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Williston hotels provide homeless and essential worker housing The department is currently housing 445 adults and 41 kids in shelters and hotels in ChittenWith homeless shelters in Chit- den County. There are 16 families tenden County either closed or currently living at the Sonesta, and operating at reduced capacity be- there is room for more, Brown cause of the physical distancing said. “We are working with severrequirements of the coronavirus pandemic, the Vermont Depart- al new hotels we haven’t worked ment of Children and Families has with before,” he said. “Participation in the looked to Williston to help Outside of Burlington, program keeps growing. So house homeWilliston is the county’s far we’ve been less families able to meet hotel hub, with four under its emerthe need with gency housing hotels located near new hotels.” program. Interstate 89’s Exit 12 The Sonesta Outside of is well-suited Burlington, interchange. for families Williston is the because it has county’s hotel hub, with four hotels located near suites built for extended stays. It Interstate 89’s Exit 12 interchange. is one of 12 hotels in the county The hotels are currently closed to being used as emergency housing. the general public under Gov. Phil The department pays the hotels on Scott’s pandemic emergency or- a per-room, per-night basis. The governor’s emergency order. Some are housing doctors, nurses and other essential workers, der is set to expire on May 15, but according to Police Chief Patrick may be extended. Either way, the department is trying to create perFoley. The Sonesta Suites on Hurri- manent housing capacity for the cane Lane has become part of the people it is currently serving. “There is a wide range of reaDepartment of Children and Families’ emergency shelter program, sons why the different people we providing rooms for homeless are serving are homeless,” Brown said. “We are trying to understand families in Chittenden County. all their different circumstances.” The Sonesta is new to the proThe hotels will also have differgram, which typically provides ent transition plans if they are alhotel rooms for up to 84 days to lowed to resume normal business. people in emergency situations, or “Some hotels may transition up to 28 days for families in vul- back to normal business, or they nerable situations. Those length- may want to keep working with us of-time caps have been waived based on the circumstances at that during the pandemic. time,” Brown said. Brown said Sonesta managePolice Chief Foley is given a ment reached out to the depart- daily tally of people being housed ment about offering rooms when at local hotels to help the state the state emergency order went conduct compliance checks to eninto effect in March. Under the sure hotels aren’t housing typical order, hotels can’t accept regular guests. As of last week, the Townplace guests until June 15 at the earliest. Suites by Marriott on Zephyr Road The pandemic has created a was about half full with essential surge in housing need among peoworkers, and the Fairfield Inn by ple who were in precarious housMarriott on Route 2A was about ing situations, Brown said — for 15 percent full, Foley said. The example, people living temporariCourtyard Marriott on Hurricane ly with friends or family members. “It’s at least double than nor- Lane also had a handful of rooms occupied, he said. mal,” he said.
WWW.WILLISTONOBSERVER.COM
Rock star cheer
By Jason Starr Observer staff
Observer photos by Al Frey
TOP: A mystery artist painted and arranged these rocks near the Korner Kwik Stop in Williston. ABOVE: A heart-shaped rock adorned with rainbow paint soaks up the sun near Williston Central School. RIGHT: Daffodils bloom in Williston village.
Town equipped to handle sales tax revenue shortfall After10 years of steady growth, the Town of Williston’s local sales tax revenue is expected to crater in the economic standstill of the coronavirus pandemic. The revenue — a 1 percent levy on retail sales, restaurant meals and hotel room bookings — hit a record high in 2019, accounting for $3.2 million of a roughly $11 million town budget. The money is placed in the town’s general fund, and excesses over what was budgeted have accumulated into a $3.4 million “rainy day fund.” Through the first two quarters of the current fiscal year, which began last July, local sales tax revenue was trending about $100,000 over budget, according to Town Manager Rick McGuire. The
quarter that ended this March will be the first where the effects of the pandemic will be felt, as hotels and restaurant either closed or scaled back and people have been under orders to stay home as much as possible to slow the spread of the virus. The current quarter — April, May and June — will be even more affected. When the fiscal year ends in June, it’s possible that sales tax revenue being above projections during the first half of the fiscal year will cover the shortfall expected in the second half of the fiscal year, McGuire said. “I’ve been saying for years, this revenue source is highly volatile,”
McGuire said. “This is an extreme example of that.” Gov. Phil Scott has begun incremental steps to allow some business sectors to reopen, but hotels and restaurants remain closed or scaled back. Those sectors will continue to be hampered by the stay-at-home order. Town administrators had plans to spend down some of the rainy day fund on capital projects or as revenue for future budgets, but those funds may be better used to fill revenue losses, McGuire said. The balance has never been this high. “That is our cushion,” McGuire said.
— Jason Starr
Page 2 • Williston Observer • May 7, 2020
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Last Thursday, the Vermont Principals’ Association (VPA) made it official. There will be no spring season for Vermont high school sports. “The VPA and its Activities Standards Committee have delayed as long as possible in hopes that some version of a season could be salvaged, but now it is too close to the end of the school year for that to occur,” the VPA said in a press release. “We feel terribly for our Vermont student athletes who have been preparing for their 2020 spring sports season, and especially saddened for our 2020 seniors.” While the decision brought about sadness from high school athletes, coaches and fans, it was not a surprise. New Hampshire announced the cancellation of its season the week prior, while New York also shuttered its season last week. “I think, realistically, we could all see this coming from the start,” said Champlain Valley Union High School Athletic Director Dan Sherpardson. “We were just hoping against hope that we could get some kind of abbreviated season.” The cancellation affects the baseball and softball teams, boys and girls lacrosse, boys and girls tennis, ultimate frisbee, and track and field. “For the seniors, it’s not just sports, it’s the final weeks of your senior year,” Shepardson said. “To miss all of that, it’s sad.” Shepardson, who sits on the VPA’s Activities Standards Committee, which made the final decision, said that it was going to be hard to figure out how to have a high school sports season when schools themselves were shut down. The committee decided to delay the final decision until April 30, hoping that something, anything, would come up that would allow sports to resume. “When we went into the meeting on Thursday, 36 states had already cancelled,” Shepardson said. “We probably could have made the decision sooner, but we didn’t see a downside to waiting.” Shepardson is encouraging coaches to reach out to athletes and encourage them to continue to be active. “In the greater picture of life, you aren’t going to play this sport your whole life, but you will be active your whole life, so get out and get some exercise,” Shepardson said. “I encouraged the coaches to stay connected with the kids, from the physical education and mental health perspective.”
May 7, 2020 • Williston Observer • Page 3
Local artists lead benefit album for foodbank
Fourth of July book sale cancelled “It is with regret that the Friends of the Library have decided to cancel the annual Fourth of July book sale,” wrote Ann Park, Secretary/ treasurer of the Friends of the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, in a letter to the Observer. “We can’t see how we can safely collect and sort books in June, then host the book sale in early July. We are very sorry to have to
make this decision — it is such a joy to receive generous donations of books and see those books get new homes. Then the Friends use the proceeds to support library programs,” she noted. The Friends of the Library would appreciate it if people could save their books to donate in 2021, she added.
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Musical acts from across the State of Vermont are banding together to create an album to benefit the Vermont Foodbank. Starting this week, the album, entitled “Music to Feed the Soul,” will be available for digital download via Bandcamp at www.musictofeedthesoul.bandcamp.com. Proceeds from the album will go to the Vermont Foodbank, which is currently experiencing an unprecedented increase in demand for services due to the impacts of COVID-19. In March of this year, the foodbank distributed an extra 370,000 pounds of food in order to meet the increased need caused by the pandemic. In April, the Foodbank was on track to distribute 1.6 million pounds of food, a 78 percent increase over normal. The Vermont Foodbank is a member of Feeding America and has served Vermonters in all 14 counties for the last 30 years. Proceeds from the album will help ensure all Vermonters are fed during the pandemic. An effort led by Jim Heltz of Williston, founding member of the band Transitory Symphony, in collaboration with the Vermont Foodbank, “Music to Feed the Soul” is a mix of the best of Vermont’s music scene from every corner of the state. Contributing musical acts include: Paul Asbell, Blue Button, The Bubs, Patti Casey, Danny
Ricky Cole, Emma Cook & Questionable Company, Cole Davidson, Amber deLaurentis, Dino Bravo, Eastern Mountain Time, Elephants of Scotland, Expected Guest, Damascus Kafumbe, Spencer Lewis, ivamae & Dan Bishop, Me & my friend Ben, Frank Mills, Rik Palieri, Plastique Mammals, Strangled Darlings, Bow Thayer, Thea Wren, The Rough Suspects,
Transitory Symphony, Va-etvient, Whetstone Wailers, Willverine and Yestrogen. The album cover was painted by Williston artist Grace Heltz. For more information, contact Kelsey Morley of the Vermont Foodbank at kmorley@vtfoodbank.org or 802-477-4131, or Jim Heltz at transitorysymphony@ gmail.com or 802-318-6728.
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Page 4 • Williston Observer • May 7, 2020
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Out of the disruption COVID-19 has created, healthcare as we know it has and will change. For starters, telemedicine is likely to stay as a viable part of healthcare for many doctors and patients. When used appropriately, telemedicine has its advantages. Atrisk patients can stay at home while their ongoing health concerns are assessed and managed from a distance. This saves time spent traveling and waiting in a doctor’s office. Red flag events can be caught and the patient directed into the office, to a specialist or emergency department. A second, and a more important, shift in healthcare is answering the question, “what can I do to stay healthy?” Six months ago, if you asked the average Vermonter what a “comor-
bidity” is, few outside the medical field would have been able to accurately answer. Now, most of us know that if you have one or more “comorbid” conditions, your risk of dying increases dramatically. What are these comorbid conditions? According to the CDC: high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, coronary artery disease, obesity, chronic lung disease and/or severe asthma. Research tells us these conditions are diseases of lifestyle, not genetics. That means you have control over whether or not you develop them; it is not your genes. The real causes are the factors that control your genes, something called epigenes. The study of epigenics came out of the Human Genome Project, which mapped the entire human DNA sequence — a truly amazing and collaborative
feat that took 15 years. There are two take homes from the Genome Project. First, altering genes is really complex. Second, genes don’t determine health for 98 percent of the population, epigenes do. Gene expression is directly affected by lifestyle — how we nourish our bodies, how we move and how we manage stress. Poor lifestyle sets the stage for chronic disease (comorbidity). Living a healthy lifestyle can help reduce your risk of disease and early death, and improve the quality of your life. Starting today, make good choices — eat well, move well and reduce stress for health and vitality.
Dr. Bill Schenck is the founder and clinic director of Vizuri Health Center in Williston.
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR No place for symbols of hate
When it comes to your to-do list, put your future first.
We were saddened as individuals and as a group to see that the image of a swastika was used to disrupt the Democratic candidates’ forum for lieutenant governor Wednesday evening. Just as we know that one Zoom-bombing will not prevent reasonable people from continuing to publicly engage in the democratic process, we also know that symbols of hate, antisemitism and white supremacy do not represent the views held by the majority of Vermonters. Our organization, the Vermont Holocaust Memorial, is dedicated to using the lessons of the Holocaust to promote understanding, caring and tolerance — the opposite of what was displayed that night. We share stories that encourage such learning through speakers, educator workshops and displays that teach the value of decency and educate to fight hate. The Vermont Holocaust Memorial is troubled that this incident took place in our state, and we call on all Vermonters to join us in rejecting any attempts to harass, demean and belittle people based upon their respective individualities. - The Vermont Holocaust Memorial Board: Debora Steinerman, Miriam Rosenbloom, K. Heidi Fishman, Deborah Flateman, Rita Schneps, Sara Villeneuve
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Safe boating this spring I am a member of the Lake Iroquois Association. We have received word from the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department that boating accesses in Vermont are now open for boaters. They have guidelines for keeping boaters safe during this COVID-19 pandemic on their website (www.vtfishandwildlife.com). In addition to keeping boaters safe, there is the ongoing issue of stopping the spread of invasive plants and animals from infesting water bodies. In the past, Lake Iroquois and other lakes have hired greeters to inspect boats and trailers. The Department of Environmental Conservation is delaying the greeter program this year. Boaters are being asked to inspect and clean their boats and trailers themselves. Guidelines are online at www. stopaquatichitchhikers.org. Please be safe and well. Please help us ensure that Lake Iroquois does not have any other invasive species. Nobody wants another milfoil-type invasion. - Bob Donnis Williston
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On March 12, in response to the coronavirus pandemic, Gov. Phil Scott announced Open daily that the best environment for Vermont students was to remain in school. Just over 48 Hours: hours later, on Sunday, March 15, the governor ordered all pre-K-12 schools in the state White Cap Business Park M-Th: 5am to 10pm to close no later than Wednesday, March 18 and remain closed until April 6. On March F: 5am to 8pm 426 Industrial Ave., Suite 180 • Williston, VT Sat & Sun: 26, schools were dismissed for in-person instruction for the remainder of the school www.synergyfitnessvt.com • 802-881-0553 7am to 7 pm year, and the governor’s new order directed school districts to come up with plans for distance learning by April 13. Such a radical change in direction in such a short time left school superintendents and principals reeling to communicate to parents, who were also left with a lot of questions as to how they Automaster Friends & Family, would move forward with the education of their children while much of Due to the recent extension of the "Stay Home, Stay Safe" order from Governor Scott, The Automaster's physical showrooms their own work situations were also will be closed until May 15. In order to protect our employees and customers, we will be offering online changing. and phone sales as an alternative. For more information, please visit our website at www.theautomaster.com, call us at (802)-985-8411, While most schools provided no or send us an email at contact@theautomaster.com. academic services to parents and We are committed to following all the best practices for health and safety required by the state, and are happy to make accommodations to students until April 6, and then only best serve our customers during this time. maintenance work, until April 13, As for our service and parts departments, we will continue to be closed to the general public until further notice. our small Christian school in WilHowever, we wish to assist any essential employees in the battle against COVID-19 by providingemergency services in this time of need. liston launched full service distance If an essential employee has a vehicle emergency while we are closed, learning for all K-12 students on please call (802)-985-8411, extension 141, to speak with our service department. Emergency assistance will be available Monday, March 30. Monday-Friday, 8am-12pm, until April 29. Beginning on Wednesday, April 29, our service departments will be open. Without public funding and with Regular operating hours will be Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm, and closed for lunch break at 12pm-12:30pm. limited resources, Trinity Baptist All vehicles must be dropped off and picked up. School at 280 Trinity Drive (a minThe buildings will remain closed to the public until the "Stay Home, Stay Safe" order is lifted. istry of Trinity Baptist Church), met We will be following strict sanitation and disinfecting procedures for all services provided the pressing needs of working parto ensure the safety of both our employees and customers. ents and stay-at-home students. Stay strong, stay healthy, and we will get through this, together. In just one week, Trinity’s ele-John & Steele DuBrul mentary school faculty produced daily video lessons for every acaPlease contact the Service Manager for the demic subject and posted them on respective franchise with any questions: the school’s YouTube channel. Especially remarkable about this continuHonda: Steve Cooley, stevecooley@theautomaster.com ing feat is that most of the school’s BMW: Peter Allison, peterallison@theautomaster.com elementary classes are multi-grade, Mercedes-Benz: John McHugh, johnmchugh@theautomaster.com meaning a teacher is usually creating MINI: Ryan Brennan, ryanbrennan@theautomaster.com two daily lessons for each subject to see LETTERS page 7
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Page 6 • Williston Observer • May 7, 2020
YOUNG WRITERS PROJECT Young Writers Project is an independent nonprofit that engages students to write, helps them improve and connects them with authentic audiences in newspapers, before live audiences and online. YWP also publishes an annual anthology and The Voice, a digital magazine with YWP’s best writing, images and features. More information is at www.youngwritersproject. org or contact YWP at sreid@youngwritersproject.org or (802) 324-9538. This month presents a response to the Community Journalism Project challenge, COVID-School? When schools reopen, we can expect changes in response to COVID-19. How do you envision your school’s atmosphere in the future?
Changes By Grace Kafferlin Age 15, Williston I dreamt that I went back to school, this time as a sophomore. I walked up to the door where the principal stood, greeting students like he usually did. Except, now he had a mask, and gloves, and a bottle of hand sanitizer. I received my required squirt of sanitizer and entered the familiar halls. But something was different... Everyone was walking very fast with their heads hung low, and many had masks over their mouths, and no one was talking like they used to. In our first class, the teacher handed out disinfectant wipes and ordered us to clean our desks. And when she handed me my wet wipe in its sanitary packet, I noticed she was wearing gloves. All along the halls were signs
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instructing us on the proper way to wash our hands – and people were actually reading them. When I got to the cafeteria, the lunch ladies were all suited up, even though all the food was prepackaged. I sat down at a table with my friends, but instead of hugging we just kind of waved, trying to sit as far apart as possible. My locker smelled like someone had cleaned it very recently; the whole school reeked of disinfectant. The only thing that had improved was our teachers’ better use of technology, assigning things in Google Classroom with apparent new ease. When the school day ended, my mother picked me up and asked me how my day had been. And I replied, with a tear in my eye, “So many things have changed.”
Student debt relief during COVID-19 The federal emergency coronavirus relief bill (the CARES Act) suspends payments and interest accrual for federal student loans through Sept. 30. Collection for defaulted loans and negative credit reporting are also suspended during this time. In April, the State of Vermont announced a multi-state initiative to secure student loan relief options for Vermonters with privately held student loans. The Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) had already extended relief options to their borrowers. The state program was launched under the Department of Financial Regulation in partnership with several of the most significant national private student loan servicers. Borrowers in need of assistance should contact their student loan servicer or lender to identify their options. Options include: Halting payments for a minimum of 90 days. — Waiving any applicable late payment fees; — Protections from negative credit reporting; — Ceasing debt-collection lawsuits for 90 days; and — Working with borrowers to enroll them in appropriate assistance programs, such as income-based repayment. If a borrower is experiencing trouble with their student loan servicer, they are encouraged to contact the following and file a complaint: DFR BANKING DIVISION Call (888) 568-4547 or email dfr.bnkconsumer@vermont.gov. ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CONSUMER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Call (800) 649-2424 or email AGO.CAP@vermont.gov.
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May 7, 2020 • Williston Observer • Page 7
Letters continued from page
5
accommodate the students in both grades in her class. As the learn-from-home situation continues in Vermont, Trinity students view their lessons daily and do the corresponding work from their teacher-created packets. These packets are then turned in weekly, and new packets and graded work are picked up. This process will be maintained through the remainder of the current school year. Secondary teachers also rose to the challenge by learning the advanced uses of Google Classroom for the posting of assignments and communicating with their students outside of the virtual classroom time. Secondary classes, maintaining the same schedule and rigor they did in the classroom, now take place live using Zoom, a video communication platform. Trinity Baptist School has 81 students and teaches from a biblical worldview. - Rob McIlwaine Principal, Trinity Baptist School
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Be counted — Census participation is a right and responsibility
The League of Women Voters urges everyone to participate in the 2020 Census, now underway. The U.S. Constitution requires the federal government count everyone living in the country every 10 years. Every household should complete a census form either online, by mail or by phone. Participating in the census is our right and responsibility. Census data shape the future of our community. Census data determine our political power, representation in Congress and funding for education, transportation, healthcare and so much more. Key federal programs rely on data and allocations derived from the Census. Census data are also used for apportionment of Congressional and legislative seats, determining who represents you. Your privacy is protected. Under the law, Census data can only be used for statistical purposes. Personal information cannot be disclosed for 72 years. Census Bureau staff who have access to personal information are subject to a $250,000 fine and/or up to five years in federal prison for wrongful disclosure of information. Recent reports show that Vermont has one of the lowest U.S. Census response rates in the country. You can go online and fill out your Census form in a matter of minutes. Visit www.2020census.gov to fill out the Census today. An accurate count is essential for allocating government resources, making good decisions about state and local projects and allocating legislative seats.
- Catherine Rader League of Women Voters of Vermont
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Although the library building is closed for in-person browsing, patrons may request materials for pickup by logging into their accounts and placing a hold, or by calling the library at 878-4918. Library staff will arrange for pickup in the vestibule from 1-5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturdays. For more details, visit the library website, www.damlvt. org. The library continues to offer expanded online programming and free electronic resources on its website. To get a library card or for help joining a Zoom program, using online databases or downloading eBooks and audiobooks, email daml@damlvt.org or call 878-4918.
Programs for Youth WILLISTON STORYWALK Get moving and reading with an interactive StoryWalk along the bike path. The adventure begins
LIBRARY NOTES
east of the entrance to the Williston Community Park. May 1-31. ONLINE PRESCHOOL MUSIC WITH PETER Mondays at 10:30 a.m. Dance and sing along to children’s music shared on the DAML Facebook page. May 11 and 18. ONLINE MINDFUL MOMENTS WITH MARYELLEN Mondays at 12 p.m. on Zoom. Join Maryellen Krangle as she guides children through a 15-minute meditation. To receive a link, please email programs@damlvt. org with your child’s age and first name. May 11 and 18. For ages 8-14. ONLINE STORY TIMES Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. Visit us on Facebook or YouTube to enjoy rhymes, songs and a story. May 12 and 19. ONLINE DOROTHY’S LIST LIVE READ-ALOUD Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m. Join
Miss Jess live on YouTube as she reads from Dorothy’s List 20202021 nominees. May 13 and 20. For 4th through 8th graders. ONLINE PRESCHOOL MUSIC WITH LINDA Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. Enjoy music with Linda Bassick on the DAML Facebook page or YouTube channel. May 14 and 21.
Programs for Adults ONLINE GUIDED MEDITATION Fridays at 12 p.m. Reconnect to your peaceful body and breath by joining a short, guided meditation via Zoom. To participate, email programs@damlvt.org, and you will be sent an invitation. May 8 and 15. BYOB ONLINE BOOK DISCUSSION Tuesday, May 12, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Discuss what you’re currently reading or a book you’ve recently enjoyed. Connect with
others and pick up a few ideas for what to read in the future. Email programs@damlvt.org for an invitation to the Zoom meeting. CURRENT EVENTS ONLINE DISCUSSION Wednesday, May 13, 10-11:30 a.m. The popular current events discussion is back, meeting via Zoom. Connect with others to discuss current newsworthy topics. Email programs@damlvt.org, and you will be sent an invitation to the meeting. LIVING BEAUTIFULLY ONLINE BOOK DISCUSSION Wednesday, May 13, 7-8 p.m. We will read “Living Beautifully with Uncertainty and Change” by Pema Chodron and perhaps gain some insight into these interesting times. Copies of the book are available to DAML patrons online via OverDrive. The book is divided into three sections. At this meeting, we will discuss the third “commitment.” To join, email programs@damlvt.org, and we will send you an invitation to the Zoom
meeting. QUARANTINE COOKING ONLINE Wednesday, May 20, 12-1 p.m. Let’s talk food. Tell us what you’ve been cooking during the stay-at-home order, or choose your favorite blog and recipe from the 10th Annual Saveur “Best Blogs of 2019.” For a direct link to the blog awards, visit www.damlvt. org. For an invitation to the Zoom meeting, please email programs@ dmalvt.org. ONLINE BROWN BAG BOOK DISCUSSION Tuesday, May 26, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Join us for a discussion of Agatha Christie’s “The Mysterious Affair at Styles.” The book is available online on Hoopla, OverDrive and Project Gutenberg. For direct links, visit www.damlvt. org. To join us, email programs@ damlvt.org, and we will send you an invitation to the Zoom meeting.
Starting May 11, accepting non-urgent care patients. Telehealth
In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, PT360 has transitioned to Telehealth as our primary physical therapy and athletic training service.
Clinic Open for Physical Therapy
As physical therapy remains an essential service according to the Governor’s Office, our clinics are abiding by all CDC regulations. We will remain open for patients on a case by case basis and at reduced hours. Therapists are staggered between Mon/Wed & Tues/Thurs shifts to further decrease traffic in the office.
Virtual Classes
We will continue to offer classes, including Yoga, Pilates, Running Camp, Total Body Rehab and Fit over 40, using the online platform, Zoom.
More Information
To obtain more information about our Telehealth services, Zoom Classes, or the safety measures we’re taking in light of COVID-19, visit www.PT360coop.com
Office Hours Burlington – Mon & Wed, 10am-2pm Shelburne – Mon & Wed, 8am-3pm S. Burlington – closed until further notice
WILLISTON – Mon-Thurs, 8am-4pm
426 Industrial Ave., Ste. 190
May 7, 2020 • Williston Observer • Page 9
Vermont PBS leader to step down Vermont PBS President and CEO Holly Groschner plans to retire June 30 after five years leading the public media station, it was announced Monday. The Vermont PBS Board of Directors has formed a committee for a national search to identify Groschner’s successor. Steve Ferreira, appointed by Groschner last September as the station’s chief operating officer, will assume the role of interim CEO. “We thank Holly for her dedicated service, leadership and vision,” said Marguerite Dibble, Vermont PBS board chair. “When Holly joined Vermont PBS, she agreed to stay for three years. Five years later and now stronger than ever, the board and staffof Vermont PBS look toward our next chapter of service to Vermonters.” Highlights of Groschner’s leadership include: — Spearheaded the station’s 2019 relocation to new headquarters in Winooski’s Town Center, including a financial investment in technical upgrades for improved broadcast reliability and expanded digital production technology.
— Shifted a 3-5 percent annual decline in membership to growth of 4-5 percent, with an increase in average annual donations of 3.7 percent over the same period. — Led a strategic planning process, the first in 20 years. — Sold of one of four of the station’s broadcast licenses for $56 million in 2017. — Led collaboration with Vermont Public Radio, the first in 40
years, to deliver local programming including the “This Land” series and state-wide polling for the 2018 and 2020 elections. — Founded, with Vermont International Film Festival, an archive of 50 years of Vermont Public Television programs, a video record of the state’s history. “It has been an honor to serve Vermont PBS,” said Groschner. “As my talented colleagues respond to COVID-19 with educational programming, cultural entertainment and trusted information, the strength and relevance of Vermont PBS is clear. “I know Vermont PBS will continue to embrace the digital future, connecting our community and engaging audiences in exciting new ways. I encourage everyone to join me in supporting this vital educational and cultural service.”
Shelburne Museum summer closure For the first time in its 73-year history, Shelburne Museum will not open for summer due to concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic, Museum Director Thomas Denenberg announced Monday. All exhibition buildings, the grounds and the museum store will remain closed. Exhibitions will be cancelled or postponed. Events and activities, educational programming and rental events will be cancelled or rescheduled. The museum’s administrative offices are also closed, with staff working remotely until public health officials advise it is safe to return to offices. “The decision to extend the closure of Shelburne Museum was a difficult one. We followed guidance from state and federal health officials. While we weighed that advice with our paramount concern for the safety of our extended Shelburne Museum family — staff, volunteers and visitors — we really saw no other alternative,” Denenberg said. “We also took into account the lead time necessary to bring the museum’s 45-acre campus, with 39 buildings and galleries, safely back into full operation. We look forward to the day we can get back to doing what we do best — engaging and inspiring through our beautiful and storied collections, buildings and gardens.” No date has been scheduled for the museum to reopen. That decision will be based on ongoing monitoring of the pandemic and recommendations of health officials, Denenberg said. With the physical campus closed, the museum has ramped up remote outreach. The museum’s first online exhibition, “Color, Pattern, Whimsy, & Scale,” opened on April 18. “There’s no question that the coming months won’t be the same while much anticipated exhibitions, events and visits are on hiatus,” said Karen Petersen, director of visitor experience and learning. “While we look forward to the day we once again welcome visitors back onto the museum campus, we invite our friends to connect with us digitally via our social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and to visit us on our website to experience exhibitions.”
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SENIORS
Looking for assistance? The best way to look for any type of financial help is through BenefitsCheckUp.org. This is an online tool with over 2,500 programs (including VA programs) to help older adults find financial assistance based on their need and circumstance. You’ll need to answer a series of questions describing your personal and financial situation, and the site will identify what you may be eligible for and how to apply. It’s the best resource out there for seniors looking for assistance.
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How the coronavirus relief law helps retirement savers and retirees Dear Savvy Senior, What can you tell me about the retirement account changes that Congress recently passed in response to the coronavirus crisis? -- Seeking Answers Dear Seeking, Tucked into the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was signed into law in late March were a series of changes that can help retirement savers in need of cash, as well as help preserve the retirement savings accounts of current retirees while the stock market is down.
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HARDSHIP WITHDRAWALS Normally, if you took money out of an employer-sponsored retirement plan or IRA before age 59 and a half, you’d be hit with taxes and a 10 percent tax penalty on that amount. But the CARES Act waives the early distribution penalty on up to $100,000 of such distributions in 2020 for what the law calls “affected individuals.” You are, however, still on the hook for income taxes on any amounts withdrawn, but the new law allows you to pay them over three years. To qualify for this penalty-free hardship withdrawal, you must either have been diagnosed with coronavirus (COVID-19), have a spouse or dependent diagnosed with it or experienced adverse financial consequences as a result of being quarantined, furloughed, laid off, having work hours reduced, being unable to work due to a lack of child care due to COVID-19, or closing or reducing hours of a business you owned or operated if you had COVID-19. BIGGER LOANS The CARES Act will also allow you to take larger loans against the money you’ve saved in your 401(k) or 403(b) during the six-month period after the law was implemented, which was March 27. IRAs do not allow loans. Normally, you can borrow only up to $50,000 or 50 percent of your vested account balance, whichever is less. The CARES Act will double that: up to $100,000 against the amount you’ve saved in your plan. Borrowers typically have five years to repay a loan or the amount will be treated as a distribution and taxed. But you also need to know that if you leave or lose your job, you may be required to pay back the balance early, or owe taxes and, possibly, an early withdrawal penalty. This prevision also helps those with an existing 401(k) loan by allowing them to delay repayments that are due in 2020 for one year. SUSPENDED RMDS Starting in 2020, individuals who turn 72 are required to take annual mandatory distributions from their tax-deferred 401(k)s and IRAs. In prior years, this requirement kicked in after savers turned 70 and a half years of age. This is known as the required minimum distribution or RMDs. The CARES Act suspends RMDs for 2020, including those for inherited IRAs, which means you can skip taking your required distributions this year if you wish. The one-year waiver of RMDs will help retirees, who would otherwise have been forced to base their minimum withdrawals for 2020 on their account balances as of Dec. 31, 2019, when the stock market was near record levels. It will also give the market time to recover before resuming distributions in 2021. 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.
May 7, 2020 • Williston Observer • Page 11
CROSSWORD CROSSWORD SOLUTION PAGE 12
Cowslips along the brook Observer photo by Al Frey
Marsh Marigolds (Caltha paulstris), also known as Cowslips, grow along the Allen Brook in Williston.
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67. Safety ___
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68. Dreadful
31. Posada
12. Walking stick
69. Tepee
34. Dentist’s domain
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70. “A Bug’s Life” character
35. Genesis name
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71. Split-off group
36. Sights
16. Pirate’s chestful
37. Drain of strength
18. Four score
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19. Pirates’ drink
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40. Surprise, surprise!
20. Cooler
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41. Shaving helper
21. Copious
3. All for ___ and ___ for all
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24. Garage, sometimes
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29. Golfer’s goal
5. Most desirable thing
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59. Container
50. From A to Z
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55. Kook
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57. Needs fixing
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Page 12 • Williston Observer • May 7, 2020
GMT implements new safety protocols for buses
Federal funding funnels into public transit All passengers riding on Green Mountain Transit buses are now required to wear a cloth face-covering, the agency announced last week. The measure is mandated by Gov. Phil Scott and will be in effect until further notice. Green Mountain Transit is also
limiting the number of passengers allowed on buses, from 12 to 18 passengers, depending on the size of the bus. All buses are running fare-free. “Limiting the interaction onboard our buses will help us prevent the spread of COVID-19 to other passengers and to our transit operators,” a Green Mountain Transit press release states.
Personalized protection
Bus drivers may ask passengers to board and exit through the rear door of the bus. Transit center lobbies and administrative buildings in Burlington, Berlin and St. Albans will be closed until further notice. Customer service staff is still available by phone at 540-2468 or info@ ridegmt.com. Meanwhile, the Agency of Transportation has announced receipt of a $21 million federal grant to stabilize public transit in Vermont through the federal CARES Act.
The grant funds will be distributed among public transit providers statewide in rural and urban areas. “This grant money arrives in Vermont just in time to provide needed financial relief to our many transit providers around the state,” said Vtrans Public Transit Manager Ross MacDonald. “This has been an unprecedented and difficult time for public transit. Drivers have shown courage and flexibility in navigating a serious and complex situation to continue providing essential public transportation options to Vermonters.”
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The funding will aid in the continuation of bus service and cover cleaning supplies and masks for transit staff. “This funding will not only enable transit providers throughout Vermont to continue service to the most vulnerable, but it also ensures a funding mechanism during the long recovery period anticipated in the months following the COVID-19 infection peak in our state,” said Transportation Secretary Joe Flynn. The agency anticipates the funding will cover costs through June 30, 2021.
The Vermont State Colleges System is planning for all of its college campuses to open this fall, ending weeks of uncertainty about the future of Northern Vermont University and Vermont Technical College’s Randolph campus. Vermont House of Representatives Speaker Mitzi Johnson and Senate President Pro Tempore Tim Ashe have pledged support for the system, after Chancellor Jeb Spaulding released a plan to close the two campuses. Spaulding quickly withdrew the plan and resigned his position. Sophie Zdatny has taken over as interim chancellor. In a joint statement, Johnson and Ashe said: “We are … gathering the financial and operational information needed to be able to fund a transition plan for this year.” Like other private and public universities across the country, the VSCS has been affected by financial
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loses as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic that forced campuses to end in-person instruction and move to online learning in March. Zdatny and state college leaders are urging new students to enroll, and returning students to continue their plans to attend in the fall. “On behalf of our students, faculty and staff, I want to extend my gratitude to lawmakers for their willingness to support the VSCS at this very difficult time,” Zdatny said. “We are working with lawmakers to ensure they have the information they need to develop sound plans to support us during this coming year. We are eager to move forward with plans to address our current financial challenges so that we can assure everyone in the VSCS family that we are open and secure now and well into the future.” Plans for charting a viable path forward are still being developed. Planning will involve elected officials, students, faculty and, as well as community outreach. “I want to thank everyone who has advocated so fiercely for our VSCS,” Zdatny said. “We must harness that energy for good as we consider strategies to address our ongoing financial challenges and position ourselves for success in the long-run. “The real work lies ahead as we ensure our campuses and academic offerings remain relevant and consistent with what our students and our economy require. We know we cannot continue as we have, however, if we work together, I know we can make changes that will strengthen the system for the benefit of our state.” Enrollment deadlines have been extended through the summer.
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KEEP MOVING FORWARD We understand these are unsettling times—and that we are all trying to find our “new normal.” At the University of Vermont, we can’t imagine a normal that doesn’t include the academic and professional development of our students.
Head to UVM this summer and achieve something that’s important to Online at UVM a way for you to you. Wantsummer to mastercourses a new skill? Studyoffer project management orcontinue digital your education, in a range of locations, and in ways that are compatible with social distancing marketing. Need to scratch a creative itch? Take a class in photography There– they’re are 200 options to choose from, ormeasures. creative writing open to anyone. Whatever youand wantwhile to we all hope “social distancing” soon will be a thing of the past, we place a high value on accomplish, UVM is the place to go. preparation—of all kinds.
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Page 14 • Williston Observer • May 7, 2020
CLASSIFIEDS
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LEGAL NOTICE TOWN OF WILLISTON DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD AGENDA Tuesday, May 26, 2020 – 7:00 PM Zoom Webinar ID: 823-369-798 DP 13-16.2 The Miller Realty Group, LLP request a discretionary permit to amend Master Sign Plan 13-16.1, to accommodate sign needs for a potential tenant which will occupy the westerly portion of the building at 1081 Avenue D Extension in the IZDW.
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DP 20-18 Ethan Allen Holdings LLC c/o Christopher Senesac requests pre-application review of a proposed 141-unit residential subdivision with a road connection to Raven Circle and community amenities on a 30± acre parcel located at 1400 Mountain View Road in the RZD. Continued from April 14, 2020. Project details and site plans are available on the website, town.williston.vt.us, under “Public Records and Documents”, then “Agendas & Minutes”, and “Development Review Board”. Contact Planning & Zoning Office for more information: 878-6704 Meeting Location: Zoom Webinar ID: 823-369-798 https://zoom. us/j/823369798
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Observer photos by Al Frey
The Williston Story Walk on the east loop of the bike path.
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A Red Trillium (Trillium erectum), also known as a Wake Robin or Stinking Benjamin, grows along the Williston bike path.
May 7, 2020 • Williston Observer • Page 15
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Page 16 • Williston Observer • May 7, 2020
V E R M O N T
Meat & Seafood M A R K E T
Get maximum yield from minimal garden space
Photo courtesy of All-America Selections
Grow pole beans, like the Seychelles, up a trellis to get the most out of your available space and make harvesting easier.
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Thank you to all of our incredible customers for the massive amount of support!
By Melinda Myers Special to the Observer
Growing on a deck or balcony is a great way to bring the garden to your backdoor. You can attract butterflies and hummingbirds into easy view and grow edibles within close reach when cooking. For some, it may be the only available space to garden. Make the most of every square foot by growing vertically. You’ll not only save space, but also create privacy, make harvesting vegetables easier and create a garden that’s at eye level as you enjoy your outdoor space. Train pole beans, like the Seychelles, up a decorative trellis, teepee of bamboo stakes or other creative support. You’ll be able to harvest these delicious five- to six-inch stringless beans without bending. Pick and enjoy a healthy treat of Snak Hero edible podded peas right on the deck. If any of these tasty peas make it into the house, you can add them to a relish tray, stir fry or freeze a few to enjoy later. Plant a few Green Light Cucumbers and enjoy the abundant harvest of 40 3- to 4-inch fruits. Put away the peeler, slice and enjoy these smooth seedless cucumbers. Be sure to include a few tomatoes. Apple Yellow’s fruit are shaped like a small apple, colorful and ornamental. You’ll have plenty to enjoy as each plant can produce up to 1,000 tomatoes. These bright lemon-yellow tomatoes have a sweet citrusy flavor and firm exterior, making them perfect for stuffing. Grow some flowers for added color and don’t forget the herbs. You’ll enjoy the evening fragrance of Perfume Deep purple nicotiana, the bold leaves and bright orange flowers of South Pacific Orange canna and the vibrant red flowers of Holi Scarlet zinnia. Mix in a few of your favorite herbs to add texture and color to the garden and flavor to your meals. These All America Selections (AAS) winning varieties (all-americaselections.org) are tested nationally for their flavor, beauty and performance in home gardens. This non-profit trialing organization names only new, non-GMO varieties as winners. Gardening on decks and balconies offers many advantages, but also a few challenges. Winds can be brutal, toppling over or launching tall, leafy plants into flight. Use a heavier pot to help anchor plants or tether the container to a post or railing mounted on the deck or balcony. Drainage is critical to container gardening success, but can be a problem when you inadvertently shower your neighbor below when watering your plants. Consider using a self-watering container and be careful not to overfill the water reservoir. Another solution is to place containers on a saucer to capture excess water instead of allowing it to seep to the deck or balcony below. Elevate the pot in the saucer with a commercial or homemade device. You’ll be able to monitor the water level to avoid overflows and keep the pot above the water to prevent root rot. With proper plant selection and adjustments in your gardening style, get ready to enjoy a season full of tasty vegetables and gorgeous flowers.
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” gardening DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio segments. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Myers’ web site is www.melindamyers.com.