Williston Observer 02/29/2024 by Williston Observer

OBSERVER FILE PHOTO

Town receives $30K estimate for Allen Brook Trail bridge fix

Engineers are estimating a cost of $30,000 and an end-of-year timeframe for reconstruction of the footbridge that connects the Allen Brook Nature Trail with Village Community Park, according to Williston Conservation Planner Simon Myles.

The bridge — a connection for Williston Central School students who walk to school from neighborhoods to the north — was damaged in December flooding. Winooski Valley Park District trail-builders have installed temporary supports, but the bridge has been closed for more than two months.

Myles said the fix would involve relocating the bridge over the Allen Brook’s new main channel that was carved out in the Dec. 18 flood and strengthening the streambank to

prevent erosion in anticipation of future flooding events.

“If we’re fixing it, we’ve got to make it resilient,” selectboard member Jeanne Jensen said during a Feb. 20 meeting when the board was updated on the project.

Town Manager Erik Wells said funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) could be used for the project.

The town is working with Engineering Ventures of Burlington to redesign the bridge. Myles expects final designs to be submitted in March followed by two weeks of construction. It’s not yet clear when the work would take place.

“They can squeeze it in this year,” Myles said.

— Jason Starr

Sewing teacher opens Taft Corners studio

BY JASON STARR Observer staff

Williston recently gained a master sewist with a calling to teach others what she describes as a bit of a lost art.

After moving to Vermont from Berkeley, Calif., last summer, Sophie Hood transformed a former Taft Corners lawyer’s office into a teaching studio bursting with color and eye-catching examples of the many items that can be produced through the craft of sewing.

“Once you’ve learned the basics of the sewing machine, it’s pretty amazing how fast you can make usable, wearable (items),” Hood said. “I think it’s something that everybody should learn a little bit of.”

Hood opened Little Bird Sewing Studio on Day Lane in November. The studio’s main room has six sewing machine stations where Hood teaches first-timers of all ages, and adults interested in rediscovering the craft. She also hosts specialized workshops in things like stuffed animal-making, sewing machine set-up and repair, alterations and upcycling. Private in-studio and remote online lessons are also available, as are coached group open sew sessions at the studio.

Back in Berkeley, Hood built a career in costume design, making pieces for Broadway plays, Disney shows and

ballet performances — putting her master’s of costume production degree to good use. She also began teaching from her home. A California native, Hood moved to St. Johnsbury as a teen and graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy then Dartmouth College. So her move last year to Vermont was a homecoming.

She has put aside her costume-making endeavors for now to focus on growing her instruction business beyond what she was able to do out of her basement in California.

“My dream was to open up a bigger space and offer more classes and expand,” she said. “This is what I’ve always

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The bridge over the Allen Brook near Williston Central School has been closed for more than two months after flood damage in December. Sophie Hood stands in her sewing shop in Taft Corners, where she introduces and reintroduces people of all ages to sewing. OBSERVER PHOTO BY JASON STARR see SEWIST page 3

Around Town

Pre-Town Meeting Day conversation with Reps. Brady and Arsenault

The public is invited to join a Community Conversation in advance of Town Meeting Day with Representatives Erin Brady and Angela Arsenault. The event will take place on Saturday, March 2 at 12 p.m. in the

meeting room at the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library.

Preventing food waste program offered

The Chittenden Solid Waste District is offering a webinar, ‘Still Good: Navigating Food Donation for Individuals, Organizations, and Events,’

on Wednesday, March 6 at 6 p.m. Vermonters know that food scraps are banned from the trash, but what if the food is still good? How do you get uneaten food to people that need it? Join us and learn options for managing leftovers so your food doesn’t go to waste. We’ll explain options for preventing food waste, how to coordinate food donation drop-offs, and common donation guidelines for organizations and events.

To register visit: https:// us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/ WN_0qvswJkaRxWO-2roZIeCpg#/ registration

Bricks available to honor veterans

The Williston-Richmond Rotary invites community members to honor family members and friends who have served in the military with custom-inscribed bricks featuring the

veteran’s name and dates and branch of service. Bricks will be installed in the patio of the Williston War Memorial Park located between Town Hall and the Town Hall Annex. The memorial is the site of public observances on Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

Order by March 15 if you would like a brick to be installed in time for the Memorial Day Observance on May 27. To learn more and to order, contact Phil Stevens at philipsstevens@ gmail.com.

Art in the abstract

One cup of salt is enough for a driveway or sidewalk.

Page 2 • Williston Observer • February 29, 2024 Visit rethinkrunoff.org to learn more…

Art from Williston Central School grade 5-8 students is on display through March 7 at the University Mall in South Burlington. Artists include sixth graders Jackson Farr, left, and Maxwell Horns, above. OBSERVER PHOTOS BY JASON STARR

Gov. Phil Scott appoints Williston woman to fill state Superior Court vacancy

BY SOPHIA KASHMIRI VTDigger

Gov. Phil Scott on Friday announced that Kate Gallagher will fill the most recent vacancy on the Vermont Superior Court bench, marking the governor’s 20th such appointment.

The Williston resident has worked in state government for almost 20 years, in both the Vermont Attorney General’s Office and as commissioner of the Vermont Department of Human Resources. Before moving to Vermont, she was a partner in private practice in New Jersey.

Gallagher also played a leading role in representing the state’s interest in the EB-5 investor fraud scandal that played out in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, including the settlements eventually reached in state civil enforcement cases against former Jay Peak owner Ariel Quiros and Bill Stenger, the past resort’s CEO and pres -

ident.

She will leave her current role as an assistant attorney general to take on the new position. Her tenure in the office included a period as the head of the Civil Division.

“Kate has demonstrated a strong commitment to public service through her work in the Attorney General’s office and as a commissioner,” Scott said in a press release announcing the appointment. “I’m confident that she will continue to serve the people of Vermont well, and I’m grateful for her willingness

to take on this new challenge.”

“I would like to thank Governor Scott for this honor, and pledge that I will do my best to serve Vermonters with integrity, compassion, and humility,” Gallagher said in the release. Efforts to reach for her comment Friday were unsuccessful.

Gallagher has a bachelor’s degree in English literature from the College of William and Mary and graduated cum laude from the National Law Center at George Washington University, according to the governor’s office.

The announcement comes months after Scott appointed five new judges to earlier vacancies. Gallagher is expected to start in March, joining her five peers who began their tenures in January.

“I am thrilled to have this opportunity to continue to serve the people of Vermont,” she said in the release.

Alan J. Keays contributed reporting.

Sewist

continued from page 1

wanted.”

Students in introductory classes start with making a tote bag then quickly realize everything their new skill will allow them to produce and do, from clothing, costumes, pillows and flags to repairs, alterations and upcycling. These skills were more embedded in the lives of older generations, Hood said, but faded amid the boom in consumerism in the late 20th century.

“My grandma was a seamstress and I think everyone of her generation knew how to sew,” Hood said. “She made all the clothes for my mom … It used to be cheaper to buy a pattern and buy fabric and make your own clothes. Then it switched and it became cheaper to buy clothes rather than to make your own clothes.”

Hood is part of a sewing renaissance driven by a renewed do-it-yourself ethos and fed by internet-aided accessibility to ideas and information. While the household economics of it hasn’t changed — you can still

find store-bought clothes cheaper than what you can make yourself — more people are looking for personalized style and fit, seeking longer lasting quality and questioning the source of their clothing.

“In the past 10-15 years

“Once you’ve learned the basics of the sewing machine, it’s pretty amazing how fast you can make usable, wearable (items).”

Sophie Hood Sewing teacher

there’s been an upsurge in interest in sewing and do-it-yourself kind of things, along with sustainable fashion, mending, recycling and repurposing things,” said Hood.

Visit www.littlebirdsewing. com for more information and a full class schedule.

February 29, 2024 • Williston Observer • Page 3 Barre, Williston, St. Albans, Plattsburgh M-F 10-6, Sat 10-5 Shop: LennyShoe.com The World’s Most WEARABLE Rubber Boot • Waterproof & Insulated • Easy-On, Easy-Off! • Styles for men, women & kids

Kate Gallagher BY SARAH COPELAND HANZAS

As Vermont’s Secretary of State and Chief Elections Officer, it’s my job to help sustain and defend democracy – the form of government in which we the people choose our leaders and decide issues by voting. I believe that democracy must not only be defended; our participation in it must be grown, which is why I’m focused on engaging and empowering Vermonters to vote in our upcoming March 5th elections.

When polls close on March 5th, we will begin tallying votes on issues as lofty as who Vermont wants to nominate to be our next president and as close to home as who will be our next school director or selectboard member.

And while TV, radio, and news

GUEST COLUMN Get out there and vote!

media are saturated with coverage of presidential campaigns, the issues you see on your Town Meeting ballot will have a much more immediate impact on your community. Will the voters choose to purchase a new fire truck? Will our budget cover the cost of after school programs for our children? Will we put a new roof on our library? How much will we raise in taxes to pay for these investments?

Democracy is about people. It is about voters and citizens of course, but it’s also about the workers, volunteers, and other participants that make the systems of democracy work. Municipal clerks are the keystone of our democracy, and their communities count on them to support the whole process! Your Board of Civil Authority (BCA) plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of

elections, while poll workers and other volunteers make sure Election Day runs smoothly, ballots get counted, and every eligible Vermonter has the opportunity to vote.

As you exercise your right to vote – whether filling out your ballot at home or voting in-person at your town’s floor meeting or at the polls – take a minute to appreciate all the people and systems that make it possible. We can’t take the right, or the people and systems, for granted!

If all you listen to is national media, or rarely stray beyond the social media algorithm that feeds you news as you scroll, you might believe that the fabric of civic life is fraying. On some days, disheartened, I can see why people say that. But then I spend an afternoon with a town clerk who

is dedicated to their community, with a classroom full of engaged students in a high school social studies class, with a citizen legislator in the halls of the State House talking about a constituent concern, or with the passionate host of a community access television station, and I am re-energized and re-focused. I ask you to look for instances where democracy is working in your everyday life and cherish it: a notice of a public hearing; the Front Porch Forum posting about a local candidate; a letter to the editor in the paper from one of your neighbors; or a bustling town clerk’s office.

Vermonters care deeply about their neighbors and their communities. In the run-up to March 5th, I encourage you to make a plan to vote. Take advantage of the budget informational meeting, look over

your town and school reports, and ask who is running for those open seats. If you are a parent, consider bringing your children when you vote, so they can learn that voting is an essential part of being part of a democracy and that it is important to you. Your town or city clerk is a valuable resource, as well as the My Voter Page, a service of the Vermont Secretary of State’s Office. If there is any place in America where people can come together across divides to solve problems, it is Vermont. And this gives me hope.

Sarah Copeland Hanzas is Vermont’s 39th Secretary of State. She was a teacher, coach, small business owner and an 18-year member of the Vermont House before being elected as Secretary of State in 2022.

Rick

that we can verify the letter’s author.

Page 4 • Williston Observer • February 29, 2024 www.willistonobserver.com P.O. Box 1401, Williston, VT 05495 | 802-489-5499 B A NG Burlington Area Newspaper Group

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The choice is yours. 802 985 5722 x 142 | snyderhomesvt.com Contact Karyn Lewis for more details. klewis@snyderhomesvt.com SPEAR MEADOWS S BURLINGTON Contact Ron Montalbano for more details. rmontalbano@snyderhomesvt.com KWINIASKA RIDGE SHELBURNE Townhomes From the Low $700’s Townhomes & Carriage Homes From the Mid $700’s

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Williston Town Meeting

Day schedule

March 4

CVSD Annual Meeting

5 p.m. at CVU (Room 160)

Town of Williston Annual Meeting

7 p.m. at Williston Central School

March 5 Voting National Guard Armory 7846 Williston Rd.

Early voting now open; contact Williston Town Clerk for early ballots

Need to assess root cause of youth mental health crisis

The guest column by Steven Berbeco (“Addressing youth mental health in schools,” Feb. 15) about the mental health crisis in Vermont High Schools is alarming. Assuming the statistics are true – that half of all high school girls have mental health issues that require mental health intervention, and 20% are at risk of suicide, then there is a systemic problem that requires dedicated analysis to assess root cause. Throwing mental health professionals at a problem of this magnitude is neither financially sustainable, nor will it resolve the root cause of the problem. We are heading toward a financial crisis in this state in which citizens are impoverished by the mounting tax burden being placed on us. It’s time to get to root cause and stop with the expensive bandaids. I have two grown daughters that went through the high school system here in Vermont and it was a challenging time for both of them. In our case, the problem was the toxic environment at school created by the judgmental socialization process. The pressure to conform and be popular was enormous. I am not drawing conclusions as to cause, but am simply laying out the facts of my own experience

at the time. I’m glad to say, however, that both my daughters are now strong leaders in their areas of expertise and in their social circles. Meaning, the problem went away when they left high school.

Pamela Cowan Williston

Setting the record straight on Isham Family Farm

Helen and I would like to clear the air about the upcoming sale of the Isham Family Farm.

As the current owners and stewards of the Isham Family Farm, we, Mike Isham and Helen Weston, believe our responsibility is first to the farm legacy. Names come and go, but the farm’s legacy will continue to live on and grow.

We have made the decision to sell the farm to Helen’s son Dana. We are excited that there was still an opportunity to keep the farm in the family. Between us we share 19 generations of Vermont heritage; it’s a sale made at the proper time to the proper person who can carry on the farm legacy.

Our arrangement with Dana will allow David and Ginger Isham to live out their lives here with dignity, in the place that they

love and where they raised their family.

Farmer Mike and Helen will be staying on here as mentors and stewards. The sale will allow Farmer Mike to focus more on the agricultural components of the farm that he loves. Helen will be continuing to produce the Williston Community Theatre and to work on the First Earth Initiative. Together we will work to continue the current schedule of events, and the smooth transition of the ownership of the farm.

The new owner, Dana, is committed to continuing the farm’s legacy as a community gathering place, with a focus on sustainable agriculture, promoting the arts and the Vermont traditions and heritage that we have all come to know and love.

Farmer Mike Isham Williston

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February 29, 2024 • Williston Observer • Page 5 Town Meeting TV's LIVE Election Night Results Show is on March 5th at 7PM. TOWN MEETING DAY RESULTS ON COMCAST 1087, BT 217/317, & YOUTUBE/TOWNMEETINGTV CCTV.ORG/2024 Comprehensive results Interviews with voters at the polls Conversations with newly elected representatives Find more information here: LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Page 6 • Williston Observer • February 29, 2024 Thoughtfully Sourced Products Focused on Sustainability 1140 WILLISTON ROAD, SOUTH BURLINGTON • 802-488-9037 • TUESDAY-FRIDAY, 10AM-5:30PM • SATURDAY, 10AM-4PM JOYOFHOMEVT.COM IT’S THE OWNER’S BIRTHDAY! SALE & CELEBRATION MARCH 5-9 10% OFF ALL PILLOWS, PENNANTS AND COLLAGES • These are one-of-a-kind, upcycled items • 10% OF SALES WILL GO TO FEEDING CHITTENDEN Vermont’s Newest Destination for Home Fabrics, Decor and Custom Fabric Work Comprehensive Dentistry Quality Care for Your Entire Family Gentle, Expert Dental Care for your Beautiful Smile ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS Emergencies seen promptly. We now contract with all major dental insurances. 165 Dorset Street South Burlington, VT www.dorsetstreetdental.com bit.ly/meet-with-elise 802-399-0134 HOME HEART HAPPINESS That's the #1 concern we hear from homeowners, but it's our job! I promise you aren't wasting our time! I'm interested, but I'm not ready to sell yet . . . Whether you choose to sell in 1 month, 2 years, or not at all, we'll provide you with the info you need to make smart decisions for your future. I am curious, but I don't want to waste your time! Wondering what your home is worth? Wondering what your home is worth? Text Elise for a FREE price analysis! Text Elise for a FREE price analysis! SPORTS Overtime Quarterfinal win LEFT to RIGHT: CVU’s Luke Allen drives into the paint during the Redhawks’ 50-48 overtime win over the BFA St. Albans Bobwhites on Friday evening in Hinesburg. Kyle Eaton gets free for a layup. Tucker Tharpe scores two on a reverse layup. Ollie Cheer makes a basket during the overtime period. OBSEERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY

CVU’s Trevin Keefe, top left, stick checks Essex’s Hunter Driver during the Redhawks’ 5-2 playdown win over the Hornets on Saturday afternoon at Cairns Arena. Jack Bryan, bottom left, looks for a passing lane. Alex Zuchowski, center top, reaches for a loose puck. Nolan Walpole and Essex’s Ryan Day, center bottom, battle along the boards. Travis Stroh, right, gets away from Essex’s Landon Smith.

OBSERVER

February 29, 2024 • Williston Observer • Page 7 COMPASSIONATE GROOMING FOR DOGS & CATS OF ALL SIZES Dirty Paws Pet Spa 4050 Williston Rd, South Burlington 8:30-5 Tues thru Sat Schedule at Dirtypawspetspavt.com or 802 264 7076 FULL SERVICE SPA TREATMENT Walk-in Tub with Hydro Massage A La Carte Services tailored to your pet’s needs and temperament NDGAA and IPG Certified Master Cat Groomer • Poodle, Doodle & Mix Specialist PET SUPPLIES Treats • Toys • Organic Pet Care Products Health YOUR IS OUR Priority 62 Merchants Row, Williston www.ccmdcenters.com/locations Open Daily 8 am to 8 pm TREATING…

Bronchitis & Upper Respiratory Infections

Diarrhea & Vomiting

Earaches & Sore Throats

Sprains & Joint Pain

Back & Muscle Pain

Cuts & Minor Burns

Skin Conditions

Urinary Tract Infections Located between Aspen Dental and Panera Bread

•

SPORTS Puck playdown

PHOTOS BY AL FREY

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 which require registration. Need help? Call 878-4918 or email daml@damlvt. org.

SOLAR ECLIPSE GLASSES

Starting March 1, residents of Williston and St. George can pick up solar glasses at the Library while supplies last. Limit of 2 pairs per family.

YOUTH PROGRAMS

Children 4th grade and younger must be

supervised by someone over 16 years of age.

SATURDAY STORYTIME

Saturday, March 2, 10:30-11 a.m. Start your weekend off with Cindy’s storytime!

TEEN NIGHT: JACKBOX.TV GAMES

Monday, March 4, 5-6 p.m. Bring a phone or tablet to connect and compete against other teens in Jackbox.TV games!

STORYTIME

Tuesdays, March 5 & 12, 10:30-11 a.m. Drop in for stories and fun.

BABY TIME

Wednesday, March 6, 10:30-11 a.m. Socialize and bond with these gentle activities..

AFTER SCHOOL BOARD

GAMES & LEGO TIME

Wednesday, March 6, 2-3 p.m. Unwind after school with games and LEGOs.

PRESCHOOL MUSIC AND PLAYTIME

Thursdays, March 7 & 14, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Sing with Linda, then stay to play!

TEENS D&D

Friday, March 8, 5-6 p.m. Ages 12+. Join our Dungeons & Dragons campaign!

FRENCH STORYTIME

Saturday, March 9, 10:15-10:45 a.m. Enjoy stories read in French!

POKÉMON CLUB

Monday, March 11, 4-5 p.m. Enjoy themed activities.

AFTER SCHOOL STEAM FUN ACTIVITY

Wednesday, March 13, 2-3 p.m. Have fun with science after school!

LEGO TIME

Thursday, March 14, 3-4 p.m. Enjoy our LEGO collection.

KIDS IN THE KITCHEN

Thursday, March 14, 4-5 p.m. Register for the ingredients list and Zoom link. Learn to make flavored butter and a quick bread with registered dietician, Joanne Heidkamp, from the comfort of your own home!

MULTI-AGE PROGRAMS

VERMONT READS: LAST NIGHT AT THE TELEGRAPH CLUB

Check out a copy of the Vermont Reads book at the Library or read the eBook on Libby(Overdrive). Watch for more events coming soon! Vermont Reads is sponsored by Vermont Humanities.

ADULT PROGRAMS

For online programs or to join a book club, email daml@damlvt.org.

ADULT MEDITATION (ONLINE)

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

MAH JONGG

Fridays, March 1, 8, & 15, 1-3 p.m. Drop in to play this fun tile game.

SPANISH CONVERSATION (ONLINE)

Wednesday, March 6, 5-6 p.m. Brush up on your Spanish. All abilities.

ADULT CRAFTERNOON: SPRING EGGS

Thursday, March 7, 2-3 p.m. Guest crafter, Janet Roerig, will demonstrate how to make these beauties. Register.

ADULT TABLETOP RPG: WHITE STAR

Thursday, March 7, 5:30-8 p.m. 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. Register.

FRENCH CONVERSATION

Saturday, March 9, 10:45-11:45 a.m. All abilities welcome to conversation group.

SEED SWAP TABLE

March 11-15. Bring your unused seed packs or saved and labeled seeds to swap. Raffle prizes too!

TECH TUTOR

Monday, March 11, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Call to schedule a 30-minute appointment for help with your technology.

CURRENT EVENTS

Wednesday, March 13, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Drop in to speak with community members about topics of interest.

LIFE STORIES (ONLINE)

Wednesday, March 13, 2-3:30 p.m. Anyone can tell a good story! This group meets once a month online to reminisce on select topics.

AFTER HOURS BOOK CLUB

Wednesday, 6:30-7:30 p.m. The Lost Girls of Willowbrook by Ellen Marie Wiseman is based on the true story of the horrifying abuses at a state school. Available in print from the library and as an eBook/eAudiobook in hoopla.

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Managing forests for resilience

Dick Choquette

Dick Choquette, 80, a longtime resident of New Haven, more recently Williston, passed away Feb. 19, 2024, surrounded by his wife and daughters at his home, following a progressive neurological disease.

A service was held at Saint Peter’s Catholic Church in Vergennes on Saturday Feb. 24, followed by a celebration of life held at the American Legion Post 14 in Vergennes.

The family wishes to thank the caring staff at Home Health and Hospice, with a very special mention to his nurse, Sage, who provided compassionate care and support for Dick and the entire family. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to UVMMC Home Health and Hospice in Williston, Vt., or your local hospice.

BY ETHAN TAPPER Special to the Observer

Landowners often ask me: “is my forest healthy?” While this may seem like a simple question, the more time I spend working with forests, the more difficult it is to answer. While most people picture a “healthy” forest as one with lots of healthy trees, when we take a more holistic and expansive view of forest ecology, it’s actually much more complicated than that. More and more, I define forest health in terms of resilience.

The resilience of a forest is essentially its ability to persevere and to “bounce back” from adversity –to respond to threats, stressors and disturbances while maintaining its productive capacity and natural processes over time. It’s important to recognize that some amount of “adversity” is a normal and natural part of forest ecology – as long as

there have been forests, there have been pests, parasites and pathogens, windstorms, ice storms and forest fires. While these disturbances kill trees, they are as normal (and arguably as essential) a part of forest ecology as the trees themselves.

Key to their resilience is forests’ ability to regenerate – to grow new generations of trees in place of the old. In Vermont, we are blessed with forests that readily regenerate from all manner of disturbances – any time light reaches the forest floor, the forest responds with an explosion of new trees, shrubs and plants. Over time, disturbances of different types, intensities, and frequencies can manifest species diversity (different species of trees, which regenerate under different light levels, soil conditions and more), as well as structural diversity (different generations of trees) both within an individual forest and across our landscape.

Species diversity and structural diversity are both products of, and contributors to, a forest’s resilience. Different species and ages of trees help forests risk-spread – similar to how we might diversify a business or a stock portfolio, risk-spreading buffers forests from catastrophic and destabilizing events. For instance, if most of the trees in a forest are a single species, a pest or pathogen that attacks that species could stress or kill nearly all the trees in that forest. Similarly, if all the trees in the forest are the same age, a windstorm may topple virtually all of them at once. Having a diversity of tree species, sizes and ages buffers a forest from these larger-scale, more harmful disturbances.

While resilience has always been a key component of healthy forests, today it is more vital than ever. Modern forests face an unprecedented array of threats and stressors that we refer to, collectively, as global

change: the combination of climate change, non-native invasive plants, animals, pests and pathogens, deer overpopulation, forest fragmentation, deforestation and more. To make matters worse, because of past land use (especially the agricultural clearing of the 1800’s) our forests are generally young and simple, in most cases lacking the diversity so vital to their resilience.

It’s important to recognize that even if we lived in a landscape of diverse, old-growth forests, and even if climate change was the only threat that they faced, climate change alone would test the limits of our forests’ resilience. On a landscape of altered and degraded forests, and with all the threats posed by global change, it is unreasonable to expect forests to summon the resilience needed to survive this moment without our help.

How can we help forests build see TAPPER page 15

February 29, 2024 • Williston Observer • Page 9 135 Allen Brook Lane \ 802-871-2525 WillistonHotYoga.com Lift your spirits Find your joy! 7Open days BEGINNERSWELCOMEALWAYS REVERSE NERVE DAMAGE THOUSANDS OF PATIENTS ARE REVERSING THEIR PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY AND GETTING THEIR LIFE BACK. Call for more information 802-878-8330 Join us for a FREE seminar to see if you qualify. YOU CAN TOO 205 Cornerstone Dr Williston, VT OBITUARIES

A Muslim Holiday

As more types of people move around the world, we say that our communities are becoming more diverse. This means there is a greater variety of people living in an area.

Your parents or grandparents may remember when most people living in a neighborhood or town were of the same race or practiced the same religion. But today, most communities include people from many different backgrounds.

This week, The Mini Page learns more about Muslims. Muslims practice a religion called Islam. One of their most important religious celebrations is called Ramadan (RAH-mah-dahn). This monthlong holiday begins this year at sundown on March 10.

About Muslims

There are about 1.8 billion Muslims around the world. As many as 3.5 million Muslims live in the United States.

Muslims follow the teachings of the prophet Muhammad (moo-HAHM-mahd), whom they believe received direction from God, or Allah.

This guidance was delivered to him through the angel Gabriel, and his friends wrote the verses and chapters of the Quran (kooRAN), the Islamic religious text. Muhammad lived from about 570 to 632.

Try ’n’ Find

Founded

Mini Fact:

The Kaaba, a cube-shaped building in Mecca, is the holiest place in Islam. No matter where they are, Muslims face the Kaaba during prayers.

An important holiday

The dates of Ramadan change every year because the Islamic calendar is based on the moon’s cycles.

During Ramadan, Muslims make an effort to stop what they are doing and pray five times a day. They also think about their lives and how to help others during Ramadan. Kids might set goals for being better people, such as being nicer to brothers and sisters.

Fasting

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast, or go without eating for long periods of time. People wake up before dawn and have breakfast. Then they don’t eat or drink anything again until after sunset.

Fasting helps Muslims remember that “impossible is nothing” — that they can do anything.

Children may fast only a halfday or every other day. Once they reach their early teens, they must begin fasting all day, as adults do.

Eid al-Fitr

At the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate with a three-day festival called Eid alFitr (eed ahl-FIT-uhr). They enjoy parties with friends and have joyful prayers at the mosque.

Words that remind us of Ramadan are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:

Next Week: Weather forecasting

The Islamic faith

Muslims worship in temples called mosques (mosks). They pray five times a day: at dawn, at noon, during midafternoon, at sunset and after dark. They may go to the mosque for prayers, or they may pray wherever they are.

For the noon prayers on Friday, everyone is expected to come to the mosque. Kids who are in school may attend a special service after school on Fridays.

Beliefs

Muslims believe that Muhammad was the last of many prophets, or people who teach the word of God. They believe earlier teachers, including Abraham, Moses and Jesus, came before Muhammad and shared many of the same teachings with their followers.

Islam also includes belief in angels, who deliver messages from God and may take care of people on Earth.

On the Web:

• bit.ly/MPRamadan

At the library:

MUSLIM, PRAYER, PROPHET, QURAN, RAMADAN,

• “Tell Me More About Ramadan” by Bachar Karroum

• “Ramadan: A Holy Month” by Malik Amin

Mini Jokes

Amir: What do you call a fake noodle?

Amna: An impasta!

Page 10 • Williston Observer • February 29, 2024

• Puerto Rico’s famed coquí frogs are croaking at a higher pitch, which scientists say is due to global heating.

Comparisons

Issue 09, 2024 ANGELS, CELEBRATE, DIVERSE, FASTING, FESTIVAL, HOLIDAY, ISLAM, MECCA, MONTH, MOON, MOSQUE, MUHAMMAD,

release dates: March 2-8, 2024 09 (24)

by Betty Debnam

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

Resources

photo by Meshal Obeidallah photo courtesy Noumenon The Quran The Mosque of the Prophet in Medina, Saudi Arabia, is where Muhammad is thought to be buried. photo courtesy Muhamed El Filali

of the Quran (kooRAN), the Islamic religious text. Muhammad lived from about 570 to 632.

Fitr (eed ahl-FIT-uhr). They enjoy parties with friends and have joyful prayers at the mosque.

Try ’n’ Find

Words that remind us of Ramadan are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:

ANGELS, CELEBRATE, DIVERSE, FASTING, FESTIVAL, HOLIDAY, ISLAM, MECCA, MONTH, MOON, MOSQUE, MUHAMMAD, MUSLIM, PRAYER, PROPHET, QURAN, RAMADAN, RELIGION.

Mini Spy Classics

Mini Spy and her friends are celebrating Ramadan. See if you can find the hidden pictures. Then color the picture.

•

• “Ramadan: A Holy Month” by Malik Amin

Mini Jokes

Amir: What do you call a fake noodle?

Amna: An impasta!

Eco Note

• Puerto Rico’s famed coquí frogs are croaking at a higher pitch, which scientists say is due to global heating. Comparisons of recordings made of the frog’s distinctive two-note call over the past 23 years reveal the change in pitch, says researcher Peter Narins of the University of California, Los Angeles. The calls grew higher in pitch at every location studied.

• Residents across the eastern Great Lakes and Ontario endured their darkest winter in 73 years. Toronto saw weeks in December 2022 and January 2023 with scant sunshine.

Hey Mini Spy Fans! Order Mini Spy Booklets (Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5) with 48 of your favorite puzzles! Visit MiniPageBooks.com, or call 844-426-1256 to order. Just $5 plus $1 shipping.

• moon and star

• word MINI

• ladder

• snake

• canoe

• letter E

• frog

• tooth

• bird

• rabbit

• letter Z

• banana

• bell

• arrow

• pencil

• carrot

• fish hook

For later:

Look in your newspaper for items about Ramadan observances in your city.

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

February 29, 2024 • Williston Observer • Page 11

adapted with permission from Earthweek.com

“Tell Me More About Ramadan” by Bachar Karroum

D O Y A D I L O H F I E M G Y R A I P E T A R B E L E C Z M H I M Z M A L S I S K U P A I E Q F M F T H H C T R Q R C L S S A O A E F A Y I J S A C S R L S N M H U U H V U O Y E U E E T T N P U K P A V M E M M V G I H O O L M D L N A R U Q I N N R O R S N O I G I L E R D A G R M P X S R A M A D A N The Quran

Based on materials originally produced and/or created by Betty Debnam. Mini Spy Classics appear in the first issue of each month.

Dear Savvy Senior, Do you have any suggestions on divvying up my personal possessions to my kids after I’m gone without causing hard feelings or conflict? I have a lot of jewelry, art, family heirlooms

and antique furniture, and four grown kids that don’t always see eye-to-eye on things.

Conflicted Parent

Dear Conflicted,

Divvying up personal possessions among adult children or other loved ones can often be a tricky task. Deciding who should get what without showing favoritism, hurting someone’s feelings or causing a feud can be difficult, even for close-knit families who enter the process with the best of intentions. Here are a few tips to consider that can help you divide your stuff with minimal conflict.

SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF

For starters, you need to be aware that it’s usually the small, simple items of little monetary value that aren’t mentioned in your will that cause the most conflicts. This is because the value we attach to the small personal possessions is usually sentimental or emotional, and because the simple items are the things that most families fail to talk about.

Family battles can also escalate over whether things are being divided fairly by monetary value. So, for items of higher value like your jewelry, antiques and art, consider getting an appraisal to assure fair distribution. To locate an appraiser in your area, try ISA-appraisers.org, Appraisers.org or AppraisersAssociation.org.

DIVIDING FAIRLY

The best solution for passing along your personal possessions is for you to go through your house with your kids or other heirs either separately or all at once to find out which items they would like to inherit and why. They may have some emotional attachment to something you’re not aware of. If more than one child wants the same thing, you’ll have to make the ultimate decision.

Then you need to sit down and make a list of who gets what on paper, signed, dated and referenced in your will. You can revise it anytime you want. You

may also want to consider writing an additional letter or create an audio or video recording that further explains your intentions.

You can also specify a strategy for divvying up the rest of your property. Here are some popular methods that are fair and reasonable:

Take turns choosing: Use a round-robin process where your kids take turns choosing the items they would like to have.

If who goes first becomes an issue, they can always flip a coin or draw straws. Also, to help simplify things, break down the dividing process room-by-room, versus tackling the entire house. To keep track of who gets what, either make a list or use adhesive dots with a color assigned to each person to tag the item.

Have a family auction: Give each person involved the same amount of play money or use virtual points or poker chips to bid on the items they want.

Use online resources: For families who want help or live far apart, there are web-based resources like FairSplit.com that can assist with the dividing process.

For more tips, see “Who Gets Grandma’s Yellow Pie Plate?” at YellowPiePlate.umn.edu. This is a resource created by the University of Minnesota Extension Service that offers a free video and detailed workbook for $12.50 that gives pointers to help families discuss property distribution issues and lists important factors to keep in mind that can help you avoid or manage conflict.

It’s also very important that you discuss your plans in advance with your kids so they can know ahead what to expect. Or you may even want to start distributing some of your items now, while you are still alive.

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.

Page 12 • Williston Observer • February 29, 2024 By Jim Miller SAVVY SENIOR E LMWOOD -M EUNIER FUNERAL & CREMATION CENTER Burlington - (802) 864-5682 | Elmwoodmeunier.net From Green Burial to Pet Memorials, our goal is to provide the services and care you need. To learn more, contact us today. • Burial/Cremation Services • Green Burials • Traditional Funerals • Memorial Services • Pre-arranged Funeral Planning • Out-of-town & Foreign Services • Pet Memorials We’re listening. Serving all faiths & cultures since 1927 LOCATED IN THE HEART OF SOUTH BURLINGTON 7 Aspen Drive, South Burlington, VT • 802. 865.1109 www. SummitPMG. com Call today to plan for your future home at The Pines. Spacious 1- and 2-Bedroom Apartments Hair Salon • Massage Studio • Art Gallery Expanded Outdoor Patio and Grilling Area • Exercise Room Community Rooms • Mature Landscaping • Resident Garden Vibrant Social Atmosphere with Weekly Events and Activities ESTABLISHED INDEPENDENT SENIOR COMMUNITY Bundle up for savings 11963183 The Coburn Agency 802-658-7800 1134 South Brownell Rd. Williston, VT 05495 michaelcoburn@allstate.com Personalized ser vice Trusted advice. When you choose Allstate to protect what matters most, you get an expert agent who will make it easy for you to save. Like with bundling your insurance. It’s the simplest way for you to save time and money, while getting protection for the things that matter most. Stop by or call today and let’s get you bundled up. Subject to terms, conditions & availability. Savings vary. Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Co., Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Co. © 2020 Allstate Insurance Co How to Divide Your Personal Possessions Without Dividing the Family

TODAY’S HISTORY:

• In 1704, French and Native American forces attacked the English settlement at Deerfield, Massachusetts.

• In 1940, Hattie McDaniel became the first African American to win an Academy Award for her performance as Mammy in “Gone With the Wind.”

• In 1944, U.S. troops under Gen. Douglas MacArthur invaded the Admiralty Islands.

• In 1960, an earthquake killed at least 12,000 in Agadir, Morocco.

• In 2008, the U.K.’s Ministry of Defense announced that Prince Harry’s deployment with the British Army in Afghanistan would end immediately.

TODAY’S FACT:

• In 2012, Louise Estes of Orem, Utah, gave birth to a daughter, her third consecutive baby born on a leap day, Feb. 29. Estes had given birth to sons on leap day in 2004 and 2008, and with her third child tied a record set in the 1960s. SUDOKU

CLUES

1 old gold coins (9)

2 copper, more formally (9)

3 get the lead out (5)

4 tin lizzie (6)

5 “iron horse” (10)

6 quicksilver (7)

7 like uranium and plutonium (11)

We’re proud of our smiles! We believe that our

February 29, 2024 • Williston Observer • Page 13 CROSSWORD • SOLUTION ON PAGE 16

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’sodayT nswers:A 1. DOUBLOONS 2. POLICEMAN 3. YHURR 4. JALOPY 5. LOCOMOTIVE 6. YMERCUR 7. ERADIOACTIV

Find the 7 words to match the 7 clues. The numbers in parentheses represent the number of letters in each solution. Each letter combination can be used only once, but all letter combinations will be necessary to complete the puzzle.

2024 Blue Ox

Family Games, Inc., Dist. by Andrews McMeel

ONS LOC MER RRY IOA OMOT IVE CU DOU POL VE OPY CTI RAD BLO ICE RY JAL MAN HU

SOLUTIONS 3/3

• SOLUTION ON PAGE 16

LEGAL

Notice of Request for Statements of Qualifications for Engineering Services

Feb 15, 2024

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATIONS FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES

St. George Community Co-op seeks Statements of Qualifications from qualified engineering firms detailing the firms’ qualifications, technical expertise, management and staffing capabilities,

CLASSIFIEDS

references, and related prior experience with redeveloping water, wastewater, road, and electrical infrastructure in manufactured home parks. The Co-op is seeking professional engineering services to perform the following types of activities: Review work and engineering assessments performed to date; provide an SRF-compliant Preliminary Engineering Report; assist the project development consultant with accessing the State’s Clean and Drinking Water State Revolving Loan program processes; explore a range of alternative solutions for water, wastewater, stormwater infrastructure redevelopment, including managing conversations

The legal voters of the Town of Williston are hereby warned and notified to meet at the Williston Central School Auditorium in Williston, Vermont at 7:00 PM on Monday, March 4, 2024, for the Annual Town Meeting. Following the meeting, the Articles to be voted by Australian ballot will be reviewed during a public information hearing and there will be an opportunity for questions and comments.

Article 1: To elect a Moderator

Article 2: Shall the voters authorize that current taxes be paid to the Town Treasurer in three equal installments with due dates of August 15, November 15 and February 15 as authorized by 32 V.S.A. § 4871?

Article 3: Shall the voters of the Town of Williston accept the reports of the Town Officials as presented in the Town Report?

Article 4: To transact any other business to be brought before said meeting.

The legal voters of the Town of Williston are hereby warned and notified to meet on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at Vermont Army National Guard Armory located at 7846 Williston Road beginning at 7:00 AM, at which time the polls will open, until 7:00 PM, at which time the polls will close, to vote by Australian ballot upon the following articles:

Article 5: Shall the voters authorize General Fund Expenditures of $15,353,518 of which $8,080,011 shall be raised by taxes, for the year beginning July 1, 2024, and ending June 30, 2025?

Article 6: Shall the voters authorize the construction of an expansion of the Town Hall parking lot by approximately 6,400 square feet and the issuance of general obligation bonds of the Town in an amount not to exceed Seven Hundred Thousand, and 00/100 Dollars ($700,000.00), subject to reduction by grants in aid and other state and federal funds then available to the Town, to pay the capital costs and related other costs of the project?

Article 7: Shall the voters authorize the construction and installation of a fire suppression system within the Old Brick Church at an estimated total project cost of Four Hundred Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($400,000.00) and the issuance of general obligation bonds of the Town in an amount not to exceed Four Hundred Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($400,000.00), subject to reduction by grants in aid and other state and federal funds then available to the Town, to pay the capital costs and related other costs of the project?

Article 8: Shall the voters elect to the Selectboard one member for a term of two years beginning March, 2024?

Article 9: Shall the voters elect to the Selectboard one member for a term of three years beginning March, 2024?

Article 10: Shall the voters elect to the Board of Listers one member for a term of three years beginning March, 2024?

Article 11: Shall the voters elect to the Board of Listers one member to fill an unexpired term of three years that began March, 2022?

Article 12: Shall the voters elect to the Library Board of Trustees two members for a term of five years beginning March, 2024?

Article 13: Shall the voters elect to the Champlain Valley School District Board two directors for a term of three years beginning March, 2024?

HOW TO REGISTER TO VOTE: There is no deadline to register to vote. You will be able to register to vote on the day of the election. You can register prior by visiting the town clerk’s office or going online to www.olvr.vermont.gov

REQUEST EARLY or ABSENTEE BALLOTS: You or a family member can request early or absentee ballots at any time during the year of the election in person, in writing, by telephone, email, or online at www.mvp.vermont.gov

Dated this 23rd day of January 2024

Williston Selectboard

with the Town of St. George; work with the Co-op board and project development consultant under an EJDCD, as required, for all infrastructure planning, design, permitting, and construction in an accelerated and efficient manner; additional scopes as needed.

Procurement of said services will be in accordance with 40 U.S.C. § 1101- 1104. Qualified entities interested in being considered must submit 1 copy of: (1) letter of interest; (2) statement of qualifications and experience of staff persons to be involved with the project; (3) references; and (4) related prior experience. Submit the requested information to Liz Curry at lcurry@commonlandsolutions.com no later than 5:00 on March 8, 2024 to receive consideration. The proposed project(s) may be undertaken with a variety of Federal and state funds, including VT SRF, EPA, and HUD, and all work will be performed in accordance with the applicable regulations issued by such agencies and the State of Vermont. SGCC shall evaluate statements of qualifications, performance data and other material submitted by interested firms and select a minimum of three firms which are deemed best qualified to perform the desired services. Interviews with each firm selected shall be conducted, which may include discussions regarding anticipated concepts and proposed methods of approach. SGCC shall rank, in order of preference, these three professional firms deemed to be the most highly qualified to provide the services required, and shall commence scope of services and price negotiations with the highest qualified professional firm for engineering services. SGCC is

an Equal Opportunity Employer.

LEGAL

TOWN OF WILLISTON

Selectboard

Notice of Public Hearing

Tuesday, March 19, 2024 7:15 PM

The Williston Selectboard will hold a public hearing to receive comment on proposed changes to the existing Williston Unified Development Bylaw to amend the Town-Wide Official Map, and the regulating plan and street specifications maps in the Form-Based Code (Appendix F), pursuant to 24 V.S.A §4442 and the Williston Unified Development Bylaw.

The public hearing will take place on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at 7:15 PM in the Beckett/McGuire Meeting Room at Williston Town Hall located at 7900 Williston Road with remote participation available using the online platform zoom with access information listed at the bottom of this hearing notice. The amendments are summarized as follows: 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 Form-Based Code (Appendix F) to remove future “Tier 2 Streets” from lands owned

see CLASSIFIEDS page 15

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North eld Savings Bank, founded in 1867, is the largest LOCAL BANK in Vermont. We are committed to providing a welcoming work environment for all.

Northfield Savings Bank, founded in 1867, is the largest LOCAL BANK in Vermont. We are committed to providing a welcoming work environment for all

Northfield Savings Bank, founded in 1867, is the largest LOCAL BANK in Vermont. We are committed to providing a welcoming work environment for all.

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Consider joining our team as a Community Banker at our Taft Corners or Richmond location!

Northfield Savings Bank, founded in 1867, is the largest LOCAL BANK in Vermont. We are committed to providing a welcoming work environment for all

Consider joining our team as a Community Banker at our Taft Corners or Richmond location!

Relevant Skills: Customer Service, Cash Handling (we’ll train you!)

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Even better… if you have prior banking experience, we encourage you to apply!

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If you are 18 or older and have a high school diploma, general education (GED) degree, or equivalent, consider joining the NSB Team!

Opportunity for Growth

If you are 18 or older and have a high school diploma, general education (GED) degree, or equivalent, consider joining the NSB Team!

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Please send an NSB Application & your resume in confidence to: Careers@nsbvt.com

Please send an NSB Application & your resume in confidence to: Careers@nsbvt.com Equal

Equal Opportunity Employer / Member FDIC

Page 14 • Williston Observer • February 29, 2024 T O WNOF WILLISTO N 1763

TOWN WARNING TOWN OF WILLISTON MARCH 4 & 5, 2024 Please note the starting time Town Meeting Activities (March 4, 2024) 7:00 PM Official Town Meeting Following Official Meeting: - Town Australian Ballot Articles Public Information Hearing - School Budget Presentation

OFFICIAL

Opportunity Employer / Member FDIC

Classifieds

continued from page 14

§4442.

The above is a summary. Copies of the maps affected by this proposed amendment to the Williston Unified Development Bylaw Appendix F are

available for review during regular business hours at the Town Hall and can also be found on the Town’s website at http://town.williston.vt.us by navigating to public records and then documents / legal notices. Members of the public can contact the Williston Planning Department at (802) 878-6704, or at planning@willistonvt.org with any questions.

Zoom Participation: https://us02web. zoom.us/j/84427096145

Phone: 1-646-558-8656; Meeting ID: #84427096145

Tapper

continued from page 9

resilience? Most forests need, or will at least benefit from, some intervention: even if we do nothing else, it is vital that we protect forests’ ability to regenerate by doing things like controlling non-native invasive plants and protecting young trees from deer browse. We can also use forest management to help our for-

ests build resilience: encouraging the development of species diversity and structural diversity, helping them adapt to a changing climate, creating habitats that are underrepresented across our landscape and vital to our waning biodiversity.

As we learn what it means to care for ecosystems at this moment in time, it is critical that we move from a mentality that values stability: a forest’s ability to stay the same;

to one that values resilience: a forest’s ability to respond to change and adversity when it invariably comes. In a changed and changing world, resilience is, and will likely always be, our forests’ greatest asset.

Ethan Tapper is the Chittenden County Forester for the Vermont Dept. of Forests, Parks and Recreation.

February 29, 2024 • Williston Observer • Page 15 p 802.878.6167 11 Maple Street, Essex Junction, VT Open Mon - Sat 10-5 Sun 11-4 5CornersAntiques com F ANTIQUE SHOP A 802 878 6167 11 Maple Street, Essex Junction, VT Open Mon - Sat 10-5 Sun 11-4 5CornersAntiques com V A A Multi Dealer Shop 802 878 6167 11 Maple Street, Essex Junction, VT Open Mon - Sat 10-5 Sun 11-4 5CornersAntiques com FIVE CORNERS ANTIQUES ANTIQUES Brian Bittner • 802-489-5210 • info@bittnerantiques.com Showroom at 2997 Shelburne Rd • Shelburne Open Wed-Fri, with walk-ins to sell every Thursday. www.bittnerantiques.com ANTIQUES WANTED Decluttering? Downsizing? We can help you discover, learn about and sell: WATCHES • JEWELRY • COINS • SILVER • ARTWORK ANTIQUES 0 <:; Matt Clark's Northern ..Dasemenll® Responsible Waterproofing® ��-��--iilllo... l-�n�fu!?n!!Ym":Js�!:.l, E BASEMENT SYSTEMS • Basement Waterproofing • Crawl Space Repair • Sump Pump Systems • Foundation Repair • Spray Foam Insulating • Egress Windows INSURANCE Covering Your Life’s Journey 802-862-1600 Email: info@turnbaughinsurance.com 188 Allen Brook Lane, Suite 1, Williston turnbaughinsurance.com/contact CREDIT CARD PROCESSING Observer $18.00/week $936 BEAGLE BUILDERS, LLC Monkton, VT beaglebuilders@gmavt.net 802-453-4340 CALLUS! Remodeling & Additions ALL TYPES OF SIDING Vinyl/Wood/Composite Windows & Doors • Decks & Porches Kitchens & Bathrooms Sunrooms & Garages BUILDING SERVICES FLOORING HUGE Flooring Inventory — IN STOCK — HARDWOOD • LUXURY VINYL LAMINATES • CARPET • CARPET TILE TILE • FLOORING SUPPLIES 96 Commerce Street | Williston | www.floortraderwilliston.com | (802) 204-1080 LANDSCAPING/STONEWORK Complete Landscape Overhauls Scheduling TONY BRICE PAINTING, LLC FAIR • DEPENDABLE • RELIABLE Free Estimates BIG SAVINGS on February painting! Schedule NOW for Spring Exterior Painting 802.777.8771 PAINTING - INTERIOR & EXTERIOR WINDOW & DOOR INSTALLATIONS JJC Home Improvements Small to medium renovations. Window & door installations, finish carpentry, porch and siding repairs. JJC Custom Contracting Joseph Corrigan: 802-696-9811 Email: JJCContracting@gmail.com www.jjccontracting.wordpress.com PO Box 1695 | Williston, VT LAND MAINTENANCE Forestry Mulching Services for private and commercial projects Driveways, Ponds, Land Clearing, Trails, Farms, Ski Areas, Natural Disaster Recovery, Logging Cleanup, Invasive Vegetation, Excavation Visit our website for more information www.vtlandmaintenance@gmail.com Brian Washburn 802-434-4533 • 802-373-1755 (cell) Visit our website for more information: www.vtlandmaintenance.com Email: vtlandmaintenance@gmail.com Brian Washburn: 802-434-5533 • 802-373-1755 (cell) LANDSCAPING & STONEWORK Morning Dew Landscaping, LLC landscaping & stonework COMPREHENSIVE LANDSCAPE DESIGN & INSTALLATION Patios • Walkways • Stonewalls • Firepits Driveways • Plantings • Water Features • Sitework 20 years in business. Fully insured. www.morningdewlandscape.com • 802-760-7577 CALL TODAY! SERVICE DIRECTORY by Vermont State University on Blair Park Road, Helena Drive, and Route 2 If adopted, the amendments to the Bylaw will go into effect 21 days after adoption unless a petition is filed for a popular vote to repeal the amendments within 20 days of the adoption vote as provided for in 24 V.S.A.

Feb. 12 at 1:44 a.m. — Following a traffic stop a female was issued a citation for suspicion of DUI.

Feb. 12 at 11:08 a.m. — Retail theft reported at Dick’s Sporting Goods. Female was located and issued a citation to appear in court

for retail theft.

Feb. 12 at 11:49 a.m. — Retail theft reported at Best Buy. Male suspect was identified and an arrest warrant was issued.

Feb. 12 at 4:38 p.m. — Assisted CCTA transportation with getting

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

Puzzle found on page 13

an unruly passenger off the bus.

Feb. 13 at 6:56 a.m. — Assisted Williston Schools with Walk To School day.

Feb. 13 at 4:50 p.m. — Report of a male at Home Depot hitting cars with a hatchet. Male was taken into custody and lodged at the correctional facility.

Feb. 14 at 10:22 a.m. — Report of a suspicious vehicle in Pleasant Acres. Vehicle belonged to the house sitter of the complainant.

Feb. 14 at 11:20 a.m. — Retail theft

reported at Staples. Male suspect was located and issued a citation to appear in court for retail theft.

Feb. 14 at 11:48 a.m. — Retail theft reported at Best Buy. Female suspect was issued a citation to appear in court for retail theft.

Feb. 14 at 12:32 p.m. — Male in Marshalls that was previously trespassed. He was issued a citation to appear in court for unlawful trespass.

Feb. 14 at 3:10 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Home Depot. Male had

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an active arrest warrant. He was transported to the correctional facility.

Feb. 15 at 8:41 a.m. — Male in Best Buy that was previously trespassed. He was issued a citation to appear in court for unlawful trespass.

Feb. 15 at 9:03 a.m. — Report of a retail theft at Walmart. Female was located and issued a citation to appear in court for retail theft.

Feb. 15 at 12:35 p.m. — Report of a retail theft at Walmart. Female was located and issued a citation to appear in court for retail theft.

Feb. 15 at 1:22 p.m. — Report of a stolen trailer from Commerce Street. Trailer was located later that day in Colchester.

Feb. 16 at 4:41 p.m. — Report of a retail theft reported at Walmart. Male and female both issued a citation to appear in court for retail theft.

Feb. 16 at 9:15 p.m. — Following a traffic stop a female was issued a citation for driving with a criminally suspended license.

Feb. 17 at 11:58 a.m. — Assisted Williston Rescue with an overdose at Sonesta. Female was transported to the hospital.

Feb. 17 at 6:41 p.m. — Report of a stolen vehicle on Seth Circle. Vehicle was recovered late that night.

Officers also responded to four alarm activations and eight motor vehicle crashes. Officers also conducted 22 traffic stops.

Page 16 • Williston Observer • February 29, 2024

Rossi&Riina real estate Call today! 802-448-2860 62 Merchants Row, Williston www.RRVermont.com Email: info@rrvermont.com The key to buying or selling a home? Experience, Trusted Advice and Local Knowledge!