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OCTOBER 10, 2019

WILLISTON’S NEWSPAPER SINCE 1985

WILLISTONOBSERVER.COM

Town drawn into opiate lawsuit

8 million pills purchased in Williston during height of saturation By Jason Starr Observer staff

The Town of Williston has been pulled into a lawsuit against opiate drug companies seeking compensation for the public cost of addressing opiate addiction, and it has until Nov. 22 to opt out. Town administrators received notice of

the lawsuit in September and brought the opt-out question to the selectboard last week. The board tabled the question until next Tuesday’s meeting, seeking an opinion from town attorney Bob Fletcher in the interim. “I’m struggling with the idea that we have been automatically included in it,” board member Joy Limoge said. “That’s not sitting well with me.” “That’s the nature of class action,” board member Ted Kenney responded. “You get notice (that says) you can opt out, but if you don’t, your silence is consent.” One downside of staying in the lawsuit,

Kenney said, is that the town would lose its right to pursue its own litigation against opioid companies. The Town of Bennington recently became the first town in Vermont to independently sue opioid companies. A Texas law firm that represents Bennington — the Cicala Law Firm — had a booth at the Vermont League of Cities and Towns (VLCT) annual conference last week in Killington, and managing partner Joanne Cicala spoke to town and city administrators in an attempt to recruit municipalities to join Bennington. Last Tuesday, Williston’s selectboard seemed averse to that idea.

The class action lawsuit names 13 defendants, including manufacturers like Purdue Pharma and retail outlets like Rite-Aid, Walgreens and Wal-Mart. It was set up by a federal judge in Ohio “to unify cities and counties into a single negotiating entity to maximize their bargaining power and to provide finality to opioids litigation for any settling defendant,” according to the notice Williston received. This is the first time the federal law allowing class action suits has been used to create a class of municipalities, according to the see OPIATE page 2

A choice of chowders

Observer photos by Al Frey

Sponsors, contestants, volunteers and residents gathered Sunday for the 9th Annual Williston Chowder Challenge on the village green. The event supports the Williston Community Food Shelf and the Williston Police Association. One hundred seventy five pounds of food were collected for the food shelf. ABOVE: Chelsea Shepard, left, Truly Shepard, center, and Robbie Bromley pose between spoonfuls. RIGHT: Residents convene for taste testing. For results of the Chowder Challenge, see page 3.

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Page 2 • Williston Observer • October 10, 2019

Opiate continued from page

notice. Every municipality in the country has been included, and given the Nov. 22 opt-out deadline. “Unlike any mass litigation before, thousands of cities and counties nationwide are pursuing claims against major defendants. The goal is to recover money to help fight the opioids epidemic, provide prevention and treatment services going forward, and change defendants’ practices,” the notice states. Any settlement offer would need 75 percent approval from the municipalities that remain in the suit. Compensation would be awarded based on population. MILLIONS OF PILLS Williston Assistant to the Town Manager Erik Wells attended the VLCT conference in Killington and returned with data illustrating the depth of opioid pill saturation in Williston during the 2006-2012 time frame — an era when an influx of pain medications fueled an addiction crisis that has caused 717 deaths in Vermont since 2010, according to the Vermont Department of Health. The data is a localized subset of a national database that tracks drug company sales — the federal Automation of Reports and

Consolidated Orders System (ARCOS). The Drug Enforcement Administration released the data in July. The ARCOS data shows that roughly 8 million opioid pain pills — mostly hydrocodone and oxycodone — were purchased by retailers in Williston — mostly Kinney Drugs, Hannaford and Rite-Aid — during the seven-year period ending in 2012. That is about 1.1 million pills per year. In a town of roughly 8,000 people (at the time), the influx of pills equates to about 140 pills per person, per year. The data is limited, however, in that it only shows how many pills were purchased by Williston pharmacies, not how many were actually prescribed to residents. The Vermont Department of Health maintains a prescription database that breaks down the number of opiate prescriptions dispensed in the state. It’s most recent report, issued this September, shows that the total number of opiates dispensed statewide has decreased by 44 percent over the past three years. AN OVERCORRECTION? Joe Haddock is a longtime doctor at the Thomas Chittenden Health Center in Williston. He recalls the days in the early 2000s when drug companies would send sales representatives to the office with opiate samples. “Back then, some of these drugs got adver-

tised and put out as having fewer side effects and not habit forming, and that wasn’t the case for some of them,” he said. It was a time when doctors were being encouraged to address pain as if it were a vital sign, akin to one’s pulse and blood pressure, he said. “Providers were accused of not addressing people’s pain adequately,” Haddock said. “(Opiates) got prescribed more and more.” In 2017, the state made it harder for doctors to prescribe opiates with a statute that sets a limit on the dosage and number of opiates that can be prescribed, requires an in-person prescriber-patient discussion of risks and requires an informed consent form to be signed by the patient. “The state is being extremely aggressive,” Haddock said. The new rules have reduced the number of opiate prescriptions dispensed, but the number of opiate-related deaths in Vermont has continued to increase: There were 63 opioid-related deaths in Vermont in 2014 and the number has increased incrementally to 110 in 2018, according to the Vermont Department of Health. However, fewer of the deaths have been related to prescription opioid abuse since the new rules were put into place. The health department identifies illegal fentanyl as the reason for the overall increase in deaths. Haddock said the new prescribing rules

have gotten in the way of treating pain. “Certainly people were overprescribed, but at the same time, now pain doesn’t get treated,” he said. “You get the feeling that all analgesic pain meds are bad. People who need them get lumped into the same boat as people who are selling them on the street. “You have to treat patients individually, and that is not the situation in our state right now.” THE BOTTOM LINE In mulling whether to stay in the class action lawsuit, the Williston Selectboard has referred to a calculator on the lawsuit’s website (www.opioidnegotiationclass.info) that estimates municipal settlement payouts based on population. Williston’s estimated payout? Roughly $20,000. “If your gain is potentially $20,000, I don’t know that it’s worth getting involved in it,” said Limoge. “I don’t know what the board will do,” said Kenney. “We’ve got time to think about it.” Complicating the issue, Vermont Attorney General T.J. Donovan joined attorney generals from 38 other states in objecting to the idea of banding all U.S. cities and towns into one lawsuit. The state has its own ongoing lawsuit against opioid manufacturer Purdue Pharma.

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October 10, 2019 • Williston Observer • Page 3

Chowder Challenge results

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Observer photo by Al Frey

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Page 4 • Williston Observer • October 10, 2019

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NONPROFIT NEWS Mahana continued from page

to ease that initial conversation between the cancer patient and their child(ren). We continue the support as long as the child needs us. The financial costs associated with cancer are often overwhelming, and if one has children, the impact is even greater. Mahana Magic has seen this first hand and knows the importance of children not feeling the negative impacts of their parent’s cancer. The foundation has three funds that help these kids. Our Scholarship Fund is for high school seniors. This year, we awarded $1,000 scholarships to 12 high school seniors across Vermont. Our Camp Fund was created to financially assist families with camp costs for their children. The Dream Fund is for a parent who

We ease that inititial conversation between the cancer patient and their child(ren). We continue the support as long as the child needs us.

has a terminal cancer diagnosis to give their child a special gift to remember them by. Having cancer can devastate a family financially. These funds support families so that the children do not feel that negative impact. The Mahana Magic Foundation also sponsors activities and events throughout the year. When a child has a parent or caregiver with cancer, they may have a hard time discussing it, and their friends may

not know what to say, which can be very isolating for the child. By introducing them to other children going through the same experiences, children are able to speak about it in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. For the past eight years, we have funded a Child Life Specialist at the UVM Medical Center. The specialist assists parents in telling their children about their cancer diagnosis, helps children understand cancer and explains it in age-appro-

priate language, and holds support groups for children and families. The Mahana Magic Foundation is a nonprofit that is solely funded by grants and donations. On Friday, Oct. 25, from 7-11 p.m., we will be hosting our 10th Annual Monster Bash at the Old Lantern in Charlotte. This is an over-21 Halloween costume and dance party. Come and join in the fun of Halloween, experience our Haunted House, dance to music by the DJs from Top Hat Entertainment and enjoy the make-your-own-taco bar with a fresh margarita while watching performance art by the Human Canvas (a.k.a. Little Artsy Faces).

To make a donation, or for more information or tickets for the 10th Annual Monster Bash, please visit our website at www.mahanamagic.org. Monica Marshall is managing director of the Mahana Magic Foundation. Nonprofit News is a weekly series highlighting the work of nonprofit organizations in Williston and throughout Chittenden County. This story was provided by The Mahana Magic Foundation. Nonprofits seeking to tell their story in this space, please email editor@ willistonobserver.com or call Jason at (802) 872-9000 ext. 117.

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Page 6 • Williston Observer • October 10, 2019

Guest Column

Let’s learn from Vermont’s newcomers

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There has been a certain amount of hand-wringing for the last decade or so about how many rich people and young people are moving in and out of Vermont. Migration data compiled by the IRS is at the heart of the debate, which invariably focuses on the people leaving. Why don’t we pay more attention to the new arrivals, including the thousands of international immigrants who have settled in Vermont, but aren’t counted by the IRS? They could tell us something about how to improve life for all Vermonters. The IRS information comes from federal tax returns. The agency tracks the addresses from which returns are filed. Since early 1993, the IRS has been publishing reports showing the movement of tax-filers each year from state to state and county to county. For about 25 years, the number of people moving into Vermont from other states and Vermonters moving out has been pretty consistent — roughly 16,000 in each direction every year. Before the Great Recession, Vermont’s net

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annual migration was mostly positive — about 370 a year on average. From 2008 to 2016, Vermont lost an average of about 1,060 people a year, according to the tax returns. U.S. Census population estimates add to the picture by including international migration: More than 8,500 people from outside the U.S. came to Vermont between 2010 and 2018 — over 1,000 people a year on average. The Legislature’s Joint Fiscal Office recently published a migration report based on age and income data, with some caveats about the limitations of the information on income. The report reiterates one thing we’ve known for years: Rich people are not fleeing the state — or at least they didn’t from 2012 to 2016, the years the report covers. The report shows how many people migrated, what their income brackets were, where they came from and where they went. What we don’t know from any of the data, however, is why. Particularly, why the people who moved to Vermont decided to come. Rather than speculate about who’s leaving, wouldn’t it be more helpful to study those who have decided to move here? Ve r m o n t i s a p p r o p r i a t i n g

$500,000 over three years to try to attract people who want to work remotely for businesses or organizations based in other states. Grants of up to $5,000 a year are available to cover moving and other expenses for remote workers who establish residence in Vermont. At $5,000 per grant, the program could draw 100 families by 2021. What if we used that money instead to learn from the people who are choosing to make Vermont their home and raise their families here? Ask them what drew them here. Perhaps our good schools, our beautiful mountains and lakes, our microbreweries and organic farms, our close-knit communities? Once we f ind out, we could improve on the things they find most attractive about the state and promote those state assets. Building on Vermont’s strengths will not only make Vermont a more attractive place to move. It will make life better for those who are here — all Vermonters, not just a lucky handful who get a $5,000 grant. Jack Hoffman is a senior policy analyst at Public Assets Institute, online at www.publicassets.org.

October 10, 2019 • Williston Observer • Page 7

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Home sweet home

I would first like to thank Brian Forrest for his response in last week’s Observer to Rob Roper’s Sept. 26 column “education or indoctrination.” It is amazing to me that when 97-98 percent of climate scientists agree with the theory of anthropogenic climate change (caused by human impact), someone could think that an educational organization such as the National Science Teachers Association should not support

teaching children the findings of these renowned scientists (see Leslie Allen’s Oct. 3 letter to the editor). Not only is the number of scientists agreeing on the human impact on climate overwhelming, but the scientists who agree on human impact are also more respected in their field. About 98 percent of the climate researchers most actively publishing in the field support the tenets of anthropogenic climate change outlined by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Also, the relative

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climate expertise and scientific prominence of the researchers unconvinced of anthropogenic climate change are substantially below that of the convinced researchers. If our schools do not take the responsibility for educating our children about the effects humans have on our climate and possible solutions (including peacef ul protests when their voices are not heard or headed), then who will? This is not a topic to be shoved under the rug. Eric Weiss Williston

Promoting a stigma-free future Oct. 6-12 is national Mental Health Awareness Week. The week provides an opportunity annually to fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for quality care. One in five adults experience mental health challenges every year, and 50 percent of chronic mental health conditions begin by age 14. Although many people today understand that a mental see LETTERS page 8

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My wife and I have been living in our home on St. George Road in Williston for 50 years. We’ve raised two daughters here and have enjoyed our property very much. But now we feel threatened. When I opened a packet recently from VTrans, I was shocked with the scope of the park-and-ride project proposed near Exit 12 (“Park-and-ride gets public vetting,” Oct. 3). What’s the precedent for emptying a park-and-ride into the middle of a residential neighborhood? What about property values? Who’s going to buy a house that has a park-and-ride emptied on its front doorstep? What about privacy and enjoyment of our yards? Headlights will be glaring across our yards and in our windows. Ingress and egress from our driveways will be impacted, if not sometimes impossible. I don’t agree with VTrans’ assessment that this spot is safer than at the bottom of the hill. This area around the crest of the hill is a dangerous spot, and it will be even more dangerous under this plan. The speed limit would probably need to be reduced. There will be an increase in the use of Jake brakes on trucks coming down the hill due to the obstacle course that’s being created. There will be an increase in driveway turnarounds and property damage. This project, as designed, would considerably alter the character of this neighborhood, which is quite peaceful even with the current traffic. There is a better way without affecting any part of this residentially zoned neighborhood. If a park-and-ride has to be, why not put it on the state police property and build that new facility where this park-and-ride is planned? How about on Hurricane Lane — many of those spots are vacant? Or have the park-and-ride enter and exit across from Hurricane Lane. You wouldn’t have to do very much road work at all; it would eliminate all the proposed alterations of the road in our neighborhood. Also note that Hurricane Lane traffic works very well with Route 2A without a light just as it would on the other side. It would be like the Richmond park-and-ride: in and out in one spot. The nice thing about the Richmond lot is that it affects no residential property. To sweeten things even more, a dedicated right-turn lane to get onto I-89 South would eliminate a lot of traffic sitting at the light. Looks like there’s room enough. Why wasn’t this thought of before? Let’s put our thinking caps back on and be sensible. Larry Reed Williston

Climate change instruction is a school responsibility

Page 8 • Williston Observer • October 10, 2019

A journey to the roaring ’20s at CVU Observer staff report

Observer courtesy photo

Schuyler Edgar Holmes, left, and Greta Powers play gangsters disguised as pastry chefs in this scene from ‘The Drowsy Chaperone.’

The theater program at Champlain Valley Union High School presents “The Drowsy Chaperone” Oct. 25-27. The show is described as “hilarious, wild, raucous and racy … a musical journey back to the roaring ’20s, while keeping one foot firmly planted in the 21st century.” Show times are 7:30 p.m. Oct. 25-26 and 2 p.m. Oct. 27. Tickets are $8 for students and children and $10 general admission. Tickets are available at www.ticketsource.us/cvutheatre. The show is a multi-media performance incorporating video projections. A show description, courtesy of theater program director Candy Padula: “As the show begins, the audience is invited into the apartment of a character known only as ‘the man in the chair,’ who turns on his record player to share his favorite old musical, ‘The Drowsy Chaperone.’ The story of the play within the musical unfolds inside the man’s apartment, which transforms into a ditsy old dowager’s estate for the destination wedding of a Broadway starlet to a young oil tycoon. The man in the chair, a theatre aficionado, shares his insights into the story, as well as gossip and trivia tidbits about the famous actors who portray the characters. Once you step into the exciting world that exists inside the man’s apartment, and see the play through his eyes, you may never want to leave.”

Letters continued from page

illness is a medical condition, individuals and families affected by mental illness are still often subjected to stigma and discrimination. As par t of Mental Health Awareness Week, NAMI Vermont will be offering support groups for individuals living with a mental health condition in Bennington, Berlin, Burlington, North Concord and Rutland. Also, NAMI Vermont will offer a support group for the loved ones of those with a mental health condition in Burlington, Rutland, Townshend and Williston. We are calling on everyone to join NAMI Vermont in shining a light on mental health and replacing stigma with hope by taking a pledge to be stigma-free. Visit www.nami.org/stigmafree to take the stigma-free pledge. For information about mental illness conditions, symptoms and treatment, visit www.namivt.org or call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264). Laurie Emerson NAMI executive director Williston

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CVU’s Rowan Godbout passes the ball upfield during the Redhawks’ win over Colchester on Saturday in Hinesburg.

Soccer squads keep the good times rolling

The Champlain Valley Union High School girls soccer team got two quick goals in the second half on its way to a 2-0 win over Colchester on Saturday. The Redhawks (10-0) remain unbeaten on the season. Josie Pecor (one assist) scored early in the second half, and Catherine Gilwee added an insurance tally 10 minutes later to give CVU the win. Goaltender Maryn Askew earned the shutout with four saves.

T he CV U boys soccer team also won on Saturday, 3-1 over Essex. Cullen Swett scored on a penalty kick to tie the game 1-1 for the Redhawks (10-0-1), while Erik Stolen and James Schmidt each added a goal in the second half. Goaltender Jeff Barbic made two saves to earn the win. CVU beat Rice 4-0 last Wednesday with Jami Lashua, Jake Sinopli, Copper Whalen and Jacob Allaire each scoring a goal for the

Redhawks. FIELD HOCKEY Champlain Valley 2, Essex 0: The Champlain Valley field hockey team made it five wins in a row with a 2-0 victory over Essex on Saturday. Lena Ashooh and Mackenzie Marcus each had a goal for the Redhawks, who improved to 8-3. Hailey Chase added two assists, and Sophia Stevens stopped four shots in net. see SPORTS page 12

Observer photo by Al Frey

Shelby Statton breaks up field during for the Redhawks during their win over Colchester on Saturday in Hinesburg.

October 10, 2019 • Williston Observer • Page 11

SPORTS

Observer photos by Al Frey

LEFT: CVU’s Elise Ayer makes a short chip onto the green during the Redhawks’ match at Williston Golf Club last Tuesday. RIGHT: Taylor Hoar makes an approach shot on the second hole for the Redhawks.

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Page 12 • Williston Observer • October 10, 2019

SPORTS Sports continued from page

Observer photos by Al Frey

RIGHT: Redhawk hitter Devin Rogers rips a cross court kill during CVU’s match against the Essex Hornets on Saturday in Hinesburg. LEFT: Alden Randall bumps the ball to a Redhawks setter.

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FOOTBALL Middlebury 45, Champlain Valley 7: Champlain Valley gave up 28 points in the first quarter and could not mount a comeback in a loss to Middlebury on Saturday. Max Destito threw for 112 yards and one touchdown for the Redhawks, who moved to 2-4 on the season. Destito found Angelos Carroll for a 4-yard touchdown catch for CVU’s lone score. Tyler Buxton ran for two TDs for the Tigers (6-0), and Ian Ploof had 92 yards on four carries.

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CROSS COUNTRY The Champlain Valley cross country teams travled to Thetford on Saturday for the Woods Trail Run, with the girls team winning the event and the boys team coming in second place. Alicia Veronneau was the top finisher for the Redhawk girls, coming in second place. Alice Larson was ninth to wrap up the CVU runners in the top 10. GIRLS VOLLEYBALL Champlain Valley 3, Lyndon 0: The Champlain Valley girls volleyball team rebounded from its first loss of the season with a win over Lyndon on Saturday. The Redhawks beat the Vikings in straight sets to move to 8-1. CVU won the first set 25-12, the second 25-16 and the third 25-14 to claim the victory.

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BOYS GOLF The Champlain Valley boys golf team qualified for the Division I state championship tournament after turning in a first-place finish at the qualifying match on Wednesday. Nate Godbout finished with a 68 to earn medalist honors at the qualifying tournament at Stowe Country Club. Alex Leonard had a 73, Evan Forrest a 75 and Kyle Rexford finished with an 86 to round out the top CVU golfers. The Redhawks tallied a team score of 302 to finish first. Rice followed in second with a 331, and South Burlington was third with a 337. BFA-St. Albans, Burr and Burton and Spaulding also qualified. The Redhawks will battle for a second straight state championship Thursday, when they travel to The Quechee Club for the D-I championship tournament.

October 10, 2019 • Williston Observer • Page 13

OBITUARIES Donald Ingham

Donald Carl Ingham of Williston, VT passed away on October 1, 2019 with his devoted wife, Brenda, at his side after a 15-year struggle with prostate cancer. He was born on June 23, 1946 at the Mary Fletcher Hospital in Burlington to Lynn H. Ingham and Muriel (nee Densmore) Ingham of Burlington, and grew up in Vermont with brothers Raymond of Huntington, VT (married to Nita Ingham), David of Saranac, NY

(married to Sylvia Ingham), and sister Judy Cota of Williston (married to Wesley Cota). Don graduated from South Burlington High School in 1964 and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he received training in electronics and reached the grade of 3rd Class Petty Officer (E4). After being released from service with an honorable discharge in 1967, he was qualified for training under the G.I. Bill, which allowed him to be the first to enter a pilot training program at Northern Airways in South Burlington. With his independent study of aviation, he passed his pilot license exams in 1968. After 46 years of service as the corporate pilot for Pizzagalli Construction/ PC Construction, he retired in 2016 at the age of 70. During this time he landed at all contiguous 48 states of the U.S., as well as taking multiple trips to Greenland, of which a five-day stay on the Greenland Ice Cap was the event of his life. His love of flying led, in part, to his longtime deep friendship with Al Martin, as well as Chaz Cook, his co-pilot for over 25 years. On August 22, 1970, he married Brenda Shepard, the light of his life. In addition to

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Brenda, he leaves two sons, Aaron Ingham of Marshfield, VT (married to Patricia Lynch) and Daniel Ingham of Huntington, VT (with partner Bekah Kutt); two grandchildren, Shea and Lucas Ingham; and their mother, Mary Cote; a god daughter, Amy Seoane (husband Justin Houghton); his mother-in-law, Louise Shepard; as well as a large number of nieces and nephews. Don also had a love of boating, and after self-study, passed his Coast Guard Captain’s License. Together with Al Martin, he had the opportunity to sail the entire intracoastal waterway, from the Gulf of Mexico to Lake Champlain and on up to Quebec City in Canada. Although most people wait until after retirement to travel, he was fortunate to have the opportunity to travel throughout his adult life. Because their wedding anniversaries are on the same hour, day and year, both he and Brenda enjoyed many trips together with Kurt and Joyce Oughstun of Williston, cruising the Caribbean, parts of Central and South America, including the Panama Canal, and finally enjoying a land-sea cruise from Denali, Alaska to Glacier Bay and on to Vancouver, Canada. His most memorable family trip was spent driving a rental truck

from Phoenix, AZ to Marshfield, VT with his brother David as they moved his son Aaron and wife Patty back to their home state. Most anyone who sat down and talked with Don for just a few minutes became his friend for life. Donald is thankful for having the opportunity to say goodbye to so many of his family and friends during his stay in the McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester. He could not say enough about his love for his wife Brenda throughout their adult life together. He has no regrets for the life he has led. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. In lieu of f lowers, donations in Don’s memory can be made to McClure Miller Respite House, c/o UVM Health Network Home Health and Hospice, 1110 Prim Road, Colchester, VT 05446 or online at www. uvmhomehealth.org/donations. A celebration of Don’s life will be held on October 12, 2019 at 2:30 p.m. at the Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center Film House, Third Floor of the Lake and College Building, at 60 Lake Street, Burlington, VT. Arrangements are in care of Gifford Funeral Home, 22 Depot Street, Richmond, VT.

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Page 14 • Williston Observer • October 10, 2019 READ TO A CAT Thursday, Oct. 17, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Read to Edgar, a therapy cat in training. Pre-register for a oneon-one reading session. All ages. The Dorothy Alling Memorial Library is located at 21 Library Lane in Williston, and can be reached at 878-4918. Library closed: Monday, Oct. 14 (Indigenous People’s Day)

For Youth PRESCHOOL MUSIC Mondays at 11 a.m. and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. For children up to age 5 with a caregiver. No pre-registration. Limit one session per week per family. No music Oct. 14 (library closed). THURSDAY PLAYTIME Thursdays, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Preschoolers and their caregivers are invited for informal play following our Preschool Music program. For children up to age 5. AFTER-SCHOOL TUESDAYS Harry Potter event: Oct. 15, 2-3 p.m. Make a wand and enjoy Harry

Potter-themed snacks. Grades 3 and up. STEM Challenge: Oct. 22, 2-3 p.m. Put your skills to the test with our mad engineering challenges! Grades 3 and up. STORY TIME Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. Join your friends for stories, songs and a simple craft activity. Oct. 15, apples; Oct. 22, animals at night. All ages. TODDLER TIME Fridays at 10:30 a.m. Sing, move and read. Followed by free play. Oct. 11, dinosaurs; Oct. 18, wild animals. Aimed at toddlers, but all are welcome. FOOD FOR THOUGHT TEEN GROUP Monday, Oct. 21, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Grades 7-12. Teen advisory group. Pizza, discussion and projects. New members welcome.

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Programs for Adults BROWN BAG BOOK GROUP Tuesday, Oct.15, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Meet others who love to talk about books. This month, we will discuss “Something in the Water” by Catherine Steadman. Books available at the front desk. Beverages and dessert provided. CURRENT EVENTS CONVERSATION Wednesday, Oct. 16, 10:30 a.m.12 p.m. Gather with others interested in informal discussion on current newsworthy topics. TECH TUTOR Wednesday, Oct. 16, 4-6 p.m. Get one-on-one technology help from a teen. Guarantee a time by making a 30-minute appointment at 878-4918. Drop-ins are welcome if space is available. COMPOST: HOW TO KEEP YOUR FOOD SCRAPS OUT OF THE LANDFILL

Thursday, Oct. 17, 7 p.m. Lauren Layn from the Chittenden Solid Waste District will outline the benefits of “closing the loop” with your own household scraps. Don’t have space for a backyard system? Learn other options for keeping your food scraps out of the landfill and doing what’s best for the environment. Offered with Sustainable Williston. MEDITATION PROGRAM Friday, Oct. 18, 12-1 p.m. Do you want to lower your stress level and unlock calm? Join our bi-monthly meditation program. Through the practice of meditation, breath-work and balancing Chakras, you will learn about the different types of meditation and discover how, when and where to meditate. All levels are welcome. MAH JONGG Wednesday, Oct. 23, 1-3:30 p.m. Learn how to play, revisit the game or just enjoy the game of Mahjongg. Come alone or bring a friend and play with members of our community. All experience levels are welcome. MOVIE Wednesday, Oct. 23, 6 p.m. New

release. On the eve of their high school graduation, two academic superstars and best friends realize they should have worked less and played more. Snack is provided. Rated R. (1h 45m). PODCAST PRODUCTION WORKSHOP Thursday, Oct. 24, 1-3 p.m. Learn the basics of podcasting, including interviewing techniques, story creation strategies and production and post-production techniques. Presented by Dr. Steven Shepard.

Adult nonfiction “If: The Untold Story of Kipling’s American Years” by Christopher Benfey. How Rudyard Kipling wrote his well-known books while living in Brattleboro.

Picture Book “Red House, Tree House, Little Bitty Brown Mouse” by Jane Godwin, illustrated by Blanca Gomez. A little brown mouse explores a world filled with colors and numbers. A great rhyming read-aloud book with detailed, colorful illustrations.

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October 10, 2019 • Williston Observer • Page 15

‘Orange Lives Matter’ protesters rally for road worker safety

photography

Frey

Dozens of traffic flaggers and construction workers gathered at the Vermont Statehouse on Sept. 21 in an “Orange Lives Matter” rally. The event was planned after the recent deaths of traffic guards at the hands of distracted drivers. The rally was a call to action for legislators to step up to keep roadside workers safe. “How can I continue in this industry without making a change or being a part of a change?” said organizer Jillian King. A 38-year-old flagger from Barre was killed in August when he was hit by a car on a job in New Haven. “Three people die every day across this country just doing their job,” rally organizer Mike Messier said. Traffic violations in work zones result in doubled fines; the dollar amount of the fine depends on the amount over the speed limit. Messier said workers would love to see penalties increased, but more than anything, they want laws that already exist to be enforced. “Right now, they have uniformed traffic officers that sit on our big jobs and have their lights on at the end of the site to warn people that we’re there,” Messier said. “But they can’t leave that spot to go chase someone down that’s on their cellphone and give them a ticket.” Drivers tend to speed up as soon as they pass the cop car, Messier said, with no one to chase them down. But the bigger problem, he said, is distracted drivers — usually using cellphones. “We’ll see 50 to 100 people every day travel through busy job sites clearly on their phones,” King said.

Photography for all sports, events and celebrations Photos from the Williston Observer available for purchase 802.373.8370 afrey@gmail.com AlFreyPhotography.com

‘We’ll see 50 to 100 people every day travel through busy job sites clearly on their phones.’ –Mike Messier ‘Orange Lives Matter’ organizer

Safety training for workers can only help so much when drivers aren’t paying attention, she said. In the last five years, there have been 104 deaths and injuries of road workers in Vermont. Without changes, King said, that number is only going to grow. “I’m afraid for all these people,” she said. “I know their friends, I know their kids. I’m afraid for everybody, every day.” State Rep. Brian Smith of Orleans attended the rally. He plans to propose a bill in January that would fine distracted drivers $250 and put four points on their driving records for first offenders and fine them $500 fine with 10 points in the event of an accident due to distracted driving. “Why are our lives worth $250 to $500?” King sighed. “Aren’t we worth more than that?” — Distributed by the Associated General Contractors of Vermont

Observer photo by Jason Starr

Dozens of Vermont road workers rallied at the Statehouse in September demanding better enforcement of traffic safety laws and new regulations to keep them safer. The rally followed the recent death of a traffic worker in New Haven.

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Page 16 • Williston Observer • October 10, 2019

Chittenden County road work Week of Oct. 7-11 WILLISTON Road widening work on Route 2A from Bittersweet Circle to the Winooski Bridge between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. Monday through Thursday will reduce travel to one lane with traffic delays. Daytime work on the side of the road will have

minimal effect on traffic. BURLINGTON Pine Street is reduced to one lane southbound only between Flynn and Home avenues for paving through mid-October. Traffic is detoured. Maple Street between St. Paul to S. Prospect will be one way eastbound due to paving through late October. COLCHESTER Water line work on the west side of Route 7 from approximately

Sunny Hollow Quick Stop to the Blakeley Road/Severance Road intersection continues through mid-November. The majority of the work will happen off the edge of the roadway, but if a lane reduction is necessary, minor delays can be expected. ESSEX/JERICHO/RICHMOND Work to repave Route 15 between the Essex Junction Village/ Town line to Nor th Underhill Station Road in Underhill includes paving of driveway tie-ins, shoulder work, pavement markings, sign

installation, mailbox adjustments and general cleanup work. Crews will be working Monday through Friday. Motorists should plan for delays. ESSEX JUNCTION TO UNDERHILL There will be paving of driveway tie-ins on Route 15 from the Jericho/Essex line proceeding west through Essex Town, and pavement markings and general cleanup work throughout the project limits. Traffic control will be present allowing for one lane alternating

travel. Motorists should plan for extended delays during peak hours, most mornings and late afternoons. HINESBURG Motorists should be aware of work on the sidewalks of Route 116 between Commerce Street and Riggs Road through mid-October. There will be limited lane reductions during non-rush hour times, and traffic control will be present. INTERSTATE 89 BETWEEN EXITS 10 AND 11 There will be various construction activities and lane closures north and southbound throughout the project. This project will be completed by mid-October. INTERSTATE 89 BETWEEN EXITS 16 AND 17 Work on the Colchester I-89 Bridges project will reduce travel to one lane in both directions in non-peak hours Monday through Friday facilitated by crossover traffic patterns. SOUTH BURLINGTON Work on the intersection project on VT 116 with Tilley Drive and Old Farm Road will occasionally reduce travel to one lane and cause traffic delays through mid-November. Traffic control will be present. Market Street is closed to thru traffic until further notice.

Vermont 2-1-1 call center reduced to weekday-only Vermont 2-1-1, a one-stop number to call for information about health and human services, has announced it can no longer offer 24/7 service by phone. Effective Oct. 1, Vermont 2-1-1 hours are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. The new hours are the result of an increase in service charges from a partner 2-1-1 agency contracted to respond to calls from 8 p.m.–8 a.m., weekends and holidays. “Unfortunately, the increase in the proposed contract exceeded our current budget capacity, and no other providers could replace the service at the rate we needed,” said Vermont 2-1-1 Director MaryEllen Mendl. Mendl said the people who will be most affected by the change are those seeking after-hours emergency housing. In 2018, Vermont 2-1-1 received over 41,000 calls and texts for a wide variety of services, of which over 8,000 contacts were for emergency housing. “Our partners at the Department of Economic Services recognize the importance of the service, and though we were hopeful for additional funding from the state to fill the gap, they are working with community partners to ensure people who need emergency housing after 8 p.m. will have a way to reach the program,” said Mendl. A Community Resource Directory is available at www.vermont211.org.

October 10, 2019 • Williston Observer • Page 17

Brick Church Music Series presents Ray Vega Observer courtesy photo

Employees from FoodScience in Williston glean vegetables last week from the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps farm in Richmond.

FoodScience employees volunteer for Good Neighbor Day

FoodScience Corporation — a Williston-based developer and manufacturer of nutritional supplements for animals and humans — was closed last Wednesday so that all 170 employees could help tackle an extensive wish list of projects that the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps wanted to complete. Much of the work focused on ways to help the VYCC’s Food & Farm Program, including repairing greenhouses; gleaning, cleaning and storing vegetables; and refurbishing decks and walkways. The work day was the company’s recog-

nition of Good Neighbor Day, recognized nationally on Sept. 28. Afternoon- and evening-shift employees volunteered at the Burlington Salvation Army, where they served meals for guests throughout the evening, then cooked and froze a pasta dinner for 60 that the Salvation Army will serve in the future. “The crew at FoodScience clearly get it,” said VYCC Executive Director Breck Knouft. “They are making us feel like we are connected to a greater community, and it puts wind in our sails.”

Fire department to host needle take back The Williston Fire Department is partnering with Vermont Cares to host a Needle Take Back Day on Oct. 20, from 10 a.m. to noon. The event will take place in front of the fire station at 645 Talcott Rd. It is an opportunity to safely dispose of used, unused or expired syringes and lancets. The syringes will be properly packaged and disposed of by the fire department.

Loose syringes thrown into household trash can cause accidental needle sticks, potentially causing infections or spreading disease. Needles that end up in recycling bins can injure trash haulers and recycling workers. Wildlife, pets and even small children can be hurt, too. Medications will not be accepted during this take back day, but can be disposed of at the Williston Police Department.

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The Williston Brick Church Concert Series opens its 12th season Friday with an evening of jazz from the Ray Vega Quartet. The show starts at 7 p.m. at the Old Brick Church in Williston Village. Vega, a Latin jazz trumpeter, is host of VPR’s “Friday Night Jazz” show. His quartet will perform jazz classics and some originals. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $13 in advance and $15 at the door ($11/$13 for seniors and children under 12). Purchase tickets online at www.town.williston.vt.us or at the Williston Town Clerk’s office, 7900 Williston Road.

The featured visual artist will be Olga Verasen and the evening’s nonprofit beneficiary is the Williston/Richmond Rotary Club. T he ser ies ack nowledges the continued support Ray Vega from the Williston Observer, the Town of Williston and AdAstra Recording. The series will continue Oct. 25 with a free concert by the U.S. Air Force Clarinet Quartet.

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Page 18 • Williston Observer • October 10, 2019

SENIORS

Savvy Senior By Jim Miller

How seniors can get help with credit card and mortgage debt Dear Savvy Senior, My husband and I, who are both 66 years old, have fallen behind on our mortgage payments and have accumulated quite a bit of credit card debt over the past few years. Where can we get help? Drowning in Debt Dear Drowning, Unfortunately, credit card and mortgage debt have become a growing problem for many older Americans who often face medical-related expenses on top of their mortgage and other growing costs. Here are some tips and services that can help. CREDIT CARD COUNSELING To help you get a handle on your credit card debt, a good place to turn is an accredited credit counseling agency. These are nonprofit agencies that offer free financial information and advice on how to handle financial problems. Depending on the significance of

your credit card debt, they can help you sort out your finances and set you up in a debt management plan (DMP), which allows a counselor to negotiate with your creditors to lower your interest rates and eliminate any late fees and other penalties. The agency will then act as a consolidator, grouping your debts together into one payment that you would make, and distributes those funds to your creditors. Typically, the first counseling session is free, but a DMP comes with monthly fees of roughly $20 to $75 a month, depending on the state. To locate a credible agency in your area, use the National Foundation for Credit Counseling website at www.NFCC.org (800-388-2227), or the or the Financial Counseling Association of America www. FCAA.org (800-450-1794). But make sure that you don’t use a debt settlement company that claims to settle all your debt or cut

it in half for a fee without counseling. Most of these companies use deceptive practices and will only leave you more in debt then you already are. MORTGAGE COUNSELING If you have fallen behind on your mortgage payments, or if you have already received a letter or phone call about missed payments, you should contact your lender immediately to explain your situation and see if you can work out a payment plan. Be prepared to provide your financial information, such as your monthly income and expenses. You can also get help from a foreclosure prevention counselor. These are HUD-approved, trained counselors that will work with you, examine your financial situation and offer guidance on how best to avoid default or foreclosure. They can also represent you in negotiations with your lender if you need them to. To find a government-approved housing counseling agency in your area, use the National Foundation for Credit Counseling or Financial Counseling Association of Amer-

ica websites or phone numbers previously listed. Or, for a larger selection of housing counseling options, see the Department of Housing and Urban Development website at www.HUD.gov — click on “Resources” at the top of the page, then on “Foreclosure Avoidance Counseling” — or call 800569-4287. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE You also need to make sure you’re not missing out on any financial assistance programs. The National Council on Aging’s website (www.BenefitsCheckUp. org) contains a database of more than 2,500 federal, state and local programs that can help seniors with prescription drug costs, health care, food, utilities and other basic needs. The site will help you locate programs that you may be eligible for and will show you how to apply. 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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State offers help locating unclaimed life insurance benefits Each year, millions of dollars in life insurance benefits go unclaimed by beneficiaries who can’t find their loved ones’ policies or in some cases may not even know the policies exist. In recognition of National Life Insurance Awareness month, the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation (DFR) is highlighting a life insurance policy locator tool it maintains in partnership with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. The tool has helped 62 Vermonters claim $140,290 in benefits over the past three years. Policy locator requests are secure, confidential and free. Any matches found by participating insurers are reported to state insurance agencies. The companies then are responsible for contacting beneficiaries. “We are happy to provide this free service to Vermonters and encourage anyone who believes that there might be a lost life insurance policy within their friends or family to take advantage of this program,” said DFR Commissioner Michael Pieciak. “Our depar tment’s number one priority is ensuring Vermonters get what they are owed and that financial promises are kept.” Consumers can use the Life Insurance Policy Locator — www.eapps.naic. org/life-policy-locator — for help locating life insurance policies and annuity contracts of a family member or close relationship. This service is open to the public, including beneficiaries and legal representatives. If they find a lost policy, what information do people need to request their benefits? People requesting benefits through the policy locator may need a certified death certificate, bank statements and identification cards. Requests may take up to three months to process.

October 10, 2019 • Williston Observer • Page 19

SENIORS

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ASSISTED CARE • 24/7 NURSING • DAILY SPIRITUAL SUPPORT

Enjoy Living. Assisted.

Our Lady of Providence is a residential care community providing the support older people need to live a rich, full life. With personalized care, fun activities, delicious meals, 24/7 nursing oversight, medication management, and attention to spiritual health, our residents can enjoy living without the worries of daily life.

RESIDENTIAL CARE COMMUNIT Y

(802) 655-2395 • OURLADYOFPROVIDENCE.ORG • WINOOSKI VERMONT

ACROSS 1. Wear down 4. Quality 8. Dull pain 12. Devout 15. Till bill 16. Appeal for help 17. Competent 18. Distance measurement 19. Weight measurement 20. Guidelines 22. Beat-keeping instrument 24. Phenom 25. “Midnight in the Garden of Good and ___” 27. Followed 29. Relatively unimportant, 2 words 33. “No way” 34. Insatiable 35. Boasters have big ones 37. Central position 41. Panel truck 42. Puts away 44. Posting at LAX 45. Pool dilemma 48. Jump 49. Certain sandwich 50. Good, in street talk

52. Banned NFL substances 54. Prepared a turkey 58. Appear 59. Madame Tussaud’s medium 60. Exterior area 62. Innermost regions 66. Battery contents 68. Moderately cold 70. Untamed 71. Trust 72. Above 73. Spartacus was one 74. Unleash 75. Squirrel’s home 76. Church feature DOWN 1. Unwanted e-mail 2. Errand runner, e.g. 3. Love writer 4. Not quite right 5. Went out, as a fire 6. Open and observable 7. Dividend 8. Inclined 9. Hide 10. Hereafter 11. Comforted 13. Substantiated

14. Kitchen appliance 21. Disreputable nightspots 23. “Yes, ___” 26. Corporate department 28. Tai __ 29. It pours over the rocks 30. Track 31. Section of a large building 32. Adores 36. Accommodates, as an arena 38. Food shop 39. Style of poker 40. Notebook projections 43. Blender selection 46. Stomach muscles, briefly 47. ‘’Don’t overdo it!’’ 49. Drive 51. Church official 53. Australia’s coral ___ 54. Overshadow 55. American blacksnake 56. Elba was the site of Napoleon’s ___ 57. Monotonous sound 61. They may need connecting 63. Spider’s web e.g. 64. Keep 65. Killed a dragon, e.g. 67. Salon supply 69. Raft

r. Goslin and his dedicated, skilled dental team provide focused and personal care with your comfort and trust in mind through routine and complex treatments. • Whitening, Veneers • Comprehensive Dental Care • Implant Placement and Restoration • Clear Braces • TMD, Sleep Apnea & 3D Imaging • Crowns, Partials, Dentures

Dr. Ryan Goslin

75 Talcott Rd., Ste 20, Williston • 662-5966 • DRGOOSEVT.COM

Page 20 • Williston Observer • October 10, 2019

A tasty side dish for entertaining Halloween is the unofficial start of the holiday season, so it’s time to start thinking about friend and family get-togethers. This hearty veggie side dish feeds a crowd, without lots of exotic, hard-to-find ingredients or long, laborious prep and cook times. Give it a try if you are hosting a party, or heading to a potluck. It’s perfect for bringing along to share with the whole crew and versatile enough to be paired with a variety of main courses. HEARTY ROASTED WINTER VEGETABLES Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 45-55 minutes Servings: 6 1 jar (16 ounces) whole pickled beets, drained 1 small red onion, cut into 12 wedges 2 cups baby portobello mushrooms, cleaned and stems trimmed 2 cups butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 3/4-inch chunks 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 clove garlic, finely chopped 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus additional, to taste (optional) 1/8 teaspoon pepper, plus additional, to taste (optional) 2 cups Brussels sprouts, ends trimmed and scored with cross-cut Heat oven to 400 F. Place beets, onion, mushrooms and squash on rimmed 15.5-by-10.5-by-1-inch baking sheet; drizzle with olive oil. Add garlic, rosemary, thyme, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper; toss to coat. Roast 15 minutes. Add Brussels sprouts, stir and continue to roast until vegetables are tender and browned, about 30-35 minutes, stirring once. Adjust salt and pepper, to taste, if desired. — Family Features

CALENDAR THURSDAY OCT. 10 Sewing group Sewing fabric shopping bags and Sustainable Williston monthly meeting. 7-8:30 p.m. Isham Family Farm Barn, 3515 Oak Hill Rd.

FRIDAY, OCT. 11 Rummage sale R ich mond C ong r eg at ion a l Church. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Continues Saturday, Oct. 12. 20 Church Street, Richmond. 434-2053.

SATURDAY, OCT. 12 CVU Craft Fair Located in the cafeteria, gym and hallways at Champlain Valley Union High School in Hinesburg. 1 p.m.-8 p.m. Geology Walk Read the forested landscape with Vermont master naturalists from the perspective of geology and glacial history. 9-11 a.m. Meet at the kiosk at Catamount Community Forest on Governor Chittenden Road. laura.e.meyer@gmail.com. Ancestral harvest celebration Abenaki celebration of the harvest, with 18th century crafters and reenactors. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Ethan Allen Homestead Museum,

Burlington. Lake Iroquois invasives workshop. Learn about ways to combat buckthorn. 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Meet on the south side of the Lake Iroquois fishing access road. chucklin@gmavt.net.

MONDAY, OCT. 14 Abenaki documentary Film presents a history of the Abenaki community in Vermont, spanning the years 1790-2005, based on the Missisquoi community in northwest Vermont. 6 p.m. Ethan Allen Homestead Museum, Burlington.

THURSDAY, OCT. 17 Vermont Tech Jam Career fair and tech expo. 9 a.m.5 p.m. Champlain Valley Expo, 105 Pearl St., Essex Junction.

SATURDAY, OCT. 19 Chicken Pie Supper The Williston Federated Church hosts its annual chicken pie supper. Seatings at 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. 44 North Williston Rd. Call Carol at 862-7400 to reserve.

NOV. 1-3

Yoga4cancer teacher training and wellness weekend Six types of class offerings and evening celebration. The Yoga Barn, 2850 Mountain Rd., Stowe.

ONGOING NAMI-VT Williston Family Support Group For family members and close friends of a loved one with a serious mental illness. First and third Monday of the month. 6-7:30 p.m. at the NAMI-VT office, 600 Blair Park Road. 310-4199. Sustainable Williston monthly meeting. Fourth Thursday of each month. 7:15 p.m. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, 21 Library Lane, Williston. Meet to discuss sustainability issues and projects and plan new steps for the future. 6 p.m. potluck dinner precedes discussion. Divorce Care Support Group A safe place and a process that can help make the journey easier. Free 13-week group for men and women. Sunday evenings, 5:30-7:30 p.m. through Dec. 1 at the North Avenue Alliance Church, 901 North Ave., Burlington. 4257053.

TO SUBMIT AN EVENT: email editor@willistonobserver.com

Brick Church Music Series Friday, October 11th | 2019

Ray Vega

Latin jazz trumpeter Ray Vega, host of VPR’s “Friday Night Jazz”, brings his quartet to the Brick Church stage to perform classics from the great American song book as well as great jazz composers...and some originals! www.rayvegamusic.com Visual Guest Artist: Olga Verasen - Paintings that promote harmony, peace and love. All Proceeds Benefit: Rotary Club of Williston – Richmond.

Details

Cooking Corner

Doors open/Art Show at 6:30pm Music at 7:00pm Ticket Price: $13 in advance / $15 at door ($11 / $13 for seniors and children) Ticket Purchase: Williston Town Hall; at the Brick Church door on the day of the show, or online at www.town.williston.vt.us/BrickChurchMusic Location: All shows occur at the Old Brick Church in Williston Village

Next Performance

Oct. 25th The U.S Air Force Clarinet Quartet

Williston Observer 10/10/2019

Published on Oct 10, 2019

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