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District, teachers settle employment contract By Jason Starr Observer staff
The Champlain Valley School Board and the local teachers union settled on a one-year employment contract shortly after the school year began in September. The contract takes over for a two-year deal that expired in June. The sides were only comfortable with a one-year agreement because of pandemic-related uncertainty about school district finances in the coming years. They plan to return to negotiations this fall to work on an agreement that can take over when the new contract expires this coming June. The new contract gives a roughly 3.2 percent salary increase for teachers on average, with larger raises going to teachers with the most seniority, who have been maxed out on seniority pay increases under the current salary grid. Negotiations on the contract started last winter and were paused when schools shut down during the beginning of the pandemic in the spring. They resumed over videoconference through the summer, and teachers entered the school year without a new deal. “We are happy to be done with
it,” said Lisa Bisbee, a special educator at Williston Central School and the lead contract negotiator for the teachers union. “Not having a contract always looms over the school culture and it’s something teachers have in the back of
The new contract gives a roughly 3.2 percent salary increase for teachers on average. their minds to worry about. With the hybrid (remote learning) model, we have enough on our plate right now. Now, our energy can be focused where it needs to be, on teaching.” The contract includes a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) to create a process for changing working conditions related to the pandemic. The MOU calls for negotiations between teachers and the district whenever a change in schedule or job duties are needed. Examples include work-day expectations of teachers who are teaching remotely and district sup-
plies of personal protective equipment, hand-washing stations and masks. “The MOU is a way to make sure administrators don’t change schedules or change someone’s duties without coming to us,” Bisbee said. “We will decide that together.” The new contract is the first to incorporate a statewide health insurance provision for teachers. The statewide insurance increases teachers’ share of premiums from 16 percent to 20 percent. Throughout negotiations, teachers sought to increase their salaries to offset this increase in health insurance costs. The 3.2 percent raise — which is a larger annual raise than teachers received in the previous contract — accomplishes that. “What we really needed was an offset for the new health care money we will be paying, and we were able to get that,” said Bisbee. “We are pleased.” The school board has also agreed to terms on a one-year contract with the district’s support staff. It includes a 3.5 percent salary increase for custodians, food service staff and intensive paraeducators.
Sorting it out
Observer photo by Al Frey
Ashley DuBois sorts food donations at the Williston Federated Church on Saturday morning during a food drive for the Williston Community Food Shelf. A total of 1,850 pounds of food were collected. Joining Ashley Dubois in organizing the event were Rebecca Dubois, Shelley Marshall, Heather Lewis, Trevor Lewis and Carol Bouchard.
Timing right for new Williston tutoring business By Jason Starr Observer staff
The Education Annex is opening in Williston at a time when its services may be more needed than ever. With local grade-school students currently spending more time learning away from their classrooms than in them because of pandemic-related precautions, the new tutoring hub on Knight Lane is poised to help families navigate remote learning challenges. Williston partners Sarah Legault and David Lewis had plans to start the business that predate the pandemic, but the upheaval in public education prompted them to accelerate their plans. “This is a great time to launch this business,” said Legault, a teacher in the Burlington School District. “It’s definitely a time
where families are struggling with their children being home all the time … Keeping the motivation and the engagement level high is really hard. You have to be self-motivated at home. It’s very difficult. Engagement is a big piece, having a person there to mentor and motivate them.” The annex has six individual education suites for one-on-one tutoring and mentoring. Packages and pricing are custom designed for each student’s needs. The business will be open Monday through Friday starting next week, ready to serve students in grades 2-12. “I’ve wanted to do this for a long time,” Legault said. “I’ve done tutoring in the past and it’s always been meeting students in their homes, or in a coffee shop. It’s so not free of distractions and you really don’t get a lot accomplished. This is a distraction-free learning
environment, which for me is a big piece that I’m excited about.” While there may be a current need for helping families navigate remote learning, the business has more extensive goals, including offering writing workshops, SAT prep and summer break enrichment. Legault plans to continue teaching in the Burlington schools. Lewis, former owner of a car dealership, is the business’ chief operating officer. The partners have hired a tutoring workforce whose talents will drive what the business is able to offer. “We’ve hired a lot of amazing talent,” Legault said. “There are a lot of teachers out there that are looking for a non-traditional career in teaching … We really want to get creative with this. We can provide a large range of services based on the educational talent that we’ve found.”
Observer courtesy photo
The Education Annex is located on Knight Lane in Williston.
Page 2 • Williston Observer • October 1, 2020
Voting by mail has begun
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Town Clerk Sarah Mason stands by the new ballot drop-off box behind town hall that was installed Monday. Ballots are being mailed to voters, and completed ballots can be mailed back or dropped in the box.
Town installs ballot drop box at Town Hall By Sarah Mason Williston Town Clerk
The Secretary of State’s office is mailing General Election ballots to all active registered voters for the Nov. 3 election. Keep your eyes out for your ballot. If you are new to Williston and registered after Sept. 2, a ballot will come to you from the Town Clerk’s Office. There is no need to request a ballot. You will receive a ballot in the mail and can vote at home. Ballots can be returned by mail with the postage paid envelope that will be enclosed. You can also return it in person to the new outdoor drive-up dropbox that has bee installed in the parking lot behind Town Hall. It is available 24/7 and checked daily. Enter by the Police Department side of the parking lot so the box is at your driver side window. Exit by way of the Annex and Armory side. Alternatively, voters may go to the polls Nov. 3 at the Armory. Bring the ballot issued to you by mail. If you do not, you will
have to fill out an affidavit swearing that you received a ballot already but chose not to use it. The building occupancy is limited, and masks will be required. Bring your own pen and be prepared to wait. About 800 people came in person for the Aug. 11 primary election; 2,700 people voted early. Returning your ballot to the polls on election day will require standing in line, getting checked off by a poll worker and placing the ballot in the tabulator yourself. There is no fast track lane for “just dropping off.” Unlike the August primary, this election has one ballot and one certificate envelope. The certificate envelope or voted ballot envelope is the small white envelope that the ballot goes into. Insert your completed voted ballot into this envelope, then seal it up and sign it at the bottom where it says: “signature. If the envelope is not signed, your vote does not count. Please use your middle initial if you have a common name like John smith. Do not sign your actual ballot. Voting is private and anonymous. Signing your ballot identifies you and how you chose to vote and, by statute, deems your ballot “defective.” The ballot is two-sided. The second side is for local races and issues. Returning your ballot as soon as possible is the best way to ensure that your ballot is received in a timely fashion and you are checked off as having voted. Call the Town Clerk’s office at 878-5121 with any questions.
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CORRECTION An article in last week’s Observer headlined “Town meeting room renamed to honor Beckett, McGuire” mistakenly said that former Town Manager Rick McGuire led selectboard meetings. In fact, it is the selectboard chair who leads the meetings and leads the board in directing town administrators. The town manager’s role at meetings is to advise board members.
October 1, 2020 • Williston Observer • Page 3
Creating a timeline for the return of all elementary students By Elaine Pinckney CVSD superintendent
For the past two weeks, we have been assessing our readiness for bringing back our kindergarten students to four-days-per-week of in-person instruction. This assessment included a review of our ability to maintain social distancing and all other Department of Health and Agency of Education guidelines, as well as our capacity to provide stable and sufficient staffing. To that end, we sent a survey to our kindergarten families to under-
stand what, if any, changes families might make if we were to institute this change. We held a Q&A session with Dr. Leah Costello for our kindergarten teachers, principals and school nurses. The results of the survey, as well as our review of state guidelines, all indicate that we are ready to welcome our youngest students back for four days per week, beginning on Oct. 5. We will be undergoing this same level of assessment, review and planning for phasing-in, over the next month, our grades 1-4 students. This process will begin with our Grades 1 and 2 students. A
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Need an idea? Join our Car Parade on October 3 at 1pm in Burlington. Visit www.namivt.org for info! Our Walk may be different this year, but our cause is the same - to shine a light on mental health and to raise funds to support our FREE programming for all Vermonters.
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survey will be going out to these parents, and during the next two weeks, faculty and administration will conduct a thorough assessment of the following criteria: — There is no or very low COVID activity in our communities — Our ability to staff our classrooms remains stable and sufficient — Our routines are efficient, effective and any trouble-spots are easily worked out — We are able to maintain compliance with Department of Health and Agency of Education guidance — We are confident in the Department of Health’s ability to respond to any positive cases in our school community. Assuming a successful re-entry of our kindergarten and grades 1 and 2 students, and our continued ability to meet all criteria, we would turn our focus to grades 3 and 4. Here is the tentative time-
line for this to happen: — Oct. 6, kindergarten students return Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. — Oct. 19, grades 1-2 students return Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday. — Oct. 26, grades 3-4 students return Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday. These dates are tentative. If at any point we are unable to meet the criteria we’ve set, the dates could be moved out or even canceled. Finally, I know there is some confusion around the Secretary of Education’s announcement that schools are now in phase III of reopening. In reality, there are very few changes to the guidance between phase 2 and phase 3. The social distancing requirement — 3 feet for students age 10 and under and 6 feet for our older students — has not changed. This does not mean that students must be socially distanced at 3 feet or 6 feet
at all times. It does mean that we should do our best to minimize the number and amount of time that our students are in closer proximity and add other layers of protection when they are. For example, wearing our masks, sitting sideby-side instead of face-to-face and being vigilant about hand hygiene all help to mitigate the transmission of the virus. The main areas of change with going into phase 3 are the clearance for our sports teams to hold competitions (go Redhawks!) and the relaxing of the rules for use of our gyms and cafeterias. In Phase II these spaces could only be used as classroom overflow and only if absolutely necessary. In Phase III, these spaces may be used as long as we are still able to follow all other guidelines (e.g. social distancing). Elaine Pinckney is superintendent of the CVSD.
Page 4 • Williston Observer • October 1, 2020
Lifetime Achievement Award goes to Vt. agriculture leader
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The Vermont Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to former Vermont Agriculture Secretary Roger Allbee of Dummerston in September. Julie Moore, chair of the board of the Vermont Council on Rural Development, presented the award to Allbee in September, recognizing his contributions to the state’s agriculture economy and working landscapes. The Vermont Lifetime Achievement Award was created in 2015 to honor statewide leaders dedicated to serving the needs of rural Vermont. “Like no one else, he carries the history of agriculture for Vermont,” said Ted Brady, Williston resident and deputy secretary of the Agency of Commerce. Allbee was the director of the first program in Vermont to bring agricultural leaders together with state lawmakers to address nonpoint source water pollution. He consulted with the first Current Use Advisory Committee to set
the original procedures for current use, verses market rate taxation, for farm and forest lands — helping to preserve and protect working landscapes. Allbee worked for Sen. Jim Jeffords to pass the first national agricultural lands protection act as
part of the 1982 Farm Bill. Other contributions include advancing agricultural lending through farm credit banks and co-owning a trade and export company that developed markets for specialty foods in Europe and Asia. Before his appointment as secretary of agriculture, Allbee was the executive director of the Farm Service Agency. During an award presentation ceremony, Moore noted Allbee’s leadership on the Vermont Working Landscape Council, which produced the impetus for the Working Lands Enterprise Program and its investments in creative agricultural enterprises. “(Allbee) made history for Vermont,” said Vermont Council on Rural Development Director Paul Costello. “We know we aren’t done, and we have new work always on the horizon, but we have learned from him how to do it well, and we’ll continue to work in that tradition and with all he’s taught us.”
October 1, 2020 • Williston Observer • Page 5
Health commissioner urges Vermonters to get flu shot Getting a flu shot is important every year, but it’s even more vital during the current pandemic, Vermont Health Commissioner Mark Levine said during a press conference Friday. This year, Levine said, there are many more unknowns than a
typical year — like how common it would be to get the coronavirus and the flu, or if having the flu makes you more susceptible to getting COVID-19. Health officials also don’t know whether a surge in cases of COVID-19 and the flu could happen at the same
time, overwhelming the health care system. “Simply put, we know more about the flu than COVID-19, and we already have a vaccine to prevent it,” Levine said. “So please, get your flu shot. And make sure your children do, too — anyone over 6 months old,
with rare exceptions, should be vaccinated.” It’s especially important for anyone in a high-risk group or who has underlying health conditions to get vaccinated, he said. The Health Department has ordered more flu vaccine than usual to prepare for increased de-
mand, and is working with providers to get patients vaccinated. Some schools, community centers and assisted living facilities may open flu shot clinics. People can get a flu shot through their doctor’s office, a pharmacy or at a flu shot clinic.
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Page 6 • Williston Observer • October 1, 2020
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It’s always good to see what the out-ofstate industry lobbyists are saying to our elected officials. It is unfortunate that the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) and their hired guns on the ground have such overwhelming influence on our legislature. Fortunately, enough of our lawmakers were not fooled that there is potential to defeat an override of any governor veto. Now is the time to provide black folks and small farmers real, substantial and immediate access to this market. Lobbyists in D.C. and their folks on the ground in Montpelier don’t understand the struggle of black Vermonters and those here harmed by cannabis criminalization. Calls for the rejection of S.54 in Vermont have the support of local BIPOC (black, indigenous and people of color) policy makers, activists and agricultural organizations, and hundreds of other organizations and people here in Vermont. The MPP doesn’t even care that we want what they want, the legalization of cannabis. We just want it to be fair, just and equitable. The only thing that they want is “done” and “now.” This is the language of urgency they have used for years. Through all of the statistics that they have gathered, they still can’t see (or don’t want you to see) that without land and capital, black folks lose in this industry. They want you to believe that a little prioritization in licensing and promises of future help are going to make everything alright for black folks and people who have been harmed by cannabis prohibition in Vermont. They’d have you believe that a weak expungement bill that has been hurried across the line — which only forgives very low level possession and cultivation despite the condoning of large scale possession, cultivation and profit-making in the medical and future recreational space — is the reparative answer for those who have been harmed by cannabis criminalization in Vermont. They ask you to accept a future proposed study addressing racial equity once a bill has already passed and a market has already opened as opposed to a study of this nature, and the inclusion of these communities, being foundational to the drafting of this legislation itself. This exposes the true purpose of the bill: to allow McCannabis to control the market and profit first. S.54 does not eliminate barriers for folks with prior non-violent drug convictions to participate in this industry. In fact, it leaves the determination to an unelected Cannabis Control Board stating that these offenses simply won’t “disqualify” a candidate. Further, S.54 promises to continue the criminalization of this plant and people growing it, proposing significant prison sentences and
fines for anybody knowingly selling or dispensing amounts of cannabis greater than one ounce without a license. Tax and regulate legislation supported by MPP in other states — similar to S.54 — has so far only furthered societal inequities in the legal cannabis space. Proponents applaud the “small grower licenses” in the bill as a means of lowering barriers to entry for BIPOC communities and others. However, this extremely limited and ambiguous provision is couched within a bill that directly divests the agricultural community and those who would like the opportunity to participate in it from on-farm cannabis cultivation and sale by declaring that cultivation is not considered “farming” and cannabis is not an agricultural product. This creates a cascade of barriers to economic tools that can otherwise assist growers with land access, technical assistance, grants and more. S.54 also provides no opportunity for direct sales, which small farms and the craft agricultural industry rely upon to survive. There is little to no evidence of MPP or the legislature consulting with farmers or existing cannabis cultivators in Vermont when considering the policy in S.54. This legislation never reached either the House or Senate agriculture committees. Numerous Vermont-based agricultural organizations and farms have been actively working against this bill for the simple fact that it does not include the voice of our agricultural community and actively creates barriers to participation. There is a reason for this. It’s because MPP and their funders are the ones who benefit most from this bill passing now. The sooner the better. It is unfortunate that they are willing to do this despite the resulting economic oppression of black folks and small farmers in Vermont. It is understandable because the reasons are as old as the day is long. This is about political and economic power. Black activists, small growers, people who have been harmed by the criminalization of cannabis, and others are asking the governor to stop S.54 to enable them to provide the input required to address these shortcomings in time for a January session. It is unfortunate that industry lobbyists like MPP couldn’t partner with disproportionately impacted Vermonters to ensure everyone wins. Either way, we’ll be here. We’ll fight on. We live here.
Lobbyists in D.C. and their folks on the ground in Montpelier don’t understand the struggle of black Vermonters and those here harmed by cannabis criminalization.
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Black people and small growers lose with cannabis bill By Mark Hughes
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182 River Rd. Essex 879-3760 135 Poor Farm Rd. Colchester 879-0102
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Mark Hughes is the executive director of Justice For All and coordinator of the Vermont Racial Justice Alliance on behalf of a coalition including NOFA-VT, Rural Vermont, Vermont Growers Association and Trace.
October 1, 2020 • Williston Observer • Page 7
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Applauding voteby-mail decision The League of Women Voters of Vermont applauds the decision of federal Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford to deny the suit against the Secretary of State, James C. Condos, challenging the legality of the plan to mail ballots to all active voters. The five plaintiffs claimed that the value of their votes will be diminished by the voter fraud resulting from the mailing of ballots. The judge found that the plaintiffs did not have standing to bring the suit.
The League of Women Voters has been advocating for voting rights for more than 100 years. Protecting voting rights requires adapting to changing conditions presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. In these uncertain times, with a virus raging, mail-in voting is plain common sense. Vermonters must have the option to vote from the safety of their homes. Vermont has systems in place to deter and detect irregularities or violations in the voting process, both by mail and in person. The success of the August Primary Election, which had record
turnout, shows the value of the Secretary of State’s plan for mailing ballots. Vermonters will still have the option to vote at the polls on Election Day. Sue Racanelli League of Women Voters of Vermont president
Supporting O’Rourke I have known Tony O’Rourke as a business associate, neighbor and friend for over 30 years. He is intelligent and honest, an excellent communicator, a hard-working small businessman, and a loving family man.
Tony has the unique ability to understand complex issues, sort through potential solutions and communicate his ideas in a clear and understandable manner — skills that would make him a fabulous representative for our community. I proudly support him in his candidacy to represent Chittenden District 2, Town of Williston in the Vermont House of Representatives. Tony is smart, friendly and in tune to the needs of others. He will be an accessible and responsive representative who is committed to the future of Vermont and our community. I will be
casting my vote for Anthony (Tony) O’Rourke on Nov. 3. I hope you will join me. Bob Morris Williston
District (CWD) users in the area. CWD regularly needs to add additional chemicals, including chloramines, to the water to overcome this issue throughout the system. Old, leaky pipes also represent repeated maintenance/ repair expenses that can be avoided with new lines. Please support the Lamplite Acres bond vote for new water lines.
Vote for water line bond I serve on the House Natural Resources, Fish and Wildlife Committee in the Legislature. Potable water quality is one of our committee’s highest concerns. Old, cracked and leaking water supply pipes are a significant health hazard to the Lamplite community and other Champlain Water
Rep. Jim McCullough Williston
Send Letters to Editor@ willistonobserver.com
CVSD literacy leader Jensa Bushey awarded The Champlain Valley School District’s literacy leader, Jensa Bushey (see photo, left), has been named the recipient of the Vermont Council on Reading’s 2020 John T. Poeton Award. The award is presented annually to an outstanding educator working in a Vermont school to foster literacy development with students and colleagues. It is presented annually by the executive board of the Vermont Council on Reading. The award is usually presented at the council’s annual conference, but that event didn’t take place this year. Bushey is a leader and advocate for literacy with teachers and students in the district. In addition to her literacy role in the CVSD, Bushey stepped up to also teach kindergarten in the CVSD Virtual Learning Academy this year. Bushey started with the district as the Shelburne Community School literacy coordinator.
World Mental Health Day is 10.10.20.
Join us throughout October for:
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“We Are All In This Together” Social Connection and Resilience During COVID-19
Charlotte McCorkel, LICSW and Leslie Nelson October 7, 2020 • 3-4pm
Bassey Ikpi I’m Telling the Truth, but I’m Lying NATIONAL SPEAKER
A moderated conversation with Bassey Ikpi and Dr. Jude Smith Rachele • October 13, 2020 • 6-7:15pm
Parenting and Education During COVID-19 Building Family Resilience During Times of Toxic Stress
Cara Gleason Krebs, LICSW and Feyza Basoglu, MD, plus panel October 20, 2020 • 12-1pm
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Page 8 • Williston Observer • October 1, 2020
Pandemic migration bodes well for state’s demographics
The Vermont Futures Project, the Center for Research on Vermont and the Office of Engagement at the University of Vermont released the results of their survey of people who chose to “shelter in place” in Vermont during the COVID pandemic this spring and summer. The survey results suggest an opportunity for the state to attract a wave of new residents as Americans consider relocation for COVID-related reasons and reimagine their post-pandemic work and living arrangements. “As Vermont has struggled for several decades to grow its population, the current pandemic could be an opportunity to welcome new residents to Vermont,” said Lori Smith, executive director of the Vermont Futures Project. “Our rural, open green spaces coupled with a desire for a great quality of life may be what many urban-dwellers are seeking. We see this a positive trend for Vermont’s economic future” The 25 question survey was aimed at soliciting input from people who had moved “temporarily” to Vermont during the COVID
pandemic. Responses from 232 respondents were collected in July and August. Highlights of the survey results include: — 35 percent of respondents said they are likely or very likely to stay in Vermont
When asked which aspects of Vermont most attracts them to continue living here, an overwhelming majority, (79 percent), said nature and the outdoors. — 70 percent were living in rural areas in Vermont — 40 percent are younger than 35 years of age — 60 percent work in the private business sector — 44 percent said their current employer would permit continued
telework from Vermont Most of the respondents had a previous connection to Vermont, either through birth, a prior stay, owning a second home, or family and friends living here. The survey suggests that a number of second homeowners are considering making Vermont their primary residence. Forty-four percent of respondents identified owning a second home here as their connection to Vermont. “Vermont has an opportunity here,” said Richard Watts, the Director of the Center for Research on Vermont. “Given the growing credibility of teleworking, Vermont’s leadership in the pandemic and the fact that this is a pretty nice place to live, it’s time to double down on what makes Vermont – Vermont – and brush off the welcome mat.” When asked which aspects of Vermont most attracts them to continue living here, an overwhelming majority, (79 percent), said nature and the outdoors. Broadband was a central theme of the survey. Respondents were asked about the quality of their
internet, and two-thirds described it as excellent or good. Of the respondents “likely” to remain in Vermont, the quality of their internet was not a determining factor in living here. Vermont Futures Project seeks to inform the conversation about Vermont’s economic future and demonstrate how a healthy economy contributes to Vermont’s
vibrant communities and unique quality of life. The Center for Research on Vermont supports original research through examining the state’s social, economic, cultural and physical environment. The center does this work by supporting scholars, engaging students and storytelling.
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October 1, 2020 • Williston Observer • Page 9
A pandemic pregnancy
the news out of New York did not improve. By May, Eliza and Andrés ended their lease in Brooklyn and officially moved everything to the garage in Northfield. They began the search for a Vermont home, which proved difficult. “We looked at every single property in the market,” said Eliza. Little was available. They considered buying Eliza’s father’s
By Richard Watts Special to the Observer
When New York City shut down in mid-March, Eliza Fitzhugh and Andrés Gutierrez already had a lot on their minds. The couple was expecting their first child, due April 9, along with a packed household of 10 guests, from Eliza’s Vermont family to Andrés’s parents from Bogotá, Colombia. Flights were booked and the couple had reserved space in the apartments above their Brooklyn brownstone to accommodate the extended family. By mid-March, everything began to change. Both Eliza and Andrés were still working, but now from home. The neighborhood parents’ group was buzzing with dozens of daily emails as soonto-be parents across Brooklyn assessed the risk of delivering their children in New York hospitals, which were already overflowing with cases of COVID-19. “We had been going back and forth, back and forth,” said Eliza, about the possibility of going to Vermont to have their child, “and we had decided no.” But on March 22, she received an email in the parents’ group that informed her that partners would no longer be allowed in the hospital during a birth. This was a heavy blow. “It’s his kid, too. He should see the beginning of his kid’s life,” said Eliza of the possibility that Andrés would miss the birth. “In this moment, I lost it and said, ‘OK, let’s see about Vermont.’” Growing up between the small
Observer courtesy photo
Andrés Gutierrez and Eliza Fitzhugh outside Eliza’s father’s home in Northfield, where the two found shelter from the pandemic to welcome their son, before moving to South Burlington.
urban center of Middlebury and rural Northfield, Eliza said hers was the kind of Vermont childhood where you just “know everybody.” Her father, who ran his own business, also hayed the fields and tapped maple trees in the surrounding fields and woods at his Northfield home. “Everyone is really busy in New York, working insane hours,” said Eliza. “I really like the idea of community, knowing people around, and really getting involved in the lives of the people around you.” For the last two years, the couple had begun to look for a potential home in Vermont. “We wanted to give (our son) a safe place to grow up, a sanctuary,” said Andrés. But prior to the pandemic, this had still felt distant from their current Brooklyn life, still a year or two away. A disastrous month of altering
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plans, searching for new doctors and assessing risks altered this timeline completely. “The stress level in New York was insane,” said Andres, of the start of the pandemic in New York City. “I felt like I was crying every couple of days,” Eliza added. The knowledge that they couldn’t be together during the birth was the deciding factor. By early April, they had moved into Eliza’s father’s home in Northfield, breathing a sigh of relief for the space and safety it afforded. In New York, even taking their dog, Limón, for a walk had begun to feel like too high of a risk. Still, future plans were murky. Maybe they would shelter in Vermont a few months before returning to the city, they thought. Yet
Northfield home, but the isolation of the rural location and the lack of immediate neighbors didn’t feel like the community that they had hoped for. When a home appeared in a cozy suburban corner of South Burlington, a few minutes away from Lake Champlain on the Burlington bike path, they were thrilled. With its excellent school system, diversity and urban proximity, South Burlington felt right. Other plans have shifted as Eli-
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Page 10 • Williston Observer • October 1, 2020
Savvy Senior By Jim Miller
Should I buy long-term care insurance? Dear Savvy Senior, My wife and I have thought about purchasing a long-term care insurance policy, but we hate the idea of paying expensive monthly premiums for a policy we may never use. Is there a good rule of thumb on who should or shouldn’t buy
long-term care insurance? Getting Old Dear Getting, There are two key factors you need to consider that can help you determine if purchasing a long-term care (LTC) insurance policy is a smart decision for
you and your wife. One factor is your financial situation and second is your health history. Currently, around 8 million Americans own a policy. WHO NEEDS LTC INSURANCE? As the cost of LTC — which includes nursing home, assisted living and in-home care — continues to rise, it’s important to know that most people pay for LTC either from personal savings or Medicaid when their savings are depleted, or through a LTC insurance policy. National median average costs for nursing home care today is around $92,000 per year, while assisted living averages around
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$50,000 per year. While national statistics show that about 70 percent of Americans 65 and older will need some kind of LTC, the fact is, many people don’t need to purchase a LTC insurance policy. The reasons stem from a range of factors, including the fact that rel-
atively few people have enough wealth to protect to make purchasing a policy worthwhile. Seniors with limited financial resources who need LTC turn to Medicaid to pick up the tab after they run out of money. Another important factor is that most seniors who need LTC only need it for a short period of time, for example, when they’re recovering from surgery. For those people, Medicare covers in-home health care and nursing home stays of 100 days or less following a hospital stay of more than three consecutive days. So, who should consider buying a policy? LTC insurance policies make the most sense for people who can afford the monthly premiums, and who have assets of at least $150,000 to $200,000 or more that they want to protect, not counting their home and vehicles. Another factor to weigh is your personal health and family health history. The two most common reasons seniors need extended long-term care is because of dementia and/or disability. And, almost half of all people who live in nursing homes are 85 years or older. So, what’s your family history for Alzheimer’s, stroke or some other disabling health condition, and do you have a family history of longevity? You also need to factor in gender too. Because women tend to live longer than men, they are at greater risk of need-
ing extended LTC. CHOOSING LTC INSURANCE After evaluating your situation, if you’re leaning toward buying an LTC policy, be sure to do your homework. The cost of premiums can vary greatly ranging anywhere between $2,500 and $8,000 per year for a couple depending on your age, the insurer and the policy’s provisions. Also note that because of coronavirus, it may be more difficult to qualify for coverage now if you’re age 70 or older, in a high-risk group or have had a positive COVID-19 test. To find a policy, get a LTC insurance specialist who works with a variety of companies. See the American Association of Long-Term Care Insurance website (www.AALTCI.org) to locate one. Also shop insurers like Northwestern Mutual and New York Life, who work only with their own agents. Another option you may want to consider are hybrid policies that combine longterm care coverage with life insurance benefits. These policies promise that if you don’t end up needing long-term care, your beneficiaries will receive a death benefit. - 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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October 1, 2020 • Williston Observer • Page 11
Pandemic pregnancy continued from page
CROSSWORD
9
resume work in person, she may have to face a return to the city for her job. For now, the proximity to safe spaces, nature, bike paths and extended family has provided sanctuary for the couple’s transition to new parenthood. Although raised in the urban landscape of Bogotá, Andrés says that even before he met Eliza, “it’s always been a dream to live in a place like Vermont. It’s a dream come true.”
CROSSWORD SOLUTION PAGE 13
za and Andrés adapt to their new surroundings in South Burlington. Andrés’ architectural firm in New York, though it kept its employees working as long as possible, no longer has enough work. Andrés will begin the job hunt for work in Vermont and feels apprehensive about the availability of opportunities. Eliza, who had planned a six-month maternity leave, is back at work as a creative director after only four months away. She wonders whether, once her offices
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ACROSS 1. Get off the fence 4. NBC's peacock, e.g. 8. Beat, the competition for example 12. Conclude--___ up 14. Field of knowledge 15. Burdens 17. Front of the trailer 18. Pub purchase 19. Old 20. Seconds 22. Sudden blast of wind 24. Put out 25. Salon application 26. Mountain runners 28. "___ Town Too" (1981 hit) 30. Related 31. Frisbee catcher 32. Ocean 35. Demand 38. Tucked in 39. Street sealer 40. Quit running 41. Roman street 42. Damage 43. Pronoun 44. Grander than grand 46. Twofold 48. Was in charge of 49. Coupling 50. Froth
51. Block 52. Basketball maneuver 53. Oolong, for one 56. Nonchalance 59. Get together 61. Turned 63. Legal investigation 65. Relish 67. Enjoying 68. Military training staff 69. "___ bitten, twice shy" 70. Four or seven follower 71. Good, better, ___ 72. Drink garnish 73. Arid DOWN 1. Possessed 2. Absentee ballot 3. One of the senses 4. Race segment 5. Beginning 6. A kind 7. Cereal 8. Possessive pronoun 9. Play (to) 10. Physical 11. Kosher ___ 13. Consistent with 16. Stiffen 21. Says "When?" 23. Pronoun in the Ten Com-
mandments 27. Equipment 29. Easter find 30. Stand by 31. Some trial evidence 32. Run through 33. Jason Lee title character 34. Host 35. Object of devotion 36. Number of cat lives 37. Gardener's spring purchase 38. Quotation qualification 41. Compete (for) 42. Run smoothly 44. Fig. announced from the cockpit 45. Engine sound 46. Medical man 47. Grown acorns 50. Groom-to-be 51. Chicago team 52. Cessna 53. Pitched a piano 54. Introduce 55. Suffering 56. Letters used to avoid listing 57. Riyadh native 58. Pro or con 60. At the summit of 62. Dorothy Parker quality 64. Rent out 66. Come together
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Page 12 • Williston Observer • October 1, 2020
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The Williston Recreation and Parks Department is located at the Town Hall Annex building at 7878 Williston Rd. For online program registration, visit www. willistonrec.org. For department information, email recreation@ willistonvt.org or call 876-1160. PICKLEBALL INTRO Learn the rules, a variety of drills, some basic game strategy and how to play this unique sport in this two-hour introductory clinic. Resources will be provided for continued learning and playing opportunities. Bring your own paddle or use a loaner paddle. Instructor: Corey Gottfried. In-person, age 18-plus, Saturday, Oct. 3, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. $32. PICKLEBALL 101 Spend more time on each part of the game. Drills will include serving, return of serve, third shot drop, the soft game, volleying, basic strategies and actual playing time. Bring your paddle or borrow a loaner. Instructor: Corey
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W I L L I S T O N
OPTOMETRY
Gottfried. In-person, age 18-plus, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Oct. 5-7, 5:30-7:30 p.m. $72. GAME DESIGN 101 W/TINKER Learn programming using a fun scenario-based approach and build games. Create scenes with actors that jump, tell stories and interact with inputs. No previous coding experience is necessary. Instructor: Wicked Cool for Kids. This is an online live program, grades 3-5, Wednesdays, Oct 7- Nov 18, 4:155:15 p.m. $140. Register by Oct. 5. CHESS PROGRAMS Chess Wizards offers online chess instruction. There is a 6-to1 student-teacher ratio. For ages 6-12. There are numerous levels to choose from. Register at www. chesswizards.com. AERIAL FOR KIDS A dance-inspired program that uses suspension and a wide silk fabric hammock. Routines to music will inspire the inner dancer to express their flow and grace. For ages 9-12, Oct. 7-Nov. 13, 3:15-4:15 p.m. Instructor: Carol Bennett. $166.
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online with Toni Kunker. Age 50-plus, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:15-11:15 a.m. Free. Yoga (gentle/seated) — Live online with Toni Kunker. Age 50plus, Fridays, 10:15-11:15 a.m. Free. Fit Training — Live online with RehabGYM. Age 55-plus, Mondays and Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-10 a.m. Two sessions offered. $120. Senior Personal Training — Live online with RehabGYM. Age 60-plus, ten 60-minute sessions. Register with RehabGYM. $450. Running Program — Live online with RehabGYM. Age 18plus, Mondays and Wednesdays, Oct. 5-Nov. 25, 5-6 p.m. $185 Personal Training — Live online with RehabGYM. Age 18plus, ten 60-minute sessions. Register with RehabGYM. $450. Ukulele Clinics — Live online with Clare Innes. Age 18-plus, Level 1 and 2 programs offered. $35. Chess — Live online with Chess Wizards, Ages 6-12, many levels to choose from. IN-PERSON PROGRAMS Aerial Yoga — Age 18-plus, Thursdays, Oct. 8-Nov. 12, 5:306:30 p.m. or Saturdays, Oct. 10Nov. 14, 10-11 a.m. $166. Cardio Kickboxing — Age 18plus, Thursdays, 6:30 p.m., three sessions offered. $60 MMA for Nerds — Age 18-plus, Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m., three sessions offered. $60 Street Fighter — Age 18-plus, Fridays, 7 p.m., three sessions of-
fered. $60 Fighter Fitness — Age 18-plus, Mondays, 6 p.m., Tuesdays, 8 a.m. or Saturdays, 11 a.m., three sessions offered. $60. Thai Chi Fundamentals — Age 18-plus, Thursdays, 5:30 p.m., two sessions offered. $90. Thai Chi Form — Age 18-plus, Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m., two sessions offered. $90. Dangerous Girls — Age 14plus, Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m., three sessions offered. $60. Ninja Kids — Ages 4-9, four different days and times offered. $60. Ninja Teens — Ages 10-15, three separate days and times offered. $60. Aerial for Kids — Age 9-12, Mondays and Wednesdays, Oct. 7-Nov. 13, 3:15-4:15 p.m. $166. FACILITY UPDATE “Arrive, Play, Leave” Playgrounds, courts, elements, amenities and facilities are not disinfected or cleaned. Bring your own hand sanitizer, use face coverings, practice social distancing of 6 feet, stay home if you or someone in your household is sick, don’t touch your face and wash your hands when you get home. Restrooms are still closed and there are no port-o-lets in the parks. Organizations/groups using fields or courts can bring in port-olets for their groups use only. The port-o-let will be signed for the group, locked, cleaned and used by the group only.
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October 1, 2020 • Williston Observer • Page 13
OBITUARY Ryan Ji-Seong Fortin Born in Gunsan City, South Korea, on February 18, 2008, and died September 24, 2020, Ryan was the beloved son of Emily Hazel Hackett-Fiske of Williston and David Anthony Fortin of Milton, and the stepson of Jason S. Fiske and Christine Janelle. Ryan was adored and looked up to by his siblings, Leah Hana Fortin, Noah Robert Fiske, Avah Rose Fiske, Caleb James Fiske, and Michael Ellis Fiske. He was a protective big brother who was always doing thoughtful things like buying his baby brother Michael his first basketball. Ryan was the grandson of Robert and Helen (Salls) Hackett of Williston, James and Sheila (Hall) Psaledas of Edgewater, Florida, and Paul and Margaret "Peggy" (Zurek) Fortin of Newburyport, Massachusetts, Carolyn (Hackett) Fiske, and Robert and Cheryl Fiske, all of Loudon, New Hampshire, and Mike and Karen of Ontario. He is also mourned by many loving aunts, uncles, great-aunts, great-uncles, step-siblings, and step-nieces and nephews. Ryan attended Vickie's Playschool, The Bellwether School, and most recently Williston Cen-
tral School, where he was in the seventh grade. In keeping with his middle name, which means "wisdom star" in Korean, Ryan was a gentle, kind, old soul. In his short time on earth, he lived a large life and touched many people. He was an empathetic and loyal friend to his classmates, including his special pals Jacob Villeneuve, Luke Everett, Colin Sheehan, Winter Mitchell, Blake Marshall, Grayson Renaud, Calvin Castle, Denis Osmancevic, David Merchant, Derek Fecteau, Kai Mahaffey, Dylan Terriciano, Jackson Kelley and many others at Vickie's, Bellwether, and WCS. Ryan had many close adult friends as well: Vickie Durgin and family, Bonnie Benson, Danra Kazenski, Garin Samuelsen, Lindsey Desrochers, Christine Everett, Lindsay Hay, Angie King, Christopher Rose, Nancy Lumbra, Trac-
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ey Tobin, and Michelle Villeneuve and family. Ryan had an infectious sense of humor. He was passionate about his many loves: his cat, Midnight; reading The Land of Stories with his mom at night; catching a blowfish with his dad and grandparents in Florida; putting together Hero Factory Lego sets with Grampy; a fresh haircut; sharks, sneakers, karate, basketball, and swimming. He earned a purple belt in karate, played rec basketball, and had a mean butterfly. As a small boy his favorite movie was Cars and he wore his Cars pajamas proudly every day for many years. He loved watching movies with his family and some of his favorites were A Dog's Purpose, Hatchi, Transformers, and Star Wars. He enjoyed seeing the newest Star Wars movie at the theater with his dad and stepmom. He liked to attend powwows with his mom, stepdad, and siblings. A big accomplishment was hiking to the summit of Camel's Hump with his fourth-grade class at the Bellwether School. He dove deep into learning all he could about any subject that interested him. Ryan enjoyed traveling with his family to Arlington National Cemetery, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World, Florida, Boston, Maine, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., San Diego Jersey Shore, Portsmouth, and Jeju Island. Climbing Mount Philo or Five Tree Hill with his Bellwether classmates every Fall. As a toddler, he watched Mahna Mahna over and over all the way to Disney. The family would like to thank the UVM Luse Center, the staff at The Bellwether School and Williston Central School, Regal Gymnastics, Essex Pediatric, and
First Call of Chittenden County. The family has deeply appreciated the outpouring of love and support from family, friends, and the community and want everyone to know how much it has meant to them. To honor Ryan with your family, take the time to watch your favorite family movie with Olive Garden shrimp fettucine alfredo, Boston cream donut and some chocolate milk. The family also requests that any donations in Ryan's name be made to Town of Williston Recre-
ational Basketball. Due to Covid-19, services will be private by invitation only on Wednesday September 30, 2020 and a burial will also be private on Thursday, October 1, 2020. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date that will be announced. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Ready Funeral Home Mountain View Chapel 68 Pincerest Drive in Essex Jct. Please visit www.readyfuneral. com to place on-line condolences.
Champlain Valley School District (Charlotte, Hinesburg, Shelburne, St. George and Williston)
Child Find Notice Champlain Valley School District is required by federal law to locate, identify and evaluate all children with disabilities. The process of locating, identifying and evaluating children with disabilities is known as child find. Champlain Valley School District schools conduct Kindergarten screening each spring, but parents may call to make an appointment to discuss their concerns at any time. As the school district of residence, CVSD has the responsibility to identify and provide services to any child with special needs who may require special education and related services in order to access and benefit from public education. If you have, or know of any CVSD resident who has a child with a disability under the age of 21 or a child who attends a private school located in Charlotte, Hinesburg, Shelburne, St. George or Williston, Vermont, we would like to hear from you. Sometimes parents are unaware that special education services are available to their children. Please contact the School Principal Charlotte Central School – 425-2771 Hinesburg Community School – 482-2106 Shelburne Community School – 985-3331 Williston Central/Allen Brook Schools – 878-2762 or the Director of Student Support Services - Meagan Roy 383-1234 or mroy@cvsdvt.org
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Page 14  â€˘â€ƒ Williston Observer  â€˘â€ƒ October 1, 2020
CLASSIFIEDS
Hannaford Williston has a job for you! Competitive pay & excellent benefits package - medical, dental, vacation, tuition reimbursement & more! FULL TIME • Full time Customer Service Leader • Full time and Part time Deli associate • Full time Dairy/Frozen Lead • Full time Center Store associate • Full time Night Crew associate
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SHELBURNE Water System Operator/Maintenance Technician
We expanding! We are are expanding! Full Time We Welcome Welcome LPNs and We LPN’s andRNs RN’s Housekeeping Full and Part Time Full and Part Time
The Town of Shelburne seeks a flexible, team-oriented candidate to join the Water Department as a full-time System Operator/Maintenance Technician. This position works under the supervision of the Water
Vermont’spremier premiere continuing Care Retirement Community Superintendent, and is responsible for performing a wide Vermont’s continuing retirement community seeks Allcare Shifts seeks a member to join our housekeeping team. Housekeepers a dedicated nursing professional with a strong desire to work array of tasks related to maintenance of the water distribution nt’s premier continuing care retirement community a dedicated nursing support residents who live independently by providing within a community of seniors. Wake Robin seeks provides high system. The successful candidate will have the demonstrated ional withquality acontactless strong desire within aincommunity ofwhile seniors. Robinto handle varying work assignments, keep accurate housekeeping services theirand homes they Wakeability nursing careto in work a fast paced residential long-term care are away. es high quality nursing care in a fast paced residential and long-term care environment, while maintaining a strong sense of “home�. Wake records, analyze problems and make logical decisions, follow Robin offers an opportunity to build relationships with offers an ment, while maintaining a strong sense of strong “home�. Wake Robin applicable safety and regulatory requirements, and complete Housekeepers are to community the wellbeing of residents in a staff and residents in acritical dynamic unity to build strong relationships with staff andsetting. residents in a dynamic community other responsibilities as required. setting that utilizes best practices to maintain our Covid Free environment. Candidates must have We continue to offer generous shifthousekeeping differentials; and/or A strong work ethic, attention to detail, collaborative attitude, industrial cleaning or industrial laundry experience. We continue to offer differentials; Evenings $2.50/hour, Nightsgenerous $4.50/hour,shift and weekends $1.55
and outstanding customer service are essential. Position
Evening’s $2.50/hour, Nights $4.50/hour, weekendsor$1.55. open until filled. EOE. Interested candidates can apply online at and Wakerobin.com
email a resume withplease to: HR@wakerobin.com. Interested candidates email a and cover letter and to ed candidates please email a cover coverletter letter resume to resume hr@wakerobin.com or hr@wakerobin.com or complete an application online at www. te an application online at www.wakerobin.com. Wake Robin is an EOE. Wake Robin is an equal opportunity employer. wakerobin.com. Wake Robin is an EOE.
Foreclosure: 2BR Condo Chittenden County!
Looking to earn extra income? The Williston I-89 Welcome Centers are looking for per-diem employees to work as needed. Duties include customer service and custodial tasks and you must be able to lift 50 pounds. Hourly rate of $13.50. Please email nicole@vermont.org for more information or to get an application.
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SERVICES Painting - Since 1977, Lafayette Painting has provided top quality painting services. Our experts will complete your job quickly and the finished work is guaranteed to look great. Learn more about us at www. LafayettePaintingInc.com or call 863-5397.
SHORT TERM RENTAL WANTED Couple in their early 30s looking for a furnished rental through the end of the year. We both work from home, me for an advocacy-focused nonprofit and him as a personal trainer. Ideally we would love to stay in Williston to be near family, but are open to the surrounding towns or Montpelier, as well. Our only requirements are strong WiFi, as we both work from home and need to conduct a lot of work through video calls and enough space for him to conduct virtual personal training sessions. Call Ellie at 802-338-8782.
HELP WANTED Tire Techs/Installers - Parttime. We are a busy shop with a fun atmosphere and we are willing to train you. Flexible hours! Apply in person at Dave’s Williston AutoCare on 22 Avenue C in Williston. 862-5351. Painter: 5+ years professional experience, valid license, reliable transportation, positive attitude required. Competitive pay, retirement plan. No drama. Call Greg @ 802-310-6379.
FOR SALE
Tires - 4 All Season, Ultra High Performance, Dunlop SP Sport 5000 tires, size 215/45R18. Excellent conEMAILED ADVERTISEMENT dition, driven approx. 5,000 miles. ADVERTISING INSERTION ORDER Stored indoors. (Selling because Thomas Hirchak Company they do not fit new car). These tires FROM: Terra Keene sell for $175-200 each; asking $400 for the set. Can send photos upon Phone: 800-634-7653 request; prefer cash sale. Call 802Email: Advertising2@THCAuction.com 434-2558. 8IZ KPJO (.5 BT B 4FBTPOBM %SJWFS JO 4UPXF BOE 4VHBSCVTI
4&"40/"- #64 %3*7&34 To: Marianne Apfelbaum
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e SER directory VICE DIRECTORY for rates: call 985-3091 saliva. If left untreated, rabies is almost alor email advertising@shelburnenews.com
RABIES BAIT
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The week-long bait drop is a cooperaHealth tive effort between Vermont and the U.S. SYSTEMS DepartmentBASEMENT of Agriculture Wildlife Services to stop the spread of the potentially fatal disease. Rabies is a deadly viral disease of the brain that infects mammals. It is most often seen in raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats, but unvaccinated pets and livestock can also get rabies. The virus is spread through the bite of an infected animal or contact with its
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Page 16 • Williston Observer • October 1, 2020
Fall sports season heats up Photos by Al Frey
(Clockwise from top left) CVU’s Cooper Whalen battles for possession during the ‘Hawks game vs. Rice on Saturday afternoon.
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