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WILLISTON’S NEWSPAPER SINCE 1985
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Local meteorologists take on the task of forecasting fire smoke BY JASON STARR Observer staff
Of all the impacts of global warming, wildfires and their migrating smoke plumes may be the most widely felt. An expansive swath of North America is currently under a haze of smoke billowing from uncontrolled fires in western Canada, and as residents of the Champlain Valley know, northern Vermont is in the crosshairs. Last weekend, wildfire smoke deteriorated local air quality into an unhealthy range for “sensitive groups,” according to an alert issued by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation’s Air Quality Division. The
department recommended that older adults, children and people with heart or lung conditions limit time outside. Then on Monday, a strong south wind scoured out the valley and cleared the air. The task of forecasting the comings and goings of wildfire smoke and its fine particulates travelling over 2,000 miles has fallen to local meteorologists, and it’s proven to be a lot trickier than predicting the weather. “We’re not necessarily taught how smoke behaves, and that is what makes forecasting smoke so difficult,” said Marissa Vigevani, one of the on-air meteorologist at the local NBC affiliate, see SMOKE page 10
The summit of Mt. Mansfield is barely visible through a smoky haze in this view from Lower Pleasant Valley Road in Cambridge. VTDIGGER FILE PHOTO BY GLENN RUSSELL
Sheltered pavilion coming to Village Community Park BY TRENT SNYDER Special to the Observer On May 13, the Williston Development Review Board approved the Recreation and Parks Department’s plan to construct a sheltered pavilion at Village Community Park alongside Library Lane. According to plans submitted to the board, the pavilion will have a 30-by-40-foot concrete floor and a green metal roof. A 5-foot-wide paved path that connects to the parking lot will also be installed. “The pavilion will be a great asset to the park as there is not a
pavilion in the park at this time,” Recreation and Parks Director Todd Goodwin said. It will be similar to sheltered pavilions already in place at other Williston parks, including Rossignol and Brennan parks. “It would be a place of shelter for groups using the park in sudden rain,” said Goodwin. “It would be a place for people to get out of the sun, enjoy lunch in the park, stop to rest, or use it for family functions.” The pavilion will be free and open to the public. However, reservations for special events can be made through the rec department’s website.
Construction is anticipated to begin this summer. The cost of the project is $110,000, funded by the towns’ selectboard-approved Community Project Fund. As an enhancement to the pavilion, the rec department is seeking community sponsors to fund the installation of six new picnic tables in and around the pavilion. The tables will add to four existing ones, creating a seating capacity of about 70 people. Village Community Park currently has two charcoal grills, and a third will be added near the pavilion. Community members who donate to fund the construction of a
Join Us for Farm-to-Table Brunch! Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM 282 Holland Ln, Williston • farmhousetg.com
A depiction of the new sheltered pavilion to be constructed this summer at Village Community Park. COURTESY OF WILLISTON RECREATION AND PARKS
picnic table will be able to personalize the table with a plaque that has one of the following messages: “In Honor of,” “In Memory of,” “In Celebration of” or “Dedicated to.”
Contact the rec department for more information about the sponsorship opportunity at 876-1160, by email at recreation@willistonvt.org or online at www.willistonrec.org.
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Williston Observer • June 12, 2025
Around Town
COMMUNITY
CALENDAR EMAIL EVENT LISTINGS TO EDITOR@WILLISTONOBSERVER.COM JUNE 11-14
Public invited to Lafayette monument unveiling on Town Green The Williston Historical Society will be unveiling a monument on the Town Green to Marquis de Lafayette, a French soldier of the late 1700s who joined the American Revolutionary Army under George Washington. The “Lafayette Trail Marker” will be one of several installed across 26 states in collaboration with the nonprofit American Friends of Lafayette as part of its 200th anniversary commemoration of Lafayette’s final tour of America in 1825. The unveiling will begin at 10:15 a.m. on the Town Green on June 29, the same day 200 years ago that Lafayette was received in Williston on his tour of the country. The public is invited to attend. The event will feature an actor portraying Lafayette as well as remarks from a Lafayette scholar and local historian Richard Allen. An accompanying exhibit at the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library displaying a collection of panels about Lafayette will be on display from June 12-19. “We find comfort in knowing that once installed and dedicated, this monument will tell the story of Lafayette’s connection to
In print & online: We’re your neighbors, committed to keeping you informed on what’s going on in Williston.
‘The Miser’ by Vermont Repertory Williston Central School’s 2024-2025 playwriting group.
Williston and Vermont and educate younger Americans about its meaning, thereby fulfilling Lafayette’s political goal of institutionalizing freedom across generations in the United States,” a news release from the Williston Historical Society explains.
WCS student playwrights featured in Burlington Williston Central School students Nora Brady, Samuel DaSilva and Emma Litner were awarded for their playwriting ability during a recent performance at Main Street Landing Performing Arts Theater in Burlington. The students are part of the WCS playwriting group, which gives students an opportunity to work with a professional playwright during the winter and spring to produce a play. Their work is evaluated for inclusion in a professional performance at the end of the semester. Brady’s first-place play received a stage read; DaSilva’s second-place play received a cold read; and Litner’s play received
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
honorable mention.
South Burlington class of ‘75 holding reunion The South Burlington High School class of 1975 is holding its 50th reunion on July 19 at the Burlington Country Club. Tickets are $19.75 and available at https://sbhs-classof75-50threunion.eventbrite.com.
Richmond Father’s Day fishing derby open to all ages The Chittenden County Fish & Game Club will host a Father’s Day Fishing Derby on Sunday, June 15 from 8 a.m.-noon. Prizes will be awarded for all children ages 14 and under. Trophies will be awarded to children ages 5-14 by age group. Admission is free. The club’s address is 1397 Wes White Hill Rd., Richmond. To get there, turn off Route 2 in Jonesville, cross the bridge over the river, take the second left at Wes White Hill Road and continue 1.25 miles up to the club’s entrance on the left. Signs will be posted.
PROPERTY TRANSFERS — MAY 2025 • GB Flood LLC bought a home on 1.6 acres on Windridge Road from Debra Maher for $800,000. • Judith Anglin bought a condominium on Forest Run Road from Anne Griswold for $495,000. • Suresh Swaminathan bought a homesite on Alpine Drive from The Snyder Williston Properties LLC for $588,045. • James Lynch bought a condominium on Bittersweet Circle from the Bibens-Bradley Revocable Trust for $599,000. • Dhanbahadur Chhetri bought a home on St. George Road from Scott Allaire for $575,000. • EGP 188 Williston LLC bought an office building on Harvest Lane from Pizzagalli Properties LLC for $20 million. • Kasey Jarvis bought a condominium on Zephyr Road from the Kim E. Fields Revocable Trust for $580,000. • Laura Olzanski bought a condominium on Cedar Lane from Michelle Donlon for $375,000. • Daniel Loving bought a home on North Brownell Road from Robert McGuinness for $682,000.
• Pablo Mendez bought a condominium on Shirley Circle from Wynter Zahra Nora McGinley for $259,500. • Jonathon Cahoon bought a home on 6 acres on Martel Lane from Scott Rogers for $749,000. • Adams Real Properties LLC bought 3 acres of commercial property on Boyer Circle from Riggs Properties LLP for $2.68 million. • The Nicholson Family Trust bought a home on Lawnwood Drive from Christopher Boucher for $725,000. • Kenneth Paquette bought 2 acres of open land near Williston Road from David Conant for $100,000. • Ryan Bright bought a home on North Brownell Road from Allen Yergeau for $530,000. • Lauren Forman bought a condominium on Seth Circle from Jennifer Tobin for $340,000. • Scott Whitted bought a condominium on Zephyr Road from the Brooks Living Trust for $600,000. • Daniel Hoene bought a home on 20 acres on Oak Hill Road from Dale Waag for $800,000.
Theatre ♦ Isham Barn Theatre. Tickets and information at theaterengine.com. productions/2825. THURSDAY, JUNE 12
Eighth grade graduation ♦ 6:30 p.m. Williston Central School. FRIDAY, JUNE 13
CVU High School graduation ♦ 2 p.m. Patrick Gymnasium at UVM. MONDAY, JUNE 16
Dorothy Alling Memorial Library Board of Trustees meeting ♦ 7 p.m. at the library. Agenda at damlvt. org. TUESDAY, JUNE 17
Williston Selectboard meeting ♦ 7 p.m. Town Hall. Agenda at town.williston.vt.us. Williston Planning Commission meeting ♦ 7 p.m. Town Hall. Agenda at town.williston.vt.us. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18
Williston Town Band concert ♦ 6:30 p.m. Town Green bandstand. THURSDAY, JUNE 26
Maple Tree Place Concert Series ♦ Kickoff the summer series with Little Lies, Fleetwood Mac tribute band. 6-8:30 p.m. Maple Tree Place green.
June 12, 2025
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Williston Observer •
Vermont joins lawsuit against feds to prevent machine gun device redistribution
Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark has joined a coalition of attorneys general in suing the Trump administration — and in particular the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) — over its plans to redistribute thousands of previously seized machine gun conversion devices to communities across the United States. ATF’s action involves Forced Reset Triggers, which replace the standard trigger on a semiautomatic firearm to allow a shooter to maintain continuous fire with one trigger pull, similar to the operation of fully automatic weapons. According to the Attorney
General’s office, the devices allow even novice shooters to achieve the firepower of a military machine gun. ATF previously classified Forced Reset Triggers (FRT) as machine guns, but ATF has signed a new settlement agreement that promises to stop enforcing federal law against FRTs and to redistribute thousands of them that had been previously seized. The lawsuit, filed by a coalition of 16 attorneys general, seeks to prevent the redistribution of FRTs, arguing they are prohibited by U.S. law, under a prohibition on machine gun ownership,
including devices that convert firearms into automatic weapons. “The Trump administration’s decision to distribute illegal machine gun conversion devices in our communities will make us less safe,” Attorney General Clark said in a news release. “I am filing this lawsuit to prevent the implementation of this potentially disastrous directive from the Trump administration.” Firearms equipped with machine gun conversion devices are able to exceed the rate of fire of many military machine guns, the news release states, firing up to 20 bullets in one second. ATF has classified similar devices as
Medical center hospice staff votes to unionize A majority of the roughly 85 hospice staff at UVM Home Health and Hospice voted to formalize a union last week. The vote came after months of organizing by employees. Hospice United is the union that will represent nurses, nursing assistants, social workers, chaplains, bereavement coordinators, volunteer coordinators, cooks and
administrative support staff in both the McClure Miller Respite House and within a community-based team. “We’re doing this to build a better hospice,” nurse practitioner Lindsay Gagnon said. “We deserve fair caseloads so we can give each patient and family the best care possible at end of life. We deserve fair pay that reflects the highly skilled
and specialized care we provide. We deserve respect and a voice, to ensure every team member has what they need to thrive while doing the work we are so passionate about.” Nearly 90 percent of the employees voted yes to forming the union, which plans to now begin the process of bargaining its first contract with the UVM Health Network.
machine guns prohibited by federal law since 1975. Multiple lawsuits seeking either to enforce or challenge the prohibition on FRTs were filed during the Biden administration. A federal judge in New York agreed that FRTs are banned under federal law. A federal judge in Texas disagreed and held that FRTs do not qualify as machine guns under federal law. That ruling was appealed. The Trump administration announced in May that it has settled the lawsuits: ATF has agreed to abandon its enforcement actions and appeals; promised to stop enforcing the federal ban on
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machine guns against FRTs and pledged to redistribute FRTs it previously seized. The coalition of state attorneys general will seek a preliminary injunction to halt the Trump administration from distributing FRT devices. Joining Clark in filing the lawsuit are the attorneys general from Colorado, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawai’i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island and Washington. — Observer staff report
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Williston Observer • June 12, 2025
Should I stay or should I go?
A recent grad reflects on a future in Vermont BY LUCIA MCCALLUM Community News Service
Vermont is an idyllic place to grow up. I was born and raised in Cabot. And as a kid there, I thrived in our small, tight-knit community. Now, I’m living in Burlington. I just graduated from the University of Vermont. And as much as I love this state, I wonder if it makes sense for me to stay. As a 21-year-old with an English degree, I worry about finding a job, affording a place to live, and building a strong community of people my age here. Moving to a larger state with bigger cities might make all that a little easier. I know it’s a privilege to get to choose where I want to begin the next chapter of my life. But still, I’m struggling with this decision. And I’m not alone. Most of the people who go to college in Vermont — 57 percent — leave the state after graduation. That’s more than any other state, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research. I ran that statistic by Art Woolf, an economics professor at the University of Vermont who specializes in Vermont demographics. He says to take the finding with a grain of salt, because so many of the people who go to college in Vermont come here from out of state. Still, Vermont is not retaining recent college graduates. Woolf said one reason is because young people tend to want to live in urban areas. “Now there are some people — young people — who really like the outdoors and being able to kayak and hike and ski, and that is a certain subset,” he said. “But it’s not the majority.” I like rural Vermont, and I feel like I could build a life in Cabot. But I still don’t know what to do. So I headed back to my hometown to talk with some locals about my dilemma. My best friend and fellow Cabotian, Mia Preston, tagged along with me. “I think the older I get, the more I feel like I’m going to have a really hard time leaving Vermont,” Mia told me. Mia is graduating from the University of Vermont in the fall, and she’s considering moving back
to Cabot within the next year. Like me, she loves our hometown, but doesn’t know if it is feasible to live there right now. “I thrive with people my own age, and I don’t really see that much here,” she said. Once in Cabot, we went to Harry’s Hardware. Harry’s is a community hub — part hardware store, part bar. Inside, each of the metal tractor seat stools at the bar was occupied. People chatted and ate pizza at tables scattered around shelves of tools and animal feed. Toward the back, a group played Magic the Gathering. Mia and I asked Harry’s regulars about what they did when they were our age. Alanna Flynn said, as a teen, she was itching to get out of Vermont. She’s originally from Benson, and she left Vermont four days after she graduated from high school. “I got on a train and I went to Columbus, Ohio, where my oldest brother lived,” she said. “I hung out there for a while, and then I toured with him and his band back to the East Coast and up back to New England, selling merchandise for him.” Kenny Gokey was born and raised in Cabot, but left when he was 17. “My dad passed away when I was just a freshman, so I ended up quitting school, went to work in a granite shed,” he said. “And then Uncle Sam wanted me, so I joined the military, and ended up in Vietnam.” Seth O’Brien grew up in town and left for college. “I wanted to see something bigger. So I went to New York, and then decided that was too big and too busy, and made my way back.” In fact, Flynn, Gokey and O’Brien all came back. Flynn moved to Cabot to be a bartender at Harry’s six years ago. She doesn’t work at Harry’s anymore, but still lives in town. O’Brien started a computer shop under the Cabot Village Store, and has found community at Harry’s where he now hosts Magic the Gathering sessions on Wednesdays. And Gokey said he always knew he wanted to come back to Vermont. Talking to them, they seemed to share an undeniable feeling that Cabot is home. Flynn says it’s because of the people. “There are beautiful places all around the country that you could live, but the community and the
camaraderie of Vermonters is something that you don’t find everywhere,” Flynn said. Gokey suggested I stay in Vermont. He says a younger crowd would benefit Cabot. “If you’re a true Vermonter and you’ve lived here all your life, well, it’s like home, you know,” he said. “So I really feel strongly that, if you grew up in this town and you went to school in this town, yeah, you know, come back and tell us how we should be fixing things.” Ama Peyman agrees. She has an organic vegetable farm in town, and she said more young people here could help strengthen the community. “I think we need you,” she said. “I think that Cabot’s aging out a bit. When I look around at my neighbors, a lot are older than myself and my husband, Nate. And when I go to church here, I attend the little old church here in Cabot, and almost everyone’s older than ourselves.” But others, like Flynn, told me there’s something to be said for leaving. “I think that you’ve gotta leave for some period of time, whatever that looks like,” she said. “I mean, maybe not everybody feels that way, but I feel like you have to know what else is out there to be certain about where you want to be.” Unlike me, some young people already know what they want. High school senior Cian Nott plans to live in Cabot with his girlfriend after they graduate and take a cross-country road trip this summer. “Where I go to school, there’s definitely a lot of people who can’t wait to get out of here,” he said. “But I think it’s really the way you grow up, and the lifestyle you want to lead. For some people, Vermont is the perfect place for a quiet, happy lifestyle.” After we left Harry’s Hardware, Mia and I decided to drive up Cabot Plains Road to go sit by the covered bridge and watch the sunset — something we did religiously in high school. It’s a place that’s sacred to us. As we drove, Mia sung along to the radio, and the sky grew pink. I’m moving into an apartment in Burlington for the summer, and I don’t know when I’ll be living in Cabot again. But I do know that in that moment, I was home. Via Community News Service, a University of Vermont journalism internship, in partnership with Vermont Public.
June 12, 2025
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Williston Observer •
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VT Supreme Court rules against cannabis, duck farmer BY CHARLOTTE OLIVER VTDigger
For years, Jason Struthers has made a living growing vegetables, raising ducks and cultivating cannabis in his Essex Junction backyard — but not without controversy. Neighbors argued first to the city, then later in court, that his half-acre farm has no place in their residential neighborhood — and the Vermont Supreme Court recently ruled in agreement. The May 30 ruling reversed a lower court’s decision, with justices reasoning that towns and cities in Vermont can regulate both cannabis cultivation and farming practices by enforcing local zoning laws. It’s the latest development in a long controversy over state versus local authority, and a win for Stephen and Sharon Wille Padnos, who live next door to Struthers and have advocated against Struthers’ farm. “I will say we had a good
Jason Struthers of Essex Junction holds a young duck in his backyard. Struthers’ ducks and cannabis growing operation have been the subject of controversy in his neighborhood. PHOTO BY CHARLOTTE OLIVER/ COMMUNITY NEWS SERVICE
weekend,” said Stephen Wille Padnos. He and his wife are celebrating the hard fought win and hoping the next legal processes aren’t drawn out, he said. Meanwhile, Struthers is “absolutely gobsmacked” and confused, he said. The attitude
expressed in the ruling disrupts a tradition of supporting agriculture in Vermont, Struthers said. And he’s talking to his lawyers about ways to fight the decision every way he can. Struthers has a state license to grow cannabis on his property and is recognized by the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets as a farm for his duck-raising and vegetable farming. But neighbors take issue with the smell of his plants and the sound of his ducks in their suburban neighborhood. The Wille Padnoses reason that he shouldn’t be able to run a farm or cultivate cannabis in their quiet cul-de-sac because they live within the city’s residential zone and within 500 feet of Essex High School property. In turn, Struthers argues that he’s exempt from the city’s regulations because he’s protected by state agriculture and cannabis laws. Legally, his farming practices and cannabis
cultivation are two separate matters. But Struthers uses manure from his ducks to fertilize his cannabis plants. He sees any regulation of his ducks as de-facto regulation of his cultivation, he said. And many have tried to make sense of the legal ambiguities. Back in September 2023, the Essex Junction Developmental Review Board ruled that Struthers’ duck raising violated local zoning laws, while stating the city had little power to regulate or zone his cannabis cultivation. The decision raised frustration from both sides. Struthers
appealed, arguing the city was out of line by trying to regulate his farming, according to court documents. The Wille Padnoses also appealed, but for the opposite reason. They argued the city wasn’t doing enough to regulate Struthers’ cannabis. At the next level of appeal, Thomas Walsh, a judge in the Environmental Division of Vermont Superior Court, ruled in Struthers’ favor on both matters in August. He said the regulation of farming and cultivation was out of the city’s hands. Then, last week the state Supreme Court reversed the see DUCKS page 9
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Williston Observer • June 12, 2025
GUEST COLUMN
Notes from the Legislature BY REPS. ANGELA ARSENAULT AND ERIN BRADY The 2025 legislative session has not officially ended, but the bulk of our work in the Statehouse is complete, and there’s lots of encouraging news to report. Through some good, old-fashioned cooperation and compromise, we were able to make headway in crucial areas like housing, health care and public safety. Here, we’ll share information about some key bills, and follow up in two weeks with a report on the Legislature’s education transformation efforts and the outcome of the veto session. HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS
Much has been reported about S.127, the main housing bill this year, which is a comprehensive proposal aimed at addressing housing shortages and improving housing accessibility, affordability and infrastructure in Vermont. We’re grateful for our close collaboration with Town Manager Erik Wells and Williston Planning Director Matt Boulanger as we
followed the progress of S.127 and worked to protect Williston’s intention to pursue a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) project in the coming years. The bill amends existing statutes and introduces new programs to incentivize rental housing rehabilitation, manufactured home improvements, infrastructure development, and protections for vulnerable populations. It establishes study committees, funding mechanisms and regulatory reforms to support housing development, with a focus on low- to moderate-income households, individuals with disabilities, and other marginalized groups. One of the most important and exciting tools included in the bill is the Community Housing Incentive Program (CHIP). CHIP provides flexible, targeted funding to municipalities that are ready to lead on housing development but need upfront support to get started. CHIP is expected to help unlock up to $2 billion in new housing infrastructure over the next ten years. CHIP empowers towns to
invest in things like zoning reform, site preparation, pre-development studies, and infrastructure planning — key pieces of the housing puzzle that often go unfunded. Whether it’s a small town updating outdated zoning bylaws or a larger municipality looking to unlock infill housing potential, CHIP gives communities the tools they need to act locally in response to a statewide crisis. S.127 also protects our growing immigrant population from housing discrimination, ensuring that our farmers, contractors and tourism businesses can depend on a robust workforce. The House Human Services Committee dedicated much of its attention this session to a bill aimed at revamping Vermont’s approach to our growing homelessness crisis. With close to 5,000 Vermonters currently unhoused — over 1,000 of whom are
children — the time for coordinated, sustainable action is now. The existing homeless service landscape has multiple separate systems that have insufficient coordination and integration with each other and relies heavily on the use of hotels and motels. That landscape, like so many, also faces incredible uncertainty as federal decisions have immediate impacts here in our state. Already, the availability of housing vouchers has decreased, making it more difficult for unhoused folks to afford housing and putting scores of Vermonters at risk of losing their homes. H.91 establishes the Vermont Homeless Emergency Assistance and Responsive Transition to Housing Program (VHEARTH), which will replace the provision of emergency housing through the General Assistance Program (aka the hotel/motel program) and
the provision of shelter and other services through the Housing Opportunity Grant Program. The bill directs the state’s five community action agencies and the Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence to collaborate with local partners to offer supportive services, shelters for extreme weather events, emergency shelters, and preventative services. VHEARTH will enable greater flexibility and responsiveness by locating decision-making authority closer to the impacted communities. H.91 also requires the Department of Children and Families (DCF), in collaboration with the community action agencies, to submit several updates during the next few months, as well as a budget recommendation for full implementation in FY 27. FY 26 will be used as a transition
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The wisdom of youth Thank you to all the children and youth in our Williston area for “taking over” the Observer last week. May you be heard by those in power: administrators, teachers, parents, community planners and all adults. Your creativity, wisdom, experience and imagined futures offer the invaluable perspective of youth and remind adults of our own childhood experiences. We adults have a responsibility to listen to your words, observe your artwork, and then to understand your message. We owe it to you to act in your best interests today — to set appropriate limits and structures that foster healthy development, to see your genius, to love you as you are, and to keep you safe in all ways. The irony is that in order to love you, adults must remember their innocence and goodness and learn to love themselves. We give to others what we have inside us. Thank you for being your
parents’ and educators’ best teachers! Thank you for reminding us adults of the power and impact we have in children’s lives. May your genius be seen, and may you be parented and educated with respect, wisdom and peacefulness. Esther Palmer Williston
Kudos to the kids The young folk did a good job with last week’s “Kids Take Over the Observer” issue. Through colorful photos, pictures, poems and prose, they shared their artistic work and gave us much to think about. The adults can learn a lot from the youth. It is our job to listen to them, and learn what they are teaching. Thanks to all the contributors for a thoughtful and delightful edition. Devin J. Starlanyl Williston
Legislature
continued from page 6
year to ready the community system to take over these increased responsibilities. Importantly, the bill lays out requirements for the development of appropriate measures and methods of accountability, an appeals process, expanded use of 211 within the intake system, and explicitly states that households will need to participate in case management and other core services to develop individualized plans to address a path to permanent housing that includes relevant supportive services. HEALTH CARE
Vermonters face significant challenges affording health care and insurance premiums while our main insurance carrier, BlueCross BlueShield, is nearing insolvency. This, in a time when nine out of our 14 hospitals are operating in the red. We strongly supported bills to address our healthcare challenges and truly appreciate the work of our Health Care Committee in crafting real solutions.
S. 126 is aimed at reducing health care costs, improving patient access, and ensuring longterm sustainability for Vermont’s health care system. It passed the House on a tri-partisan vote of 99-38. Importantly, the bill authorizes the Green Mountain Care Board (GMCB) to implement reference-based pricing to rein in commercial health care costs with implementation no later than FY 27. The bill requires a strategic redesign of how care is delivered across Vermont and reinforces the GMCB’s responsibility to set and review hospital budgets. It also prioritizes investments in primary care, long-term care and workforce development, while giving hospitals and insurers new tools to reduce administrative burdens and improve affordability for patients. A large coalition, including the VT-NEA, has long been advocating for reference-based pricing as an important tool to address outof-control healthcare costs that impact all aspects of our economy, including school budgets. We cannot afford to continue on our current path and certainly cannot
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afford to see our healthcare system collapse. We hope the governor will support this bill. H. 266 relates to prescription drug pricing, which remains a significant factor in the overall cost of health care in our state. Vermont is the most expensive state in the country for hospital-administered drugs. These include life-saving drugs administered to cancer patients and other critically ill Vermonters who have no way of “shopping around” for a better price. Vermonters and small businesses with private health insurance pay nearly six times what Medicare pays for the same drug. H. 266 will cap the price of hospital-administered drugs initially at 130 percent of what is called the “average sales price,” or ASP. ASP is a pricing benchmark that reflects the average price at which a drug is sold to providers, like hospitals and outpatient clinics. The bill allows 340B (a federal program that provides discounted prescription drugs) entities to have unlimited contract pharmacies, which will increase revenue. It also requires hospitals to report see LEGISLATURE page 8
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Williston Observer • June 12, 2025
Legislature
continued from page 7
a New Federal Tax Credit on SAVE with Energy-Efficient Hunter Douglas Shades up to $
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340B revenue to the GMCB. We were disappointed that the Senate voted to delay enactment of this important bill when they took final action on it. Despite this delay, the bill will reduce insurance premiums within a year: Vermont Education Health Initiative (insurance pool for teachers) premiums will decrease by 3 percent or $12 million just in the first year, and this type of savings will be replicated in all other insurance pools, too. We appreciate the service of our incredible health care workforce that cares for patients every day; the systemic challenges we face in health care are not a result of their critical work. And we would be remiss not to say it again: Our health care and general affordability challenges will be greatly exacerbated by the draconian cuts to Medicaid being threatened in Washington. The current proposals will amount to a regressive transfer of wealth from low-income and working families to the wealthiest Americans. The Legislature is continuing to monitor the federal situation closely. PUBLIC SAFETY
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This session, the House Judiciary Committee again prioritized proper funding to ensure that our judiciary system has the resources it needs to move cases to a speedy and just resolution. House Judiciary also passed a number of bills that aim to protect targeted communities and restrict how Vermont law enforcement agencies are able to cooperate with federal law enforcement entities. Through the establishment of standby guardianships, Act 31 (H.98) clarifies a process that allows immigrant parents to identify trusted adults who can step in as temporary guardians if the parent is detained or deported. This proactive step can provide some measure of comfort to immigrant parents and their children, because they will know in advance who would care for the kids in the event their parents are detained. This process helps ease traumatic separations or confusion in emergency situations. It also avoids the
necessity for DCF to take legal custody of the children in these situations. The confirmatory adoption provision in H.98 provides a clear and expedited process for Vermonters who became parents through the use of assisted reproduction technology (who are already parents under state law) to obtain a court order stating so. This provides a necessary level of protection for families who may travel to destinations that do not recognize the legal parenthood of all LGBTQ parents and others. Regarding cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, Vermont law currently allows an exception to the governor’s sole authority to enter into certain types of agreements with Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) if there is a declaration of a state or national emergency. Act 28 (S.44) eliminates this exception and keeps the governor as the sole authority in Vermont to enter into these ICE delegation-of-authority agreements. This will keep the state accountable to Vermonters regarding how our law enforcement interacts and cooperates with ICE. Act 8 (H.118) expands Vermont’s hate-motivated crimes statute. It more accurately captures the conduct that such a statute is intended to penalize by expanding the scope of who can be considered a victim of a hate crime and ensures that hateful conduct can be named and prosecuted effectively. FY 26 BUDGET
The 2026 budget was signed into law in mid-May. It’s a significant accomplishment that the budget was passed with overwhelming majorities in both the House and Senate. With only $1 available for every $7 requested, difficult decisions were necessary, driven largely by the end of Covid-era federal funding and a return to more typical budget conditions. A key achievement was the creation of a process to manage moderate reductions in federal funding when the General Assembly is not in session. This includes nearly $100 million in contingency funding to offset potential funding shortfalls in federal grant programs like food
assistance and Medicaid. To help stabilize property taxes, $77.2 million was transferred to the Education Fund for a one-year adjustment. Additionally, nearly $150 million was allocated to housing initiatives, including disability, low-to-moderate income, recovery and short-term stabilization housing for Vermonters who are temporarily incapacitated by mental health or substance use, and emergency housing. Other notable investments include enhanced support for health and human services. Funding was increased for primary care at Rural Health Centers and Federally Qualified Health Centers. Childcare centers received a 5 percent boost for infant and toddler care, and social service agencies saw a 2 percent rate increase. This work to support home- and community-based care will have the twin benefits of improving affordability for workers in the field by providing fair wages, while also strengthening our long term care landscape by shoring up the availability of dignified and affordable care. Over $1 million was directed to food and nutrition programs and an additional $1.3 million will support substance use prevention, treatment and recovery. To address workload challenges and improve public safety, $1.3 million was allocated to the State’s Attorneys and Sheriffs, along with $450,000 for Urban Search and Rescue efforts. Finally, the budget allocates $1.25 million to the Attorney General’s Office to support the implementation of Act 180 of 2024. This law established a statewide pre-charge diversion program and shifts the way restorative justice is funded in Vermont, including at the Williston Community Justice Center (WCJC). Development of this program is still underway in the AG’s office, and we’ll know more in the coming months about specific changes to our CJC. As always, we welcome your questions and ideas. Reach out to us at: ebrady@leg.state.vt.us and aarsenault@leg.state.vt.us. Angela Arsenault and Erin Brady represent Williston in the Vermont House of Representatives.
www.WillistonObserver.com
June 12, 2025
•
Williston Observer •
Some of Jason Struthers’ ducks mingle in his Essex Junction backyard. FILE PHOTO BY CHARLOTTE OLIVER/COMMUNITY NEWS SERVICE
Ducks
continued from page 5
judgment of the environmental court. In their ruling, justices wrote that the “landowner’s cannabis-cultivation operation is not exempt from all municipal regulation simply because he is a licensed outdoor cannabis cultivator.” In the same ruling, justices also said state law “does not prohibit all municipal regulation of farming.” Next, the case will be passed back
down to the lower court, and Walsh can rule on the case again — this time bearing in mind the interpretation of the Supreme Court. After the ruling, city officials will decide what action they could take. “We will be carefully considering next steps to ensure we are consistent with this decision; this will likely include coordination with other regulatory authorities,” Regina Mahony, the city manager of Essex Junction, said in an email to VTDigger.
In 2023, Vermonters threw away 71,113 tons of food scraps which ended up in our only landfill. Enough to fill 3,555 tractor-trailer trucks, which placed bumper-to-bumper would stretch from Milton to Montpelier.
It’s Vermont Road Trip Season
CSWD’s Organic Recycling Facility (ORF) and our six Drop-Off Centers accept food scraps from residents and businesses to keep them out of Vermont’s only landfill.
Almartin Volvo Cars Route 7, Shelburne Vermont 802-985-1030 almartinvolvocars.com
For information scan or visit cswd.net/foodscraps
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Smoke
continued from page 1
WPTZ. Vigevani said meteorologists are relying on their ability to forecast wind direction and speed, as well as their knowledge of how and when upper level and surface level air mix, to give viewers a sense of what to expect for day-to-day air quality. But unlike their seven-day weather forecasts, they don’t venture a prediction on wildfire smoke beyond two days. “At 24 or 48 hours out, we can have somewhat of an idea. Once you get beyond that, it becomes a lot more difficult,” said meteorologist Eric Myskowski of the National Weather Service’s Burlington office. “Forecasting
a snowstorm, let’s say, is much easier.” Wind direction is the most reliable predictor of smoke movement, according to both Vigevani and Myskowski. With the fires to our northwest, any northwest breeze will tend to bring smoke into Vermont. Conversely, a wind from the south will push smoke north and clear the air. The more challenging variable to forecast is whether the smoke will stay aloft, and not affect air quality on the ground, or whether smoke will mix down to the surface. “That’s where the difficulty comes,” Myskowski said, “not whether it’s in the air or not, but if it can get down to the surface or not. That’s the issue.”
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The forecasters at WPTZ were surprised Friday when the state issued an air quality alert, Vigevani said. They hadn’t anticipated the formation of what meteorologists call an “inversion” — when warmer air aloft sits above cooler surface air. “We knew the smoke was overhead, but we didn’t necessarily think that it was going to pose an air quality alert,” Vigevani said. “We saw (the alert) pop up and we were like, ‘oh, interesting.” And then we went back into some of our models and maps and we noticed that there was an inversion set up and that smoke was getting trapped.” Inversions are common weather occurrences, but they can be very localized and varied
in the altitude where they set up. “Normally it’s warmer near the ground and it’s colder when you go up,” Vigevani explained. “When you have an inversion, the situation flips and the layer of warmer air sits above the cooler air. It kind of creates this blanket and traps those smoke particles near the surface … Those conditions change every minute, every second of every day.” The wildfires in Canada are immense compared to years past. WPTZ reports that a normal Canadian wildfire season consumes 1.5 million acres through June. This year, 5.5 million acres have already burned. Myskowski notes that their distance from Vermont will tend to keep the smoke more aloft, compared to the summer of 2023,
Moose hunting permit applications due June 18
PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Champlain Valley School District (formerly Chittenden South Supervisory Union) including the towns of Charlotte, Hinesburg, St. George, Shelburne, and Williston intends to destroy the special education records of all students who exited from any special education program during the 20192020 school year. A permanent record of the student’s name, address, phone number, grades, attendance record, and year completed is maintained without time limitation. Any former student, who has reached 18 years of age, may review and/or receive these records upon request. Also, any parent of a student who is 18 years of age or older, who has retained parental rights, may obtain these records. Please contact the Champlain Valley Union High School Special Services Office at (802) 482-7115 by July 31, 2025. If no student, parent, or guardian responds to this public notice prior to or by July 31, 2025, the school district will assume consent to destroy the entire record specific to the student.
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when fires in Quebec were affecting Vermont. The smoke from the closer Quebec fires was more apt to affect surface air quality, he said. “That’s when we got really bad air quality,” Myskowski recalled of the summer of 2023. “When the fires are further west, it is a little more difficult to get that smoke down to the surface.” The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation’s Air Quality Division aims to put out any air quality alerts at least one day in advance. People can sign up to receive email alerts at https://vem.vermont.gov/vtalert. Real time, localized air quality reports are available at the Environmental Protection Agency’s website, airnow.gov.
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is accepting Moose hunting applications on its website (vtfishandwildlife.com) through June 18. The department is making 80 either-sex moose hunting permits and 100 antlerless moose hunting permits available this year for an October hunting season limited to Vermont’s Wildlife Management Unit E, located in the northeastern corner of the state. The department predicts that the hunt will result in a harvest of about 86 moose, or about 10 percent of the current moose population in the northeastern part of the state. “Moose are abundant in (northeastern Vermont) with significantly higher population density than in any other part of the state,” said Nick Fortin, Vermont Fish and Wildlife’s moose project leader. “Moose are the primary host for winter ticks, and higher moose densities support high numbers of winter ticks, which negatively impact moose health and survival.” Hunters who held a permit within the past five years are not eligible to apply for a permit. Five permits will be available to Vermont military veterans, three permits will be available for “special opportunity” recipients with life-threatening illnesses, and three permits will be auctioned. A drawing for permit winners is scheduled for July 15. Moose hunting season will take place in mid-October.
June 12, 2025
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Williston Observer •
Page 11
Yum! Dine In!
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Enjoy the best eateries and restaurants in the Williston area! Tuesday - Friday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
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June 12, 2025
DINE IN!
EAT LOCAL!
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TAKE OUT!
Meet your makers
! y t s Ta en te r
Yum!
Sarita Devi — Growing up in Uttar Pradesh, northern India, Sarita learned to cook family recipes throughout her childhood. Nine years after moving to Vermont with her husband, Yogi Singh, she realized her dream of opening Aromas of India to share the food she loves with others. Her flavorful vegetarian menu (Indian food is so much more than curry!) features complex flavors and textures. Everything she serves, she makes from scratch, with attention to detail that shines in every dish.
Francisco Guzman — Francisco, Carlos and Ricardo Guzman and Eduardo Fuentes have been friends since their grade school days in Jalisco, Mexico. With two other successful Tex-Mex restaurants up and running, the partners seized the opportunity to open their third, under Francisco’s leadership, when space came available in Williston. At Casa Grande, Francisco has created a colorful, lively atmosphere, where he eagerly welcomes guests to enjoy authentic dishes with the vibrant flavors of Mexico.
Scott Sorrell — joined Chef’s Corner in 2007 having returned to his native Vermont after living in Hawaii for ten years. Scott grew up in Jericho, attended MMU and graduated from New England Culinary Institute. Culinary internships took him to Key West, FL and later to the Big Island of Hawaii. Here he fell in love with the beauty of the islands and worked in numerous chef capacities at several
different 5 star resorts earning recognition and culinary awards. He eventually joined the Grand Wailea Resort in Maui as restaurant chef of their popular signature dining establishment, the Humuhumunukunukuapua (named after the state of Hawaii) and more easily referred to as the Humu Humu. Scott and his family reside in the village of Essex Junction.
Craig Anthony — Craig Anthony grew up in Tamworth, New Hampshire. His love for cooking was found as a child hunting and fishing, and grew during high school as a member of the Junior American Culinary Federation. In 2007, he relocated to Vermont, building a distinguished career with Mirabelles Bakery and Waterworks Food and Drink, before becoming Executive Chef at the Kitchen Table. Craig delights in creating a space for family and friends to gather and enjoy delicious home-cooked comfort. Samantha La Croix — Pastry Chef, Samantha La Croix, was born and raised in Vermont where her passion for baking was sparked at an early age by her late grandmother. Classically trained in Pastry & Baking Arts at The New England Culinary Institute, Sam has delighted diners at Jupiter Island Club in Southern Florida, Hen of the Wood, The Inn at Shelburne Farms, and Mirabelles Bakery. Widely recognized as one of the best dessert bakers in Chittenden County, she loves feeding people food that brings them to a warm, familiar place.
Bobby Seaman— Bobby, Director of Operations at Folino’s Pizza, has worked at the restaurant for 7 years. Bobby was the leader behind opening their
June 12, 2025
DINE IN!
EAT LOCAL!
Meet your makers
Williston location in 2021. Bobby comes from a rich culinary background but has found working with pizza is the most rewarding because of the flexibility of flavors and toppings. Bobby says, “Folino’s stands out because of our attention to high-quality ingredients and naturally rising dough.” His go-to order is the Margarita pizza. “It’s a classic pizza that lets our ingredients do the talking.” With multiple Folino’s locations, Bobby says, “The best thing about working in Vermont is getting to know the communities that we are a part of and bringing a smile to people’s faces.” Visit Bobby and the rest of the Folino’s family at our Williston location!
Perry & Neil Farr — Perry & Neil Farr met as students at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY then settled in Williston (Neil grew up in Colchester) to raise their family, where they each pursued careers in food service while exploring business ideas. When they discovered Poké on a trip to San Francisco they knew they needed to bring the concept to Vermont. The Scale was born. Perry & Neil take pride in sourcing only the freshest ingredients - mostly local – and offering hungry patrons fast, healthy and delicious food with a Hawaiian flare.
Max Fath — Max Fath grew up in Williston, the son of Jon and Lucie Fath who owned and operated the original Toscano Café Bistro on Bridge Street in Richmond. With twenty years of experience in restaurant service and management, Max was eager to launch a new rendition of Toscano when the opportunity became available in Williston. Max built a team of some familiar faces from the original Toscano and some new faces he met along the way and is grateful for the opportunity to serve our community once again, blending nostalgia from the original Toscano with contempo-
rary elegance in his newly renovated space.
Eric Kelley — Originally from Massachusetts, Eric went to college in Colorado where he began his career in the food service business. After moving to Vermont in 2009, Eric saw an opportunity to create a gathering place in Williston where locals could connect to enjoy excellent coffee, espresso drinks, and fresh baked goods. He opened Williston Coffee Shop to serve the breakfast and lunch crowd. Over a decade later, Eric can be found in the early hours baking bread, croissants, scones and pastries to the delight of his regular customers. He takes pride in his products, the friendly atmosphere of the Shop, and the many employees who have learned from him through the years. Located on Cornerstone Drive, it’s no surprise that Williston Coffee Shop has become a cornerstone in the Williston community.
Brian Lewis— Brian’s journey to Williston wends from his native Connecticut through Seattle, L.A., Rhode Island, and Waitsfield. After a season as Executive Chef at Sugarbush resort’s main slopeside restaurant, Lewis struck out on his own in Waitsfield, opening Toast and Eggs in 2018. After leading that restaurant through the pandemic, he purchased South Burlington’s Parkway Diner on Williston Road. He also bought the original Yellow Mustard deli while launching Filibuster Restaurant and Bar, both in Montpelier. Following the floods of 2023 - he successfully reopened both restaurants. After opening his second Yellow Mustard Subs and Sandwiches shop in Burlington, Brian is thrilled to join the Williston community with his newest location in the Taft Corners Shopping Center!
TAKE OUT!
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Williston Observer •
Page 13
Yum!
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June 12, 2025
DINE IN!
EAT LOCAL!
Yum!
TAKE OUT!
thank you for loving folino’s in williston!
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Contact Rick Cote at rick@willistonobserver.com or call 802-373-2136 to inquire about advertising in Good Taste before next month’s issue!
June 12, 2025
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Williston Observer •
Page 15
Red clover: the state flower of Vermont reserved for animal feed. Historically, red clover has been valued for its medicinal properties. Native Americans used red clover infusions to treat various illnesses and applied it as an ointment for venomous bites. Its healing reputation spans ancient traditions across the globe. Brought by settlers and embraced by generations of farmers,
BY NADIE VANZANDT Special to the Observer
Introduced to Vermont by European settlers, red clover has become an essential part of the State of Vermont’s landscape and identity. Designated as the state flower in 1894, this pinkish-purple bloom symbolizes Vermont’s deep agricultural roots — particularly its dairy farming heritage — and serves as a living tribute to the land’s rural character and economic lifeblood. Originally from Asia Minor and southeastern Europe, red clover spread to the British Isles from Germany in the 1600s and was later transported to North America by English colonists. Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is an herbaceous biennial or short-lived perennial belonging to the legume family. The plant typically grows erect stems with leaves composed of three leaflets, each including light-colored “V” shapes. Its pink to rosy-purple pom pomlike flower heads are dense oval or spherical clusters each consisting of up to 125 individual pea-shaped flowers. Adaptable and relatively hardy, red clover prefers full sun and performs best when the temperatures are between 60 and 75 degrees, though it can tolerate both cold and heat. While it favors well-drained loamy soils, it can also grow in a variety of soil types, including those with poor drainage, provided it receives moderate moisture during its growing season. Like other members of the legume family (which includes peas and beans), the roots of red clover develop nodules when in contact with beneficial soil bacteria known as rhizobia. They convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use through a process called nitrogen fixation. This enriches the soil with nitrogen, an important macronutrient for plant health. Red clover can contribute 75 to 175 pounds of nitrogen per acre, an amount that underscores its value as a soil enhancer. This nitrogen-fixing ability, combined with its fast growth, flexible planting schedule, tolerance for a variety of soil types and ability to break up compacted
red clover reflects Vermont’s deep-rooted traditions and pride in its rural character. Its designation as the state flower honors both Vermont’s agricultural history and its enduring connection to the land. Nadie VanZandt is a UVM Extension Master Gardener from Panton.
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Red clover, the state flower of Vermont, is a versatile plant used for everything from cover cropping to culinary dishes. PHOTO BY PIXABAY
soils, makes red clover an exceptional cover crop. As the plant decomposes, it contributes organic matter that further improves soil structure and health. Red clover is typically direct seeded in the spring or in the fall, assuming optimal moisture conditions. Fall planting should occur at least six weeks before the first frost to allow the plant enough time to establish. Farmers use red clover in a variety of ways — as hay, forage in pastures, as a cover crop or as part of a crop rotation system to
improve soil health and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers. In addition to its agricultural benefits, red clover is a magnet for pollinators. Many insects are drawn to its nutritious pollen and nectar, with bees and bumblebees serving as its most effective pollinators. Red clover is also edible for humans. The mildly sweet flowers are the most palatable, often added to salads, soups, jellies and baked goods. The leaves can be eaten in salads or brewed into tea. The seed pods are typically
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Williston Observer •
release dates: June 14-20, 2025
June 12, 2025
24 (25)
Next Week: Visit Mount Rushmore
Founded by Betty Debnam
Farming Food Forests
Mini Fact:
Food forests also supply fodder, or food for animals.
photo courtesy Fair Amount Food Forest
Imagine growing forests full of free food right in the middle of cities. Nutritious, tasty food would be available for the picking. Forest areas would help clean and cool the city air. Wildlife would find a safe habitat. Urban, or city, dwellers could enjoy the beauties of nature. The Mini Page explored food forests to learn more about this growing idea.
Backup plan
Local food forests give us a backup for our food supplies. This is especially important with climate change causing an increase of storms, drought, fires and other dangers that may harm crops. Food forests might survive these events better than field crops. Trees are hardier during droughts. They have much longer roots and have more energy stored to get them through a crisis. Trees will often survive disasters such as floods, whereas annual food crops would have to be completely replanted.
What is a food forest?
A food forest imitates the ecosystem of a natural forest. The difference is that people choose each type of plant in a food forest. Each plant produces something that helps people or helps keep the forest going.
Supplying many needs
Food forest designers look for plants that do a variety of jobs. Besides providing food or medicine, the plants might attract helpful insects, return nutrients to the soil or supply mulch (decaying plant Workers plant the first matter that protects fruit tree in a Seattle food forest. Fruit trees and enriches soil and may take from two to plants). Filling every five years before they part of the forest with begin producing fruit. food-producing plants helps keep down weeds.
photos courtesy Beacon Food Forest
Putting foods to work
Experts say that growing our own food helps us feel more connected to our surroundings. When food is transported over long distances, it can lose some of its nutritional value. It isn’t picked at its top ripeness, Volunteers in Seattle learn so it doesn’t taste as beekeeping. Bees are good as locally grown important in a sustainable food forest. They help produce. plants reproduce. It takes a lot of energy to transport food. Experts say the average plate of food in the United States travels 1,500 miles from field to table. It takes 10 calories of energy to grow and transport every one calorie we eat, experts say.
The Mini Page® © 2025 Andrews McMeel Syndication
Layers of a food forest
A forest ecosystem is built of layers of trees, shrubs and other plants. Experts say that in a food forest, these layers are: 1. The canopy (KAN-uhpea), or the tops of branches and trees. Only the tallest trees, such as mature nut and fruit trees, create the canopy. 2. Shorter trees, such as younger nut and fruit trees, or fruit trees that don’t grow as high. 3. Shrubs such as berry bushes. 4. Vegetables and herbs. 5. Low-growing ground cover. 6. A layer of edible growth closer to the ground, such as mushrooms or strawberries, along with root vegetables such as carrots or potatoes. 7. Vines such as grapes or beans that climb trees or other structures.
illustration by Corey Jameson Design for Fair Amount Food Forest
Issue 24, 2025
Resources On the Web:
• bit.ly/MPfoodforest • bit.ly/MPfoodforest2
At the library:
• “Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt” by Kate Messner • “Garden to Table: A Kid’s Guide to Planting, Growing and Preparing Food” by Katherine Hengel
Observer rack locations
Try ’n’Williston Find Adams Farm Market
Rehab Gym Goodwater Brewing Shell Gas Station (Essex Rd) Hannaford Williston Aromas of India Words that remind us of food forests areHealthy hiddenLiving in this puzzle. Simon’s Mobil Williston Home2Suites Corner Some words areChef’s hidden backward or diagonally, and some lettersSimply Divine Café Island Homemade Ice Cream Sonesta Allingcan Memorial are used twice. Dorothy See if you find: Sunoco Station Korner Kwik Stop Library CANOPY, DROUGHT, K T T R A N S P O R T ofYWilliston A U Offices T Town Marriott Courtyard Fairfield Inn ll Rick Cote at l ENERGY, CaECOSYSTEM, Wok I N E S NUPS Folino’s Pizza D O OMenF At V AStore B R U E ai ) 373-2136 or em r.com (802FARM, ve FIRES, FODDER, er Vermont M&T Bank Gardener’s Supply bs nO I Z F S E L B A T E G E Meat V &NSeafood V to is Rick@Will pies co e lik ld ou w Williston Coffee Shop Ramunto’s Green Mountain Bagel u FOOD, FOREST, MULCH, yo if S B U R H S Y K S U P P L Y D r your location foNUTRITIOUS, PLANTS, E C O S Y S T E M S T N A L P SHRUBS, STORMS, SUPPLY, V F O D D E R T W Y G R E N E S U O I T I R T U N I M T J N TRANSPORT, URBAN,
Essex/Essex Jct. Price Chopper Mini Jokes Essex Automotive Quality Bake Shop Five Corner Variety River Road Beverage Hannaford George: How is a garden Richmond Inn at Essex like a great story? Cumberland Farms Mac’sGrace: MarketIt has a good plot! Richmond Free Library Martone’s Deli Richmond Market
Eco Note Williston
Snow in the once-pristine peaks of the Rocky Mountains, a critical source of fresh water for much of the American West,
travels 1,500 miles from field to table. It takes 10 calories of energy to grow and transport every one calorie we eat, experts say.
food-producing plants helps keep down weeds.
• “Garden to Table: A Kid’s Guide to Planting, Growing and Preparing Food” by Katherine Hengel June 12, 2025
The Mini Page® © 2025 Andrews McMeel Syndication
Try ’n’ Find
Page 17
K T T R A N S P O R D O O F V I N E S N I Z F S E L B A T E S B U R H S Y K S U E C O S Y S T E M S V F O D D E R T W Y S U O I T I R T U N Y P O N A C H T H G T S E R O F I F I R M H C L U M S M R O
T Y A A B R G E V P P L T N A G R E I M T U O R E S C T S D
George: How is a garden like a great story? Grace: It has a good plot!
U T U E N V Y D L P N E J N D Z A Q C F
Eco Note Snow in the once-pristine peaks of the Rocky Mountains, a critical source of fresh water for much of the American West, is being contaminated with mercury and other metals from nearby mining operations. As this snow melts each spring, it feeds waterways used by millions during the region’s long dry season. A new study found elevated levels of metal pollution in snow from the northern Rockies, likely carried in by storms from mining areas in Montana, Idaho and the Pacific Northwest. The pollutants may speed up snowmelt by darkening the snow’s surface.
Cook’s Corner
What to do: 1. Bring 3 cups of water to boil in a large nonstick saucepan. Add carrots and return to boil. 2. Reduce heat to medium and cook uncovered for 8 to 9 minutes until carrots are tender. 3. Drain carrots well and set aside. Melt butter in same pan. 4. Return carrots to pan; add lemon slices and sprinkle with brown sugar. Stir to coat carrots. 5. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 3 more minutes. Serves 4.
7 Little Words for Kids Use the letters in the boxes to make a word with the same meaning as the clue. The numbers in parentheses represent the number of letters in the solution. Each letter combination can be used only once, but all letter combinations will be necessary to complete the puzzle.
1. drop (4) 2. candy package (7) 3. what you chew with (5) 4. house designer (9) 5. keep balls up in the air (6) 6. farm machine (7) 7. moving like a snail (8)
GLE
TRAC
LL
HIT
ECT
WRA
CRA
TE
ETH
FA
ING
TOR
JUG ARC PPER WL
Answers: fall, wrapper, teeth, architect, juggle, tractor, crawling.
For later:
Look in your newspaper for articles about where our foods come from.
Teachers: Follow and interact with The Mini Page on Facebook!
adapted with permission from Earthweek.com
The Mini Page® © 2025 Andrews McMeel Syndication
You’ll need: • 1 (16-ounce) package baby carrots • 2 teaspoons butter • 3 slices lemon • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
©2025 Blue Ox Technologies Ltd. Download the app on Apple and Amazon devices.
* You’ll need an adult’s help with this recipe.
Sweet Lemon Carrots
SAT., JULY 5
5K
WILLISTON VILLAGE COMMUNITY PARK
Williston Observer •
Mini Jokes
Words that remind us of food forests are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find: CANOPY, DROUGHT, ECOSYSTEM, ENERGY, FARM, FIRES, FODDER, FOOD, FOREST, MULCH, NUTRITIOUS, PLANTS, SHRUBS, STORMS, SUPPLY, TRANSPORT, URBAN, VEGETABLES, VINES.
•
SATURDAY, JULY 5
Run or Walk!
REGISTER HERE
Page 18
• Williston Observer • June 12, 2025
SAVVY SENIOR
Essential legal documents all seniors should have
estate are legal and clear and will help minimize any conflicts and confusion with your family and your health care providers if you become seriously ill or when you die. Here are the key documents you need, along with some tips to help you create them.
By Jim Miller Dear Savvy Senior, What kinds of legal documents do I need to help my family take care of me in my elder years? I would like to get my affairs in order but could use some help. Approaching 80 Dear Approaching, All adults, especially an older adult like yourself, should have at least five legal documents to protect yourself and your family. These documents will make sure your wishes regarding your
Durable Power of Attorney: This document allows you to designate someone you trust to handle your financial affairs if you become incapacitated. Advance Directive: This includes two documents that spell out your wishes regarding your end-of-life medical treatment. The two documents are a “living will,” which tells your doctor what kind of care you want to receive if you become incapacitated. And a “health care power of attorney” (or health care proxy), which names a person you authorize to
make medical decisions on your behalf if you’re unable. To complement your advance directive, you should also consider getting a Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (see www.POLST.org). This is a state specific form that your doctor would fill out that translates your end-of-life wishes into medical orders to ensure your wishes are carried out. A Will: This lets you spell out your wishes of how you’d like your property and assets distributed after you die, whether it’s to family, friends or a charity. It also allows you to designate an executor to ensure your wishes are carried out and allows you to name guardians if you have dependent children. In addition to a will, if you own real estate or have considerable assets, another option you may want to consider is a “revocable living
trust.” This functions like a will but allows your estate to avoid the time and expense of probate (the public legal process that examines your estate after you die) and helps ensure your estate’s privacy. HIPPA Release: This form gives your healthcare provider permission to discuss your medical care and medical bills with those you designate. You may need specific HIPAA release forms for each medical professional or health care establishment you deal with. DO-IT-YOURSELF
If you have a simple estate and an uncomplicated family situation, there are do-it-yourself resources that can help you create all these documents for a few hundred dollars. Some top-rated options to consider include
Quicken WillMaker & Trust software (see www.WillMaker.com), Trust & Will (www.TrustandWill. com) and Legal Zoom (www. LegalZoom.com). GET HELP
If, however, you want or need assistance, or if you have a complicated financial situation, blended family or have considerable assets, you should hire an attorney. An experienced lawyer can make sure you cover all your bases — especially when writing a will or living trust — which can help avoid family confusion and squabbles after you’re gone. Costs will vary depending on where you reside, but you can expect to pay somewhere between $500 and $2,000 for a basic estate plan that includes a will, power of see SAVVY page 22
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•
Williston Observer •
Page 19
CROSSWORD • SOLUTION ON PAGE 22
TODAY’S HISTORY:
• In 1963, civil rights leader Medgar Evers was assassinated in Jackson, Mississippi. • In 1964, anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life in prison for sabotage in South Africa. • In 1987, President Ronald Reagan challenged Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to “tear down this wall” in a speech delivered in divided Berlin. • In 2016, a gunman killed 49 people and injured 53 others at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida.
TODAY’S FACT:
• Assassinated civil rights leader Medgar Evers’ brother, Charles Evers, was the first African American since Reconstruction to be elected a mayor in Mississippi, in 1969.
SOLUTION FOUND ON PAGE 22
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Page 20
• Williston Observer • June 12, 2025
April 20 at 4:36 a.m. — Suspicious truck on James Brown Drive. It was moved along. April 20 at 7:45 a.m. — Disturbance reported at Zephyr Place. Parties were separated. April 20 at 9:18 p.m. — Assisted Williston Rescue with a male that had alcohol poisoning. Male had an active arrest warrant. He was issued a citation to appear in court and transferred to the hospital for evaluation. He was also issued a citation to appear in court for violating conditions
of release. April 21 at 1:41 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Walmart. Male and female suspects were located and issued citations to appear in court for retail theft and unlawful trespass. April 21 at 3:18 p.m. — Juvenile took off from DCF. Juvenile was located and returned to DCF. April 22 at 9:54 a.m. — Report of a female in Citizens Bank yelling and screaming at people. Female was issued a
notice of trespass and moved along. April 22 at 3:53 p.m. — Report of a male who was huffing on the side of the road. Male was located and issued a citation to appear in court for possession of inhalants. He was transported to the hospital for evaluation. April 23 at 4:59 p.m. — Assisted male who was getting scammed out of money. April 23 at 10:23 p.m. — Report of a male causing a disturbance at Zephyr Place. Male was yelling and banging. Male was told to quiet down. April 24 at 5:08 p.m. — Male walked into Best Buy who had an active trespass notice. Male was issued a citation to appear in court for unlawful trespass. April 24 at 6:36 p.m. — Female walked into Dick’s Sporting Goods who had an
active trespass notice. Female was issued a citation to appear in court for unlawful trespass. April 25 at 12:10 a.m. — Report of a male screaming outside of Zephyr Place. Male was located and told to quiet down. April 25 at 10:08 a.m. — Female suffering from a mental health crisis broke into an apartment. She was transported to the hospital for evaluation. April 25 at 3:07 p.m. — Report of a male who broke into a car at Sucker Brook Trail. Male was located and issued a citation to appear in court for unlawful mischief, unlawful trespass, petit larceny and credit card fraud. He also had an active arrest warrant. He was transported to the correctional facility. April 26 at 2:57 a.m. — Assisted Essex Police with recovering a stolen vehicle.
April 26 at 4:58 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Home Depot. Male suspect was located and issued a citation to appear in court for retail theft. April 26 at 5:08 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Home Depot. Male and female suspects located and issued citations to appear in court for retail theft and unlawful trespass. April 26 at 10:01 p.m. — Group of juveniles causing a disturbance at Majestic 10. All parties involved were issued a notice of trespass.
10:30-11:30 a.m. Outdoors when weather permits.
some cotton candy.
Join our guided meditation.
SUMMER READING CHALLENGE: COLOR OUR WORLD
MAH JONGG
FRENCH STORYTIME
June 14 – Aug. 10. Williston and St. George residents. All ages. Visit www.damlvt.org for details on registering for a summer reading challenge this year. Track your reading throughout the summer and earn raffle tickets and various prizes.
Saturday, June 14, 10:15-10:45 a.m. Listen to stories read aloud by a native French speaker. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library hours: • Monday and Wednesday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. • Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. • Saturday: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Visit www.damlvt.org to apply for a library card and register for programs. Need help? Call 878-4918 or email daml@damlvt.org. We are excited to announce the theme of the 2025 Summer Reading Program: “Color Our World!” We invite you to embark
on a journey of art and creativity, celebrating the myriad ways in which art enriches our lives. Our program is designed to inspire and engage readers of all ages through a diverse array of artistic expressions.
BABY TIME
Wednesday, June 18, 10:30-11 a.m. Ages 0-18 months. Drop in for gentle bonding and socializing activities.
YOUTH PROGRAMS
BIG BLUE TRUNK SUMMER READING KICKOFF PARTY
Children in fourth grade and younger must be supervised by someone over 16 years of age.
Saturday, June 14, 10 a.m.12 p.m. Rain or shine, join us on the Town Green to celebrate the start of the Summer Reading Challenge! Register for summer reading while kids enjoy the Big Blue Trunk Twirly-Whirly ride, play some games and snack on
STORYTIME
Tuesday, June 17, 10:30-11 a.m. Outdoors when weather permits. MUSIC AND PLAYTIME
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For online programs or to join a book club, email daml@damlvt.org. SPICE CLUB FOR JUNE: AMCHOOR/AMCHUR
Pick up this month’s sample with information about tasting notes, suggestions for use and a few recipes to try. While supplies last. ADULT MEDITATION (ONLINE)
Officers also conducted eight traffic stops and responded to six alarm activations and 11 motor vehicle crashes during this time frame.
Friday June 13, 1-3 p.m. All abilities welcome. ADULT SUMMER READING — COLOR YOUR WORLD
Starting June 14. Sign up at www.damlvt.org. FRENCH CONVERSATION
Saturday, June 14, 10:45 a.m.12 p.m. Drop in and brush up on your language skills. Moderated by a native French speaker. BOOK CLUB BUFFET (ONLINE)
Tuesday, June 17, 12:30-1:30 p.m. “The Glassmaker” by Tracy Chevalier. COOK THE BOOK
Wednesday, June 18, 12-1 p.m. “Mostly Meatless” by America’s Test Kitchen.
Fridays June 13, 12-12:30 p.m.
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OBITUARIES construction as a carpenter and Carl Burnett painter. Carl Burnett passed peacefully on Sunday, June 9 to reside in his forever home with his God. He is predeceased by his mother and father, Edward and Jean Burnett of Williston and his older brother Edward Jr. of Rouses Point, NY. He leaves his three children; Jordan of Florida, Zachary of Colchester, and Amelia of St. Albans: his siblings; sister Judy Ashley and husband Dale of Florida, brother Gary and wife Judy of Colchester, sister Darlene Ashley of Williston, brother Wayne and wife Jeannie of Williston, sister Ruth Chandler and husband John of Massachusetts, brother Brian and wife Donna of Richmond, brother James and wife Susan of Monkton, brother Mark and wife Kristy of Williston, and many nieces and nephews. Carl worked mainly in
Carl enjoyed and played many sports in his youth including baseball, tennis, soccer and hockey. His favorite team was the Boston Bruins. Carl was very thankful for his family and all the support they provided and those who were with him through his journey at the end. The place he called home allowed him to live out his life in solidarity and peace and to pass with dignity to his next home. Carl loved his solitude and spent his days writing poetry, praying and studying the Bible. Special thanks to the Respite House in Colchester and all the care they provided. God bless you all for everything you do. Carl…you will be missed. A graveside service will take place this Saturday, June 14 at 11 a.m. at the East Cemetery in Williston.
W I L L I S T O N
Recreation & Parks YOUTH/TEEN PROGRAMS TRACK & FIELD
Ages 6-14. Participants will learn the basics of running, jumping, throwing and relays. Practices are Mondays and Wednesdays. There will be meets against other towns and a state championship meet in July. Registration deadline is Sunday, June 15. June 16-July 16, 6-7:30 p.m. TEEN ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE
Grades 6-12. This strength and conditioning program is specifically designed for middle school and high school athletes looking to learn proper sprinting, running, jumping and strength training mechanics. The program will teach you how to improve athletic performance, prevent injuries
Gather a team of up to 15 individuals to get hands-on experience and give back to the community. We provide all the tools, materials, and training needed. Teams provide a tax-deductible donation and the helping hands. Volunteers must be 18+. No previous experience is necessary, just a willingness to learn and have fun! For complete details or to sign up, visit vermonthabitat.org/volunteer.
and increase overall knowledge about strength and conditioning. Instructors: John and Sheila Stawinski of Fit 2 Excel. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 23- Aug. 7, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
SUMMER CAMPS The final balance is due for all registered Rec Department campers on Friday, June 13. ENRICHMENT CAMPS
There are over 30 enrichment camps being offered this summer. See which ones still have openings at www.willistonrec. org. Camps include soccer, engineering, nature drawing, ultimate frisbee, Lego building, multi-sports, 3D stop motion, rocketry, Hogwarts express, baseball, electrifying fun, vet, bubble bonanza, slimescapades, chemistry creations, Minecraft mania and kid kitchen.
•
Williston Observer •
Page 21
FITNESS PROGRAMS AT THE R.E.C. ZONE TAI CHI INTRO
Ages 50-plus. Mondays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Free. Instructor: Adina Panitch. BONE BUILDERS
Ages 50-plus. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10-11 a.m. Free. Instructors: Ann Naumann & Joyce Oughstun. SENIOR STRENGTH & FUNCTIONAL MOBILITY
Ages 50-plus. Wednesdays and Fridays, 10-10:45 a.m. Free. Instructor: Jazmine Averbuck. ZUMBA GOLD
Ages 18-plus. Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $10 per class. Instructor: Ciara Gregory JAZZERCISE CARDIO SCULPT PROGRAMS
Ages 16-plus. Cardio Sculpt Low/Low, Tuesdays and Fridays, 8:30-9:30 a.m., and Mondays and Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Cardio Sculpt Low/High, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 4:45-5:45 p.m., and Sundays, 8:30-9:30 a.m. Instructors: Kit Sayers.
Page 22
• Williston Observer • June 12, 2025
SUDOKU SOLUTION
Savvy
CROSSWORD SOLUTION
Puzzle found on page 19
Puzzle found on page 19
continued from page 18
attorney and advance directive. If you want your estate plan to include a living trust, that can run anywhere between $1,500 and $5,000. The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (www. NAELA.org) and the National Association of Estate Planners and Councils (www.NAEPC.org) are two good resources that have directories on their websites to help you find someone in your area. If money is tight, check with your state’s bar association (see www.FindLegalHelp.org) to find low-cost legal help in your area. Or call the Eldercare Locater at 800-677-1116 for a referral. Send your questions or comments to questions@ savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.
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•
Williston Observer •
Page 23
4
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RABIES BAIT SOUTH BURLINGTON HIGH
saliva. If left untreated, rabies is almost alcontinued from 2 50th SCHOOL CLASS OFpage 1975 — ways fatal in humans and animals. However, This position will be temporary full-time, which will end upon reunion, July 19, 2025, Burlington Country the completion of the construction project. The position is treatment with the rabies vaccine is nearly Club. Tickets $19.75. Available at https:// to last approximately six (6) months. sbhs-classof75-50threunion.eventbrite. The week-long bait drop is a coopera- 100 percent effective when given soonexpected after SHELBURNE DAY com. For more info contact David face Peterson: skipjaz@aol.com tive effort between Vermont and the U.S. a person is bitten by a rabid animal. At Bowman, we believefrom in creating continued page 4opportunities for aspiring T people to thrive and achieve ambitious goals. That’s why a Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services MUSICIANS So far this year, 23 animals in Vermont burn career at Bowman is more than a job. It is an opportunity to to stop the spread JAM SESSIONS WANTEDof — the potentially fatal have tested positive for rabies, and 14 of of a diverse and engaged community of professionals, be part Shelburne Historical Society will have a head Looking for some fellow musicians to disease. those have been raccoons. to be treated as a respected and valued member of a jam. Many genres of music from oldand Dorothea Penar will the time,Rabies bluegrass, and all the way motivateddisplay team and to president be empowered to do exceptional is country a deadly viral disease of the According to wildlife officials, rabid up to folk, Americana, and classic-rock. lead a cemetery at of1 everyone p.m. Food ven- Golf the best tour interest involved. I’d like tothat set upinfects a weekly jam session brain mammals. It is most often animals often show a change in theirwork nor-that advances We recognize the importance of creating a work environment or join an existing one. I’ve just moved dors round out the event with everything depe seen inLouisiana raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats, mal behavior, but you cannot tell whether here from and I’m itching to that is both rewarding to our employees and supportive of from commitment coffee andtolemonade to burgers and land play! Harvey.Broussard @gmail.com ouralunwavering provide unparalleled service but unvaccinated pets and livestock can also an RABIES BAIT animal hasuntreated, rabies simply at saliva. If left rabiesbyis looking almost creemees. Kids will enjoy meeting animals Rota our clients. continued get rabies.from The page virus2is spread through the it. People should notand touch or pick uptowild ways fatal in humans animals. However, from Shelburne Farms, craft projects, and for classifieds is Monday. bite of anDeadline infected animal or contact with its animals orwith straysthe – even animals. treatment rabiesbaby vaccine is nearly For more information, please contact: The week-long bait drop is a coopera- 100 percent effective when given soon after Jenn Desautels, Branch Manager, SHELBURNE DAY face at jenn.desautels@bowman.com or (802) 879-6331 tive effort between Vermont and the DIRECTORY U.S. a person is bitten by a rabid animal. SERVICE continued from page 4 T Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services So far this year, 23 animals in Vermont burn MAINTENANCE BARBERSHOP LANDSCAPING & STONEWORK to stop the spread of the potentially fatal have testedLAND positive for rabies, and 14 of Shelburne Historical Society will have a head disease. those have been raccoons. ☛ MIKE’S CLASSIC BARBERSHOP LLC 04/22/2024 display and president Dorothea Penar will the Forestry Mulching Services Rabies is a deadly viral disease of the According to wildlife officials, rabid for private and lead a cemetery tour at 1 p.m. Food venGolf Landscaping, LLC brain3.25 that x infects It is most often animals often show a change inprojects their norcommercial 2 ADmammals. for Williston Observer dors round out the event with everything depe seen in raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats, mal behavior, but you cannot tell landscaping & stonework Driveways, Ponds, Landwhether Clearing, from coffee and lemonade to burgers and land Trails, Farms, Ski Areas, but unvaccinated pets and livestock can also an animal has rabies simply by Recovery, looking at Natural Disaster BY APPOINTMENT ONLY creemees. Kids LANDSCAPE will enjoy meeting animals Cleanup, Invasive Vegetation, Rota COMPREHENSIVE DESIGN & INSTALLATION for rates: call 985-309 get MON/WED/THURS/FRI: rabies. The is spread through the it. People should notLogging touch Excavation or pick up wild 8AM -virus 6PM • Walkways • Stonewalls • Firepits Patios from Shelburne Farms, craft projects, and SAT: 8AM - 1PM bite of an infected animal or contact with its animals orVisit strays – even baby animals. • Sitework Driveways • Plantings • Water our for information: orFeatures email advertising@ Visit ourwebsite website formore more information
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Page 24 •
Williston Observer •
June 12, 2025
SPORTS
Redhawks win second straight track-and-field title BY LAUREN READ Observer Correspondent For the second year in a row, the CVU girls track-and-field team dominated the distance races at the Division I state championship meet in Burlington on Saturday. And like last year, the Redhawks let that dominance carry them to a Division 1 state title. It is the program’s second state title, following the girls’ first trophy last spring. The Redhawks finished with 71 points to finish in first place, just ahead of second-place Burr and Burton and South Burlington, who tied with 91 points each. In the 1500-meter race, Alice Kredell took the top spot, followed by Lydia Donahue in second, Audrey Neilson in third and Charlotte Crum in fourth. The
Redhawks followed that up with Kredell and Donahue going 1-2 in the 3,000-meter race and Annalise Wood coming in sixth place. Isabella Gravina-Budis also came in first place, this time in the 800-meter race, while Neilson came in fourth in the same race. Lilyanna Mittlestadt paced CVU’s field efforts with a fifthplace finish in the long jump and the triple jump, plus a sixth-place finish in the 100-meter dash. Mckenna Rettew also nabbed a top five finish, coming in third place in the pole vault. Annaliesa Fry rounded out the top finishers for CVU, grabbing the sixth spot in the 400-meter race. CVU BOYS FINISH IN THIRD PLACE
The CVU boys track and field
team raced to a third-place finish in Saturday’s Division I state championship meet in Burlington behind strong performances on the track. Essex claimed the state title with 137 points, St. Johnsbury followed in second (100 points) and the Redhawks came in third place (54 points). Quintin Fortier came in second place in the 100-meter dash and in third place in the 200-meter race. Benjamin Holoch was second in both the 1,500- and 3,000-meter races for the Redhawks, while Treson McEnaney finished second in the 800. Wade Nichols came in second in the discus to top the field events for CVU, while Ulysses Sansoz was sixth in the discus. Dylan Elder came in sixth place in the pole vault.
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Redhawks sting Hornets
CVU’s Reesa Bagnato, above, clears the ball ahead of Essex’s Azra Sakoc during the Redhawks’ 10-8 win over the Hornets on May 29 in Essex. Carly Stobeck, left, wins the draw. Mackenzie Love, below, sprints downfield with the ball. OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY
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