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JANUARY 11, 2024
Schools predict 18 percent tax increase
WILLISTON’S NEWSPAPER SINCE 1985
WWW.WILLISTONOBSERVER.COM
Maple Tree Place sold for $77 million
Ballot packed with elected openings Candidate filing deadline is Jan. 29 BY JASON STARR Observer staff
Budget proposal cuts Allen Brook teachers BY JASON STARR Observer staff Champlain Valley School District administrators are predicting an 18 percent property tax increase for Williston residents associated with their $106 million budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year. The budget proposal carries a spending increase of roughly $10 million over the current fiscal year. Spending per pupil is projected to rise from $14,511 to $15,947, according to Champlain Valley School District Chief Operations Officer Gary Marckres. The school board’s finance commit-
“Your job as a school board is to do what is best for the students within our community, and by removing a kindergarten class, in my opinion, it will be the opposite of that.” Ella McCarthy Allen Brook School kindergarten teacher
tee recommended approval of the budget during a meeting of the Champlain Valley School Board on Tuesday. The board plans to vote during its Jan. 23 meeting whether to forward the proposal for voter approval at Town Meeting Day. The 18 percent tax increase is based on the Town of Williston’s 69 percent common level of appraisal (CLA) — a state formula that attempts to equalize the education property tax burden across the state. The 69 percent CLA means that properties in Williston are being assessed significantly lower than their current market value. An ideal CLA is 100 percent, which typically happens after towns reassess private property see SCHOOLS page 15
Greta D’Agostino A mix of restaurants, retailers and office space, Maple Tree Place in Williston recently sold to a New York commercial real estate company for $77 million. OBSERVER FILE PHOTO
BY JASON STARR Observer staff A New York-based commercial real estate company purchased Maple Tree Place, the 64-acre Taft Corners shopping and office space complex, in December. Based in Rye, N.Y., Acadia Realty Trust owns one other property in Vermont — the Shaw’s Supermarket plaza on Shelburne Road in South Burlington. Maple Tree Place is also anchored by a Shaw’s but is most known for its mix of restaurants, local and national retailers and a movie theater surrounding a square-shaped green that was once home to a weekly summer concert series. The property’s south end is home to Dick’s Sporting Goods, Old Navy, Best Buy and the former location of Christmas Tree Shops, which closed last year. Maple Tree Place last changed hands in 2016, when Dallas-based Cypress Equities bought it for $90 million, according to Observer reports from that time. Eleven years earlier, the property sold for $100 million. The town currently asesses the property at $83 million, Assistant Assessor Dick Ransom said. Acadia created a corporation called Maple Tree Place Owner LLC to own the property, Williston property transfer records show. Acadia leaders did not return requests for comment. Space at Maple Tree Place is listed for lease at www.acadiarealty.com, where it is described as “a favorably positioned … grocery and lifestyle center boasting an attractive mix of dining, shopping and entertainment.” Acadia owns dozens of properties in 22 states and the District of Columbia, according to its website, which states: “Acadia Realty Trust actively pursues opportunities to fuel its external growth through the acquisition, ownership and redevelopment of retail properties including street retail, urban/infill properties with a strong retail component and suburban shopping centers.” Burlington-based real estate broker Donahue & Associates is working for Acadia as a local leasing agent, principal Steve Donahue said. He has been showing both street-level retail and second-floor office space surrounding the green to potential lessees. The most recent retail additions — moving in before the sale — are Club Champion golf club fitter, I Heart Mac and Cheese restaurant, and Artisan Vapor & CBD. The second floor office space currently houses federal government offices of the General Services Administration, U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services and Department of Homeland Security, as well as some private sector businesses. Donahue said he continues to field inquiries about vacant office space. “We are getting some traction from people looking for alternatives to downtown Burlington,” Donahue said.
Josilyn Adams
Williston voters will have a total of eight elected positions to fill on this year’s Town Meeting Day ballot, to go along with town and school budget and bond votes as well as party primaries for the U.S. presidential election. Voters can participate at the polls on March 5 at the National Guard Armory next to Town Hall on Williston Road or obtain early ballots through the Williston Town Clerk’s office or on the Vermont Secretary of State’s “My Voter Page” (mvp.vermont. gov). There are two positions on the Williston Selectboard that are up for re-election: the two-year seat currently held by Greta D’Agostino and the three-year seat currently held by Mike Isham. In an email to the Observer, Isham confirmed his plans to run for another two-year term. Isham has served for one year, elected last March to the seat opened by the resignation of Gordon St. Hilaire. D’Agostino could not be reached for comment. She has served on the board for three years. On the Champlain Valley School Board, the three-year seats representing Williston currently held by Josilyn Adams and Brendan McMahon are up for re-election. Adams has served on the board for six years and does not intend to run again. McMahon, also a six-year incumbent, could not be reached for comment. “It’s time for a new representative from our community to represent the needs of our students, staff and community,” Adams said in an email, adding that she plans to apply to work in local schools as a substitute teacher. Voters will also have two positions on see CANDIDATES page 15
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Williston Observer • January 11, 2024
Around Town Air Guard plans night F-35 training The Vermont Air National Guard will conduct nighttime F-35 training during the next two weeks. Takeoffs and landings from Burlington International Airport are scheduled on Jan. 11 and Jan. 16-18. There will be two takeoff and landing periods each day between 1-7 p.m. “Night flying training is a critical component of our military preparedness, providing our personnel with invaluable experience in navigating challenging conditions,” said Col. Brian Lepine. “This training contributes significantly to our ability to respond swiftly and effectively to any situation, day or night. “We understand the impact of this training on the community, and we appreciate their ongoing support,” Lepine added. “We do everything within our control to balance that impact with our mandatory training requirements.”
CORRECTION An article on Page 3 of last week’s Observer headlined “Six injured in morning car crash on Williston Road” mistakenly identified the location of a car crash last Wednesday morning. The crash happened on Williston Road near the Immaculate Heart of Mary church, closing the road between intersections with Southridge and Old Stage roads.
For more information, contact Maj. Meghan Smith at (802) 660-5451 or by email at meghan. smith.5@us.af.mil.
Empty Bowls dinner to benefit Hinesburg Food Shelf CVU will host its first ever Empty Bowls event as part of a global movement that rallies communities around combating food insecurity. Ticket holders will get to choose a handmade ceramic bowl made by volunteer potters, then enjoy a dinner of donated locally baked bread, soup made by the CVU Café and ice cream donated by Sisters of Anarchy. A silent auction will feature products donated by local businesses and CVU woodworking students. The event takes place on Thursday, Jan. 18 from 6-8 p.m. at CVU High School in Hinesburg. Proceeds benefit the Hinesburg Food Shelf. To purchase tickets and make a donation, visit the following link: https://cvsdvt.ce.eleyo.com/.
PROPERTY TRANSFERS — DECEMBER 2023 • Maple Tree Place Owner LLC bought 64 acres of commercial property from BSREP II Cypress MT LLC on Walnut Street for $77 million. • Richard Heath bought a home on Creeks Edge Drive from Jeffrey Wasserman for $835,000. • Joseph Many bought a home on North Brownell Road from Williams Dasilva for $400,000. • Linda Shaw bought a home on Sundown Drive from Alejandro Torrens for $445,000. • Joseph Touchette bought a condominium on Commons Road from Judy McCawley for $470,000. • JNF Holdings LLC bought a home on Essex Road from Ronald Guertin for $400,000. • The Tina Wendon Living Trust bought a home on Halfmoon Lane from Michael Hackett for
$820,000. • Jessica Dalton Moore bought a condominium on Eastview Circle from Jaren Naef for $335,000. • Barbara Gregoire bought a mobile home on Williston Woods Road from Catherine Lloyd for $260,000. • Johnathan Barone bought a home on 2 acres on East Hill Road from Kathy Allen for $447,500. • Sierra Mahedy bought a home on 6 acres on Lavallee Lane from Paula Rupp for $500,000. • Crista Fantone bought a home on Sundown Drive from Wayne Reno for $419,000. • Amy Humphrey bought a condominium on Zephyr Road from Larry Bevins for $515,000. • Matthew Schultz bought a home on 1.5 acres on North
Williston Road from Jason Lippmann for $823,000. • Charles Dimutui bought a home on North Brownell Road from Christopher Petitt for $395,000. • B. Cairns Property LLC bought 8 acres of commercial property on Marshall Avenue from the Trustees of the Diocese of Vermont for $419. • Jeremy Therrien bought a condominium on Abbey Road from Amer Zolj for $321,500. • Amer Zolj bought a home on Lamplite Lane from Jeffrey Roy for $530,000. Property Transfers sponsored by
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PRICES Lawmakers weigh increased SLASHED! January 11, 2024 •
retail theft penalties
BY SHAUN ROBINSON VTDigger
Heather Tremblay, who manages the University Mall in South Burlington, worries that repeated cases of retail theft are driving away badly needed staff — and shoppers. In her more than three decades in the retail business, “I have just never experienced the incidence of retail theft and threatening behaviors that I’ve seen over the past few years,” she said on Friday, speaking to members of the House Committee on Judiciary. Tremblay and Shawn Burke, the South Burlington police chief, told lawmakers they’re not focused on people who make one-off decisions to steal from a store. But they’re concerned about people who are stealing regularly, or violating court-imposed orders when they do so. The judiciary panel took up two related bills Friday aimed at curbing a reported increase in theft at retailers across the state. H.534 and H.579 would both increase penalties for people convicted of retail theft — though the bills would take different approaches. The panel hasn’t settled yet on one or the other. Under current law, retail theft can be either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the value of property that a person steals. If that figure totals $900 or less, the charge is a misdemeanor of up to six months in prison or a $500 fine. But if it surpasses $900, the charge bumps up to a felony, carrying up to 10 years in prison or a $1,000 fine. Rep. Martin LaLonde, a South Burlington Democrat who chairs the judiciary panel, told his colleagues that this framework could be improved. Someone can commit multiple retail thefts, he said — and some individuals are committing many — but as long as the value of each theft is less than $900, they’ll face only misdemeanor-level charges. A yearslong backlog in Vermont’s courts has meant that court dates for those people are likely months out, officials said. In some cases, jury trials could be years away. “We have to have accountability in the short term,” Burke told the lawmakers Friday. Underpinning both bills is the idea that the state can create more effective deterrents by combining the value of items taken during different instances of alleged retail theft by the same person or group of people — and thus, charge a more serious crime. More than a dozen other states have enacted, or are considering, similar “organized retail crime” laws, according to data from CNBC discussed at Friday’s hearing. H.534 would impose harsher penalties than what’s currently on the books if a per-
Williston Observer •
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South Burlington Police Chief Shawn Burke testifies before the House Judiciary Committee at the Statehouse in Montpelier on Friday. PHOTO BY GLENN RUSSELL/VTDIGGER
son convicted of retail theft is also found to be working together with others. People acting “in concert” — and who steal a combined value of $900 to $10,000 among them — would each face a felony charge of up to five years in prison, or a $1,000 fine. The penalties would be higher for those who steal more than $10,000 combined. H.534 also would levy felony charges if a single person steals more than $900 total of merchandise, at “more than one location,” within a two-week period. (Lawmakers said they aren’t set on the length of the time period, and could lower it, LaLonde said.) LaLonde is the primary sponsor of the bill, which also has dozens of co-sponsors. H.579, meanwhile, would levy felony charges on someone who steals more than $900 worth of merchandise, across multiple instances, within a six-month period. Like H.534, the bill also calls for felony charges if retail thieves are found to act “in concert.” But the latter bill — which is sponsored by committee vice chair Rep. Thomas Burditt, R-West Rutland — takes measures further, creating a new felony charge in state law called “aggravated retail theft.” To meet that charge, a person would have to leave a business through an emergency exit “to facilitate the theft,” or possess “an item or device intended to overcome a security system” while committing a theft. Burditt’s bill also calls for felony-level charges if a person steals merchandise, in any amount, with the intent to resell it to another person, according to the legislation. Burke and Tremblay said that they supported both bills. The police chief said South Burlington police collected about 490 reports of retail theft last year, up from about 260 reports in 2020. Tremblay said these figures are likely undercounts, since many incidents of retail theft are not reported to police. LaLonde and other lawmakers pointed to FBI data showing that property crime has increased in Vermont since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, though levels remain lower than they were a decade ago. The judiciary panel expects to take more testimony on the bills this week.
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Williston Observer • January 11, 2024
End of pandemic-era motel program looms Advocates warn of homelessness spike BY CARLY BERLIN VTDigger
On April 1, hundreds of Vermonters are set to lose their shelter through the expanded pandemic-era version of the state’s motel housing program. Agency of Human Services officials have begun to flesh out their plans to stand up a host of new emergency shelters by spring to accommodate them, yet many key decisions remain up in the air as the deadline set by lawmakers last year creeps ever closer. The state hopes to establish temporary shelters in the five communities currently serving the highest numbers of households through the program, Department for Children and Families Commissioner Chris Winters said in an interview last Wednesday. Those communities are Rutland, Burlington, Central Vermont, Bennington and Brattleboro, according to state data. But exactly where the emergency shelters will be located remains an open question, Winters said. And choices around who will run the sites, how large they will be, and who will be given a bed are still undetermined. “The real challenge is, of course, trying to get this done by April 1,” Winters said. “We have some big decisions to make really in the next couple of weeks.” The agency is seeking $4 million in its mid-year budget request to stand up the emergency shelters. At a House Appropriations Committee meeting on Friday morning, lawmakers asked members of the administration whether these new shelters would be large congregate settings, with many beds set up in one space. “We’ve had two violent attacks in shelters — congregate settings,” said Rep. Rebecca Holcombe, D-Norwich. “What we know from the evidence on shelters in congregate settings is that they aren’t healthy for people.” AL
Agency of Human Services Secretary Jenney Samuelson, right, listens as Richard Donahey, chief financial officer for the Agency of Human Services, testifies before the House Appropriations Committee at the Statehouse in Montpelier on Friday. PHOTO BY GLENN RUSSELL/VTDIGGER
“These are not shelters that look like your gymnasium floor with cots,” said Jenney Samuelson, secretary of the Agency of Human Services, while testifying before the committee Friday afternoon. Winters said that the shelters could be congregate settings, or “semi-congregate” set-ups that might look more like dormitories with shared rooms and common spaces, or individual “mobile units” that could offer more privacy. With many service providers for the homeless already stretched thin, he said the state is considering bringing in nontraditional vendors — potentially from out of state — to help staff them. No matter the model the state uses, though, the sites will be time-limited, Winters emphasized. “What we’re planning on is a three-month transition, from April 1 to July 1,” he said. Asked what the state anticipates will happen come July, Winters said, “that’s the most difficult part of all of this: there is going to be a cliff at some point.” As of Jan. 1, 681 households remained in the Covid-era pro-
gram, which had less rigid eligibility constraints than a separate and ongoing emergency housing program that offers extended shelter in motels primarily during winter months. That’s down from about 1,300 households as of July 1, 2023. Around 200 households had “found housing” as of late Novem-
“There is going to be a cliff at some point.” Chris Winters Commissioner VT Department of Children and Families
ber, though that figure includes those who have moved into shelters or were staying with friends and family. Vermont’s extraordinarily tight housing market has made finding stable housing options for people difficult, Winters said. The state anticipates that between 500-600 households will still be in the program by April 1, he said. Citing anticipated budget constraints, Winters said the state will not be able to set up enough shel-
ter space for all the people they expect will exit the program in April. “We would love to set up 40 to 50 beds in each of the five communities. That would be the goal,” he said. “It still remains to be seen whether we can get there or not, depending on sites, staff to run them, community support, and the restrictions of the budget.” By definition, those remaining in the pandemic-era program are from particularly vulnerable populations — the majority have a disability or are families with children — leaving difficult questions around who to prioritize for available spots, Winters said. Since the state began evicting people from motels last summer, after federal funding for the pandemic-era version of the motel program ran dry, communities have clocked a rapid uptick in the number of people living unsheltered: on the streets, in parks, or in cars. Service providers and advocates for unhoused people have raised concerns that the state’s course of action for those remaining in the program could push even more Vermonters to live
unsheltered come spring, placing greater pressure on local service providers and communities. Many have also noted the sharp rise in homelessness across the state over the last several years, and cautioned against focusing solely on those who remain in the pandemic-era program. In Brattleboro, if people currently living in motels were kicked out at once, “we would go from maybe something like 30 to over 100 people — literally overnight — who would be unsheltered homeless, with little or no capacity to assist them, other than providing tents and sleeping bags,” said Peter Elwell, interim executive director of the Groundworks Collaborative, in an interview. “This is a really inappropriate way to move forward,” said Brenda Siegel, an advocate for unhoused people and former gubernatorial candidate. “It is shirking the responsibility of the state.” Siegel and others also cautioned against the use of mass congregate shelters, noting a growing body of research that suggests non-congregate shelter — like the motel-based approach used in Vermont and many other states during the pandemic — provides better health and economic outcomes for unhoused people. “We need to be building on the evidence as well as lessons from the pandemic,” said Anne Sosin, a public health researcher at Dartmouth College who studies homelessness. “We know that the current program suffers from a lot of problems, but this should be an opportunity for us to really reimagine our approach to interim housing.” Sosin also criticized the lack of more robust planning undertaken to address the mass-unsheltering that many have seen coming for months, if not years. “I’m really disappointed — as someone who’s watched this for almost four years — to see us not only fail to come up with a comprehensive plan to this problem, but to suggest that we’re running out of time right now,” she said.
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January 11, 2024 •
Williston Observer •
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Williston Observer • January 11, 2024
GUEST COLUMN
Homebuilding ‘dream team’ plots smarter, stronger future BY GUY PAYNE A market transformation is underway in the world of home construction in Vermont. It’s not just about bricks and beams; it’s about creating homes that are healthier, more energy efficient, and built to last. Picture this: The year is 2023, and the Legislature’s Building Energy Code Study Committee has just released a report. While it delves into the intricacies of ACT 47, it also takes an unexpected turn, shining a spotlight on something that affects us all — educa-
tion and continuous learning with the building trades. The committee’s findings are eye-opening. They reveal that a lack of understanding of building science is causing buildings to fall prey to costly problems like mold, mildew and rot. Building science you ask? It’s the secret sauce, the physics behind how water, air and heat flow through a house, ensuring it meets the demands of energy efficiency, durability, indoor air quality, and more. Every component must interface with each other seamlessly,
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and how they’re installed matters. As Vermont embraces more advanced energy codes, the risk of limited knowledge of these issues and the science behind them looms larger. The benefits to homeowners of advanced learning for those in the building trades go beyond energy efficiency and comfort. They include fewer callbacks, fewer examples of poor work performance, and, at the time of sale, you’ll be reassured your home meets energy standards if improvements have been made. Also, lenders and insurers may be more flexible, given the certification of the builder. The Legislative Committee did not identify what organiza-
tion should assume responsibility for designing a state-recognized builder certification, so Vermont’s Sustainable Energy Outreach Network (SEON) has rallied the troops, pulling together a coalition of all homebuilding trade and nonprofit organizations in Vermont to help define what Vermont needs regarding the qualifications of our current and next generation of builders and carpenters. The following organizations have agreed to participate: SEON, Efficiency Vermont, Vermont Builders and Remodelers Association, Vermont Chapter of Associated Building Contractors, Vermont Chapter of Association of General Contractors, Vermont Green Building Network, Build-
ing Performance Professionals of Vermont, Vermont Passive House, Vermont Talent Pipeline, ReSource, and Vermont Works for Women. The dream team of expertise will have its first meeting on Jan. 29. It will work together to explore and define a state recognized high-performance builder certification and to increase outreach, education and training. The coalition also plans awareness campaigns to shed light on the benefits of building science. Get ready to become a savvy homeowner who knows exactly what to ask for when it comes to your energy efficient home. Many builders and carpenters see HOMEBUILDING page 7
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Williston Observer •
Page 7
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Ways to honor MLK Day Martin Luther King Day is Monday, Jan. 15 — a holiday set aside to encourage community service and to commemorate the contributions of Dr. King to the advancement of civil rights in our country. There is not a designated observance in Williston this year, but the Williston-Richmond Rotary Club values this holiday greatly and would like to encourage folks in town to find other ways to observe this important day. Some options include: — Watching the recording of last year’s Rotary Club celebration on the Williston-Richmond Rotary Club YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@williston-richmondrotary2785 and type “MLK” into the search. — Attending the Greater Burlington Multicultural Resource Center’s speaker event, featuring 22-year-old Talladega, Ala., Mayor Ashton Hall and Ambassador Suzan Cook. The event takes place at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 14 at Burlington’s Contois Auditorium: https://gbmrc.org/ mlk2024/ — Attending a panel presentation on civil rights at Burlington’s ECHO Leahy Center at 3 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 15: https://www.echovermont.org/events-programs/mlk-day/ — Attending UVM’s MLK Celebration Lecture Series in person or online on Thursday, Jan. 25: https://www.uvm.edu/ diversity/signature-events/mlk — Encouraging your favorite middle-schooler to enter the Vermont Bar Association’s MLK Day Poster/Essay Contest: https://www.vtbar.org/mlk-jr-day2024-poster-essay-contest-begins/ Best wishes for a meaningful MLK Day! Debbie Ingram Williston
Continuing the momentum on child care sustainability In this second session of what has al-
Homebuilding continued from page 6
haven’t embraced the high performance mindset yet, but here’s the truth: You can’t build to Vermont’s Energy Code or achieve net-zero without understanding building science. And as more techniques are made to meet the energy code, many of the old ways of building don’t even work with the new materials. We don’t want consumers to be left with the keys to a disaster rather than the keys to a home that will last them a lifetime.
ready been a historic legislative biennium for Vermont’s families, children and our workforce, the Child Care Campaign is laser-focused on supporting policy leaders in making Act 76 work for all Vermonters. Vermont has established itself as a national leader in child care, and that’s something we can all be proud of. More work is needed to ensure successful implementation of this new child care law, as well as to make the continued investments necessary to fully fund this groundbreaking new legislation and the system overall. Implementation of Act 76 is already underway and this month, the state began rolling out the next wave of critical funding — a 35 percent rate increase in child care financial assistance reimbursement for all child care programs. Certainty around this new, sustainable funding has instilled confidence in Vermont’s child care sector. This winter, communities have celebrated child care program expansions in Cabot, South Burlington, St. Johnsbury, Stowe and Wilmington, among others. Programs are also using new state funds to institute meaningful compensation increases for early childhood educators. This new law brings us as close as we’ve ever been to achieving our mission, that all Vermont families have access to affordable, quality child care; every child has access to skilled and professionally compensated early childhood educators; and families spend no more than 10 percent of their household income on child care. We have to keep the momentum going to get this right. We owe it to all Vermonters to continue the hard work of building a system that works for everyone. We know there are significant demands on our lawmakers to tackle the many tough challenges we face as a state, and we are grateful for their ongoing focus and energy on child care. Let’s work together in the months ahead to deliver on the promise of Act 76. Aly Richards CEO Let’s Grow Kids
This transformation will be a cultural shift that needs everyone’s support and expectations. That includes industry leaders, builders, the public, government, media, lenders, insurers and local organizations. Join us in this exciting journey toward a better built tomorrow, led by a coalition of professionals committed to applying the best practices of science. Guy Payne is the executive director of the Sustainable Energy Outreach Network based in Brattleboro — online at www.buildingscience.org.
Blown away Tuesday night’s snow-rain-wind storm resulted in temporary road closures and downed trees in Williston, like these two on a Van Sicklen Road property. COURTESY PHOTO BY JUDSON KIMBLE
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Page 8 •
Williston Observer • January 11, 2024
Leaders rally to restore Montpelier Post Office
BY SARAH MEARHOFF VTDigger
“We deserve a post office! We deserve a post office!” That was the chant led by U.S. Rep. Becca Balint, D-Vt., at a Monday afternoon rally on State Street in Montpelier, in front of a gutted federal building that until last summer housed the capital city’s post office. Nearly six months to the day after catastrophic flooding inundated the post office and left it inoperable, Balint, U.S. Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., and a representative of U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., addressed a modest crowd of onlookers to call for a permanent replacement. Despite having repeatedly
written to the U.S. Postal Service requesting information, members of the congressional delegation said they knew little about the federal agency’s plans for Montpelier, which has been without even a makeshift facility since November. On Monday, they took to the streets of Montpelier to decry the Postal Service’s lack of action — and call out U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy by name. “It’s astonishing. It really is,” Welch told reporters on Monday. “If they don’t respond to two U.S. senators and a representative — and our governor, by the way, who’s been very active — how does that make everyday people feel that their government is working for them?” The problem was in plain sight
U.S. Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., speaks at a demonstration calling for the re-opening of the Montpelier Post Office on Monday. The post office has been closed since the July 2023 flood. PHOTO BY GLENN RUSSELL/VTDIGGER
at Monday’s rally. Lean over the barricades surrounding the building, 87 State St., and peer inside the windows and one can see evidence of some construction work to mitigate flood damage, with several feet of drywall gutted down to the studs. But no one is moving back in anytime soon, according to the Postal Service. “We’ve been told that the dam-
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age from last summer’s flooding required extensive repairs and the building would not be fit to reoccupy until at least next year,” Postal Service spokesperson Stephen Doherty told VTDigger in an email Monday afternoon. According to Doherty, a new temporary location is in the works. He told VTDigger that the Postal Service has toured “sev-
eral sites in and around Montpelier” and has narrowed down its list to “those most feasible.” But what location is chosen, and how long it will be until doors open, remains unclear. “Our real estate folks are in the process of negotiating a lease at this time. Once we have a signed lease, a public announcesee POST OFFICE page 9
January 11, 2024 •
Post Office
continued from page 8
ment will be made on the new location,” Doherty wrote. “The amount of time needed to complete any build-out and open will depend on the location chosen. But we’ll be better able to estimate that once we have a lease agreement.” Since last summer’s flooding, the Montpelier post office has operated out of at least three tem-
“It’s astonishing. It really is. If they don’t respond to two U.S. senators and a representative … how does that make everyday people feel that their government is working for them?” Sen. Peter Welch
porary locations: parking lots at the National Life building, the Vermont College of Fine Arts and 367 River St., close to three miles from the city’s downtown. The last of these closed in November as temperatures dropped and the congressional delegation spoke out against the makeshift nature of the operation. These days, many residents are making use of post offices in nearby towns, such as Barre
and East Montpelier, at least a 15-minute drive away. That’s a challenge for storm-battered small businesses and residents with mobility issues. Johanna Nichols, a member of Montpelier’s Senior Activity Center, told the crowd gathered downtown Monday afternoon that residents have been dismissively told to simply “drive to other towns.” “What do you do if you are 92 years old, don’t drive and have been able to walk to the post office? You feel stranded,” Nichols told the crowd. “What do you do if you are a retiree and your mail order prescriptions are diverted to East Calais, sometimes Barre, or are held up in other sorting facilities? It is very cumbersome to
replace lost prescriptions.” Sanders had been scheduled to attend Monday’s rally but flew back to Washington, D.C., at the last minute to attend leadership meetings related to pending government funding legislation, according to a spokesperson. In his place, his state director, Kathryn Becker Van Haste, took to the microphone to say that to expect a functioning post office in a state’s capital is “a very simple thing” to ask of the federal government. “The people of Montpelier, the people who work in Montpelier, should be able to come here to their capital city and know that they can buy a stamp, send a package,” Van Haste said. “This is pretty simple stuff we’re asking for here.”
Williston Observer •
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Williston Observer •
January 11, 2024
Smugglers’ Notch fined after 3-year-old’s drowning BY CHARLOTTE OLIVER Community News Service
After Tate Holtzman went missing at a Smugglers’ Notch Resort day camp last summer, staff discovered a dark, water-filled hole about 2 feet wide in the grass near a picnic table. The realization dawned on them. Lifeguards arrived. Staff eventually rescued a 3-year-old from the pitch-black hole — a bottleneck entrance to an underground water storage tank that’s 12 by 6 by 6 feet — that afternoon, July 6, 2023. Holtzman died days later in the hospital, his death ruled a drowning. That tank entrance was supposed to be clearly marked with danger signs and have a secure cover held shut with metal bolts, but the Cambridge resort failed on both fronts, according to a Vermont Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigation that resulted in tens of thousands of dollars in fines this past fall. Employees who worked on the tank told state safety investigators they didn’t remember if the lid ever had the necessary bolts, according to documents obtained by Community News Service through a public records request. On top of those findings, a lifeguard
Smugglers’ Notch Resort in Cambridge.
on duty that day told Community News Service the tank’s rubber lid was lying in the grass beside the hole when staff first responded, and counselors and lifeguards believed it had been left unsecured. The employee spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation. Meanwhile, Holtzman’s parents are talking with a Boston attorney. And the criminal division of the Vermont State Police has been handling an investigation into the boy’s death, said Williston barracks station commander Lt. Cory Lozier. Smugglers’ Notch CEO Lisa Howe,
COMMUNITY NEWS SERVICE PHOTO BY SOPHIE ACKER
in an interview with Community News Service, said, “We’ll never know why the bolts weren’t in the place where there were holes for the bolts.” Asked whether the lid being unsecured could have resulted in Holtzman’s death, Howe declined to comment, saying she couldn’t speak on a matter that wasn’t legally resolved.
The incident last summer at one of Vermont’s most prominent recreation spots continues to spur concern across the state. As of early January, nearly 1,000 people had donated more than $101,000 to the family in an online fundraiser. Close to 500 people had signed a petition started last week urging the resort to build a memorial to the boy on site. Workplace safety officials originally fined Smugglers’ Notch $31,253 in October for six violations classified as serious regarding the resort’s management of the water tank, records show. The resort negotiated the fine down to $21,850 on Nov. 16 after replacing the cover, adding signs and creating a plan for employee procedures, according to records. The resort paid the amount, according to the Vermont Department of Labor, which oversees the workplace safety administration. Last summer, Smugglers’ Notch Resort ran camp sessions from mid-June to early August, according to its website, see SMUGGLERS’ NOTCH page 11
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Smugglers’ Notch continued from page 10
with campers ranging from ages 3 to 17. The lifeguard who spoke to Community News Service said campers usually came to play in the afternoon at Notchville, a resort waterpark where the incident occurred, and different camp groups would rotate through the facility. The waterpark has three pools in separate tiers. Below the lowest pool sits a splash pad, surrounded by grass. “The water basin cover is in the middle of the splash pad grass area where youths and adults often play or walk. The picnic table that is used for the youths is accessed by walking by or over top of the entrance cover,” according to state records summarizing an interview between safety investigators and a witness to the rescue, whose name was redacted. The lifeguard who spoke to Community News Service said that on the morning of the incident, they saw someone working in the area close to the tank before campers arrived. Maintenance employees told workplace
safety investigators they usually entered the tank twice a year: to fill it up in the spring and to drain it in the fall, records show. Someone who oversees aquatics maintenance staff, whose name was redacted in records, told state investigators he didn’t know why the cover to the tank wasn’t secured, according to records. Investigators wrote that another member of the maintenance team, who usually enters the tank and was the last to enter in the spring, “did not recall the water basin cover ever having had anchor bolts to hold it down,” according to state records, which redacted that staff member’s name, too. That second employee told investigators the cover fit tightly, records show. Howe, the Smugglers’ Notch CEO, declined to respond to whether resort maintenance staff made mistakes. Community News Service left a voice message for Tate Holtzman’s parents, Zachary and Jennifer Holtzman, who live in Vermont, on a number listed for the latter. Staff from Boston law firm Meehan, Boyle, Black and Bogdanow responded to that message, saying the firm would
speak on the family’s behalf. One of the firm’s attorneys, Jennifer Denker, declined to comment. According to the firm’s website, Denker handles cases dealing
“We’ll never know why the bolts weren’t in … place.” Lisa Howe Smugglers’ Notch CEO
with wrongful death claims, among other areas of law. Vermont State Police spokesperson Adam Silverman declined to comment on the investigation findings until they are made public. According to the state’s workplace safety investigation, the water tank is considered a “permit confined space.” Officials fined Smugglers’ Notch because, according to investigators, the resort has allowed employees to “enter the tank twice annually,” records say, while failing to identify the tank as such a space — violating every occupational safety requirement for working in the space.
According to workplace safety investigators, Smugglers’ Notch failed to: evaluate the resort for permit-confined spaces; post clear danger signage or equally effective notices about the space; certify the tank was safe before allowing employees to enter; have a safe practice procedure for employees entering the tank; provide employees entry permits into the space; and provide employee training on the existence of the space and how to enter it. “The fact that we had not evaluated the space previously as a (permit) confined space, and that we should have, is just mind boggling,” said Howe, who according to the Smugglers’ Notch website has worked for more than 20 years at the resort that her father, Bill Stritzler, has owned since 1996. She called the lack of procedure “inconceivable.” While the safety inspection was in progress, noticeable and clear danger signage was posted above the tank, according to state investigation records. Howe said resort procedures have changed since Holtzman’s death. The tank he fell into is the only one like it, and the nearby
Williston Observer •
splash pad area was closed for the rest of the season, she said. Howe said the resort has plans to redesign the splash pad area, but there isn’t a timeline to do so. The online petition to build a memorial for Holtzman calls for the resort to replace the splash pad with a garden. A locked fence now surrounds the area around the hole, Howe said. The rubber lid that once covered the tank entrance has been replaced with a metal one that would take multiple people or heavy machinery to lift, and below that a new grate would stop a person from falling in, even if the lid was off, she said. Howe said improving safety is an ongoing effort at the resort, and employees have avenues to anonymously report concerns to management. Following the incident last summer, she said, the resort hired a company to evaluate potential safety hazards and recommend improvements. The Community News Service is a program in which University of Vermont students work with professional editors to provide material for local news outlets at no cost.
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January 11, 2024
Gardening helpline continues online through winter BY DEBRA HELEBA Special to the Observer As we begin a new year, many Vermonters may have lingering questions about their garden’s performance this past year or new questions as they plan to start or improve a garden in 2024. The University of Vermont Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Helpline can help. The helpline serves Vermonters by providing science-based information on home horticulture, integrated pest management and backyard composting. Although the program’s Thursday morning phone-in service is closed until April, the online Garden Helpline is open year-round. More than 30 specially trained Extension Master Garden volunteers from across Vermont staff the helpline to answer gardening and composting questions from the public at no charge. Volunteers also are available to provide management recommendations based on the results from soil tests conducted by the UVM Agricultural and Environmental Testing Lab. To pose a question to the Helpline, go to https://go.uvm.edu/gardenquestion. There, you can submit detailed questions, upload
photos and provide contact information. Volunteers will research your question and provide answers and additional resources via email. Volunteers do not do site visits or answer commercial grower questions. Commercial growers should contact the UVM Plant Diagnostic Clinic (www.uvm.edu/ extension/pdc) to submit samples, or for assistance with the identification and management of diseases, pests and weeds. During this time of year, trained volunteers are busy fielding questions from home and community gardeners on garden planning and outdoor pruning as well as providing guidance on soil test results and troubleshooting insect and plant diseases of houseplants, among other topics. In 2023, helpline volunteers responded to more than 800 questions from the public. The Garden Helpline is a free service provided by the UVM Extension Community Horticulture Program. To learn more about the program, go to www.uvm.edu/ extension/mastergardener. Debra Heleba is director of the extension community horticulture program at the University of Vermont.
A view of Camel’s Hump. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE VERMONT DEPARTMENT OF FORESTS, PARKS AND RECREATION
Forest adaptation project planned around Camel’s Hump The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation plans a collaboration with UVM and the Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science to use logging to diversify 18 acres of forest in Duxbury, in the Camel’s Hump Management Unit as outlined in the 2021 Long Range Management Plan for the area. Tony D’Amato, Professor and Director of the Forestry Program in the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources at UVM, is a lead researcher on the project. The project aims to increase forest resilience to climate change and invasive pests. It is part of a series of forest adaptation experiments being implemented across the Northeast, including one that began in September at the Catamount Community Forest in Williston. “This project aims to address the dominance of poor quality American beech suffering from beech bark disease and use forest management tools such as timber harvests to allow other species to thrive,”
said Oliver Pierson, the state’s director of forests. “This research furthers our goals of creating resilient forest stands that are diverse in tree size and age and includes an array of species that are well-adapted to a future climate, including red oak, yellow birch and sugar maple.” Covering 90 acres in Duxbury, the project will include logging on 18 acres, with treatment patches ranging from a quarter-acre to 3 acres. A portion of the research area will then be replanted while the remainder will allow seedlings to sprout naturally. “Climate change and non-native insects and pathogens pose an increasing threat to forests in Vermont and throughout the Northeast,” D’Amato said. “Our forests are also quite simple in their structure (age and size of trees) and in terms of the number of threatened tree species they have, which makes them particularly vulnerable. It is crucial that we work to better understand how our forests will respond as these stressors intensify.”
Afterschool programming grants available A $3.5 million grant program from the Vermont Agency of Education is now open to Vermont schools, municipalities, private businesses and non-profits that offer youth activities. The grant program will have a particular emphasis on scaling and starting programs in communities that currently have limited options. “In 2020, I committed to building universal summer and afterschool options for all Vermont youth, to help them explore their passions and to help working families,” said Gov. Phil Scott. “I look forward to continuing the work to close the gap, so all youth have afterschool or summer opportunities.” The grants may be used to expand existing afterschool programs, create new programs or create comprehensive afterschool centers. “High-quality afterschool (care) is critical for many Vermont families,” Interim Secretary of Education Heather Bouchey said. “Afterschool provides more learning, play and enrich-
ment while giving students a safe place to go. With all that has happened in the past few years, afterschool has never been more important. “Our goal is to expand access, and also grow connections,” she added. “ We are seeking recipients who want to build partnerships that grow learning opportunities in their community.” To be competitive, applicants are encouraged to consider ways to grow and support student voice and participation; provide high-quality learning opportunities and enrichment; support youth mental-health, social-emotional learning and well-being; and keep children and youth healthy and safe. Recipient programs must also follow a school-community partnership approach; provide afterschool opportunities in areas of Vermont that don’t currently have enough; and/or improve access to historically marginalized students such as students of color or students with disabilities.
January 11, 2024 •
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line at www.vtfishandwildlife. com in early March. Beginning in late March, the department will be holding informational hearings to share biological information and to take feedback from hunters.
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harvests during the archery, youth, novice and muzzleloader seasons being down considerably from 2022. Conversely, seasonable temperatures and snow in much of the state during November and December resulted in increased harvests during the regular season and December muzzleloader season.” The primary goal of Vermont’s deer management strategy is to keep the deer herd stable, healthy and in balance with available habitat. “Maintaining an appropriate number of deer on the landscape ensures deer and the habitats that support them remain in good condition and productive,” said Fortin. The “2023 White-Tailed Deer Harvest Report” with final numbers will be posted on-
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The CCTV Center for Media & Democracy Board of Directors has announced the promotion of Mohamad Al Rubaie, CCTV business manager, to serve alongside Meghan O’Rourke as CCTV co-directors. CCTV’s founding executive director, Lauren-Glenn Davitian, stepped down in October and will continue work with the organization and the VT Access Network as public policy director. Al Rubaie is a seasoned finance professional originally from Baghdad, Iraq, who came to the United States in 2009. CCTV is in its 40th year establishing community media as an essential part of Vermont’s local media landscape in service of free speech, open government and community access to media and technology. As part of its mission, it provides video coverage of municipal meetings for many Chittenden County cities and towns. “We are incredibly excited about the evolution of CCTV’s leadership into such a strong partnership,” said CCTV Board Chair Elaine Haney. “Mohamad’s energy along with his financial and operational expertise complement Meghan’s extensive programmatic
Mohamad Al Rubaie
capabilities and her deep commitment and connection to CCTV’s history. We’re confident that this innovative co-director model will help foster shared leadership, learning, and growth across the organization.” CCTV also welcomes two additional staff members, Drew Darrow and Olivia Moseley. Darrow is IT systems coordinator, providing technical support to CCTV staff. Moseley is a project manager with a background in refugee resettlement, health education, and international development. Visit www.cctv.org for more information.
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CCTV announces new leadership
Report: VT hunters took nearly 17,000 deer in ’23 The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department expects the tally of deer taken during Vermont’s 2023 hunting seasons will be a little over 16,800, although the precise number won’t be available until early March. The buck harvest will be close to 9,800, up slightly from 2022 (9,619) and the previous three-year average of 9,336, the department reported. The final antlerless deer harvest will be around 7,000, down from the previous three-year average (8,101). “Hunting conditions were mixed in 2023,” said Nick Fortin, the department’s deer project leader. “Warm weather in October limited deer movement during the day, and frequent weekend rain events reduced hunter effort. This resulted in
Williston Observer •
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Williston Observer •
January 11, 2024
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UVM Medical Center Board of Trustees welcomes new members The UVM Medical Center Board of Trustees recently appointed five new trustees, adding individuals with experience in finance and business, elder care and advocacy, health consulting, nursing, pediatric nephrology and women’s health to the 18-member board. As part of the group’s annual reorganization, Trustee Jesse Bridges, the chief executive officer of United Way of Northwest Vermont, was appointed board chair, and Trustee Alyson “Aly” Richards was appointed board vice chair. Trustee Thomas Little, who served as board chair in 2023, will continue to serve as a member of the group. “Our entire board of trustees is committed to putting our community’s well-being at the forefront of everything we do at UVM Medical Center, and to ensuring we make the decisions that best support our patients, our staff and the health and wellness of every member of the communities we serve,” Bridges said. The new members are:
leading advocate for the aging population and the largest Area Agency on Aging in the State of Vermont. Age Well provides access to healthy meals, in-home care and community resources. Catton is also an adjunct professor at Champlain College in the Health Care Administration program. Catton has worked in various hospital, academic and community-based health care settings as a registered nurse in critical care and oncology, and also as a senior administrative leader. Previously, she served as a senior vice president, chief operating officer and chief nursing officer at Northwestern Medical Center in St. Albans. Catton holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing and dual master’s degrees in health care administration and organizational leadership. She is a board certified nurse executive with additional certification in health care quality. Originally from Canada, she made Vermont her home in 1992. She lives in St. Albans.
JOE BILODEAU
NAOMI CLEMMONS
Bilodeau is a founder of Bilodeau Wells & Company CPAs in Essex Junction. He has more than 40 years of experience working with clients in a wide variety of industries. He is now partially retired and works primarily in business valuation and select estate planning. He is also an experienced landlord and commercial and residential real estate advisor. Bilodeau also serves as a private trustee for select families, advising on charitable foundations and leveraged giving. He is a native Vermonter from Middlebury and graduated from the University of Vermont.
Clemmons is a senior technical advisor for JSI Research and Training Institute, Inc., a global public health consulting organization dedicated to greater health equity and improving the health of individuals and communities. With more than 25 years of experience specializing in maternal and child health, Clemmons’ work focuses on the drivers of health disparities that perpetuate poor health outcomes experienced by women, children and families.
JANE CATTON
Catton is the CEO of Age Well, Northwestern Vermont’s
ANN GUILLOT
Dr. Guillot is a recently retired pediatric nephrologist at the University of Vermont Medical Center, as well as Emerita Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Vermont’s Larner
College of Medicine. She was the first and only pediatric nephrologist in Vermont for many years and served patients across New York and Vermont. She also served as the Pediatric Residency Program director for 25 years. Both of those roles allowed her to work to provide the very best patient care possible, and to prepare new pediatricians to do the same. Both roles included research and collaboration with other programs across the United States and Canada. Guillot is a graduate of Wellesley College and Jefferson Medical College. She has lived in Burlington since 1974. ELIZABETH MCGEE
Dr. McGee is the chair of the University of Vermont Medical Center Campus Medical Staff committee. She is a reproductive endocrinologist and is currently vice chair of Gynecology and director of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine. Dr. McGee earned her bachelor’s degree from Rhodes College and her medical degree from the University of Tennesee Health Science Center. She completed both her residency and fellowship training at Parkland Hospital/University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. Following her clinical training, she completed a research fellowship in women’s health and ovarian physiology at Stanford University. Dr. McGee has been a professor on the faculty of the University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine since 2013. In 2021, Dr. McGee earned her master’s in business administration in health care policy and management from Brandeis University’s Heller School for Social Policy and Management. She lives in Hinesburg.
www.WillistonObserver.com
January 11, 2024 •
Schools
continued from page 1
to level up to market value. The last Williston reassessment was done in 2016. The new projected education tax rate will be $1.98 for every $100 of assessed property value in Williston, Marckres said Tuesday. The current education tax rate is $1.67 for every $100. The roughly 30-centper-$100 change will result in an increase of about $900 on the annual property tax bill for a home valued at $300,000, for example. However, a state property tax credit that lessens the impact of the increase is available for households with annual incomes of up to $128,000, Marckres said. Marckres pegged the spending increase on general inflation, salary and benefit increases in the district’s contract with teachers, and on the retention of some services implemented with federal pandemic relief grants — money that is no longer coming from the federal government. He also said that protections in a new state law (Act 127 — the Equitable School Funding Act) allow the district to increase spending up to $17 million without affecting the tax rate. In other words, a flat budget, or even a multi-million-dollar decrease in the budget, would result in the same tax increase, he explained. Despite the increased spending, the budget proposal still eliminates five teacher positions,
Candidates
continued from page 1
the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library Board of Trustees to consider. Both incumbents, Karla Karstens and Diane Downer, plan to run again for five-year terms. On the Board of Listers, chair Harold Court has already announced plans to step down, according to Town Clerk Sarah Mason. There will be one year remaining on his term. The threeyear lister seat currently held by Lauren Koumjian will also be up for re-election. Koumjian said she plans to run for re-election. She has served on the board for five years. Candidates wishing to run for any of the open positions are required to collect signatures on a petition from at least 30 Willis-
including three at Williston’s Allen Brook School. District administrators said Tuesday that their enrollment projections suggest they can cut the positions at ABS while remaining within state standards for student-to-teacher ratio. Allen Brook School kindergarten teacher Ella McCarthy said during the meeting she is “disappointed and alarmed” at the proposed loss of a kindergarten teacher, adding that kindergarten teachers at ABS are “already struggling to meet the diverse needs” of students, with current class sizes of between 13 and 15 students. “This change (would) spread resources even more thinly and it will be detrimental,” McCarthy said. “Your job as a school board is to do what is best for the students within our community, and by removing a kindergarten class, in my opinion, it will be the opposite of that.” Meanwhile, Marckres said the district will need to add a $3.5 million borrowing question to the Town Meeting Day ballot to cover a shortfall from $7.5 million in debt voters approved in 2022. The new borrowing would allow the district to complete seven school building projects that have cost more than anticipated. Those include a new cafeteria floor at Williston Central School and a new fire alarm system at Allen Brook School. A smaller borrowing question for school bus purchasing is also proposed for the ballot.
ton residents and sign a candidate consent form. The petition and consent form are downloadable from the Town Clerk section of the town’s website (www.town. williston.vt.us) or can be picked up at the Town Clerk’s office. The forms must be returned to the Town Clerk’s office by Jan. 29 at 5 p.m. for the candidate to appear on the Town Meeting Day ballot. For the presidential primary, voters can choose which party ballot to vote. The state primary election to determine party nominations for statewide offices such as state representatives, state senators, attorney general and governor will take place Aug. 13. The general election is set for Nov. 5. All registered voters in Vermont will receive ballots through the mail for the general election, Mason said.
Williston Observer •
Page 15
‘Wild About Williston’ event touts public land conservation About 50 residents joined the Williston Conservation Commission, Sustainable Williston and town planning staff for the inaugural “Wild About Williston” event at Town Hall in December, celebrating local land conservation and learning about future land conservation opportunities. The event rallied support for taxpayer funding of the town’s Environmental Reserve Fund — a setaside the town uses for land acquisition, typically as a local match for government and non-profit grants. To date, $2.1 million from the fund has been used to help conserve 12
Dec. 22 at 11:20 a.m. — Report of a stolen vehicle on Williston Road. Vehicle was located by Hinesburg Police and returned to the owner. Dec. 22 at 4:11 p.m. — Disturbance reported on Harvest Lane. Male was issued a notice of trespass and moved along. Dec. 23 at 10:42 a.m. — Report of a possible retail theft at Walmart. Parties were located and issued a notice of trespass. Dec. 23 at 9:44 p.m. — Report of an intoxicated female causing a disturbance at Catamount Golf Course. Female was removed from the property. Dec. 24 at 4:42 p.m. — Report of a retail theft at Walmart. Officers were unable to locate the individual. Dec. 24 at 6:27 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Best Buy. Female was located in a stolen vehicle. Property was recovered and returned to
Williston Conservation Planner Simon Myles speaks about the benefits of conservation planning during the December “Wild About Williston” event at Town Hall.
percent of the land in Williston, according to the commission. In addition to town planning staff, representatives of the Vermont Land Trust and the Trust for Public
the owner. Dec. 25 at 11:35 a.m. — Report of a female walking in the roadway. Female was located and advised to stay out of the road. Dec. 26 at 7:54 a.m. — Assisted Williston Rescue with an unresponsive male. Male became conscious and was transported to the hospital. Dec. 27 at 8:45 p.m. — Following a traffic stop, a male was issued a citation to appear in court for suspicion of DUI. Dec. 28 at 4:58 p.m. — Assisted with a male who was unresponsive at Walmart. Male became conscious and refused all services. Dec. 29 at 1:20 p.m. — Stolen vehicle reported at U-Haul. Vehicle has not been recovered. Dec. 30 at 10:48 a.m. — Retail theft reported at Walmart. Suspect fled before officers arrived.
Lands also spoke at the event, and attendees were offered tree saplings to plant. The town’s contributions to the fund have declined over the years since its establishment in 1989, according to an analysis by the commission. The commission has asked the selectboard for $150,000 for the fund in the coming fiscal year; the current budget under consideration includes $40,000 for the fund. The commission encourages residents to support a greater contribution for the fund during selectboard budget hearings leading up to Town Meeting Day.
Dec. 31 at 6:07 p.m. — Report of an intoxicated male on Market Street. Male had an active arrest warrant. He was transported to the correctional facility. Dec. 31 at 8:56 p.m. — Report of a male in CVS who is refusing to leave. Male was gone upon officer’s arrival. January 1 at 2:52 a.m. — Following a traffic stop, a male was issued a citation to appear in court for suspicion of DUI. January 2 at 1:01 p.m. — Stolen vehicle reported at U-Haul. Vehicle was located in St. Albans later in the day. January 3 at 8:54 a.m. — Motor vehicle crash on Williston Road. Six people sent to hospital for injuries. January 3 at 12:24 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Home Depot. Male was issued a citation to appear in court.
Officers also responded to 15 alarm activations, 21 motor vehicle crashes and conducted 63 traffic stops during this time frame.
Williston Observer rack distribution
at these locations in Williston, Richmond and Essex 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 Island Homemade Ice Cream 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
If you would like copies for your location call Rick Cote at (802) 373-2136 or email Rick@WillistonObserver.com
Williston
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
Page 16 •
Williston Observer •
January 11, 2024
SPORTS
Tie with the Tide CLOCKWISE (l to r): CVU’s Ronan Evens circles behind the net with Spaulding’s Parker Harrington in pursuit during the Redhawks’ 3-3 tie with the Crimson Tide on Saturday at Cairns Arena. CVU’s Nic Menard starts things off with a score after breaking from the pack. CVU’s Zavier Barnes and Spaulding’s Ace MacRitchie tangle against the boards. CVU’s goalie Jesse McCray makes a trapper save on Spaulding’s Drew Laprade’s shot. CVU’s Brady Jones works to get by Spaulding’s Miles Emmons.
LOCAL OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY
S H O P• E AT•S PEN D • EN J OY
W
n o t s i ll i
Williston
January 11, 2024 •
Williston Observer •
Vermont Huts Association looks to bring more people into the outdoors
BY ALISSA FRAME Community News Service
For RJ Thompson, the seed of outdoor recreation started sprouting early on. He grew up camping with family and learning to ski — a passion that only grew as he got older, when as a student at the University of Vermont, he helped form the ski and snowboard club in 2003. The college club, he said, kindled a desire to bring people together from different backgrounds to experience the outdoors in an approachable manner. Years later, in 2016, Thompson found himself with the opportunity to make that happen on a broader scale. That year, alongside Devin Littlefield, Thompson co-founded the Vermont Huts Association. The group manages huts — rustic cabins or yurts with basic amenities like bunks, mattress pads and propane cooktops. Littlefield had worked on a network of huts in Maine. The association’s mission, Thompson said, is to “foster a deeper appreciation (for) the natural environment by creating an enriching experience for everyone.” To do this, the group has been working to build a statewide, hut-supported trail network in partnership with the Catamount Trail Association and Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation, among other groups. The idea is for folks to have a convenient, immersive place to stay while ex-
ploring Vermont’s trails and backcountry. Reflecting fondly on childhood memories at summer day camps, Thompson wanted to launch a program that would help give young people of all backgrounds the same sort of positive outdoor experiences. “I was thinking, ‘we have this resource in the backcountry, and let’s make sure everyone can use it,’” Thompson said. So in 2020, Vermont Huts started a program called FOREST — “Fostering Outdoor Recreation, Education, Sustainability and Teamwork” — that aims to bring together people who otherwise might not have the chance to explore the backcountry or feel comfortable doing so. In its first two full years, the program has offered more than half a dozen free retreats to students ages 11 to 18, bringing students to huts at Grout Pond and Chittenden Brook in the Green Mountain National Forest. Participants have enjoyed nature walks, cooking meals, bushcraft lessons and more. So far, the retreats have taken place through partnerships with school districts and other organizations like the Teen Center in Middlebury. Josh Fisher, one of Vermont Huts’ contracted outdoor educators, led a retreat with the latter. He described how it’s important to foster an accommodating environment and tailor the experience to particular groups. “My big focus is … how are
Students on a retreat at Grout Pond in the Green Mountain National Forest. PHOTO COURTESY OF VERMONT HUTS ASSOCIATION
they interacting with the outdoors as individuals and as a group?” Fisher said. “Because the goal is to get them to enjoy it.” He added, “So hopefully we can keep building our populace of people who love to recreate in the outdoors.” Early on, organization leaders determined that their focus on just young people was too simple. “We really quickly realized that there was a lot more than just underserved youths that were not getting access to the outdoors,” said Maggie Twitchell, program and communication coordinator for Vermont Huts. “There were people of color. There was the LGBTQ+ commu-
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nity. There were indigenous Americans.” It became clear that some barriers to recreation went well beyond economic restrictions — in fact, Twitchell believes, some barriers surrounding safety and inclusivity are “probably even harder than an economic restriction.” Vermont Huts is trying to better understand the needs and hesitations that particular groups may have regarding backcountry treks — so the FOREST program is fluidly evolving. The initial vision folks like Thompson had for retreats — such as teaching skills like rope-tying or fire-making — is not always what participants want or need from the
Page 17
outdoors. Vermont Huts would like to expand beyond just youth retreats to serve a wider, more diverse demographic. A new partnership with Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports is one way to make this happen. Vermont Adaptive is an organization dedicated to empowering individuals of all abilities — including those with physical and cognitive disabilities — through sports and recreation opportunities. The group uses specialized equipment, alongside trained staff and volunteers, to fit the needs of participants doing everything from mountain biking to kayaking to skiing. Jeff Alexander, director of strategic partnerships with Vermont Adaptive, said the group plans to develop FOREST outings accessible to those with disabilities. For example, retreat participants who have visual or motor function disabilities could use equipment modified to be more comfortable. Vermont Adaptive staff would be on site to support participants’ recreation and learning. The two organizations are also working to develop a more extensive network of accessible trails in the state, including those that lead to the huts. They are collaborating with the U.S. Forest Service to outfit huts with all-terrain wheelchairs. This way, if someone comes to the hut on an adaptive bike, for example, they will have an onsite wheelchair see HUTS page 22
W I L L I S T O N
OPTOMETRY
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Thomas H Clark OD | Nicholas P Marconi OD 33 Blair Park Rd., Williston 802-862-1947 • www.willistonoptometrist.com
Page 18release • Williston Observer • January 11, 2024 dates: January 13-19, 2024
02 (24)
Next Week: Issue 02, 2024
Holocaust Remembrance Day
Founded by Betty Debnam
Primaries, Caucuses & Voting
Mini Fact:
In 2020, 154.6 million Americans voted during the presidential election. photo by Justgrimes
As we start the new year, Americans are already hearing a lot about candidates for president and their positions on different issues. People 18 and older have 10 months to decide which person they will vote for as our next president. The first official steps will be primaries and caucuses. These are state contests to decide who would be the best candidate for each party. People from each state choose delegates to attend political conventions later in the year and nominate a presidential candidate. This year, New Hampshire will hold the nation’s first primary on Tuesday, Jan. 23. Iowa will have its caucuses on Monday, Jan. 15.
when many states will hold primaries and caucuses.
Political parties
A political party is a group of people who work to promote their ideals and candidates. While the states set down the election rules, political parties select the candidates The elephant is the symbol of the who run. Republican Party. The donkey symbolizes the Democratic Party. There are other parties, but most people vote for candidates of either the Democratic or Republican party. Sometimes a third-party candidate enters the race. This person represents neither the Democratic nor the Primary or caucus? Political parties in each state hold elections Republican party. to see which candidate within a party gets Who can be president? the most votes. Most states use primaries, or Would you like to be president of the elections where voters use secret ballots. United States? A candidate for president must Other states may use caucuses, gatherings be: where party members meet in communities • at least 35 years old; to choose their candidate. They often use a • a natural-born citizen of the United show of hands to vote. States;
More early votes
Upcoming primaries and caucuses include: • South Carolina — Saturday, Feb. 3 • Nevada — Tuesday, Feb. 6 • Michigan — Tuesday, Feb. 27 • Super Tuesday — Tuesday, March 5,
• a resident of the United States for 14 years.
Check in
Check here to find out when your state’s presidential primary or caucus is scheduled: bit.ly/45tTMNv.
Party conventions In July, the Republican and Democratic parties will hold huge meetings. Delegates, who have been chosen in each state, will attend the conventions and speak for the people in their state. They will announce which candidate their state wants to win the nomination.
Final vote
The 2024 Republican National Convention will be held July 15-18 in Milwaukee.
The 2024 Democratic National Convention will be held Aug. 19-22 in Chicago.
In August, September and October, candidates will travel all around the country, telling voters about their ideas for leading the American people. You might see them on television or read a news article about them. Finally, on Tuesday, Nov. 5, voters will choose a president and vice president, along with other offices.
Resources On the Web:
• ourwhitehouse.org/race-to-the-ballot/
At the library:
• “Elections and Voting for Kids!” by Bond and Bexley • “ABC What an Informed Voter You’ll Be!” by Modern Kid Press and Jacy Corral
The Mini Page® © 2024 Andrews McMeel Syndication
Try ’n’ Find
Mini Jokes
Words that remind us of elections are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find: AMERICA, BALLOT, CANDIDATE, CAUCUS, CITIZEN, DEMOCRAT, ELECTION, IOWA, PARTY, POLITICS, PRESIDENT, PRIMARY, REPRESENT, REPUBLICAN, RESIDENT, STATE, TRAVEL, VOTE.
T O L L A B P D
C A U C U S A T
N Y R A M I R E P U B L I O W A M E T N E D I S P R E P R E N O I T C E R T Y N E Z N E D I S E
R I R E S L I R
P C I R E E T P
V R Z A N T C A R I W A N T V U E E I C L A A K
U D B E D M S O T C A R T A E T
Paul: Where do polar bears vote? Penny: The North Poll!
Eco Note A recent study found that the climate-controlling Gulf Stream has warmed faster than the world’s
• South Carolina — Saturday, Feb. 3 • Nevada — Tuesday, Feb. 6 • Michigan — Tuesday, Feb. 27 • Super Tuesday — Tuesday, March 5,
Bond and Bexley • “ABC What an Informed Voter You’ll Be!” by Modern Kid Press and Jacy Corral
Check here to find out when your state’s presidential primary or caucus is scheduled: bit.ly/45tTMNv.
January 11, 2024 •
The Mini Page® © 2024 Andrews McMeel Syndication
Try ’n’ Find
Page 19
Mini Jokes
Words that remind us of elections are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find: AMERICA, BALLOT, CANDIDATE, CAUCUS, CITIZEN, DEMOCRAT, ELECTION, IOWA, PARTY, POLITICS, PRESIDENT, PRIMARY, REPRESENT, REPUBLICAN, RESIDENT, STATE, TRAVEL, VOTE.
Williston Observer •
T C O A L U L C A U B S P A D T D E R G
N Y R A M I R E P U B L I O W A M E T N E D I S P R E P R E N O I T C E R T Y N E Z N E D I S E T A D I D N J H P O L I
R I R E S L I R A T
P C I R E E T P C I
V R Z A N T C A R I W A N T V U E E I C L A A K Y E T C S P
Paul: Where do polar bears vote? Penny: The North Poll!
U D B E D M S O T C A R T A E T O V V O
Eco Note A recent study found that the climate-controlling Gulf Stream has warmed faster than the world’s oceans over the past 20 years while it also shifted 3.1 miles closer to the U.S. continental shelf per decade. The Gulf Stream carries Caribbean tropical warmth to the North Atlantic and is part of a massive conveyor belt network of currents. Writing in the journal Nature Climate Change, researchers say the Gulf Stream warmed by about 2 degrees Fahrenheit during the period, becoming lighter than the colder water below.
Cook’s Corner • Salt and freshly ground pepper
What to do: 1. In a medium saucepan, combine creamed corn, milk, bell pepper, bay leaves and dried onion. Cook over medium-high heat and bring to a simmer. Decrease the heat to medium and simmer for 10 minutes. 2. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove the bay leaves before serving. Serves 4.
adapted with permission from Earthweek.com The Mini Page® © 2024 Andrews McMeel Syndication
You’ll need: • 2 (14.75-ounce) cans creamed corn • 2 (12-ounce) cans evaporated skim milk • 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped • 2 bay leaves • 1 teaspoon dried minced onion
* You’ll need an adult’s help with this recipe.
Creamy Corn Chowder
For later:
Look in the newspaper for articles about elections.
Teachers: Follow and interact with The Mini Page on Facebook!
Page 20
• Williston Observer • January 11, 2024
SAVVY SENIOR Essential topics you need to discuss with your aging parents mation, your job becomes much more difficult. Here are some tips that can help.
By Jim Miller Dear Savvy Senior, My siblings and I don’t know much about our elderly parent’s financial situation or their wishes if and when something happens to them. They are both in their mid-80s. What’s the best way to handle this, and what all should we know? Apprehensive Daughter Dear Apprehensive, Many adult children don’t know much about their elderly parents’ financial situation or end-of-life plans, but they need to. Getting up to speed on their finances, insurance policies, longterm care plans and other information is important because some day you might have to help them handle their financial affairs or care, or execute their estate plan after they die. Without this infor-
HAVE THE CONVERSATION
If you’re uncomfortable talking to your parents about this, use this column as a prompt, or see www.TheConversationProject.org, which offers free guides that can help you kick-start these discussions. It’s also a good idea to get all your siblings involved. This can help you head off any possible hard feelings. Plus, with others involved, your parents will know everyone is concerned. When you talk with your parents, you’ll need to collect some information. Find out where they keep key documents and how they want certain things handled when they die or if they become incapacitated. Here’s a checklist of areas to focus on. PERSONAL INFORMATION
Contacts: Make a list of names and phone numbers of your par-
Green Burials
ent’s doctors, lawyer, accountant, broker, tax preparer, insurance agent, etc. Medical information: Make a copy of their medical history and a list of medications they take. Personal documents: Find out where they keep their Social Security card, marriage license, military discharge papers, etc. Secured places: Make a list of places they keep under lock and key such as safe deposit boxes, safe combinations, security alarms, etc. Digital assets: Make a list of their digital assets — everything from social media accounts to online banking. It should include usernames and passwords. Pets: If they have a pet, what are their instructions for the animal’s care? End of life: What are their wishes for organ or body donation, and their funeral instructions? If they’ve made pre-arrangements with a funeral home, get a copy of the agreement. LEGAL DOCUMENTS
Will: Do they have an updated will or trust, and where is it locat-
ed? Power of attorney: Do they have a power of attorney document that names someone to handle their financial matters if they become incapacitated? Advance directives: Do they have a living will and a medical power of attorney that spells out their wishes regarding their endof-life medical treatment? If they don’t have these documents prepared, now’s the time to make them. FINANCIAL RECORDS
Financial accounts: Make a list of their bank accounts, brokerage and mutual fund accounts, and any other financial assets they have. Debts and liabilities: Make a list of any loans, leases or debts they have: mortgages owed, car loans, student loans, medical bills and credit card debts. Also, make a list of all credit and charge cards, including the card numbers and contact information. Company benefits: Make a list of any retirement plans, pensions or benefits from their former employers, including the contact
Call today to plan for your future home at The Pines.
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You’re probably not going to get all this figured out in one gathering, so it’s important to keep the conversation going to ensure your parents’ wishes will be accurately executed. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.
Looking for volunteer opportunities? ESTABLISHED INDEPENDENT SENIOR COMMUNITY
The practice of natural or “green” burials dates back thousands of years. The principle behind this practice is to follow the natural cycle of life. Green burials provide a reduced environmental impact, as well as the benefits of land preservation and affordability. To learn more, contact us today.
information of the benefits administrator. Insurance: Make a list of the insurance policies they have (life, long-term care, home, auto, Medicare, etc.) including the policy numbers, agents and phone numbers. Property: Make a list of the real estate, vehicles or other properties they own, rent or lease and where they keep the deeds, titles and loan or lease agreements. Taxes: Find out where they keep copies of past year’s tax returns.
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www.WillistonObserver.com
The United Way of Northwest Vermont has a wide variety of options.
unitedwaynwvt. galaxydigital.com
January 11, 2024 •
Williston Observer •
Page 21
CROSSWORD • SOLUTION ON PAGE 23
TODAY’S HISTORY:
• In 1908, President Theodore Roosevelt declared the Grand Canyon a national monument. • In 1922, insulin was administered to a diabetic patient for the first time; the extract would require further improvement before achieving success. • In 1964, the U.S. surgeon general issued the first U.S. government report concluding that smoking could be hazardous to one’s health. • In 2003, departing Illinois Gov. George Ryan commuted the sentences of an unprecedented 167 death row inmates.
TODAY’S FACT
• Alexander Hamilton was born to a poor family on the Caribbean island of Nevis. Conflicting sets of records leave it unclear whether he was born in 1755 or 1757.
SUDOKU • SOLUTION ON PAGE 23
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• Comprehensive Dental Care • Implant Placement & Restoration • Crowns, Partials, Dentures
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Page 22
• Williston Observer • January 11, 2024 dren manage their emotions and develop the connection between mental and physical well-being. Instructor: ONTA Studio Staff.
LEGAL NOTICE
ADULT PROGRAMS
Public Auction Under Self-Storage And Operators Lien U-Haul of Williston 5010 Williston Rd Williston, Vt . 05495 On Jan. 24, 2024 at 9:00 am on www.storageauctions.com The contents of the following units consisting of furniture, household goods and miscellaneous personal property will be SOLD to satisfy the lien of U-HAUL as self-storage operators. This sale is held under the Uniform Commercial Code Section 16a, Paragraph 7-210 Enforcement of Vermont Self-Storage Lien. NAME
UNIT#
Scott Bombard
1453
Parris Laplant
2048
Parris Laplant
2201
Chester Thompson
2390
COVER PHOTO CONTEST
The Williston Recreation and Parks Department is looking for a photo to be used on the cover of the upcoming Spring/Summer Program Guide. E-mail photo submissions to recreation@willistonvt.org. The deadline to submit a photo is Jan. 14. The picture should be of people participating in a Williston rec program or using a community park. Three finalists will be chosen, and the winner will be determined by a vote of community members. INSTRUCTORS WANTED
The Rec Department is looking for in-
CLASSIFIEDS FOR SALE TOYOTA TACOMA 4X4 — DBL Cab Long Bed with Tonal Cover. Magnetic Gray, original owner. Low mileage (16,000). Good condition. Asking $34,000 call 802-503-6032 leave a message and we will return your call.
structors for spring and summer programs. The deadline to make it into the Spring/ Summer Program Guide is Feb. 1. Instructors are also sought for summer camp programs. Those interested should fill out a Program Proposal Form at www.willistonrec.org.
FAMILY PROGRAMS TABLE TENNIS
Ages 12-plus. Come out and play, stay fit and meet new people. The program is open to all experience levels. Players should bring their own paddles (a limited number of loaner paddles are available). Players under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. DANGEROUS GIRLS
Age 14-plus. This is a women-only cardio-kickboxing class that combines strength and conditioning with practical combat skills. Learn trips and throws, bounce to Beyoncé, hit hard, laugh a lot. Program starts Jan. 24. Instructor: ONTA Studio Staff.
YOUTH PROGRAMS NINJA KIDS INTRO
JOB FAIR SAVE THE DATE!
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Ages 4-8 or 7-11. This play-based curriculum increases strength and self-confidence, while moving meditation helps chil-
Huts
continued from page 17
to help them move around the hut. Alexander said Vermont Adaptive plans to organize retreats through Vermont Huts for its veterans program as well, offering participants a sense of camaraderie they may have been missing. As Twitchell put it, “A lot of adult groups get overlooked … You’re kind of expected to be an adult and figure it out yourself.” The partnership with Vermont Adaptive could counter that trend. “We just want to make sure that everybody has the opportunity to recreate, and partnering with Vermont Huts is amazing because they believe the same thing,” Alexander said. In line with the program’s growth, Vermont Huts wants to expand the team of educators who facilitate FOREST retreats. “We (found) that our educators don’t represent the communities that we want to help. And that’s a barrier in itself,” Twitchell said. “Not having educators who are people of color or (who) are from the LGBTQ+ community means that we really aren’t serving those communities as well.” So Vermont Huts wants to partner with
PROGRAMS AT “THE R.E.C. ZONE” 94 Harvest Lane, Williston. • Mondays — Jazzercise, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. • Tuesdays — Jazzercise, 4:45-5:45 p.m. • Wednesdays — Jazzercise, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. • Wednesdays — Get Fit w/Jazzy — 5:45-6:30 p.m. • Fridays — Retro Dance - 9:45-10:45 a.m. 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 movements to create a flowing dance. Improve balance, dexterity, strength and coordination. There are so many variations and ways to use the hoop. Program starts Jan. 9 and is open to all ages but is geared towards 50-plus. Instructor: Karla Jones HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE SEMINAR
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. groups like Pride Center of Vermont, Outright Vermont and Huntington Open Women’s Land to offer members outdoor educator training, Twitchell said. The hope is to nurture new educators for the huts system and to bring certification opportunities to more people. Twitchell emphasized how the organization is actively looking for participants and groups interested in outings through the FOREST program. And outside the FOREST program, interested folks can book a stay in any of the huts — many of which are available year-round. “We’re really looking to do something special here in Vermont, and it’s not just going to be our organization who does it. It’s going to be all the partners working together,” Thompson said. Thompson is optimistic about what lies ahead. “It can grow into what I ultimately think it wants to be,” he said of the FOREST program, “which is creating this safe space for anyone to have that experience and to hopefully just feel comfortable in the outdoors.” The Community News Service is a program in which University of Vermont students work with professional editors to provide material for local news outlets at no cost.
January 11, 2024 •
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Williston Observer •
January 11, 2024
Down the lane CLOCKWISE (l to r): Williston’s Malakai Edwards pushes the fast break during the Williston Central School Wildcats’ loss to the Albert D Lawton School Chargers on Tuesday afternoon in Essex Junction. Williston’s Noah Valjerac gets into the paint for a short jumpshot. A huddle of Wildcats discuss game strategy. Brady Gangl leaps towards the hoop for two points. OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY
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