprekindergarten school-based classrooms which run 10 hours per week. Ou years at many trips abroad to Spain, Italy, volunteeredto5enroll position will include day to day building needs for Williston Central classrooms are 5 STARs, licensed early education Care and 2 years and the British Isles. They also Allen Health & Allen Brook School. Full time, full year 7:00 am 3:30 pm. based prekindergarten classrooms are 5play-based, STARs, developmentally licensed earlyappropriate education progra programs that provide department at Essex enjoyed taking cruises to the Ca- in the music provide play-based, developmentally appropriate environments all children in a environments for all children in an inclusive setting. Ourfor curriculum Jct. Prekindergarten Summit St. School, in addiribbean and Alaska. Preference willVermont be givenEarly for certified/licensed HVAC, Electrical or Lottery is now open for 2024-2025! is based on the Learning Standards (VELS). setting. Our curriculum is based on the Vermont Early Learning Standards (VELS In 2010 Len was a recipient tion to the 9 years at Allen Brook AC Technician. of the Robert O. Sinclair Award. School. They always looked forOur programs follow the CVSD school Children will 3 or old The CVSD Early Education Program is now accepting applications forChildren acalendar. random Our supper programs follow the CVSD school calendar. who will who be age at the SalThis award honors a faculty ward to serving Forage further information contact Ron Larivee, rlarivee@cvsdvt.org. be 3 or older by September 1, 2024, who are not eligible for prekindergarten drawing for the 2024-25 year. This lottery is for and an opportunity September 2024, who areschool notand eligible forcommunities kindergarten, live in the commun Army where they 1, always member whose career served vation lottery kindergarten, live in the of Charlotte, Hinesburg, to enroll school-based classrooms whichSt. run 10 hours perWilliston week. C.V.U.H.S. Our school- to enter th sang of theour blessing beforeHinesburg, serving the College of Agriculture andin one Charlotte, Shelburne, and are Groundskeeper/Maintenance Shelburne, St. George,George, and Williston are eligible– to entereligible the lottery. prekindergarten classrooms areselected 5 Assist STARs,caring licensed education that the meal. Families Life Sciences and thebased UVM Extheearly school grounds, while maintaining a their highin a CVS who are lottery and choose toprograms enroll their child Familiesinfor whothe are for selected for the lottery and choose to enroll Len is survived by his lovingappropriate tension Service with provide distinction, play-based, developmentally environments for all children in an inclusive standard of safety. Mowing, weed whacking, maintaining sports child in a CVSD program access their Act 166 publicly funded access their Act 166 publicly funded prekindergarten funds for the school-based p Shirley; son Bill, (Susan) achieved excellence setting. in his proOurwife curriculum is based on the Vermont Learning (VELS). fields, andEarly winterfunds snowfor removal. Other duties as assigned. prekindergarten the Standards school-based program. fession, and demonstrated an daughters Jackie Owen (GordAll applications must Full-time, be received byopening. February 5, 2024, and are located on the CV day shift Experience is 3 helpful for All applications must be received February 5,but 2024, andright are Our programs followEducation the CVSDwebsite school calendar. Children who will bebyage oror older bythe at: https://tinyurl.com/CVSDEarlyEd using this QR code. candidate, training be provided. hours: on the CVSDwill Early Education website at: Monday-Friday https://tinyurl. September 1, 2024, who are not eligible located for kindergarten, and live in theShift communities of Paper applications are available upon request. 6:30 am - 3:00 pm. com/CVSDEarlyEd or using QR code. Charlotte, Hinesburg, Shelburne, St. George, and Williston arethis eligible to enter the lottery.

FOR LEASE Families who are selected for the lottery and choose to enroll their child in a CVSD program

Hourly rate commensurate with experience benefits Paper applications areabout available upon request. orand For additional information, questions our program, anyfull concerns 48 CONGRESS MORRISVILLE accessSTREET, their Act 166 publicly funded prekindergarten funds for the school-based included. Benefits: Medical, Dental, a retirementprogram. package, paid

about your child’s development, please visitmost ourholidays website or contact For additional information, about our program, Director or any vacation, weekends off and questions paid. concerns aboutatyour child’s development, please visit ourEducation website of Early Education, Erin Gagne egagne@cvsdvt.org. Our Early All applications must be received by February 5, Director 2024, and are locatedErin onGagne the CVSD Early orFor contact of Early Education, at egagne@ further information contact Tom Mongeon, tmongeon@ team is also available for developmental screenings in the areas of Education website at: https://tinyurl.com/CVSDEarlyEd or usingteam this isQR cvsdvt. Our Early Education alsocode. cvsdvt.org. communication, social-emotional development, motor skills, adaptive developmen Paper applications are available upon request. available for developmental screenings and cognition. More ininformation an Early Multi-Tiered System of Supports i the areas about of communication, socialDistrict HVAC Technician emotional development, motor skills, For additional information, questions about our program, or any concerns available on the website under the Support Services tab. This position performs skilled mechanical maintenance, adaptive and cognition. More about your child’s development, please visit our development, website or contact including inspections, repair, Director installation of equipment i.e. information about an Early Multi-Tiered heating, ventilation, A/CEarly and refrigeration systems and perform of Early Education, Erin Gagne at egagne@cvsdvt.org. Education System of SupportsOur is also available on the preventative maintenance for the Champlain Valley School District. team is also available for developmentalwebsite screenings in Support the areas of tab. under the Services ZONED COMMERCIAL/RETAIL communication, social-emotional development, motor skills, adaptive development, For further information contact Chris Giard, cgiard@cvsdvt.org IN THE HEART OF MORRISVILLE VILLAGE and cognition. More information about an Early Multi-Tiered System of Supports is also NEGOTIABLE LEASE TERMS! available on the website under the Support Services tab. online to www.cvsdvt.org/jobs Please apply WILL BUILD OR RENOVATE TO SUIT CVSD is an equal opportunity employer. Black, Indigenous, OR CAN DIVIDE FOR MIXED USE!

CONTACT: LOUISJFERRIS@GMAIL.COM / (386) 405-6934

and People of Color (BIPOC), immigrants, women, and LGBTQ+ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

December 28, 2023 •

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://

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.

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. 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.

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.

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

LEGAL

Lake Iroquois Recreation District at 8781239 for copies of information relating to the proposed budget.

LAKE IROQUOIS RECREATION DISTRICT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The Lake Iroquois Recreation District, a Union Municipal District located in Chittenden County, Vermont, will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, January 15, 2024 to receive public comments on the proposed operating budget for Fiscal Year 25.

Erik Wells

The hearing will be held on Tuesday, January 15, 2024 at 4:30 p.m. in the Town Hall Annex meeting room.

Town Manager

Please contact Bruce Hoar, staff person,

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

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Puzzle found on page 12

Williston Observer • Page 15

To place a classified ad, email rick@williston observer.com or call 802-373-2136 Deadline for classifieds is Monday.

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Page 16 •

Williston Observer •

December 28, 2023

Just a hop, a skip and a jump

Scout Christmas tree pickup set for Jan. 6

CLOCKWISE (l to r): CVU’s Tucker Tharp blocks a shot from Colchester’s Adam Coburn during the Redhawks’ 63-48 win over the Lakers on Friday in Colchester. Jack St. Peter goes in for a layup.

Williston Scout Troop 692 will conduct its annual Christmas tree pickup on the morning of Saturday, Jan. 6. Pickups will begin at 8:30 a.m. for trees placed curbside on the following roads: Eastview Circle, Stirrup Circle, Bittersweet Circle, River Cove Road (and side streets), Hillside Drive, Sharon Drive, Meadowrun Road, Lamplite Acres, Finney Crossing, Indian Ridge, Brennan Woods, Ledgewood Drive, Southridge neighborhood (including Chloe and Kadence circles), Pleasant Acres, all roads off Old Stage between Williston Road. and Mountain View (including Wildflower Circle, Southfield Drive and Village Grove), Lefebvre Lane, Fairway Drive, Creek’s Edge Drive, Keystone Drive, Hillcrest Lane, Michael Lane, Sunrise Drive and the Commons. A donation of at least $10 is appreciated and can be tied to the tree in an envelope for future Scout activities and community service projects. Make checks payable to Williston Troop 692 or donate online at www.williston692.mytroop.us. If you would like a neighborhood added to the pickup list or have questions, contact Julia at (802) 878-8520 or email jnesbit938@gmail.com.

CVU’s Violet Wenschhof performs a split jump in her floor routine during the Redhawks’ tri-meet with the Essex Hornets and Burlington Seahorses on Friday at the Green Mountain Training Center in Williston. Ruby Opton eyes her hand position as she flies over the vault. OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY

STORE WIDE SALE STORE WIDE SALE Up to 70% Select Merchandise STORE *20% OffWIDE The EntireSALE Store STORE WIDE SALE HOMEP STORE WIDERT SALE *Does not Include Kitchen electrics, Services and Gift Cards Sale ends Sunday January14th 2023