Williston Observer 01/18/2024 by Williston Observer

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JANUARY 18, 2024

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Injecting safe spaces into drug policy House passes overdose prevention center bill BY JASON STARR Observer staff

It wasn’t the first time Sydney Swindell came upon the discarded needles of heroin users in the Taft Corners plaza where she owns a physical therapy business. But it was the most alarming. On a midday dog walk along the rec path near the abandoned Vermont Tap House at the corner of Route 2A and Marshall Avenue, Swindell’s dog pulled her toward a stash of dozens of discarded needles (see photo, this page). Swindell has taken it upon herself during previous such encounters to don gloves, pick up and dispose of needles, but this find seemed beyond her capacity. “To find that much paraphernalia out in the open was really eye-opening for me,” she said. “It was just an excessive amount to even attempt to address, and it’s right on the main street in Williston.” Swindell called the Williston Police Department, and, while she was told that the property owner is ultimately responsible for cleanup, an officer was on site later in the day with cleaning supplies. “It’s no worse than they’ve seen before,” she recalls the officer saying. “That was the comment that got me.” Opioid-related overdose deaths in Vermont reached an all-time high in 2023. The most recent data from the Vermont Department of Health shows that there were 180 deaths through September of last year, a 21 percent increase over the three-year average. Swindell, a Williston resident and parent, said her local peers assume that heroin use is a Burlington issue. “A lot of snarky comments get made that ‘Burlington is going down the tubes,’ but it’s not just Burlington’s problem,” she said. “It’s all of our problem … I would love to know what a good solution to it is.” OVERDOSE PREVENTION CENTERS

Vermont’s response to heroin addiction has been multi-faceted. Its decade-old “hub-and-spoke” treatment system created centers for daily addiction treatment and “spokes” that integrate treatment into the larger healthcare and wellness system. The state has also implemented clean syringe distribution and drug purity tests; decrim-

Dozens of needles and syringes typically used for drug consumption were left behind recently near the vacant Vermont Tap House at the corner of Route 2A and Marshall Avenue in Williston. OBSERVER PHOTO BY RICK COTE

inalized the addiction treatment drug buprenorphine; expanded access to the overdose-prevention drug naloxone; and passed a bill that assures people won’t be prosecuted for drug possession if they call 911 in a medical emergency. “Vermont has tried all these different things, but our overdose rates continue to go up, so I think people are more open to thinking about more comprehensive approaches to keeping people safer,” said Gray Gardner of the Drug Policy Alliance, which lobbies in Vermont for drug policy reforms. “People are starting to understand

the crisis more than they did before.” Gardner is part of the Decriminalize Vermont Coalition that worked with the Legislature on crafting H.72, a bill that allows for the creation of “overdose prevention centers” — medically supervised locations where people can use drugs lawfully with immediate access to overdose prevention medication and referrals to long-term treatment options. The bill provides immunity from drug possession charges for someone using or working at the facility. The House of Representatives passed the bill just after the new year. It now goes

to the Senate. If approved, Gov. Phil Scott would get a chance to weigh in, and he has so far been opposed to the concept. The governor “continues to believe the unproven sites would divert resources away from more impactful and proven harm reduction, treatment and prevention strategies,” Scott spokesperson Jason Maulucci said in December. “They also remain federally illegal which is not contemplated in the bill.” Williston Reps. Angela Arsenault and Erin Brady both voted for the bill. In an email to the Observer, Brady noted the emotional nature of testimony given at the Statehouse regarding the bill, revealing that she has lost a cousin to an overdose and that, in her role as a high school teacher, she has counseled students with friends and family members suffering and dying from substance use disorder. “Almost all of us are now touched by addiction,” she said. The testimony of firefighters in Burlington who described to lawmakers their dayto-day response to overdose calls “really informed my final decision,” Brady said. “One firefighter … implored policy makers to try new approaches because the status quo is out of control and unsustainable.” Arsenault noted that the bill would allow for two overdose prevention sites as a “pilot program.” “The simple fact is that overdose deaths are on the rise and what we are currently doing has not worked,” Arsenault said. “We absolutely must try everything possible to keep more Vermonters alive. Prevention sites are hopefully one of many effective strategies in the large, complicated landscape of substance use treatment and prevention.” In a statement of support, ACLU Vermont (the state’s chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union) said: “These facilities not only save lives — they also make our communities healthier, result in fewer discarded needles in public spaces, and reduce the transmission of HIV, Hepatitis C, and other blood-borne pathogens by giving people access to clean needles and disposal boxes. ‘FUNDAMENTALLY GOING TO SAVE LIVES’

Overdose prevention centers have been operated in Canada and European countries see DRUGS page 7

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Williston Observer • January 18, 2024

Around Town Williston 2050 community survey open until Jan. 29

Decked out Andrew Meisenzahl stands in front of his home on Mountain View Road after a tree came down on his deck during the Jan. 9 wind storm. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRIAN MEISENZAHL

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Williston’s Planning and Zoning office invites community members to complete an online survey to inform the next edition of the town’s Comprehensive Plan. Questions focus on what Williston should be like in 2050 and what actions the town should take now to ensure Williston is a livable, resilient and equitable place in the future? Survey responses will be incorporated into the goals and objectives of the new Comprehensive Plan. Complete the survey online at https://www.williston2050. com/survey. Paper copies are available by calling (802) 878-6704, emailing planning@willistonvt.org or visiting the Planning and Zoning Office at 7878 Williston Rd.

Winter parking ban in effect The Williston Police Department reminds residents that the town’s Winter Parking Ban is in effect. Vehicles parked on the streets during the overnight hours will be subject to a ticket or getting towed.

Holiday sock drive a success Williston Observer readers once again came through for seniors this past holiday season. The Observer’s annual Socks for Seniors drive netted several hundred donated pairs of cozy new socks, enough

for all of the residents of seven nursing homes in Chittenden and Franklin counties. Socks are also being provided to groups supporting individuals and families in need. The organizations have responded with appreciation for your kindness and generosity.

Gardening roundtable planned at Richmond Free Library Join fellow gardeners at the Richmond Free Library on Jan. 25 from 4-5 p.m. to discuss your 2024 garden plans. Topics may include seed selection and starting, rotation, planning for a wet (or dry) summer, pest and weed management and more. Hannah Harrington, manager of Richmond Community Garden and board chair for Vermont Garden Network, will facilitate the discussion.

Habitat open house marks 40th anniversary Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity is celebrating its 40th anniversary with an open house on Saturday, Jan. 20 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at 102 Canyon Estates, their first home built in Colchester. Tour the single-family home and see first-hand what the partner family and many community volunteers have built. Light refreshments will be served.

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Indian food at your doorstep Home-based Williston business delivers BY JASON STARR Observer staff One Williston family is spreading the rich flavors of India throughout Vermont. Arun Singh and his wife, Reema, started Desi Delivery VT last April, an online food delivery service operated out of their home on Creeks Edge Drive. Singh fulfills orders that come through the company’s website, www.desideliveryvt.com, for goods such as lentils, fresh produce, frozen foods, rice, nuts and beverages from a variety of Indian food labels. The items are sourced from suppliers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and New Jersey and warehoused at the family’s

home. Orders are fulfilled within 24 hours, with Singh hitting the road during the day and evening for deliveries in and around Chittenden County, over to St. Johnsbury, down to Rutland, and many points in between. For clients outside the state, deliveries are shipped. Singh said the business combines the most affordable prices for Indian food groceries with the convenience of front door delivery. “Indian cuisine is getting popular not only in Vermont, but in the United States and all over the world,” Singh said. “We wanted to make the food available all over Vermont at the lowest prices possible.” Singh grew up in a farming family in India, where he learned the value of food authenticity. He

and Reema were married in 2008. They lived in different countries for several years when Reema moved to the United States (in 2013) and Singh worked information technology jobs in Europe. They were reunited in 2019 when they both moved to Williston, and they bought their Creek’s Edge home in 2021. “We had been to other states before coming to Vermont and we found that this is the place where we would like to live forever,” Singh said. “We love Vermont.” For now, the company will stay contained within the house. But Singh expects Desi Delivery will expand its offerings and volume this year and start warehousing inventory off site. “We have expansion plans,” he said. “We’ll be looking for a bigger warehouse.”

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Groceries ordered online are packed and delivered from the Singh home on Creek’s Edge Drive. India native Arun Singh, left, moved to Williston in 2019. FROM INSTAGRAM @DESIDELIVERYVT

Williston Observer • January 18, 2024

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& the When CHAMBER TO HOST ANNUAL ECONOMIC CONFERENCE

The Vermont Chamber’s 2024 Vermont Economic Conference is scheduled for 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 30 at UVM’s Dudley H. Davis Center in Burlington. Industry professionals, policymakers, business owners and community members are encouraged to register to attend at www.vt-

chamber.com/economicconference. The agenda features a panel discussion entitled “The Future of Work: How Immigration Shapes Vermont’s Talent Landscape.” The discussion will focus on the economic contributions of immigrants in Vermont and workforce development and diversity strategies that are ready for implementation.

Other presentation topics are: a state economic outlook with Mat Barewicz of the Vermont Department of Labor, a national economic outlook with Leslie Preston of TD Bank, and an artificial intelligence presentation with Alec Newcomb of ScaledOn. LENNY’S CUSTOMERS RAISE FUNDS FOR HUMANE SOCIETY

Lenny’s Shoe & Apparel donated about $675 of pet food and supplies to the Humane Society of Chittenden County in December. The funds came from Lenny’s customers who participated in a coin-drop game at the company’s Williston store. Lenny’s will continue to have the fund-raising game set up at the store this year. “Lenny’s staff are big animal lovers and we enjoy giving to the Humane Society,” said Lenny’s employee Marc LeBlanc. “In 11 years, we have donated over $6,000 worth of pet food and supplies.” (See below.)

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Vermont meat and produce growers and processors are eligible for grants of up to $300,000 in a new program run by the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets. The

application window is Jan. 19-Feb. 26. A total of $1.6 million will be awarded to businesses for meat and produce infrastructure and equipment. Application materials are available at https://agriculture. vermont.gov/agriculture-development-grants#MeatProduce Contact Sarah McIlvennie at sarah.mcilvennie@vermont.gov or (802) 261-5866 for more information. BOURNE’S ENERGY WINS VT BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

The Vermont Chamber of Commerce and Vermont Business Magazine has awarded Bourne’s Energy with their Outstanding Business of the Year Award for 2023. The award will be presented at the opening session of the Vermont Economic Conference on Jan. 30 at the UVM Dudley Davis Center. Bourne’s Energy is a heating fuel retailer with several Vermont locations that has become a leader in biodiesel fuel. The company was founded 75 years ago. “We feel it is our duty as a leader in the fuel industry to forge the path for Vermonters to reduce their carbon footprint with environmentally friendlier heating fuels and

high-efficiency equipment that are affordable and easy to implement,” co-owner Mike Bourne said. UNEMPLOYMENT RATE TICKS UP

Vermont’s unemployment rate for November ticked up to 2.1 percent, compared to 2 percent the month before, according to the Vermont Department of Labor. Labor Commissioner Michael Harrington noted that Vermont continues to have a “persistently high number of job vacancies.” VMEC BOARD MEMBERS RE-ELECTED

The Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center has new membership on its Advisory Board after December elections. Re-elected for two-year terms were AllEarth Renewables CEO David Blittersdorf of Williston; Trow & Holden President Gina Akley of Barre; Maple Landmark Woodcraft President Mike Rainville of Middlebury; and Chroma Technology COO Janette Bombardier of Bellows Falls. Vermont Technology Alliance Executive Director Jeff Couture is leaving the board. The Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center operates as a nonprofit out of the Randolph campus of Vermont State University.

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Lenny’s Shoe & Apparel donated over $675 of pet food and supplies to the Humane Society of Chittenden County. To date, Lenny’s has donated over $6,000 worth of pet food and supplies. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

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Will this be the year Vermont bans flavored tobacco sales? BY PETER D’AURIA VTDigger Since 2020, Vermont lawmakers have been trying to ban the sale of flavored tobacco. Seeking to protect children and youth from getting hooked on enticing flavors in vaping liquid, legislators drafted bills that would prohibit stores from selling all flavored tobacco products. In past years, the legislation faltered amid the Covid-19 pandemic, stiff opposition from retailers and the tobacco industry, and a surge of turnover in the Statehouse. But this year, a ban appears to have a strong tailwind. The bill, S.18, passed the Senate last year and landed in the House Human Services Committee, where it is scheduled for a review and markup later this week. Now, backers hope it can finally become law. “It’s a really must-pass bill,” said Sen. Ginny Lyons of Williston, the chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare and the primary sponsor of the bill. “We can’t let this go. It’s too important for children.”

As currently written, the bill would ban the sale of all flavored tobacco. Prohibited flavors include “tastes or aromas relating to any fruit, chocolate, vanilla, honey, maple, candy, cocoa, dessert, alcoholic beverage, mint, menthol, wintergreen, herb or spice, or other food or drink, or to any conceptual flavor that imparts a taste or aroma that is distinguishable from tobacco flavor but may not relate to any particular known flavor,” the bill reads. Violators would be fined up to $100 for a first offense and up to $500 for future sales. It’s not yet clear when a law would go into effect — the ban passed by the Vermont Senate last spring was originally scheduled to begin Sept. 1. Medical organizations, education officials and prominent state nonprofits have rallied in support of the bill. School officials have described an epidemic of vaping among their students, a trend that medical professionals say is strongly influenced by the availability of flavored tobacco products, especially vapes. “Vermont pediatricians are re-

Sen. Ginny Lyons FILE PHOTO BY GLENN RUSSELL/VTDIGGER

ally concerned about the extent of vaping that we’re seeing in young people,” Lauren Faricy, a pediatric pulmonologist at UVM Medical Center, told lawmakers in the House Human Services Committee last Thursday. “I’ve seen this progression play out in my patients,” Faricy said, “where flavors start as a hook and then lead to a dependence.” In November, a coalition of backers of the bill released a poll they say shows strong support in Vermont for such a ban. But the bill has run into opposition from retail and grocery organizations, who have argued that the legislation would fail to achieve its

health goals and would instead simply drive consumers to find flavored tobacco products in other states or on the illegal market. VJ Mayor, the executive director of the Northeast Wholesalers Association, pointed to data showing that a 2020 Massachusetts ban on flavored tobacco led to spikes in flavored tobacco sales in neighboring states. “Due to cross-border dynamics, Vermont will still be paying for smoking-related illnesses,” Mayor told lawmakers Thursday. “The only true outcomes are revenue loss and tax loss for the state.” Last spring, an analysis by Vermont’s Joint Fiscal Office estimated that the ban would cost the state $5.6 million in tax revenue in its first fiscal year, though that number is expected to decrease slightly over time. Critics of the bill also argued that flavored vapes can help many people quit smoking cigarettes — and that enacting a ban while allowing the sale of flavored alcohol and cannabis products would amount to a double standard. Lawmakers in the House Human Services Committee are cur-

rently taking testimony on the bill, and it’s not clear what changes they might make to the legislation. One potential point of contention has been menthol, a popular mint flavor used in vapes and cigarettes. As written, the bill would ban the sale of menthol along with other flavors. But witnesses and lawmakers have noted data showing that Black and Hispanic people disproportionately smoke menthol-flavored tobacco. That’s led to questions about the scope of the ban: Would banning menthol flavoring unfairly target people of color? Or would a menthol exception itself be a form of racial injustice? With the markup scheduled for later this week, the committee expects to vote on the bill next week. Rep. Theresa Wood, D-Waterbury, the chair of the House Human Services committee, said in an interview Tuesday that lawmakers might make some changes to the legislation before it leaves the committee. But, she said, “We’ll be passing a bill out of committee that, you know, is a strong bill.”

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Williston Observer • January 18, 2024

GUEST COLUMN

Williston

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Housing — a drag on Vermont’s economy BY ANSON TEBBETTS Vermonters are asking for more housing units and better-quality dwellings. Workers — employees — we hear you, asking for more well-constructed homes, apartments and condos so you can work, live and play closer to where you earn. We are listening and determined to act. We hear calls for more housing from all industry sectors. From high tech, to hospitality, to hospitals, to agriculture, the need is serious. Every week, we hear from young farmers who have tremendous energy, enthusiasm and training to work the land, producing food for Vermont and our region. We also hear from New Americans who have moved to the Green Mountains for a better life. But agriculture is not a 9-to-5 profession. There are often odd and long hours. Aspiring farmers are discouraged because they cannot find affordable housing close to their farms, fields and processing facilities. They cannot find housing closer to their jobs. The need is acute, and critical to Vermont’s future. If we don’t create more places to live, youth will continue to leave our state, among them, young farmers and entrepreneurs. We need to allow more flexibility to build housing closer to the place of work. We must listen to the next generation as we develop policies in the Legislature this year. As the legislative session gets underway, all of us need to keep an open mind and embrace common sense suggestions that will offer more opportunities for workers and

employers. That will include updating Act 250, Vermont’s decades-old land use law. It has been more than 50 years since Act 250 was created, and Vermont has changed. If our regulations, guidelines and policies don’t change along with our state, we risk Vermont becoming a place where only privileged people can afford to live and work. As we take on vast and problematic housing issues, one model we

Companies … could produce more or expand their operations if there were more housing in Vermont. could consider broadening is existing small-scale farm worker housing policies. Vermont has invested in this area, but we must do much more if we are going to provide good jobs to Vermonters, as well as enjoy fresh food and world class products. Imagine the possibilities if we could further elevate our food industry by boosting our workforce. Vermont produces world class dairy products like butter, yogurt, ice cream and cheese, but we could do more if we had more affordable housing in our rural regions. Lack of housing has prevented companies from keeping pace or growing. Companies of all sizes are telling us they could produce more or expand their operations if there were

more housing in Vermont. There are even examples of businesses having to stop producing award-winning products because of the lack of labor. More housing could halt that trend. We have made some progress by investing in farm worker housing though the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board and the Working Lands Enterprise Fund, but progress could be made if we modernize our laws. There is growing momentum to embrace common sense changes to Act 250 this session so Vermont’s farm, forest and food economy can grow. It’s time for Vermont to realize that, as much as employees fill jobs, they are people who need homes, as well as access to reliable utilities, internet, groceries and education. They’re great workers, they love their jobs, and all too often, they must move away because getting to and from work is just too hard, too long, too time-consuming. Vermont has the chance to bend the curve and start creating more housing closer to jobs and opportunity. People are seeking jobs, and employers are hiring. Good jobs are waiting. However, attracting and retaining workers is difficult when there is no place to live near your job. We owe it to current and future generations of Vermonters who want to call Vermont their home. Let’s work together this session to create real, meaningful change for all Vermonters, for today and tomorrow. Anson Tebbetts is secretary of the Vermont Agency of Agriculture.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Retail theft reform welcome We are very pleased to see that our lawmakers in Montpelier are taking up the issue of retail theft in Vermont (“Lawmakers weigh increased retail theft penalties” Jan. 11). We think House bills H.534 and H.579 make a lot of sense. Thank you to all who have spoken out about this very serious

issue and to those who are taking action to resolve it. Peg Allen and Larry Mindell Williston

Christmas tree pickup gratitude Williston Scout Troop 692 would like to thank the Williston community for its overwhelming support of our Christmas Tree pickup last weekend. We collected

almost 350 trees! We would also like to thank New England Air and Pinnacle Properties for the use of their large trucks, which made the task a whole lot easier. It is always wonderful to be reminded, and especially for our youth to be reminded, of what an amazing and generous community we live in. Happy New Year to all of you! Julia Nesbit Williston

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Squier family sells WDEV to former GOP candidates BY PAUL HEINTZ VTDigger

After 88 years of ownership, the Squier family is selling WDEV-AM and its sister stations to a pair of business leaders who have both run for public office. Ashley Jane Squier, the third member of her family to own the storied independent broadcaster, announced the sale on-air Thursday afternoon. She was accompanied by the buyers, Myers Mermel and Scott Milne, as well as WDEV’s general manager, Steve Cormier. Squier said her father, the late Ken Squier, had sought for years to find a local buyer for the Waterbury-based station, which has bucked industry trends for decades by remaining relentlessly focused on local news, talk, sports and community. “The way he wanted to give a gift to Vermonters was to keep this radio station as a community treasure, and he did that,” Squier said of her father, who died in November. “We still get to have our treasure.” The two buyers may be best known to Vermonters for their forays into state politics. Mermel, of Manchester, has spent much of his career in investment banking and commercial real estate in New York City. A graduate of the University of Vermont, he bought a house in Manchester in 2015 and ran for the U.S. Senate in 2022, only to lose the Repub-

Drugs

continued from page 1

for about two decades, according to Gardner of the Drug Policy Alliance. In 2021, New York City became the first American municipality to test the concept with the opening of two centers. Rhode Island and Minnesota are also on track to open centers, Gardner said, with Rhode Island’s expected to open this year. “We have two years of demonstrated success of the model in the United States,” Gardner said. OnPoint NYC, the nonprofit operator of New York’s overdose prevention centers, has reported a precipitous drop in drug paraphernalia litter in the Washington Heights public park adjacent to one of its facilities — from finding 13,000 syringes per month in the park to

Myers Mermel, left, and Scott Milne

lican nomination. He then served briefly as president and executive director of the Ethan Allen Institute, a conservative think tank, until his ouster last September. Milne, of Pomfret, is the president of Milne Travel, a Vermont-based travel agency founded by his parents. He has run unsuccessfully for the Vermont House, governor, U.S. Senate and lieutenant governor — all as a Republican. In a joint interview Thursday, Mermel and Milne said they had both begun separate negotiations with the Squier family last year when they learned that the other was interested. “It just turned out that it was appropriate that we join forces,” Mermel said. He said that he and Milne had reached a deal with the family two weeks before Ken Squier’s death

but held off on announcing it to keep the focus on Squier’s legacy. Shortly thereafter, Glen Wright, who had overseen Squier’s assets in recent years and negotiated the sale, also died. Radio Vermont Group’s holdings — which, in addition to WDEV, also include WCVT-FM and WLVB-FM — are being acquired by Mermel & McLain Management, the commercial real estate investment firm Mermel co-owns. Mermel characterized Milne as an investor in the entity that will control the radio assets and called Milne a key adviser. Mermel will serve as owner and operator. “Myers is the boss,” Milne added. The men declined to disclose the sale price. Though the deal is binding and money has exchanged hands, they said, the radio licens-

about 1,000 a year after the facility opened. The center also reports preventing about 630 overdoses. “An overdose prevention center is fundamentally going to save lives just by virtue of somebody being there when somebody is suffering from an overdose,” Gardner said. “That in itself is a fundamental benefit.” The centers also have the potential to lead to lasting lifestyle changes, he said. “They treat people with compassion and support rather than stigmatizing and marginalizing them and leaving them to use substances in dangerous ways and dangerous locations,” he said. “It feels like we’re in a moment now where more people are coming to realize that this is a smarter way of doing things.” The Vermont bill contemplates contracting with private organiza-

tions to staff and operate the two pilot sites. It does not identify where the sites would be located and states that a center could only open in a municipality with approval from its elected governing body (selectboard or city council). It would fund the sites with fees on pharmaceutical companies. Rep. Theresa Wood of Waterbury, chair of the House Human Services Committee and a sponsor of the bill, said her committee has already heard “significant interest” from communities wanting to host overdose prevention sites. “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.” — Patrick Crowley of VTDigger contributed to this report

es will not be transferred until the Federal Communications Commission signs off, a process that could take six months. During Thursday’s on-air announcement, Ashley Jane Squier expressed confidence that Mermel and Milne would preserve much of what has defined WDEV over the years. “Change is hard,” she said. “I hope and I ask for Vermonters to stay with us, to stay listening, to accept that some changes you will probably love, some you will not love, but there’s still enough to love, and some things will stay the same.” Mermel added, “Many more things are going to stay the same

than change.” In the interview, he elaborated. “Our plans are to preserve community radio and enhance and grow DEV and its sister stations,” he said. “We’re going to try to improve operational efficiencies behind the scenes, to make things more efficient. We want to maintain the people we hear on the radio every day. And we have some ideas of how to enhance our local presence in more meaningful ways. We realize Vermonters want local news.” Mermel said he expected to maintain current staffing levels and said he did not anticipate layoffs.

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Williston Observer • January 18, 2024

OBITUARIES Style. Sandra’s passion was her family and animals. We will miss her physical presence although we are comforted by our many treasured memories. Stephen Gregory & Son Cremation will be handling arrangements.

Sandra (Mathieu) Burns Sandra (Mathieu) Burns, 77, passed away unexpectedly Jan. 8, 2024 at UVM Medical Center. She was born in Colchester, VT on Dec. 1, 1946 to Edgar and Arlene Mathieu. She leaves a daughter Angela and her husband Gary Godin, a son David and his wife Sharon Clow. Grandsons Michael and wife Katie, Matthew, Christopher and his partner Jessica, four step grandchildren whom she cared for in their formative years, several great grandchildren and several brothers and sisters. She was predeceased by her mother in 2004, father in 2005 and grandson Dustin Lafrance in 2023. Sandra went to school in Williston, VT then continued her education at O’Briens Training Center and went to open her own Salon Tan &

Harold Jarvis Degree Born Sept. 26, 1933, Harold was one of six children born to Delia and Frank Degree of Underhill. After the family relocated the family farm to Williston, Harold worked on the farm and studied machining and auto mechanics at Burlington High School. Harold was an Army reservist alongside his brother Wayne. Harold’s career as an auto mechanic included working at Shearer Chevrolet as an accomplished technician, as well as co-owning, with

his brother Wayne, “Degrees Auto Repair”, in Essex Center. When IBM came to Vermont, Harold left the auto industry and found a rewarding career with them from 1963 until his retirement in 1992. Harold met the love of his life, Gladys Provost in 1953. They were married on October 24th of that year. Harold and Gladys purchased their family home in Colchester Village, filling it with six children. Harold coached and umpired his children’s Little League games. Harold proudly served his community as volunteer firefighter, eventually becoming Chief of Colchester Center Volunteer Fire Co. Harold could fix just about anything, be it a car or home repair. After the passing of his wife Gladys, in 2011, Harold found companionship with Arlene Degree. She was a steady and loving partner to Harold. Harold left this world on January 7th, 2024. Harold is predeceased by his wife Gladys, son Reginald and his siblings. He leaves behind partner Arlene Degree of Williston, children Kathy Degree of Colchester, Sherry Pakulski (Mark) of Colchester, Bob of Colchester, Mike Degree (Mindy) of Burlington, Ken Degree (Lori) of South Burlington, daughter-in-law Valory Degree of Fairfield CA, as well as many other beloved members of his extended family.

Jan. 6 at 2:06 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Home Depot. Female suspect had two active arrest warrants. She was transported to the correctional facility. Jan. 6 at 3:59 p.m. — Stolen bicycle recovered and returned to owner. Jan. 6 at 9:32 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Marshalls. Male suspect was issued a citation to appear in court. Female suspect was issued a notice of trespass. Jan. 7 at 12:32 a.m. — Following a traffic stop, a male was issued a citation to appear in court for suspicion of DUI. Jan. 7 at 3:07 a.m. — Following a traffic stop, a male was issued a citation to appear in court for suspicion of DUI. Jan. 8 at 1:12 p.m. — Unresponsive male at Walmart. Male was transported to the hospital. Jan. 8 at 1:59 p.m. — Report of a suspicious male at Taft Corners Shopping Center. Male was gone upon arrival.

Speak up!

Jan. 9 at 2:51 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Marshalls. Case is still under investigation. Jan. 10 at 2:26 a.m. — Assisted Williston Fire Department with multiple power lines and trees down. Assisted with road closures. Jan. 10 at 8:41 a.m. — Stolen vehicle reported at U-Haul. Vehicle was recovered later that day in Burlington. Jan. 11 at 7:30 a.m. — Report of a stolen vehicle on Avenue C. Vehicle was recovered later that day in Burlington. Jan. 11 at 10:47 a.m. — Retail theft reported at Best Buy. Case is still under investigation. Jan. 11 at 11:26 a.m. — Retail theft reported at Staples. Case is still under investigation. Officers also conducted 14 traffic stops and responded to 13 alarm activations and nine motor vehicle accidents during this time frame.

Send letters and story ideas to editor@willistonobserver.com Williston

Experience, trusted advice and local knowledge! Call today! 448-2860 62 Merchants Row, Williston www.RRVermont.com Email: info@ rrvermont.com

Call today! 802-448-2860

62 Merchants Row, Williston

www.RRVermont.com

Email: info@ rrvermont.com

January 18, 2024 Bassick. AFTER SCHOOL MEDITATIVE COLORING

Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2-3 p.m. Unwind and color at the library. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library hours: • Monday and Wednesday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. • Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. • Saturday: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Visit www.damlvt.org to apply for a library card and to register for programs that require registration. Need help? Call 878-4918 or email daml@ damlvt.org.

MULTI-AGE PROGRAMS

someone over 16 years of age.

ALL AGES SEWING WORKSHOP

TEEN MOVIE NIGHTS

Mondays, Jan. 22, 4-6:45 p.m. and Jan. 29, 5-7:20 p.m. PG13. Prepare your wand for the final stretch.

Saturday, Jan. 20, 1-2:30 p.m. Learn how to sew buttons, patches and a hem stitch from Sophie with Little Bird Sewing Studio. Registration required.

STORYTIME

MEET THE THINGS

Tuesdays, Jan. 23 and Jan. 30, 10:30-11 a.m. Drop in for stories and fun. AFTER SCHOOL CRAFT

Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2-3 p.m. Relax with a craft after school. PRESCHOOL MUSIC AND PLAYTIME

GIVING TREE

Throughout January, donate toward a library program or our collection by picking an ornament from the library’s giving tree, or give online at www.damlvt.org. Thank you for your support!

YOUTH PROGRAMS Children in fourth grade and younger must be supervised by

Thursdays, Jan. 25 and Feb. 1, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Sing with Linda Bassick, then stay to play. LEGO TIME

Thursday, Jan. 25, 3-4 p.m. Enjoy our LEGO collection.

Tuesday, Jan. 23, 5-6 p.m. Stop by the library and meet our “Library of Things” — all sorts of things you can check out at the library, like jewelry repair kits, a 3D printer and more. Some items will be demonstrated at the event. VERMONT READS: “LAST NIGHT AT THE TELEGRAPH CLUB”

Get a copy of the Vermont Reads book at the library and prepare for future events. Vermont Reads is sponsored by Vermont Humanities.

SATURDAY MUSIC

VERMONT READS EVENT: COMMUNITY COOKBOOK

Saturday, Jan. 27, 10:30-11 a.m. Sing and dance with Linda

Submit a family recipe with a short story to our community

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cookbook through January. Details online (www.damlvt.org)

ADULT PROGRAMS

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Williston Observer •

Page 9

Culter challenged herself with a canoe trip in the Yukon and will share her photos and adventures. LOVE AT FIRST SENTENCE

For online programs, email daml@ damlvt.org for Zoom link. ADULT WINTER READING CHALLENGE

Through Feb. 29. Fill out a reading bingo card, available at the library and on our website (www.damlvt.org), and return the card to the library to be entered in prize drawings. BROWN BAG BOOK CLUB

Tuesday Jan. 23, 12:30-1:30 p.m. “Dirtbag, Massachusetts” by Isaac Fitzgerald. Available in print at the library or as an eAudiobook in Libby (Overdrive). CURRENT EVENTS

Wednesday, Jan. 24, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Discuss current topics of the day. ADULT MEDITATION (ONLINE)

Fridays in January, 12-12:30 p.m. Join our online guided meditation. MY TRAVELS IN THE YUKON

Saturday, Jan. 27, 1-2:30 p.m. Ever want to take a trip in the wild? Williston resident Karen

Available Feb. 1-14. Can an opening line draw you in? Stop by the library to choose your next book “love” from our wrapped selections by reading just the first line. ADULT CRAFTERNOON: PAPER HEART TREES

Thursday Feb. 1, 2-3 p.m. Spread the love with this colorful, easy craft. Registration required. LIFE STORIES (ONLINE)

Thursday Feb. 1, 2-3 p.m. Everyone has a story to share. Prompts will guide the group. ADULT TABLETOP RPG: WHITE STAR

Thursday, Feb. 1, 5:30-7:30 p.m. A two-hour fantasy role-playing game for adults. First-time players welcome! This session will use the White Box OSR game system. Designed to emulate the rules of classic Dungeons & Dragons, White Box is easy to learn and flexible for both new and experienced players. The “Game Master” will provide everything you need. Registration required.

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

LOCAL ‹‹ GET BACK TO THE LIFE YOU LOVE! ››

S H O P • E AT• S P E N D • E N J O Y

n o t s i Will

Williston

Pagerelease 10 •dates: Williston Observer Jan. 20-26, 2024 •

January 18, 2024

03 (24)

Next Week: Our states: Rhode Island

Founded by Betty Debnam

Never Forget

World War II

photo courtesy Library of Congress

Although the war started in September 1939, the United States didn’t become involved until Dec. 7, 1941, after a surprise attack by the Japanese destroyed many airplanes and ships at the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. It was called a world war because so many countries all around the globe were involved in it. In 1934, a politician in Germany, Adolf Hitler, declared himself führer, or leader, of the country and directed Adolf Hitler the government away from democracy.

A dreadful goal

Part of Hitler’s plan was to take over Poland and the Soviet Union, along with other European nations, and eliminate Jewish people from the region. Jewish people had been discriminated against for hundreds of years, and after World War I, Hitler’s Nazi

Anne Frank’s father, Otto, survived the Holocaust and made sure his daughter’s diary was published.

Party in Germany wanted to create a world where there weren’t any Jews. Hitler’s plan started with enacting laws that prohibited Jewish people from owning businesses and homes. They were forced to wear a gold Star of David on their clothing to identify them as Jews. Jewish neighborhoods were attacked and the people massacred. Eventually, the Nazis started rounding up Jewish people and moving them to concentration camps. They were told they’d have good jobs and be taken care of, but the camps were crowded, dirty and full of disease. Many people were killed as soon as they arrived at the camp. By the time the war ended, the Nazis had murdered 6 million Jewish people, along with disabled people, other ethnic minorities and LGBTQ people. Many of the concentration camp victims were children.

photo courtesy AFS/AFF, Amsterdam/Basel

Every year on Jan. 27, people around the world remember the victims of the Holocaust in World War II. This date was chosen because people in the concentration camp at Auschwitz, Poland, were liberated, or freed, on that day in 1945. This week, The Mini Page learns more about the United Nations’ International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the events it observes

Mini Fact:

What does Holocaust mean?

The word Holocaust comes from the Greek language. It means “burnt offering.” This word is now used to refer to the extermination, or killing, of Jewish and other people during World War II.

One girl’s story

Have you read a book called “The Diary of a Young Girl”? The book collects the writings of Anne Frank, a 13-year-old Jewish girl who went into hiding with her family in July 1942. Anne was born in Germany, but her family moved to Amsterdam, the Netherlands, after Hitler came into power. She and her parents, along with her sister, Margot, lived in secret rooms behind a bookcase in the building where her father’s business was. Anne kept a diary and wrote about Anne Frank their two years in hiding. Another family, the Van Pelses, joined them in the hiding place, and later, a family friend named Fritz Pfeffer also moved in. Four people who worked for the business knew that the Jewish people were hidden there and supplied them food and other necessities. The families were discovered on Aug. 4, 1944, and in September, Anne’s family was moved to Auschwitz. Later, Anne and her sister were transferred to another camp, where Anne died in February or March, 1945. Her sister also died there.

photo courtesy AFS/AFF, Amsterdam/Basel

Issue 03, 2024

Resources On the Web:

• bit.ly/MPHolocaust • bit.ly/MPAnne

At the library:

• “Anne Frank” by Wil Mara

Try ’n’ Find

Mini Jokes

Words that remind us of Holocaust Remembrance Day are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find: ANNE, AUSCHWITZ, BUSINESS, CAMP, CONCENTRATION, DIARY, FUHRER, GERMANY, HIDDEN, HITLER, HOLOCAUST,

G E R M A L I B E R C O N C E M Z S S E C D N A L A J B J A

N Y O A T E N T R N I S O P X N N E

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

R H E O L M T E I N H A

Poppy: How does a polar bear build his house? Paul: Igloos it together!

Eco Note The caterpillar larvae that metamorphose into butterflies are struggling

other European nations, and eliminate Jewish people from the region. Jewish people had been discriminated against for hundreds of years, and after World War I, Hitler’s Nazi

The word Holocaust comes from the Greek language. It means “burnt offering.” This word is now used to refer to the extermination, or killing, of Jewish and other people during World War II.

• bit.ly/MPHolocaust • bit.ly/MPAnne

At the library:

January 18, 2024 • Williston • “Anne Frank” by Wil Mara Observer • Page 11

Try ’n’ Find

Mini Jokes

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

N Y O A T E N T R N I S O P X N N E C R E E R H D Z T T S U

Poppy: How does a polar bear build his house? Paul: Igloos it together!

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

Eco Note The caterpillar larvae that metamorphose into butterflies are struggling to survive climate change, a new study concludes. Researchers at the University of Cambridge say that the larvae are unable to regulate their temperature, leaving them helpless against weather extremes. They warn that this could mean fewer “beautiful, charismatic butterflies,” which could impact pollination and the birds that eat the larvae. Scientists suggest creating microclimates and structures in green spaces, such as backyard gardens and parks, so these creatures can have a bit of shade.

• 1 (5.1 ounce) package chocolate-flavored instant pudding mix

What to do: 1. Stir the 2 tablespoons milk with the peanut butter until mixed well. Gently blend in the whipped topping. 2. Make pudding according to directions with 3 cups of milk in a separate bowl. 3. Spoon whipped topping mixture and pudding alternately into parfait glasses. 4. Chill for 1 hour before serving. Serves 6 to 8.

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.

1. they fly in a “V” (5) 2. not straight (7) 3. hold in your arms (5) 4. calm (8) 5. opposite of straight, as in hair (5) 6. a place to write your thoughts (7) 7. thick sheet of ice (7)

ACE

ESE

GLA

OKED

NAL

CAR

RLY

JOUR FUL

CRO

adapted with permission from Earthweek.com

You’ll need: • 2 tablespoons reduced-fat milk • 3 tablespoons chunky peanut butter • 1 1/4 cups light whipped topping • 3 cups cold reduced-fat milk

Peanut Butter Pudding Parfait

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

Cook’s Corner

For later:

Look in your newspaper for items about the U.N. Holocaust Remembrance Day.

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

Answers: geese, crooked, carry, peaceful, curly, journal, glacier.

Page 12

•

Williston Observer •

January 18, 2024

SAVVY SENIOR How to fight back against age discrimination Dear Savvy Senior, What are the steps to take to fight against age discrimination in the workplace, and where can I turn to for help if I think I’ve got a case? Passed Over Paul

By Jim Miller

Dear Paul, If you believe your age has cost you in the workplace — whether it’s a job, a promotion, or a raise

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The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) is your first defense against age discrimination. This is a federal law that says an employer cannot fire, refuse to hire or treat you differently than other employees because of your age. Some examples of age discrimination include: • You were fired because your boss wanted to keep younger workers who are paid less. • You were turned down for a promotion, which went to someone younger from outside the company because the boss says the company “needs new blood.” • When company layoffs are announced, most of the persons laid off were older, while younger workers with less seniority and less on-the-job experience were kept on. • Before you were fired, your supervisor made age-related remarks about you. • You didn’t get hired because the employer wanted a younger-looking person to do the job. The ADEA protects all workers and job applicants age 40 and over who work for employers that

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have 20 or more employees — including federal, state and local governments as well as employment agencies and labor unions. If your workplace has fewer than 20 employees, you may still be protected under your state’s anti-age discrimination law. STEPS TO TAKE

If you think you are a victim of employment age discrimination, you may first want to talk to your supervisor informally or file a formal complaint with your company’s human resources department. If that doesn’t resolve the problem, you should then file a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) within 180 days from the date of the alleged violation, but it may be extended to 300 days. You can do this online, by mail or in person at your nearest EEOC office (see www.EEOC.gov/field-office) or call 800-669-4000. They will help you through the filing process and let you know if you should also file a charge with your state anti-discrimination agency. If you do file, be prepared to provide the names of potential witnesses, your notes about age-related comments and other episodes. Once the charge is filed, the EEOC will investigate your complaint and find either reasonable cause to believe that age discrimination has occurred, or no cause and no basis for a claim. After the

investigation, the EEOC will then send you their findings along with a “notice-of-right-to-sue,” which gives you permission to file a lawsuit in a court of law. If you decide to sue, you’ll need to hire a lawyer who specializes in employee discharge suits. To find one, see the National Employment Lawyers Association at www.NELA.org, or your state bar association at www.FindLegalHelp.org. If you lose your job in a group termination or layoff, you should consider joining forces with other colleagues. There are advantages to proceeding as a group, including sharing costs of the litigation and strengthening your negotiating position. Another option you may want to consider is mediation, which is a fair and efficient way to help you resolve your employment disputes and reach an agreement. The EEOC offers mediation at no cost if your current or former employer agrees to participate. At mediation, you show up with your evidence, your employer presents theirs and the mediator makes a determination within a day or less. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

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January 18, 2024

•

Williston Observer •

Page 13

CROSSWORD • SOLUTION ON PAGE 15

TODAY’S HISTORY • In 1788, English settlers landed in Australia to establish a penal colony. • In 1943, the first armed uprising began at the Warsaw Ghetto in German-occupied Poland. • In 1964, planners unveiled the designs for New York’s World Trade Center to the public. • In 1990, Washington, D.C., Mayor Marion Barry was arrested on drug possession charges as a result of an FBI sting operation.

TODAY’S FACT: • Australia is the world’s sixth-largest country by area, at 2.97 million square miles.

SUDOKU • SOLUTION ON PAGE 15

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Page 14

•

Williston Observer •

January 18, 2024

CLASSIFIEDS

LEGAL

TOWN OF WILLISTON DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD AGENDA Monday, January 22, 2024 – 7:00 PM Town Hall Meeting Room (Town Hall, 7900 Williston Road, use rear entrance) or Zoom Meeting ID 846 5863 3532 on zoom.us/ join or call 1-646-558-8656 DP 21-19.1 GPA, LLC requests discretionary permit review to amend the building elevations, access, end-of-trip facility location, and other minor changes for DP 2119 at 4840 Williston Rd in the IZDW. DP 23-04 George & Patricia Shortsleeves request discretionary permit review of the proposed boundary line adjustment and 2-lot subdivision to create 1 new lot for the existing ADU at 607 N. Williston Rd and 55 Keystone Dr. in the RZD. Project details and site plans are available on the website, town.williston.vt.us, under “Public Records and Documents”, then “Agendas & Minutes”, and “Development Review Board”. Contact Planning & Zoning Office for more information: 802-878-6704 or email planning@willistonvt.org.

LEGAL

Notice of Public Hearing TOWN OF WILLISTON February 6, 2024, 7:00 PM Town Hall Meeting Room To participate remotely: zoom.us/join or call (646) 558-8656 Zoom Meeting ID 873 0175 0819 The Williston Planning Commission will hold public hearings to consider amendments to the Williston Unified Development Bylaw on February 3, 2024 at 7:00 PM in the Town

Hall Annex Meeting Room in the Town Hall Annex at 7878 Williston Road. The public hearings may also be attended virtually on Zoom. Public comment at these hearings is welcomed and encouraged. Hearing 1: proposed amendments to the town’s Unified Development Bylaw related to future planned streets in Taft Corners: Amend Williston’s Official Map to remove future “Tier 2 Streets” from lands owned by Vermont State University on Blair Park Road, Helena Drive, and Route 2 Amend the Regulating Plan and Street Specifications Maps in Williston’s FormBased Code (Appendix F) to remove future “Tier 2 Streets” from lands owned by Vermont State University on Blair Park Road, Helena Drive, and Route 2 Hearing 2: proposed amendments to the Town’s Unified Development Bylaw related to residential building heights, residential densities, density bonuses for affordable housing developments, and zoning map amendments related to compliance with new provisions of 24 V.S.A. 4412 adopted under the HOME Act in 2023: Allow multi-family residential; buildings with four or fewer units in Williston Sewer Service Area, Including Agricultural Rural Residential Zone, where required by the HOME ACT. Reduce minimum parking requirements for residential developments as required by the HOME Act. Reduce maximum allowed height in Form Based Code Zoning District Shopfront and Town Center from five stories to four stories, previous five-story maximum only allowed for Affordable housing Projects as required by the HOME Act. Remove “Dwelling Unit Equivalent” throughout, replace with “dwelling,” which ensures Williston’s zoning regarding density

complies with the HOME Act. Change Taft Corners Form Based Code Overlay District to Taft Corners Form Based Code Zoning District, move from Appendix F to Chapter 32, and Amend Zoning Map to reflect. Remove Business Park Zoning District from Chapter 32. Clarify motor vehicle fueling (gas stations) and cannabis retail are prohibited uses with the Taft Corners Form Based Code Zoning District Restate required 40% density bonus for Affordable Housing Projects as required by the HOME Act in all residential and mixeduse districts. Remove “focal point” from Chapter 46 definitions and add “footprint lot” definition to clarify that such lots are not subject to residential densities for lots otherwise required by provisions of the HOME Act. View the proposed changes online: https:// bit.ly/willistonbylaw2023 Contact Matt Boulanger at the Williston Planning Office at (802) 878-6704 or mboulanger@willistonvt.org for additional information.

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

JOB FAIR SAVE THE DATE!

JANUARY 27, 2024 11:00am–2:00pm

O’Brien Community Center 32 Malletts Bay Avenue Winooski, VT BACK UP DATE: 2/3/24

WHEN YOU’RE BUZZED,YOU GET IDEAS. LIKE ASKING EVERYONE INSIDE THE TACO TRUCK WHAT DRIVING AROUND IN A KITCHEN IS LIKE AND THEN ORDERING 22 TACOS WITH EXTRA GUACAMOLE AND ALL THE CHEESE FOR EVERY DRUNK PERSON IN LINE. BAD IDEA FOR YOUR WALLET, BUT NOT AS BAD AS DRIVING HOME BUZZED.

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January 18, 2024

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

SUDOKU SOLUTION Puzzle found on page 13

Puzzle found on page 13

•

Williston Observer •

Page 15

LEGAL NOTICE 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

SERVICE DIRECTORY BASEMENT SYSTEMS

ANTIQUES ANTIQUE SHOP 0

10/08/2019

UNIT#

Scott Bombard

1453

Parris Laplant

2048

Parris Laplant

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Flooring Inventory — IN STOCK —

HARDWOOD • LUXURY VINYL LAMINATES • CARPET • CARPET TILE TILE • FLOORING SUPPLIES 96 Commerce Street | Williston | www.floortraderwilliston.com | (802) 204-1080

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

Page 16 •

Williston Observer •

January 18, 2024

Bill Skiff Story Slam

2024

A friendly, competitive storytelling event on the theme of “Hope” TICKETS

February 10 SATURDAY

$20

includes refreshments

5 p.m. (Doors Open - 4:30 p.m.) Williston Federated Church

Fellowship Hall | 44 N Williston Rd.

All profits to benefit home heating assistance for neighbors in need.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: www.clubrunner.ca/williston-richmond

Club of Williston-Richmond, Vermont

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

WE NEED YOUR HELP! WILLISTON COMMUNITY

FOOD SHELF 400 Cornerstone Drive, Suite 130, Williston • Mail Donations: PO Box 1605, Williston, VT 05495

Hours: Tu. 5-6:30 pm | Thu. 9-11 am | Sat. 9-11 am

Tangled CVU’s Thomas Murphy (in black) finished fifth in the 190-pound class by defeating Queensbury’s Gage Russell at the Michael J. Baker Wrestling Classic on Saturday in Essex. An enthusiastic crowd cheered on the wrestlers. OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY