Williston Observer 9/24/2020 by Williston Observer

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SEPTEMBER 24, 2020

WILLISTON’S NEWSPAPER SINCE 1985

School district to reopen in-person kindergarten State moves to final phase of school reopening plans By Jason Starr Observer staff

The Champlain Valley School District plans to bring kindergarten students back to a four-day-aweek, in-person schedule starting Oct. 5, according to communications director Bonnie Birdsall. The district hopes to make a final decision on the move later this week, she said. The move would be a first step toward returning to normalcy for the district, which is offering only remote and partially remote learning options for students in response to the coronavirus pandemic. On Monday, the neighboring Essex Westford School District announced that students kindergarten through fifth grade can return to school full-time starting Oct. 5. The decision came after a meeting of the Champlain Valley Regional Superintendent’s Association, of which Champlain Valley School District Superintendent Elaine Pinckney is a member. Pinckney could not be reached for comment. The superintendents association determined that three benchmarks need to be in place before students return: adequate staffing, established health practices and routines, and stable statewide COVID infection rates. The Vermont Agency of Education and the Department of Health have encouraged school districts to return to full-time, in-person learning as

soon as practical. Since school began on Sept. 8, there have been “a small number of COVID cases” in schools statewide, Health Commissioner Mark Levine said Tuesday. “None of the people who tested positive got the virus due to being in school,” Levine said. “Based on our investigations, all had been exposed prior to classes beginning. Even if they were potentially infectious for a day in school, adherence to physical distancing and masking guidance have been, and remain, critical strategies for students and staff to continue adhering to.” Fully opening schools is part of the third and final phase of the Department of Education’s safety and health recommendations that are guiding schools in their plans this fall. Education Secretary Dan French moved the state into the third phase on Monday, effective at the end of this week. The move gives schools the option to return to in-person instruction for all grade levels and opens the door for the fall sports season to begin (see related story, page 1). Except for kindergarten, the Champlain Valley School District will keep the rest of the grades in its partially remote schedule. With this schedule, schools are never more than half full on any given day, making it practical to observe physical distance guidelines. Masks are required for students, staff and teachers, and temperature and symptom checks are conducted before students can enter the building. During the three weekdays students are not in school, they are

learning online from home, “It’s hard because my husband is trying to work remotely, but our internet isn’t good, so when the kids have online learning and he’s trying to work and everybody’s on the internet, we sometimes all get booted off,” said Carrie Williams Howe, parent of a first-grader at Allen Brook School. However, the beginning of school this year has offered a welcome return to in-person learning, even if just two days a week. “The social part about not having friends to play with has been the hardest for her,” she said of her daughter. “So going back to school has helped with that. The chance to see her friends for two days of the week is a relief.” “There’s just been sort of overwhelming gratitude and thankfulness that kids are at least back in school a couple days a week,” said Williston Central School Principal Jackie Parks. Howe commends the efforts from district parents to support the schools, saying there has been an outpouring of support from the community which has made the return to school feel like a collaborative effort. She remains cautiously optimistic about the school year. “We are trying not to get too attached to anything because we know it could change either to full-time school or no school at any point,” Howe said. “So it’s also about kind of being flexible and going with the flow.” Ciara McEneany and Zoe Hulina of UVM’s Reporting and Documentary Storytelling program contributed to this report.

Town meeting room renamed to honor Beckett, McGuire

The meeting room at Williston Town Hall has been renamed the Beckett-McGuire Meeting Room in honor of two long-time town staff members who retired earlier this year. Rick McGuire spent countless hours in the meeting room during his 22 years as town manager, leading selectboard meetings and tending to a variety of town business. McGuire retired in August. Beckett was town clerk and treasurer for two decades, her tenure overlapping almost entirely with McGuire’s. She also volunteered

on the town’s development review board, cemetery commission and as a justice of the peace. Beckett was fighting cancer during her final years on the job. She retired in March and died in August. Last week, the selectboard unanimously approved a resolution renaming the meeting room in their honor. “Both individuals exemplified public service, performing their civic duty admirably with the highest degree of integrity,” the resolution says. “The contri-

butions (they) have made to the community will be felt for years to come.” The meeting room is located in the second floor of town hall on Williston Road. It hosts the meetings of several town boards and commissions and is used by a variety of civic organizations. A plaque with information about Beckett and McGuire’s service to the community will be created and hung in the room, Town Manager Erik Wells said. — Jason Starr

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Life on the wild side

Observer photo by Al Frey

Dorothy Alling Memorial Library hosted a live animal show last Wednesday presented by Michael Clough, director of the Southern Vermont Natural History Museum in Marlboro. Clough (above with a Barred Owl) introduced the audience to several animals native to the northeastern United States and focused on the challenges that Vermont wildlife face. Attendees also had the opportunity to observe skulls, fur and other artifacts from local fauna. For more photos, see ‘Wildlife’ page 3.

High school sports get green light High school sports competition has been given the go-ahead. After two weeks of practice, the State of Vermont officially announced that schools are moving to Stage 3 of opening, creating the opportunity for high school sports teams to begin games Saturday. The announcement was made by Secretary of Education Dan French at the governor’s weekly press conference on Tuesday afternoon. Champlain Valley Union High School will kick things off in a big way with five varsity competitions Saturday. “We are very excited that we’re finally able to play,” said CVU Activities Director Dan Shepardson.

“There is a buzz in the building and online. Going to be a beautiful 75-plus-degree day on Saturday with games galore.” The CVU boys soccer team will take on Rice at 10 a.m., girls volleyball will take on Mount Mansfield at 10 a.m., boys volleyball will play Lyndon at 1:30 p.m. and field hockey will welcome Rice for a game at 2:30 p.m. On top of that, the cross country teams will head to BFA-St. Albans for a 2 p.m. meet. While the athletes will hit the fields, spectators will not be allowed to attend to adhere to the state’s limits on gathering size. — Lauren Read

Page 2 • Williston Observer • September 24, 2020

Collette sworn in as fire chief

Last week, the Williston Fire Department swore in its third-ever fire chief. Aaron Collette took the oath surrounded by family, colleagues and town administrators. Outgoing Fire Chief Ken Morton administered the oath. The badge that was used for the pinning was the same badge Chief Collette’s grandfather wore on his uniform as the Vergennes Fire Chief for over 50 years. During his speech, Collette

spoke about family and how he looks forward to growing together with the department as a family. He credited his mentors that have impacted his life and growth in fire service and how crucial that role is in the fire service. Collette said he will treat every member of the Williston community as if each were a family member. — Prescott Nadeau, WFD public information officer

Observer photo by Dave Auriemma

Quick guide to voting with your mailed ballot

Williston residents will be receiving general election ballots in the mail from the Vermont Secretary of State in the coming days and weeks. If you don’t receive a ballot by Oct. 9, call the Williston Town Clerk at 878-5121. The ballot will be two-sided, with local issues on the back. After making your votes, put the ballot in the certificate envelope provided and seal it. Remember to sign the certificate envelope, including middle initial, to ensure your vote is counted. To return your ballot by mail, use the postage paid envelope provided by Oct. 26. Ballots can also be returned through a new driveup drop box in the parking lot behind town hall, 7900 Williston Rd., or returned to the town clerk’s office any time before noon Nov. 2. Voters who do not wish to vote by mail or by drop-off can vote in person Nov. 3 at the National Guard Armory at 7846 Williston Rd., but must bring the ballot they receive in the mail to the polls. Same-day voter registration will be available at the polls.

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A food drop-off to benefit the Williston Community Food Shelf is planned for Sept. 26 from 9-11 a.m. at the Williston Federated Church parking lot at 44 North Williston Rd. The following items are in short supply and needed at the food shelf: pasta sauce, cereal, peanut butter, jelly, canned soup, canned fruit and diced tomatoes. Wear a mask when donating. The event is sponsored by members of the Williston Federated Church.

Blood drive planned in Essex The Jericho-Underhill Lions Club is sponsoring a Red Cross Blood Drive at the Covenant Church, 1 Whitcomb Meadows Lane, in Essex, on Oct. 7, from 1-6 p.m. Go to www.RedCrossBlood. org and enter “covenant” to schedule an appointment.

September 24, 2020 • Williston Observer • Page 3

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Adjusting to a new kind of football

Blocking and tackling are out, but the fun of the game remains By Lauren Read

Observer correspondent

Last season, Champlain Valley Union High School football player Isaac Bergeron would line up on the line of scrimmage, ready to clear space for a running back. This year, Bergeron will get to

show off a different set of skills. “I’ve got a 240-pound lineman that can throw the football 40 or 50 yards on a dime and into his receiver’s hands,” said CVU coach Rahn Fleming. “He will play quarterback. We will find series in which we can put Isaac Bergeron in at quarterback.” Revelations like the one about Bergeron’s throwing arm are one of the positive notes in a very different high school football season. “It’s a new and different kind of challenge,” Fleming said. “Watch-

ing those guys buckle their chin straps and go out and execute and play football together is a silver lining all by itself.” Due to COVID-19, the State of Vermont decided full contact football would not be played this fall. The Vermont Principals’ Association pivoted to a plan for 7-vs-7 touch football, with coaching staff and players quickly changing up plans for the 2020 fall season. “I think that we set a tone early that said ‘whatever it is, we’re

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gonna get after it,’” said Fleming. “Our guys bought in.” The switch to 7-vs-7 comes with a whole new set of rules for the players and coaches to adjust to. The games will be pass only, no running plays, with the quarterback having four seconds to release the ball. Other rules include: — For every possession, the ball will start on the 30-yard line — No blocking or tackling — A player will be considered down when touched by one or

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A CVU player practices for a very different high school football season.

both hands — Kick-offs are allowed, but regardless of where the ball lands, the next possession begins on the 30-yard line — Linemen and receivers/backs will rotate quarters so that each position gets time on the field “We moved quickly into acceptance and, frankly, gratitude because really the other option was no football at all,” Fleming said. “When you have the option of ‘you don’t get to play at all’ or ‘you get the play this way,’ we choose this way.” The team has spent the last two weeks getting used to the new reality and discovering new talents. There are roughly 80 athletes playing football this season, between the varsity and JV squads. “I love the kids and one of the reasons for that is just this willingness to adapt and just kind of look up and say, ‘OK, that’s not what I wanted, but what’s next,’” the second-year head coach said. While it won’t look the same, Fleming said one of the things he and his coaching staff are working hard to ensure is that the season is fun and that the players get to enjoy the time they have out there. “My prediction for the season is fun,” Fleming said. “I sincerely believe that this group of guys is going to go out there and they’re going to execute what we’ve been practicing these few weeks now, and they’re going to have a blast doing it.” CVU will travel to Colchester on Tuesday at 6 p.m. to open the season and give everyone a look at a very different football game. “I’m really glad to get to go to Colchester and have our first genuinely competitive, full-tilt, onehand-touch, 7-on-7, exclusively passing football game of 2020,” Fleming said.

September 24, 2020 • Williston Observer • Page 5

Retroactive unemployment insurance payments on the way State unemployment rate falls to 4.8 percent The Vermont Department of Labor began distributing $21.6 million to about 25,000 unemployment insurance claimants through the Lost Wage Assistance program last week. Retroactive payments were mailed directly to claimants who

certified their employment had been impacted by COVID-19 for the weeks ending Aug. 1, Aug. 8, and Aug. 15. The Department of Labor has submitted an additional application to the Federal Emergency Management Administration for an additional three weeks, which would provide a total of six weeks of retroactive benefits to Vermonters.

“Since receiving funding for this program, our team has been hard at work developing and implementing necessary requirements to issue this supplemental benefit payment to Vermonters as expeditiously as possible,” said Labor Commissioner Michael Harrington. “Claimants who have not yet completed the LWA certification should do so to avoid pay-

Gov. anticipates global warming lawsuits By Guy Page Special to the Observer

The Vermont House of Representatives last week overrode Gov. Phil Scott’s veto of the Global Warming Solutions Act by a tally of 103-47. Every Republican voted no, but the GOP loss of seats in the 2018 election showed its hand when the united GOP caucus and a few stray independents and Democrats couldn’t find the 51 votes necessary to support Scott’s veto. The Senate is expected to follow suit this week. At his Friday press conference, the governor was asked if the bill can be fought, even if the Senate votes to override the veto. The act gives carbon-reduction decision-making powers to an unelected, appointed 22-member “Climate Council.” That will likely mean a Constitutional challenge from “someone,” Scott said.

The Vermont Constitution prevents the legislative, executive and judicial branches from encroaching on each other’s powers. The legislature can abdicate its own responsibilities, but not the governor’s, Scott said. “I feel the legislature just wiped their hands of that because they won’t want to make the tough decisions over the next four years,” he said. Scott shared the thinking behind his veto decision in a video message Friday. “My biggest concern is that it’s unconstitutional. And in a big way, the bill puts an unelected, unaccountable council in charge of policy making, which means Vermonters will no longer have a say in the process and the council will be able to put their policy recommendations directly into law. “Think about that — there would be 23 members, one-third

appointed by the governor and the other two-thirds appointed by the legislature, and they would have the power to make laws. The legislature, the elected representatives of the people, would not have to vote on it. The governor — not just me, any future governor — the person elected by Vermonters to provide executive oversight and administration, would not get to review it or decide whether to sign it or veto it. “This is just bad policy that could lead to bad outcomes … It will most certainly lead to lawsuits.” In contrast, Gov. Scott praised lawmakers for working with him on S.54, commercial cannabis. He credited the legislature for addressing some of his concerns and will consider that when determining whether to sign the bill. Scott added he’s heard an “uptick” in concern from “some

ment delays.” People unemployed or partially unemployed due to COVID-19 should check their email accounts for instructions from the department on how to complete the certification. Or call the department at 1-877-214-3332. For more information, visit www.labor.vermont.gov. The department reported Mon-

day that the state’s unemployment rate fell in August to 4.8 percent from 8.3 percent in July. That is two percentage points higher than last August, and about half the national unemployment rate of 8.4 percent. “The August report shows employment in the hardest hit industries such as leisure and hospitality is rising, but still below pre-pandemic levels,” Harrington said.

groups I hadn’t heard from before.” Farm and racial justice groups seek a veto because, they say, the bill favors large commercial grows owned by out-of-state, mostly white-owned businesses. Guy Page is publisher of the Vermont Daily Chronicle, online at www. vermontdailychronicle.com.

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Page 6 • Williston Observer • September 24, 2020

GUEST COLUMN

Fund the town energy plan www.willistonobserver.com Published by

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Phone: (802) 872-9000 Mailing address: PO Box 1158, Williston VT 05495 EDITOR

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By Brian Forrest The Williston Selectboard passed the town energy plan at its Sept. 1 meeting. What does this mean? The energy plan is designed to address some of Williston’s contributions to the climate crisis. It contains “Pathways” to accomplish the goals of the plan: the hiring of a town energy coordinator to oversee the execution of the plan; addressing the weatherization and conversion of our municipal buildings and single family homes to carbon-free heating systems; creating a local transit system tying neighborhoods to Taft Corners shops and with the Green Mountain Transit bus system; building charging stations and providing rebates for electric vehicles; and tree planting. This is a 30-year plan to wean the town off fossil fuels. This quote from the plan’s introduction comes from the 2018 International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC): “We must switch from fossil fuels to renewable, non-carbon-based energy sources by 2030 to avoid a 1.5 degree (C) increase in global temperature; a change which is projected to cause catastrophic risks to human systems.” The IPCC report goes on to say

‘We must switch from fossil fuels to renewable, non-carbon-based energy sources by 2030 to avoid a 1.5 degree (C) increase in global temperature; a change which is projected to cause catastrophic risks to human systems.’

that we need to reduce CO2 emissions by 35 percent by 2030 and 100 percent by 2050. Right now, we are living in a grace period when we still have ice at the poles and glaciers to slow global warming. They are melting at alarming rates, and when they are gone, there will be nothing to slow the warming of the planet. During this grace period, when we are not ex-

periencing catastrophic heating, we need to get the work done to prevent them from melting. I said “some” of Williston’s contributions to global warming, because there are other sectors that still need to be addressed, including business, industry, multi-family housing and the school district. These are harder issues to define and address, but still need plans to move them off fossil fuels. One of the plan’s pathways is to create a Town Energy Committee to work on these harder issues. Consider joining the committee. What will funding the energy plan cost? Preliminary figures show that about $3 million a year for 30 years will cover the costs. To get a perspective of what that means, we can look at the most recent budget for our emergency services. Fire and EMS departments are funded at $2.2 million and police are funded at $2.4 million out of a municipal budget of $11.7 million. A $3 million-a-year addition to the municipal budget for the energy plan would add about 26 percent to that budget. Page 21 from the 2019 budget shows that a $250,000 home was taxed $674. A 26 percent add to that tax would be $173 — dividsee GUEST COLUMN page 13

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Pot legalization comes with big costs Experts inform us that THC levels of more than 15 percent are risky. Yet, more than 93 percent of marijuana sold in Colorado’s licensed shops is high potency. Half of Colorado teens who use marijuana use this dangerous high potency THC, according to the latest Healthy Kids Colorado Survey. Teens use nearly three times the high potency marijuana as adults do. Kids dab or vape high potency marijuana without the telltale smell while the their brain is also more easily addicted and more vulnerable to THC-triggered mental illness. Setting a limit of 60 percent THC, as the Vermont legislature proposes, is the same as setting a speed limit to 250 mph and then boasting about the public health and safety gains of speed limits. Will Vermont be able to raise taxes high enough to pay for the damages (including increases in Vermonters’ auto insurance rates, whether one uses or not)? Or to significantly invest in proven prevention to keep our kids from developing dependence later in life? No surprise, the childhood protection “prevention fund” created in response to this legislation was capped before the bill even passed the legislature — foreshadowing future cuts. Big cannabis contributes to increases in health care costs because they must increase addiction in order to profit. They extract needed income from ethnically diverse, economically struggling neighborhoods and redistribute it to the large corporations on Wall Street. Who will pay the price of Vermont’s ability to sell marijuana? Vermont’s towns, Vermont’s schools, Vermont’s hospitals and Vermont’s children.

Crawford for dismissing a lawsuit intended to derail Vermont’s plan for universal mail-in voting this year. It has been sad to see Republicans standing in the way of safe voting in Vermont at every turn this year. They voted against it in the legislature. The governor refused to sign off on the plan put forward by Secretary of State Jim Condos. Finally, they took their case to court and lost. From the president on down, the favorite argument of those opposing vote-by-mail is that it will lead to fraud. But this argument has been proven false time after time. In fact, the argument was so weak, the attorney for the plaintiffs in this case all but abandoned it in court. The judge found other arguments put forward by the plaintiffs to be unconvincing as well. Responding to their claim that people may be too confused or burdened by the vote-by-mail system to participate, he wrote “Of all people likely to be confused about how to vote, these five plaintiffs must be last on the list.” In the end, the judge ruled that the plaintiffs lacked standing to pursue the case. This is a victory for all Vermonters who simply want a safe and secure means of voting this year. For most people, voting from home using a ballot that will arrive at their doorstep in the next week or so, will be the safest and easiest way to participate in the most important election of their lifetime.

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Climate change is real, and it is already affecting our state. The Global Warming Catherine Antley and Spencer Smith Solutions Act, recently passed by the VerBurlington mont Legislature, tells government: When it comes to climate change, do your job. I testified in favor of this bill because it requires

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Letters continued from page

concrete climate action by certain deadlines. And it creates government accountability by allowing Vermonters to bring a citizen lawsuit if government fails to meet those requirements.

The bill is constitutional. Further, the provision creating an opportunity for citizens to bring a lawsuit has limited financial exposure because there is no penalty available to plaintiffs, only attorneys’ fees. I find this bill to be a legally sound and measured approach to tackling one of the greatest crises

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Brady has our vote

Brady for state legislature

We are writing in support of Erin Brady to represent Williston in the Vermont legislature. We have known Erin for many years, and trust that she will work diligently to represent the needs of the people of Williston in a positive and bipartisan manner. Erin has all the qualifications to serve in this role and is highly motivated to see that families, children, the elderly and people of all backgrounds have a voice in Montpelier to assure their well-being. As a mother of two boys, Erin understands what working families encounter on a daily basis. Erin has experience in government service while working on policy in the U.S. Senate. She also serves on the CSVD school board and received national recognition as a high school social studies teacher. Erin Brady has our vote. Please return your mail-in ballots or vote in person on Election Day, Nov. 3.

I am writing to ask my fellow Williston residents to vote for Erin Brady for legislature. Erin has many personal characteristics that make her an ideal choice to represent us well in Montpelier. She is the mother of two children who attend Williston’s public schools and understands the stresses of life in 2020. She has represented us for four years as our representative on the Champlain Valley School District. She is also a teacher (last year’s History Teacher of the Year!) at Colchester High School. Erin listens, respects diverse opinions and takes action. Her service to our community, balanced approach to issues and record of professional excellence are exactly what we need to guide Vermont safely through a historic pandemic, jump-start an economic recovery and bring social progress.

Jeffrey and Luanne Firlik Williston

Ted Kenney Williston see LETTERS page 12

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Library Notes

There are many ways to access the library these days. Browse inside the library by appointment, schedule a public computer session, drop by the bookmobile or request materials to pick up in the building vestibule. Visit www.damlvt.org or call the library at 878-4918 for more information. Sept. is National library Card Sign-up Month. DAML cards are available to Williston and St. George residents, ages 5 and up. Register at www.damlvt.org by clicking on “Apply for a library Card Online,” and your new card will be mailed to you.

PROGRAMS FOR YOUTH Storywalk on the green Stories on the Williston town green begin at the northeast corner of the library. “The King of Kindergarten” by Derrick Barnes, through Sept. 30. Join the hero of the story as he makes his mark on the very first day of school. Oct. 1-31. “Stumpkin” by Lucy Ruth Cummins. Find out

September 24, 2020 • Williston Observer • Page 9 damlvt.org or call 878-4918. For ages 5 and up. Registration is limited. Kits will be available for pickup the week of Oct. 19-24.

whether a stemless pumpkin can find a home in time for Halloween. Storywalk at the park The story begins along the bike path to the east of the Williston Community Park entrance. Oct. 1-31. “Leaves” by David Ezra Stein. Discover the magic of fall through the eyes of a young bear. Kids meditation: mindful moments Wednesdays, 1:15-1:45 p.m. Sept. 30 and Oct. 7. Join via Zoom for a short, guided meditation with Maryellen Crangle. Ages 8-14. Email programs@damlvt.org to register. Preschool to-go craft: tissue paper trees Pick up a take-home craft kit from the library’s vestibule. Ages 3 to 5. No registration necessary. Kits will be available while supplies last starting Oct. 5. After-school program in a bag: spooky lanterns Reserve a kit that contains everything you need to create a spooky, glowing lantern. Sign up at www.

MULTI-AGE PROGRAMS Dottie the bookmobile The bookmobile will continue serving the Williston community through Oct. 15. Get a library card and borrow something new to read or watch. Arrange to pick up reserved library materials at any stop. After-school by the library, Tuesdays/Thursdays, 3-5 p.m. Williston Community Park, Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Isham’s Family Farmers Market, Tuesday Sept. 29, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Finney Crossing pool, Thursdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Movie on the green Friday, Sept. 25, 7 p.m. Enjoy the beautiful fall weather with an outdoor showing of the classic Tom Hanks-Geena Davis film about a real-life

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4918 for an invitation. Guided meditation Fridays, 12-12:30 p.m. Maryellen Crangle leads a short meditation. Sept. 25 and Oct. 2. New perspectives book discussion Tuesday, Oct. 6 and 20, 12-1 p.m. Take part in a discussion of “Buddha’s Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love and Wisdom” by Rick Hanson and explore ways that we can rewire our brains to enhance our overall wellbeing. We will cover parts 1 and 2 on Oct. 6 and parts 3 and 4 on Oct. 20. Join one or both meetings. The book is available to download from Hoopla, and a limited number of hard copies are available at the library.

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Savvy Senior By Jim Miller

Should seniors consider a reverse mortgage now? Dear Savvy Senior, What can you tell me about reverse mortgages? The coronavirus damage to my retirement account has me considering it, but want to make sure I know what I’m getting into. - Cash-Strapped Senior Dear Cash-Strapped, Massive job losses, a volatile stock market and low interest

rates caused by the coronavirus pandemic have caused many cash-strapped retirees to consider a reverse mortgage. But there’s a lot to consider to be sure it’s a good option for you now. Let’s start with the basics. A reverse mortgage is a unique type of loan that allows older homeowners to borrow money against the equity in

12 months. At that point, you or your heirs will have to pay back the loan plus accrued interest and fees, but you will never owe more than the value of your home. It’s also important to understand that with a reverse mortgage, you, not the bank, own the house, so you’re still required to pay your property taxes and homeowners insurance. Not paying them can result in foreclosure. To be eligible, you must be 62 years of age or older, own your own home (or owe only a small balance) and currently be living there. You will also need to undergo a financial assessment to determine whether you can afford to continue paying your property taxes and insurance. Depending on your finan-

cial situation, you may be required to put part of your loan into an escrow account to pay future bills. If the financial assessment finds that you cannot pay your insurance and taxes and have enough cash left to live on, you’ll be denied. LOAN DETAILS

Around 95 percent of all reverse mortgages offered are Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECM), which are FHA insured and offered through private mortgage lenders and banks. HECMs also have home value limits that vary by county but cannot exceed $765,600. How much you can actually get through a reverse mortgage depends on your age (the older you are the more you can get), your home’s value and the prevailing interest rates. Generally, most people can borrow somewhere between 50 and 60 percent of the home’s value. To estimate how much you can borrow, use the reverse mortgage calculator at www.ReverseMortgage.org. To receive your money, you can opt for a lump sum, a line of credit, regular monthly checks or a combination of these. But be aware, reverse mortgages aren’t cheap. HECM loans require a 2 percent upfront mortgage insurance payment, plus an additional 0.5 percent annual charge, on top of origination costs and lenders’ fees. Any amount you borrow, including these fees and insurance, accrues interest, which means your debt grows over time.

To learn more, read the National Council on Aging’s online booklet “Use Your Home to Stay at Home” at www. NCOA.org/home-equity. Also note that because reverse mortgages are complex loans, all borrowers are required to get counseling through a HUD-approved independent counseling agency before taking one out. Most agencies charge between $125 and $250. To locate one near you, visit www.Go.usa.gov/v2H, or call 800-569-4287. OTHER OPTIONS

If you have a short-term need for cash, there are other options you should look into. For example, many low-income seniors don’t realize they qualify for the earned income tax credit, a refundable tax break that can put cash in your pocket. You also could use www. BenefitsCheckUp.org to search for financial assistant programs you may be eligible for. Another possibility is a regular home equity loan or line of credit. This type of borrowing requires you to make payments, and lenders can freeze or lower limits on lines of credit, but the borrowing costs are much lower. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

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Page 12 • Williston Observer • September 24, 2020

Letters

very quick to respond to every email I sent him. He understood continued from page 8 exactly what we needed, and when we needed it. He quickly got to work, gave me Dad for House a quote and told me that he could I am writing to share my support get the supplies to us in time for of my dad, Tony O’Rourke, who is Staples steps up our first day of school. It was a running for the Vermont House of huge relief. for Allen Brook Representatives in Williston. I’ve But wait, it gets better. Not only seen my dad be successful in evI want to share how our local did he deliver all of the needed erything he’s done. He’s worked Staples store saved the day for our items to us, he also personally for large and small companies and local elementary school. rented a truck and delivered them he’s started his own businesses. Because of COVID-19, we had to us early. It was like a Christmas He’s even let me work for him oc- to order individual school supply miracle. casionally to earn some extra mon- kits for all of our students — 342 Teachers and administrators are ey and responsibility. of them. Most every school in under tremendous pressure these One of my favorite things about America is doing the same thing, days, and Mr. Desrochers, along my dad is the wonderful meals so finding particular items was with his team at Staples, got the he cooks and the time we spend very difficult. Our school was in job done for us. We received evas a family enjoying them. I have desperate need of filing crates (to erything we wanted, earlier than seen how hard my dad can work be used to store each child’s suppromised. We all sighed a huge for something he believes in and I plies), as well as individual pencil sigh of relief, and the teachers know he will be a great person to boxes and pencil sharpeners. could relax a little bit over Labor represent all of us in Williston. After searching unsuccessful- Day weekend, knowing that their My dad has always supported ly online, I walked into our local learning kits were ready to go beme, my sister and three brothers in Staples store and spoke with Mike fore the first day of school. everything we’ve wanted to do, so Desrochers, the general managThe Williston Staples store also I thought it was important to show er. Time was of the essence, and organized a school supply drive our support for him. Please vote. throughout the process, he was where local residents could purchase school supply bags for the children in our school district. This was a wonderful gesI will continue to bring Williston the high quality ‘Vermont-style’ ture of kindness in a world where leadership and representation it deserves. everything currently seems top- Representative Jim McCullough sy-turvy. We are grateful that Staples is in our wonderful town and that it’s run by caring, capable and efficient employees who also care about our local children. And please vote for Tony O’Rourke for the House of Representatives. Olivia O’Rourke Williston

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MARY LORETTA JORDAN Mary Loretta Jordan, 97, of Williston, Vermont, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 13, at her home with family by her side. She was born January 17, 1923, in Graniteville, Vermont, the fifth of seven children of Frank and Sabina McGuire. Loretta graduated from The Bishop DeGoesbriand School of Nursing in 1944 and spent over four decades as a labor and delivery room nurse in Burlington, Vermont. She married Richard Jordan on July 3, 1946, and the two were happily married for 56 years until Richard’s death in 2002. Loretta and Richard settled in Williston 65 years ago and raised their ten children there. She is survived by nine children: Mary Ann (Philip) Godin, Teresa Hale, Joseph (Laurie) Jordan, Patricia Anderson, Thomas (Deborah) Jordan, Joan (Angel) Ortiz, Louise (Rudy) Avendano, Elizabeth (John) Shook, and Veronica Jordan. She is also survived by 33 grandchildren, including Ethan Bessette who spent his life with her, 37 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. She is predeceased by her husband Richard Jordan, daughter Martha Francis Jordan, grandson Joseph Shook, and great-granddaughter Mila Kane. As the matriarch of her large extended family and a labor and delivery nurse for over 40 years, Loretta found great joy in bringing new life into the world and was always happiest with a baby nearby. She was a born teacher and spent her professional years training new nurses and residents. Known for both her sharp wit and altruistic nature, Loretta gave her time and love freely to those in need and was a devout Catholic. It’s impossible to try to describe 97 years of a life well-lived, but Loretta made a big impact on almost everyone she met in all facets of her life. She will be missed; she will be celebrated; she will be remembered. A private memorial service for family will be held on Saturday, September 19. The internment and celebration of life will be held in the summer of 2021. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Partners in Adventure - Joe Shook Scholarship Fund at P.O. Box 867 Shelburne, VT 05482.

BETTY RIGGS LANTMAN  Betty Riggs Lantman, 90, of Hinesburg, VT passed away on September 14, 2020 after years of declining health. Lori Saladino, Born June14, 1930 in Hinesburg, Betty was the middle child of HerAllen Brook bert and Hazel (Kenyon) Riggs. She graduated from Hinesburg High School parapro- School in 1948. She worked for Dr. L.J. Wainer for a short while before fessional/teacher her marriage to Douglas Lantman in 1949. They had recently celebrated assistant 71 years of marriage on September 4, 2020. Betty worked side by side with Doug at Lantman Brothers IGA in Hinesburg until their retirement in 1988. After leaving the store, she enjoyed her time at their Lake Iroquois home gardening, bird watching and recording the annual dates of the lake freezing and the ice going out. In 2018 Betty moved to Mansfield Place in Essex where she enjoyed playing bingo, word games and many other social activities offered there. The family wishes to thank the staff at Mansfield Place for their kind and loving care. Betty was predeceased by her parents; her six siblings Leonard Riggs (Joyce), Lawrence Riggs (Ginny), Dorothy Smith (Don), Joyce Bird (Dick), Howard Riggs (Norma Jean) and Nancy Lane. She was the last surviving member of her siblings. Betty leaves her husband Douglas Lantman, her daughters Beth Sasala and Kay Loudon (Gayle) and grandchildren Douglas Sasala, Megan Sasala, Thomas Loudon and David Loudon (Bronwen). The burial will be private at the convenience of the family. Cards of condolence may be sent to Douglas Lantman 18 Carmichael St., Apt 320, Essex Jct,, VT 05452. Contributions may be given to United Church of Hinesburg, P.O. Box 39, Hinesburg, VT 05461 or the Hinesburg Fire Department, P. O. Box 12, Hinesburg, VT FEDERALLY INSURED BY NCUA 05461. Arrangements are in care of Gifford Funeral Home, 22 Depot St. Richmond, VT. FOLLOW US

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September 24, 2020 • Williston Observer • Page 13

Guest column continued from page

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ed by 12 months, we get $14.42 a month or $3.60 a week or the price of a cup of coffee. So, for a cup of coffee a week we could be saving about 30 percent on our heating bills, encouraging the use of electric vehicles, planting food trees, having a rural transportation system and addressing some of our climate change responsibility. Is this too expensive? The cost of doing nothing is more. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s 2020 annual report blames climate change for $45 billion worth of damage in the USA in 2019. Fighting the climate crisis needs to happen at all levels of government, but there is little hope of federal action in the near future, and the Global Warming Solu-

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from fire and harm, the maintenance of our roads, water, sewer and administration. The climate crisis is of the same dimension as those public safety issues with a magnitude of extinction proportions that needs to be the subject of our collective attention. What needs to be done right away is to fund an energy coordinator, perform a survey of the present energy condition of our housing stock and public buildings, and plan for the enactment of the whole energy plan. So, write your selectboard members and town manager, email them, show up at (Zoom) selectboard meetings and public hearings, let them know of your concern and advocate for full funding of the plan. Let them know that you want them to act now. - Brian Forrest is the Town of Williston’s volunteer energy coordinator.

tions Act, which has the votes to override a veto from the governor, would still need to secure funding. That leaves only the towns to take up the climate crisis mantle if there is going to be effective action. And it’s not just Williston that has to act, but every town needs to have a plan to cool the earth. Without them, the earth will continue to warm. We, as a state, brought the COVID-19 pandemic under control by listening to the scientists. Are we not going to listen to the scientists when it comes to the climate crisis — a crisis that will, if not addressed, destroy life on this planet? We used to raise barns as a community because the task was more than a single family could undertake. Our town government is there to direct and pay for (on our behalf) tasks that we cannot provide on our own — like safety

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CLASSIFIEDS LEGAL NOTICE

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Statewide, dozens of Vermont’s new hubs that will serve school-age children on remote learning days need qualified staff to supervise K-6 students while they learn remotely and play. Positions are short-term, full-time or part-time, and you can begin immediately. Jobs are in-person, and employers carefully follow COVID-19 health and safety protocols. These positions are perfect for those who are interested in making a difference in their community. Afterschool and school-age hubs staff will be a critical part of Vermont’s COVID-19 relief response, giving elementary school students support while they learn virtually and parents support so they can work. There are available jobs for anyone who has experience working with youth, and are a great opportunity for those who are currently in high school or college, as well as high school and college graduates who are taking a gap year or looking for flexible employment. Applicants should like working with kids. You should be energetic and responsible, have diverse skills, and able to pass a background check. Visit www.VermontAfterschool.org/Recruit to easily indicate your interest in applying for an open position near you.

TOWN OF WILLISTON DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD AGENDA Tuesday, October 13, 2020 – 7:00 PM Zoom Webinar ID: 823-369-798 DP 21-03 3JT, LLC (c/o Jeffrey Mongeon) request pre-application review to reconfigure access and construct a ±7,600 SF 2-story commercial building between the existing building and the road at 2300 St George Road in the TCZD. DP 17-01.3 BlackRock Construction, LLC requests a Discretionary Permit to amend Northridge Subdivision Phase I to establish footprint lots for units along Zoey Drive and propose a 6’ high stone retaining wall along 300’ of the recreation path North of Metcalf Drive & east of Coyote Lane in the RZD. DP 17-01.4 BlackRock Construction, LLC requests a Discretionary Permit to amend Northridge Subdivision Phase II to consolidate two lots and modify the landscaping plan areas north of Metcalf Drive & east of Coyote Lane in the RZD. Project details and site plans are

personal trainer. Ideally we would love to stay in Williston to be near family, but are open to the surrounding towns or Montpelier, as well. Our only requirements are strong WiFi, as we both work from home and need to conduct a lot of work through video calls and enough space for him to conduct virtual personal training sessions. Call Ellie at 802-338-8782.

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.

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continued from page 2

The week-long bait drop is a cooperaHealth tive effort between Vermont and the U.S. SYSTEMS DepartmentBASEMENT of Agriculture Wildlife Services to stop the spread of the potentially fatal disease. Rabies is a deadly viral disease of the brain that infects mammals. It is most often seen in raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats, but unvaccinated pets and livestock can also get rabies. The virus is spread through the bite of an infected animal or contact with its

ways fatal in humans and animals. However, treatment with the rabies vaccine is nearly 100 percent effective when given soon after Health a person is bitten by a rabid animal. POWER WASHING So far this year, 23 animals in Vermont Nancy have tested positive for rabies,Marconi and 14 of Certified Massage Therapist those have been raccoons. According to wildlife officials, Road rabid 64 Steeplebush Specializing in Low-Pressure Vinyl Siding Washes animals often show a change in Shelburne their normal behavior, youdecks, cannot tell whether MassageWorksVT Washing houses,but condos, driveways & more! 802-985-8984 Tissue, Hot Stonessimply by looking at anDeep animal has rabies cell Swedishshould Massage it.&Owner People not touch pick338-7001 up wild operated - CallorGreg Mack animals orIntro strays – even baby animals. Offer for New Clients 802-310-6379

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continued fromREAL page ESTATE 4

Shelburne Historical will have a Thinking of Society SELLING? display and president Dorothea Penar will lead a cemetery tour at 1 p.m. Food venWant a free market analysis? dors round out the event with everything from coffee and lemonade to burgers and Call your local Williston agent, Elise Polli! creemees. Kids will enjoy meeting animals from Shelburne Farms,802-399-0134 craft projects, and

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Page 16 • Williston Observer • September 24, 2020

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