Williston Observer 7/25/19

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JULY 25, 2019

What’s good, Williston?

WILLISTON’S NEWSPAPER SINCE 1985

WILLISTONOBSERVER.COM

A good deal in the making

Community contributions sought for annual Good News edition Every edition of the Observer has its share of happy news. Take this week, for example: a growing business puts down roots in the heart of the Taft Corners area; kids come together for a presentation of the play “Frozen” on a warm summer night on the village green; the town’s Little Leaguers win their district tournament and advance to compete for a state championship.

But then there are those stories where their virtue depends on your perspective.

Is it positive that peace activists are planning a public demonstration Friday against the Vermont Air National Guard’s F-35 fighter jet mission (see page 5)?

Opinions are certainly not unanimous about that controversial issue.

And last week, we were compelled to report the disturbing news of a shooting death of a Williston resident, and the unsettling reality that police have not found a perpetrator.

That’s why, for one wonderful week in August, we dedicate an edition entirely to Good News. Last summer, our Good News edition featured stories about community philanthropy, artistic expression and academic achievement, among other topics.

Our idea is to go beyond just the “good” and cover the truly heartwarming, uplifting and inspirational things happening in our community.

We are requesting reader submissions that tell these stories. Any combination of photographs and written articles will be accepted for publication in the Aug. 8 edition of the Observer. Please send submissions by email to editor@ willistonobserver.com. Flip to our announcement on Page 24 for more information.

Thank you for your help highlighting Williston at its most positive.

— Jason Starr, editor

Observer photo by Jason Starr

Travis Fitzgerald admires the view from the third floor of the Route 2A building where he plans to move his company, DealerPolicy, this month.

Growing company sets up Williston headquarters

By Jason Starr Observer staff

DealerPolicy has been doing several things to accommodate its runaway growth. One has been to initiate a job training program with the Vermont Department of Labor to fill dozens of entry level insurance agent positions.

A nother has been to pu rchase a three-story building on Route 2A in Williston that currently houses a TD Bank branch, and renovate the interior to accommodate up to 400 employees.

DealerPolicy closed on the building and accompanying 5 acres earlier this year, winning out among 11 bidders on the purchase from TD Bank, which

remains as a tenant. The company plans to begin moving from its existing headquarters in Colchester by the end of July.

DealerPolicy is working with Wiemann Lamphere Architects, the Colchester firm that designed many of the buildings in the retail/office space neighborhood, on plans to expand the building with frontage along Route 2A. There are also plans to construct apartments on what is now a paved, seldom-used parking lot in the back.

For now, though, co-owner Travis Fitzgerald is focused on creating the ideal headquarters for the company he founded four years ago with his childhood friend and fellow Colchester native, Jeff Mongeon.

What does DealerPolicy do? It allows car dealerships to offer new car buyers auto insurance policies at the point of sale.

Fitzgerald’s family owns Marty’s Auto of Milton, and he grew up in the auto sales business. As a car salesman, he would often refer customers to Mongeon, vice president of Winooski Insurance, for auto insurance after the sale.

Fitzgerald recognized a potential to integrate car and insurance policy purchases into one process, instead of customers buying a car, then going out and shopping separately for car insurance. In some cases, he said, a customer’s insurance needs would hold up a car sale.

The DealerPolicy solution is similar see DEALER page 4

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Page 2 • Williston Observer • July 25, 2019

‘Frozen’ on a July night The Very Merry Theatre group of Burlington presented the musical ‘Frozen’ to an audience of all ages last Thursday on the Williston Village green —an event sponsored by the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The cast presents its final number; spectators gather at the outset of the performance; actors portray characters ‘Elsa’ and ‘Anna;’ Lucy McCoy applauds during a scene.

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Observer photos by Al Frey

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July 25, 2019 • Williston Observer • Page 3

Speed tables installed on N. Williston Road

By Jason Starr Observer staff

The final elements of a $33,000 town investment in traffic control along North Williston Road are being installed this week in the form of two speed tables.

In the past year, the selectboard-approved project, which resulted from a Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission study, has brought a four-way stop sign to the road’s intersection with Mountain View and Governor Chittenden roads, as well as centerline rumble strips, speed feedback signs, flashing beacon crosswalks and flashing signs that warn of the steep curves near Williston Woods.

The speed tables are long (21 feet) and relatively short (3 inches high) and designed to keep cars travelling at or below the posted 35 mph speed limit. One was installed Tuesday near Fay Lane. A second will be installed Thursday near Unity Lane, according to Williston Public Works Director Bruce Hoar.

Temporary and permanent signs will alert drivers to their locations.

The project calls for four more speed tables to the south, but Hoar plans to assess the performance and public feedback from the first two speed tables before moving forward with the final four.

“We are going to see what the reaction is and how they work before we put in any more,” he said.

Steve Mease, who lives near one of the speed table locations, welcomes their potential to deter speeding. He said rushed drivers tend to pass other cars on the straightaway near his house, and he expects the speed table to reduce that.

Observer photo by Al Frey

Workers put down the first of two speed tables being installed to slow traffic on North Williston Road this week.

“Anything that slows the traffic down is great,” he said.

His only concern is the potential for increased noise as people accelerate after slowing down for the speed table.

Hoar said the speed feedback signs have

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already caused a noticeable reduction in speeding.

“We’re not seeing speeding,” he said. “The issue, in my opinion, is (traffic) volume.”

When the stop sign was installed last fall, multiple drivers who use North Williston Road as a commuting corridor complained about traffic backing up at the four-way intersection. The CCRPC report predicted that the stop sign would cause some commuters to choose a different route.

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Crosswalks, line-striping up next for Williston Road The Vermont Agency of Transportation plans to complete painting of crosswalks and road striping this week on the newly paved section of Williston Road from Maple Tree Place to the North Williston Road intersection. Work will take place at night, from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.

The agency is also planning to continue paving driveway aprons that connect to the road. This work will take place during daytime hours, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Williston Road will be reduced to one-lane alternating travel at times, the agency advises.

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Page 4 • Williston Observer • July 25, 2019

Dealer continued from page

NONPROFIT NEWS 1

to the way car dealerships can offer financing at the time of purchase. It not only facilitates sales, it also lets customers compare monthly insurance premiums and choose their best option.

“When you are buying a car, you have to make a policy change.

It’s one of the few times you’re thinking about it,” FitzGerald said.

FitzGerald and Mongeon hired software developers to transform their idea into a digital tool for car dealers.

–Travis Fitzgerald DealerPolicy pays car Co-owner dealers to use it because DealerPolicy it allows the company to sell the policy and gives them a foot in the door with customers to bundle other forms of insurance, like home insurance.

The company signed up 10 Vermont car dealerships in its first year. It now has about 300 dealerships on board in 11 states. Later this year, it plans on opening up a West Coast office, Fitzgerald said.

Asked how many employees the company currently has, Fitzgerald responded: “We’re growing so fast I can’t even keep track of it.”

The company has hired about 60 from the Department of Labor job skills program, dubbed “DealerPolicy University.” The building has a training area to house that ongoing program. By the end of the year, Fitzgerald estimates that about 200 people will be working out of the building.

“For the market we are operating in, we’ve had a lot of success (hiring),” he said. “But unemployment is low, and it’s a small market and talent pool to begin with.”

Fitzgerald is proud to be creating jobs in his native area. Part of his bid to TD Bank for the building was the promise of fueling the local economy.

“We’re putting a lot of time and money into this property,” he said. “This is going to be our longterm home, and we’re super excited.”

‘This is going to be our longterm home, and we’re super excited.’

Coffee community comes together for cervical cancer prevention Founded in 1996, Grounds for Health is an international nonprofit headquartered in Williston with a mission to reduce cervical cancer among women in developing countries. With programs currently focused in East Africa, the organization aspires to be on the cutting edge of innovations that will transform cervical cancer prevention at scale.

For over 10 years, Grounds for Health has hosted an international “green coffee” auction as a way for importers and roasters from around the world to have a direct impact on the lives of women in coffee communities. While the price of coffee has gone up and down over the years, one thing has remained constant: the resolve of the coffee industry to support the wellbeing of those at origin.

This solidarity came through loud and clear with the results of this year’s Grounds for Health Auction. This annual fundraiser benefits cervical cancer prevention programs in various coffee communities of Ethiopia and Kenya.

“We support Grounds for Health and the annual auction because we support women in coffee producing countries, and protecting women from the threat of cervical cancer saves lives,” said Spencer Turer, vice president at Coffee Enterprises in Hinesburg. “Maintaining families with healthy mothers and wives is critical for the development of children and fundamental for a productive society.”

Thanks to 27 generous donors, the auction celebrated its 10th year by raising

Photo courtesy of unsplash.com

Williston’s Grounds for Health hosts a coffee bean auction annually to support cervical cancer screenings for women in coffee-producing countries in Africa.

$30,570, blowing past the initial goal of $25,000.

Every dollar raised goes directly to help Grounds for Health bolster its cervical cancer prevention programs in Ethiopia and Kenya. Since 2009, Grounds for Health auctions have raised more than $917,000. Programs to date have resulted in more than 100,000 women screened, more than 6,700 women treated and about 1,300 community healthcare providers trained.

Grounds for Health would like to thank all donors for their generous gifts

and prizes and to all the bidders who got involved.

More information can be found at groundsforhealth.org.

Nonprofit News is a weekly series highlighting the work of nonprofit organizations in Williston and throughout Chittenden County. This story was provided by Grounds for Health. Nonprofits seeking to tell their story in this space, please email editor@willistonobserver. com or call Jason at (802) 872-9000 ext. 117.

Williston Police intercept Social Security scam The Vermont State Employees Credit Union last Wednesday alerted the Williston Police that one of its customers had

withdrawn $27,000 cash, deeming the transaction suspicious.

Officers determined that the customer was traveling to Walmart and was likely a victim of an attempted scam.

Officers say they located the victim in the Walmart parking lot and were there when suspected scammers called the victim’s phone. The caller ID indicated a Social Security Administration phone number.

Officers spoke to the alleged scammers before the call was quickly ended. Shortly after that, another call came to the victim’s phone, this time caller ID indicating it was from the Chittenden County Sheriff’s Office. The caller identified himself as “Kevin” from the Sheriff’s department.

The Williston Police Department called out the bogus claim, but has not identified the suspect. The department reminds residents that number spoofing technology and scammers can be very convincing.

“Remain vigilant about solicitation phone calls claiming to be from the Social Security Administration or any other entity … demanding payment or fines,” the department advised in a press release.

Hydrant flushing begins The Town of Williston will be flushing hydrants during the months of July and August. The Department of Public Works advises that some residents may experience low water pressure at times.

July 25, 2019 • Williston Observer • Page 5

Activists plan family friendly F-35 protest A coalition of peace activist organizations are partnering to host a one-day demonstration Aug. 4 against the impending basing of U.S. Air Force F-35 fighter jets at Burlington International Airport.

The event, billed as “Guardians of Peace and Planet,” will take place from 4-6 p.m. at the corner of Airport Drive and Patrick Street in South Burlington. It is organized by the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom’s Burlington chapter, Stop the F35s/Save our Skies, People for Peace and Security, Vermont Veterans for Peace, Citizens Against Nuclear Bombers in Vermont, the Peace & Justice Center and Physicians for Social Responsibility.

Speakers will include Maho Takahashi of the Japanese-based organization Peace Boat, who will speak about nuclear issues; James Ehlers, executive director of Lake Champlain International, who will discuss toxic chemical concerns associated with F35s; and Meaghan Emery, South Burlington City Council member and associate professor at UVM, who will talk about noise and health impacts of the F-35s.

The Vermont Air National Guard is scheduled to launch its F-35 program this fall.

The event will be family friendly, with participants bearing cardboard shields with personal messages for peace and demonstrators dressed as mother nature, water spirits, weather gods and more. Bread and Puppet Theater will have puppets on hand and activist musician Tom Neilson will sing folk and protest songs. Face painting will also be available.

“We believe it is not too late to stop the F-35s from coming to Vermont,” said event coordinator Marguerite Adelman. “It’s up to us to protect our state and region from nuclear warfare, toxic contaminants, noise and more.

“Our event is being held near the anniversary of the atomic bombs being dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki,” she continued.

“Our message is: Never again. Vermont will

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have no part in launching or being targeted in the event of a nuclear war … It’s not too late to take a stand against nuclear proliferation and the deeply harmful impacts of war machinery in our region.”

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Page 6 • Williston Observer • July 25, 2019

Guest Column

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Fiscal headwinds stiffen from state pension liabilities

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Flip through current and past digital editions online.

By John Pelletier

www.willistonobserver.com Published by Williston Publishing & Promotions

Phone: (802) 872-9000 • Fax: (802) 872-0151

Mailing address: P.O. Box 1158, Williston, Vt. 05495 Office address: 300 Cornerstone Drive, Suite 330, Williston

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Experience, trusted advice and local knowledge!

&

On July 10, Fitch, a major credit agency, reduced Vermont’s bond rating. This was expected after Moody’s, another large credit agency, reduced Vermont’s bond rating last October. Both rating agencies have the same concerns about Vermont and its economy. As a result of these downgrades, future state and municipal borrowing costs will increase.

Why is this happening? Because Vermont faces daunting economic and demographic headwinds. We have heard these concerns for years. Vermont’s population and its workforce is flat or declining, our economic growth is slow and our citizens are old. And our state’s unfunded pension and health care liabilities for current and future teacher and state employee retirees is large and growing.

Fitch notes that Vermont has a “small and modestly growing economy” and that “Vermont’s population is older than most states.”

Fitch also notes that Vermont’s population has been basically flat since the turn of the century and has been in a slight decline since 2012. The agency is concerned that the “state’s labor force has been flat to declining over the past decade, in contrast to slow growth at the national level.”

Vermont’s debt and net pension liabilities were 11.9 percent of Vermont’s 2017 personal income, compared to a national median of 6 percent. These percentages exclude the additional $2.3 billion in un-

funded state employee and teacher retirement health care benefits.

Adding to the bad news is a Pew Charitable Trust report issued in June. This annual report measures each states’ pension fund performance. The data in the report is as of 2017 and allows us to see how Vermont is doing compared to other states.

So how does Vermont look in this report regarding its teacher and state employee pension plans?

Consistent with the concerns raised

by Fitch, not very good.

Vermont’s assumed annual rate of plan return for its pension fund investments was 7.5 percent. When Vermont’s pension plans do not achieve this assumed rate of return, the difference must be made up by taxpayers, reducing tax dollars available for other state priorities.

The report notes that this “trend toward lower investment assumptions is consistent with observations by experts, who forecast lower-than-historical returns of 6.5 percent due to expectations of lower economic growth and persistent low interest rates.” In fact, Bloomberg reported in June that the chief investment officer of Calpers — the largest pension fund in the country — told its board that “for the next 10 years, our expected returns are 6.1 percent not 7 percent.”

Only 13 other states have assumed rates of return equal to or greater than Vermont’s 7.5 percent assumption. That means that 72 percent of states (36 states) have assumed rates of return that are

more conservative, realistic and reasonable than Vermont’s.

Pew notes that states that have strongly funded pension plans have realistic assumed rates of investment return and often have “policies to automatically lower benefits or increase contributions in response to market downturns.”

To improve our situation, Vermont must make some changes to its pension policies. According to the Pew report, these may include “strengthening funding policies, adopting more conservative assumptions, increasing employee contributions, changing the benefit design for new hires, reducing benefits for current employees and retirees, strengthening governance and improving transparency.”

Our problems are not unique.

Many other states have already faced and addressed these issues.

It requires our state policymakers and unions to courageously work together to compromise and to modify our pension policies to protect current plan members, existing retirees and Vermont taxpayers.

We need to do this before it is too late, before the next recession and/or bear market. Time is running out. We are currently in the midst of the longest bull market in history. We are also in the midst of the longest economic expansion in U.S. history, a record reached this month. But when changes come, Vermont needs to be prepared.

John Pelletier is director of the Center for Financial Literacy at Champlain College.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Book sale gratitude The Friends of the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library would like to thank the community for its support of the July Fourth book sale. A special thanks to Hannaford for donating paper bags for the $5 per bag sale and to Vermont Tent Company for a discount on the tables and fans.

We couldn’t do this book sale without volunteers who put in over 200 hours of their time to sor t, set up, manage and tear down the book sale. This year we made a profit of $5,232.55, which will be used to supplement library programs and activities.

For example, the Friends of the Librar y recently sponsored a concert on the town green in conjunction with the summer reading program.

Thank you, Williston!

Ann Park Secretary/treasurer Friends of the Library

This summer, nearly 300 sites are serving free, healthy meals and snacks to kids and teens.

Meals are ser ved in locations where kids naturally congregate in the summer, including public parks and pools, libraries and schools. Vermont is ranked second in the country for providing kids sum mer meals, as noted in the Food Research & Action Center’s “Hunger Doesn’t Take a Vacation: Summer Nutrition

Status Report” for 2019.

Despite t h is notewor t hy a ch ieve me nt , su m me r meals programs reached only 31 percent of Vermont children who rely on school meals in 2018. More needs to be done to reach all the children who could benefit from healthy summer lunches. Hunger Free Vermont works to address state and federal bar riers and troubleshoot solutions so that the number of summer meals sites

can grow and better meet the needs of children.

The nutrition, structure, stability and socialization of summer meal programs can help to close the low-income achievement gap and ensure that children return to school healthy and ready to learn.

Follow #RootedinVermont on social media to see how summer meals are fostering a deepened sense of community, and look for lawn signs with a watermelon

logo to find meal sites around the state.

Summer meal sites are available to anyone 18 years old and under. There is no need to register or call ahead. All children, regardless of household income, are welcome. Visit hungerfreevt. org for a list of meal sites.

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Page 8 • Williston Observer • July 25, 2019

Carbon capture through forest management

By Ethan Tapper Special to the Observer

As the effects of climate change on our world become more and more apparent, it is increasingly important to manage our forests to not just withstand these impacts, but to help mitigate them.

Vermont’s forests capture (or “sequester”) more carbon than they emit, and in the course of forest management, many foresters seek to increase their ability to sequester

and store as much carbon as possible.

While wrapping our heads around carbon dynamics can be tricky, it is important to understand the role forests play in protecting us from the worst impacts of climate change.

As trees grow, they capture carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere, turning it into biomass (wood and leaves) and releasing oxygen. Carbon sequestered by trees can be found in several places: as wood in living trees, in dead-standing and fallen trees and, once dead wood

has broken down, in forest soils.

As wood decomposes, it also releases carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere, though our forests sequester much more carbon than they emit.

While you may think that most of the carbon in the forest must be stored in the trunks and branches of our massive trees, in temperate forests like those in Vermont, it is estimated that up to 60 percent of a forest’s carbon is stored in its soils.

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more rapidly than older forests because they are growing faster, but older forests store more carbon.

These seemingly opposite facts have fueled divergent management strategies. The former has been used to justify aggressive logging, while the latter has been used to justify a hands-off approach. The picture is further complicated when you consider the benefits of wood products as part of the mix, because dry lumber stores about double its mass in carbon dioxide equivalent.

Building our houses, buildings and other durable items out of wood fixes carbon in the long term. Using locally harvested and processed wood for building materials, heat and energy also mitigates the need for less carbon friendly materials shipped from further away. So, while we know that, over time, unmanaged forests probably store more carbon than managed forests, there are other carbon benefits to harvesting wood through active forest management.

How can we increase carbon sequestration and storage in our forests? Encouraging diversity — a variety of ages, sizes and species of trees — is a good place to start. More diverse forests generally store more carbon than less diverse forests.

Vermont’s land use history has

resulted in forests that generally lack diversity compared to the forests that probably existed here prior to European settlement. Active forest management can help forests regain diversity more rapidly, harnessing the sequestration benefits of young, fast-growing forests and the storage benefits of old forests all while producing forest products. Retaining dead standing trees, dead wood on the forest floor and legacy trees that will never be harvested will help our forests store more carbon. This type of management will also create more vibrant wildlife habitat, as well as forests that are resilient to the disturbances that may become more frequent as our climate changes.

Encouraging the resilience of our forests by managing for forest health, controlling invasive exotic plants and keeping forests undeveloped and unfragmented will help keep forests healthy, in turn helping them sequester carbon and mitigate the effects of climate change in the long term.

Ethan Tapper is the Chittenden County Forester. He can be reached at ethan.tapper@vermont. gov, at (802)-585-9099 or at his office at 111 West Street, Essex Junction.

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July 25, 2019 • Williston Observer • Page 9

Chemical-free mosquito control for your landscape

By Melinda Myers Special to the Observer

Don’t let mosquitoes keep you from enjoying summertime activities like barbecues, gardening and hikes. Instead, enlist chemical-free strategies to manage these pests.

Start by eliminating the mosquitoes’ breeding grounds. Drain buckets, old tires and clogged gutters and downspouts that hold water needed for mosquitoes to reproduce.

Check kids’ toys, tarps and pool covers that also retain water. Drain and store these items in the garage or turn them over to keep them from becoming a mosquito breeding ground.

Even small containers hold enough water for hundreds to thousands of mosquitoes to breed.

PEA

H C E

It remains in place and provides control when within a few feet of your guests for some the area is flooded again. short-term relief from these pests.

Attract insect-eating birds to the landscape Wear light colored, loose fitting clothing, with a few birdhouses. You’ll enjoy their covering as much of your skin as possible beauty and benefit from their diet of insects, with long sleeves and pants. including many garden pests and mosquitoes.

For Deet-free personal repellent options, the Reduce the mosquitoes’ daytime resting Centers for Disease Control and Prevention spaces by keeping your garden weeded. has approved products with the active ingrediRemoving weeds and managing neglected ent picaridin (found in Skin So Soft products) garden spaces will make your landscape less and the synthetic oil of lemon and eucalyptus. inviting to these pests.

Avoid products that contain both sunscreen Keep mosquitoes away when hosting a and insect repellents as you need to apply the party, gardening or relaxing outdoors with a fan that creates a gentle breeze. Some gar- sunscreen more often than the repellent.

Using a combination of these mosquideners even take a small fan into the garden to-management strategies will help you while weeding.

Light a few citronella candles for a bit of increase your summer enjoyment. ambience and mosquito control at your next Melinda Myers (melindamyers.com) is evening party or event. Citronella oil and scented candles have mosquito-repelling author of “Small Space Gardening” and is a editor for Birds properties. Scatter lots of candles throughout columnist and contributing UB_2019CommercialAd_WillistonObserver_5x7.75_OUTPUT.pdf 1 4/2/19 2:07 PM your entertainment space. Position the candles & Blooms magazine.

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Change the water in birdbaths at least once a week, or install a small pump to keep water moving to prevent mosquito breeding.

Use organic mosquito control in birdbaths, rain barrels and water features. A product like Mosquito Bits quickly knocks down the mosquito larval population, while Mosquito Dunks provides 30 days of control. They both contain a naturally occurring soil bacterium that kills mosquito larvae, are certified organic and safe for pets, fish, wildlife and children.

Use Mosquito Dunks to manage these pests in areas subject to periods of standing water. One dunk provides control of 100 square feet of water surface for 30 days. Slide a dunk over a stake secured in the problem area, preventing it from washing away in heavy rains.

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Page 10 • Williston Observer • July 25, 2019

Keeping ahead of powdery mildew

By Gordon Clark Special to the Observer

If you’ve ever lost a nice zucchini plant or a crop of cucumbers or melons to powdery mildew, then you know the heartbreak of this white fungus.

Powdery mildew is a plant disease that looks like its name. It starts as small white circles that look like talcum powder, circles that will spread and eventually cover your plant, reducing the amount of photosynthesis and fruit production if left untreated.

Powdery mildew is actually not one single fungus, but a family of closely related fungal species that affect a range of trees, flowers and vegetables. They are particularly fond of cucurbits. Fortunately, the different family members are fairly host specific, so the powdery mildew on your rose won’t spread to your cukes.

The fungus is persistent. It loves to grow in humid conditions, but the spores also will spread in dry conditions via breeze or insects.

The best prevention starts with good cultural practices. If you have mildew-resistant strains available, plant those. Make sure that you plant in a sunny location, water

in the morning so the plants have time to dry and space the plants far enough apart so there is good air circulation — leaves laying on top of leaves is the perfect environment for fungal growth.

Inspect your plants regularly.

If you see any small white circles starting to form, remove the affected leaves immediately. You can then treat the rest of the plant with one of a number of organic fungicides, including sulfur and copper, as well as horticultural oil.

Milk solutions have been studied to some degree and are especially intriguing. It is thought that these work as a powdery mildew deterrent by changing the basic pH of the leaf surface to something inhospitable to the fungus — like vinegar but in the opposite direction.

However, keep in mind that using a milk solution would actually be an illegal use of the product, since it has not been reviewed and approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. Instead, it is always best to use the fungicides that have been reviewed and tested for efficacy. These formulated fungicides also may contain additives (spreaders and stickers) that help the efficacy of the spray.

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Whichever spray you use, the key is to start before you see the circles forming and to use it regularly.

It works best as a preventative, not a cure.

Spray the plants thoroughly —

undersides, too — once a week, but not before it rains, and not in midday sun. If the disease does appear, clip off affected leaves and keep spraying regularly. Your plants may still succumb eventual-

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Happy growing!

Gordon Clark is a UVM Extension master gardener.

The impact of garden edging

By Bonnie Kirn Donahue

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Observer courtesy photo

Powdery mildew starts as small white circles that look like talcum powder, circles that will spread and eventually cover your plant, reducing the amount of photosynthesis and fruit production if left untreated.

One simple way to have a more visually appealing garden is not about plants at all. It is about the edge of your garden.

The primary purpose of edging along a garden is to prevent lawn or other surfaces from creeping into the bed. A clean edge can also enhance the appearance of the garden by differentiating the ground from the textures, colors and forms of the garden plantings.

Whether curved or straight, the most important thing is to make sure that the edging looks consistent and intentional and that it flows together.

When laying out a straight edge, make sure that your line doesn’t wiggle and your corners are squared. With curved edging, try to make longer, gentle curves instead of many small scalloped ones. Compared to smaller curves, larger, flowing, alternating concave and convex curves are more pleasing to the eye and easier to maintain.

The material that you select for garden edging can be natural or permanent. A natural edge costs less to install but requires more frequent maintenance, while a permanent material edge has higher upfront costs but will last for a long time. Either way, garden edges require periodic maintenance (e.g. weeding, weed whacking or re-edging) to keep the boundary of your garden looking neat and tidy.

A simple way to keep the grass from growing into flowerbeds is to use a tool called a garden edger. It looks like an ineffective shovel as the head is small, mostly flat and shaped like a half-moon.

Unlike a shovel, this tool cuts a clean line in the sod, which can provide an instant visual improvement to a garden. Place the edger head in the lawn where you want to cut an edge, and step on it firmly, lightly lifting to gently loosen the soil.

You can use a garden hose as a guide to trace your edging to help lay out the line. After the lines are cut, go back in and remove the slices of sod, which leaves about a 4-inch deep trench.

After you complete the edging, taper the mulch from your garden bed up to the edge of the lawn. Keeping the mulch below the surface of the lawn will help to prevent it from creeping back in too soon.

There are many permanent ways to establish a garden edge. You can choose from stonewalls, bricks, concrete pavers, natural stones, stone aggregate, metal edging, plastic edging and even wood edging.

The material that you choose will have a significant impact on how straight or curved the final edge will look.

Bonnie Kirn Donahue is a UVM Extension master gardener and landscape designer from central Vermont.

July 25, 2019 • Williston Observer • Page 11

State officials intensify push to popularize electric cars

Observer staff report

In a press conference last week, Gov. Phil Scott highlighted new incentives and legislation designed to increase electric vehicle use in Vermont.

The state’s 2020 budget includes $1.1 million in incentives to help lowand moderate-income Vermonters purchase or lease all-electric vehicles.

The incentive program is limited to households at or below 160 percent of the median household income (about $92,000) and to electric vehicles with a price of $40,000 or less.

Also, this year’s transportation bill includes requirements for public charging equipment, consumer transparency by allowing charging stations to charge by the kilowatt-hour and exploring approaches to keeping the gas-tax-funded transportation fund whole as electric vehicles gain in market share.

Scott and the legislature are also accelerating transition to electric vehicles within the state’s vehicle fleet, requiring that at least 50 percent of vehicles purchased or leased by the Department of Buildings and General Services will be hybrid or plug-ins.

“Electrifying the transportation sector will help clean the air and keep millions of dollars within our economy,” Scott said. “While more work needs to be done, Vermont has taken strong steps toward a renewable transportation sector.

Accelerating vehicle electrification will continue to be a priority of my administration.”

The transportation sector accounts for about 45 percent of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions, and increasing electric vehicle use is seen as a key part of the state’s emission reduction goals, increasing the share of renewable energy in the transportation sector to 10 percent by 2025 and 80 percent by 2050. This translates to approximately 50,000 plug-in electric vehicles registered in Vermont by 2025. Currently, there are about 3,100 plug-ins registered in Vermont.

The state continues to invest its share of the nationwide settlement with Volkswagen, due to its violation of the Clean Air Act, into vehicle charging stations. So far, Vermont has granted more than $1 million for 30 charging stations across the state.

Vermont will dedicate additional Volkswagen settlement funds to ensure that nearly every Vermonter

Photo courtesy of pexels.com

The Scott administration last week announced new incentives to encourage Vermont drivers to buy plug-in vehicles.

will live within 30 miles of a fastcharging (20 minutes) station.

“We commend Gov. Scott and state leaders for their all-in commitment to reducing emissions from transporta-

tion,” Green Mountain Power CEO Mary Powell said. “Transportation accounts for the largest source of carbon emissions in Vermont, and that means, in order to meet our state’s

energy goal, we must focus our efforts on bold and aggressive strategies to make electric vehicles available to more Vermonters.”

Green Mountain Power has made

$2,500 in rebates available to its customers for buying or leasing a hybrid or all-electric vehicle. The company is planning electric vehicle test driving events throughout its service area.

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Page 12 • Williston Observer • July 25, 2019

SPORTS

Legion tournament starts Saturday for SD Ireland The SD Ireland Legion baseball team has qualified for the Vermont State American Legion Baseball Tournament, which starts on Saturday at Colchester High School.

SD Ireland (14-8) will enter the tournament with either the No. 2 or No. 3 seed after splitting a doubleheader against the Franklin County Post 1 team last weekend. The team won the opener 6-1 and dropped the nightcap in a squeaker, 1-0.

Ryan Canty had two RBIs in the win, while pitcher Ian Parent allowed just two hits over six innings of work to earn the win. Parent, Jacob Murphy and Hunter Whitman each drove in a run.

Baker Angstman took the loss in the second game, giving up just the one run in six innings.

On Sunday, SD Ireland beat Barre Post 10, 7-3, and Montpelier Post 3 in a slugfest, 14-11.

In the win over Barre, Storm Rushford paced the offense with two hits and two RBIs while Jacob Murphy had a double and an RBI. Calvin Wuthrich earned the win on the mound after giving up three runs on two hits in five innings.

Tyler Skaflestad led SD Ireland in the second win of the day with a four-hit, four RBI effort at the plate. Wuthrich drove in three runs, while Rushford (two RBI), Parent, Brendan Tivnan and Collin Vincent each had RBIs. Vincent also earned the win on the mound.

— Lauren Read

Observer photo by Al Frey

Collin Vincent makes a play at shortstop during SD Ireland’s American Legion League baseball game against Franklin County-Post 1 last Thursday in Hinesburg.

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Jacob Murphy gets a hit as the SD Ireland Legion Baseball team takes on Franklin County-Post 1 last Thursday in Hinesburg.

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July 25, 2019 • Williston Observer • Page 13

SPORTS Little League all stars battle for state title Williston’s 11/12 All Stars won the District 1 championship last week with a 10-8 victory over Colchester and continued to the state championship tournament, which began Saturday in Barre.

The team lost its first game 7-1 to Swanton, then beat Bennington 5-0 to climb back into the winners bracket. The team returns to the field Friday at 6 p.m. for a rematch with Swanton.

The winner will face Bradford, needing two wins to win the state title. The loser will be eliminated.

Pictured (top photo), back row from left, are coach Mike Barron, manager Tim Rickert and coach John Quong; second row, left to right, are players Nate Couture, Stephen Rickert, Sean Kennedy, Noah Musgrave, Jackson Dubois, Jackson White, John Deyo, Mason Barron and Riley O’Brien; and front row left to right Tommy Barnes, Cooper Ludwar and Oliver Quong.

In other Little League action, Williston’s ages 8-10 team (pictured far right) was District 1 runner-up, losing to Addison County in the finals. Williston’s 11/12 softball all stars (pictured at right) were also District 1 runner-up, losing to Colchester in the finals.

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Page 14 • Williston Observer • July 25, 2019

POLICE BLOTTER Williston Police Department July 13-18 JULY 13 HARVEST LANE First Call for Chittenden County called the Williston Police Department to conduct a welfare check on a male that had expressed suicidal ideation. Williston Police were able to locate the male in his car in a parking lot. The male was intoxicated and had been driving his vehicle. The male was taken into custody for suspicion of DUI, processed and brought to the University of Vermont Medical Center for a mental health evaluation.

JULY 14 ST. GEORGE ROAD Officers came across a disabled vehicle on St. George Road near the Interstate 89 overpass. They determined the transmission had busted apart, and gears and transmission f luid were located in the roadway.

Officers pushed the vehicle to the parking lot of Sandri Sunoco, where it was able to be towed, and the Fire Department responded to clean the fluids in the roadway.

JULY 15 SOUTH BROWNELL ROAD Officers investigated a report of damage to a mailbox and trash cans that had been

struck by a vehicle. Officers conducted an investigation and determined that a large Peterbilt truck had left the roadway, traveled approximately 70 feet with the passenger side tires off the pavement and struck multiple mailboxes and trash cans. The incident is still under investigation.

JULY 16 BRENNAN WOODS DRIVE Officers assisted the South Burlington Police Department in locating a female with multiple warrants out for her arrest. The female was located and taken into custody after a short foot pursuit.

JULY 16 CHRISTMAS LANE Officers responded to a report of a domestic disturbance, where a male had apparently slapped his wife. Officers noted red marks on the face of the victim and obtained a sworn written statement indicating what had happened. The male was taken into custody and charged with second degree aggravated domestic assault.

JULY 17 ESSEX ROAD Officers took a call of suspicious transactions at Vermont State Employees Credit Union, advising a customer had withdrawn $27,000 in cash. Officers determined the

customer was likely the victim of a scam and determined it was likely he was traveling to Walmart to purchase gift cards.

The victim was successfully located, and officers noted that the scammers had spoofed the phone numbers to appear to be the Social Security Administration and the Chittenden County Sheriffs Office. Officers quickly determined these numbers were false and the scammer was called out on his lie. Officers strongly remind residents to remain vigilant about scams.

JULY 18 WALNUT STREET Officers responded to a report from off duty law enforcement about two suspicious females that were likely the same ones from earlier in the week that had attempted to get a juvenile to leave a store with them.

Officers responded and located the females.

Officers spoke with the females and advised them that Dick’s Sporting Goods would like them to be issued trespass notices, and asked for their identification to appropriately complete the forms. One of the females appeared hesitant, and gave officers a name they believed to be false. When officers questioned the female about the name she had given, she advised it was false. The female was taken into custody for False Information to Law Enforcement.

WILLISTON

RECREATION &PARKS WILLISTON

Recreation & Parks The Williston Recreation and Parks Department offices are located at Town Hall, 7900 Williston Road. Call 876-1160 or email recreation@willistonvt.org for program registration or information, or visit willistonrec.org.

Great Escape discount tickets Tickets and parking passes to the Great Escape in New York are now on sale at the Town Clerk’s Office. Tickets are good any day and cost $41 (children under 2 are free). A parking pass is $18. Tickets can be purchased Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the clerk’s office, 7900 Williston Rd.

Instructors wanted The recreation department is looking for independent instructors and businesses who want to offer programs to adults, seniors, youth or preschoolers in its Fall/Winter Program guide. Program space is in the schools, and programs can be offered during after-school hours in the afternoon and into the evening.

Programs can also be offered on Saturdays and

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July 25, 2019 • Williston Observer • Page 15

Rec continued from page

Chittenden County roadwork

14

during the day during school vacations. Programs can also be held in an instructor’s preferred location.

Deadline for proposals is Aug. 1. Interested instructors should fill out the Program Proposal Form at willistonrec.org.

Youth/teen programs DAY CAMPS There is still time to register for a session of Rec Camp or Teen Camp.

Rec Camp is for children entering grades K-4. The camp is at Allen Brook School Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m-5:30 p.m. $160 per session.

Teen Camp is for children entering grades 5-8. The camp is at Williston Central School Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. $185 per session.

SPORTS, SPECIALTY, TECHNOLOGY CAMPS There is still time to register for summer enrichment camps. Tennis, golf, puppetry, 3D art, dinos vs. robots, flip, dance, circus and horse camp are offered. Registration deadline is the Thursday prior to the camp start date of each camp.

date is Oct. 11.

Week of July 22-26 WILLISTON Repaving of Route 2 between Boxwood Lane and the North Williston Road/Oak Hill Road intersection will cause traffic delays through Sept.

20. This week, there will be work on pavement markings throughout the project limits and paving of abutting driveway aprons. Traffic delays are expected due to alternating one-lane travel.

ESSEX/JERICHO/RICHMOND Guardrail work on Route 117 from Rogers Lane to Skunk Hollow Road will cause traffic delays due to alternating one-lane travel during construction times. The projected completion

ESSEX JUNCTION There will be a block party on Saturday July 27, from 5-9 p.m. on Railroad Avenue, which will result in road closure from 1-10 p.m.

ESSEX JUNCTION TO UNDERHILL Work to repave Route 15 between the Essex Junction Village/Town line to North Underhill Station Road in Underhill this week includes milling from approximately Jericho Village proceeding west to Essex on Monday, and paving Monday through Friday from Underhill proceeding westerly. There will be ditch work in Underhill proceeding west to Jericho during

the week. Motorists should plan for lengthy delays during peak hours most mornings and late afternoons.

ESSEX Sidewalk and drainage work at the intersection of Towers Road with VT Routes 15 and 128 will cause lane closures and traffic delays through Aug. 23.

BURLINGTON Pine Street is reduced to one lane southbound only between Flynn and Home avenues for paving through August. Traffic is detoured.

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Page 16 • Williston Observer • July 25, 2019

Bear enters home in Underhill A bear that broke into a residence in Underhill on Saturday and ransacked the kitchen was euthanized, the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife reported Monday.

The department advises people not to leave any type of food source outside.

“A bear that learns to obtain food from human sources will quickly lose its fear of people, and it becomes a potential threat to human safety,” said Chief Game Warden Jason Batchelder.

According to the department, the bear in Underhill came into the house twice through screened windows during the night. It opened the fridge, ate cheese, grapes, maple syrup and bread, and it returned a third time in the morning before leaving.

Vermont’s bird hunting seasons announced

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department has announced upcoming migratory bird hunting season dates.

A statewide Vermont open hunting season for resident Canada geese will occur Sept. 1-25.

The purpose of this September season is to help control Vermont’s resident Canada goose population prior to the arrival of Canada geese migrating south from Canada.

A second Canada goose hunting season will be held Oct. 10-Nov. 8 with a daily bag limit of two geese.

Duck season opens Oct. 10. The Lake Champlain region has a split season (Oct. 10-Nov. 1 and Nov. 23-Dec. 29).

Vermont’s youth waterfowl hunting weekend will be Sept. 28-29 for hunters ages 17 and under accompanied by an unarmed adult. Both adult and youth must have Vermont hunting licenses. Youth ages 16-17 must have a Vermont Migratory Waterfowl tag and federal duck stamp.

Woodcock hunting season is Oct. 1-Nov. 14 statewide.

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department will also hold limited waterfowl hunts in Dead Creek in Addison and Mud Creek in Alburgh on Oct. 12-15.

Applications are available at Fish and Wildlife offices in Montpelier, Essex Junction, Addison, Barre, St. Johnsbury, Springfield and Rutland.

Applications must be postmarked and returned no later than Aug. 19.

Observer courtesy photo

Duck season in the Champlain Valley opens Oct. 10, the Department of Fish and Wildlife has announced.

A public drawing to award Mud Creek and Dead Creek hunting permits will be held Aug. 23 in Essex Junction. Successful applicants will be notified by mail.

More information is available at vtfishandwildlife.com.

Antlerless deer hunt applications due by Aug. 14 The deadline to apply for an antlerless deer permit to be used during Vermont’s Dec. 7-15 muzzleloader deer hunting season is Aug. 14, the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department

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July 25, 2019 • Williston Observer • Page 17

State makes $1.5 million available in school safety grants

OBITUARIES Todd P. Larrow Todd of Williston, VT passed away unexpectedly on July 17, 2019. Todd was a vibrant, loving person who said what he thought then gave you the shirt off his back.

He loved all his friends and family very much and we all miss him.

From the time he was a small child Todd loved trucks, equipment and dirt. He worked in the trucking and construction industries all his life. When he lost his left leg in 2007, and could no longer run heavy equipment, he forged forward and started his own business, Vermont Seamless Epoxy Floors and had a great time running that for the last several years. Todd loved motorcycles and baseball but especially he loved rock and roll music and was an amazing drummer.

Todd is survived by his wife, Sara Cheeseman, his daughter Brandy Larrow, Brandy's life partner Gene Turgeon, his grandchildren Jonathan and Kassie Turgeon. Also surviving are his step sons, Tyler Tomasik and Chris Cheeseman, both of whom he considered to be his sons. As well, he is survived by his brother and sister-inlaw Rick and Wendy Larrow, sister Martha Pasi and her life partner Sean Vandergrif, sister Cindy Racine and husband Craig as well as his mother, Barbara Larrow, and his Uncle Bill Larrow. He was predeceased by his father Wayne Larrow.

Todd never wanted a funeral. Instead, we will be having a celebration of his life-it will be sometime the first week of October when his family was already planning to come and visit. Details will be posted in the obituaries and I hope everybody comes-we have to sing Freebird for him! A lot! Ready Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. He will be missed by many.

the position at the beginning of 2017. He is hoping to teach and to continue to serve the public in the future.

“I want to thank Gov. Scott for the opportunity to lead the Department of Public Safety for the past two and a half years. It has been a truly remarkable and rewarding experience,” Andersen said.

Under Andersen, the department has focused on enhancing school safety, reducing the supply of narcotics as part of the state’s response to the opioid epidemic and streamlining the permitting and licensure process, while upholding public safety standards.

Anderson has also focused on establishing and fostering strong relationships with federal and local law enforcement, and with Vermont’s career and volunteer firefighters and first responders.

“Tom has been an extremely valuable member of my team,” said Scott. “Under his steady and professional leadership, the Department of Public Safety has tackled some of Vermont’s most complex and important challenges … Tom’s perspective, guidance and commitment to teamwork will

school safety planning, training and exercise assistance to Vermont schools. Margolis-Healy is providing training and exercise guidance directly to schools and working with school administrators and public safety personnel to develop a standardized Emergency Operation Plan, simplifying the planning process for school districts and creating statewide uniformity. This initiative is funded through Homeland Security Grant Program funds.

The Scot t Administ ration and Vermont-NEA also launched a student-led “See Something, Say Something” public service announcement campaign earlier this year.

DPS commissioner Andersen resigns Vermont Public Safety Commissioner Thomas Andersen has announced his resignation effective July 31.

According to a press release from Gov. Phil Scott’s office, Andersen decided it was time to rejoin his wife in Washington, D.C., in support of her career. The two have been living in separate states since he took

be missed by the cabinet. I thank him for his service and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”

Treasurer: more unclaimed money returning to rightful owners The number of Vermonters collecting unclaimed financial property through the Vermont Treasurer’s Office reached a record high for the fiscal year ending June 30, State Treasurer Beth Pearce announced last week.

About 18,000 people and organizations claimed more than $6 million in missing money during the past 12 months.

Unclaimed property describes assets like uncashed checks, lost valuables, forgotten security deposits, misplaced insurance policies, investments or estates. The treasurer’s office received about $12 million of new property this year, increasing the total amount on hand to about $100 million.

Vermonters can search the unclaimed property database at missingmoney.vermont. gov.

Forest Service issues bear safety requirements The U.S. Forest Service on Wednesday issued a “forest order” for the Green Mountain National Forest aimed at minimizing black bear and human encounters and interactions.

The order specifies proper food storage and prohibits leaving food or refuse on national forest lands in Vermont.

Similar forest orders have been implemented in other national forests throughout the country, including one in the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire. The result has been a reduction in the number of reported encounters between humans and bears, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

Recently, Forest Service officials in Vermont have had several reports of bear sightings, bears approaching shelters and even a bear entering a tent where campers were present. The agency has been working to post alert notices at trailheads and at campsites.

Green Mountain National Forest visitors are now required to store unattended food in bear-resistant containers, in a vehicle or in solid non-pliable material, or suspend food at least 12 feet off the ground.

In addition, all refuse containing food materials or containers shall be deposited in receptacles provided for that purpose,

removed from the Green Mountain National Forest to be disposed of properly or stored in the manner prescribed for food.

Other tips include: l Always keep a clean camp. l Don’t leave any food (including condiments) out when not in use. l Store food in bear-resistant units, hardshelled vehicles or car trunks. l Keep sleeping areas, tents and sleeping bags free of food and odor (like toothpaste or deodorant). l Don’t sleep in clothes you cooked or handled fish or game in.

My Life +

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At each step

“

The Department of Public Safety is now accepting applications for $1.5 million in grants to enhance school security infrastructure.

This second round of funding for the School Safety and Security Grant Program was during this year’s legislative session.

Vermont schools can apply for grants of up to $25,000 to equip school facilities with interior and exterior door locks, indoor and outdoor public address systems and other tools to improve safety at schools. Each school will be responsible for a 25 percent grant match. Independent schools, as well as schools that were not funded in the last round of applications, are now eligible to apply.

The deadline for applications is Aug. 5.

“These grants are the latest step in our ongoing commitment to ensuring safe learning environments in all Vermont schools,” said Gov. Phil Scott.

Last year, the state made $4 million available to schools for the same purpose, and 241 schools received grants averaging $16,000.

In the spring of this year, the Department of Public Safety entered into a partnership with Margolis-Healy of Williston to provide

of our homebuying journey

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We recommend NEFCU to anyone looking for a local & personal mortgage lender

nefcu.com ˙ 800.400.8790

Luke & Heidi

Seller of condo and Owner of a new home

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Page 18 • Williston Observer • July 25, 2019

SENIORS

Savvy Senior

By Jim Miller

Finding an alternative to AARP

Dear Savvy Senior, Can you recommend any conservative membership organizations for older adults that offer discounts, too? AARP is way too liberal for my liking.

Discount Seeking Conservative

Dear Conservative, There are actually quite a few senior advocacy organizations out there promoting themselves as conservative alternatives to AARP, and many of them offer member-

Roadwork continued from page

ship benefits, too. Here’s what you should know.

ANTI-AARP While AARP, with a membership of around 38 million, is by far the biggest and most powerful advocacy group for people age 50 and older, there are millions of older Americans that don’t like or agree with their stance on various issues. Many believe AARP leans too far to the left despite its stated nonpartisan nature.

For seniors that disagree with

15

Work to upgrade St. Paul Street has closed it to all traffic between Main and King streets and King and Maple streets through August.

It is open to pedestrians, and all businesses remain open.

COLCHESTER Motorists should be aware of bike path installation on West Lakeshore Drive between Prim and Church roads. Two-way traffic will

AARP, there are other conservative leaning groups that you can join that may better represent your views. And, many of them offer their members discounts on things like travel, insurance, healthcare and more. Here are several to check into.

60 Plus — American Association of Senior Citizens (60plus. org): Established in 1992, this nonprofit group was founded to lobby for issues it holds dear, namely free enterprise, fewer taxes and less government. Its main priority is to end the federal estate tax and preserve Social Security. Membership fees run $12, $24 or $48 per year, or $299 for a lifetime membership. The organization also offers a bevy of discounts on travel and entertainment, cable, internet and satellite services, dental, vision and hearing packages, roadside assistance and more.

American Seniors Association (AmericanSeniors.org): Founded in 2005 for people age 50 and older, this conservative organization is

be maintained with occasional single lane travel. This project should be completed by Sept. 1.

Bay Road may be reduced to one lane south of the Interstate 89 bridge for work on the interstate. Traffic control will be present.

HUNTINGTON Paving on Main Road from Lapierre/ Lavallee Drive to Beane Road will cause traffic delays.

INTERSTATE 89 BETWEEN EXITS 10 AND 11 SOUTHBOUND Night-time work on bridge joints and

built on five foundations, including rebuilding national values, Social Security reform, Medicare reform, tax code reform and control of government overspending. Fees to join run $15 for one year, $25 for two years or $35 for three years, and members receive access to a variety of benefits on travel, home and auto insurance, security services, health and wellness (medical, dental, vision and hearing) and more.

Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC.us): With more than one million members, this organization was started in 2007 for people 50 and older. Its mission is to help seniors fight high taxes, reduce excessive government involvement in day-today lives and preserve American values. The group also offers a host of benefits on home, health and auto insurance, travel, vision and dental care, prescription drugs, retail savings, roadside assistance and more. Membership fees run $16 per year, or less if you join for multiple years.

The Seniors Coalition (Senior.

guardrails will cause lane closures and minimal traffic delays. This project will be completed by Sept. 27.

INTERSTATE 89 BETWEEN EXITS 16 AND 17 Work on the Colchester I-89 bridges project will reduce travel to one lane northbound between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. and one lane southbound between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Monday through Friday. Traffic delays are expected.

Starting Monday, July 22, crews will be

org): Founded in 1990, this conservative public advocacy group claims to have around four million supporters. Its key issues are to protect Social Security benefits, stop Social Security payments to illegal immigrants, eliminate the “death” tax and reform the Social Security’s COLA system. Annual fees run $10 for one person per, or $13 per couple, and you can join at any age.

Some other senior membership organizations to consider that offer discounts include the American Senior Benefits Association (ASBAonline.org), the National Association of Conservative Seniors (NAOCS.us) and the Christian Seniors Association (CSAbenefits. site-ym.com).

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.

constructing the crane pad near Bridge 77 over Malletts Creek, resulting in alternating traffic lanes.

SOUTH BURLINGTON Market Street is closed to thru traffic until further notice.

UNDERHILL Work on Maple Ridge Road will reduce traffic to one lane and cause brief delays.

— Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission

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July 25, 2019 • Williston Observer • Page 19

Volunteer opportunities

CROSSWORD

By Sue Alenick URGENT NEED — Age Well/Meals on Wheels has an urgent need for volunteers to deliver meals in Franklin County on weekdays, once a week, once a month or whatever works for your schedule. These visits are a lifeline to many people, providing a nutritious meal, a safety check and a friendly visit. Deliveries are typically from 10-11:30 a.m. Contact Laura Need at 662-5254 or email lneed@agewellvt.org.

BUILDING UPKEEP – The Ethan Allen Homestead is in need of volunteers to do light custodial work, tidying the visitor center, washing windows, sweeping, raking and other general upkeep. Contact Dan O’Neil at 865-4556 or email ethanallenhomestead@gmail.com.

PLUG IT IN – Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity needs volunteer help at its ReStore to test anything and everything that gets plugged in or turned on. Think coffee makers, speakers, lamps, etc. Stay for two hours or a whole day — all help is appreciated. Regular volunteers receive 20 percent off at the store. Contact Allison DeVoe at 318-7533 or email adevoe@vermonthabitat.org.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT - Memory Care at Allen Brook is looking for volunteers who know their way around a kitchen to prepare and serve morning and/or evening meals for adults with memory impairment. Don’t miss out on the chance to spend some time with these wonderful folks.

Contact Beth Alpert and 859-8819 or email alpert@cathedralsquare.org.

KEEPING ACTIVE – Care Partners Adult Day Center is in need of volunteers to provide meaningful activity programs for frail older adults.

If you have two or more hours of free time once or twice a week, come and help with a craft, a hobby, reading or telling a story and providing support and reassurance. Contact Sue Chase at 527-0548, Ext. 11 or email info@carepartnersvt.org.

SUBSTITUTE COOKS NEEDED – Dismas House in Winooski and Burlington is searching for substitute volunteer cooks to fill in when there are cancellations among their regular volunteers. Individuals, families and groups prepare dinner for up to 10 residents, a staff person and the volunteer(s) themselves. Prepared food may be brought in, or volunteers can bring groceries and cook in the house kitchen with guidance and help from staff. Volunteers say the highlight of the evening is to join residents and staff and eat the dinner with them. In Winooski, contact Sue Drollette at 655-0300 or email sue@dismasofvt.org. In Burlington, contact Zoe Bishop at 658-0381 or email zoe@dismasofvt.org.

A DRIVING NEED – Vermont Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired needs volunteer drivers to transport blind and visually impaired people to where they need to go. Drivers serve on an as-needed basis based on their own schedules and receive mileage reimbursement for the use of their cars. Background, license and insurance check required. Contact Vicki Vest at 639-5861, Ext. 243 or email vvest@vabvi.org.

Green Burials

The practice of natural or “green” burials dates back thousands of years. The principle behind this practice is to follow the natural cycle of life. Green burials provide a reduced environmental impact, as well as the benefits of land preservation and affordability.

To learn more, contact us today.

ELMWOOD-MEUNIER FUNERAL

&

CREMATION CENTER

Burlington - (802) 864-5682 | Elmwoodmeunier.net

CROSSWORD SOLUTION PAGE 21

United Way volunteer coordinator

ACROSS 1. Switch 5. Magician prop 8. Presidential pledge 12. Hair raising 14. Rock 15. Church escort 17. Where the action is 18. Large vase 19. Repeated, words of consolation 20. Caspian or Dead 21. Atmosheric layer 24. Piston connector 25. Uncomplicated 26. Outdoor eatery 29. Seed used for flavoring 31. Soap, e.g.

33. A long time 35. Rebounded sound 38. Secret society 40. Values 41. ‘’___ Gang’’ 42. “Go no farther!”

43. Bar selection 45. Stagger back 47. Piece of a buck 48. What do you have up your ____?

50. Bakery enticement 52. Spark 53. Remote 55. Appear 57. Not anyone 59. Backboard attachment 62. Grocery section 65. Airplane recorder; Black ___ 66. Upper crust 68. “Basic Instinct” star, Sharon 69. First mother in the Bible 70. Revs 71. Zest 72. Thumbs-up vote 73. Masterpieces DOWN 1. Adriatic and Red 2. “The Way We __” song 3. Kind of rug 4. Fastener 5. Day segments 6. Group attractively 7. Poled house 8. Home sick 9. ___ blond 10. From then on 11. Superman or one 13. Support for Renoir

16. Cincy player 22. Story 23. Phenom 27. Branch 28. Big flop 29. Bringing down a house 30. Put out 31. Irritated 32. Pride member 33. Simpleton 34. Gumption 36. Heart of the earth 37. Tint 39. Clever 44. Driving location 46. Burden 49. Delivery vehicle 51. Kenmore product 53. Beyond’s partner 54. Babes 55. Junk mail 56. Be-boppers 58. Take orders 59. Pilaf base 60. News squib 61. Kids’ bedrooms usually 63. Biology class abbr.

64. Slangy assent 67. Time delay

D

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• 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 • July 25, 2019

Cooking Corner

New flare for the grill Grilling possibilities are endless.

By mixing and matching traditional grilled classics with options that have a variety of textures and flavors, you can shake up your athome menu and add new favorites to your routine this grilling season.

Consider this pierogies recipe for a change-up to the traditional grilling fare.

GRILLED PIEROGIES WITH STEAK AND CHIMICHURRI Pierogies: 1 package Mrs. T’s Classic Onion Pierogies 1-2 tablespoons olive oil Tri-tip steak: 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon pepper 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1 tri-tip steak (2-3 pounds) Chimichurri sauce: 1 cup fresh Italian parsley, packed 1/4 cup fresh cilantro 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1/3 cup red wine vinegar 3-4 garlic cloves, peeled 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper

flakes 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper Toss pierogies in olive oil. In small bowl, combine salt, pepper, onion powder and garlic powder and season steak on all sides.

To make Chimichurri Sauce: In food processor, pulse parsley, cilantro, olive oil, vinegar, garlic, red pepper, salt and black pepper until well combined, but small pieces of herbs remain. Pour into serving bowl, cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Heat grill to 400 degrees. Grill steak over direct heat 3-4 minutes per side. After flipping steak, place pierogies over indirect heat. Close grill lid and cook 3-4 minutes.

Move steak to indirect heat and move pierogies to direct heat.

Remove from grill when pierogies are golden brown and steak is cooked to preferred doneness.

Allow steak to rest before slicing.

Layer one pierogy, one slice steak and drizzle of chimichurri sauce to assemble each bite.

— Family Features

CALENDAR THURSDAY, JULY 25 Speed mentoring for small business SCORE Vermont presents an opportunity to learn and network with business mentors.

South Burlington Public Library, 155 Dorset Street (inside the University Mall by Target). 5:30-7:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, JULY 26 Bike Blast Celebrate sustainable modes of transportation with this group bike ride. Gather at 5:45 p.m. at 179 South Winooski Ave. in Burlington for a 4 mile group ride. Sponsored by 350 Vermont.

SATURDAY, JULY 27 Bird monitoring walk Join experienced birders for a walk on the Birds of Vermont Museum property, 900 Sherman Hollow Rd., Huntington. 9 a.m.

Preregister at museum@birdsofvermont.org (802) 434-2167.

SUNDAY, JULY 28 Greek Food Festival Full Greek menu and pastries,

music, dancing and church tours.

Greek Orthodox Church, South Willard St., Burlington. 12-5 p.m.

862-2155.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 31 Camp fire and s’mores Town Band concert on the green in Williston with a camp fire and free s’mores. 7-8 p.m. at the bandstand in the village next to the library. Sponsored by Williston Federated Church.

THURSDAY, AUG. 1 Party for Marti Fiske Celebrate Dorothy Alling Memorial Library Director Marti Fiske’s 14-year tenure with a farewell party. Library Community Room.

4-5:30 p.m. Enjoy refreshments, thank Marti and share memories.

TUESDAY, AUG. 6 Hawaiian quilt show Champlain Valley Quilt Guild presents the history of Hawaiian quilts. Holy Family Parish Hall, 30 Lincoln St., Essex Junction. 6:30 p.m. cvqgvt.org.

ONGOING Catamount Community Forest

Walk Series To celebrate the purchase of the Catamount Community Forest, the Vermont Master Naturalists of Williston (vermontmasternaturalist.org) are sponsoring a walk series held the second Saturday of each month from July through November at the forest on Governor Chittenden Road. The walks will be held rain or shine, 9-11 a.m.

All walks are free and open to the public. Meet at the informational kiosk in the main parking lot.

Summervale The Intervale Center in Burlington presents Summervale, a weekly celebration of local food and farms.

The gathering is held Thursdays through Aug. 29, 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Intervale Center, 180 Intervale Rd., Burlington. intervale.org.

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.

TO SUBMIT AN EVENT: email editor@willistonobserver.com

July 25, 2019 • Williston Observer • Page 21

MOVIES

GREATER BURLINGTON’S PROFESSIONAL SUMMER THEATER

Now I LOVE YOU'RE YOU PERFECT change NOW PLAYING: JULY 17–27

COMING NEXT: JULY 31–AUGUST 10

BUY ONLINE NOW: saintmichaelsplayhouse.org • 802.654.2281

Majestic 10MAJESTIC at Maple Tree Place – 190 Boxwood St., Williston 10 AT MAPLE TREE PLACE July 26 – Wednesday, 31 190Friday, Boxwood St. Williston, July VT 05495

Friday 7/26/19 thru Wednesday 7/31/19

R ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD Running Time 2hr 55min 12:15 2:20 3:45 7:10 8:20 9:00 Running Time 2hr 10min PG THE LION KING 12:00 1:00 2:30 3:10 4:00 5:30 6:10 7:00 8:40 9:35 R CRAWL Running Time 1hr 40min 12:55 7:05 PG13 SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME Running Time 2hr 20min 12:20 12:50 3:40 6:40 8:10 9:20 R MIDSOMMAR Running Time 2hr 40min 3:55 9:10 PG13 YESTERDAY Running Time 2hr 15min 12:30 3:30 6:50 9:25 G TOY STORY 4 Running Time 1hr 50min 12:40 3:50 6:20 9:30 PG THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS 2 Running Time 1hr 40min 12:10 6:00 PG ALADDIN Running Time 2hr 20min 3:20 6:30 Closed Captioning/Assistive Listening/Narrative Audio Devices available on request Doors open at 11:30am Merrill’s Roxy Cinemas – 122 College St., Burlington Friday, July 26 – Wednesday, July 31 Show Schedule - Merrill's Roxy Cinemas - 7/26/2019

Merrill Theatre Company

7/26/2019 - 7/26/2019

ECHO IN THE CANYON

Bernie is just plain fun!

Bernie is a one year old black lab. She is sweet, social, easy-going, spunky, curious and just fun! Bernie is what a lab puppy should be. She will become her best self with obedience training.

Bernie is great with children and other dogs.

Please fill out a non Bulldog application on our website: www.vermontenglishbulldogrescue.com

1:30P

4:15P

PG13 6:55P

9:05P

ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLY 1:05P

4:15P

6:15P

R 7:30P

SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME 1:00P

3:55P

6:40P

PG13 9:15P

THE ART OF SELF DEFENSE 1:15P

3:50P

R

9:30P

THE LION KING 2019 1:10P

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PG 6:45P

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WILD ROSE 1:20P

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Crossword Solution Puzzle page 19

VERMONT GRASS-FED BEEF • MILKSHAKES • VERMONT VODKA BAR

192 Boxwood St., Williston, VT 05495 • 857-5829 • grazersvt.com • Also... Grazers @ 14th Star Brewery

Page 22 • Williston Observer • July 25, 2019

CLASSIFIEDS LEGAL NOTICES TOWN OF WILLISTON DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD AGENDA Tuesday, August 13, 2019 – 7:00 PM 7900 Williston Road – Town Hall Meeting Room

DP 20-01 Global Montello Group Cor-poration requests a discretionary permit to establish a master sign plan for the existing gas station and convenience store located at 500 Essex Road in the Gateway Zoning District North (GZDN) DP 20-02 Pre-App Nick & Aerwen Stag-ers request pre-application review to redevelop a 0.8 acre parcel of land into a mixed use site with a dentist office and an apartment at

5063 Williston Road in the Gateway Zoning District West (GZDW) DP 16-05.1 Pre-App Allen Brook De-velopment and Community Bank N.A. request pre-application review for Phase II of the Cottonwood Crossing Mixed-Use Development located at 6180 Williston Road in the Mixed-Use Resi-dential Zoning District (MURZD) Project details and site plans are availa-ble on the website, town. williston.vt.us, with “Agendas & Minutes,” under “Pub-lic Records and Documents”. Planning & Zoning Office: 878-6704 or 7878 Wil-liston Road

RetiRement Plan administRatoR

A full-time position for an individual to join their staff to be trained in all aspects of retirement plan administration. Must be professional, highly motivated and detailed oriented with strong customer service skills. This is not a tele-commute position.

Qualifications include: proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (especially Excel and Word), mathematics/accounting experience, excellent written and verbal communication, sound problem solving and decision making, willingness to be part of a team. Experience preferred but willing to train the right person.

SERVICES Since 1977, Lafayette Painting has provided top quality interior painting services. Our experts will complete your job quickly and the finished work is guaranteed. Learn more about us at lafayettepaint-inginc.com or call 863-5397 Does your home need a fresh coat of paint or brand new color?

Lupine Painting can help with any of your painting needs. 20+ years of stress-free painting. Call for a free consultation (802) 598-9940.

Full benefits package is provided.

GARAGE SALES Large Yard Sale - Thurs., Aug. 8-Sat, Aug. 10 from 8:30 a.m – 3 p.m. Household items, clothing, furniture, some antiques and much more. 59 Lamplite Lane, Williston.

Annual Neighborhood Sale - Sat. Aug. 3. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Bittersweet Village Condos off Route 2A, Williston.

FOR SALE Miscellaneous: Tempur-Pedic queen size adjustable bed with headboard, new $3500, will sell for $1000; Weber charcoal grill used only twice, $50; Black & Decker cordless 12 volt trimmer/edger, $25; Power Lite snow thrower, $75; Call Carol 879-2782.

Mattress Set - Simmons Beautyrest pillow top King Mattress set (from Sears). Mattress, 2 piece split box spring for extra support for large mattresses, plus bed frame. Good condition. Sell for $450. Text if interested 598-5568.

Litter Box - LitterMaid self-cleaning litter box (mul-ti-cat). Only 1 month old with extra supplies. Paid $105 new. Will sell for $60. Works great for 1 cat, not 3. Call 316-2131.

PuBLIC AuTO AuCTION 300 Vehicles Expected!

Saturday, July 27 @ 9AM

(Register & Inspect from 7:30AM)

298 J. Brown Dr., Williston

Bid to own your car!

Online Bidding Available on Lane 3!

25% down at time of sale, balance due in 72 hours.

’11 Ford Fusion Special Interest: ’84 Chevy Corvette ’11 Hyundai Elantra ’10 Buick LaCrosse PLUS: ’10 Chrysler PT ’15 Nissan NV200 Cruiser ’13 Ford Focus ’10 Chrysler T&C ’13 Nissan Sentra ’10 Ford Escape ’12 Chevy Impala ’10 Ford F-150 (2) ’12 Ford Escape ’10 Ford F-250 SD ’12 Kia Forte ’10 Ford Fusion ’11 Chevy Aveo ’10 Ford Fusion ’11 Chevy Cruze AND MORE! ’11 Ford Fiesta List subject to change.

Thomas Hirchak Co. • 802-878-9200 See the auto list at THCAuction.com

Email your cover letter and resume to erin@futureplanningassoc.com or mail to Future Planning Associates, Inc. P.O. Box 905 Williston, VT 05495

Senior Community Banker Shelburne Road There is no better time join NSB’s team!

Northfield Savings Bank, founded in 1867, is the largest banking institution headquartered in Vermont. We are looking for a professional to join our team as a Senior Community Banker in our Shelburne Road Branch located at 1120 Shelburne Road, South Burlington, VT. This position offers an excellent opportunity to work for a premier Vermont mutual savings bank.

Job Responsibilities & Requirements • A thorough knowledge of banking and the technology which enables customers to conduct financial transactions, the ability to build customer relationships, earn trust, and maintain confidentiality are essential. Exceptional customer service, opening and maintaining customers’ accounts and services, as well as guiding customers through the consumer loan process in accordance with established policies and procedures are requirements of this position.

Summer can be a lot of fun when you have family, friends and activities. But for some children who can’t live at home, it can seem like forever before school starts again.

Wherever you live in Vermont, there’s a child in foster care who could benefit from your loving care —as a full-time foster parent, part-time respite provider or caring community partner.

We know you care. We’ll show you how to care for her.

fostercare.vt.gov

The Senior Community Banker must possess excellent communication and customer service skills for both internal and external customers. Requirements include 3-5 years of bank experience and registration with the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System. A Bachelor’s degree is preferred.

Find your place with us at NSB • NSB offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, profit sharing, matching 401(K) retirement program, professional development opportunities, and a positive work environment supported by a team culture.

Northfield Savings Bank hours of operation are Monday – Thursday, generally 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Please submit your resume and application in confidence to: Careers@nsbvt.com (Preferred) Or mail: Northfield Savings Bank - Human Resources P.O. Box 7180 Barre, VT 05641-7180 Equal Opportunity Employer/Member FDIC

all 985-3091 vertising@shelburnenews.com

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July 25, 2019 • Williston Observer • Page 23

CLASSIFIEDS

Landscape / Lawncare

Twin bed set - Mattress, box spring, frame and 4-drawer wood bureau. $80 for all. Call 316-2131.

Miscellaneous - WeatherTech mats for 2016 Mazda 6, $180 new, will sell for $50. Set of 4 mounted winter tires, 225/45R19 Pirelli, low profile, 9,500 miles driven, $200. Four East Cemetery plots, $500 each for Williston residents and $1,000 for

non-residents. Pelican tandem kayak with life jackets, paddles, waterproof container, $200. Call Larry 8796697.

Camper - 2008 Montana Mountaineer. 5th wheel, 36 ft. long, 3 slide outs, great condition. $12,000.

Call Phillip, 872-5778.

FREE

VOLUNTEERS

Free for the hauling away, several yards of good dirt fill. We will load your truck. Located in Williston.

Call 878-0232.

WANTED Wanted - Lawnmowers, rototillers, lawn sweepers, etc. Call 288-8288.

Drivers Needed - Meals on Wheels needs drivers to deliver hot meals to seniors in Williston. For information, call 800-642-5119.

GOT NEWS? Call 872-9000 x117

To place a classified ad, email marianne@willistonobserver.com

SERVICE DIRECTORY Landscape / Lawncare LAWN CARE/LANDSCAPING

TREE SERVICE

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Adam’s Tree & Yard Tree & Stump Removal Yard & Brush Pile Clean Up Insured

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Adam Hall • 802-309-8971 CLEAN UP & HAULING

LIGHT CONSTRUCTION

PLEASANT VALLEY, INC.

Roofing Siding Renovations Painting Decks

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WE GUARANTEE YOU WILL SAVE $1,000 IN CREDIT CARD PROCESSING FEES OR WE WILL PAY YOU $1,000 CALL CHRIS AT 480-650-6514 WILLISTON RESIDENT

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FULL SERVICE JEWELER

Repair Restore Restyle Your Local Family Jewelers

LANDSCAPE SERVICES

— Snow Plowing —

Hydraulic Thumb Site Work Stump Removal

Lawn Care Custom Carpentry Driveway Grading

233-6938

yardjacks.com

WATER / COFFEE WATER/COFFEE Bottled Water • Cooler Rentals Ofce and Home Delivery Coffee Break Service

Condominium Associations Commercial Residential

Now Submitting Bids

Hedge Trimming / Landscape Projects Fall Clean Up / Winter Snow Services Professional quality service at great rates

Green Mountain Coffee Keurig Single Cup Brewers

1-800-698-4792 • Toll Free Newport, Vermont Bottled at the source in Beebe Plain, VT

CARPENTRY

YOGA

High Standards, LLC Remodeling, Rot Repair, Decks, Windows, Doors

Carpentry

Drywall, Siding, Finish Work, Pressure Washing

All work done on site by Owner

24/7 On Call – Free Estimates – Fully Insured

97 Pearl Street • Essex Junction Shopping Center Shannonsofvermont.com • 802-878-3774

Matt Levee • HighStandards802@gmail.com

We replace watch bands & batteries too!

• TRACTOR SERVICES

802-355-8193

To advertise, email Marianne@willistonobserver.com

Page 24 • Williston Observer • July 25, 2019

e v G ’ o e t W

The Observer wants to celebrate the good things that make Williston such a great place to live…

Neighbors who help neighbors. Kids being good citizens. Accomplishments and awards. People and businesses who go out of their way for others. Events to celebrate. New puppies… you get the idea. The “Good News” issue publishes Thursday, Aug. 8!

SEND US YOUR GOOD NEWS! PHOTOS, TOO!

Submissions needed by Thursday, Aug. 1 Email to:Editor@willistonobserver.com

TO ADVERTISE: Marianne@willistonobserver.com