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AUGUST 21, 2025

Selectboard approves Town Plan The Williston Selectboard unanimously approved a new Comprehensive Town Plan on Tuesday, culminating more than two years of work by town staff, planning commission members and residents. The plan, a guide that underpins local land use regulations and lays out the town’s direction in housing, transportation, recreation and conservation — among other sectors — will be up for renewal again in 2033. “This is about the direction the town wants to move in,” board member Jeanne Jensen said. “It’s a really excellent document, and I appreciate all the hard work that went into it.” After planning commission approval earlier this year, the selectboard first reviewed the document in July, making a few changes that the planning commission ultimately signed off on. One of the changes involved the town’s support for public bus service. The selectboard deleted a directive to fund Green Mountain Transit, the financially struggling transit agency that currently runs buses from Williston to Burlington and receives annual support from several Chittenden County municipalities, including Williston. The selectboard also reworded a section on funding bicycle and pedestrian facilities, removing an idea to ask voters for taxpayer support. Regarding housing, it softened language on providing services to unhoused people — from “provide” to “support the provision of” services for the unhoused. The new Town Plan is available at www.williston2050.com. — Jason Starr

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CVU turf field dreams revived

The athletic field at CVU that hosts soccer and lacrosse games and multi-sport practices is seen Tuesday. The school district has long hoped to install artificial turf on the field, and that effort is renewed this year with the emergence of a private fundraising group. OBSERVER PHOTO BY AL FREY

BY JASON STARR Observer staff A decade-plus after a failed bond vote and a couple years since plans were stalled due to school budget cuts, a community leader has emerged to revive a push to install a turf field at CVU High School in Hinesburg. Eli Lesser-Goldsmith is a resident of Charlotte and parent of three children in the Champlain Valley School District. Professionally, he is the CEO of Healthy Living, the market and café with stores in Williston, South Burlington and Saratoga Springs, N.Y. During the first meeting of the Champlain Valley School Board last Tuesday, he said he’s formed a group of partners to lead a fundraising campaign to build the field. The turf would replace the grass on the school’s “Field B,” a pitch next to the football field that typically hosts soccer and lacrosse practices and games. “Our goal is to deliver this facility to the district for zero cost,” Lesser-Goldsmith told the board. “Everything will be handled with private fundraising from my group … We

understand how challenging school funding is right now.” In the outline of an agreement with the school district, the fundraising group (under the nonprofit name “Friends of CVU”) will be responsible for obtaining governmental

“Our goal is to deliver this facility to the district for zero cost.” Eli Lesser-Goldsmith Friends of CVU

permits and approvals and overseeing construction contracts. The district will retain approval authority over all permit applications and construction activity. Lesser-Goldsmith said he will have architectural drawings of the proposal to share in the coming weeks. “I’m really excited and our group is really excited too,” he said.

Superintendent Adam Bunting described the need for the turf, recalling the excessive rainfall in 2023 that wreaked havoc with high school sports practice and game schedules. There were “a series of cancelled events and interrupted practices,” he said. That same year was the beginning of a cycle of budget austerity for the district that it is still in the throes of. “We know how important it is that this is something that does not use taxpayer funds at this point,” said board chair Meghan Metzler. While the cost of ongoing maintenance of the turf will fall on the district, it’s unclear if that will be more or less annually than upkeep of the existing grass field. It’s something that the fundraising group plans to analyze, Lesser-Goldsmith said. An optimistic timeline would put groundbreaking at sometime next year, Lesser-Goldsmith said, but a more realistic goal is sometime in 2027. To break ground in 2026 “a lot of things would have to go perfectly,” he said. “As we know, building anything in Vermont is permit-heavy and it can be very complex.”

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Williston Observer • August 21, 2025

Around Town W I L L I S T O N • V E R M O N T

Bring your treasures to the ‘Williston Antiques Roadshow’

and pollinators, and growing native plants that are good for birds and the environment.

Have items appraised by local auctioneer and appraiser Ethan Merrill of Merrill’s Auction Gallery at the Williston Historical Society’s “Williston Antiques Roadshow” event Saturday, Sept. 20. The event takes place from 10 am. to 12 p.m. at the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library. Limit is three items per person — no firearms allowed. A $5 dollar donation for each object appraised will support the Williston Historical Society.

Support CVU girls basketball team with golf fundraiser

Tour and learn with garden expert Charlie Nardozzi The Burlington Garden Club is hosting a free gardening talk and tour on Thursday, Aug. 28 from 6-8 p.m. at Wheeler Park, 1100 Dorset St., in South Burlington. Gardening expert Charlie Nardozzi will discuss how to garden more in tune with nature and still have productive flower and edible gardens, including no-dig gardening techniques, protecting beneficial insects

The fifth annual CVU Girls Basketball Golf Tournament will take place on Sunday, Sept. 21 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cedar Knoll Country Club in Hinesburg. Registration includes greens fees, cart rental, food (light breakfast, lunch, appetizers and cash bar) and raffle prizes. The cost is $100 per person or $400 per foursome. Register by Aug. 30 by emailing Suzanne Skaflestad at s.skaflestad@yahoo. com.

School supply giveaway upcoming in St. George All school-aged residents of St. George are eligible to pick up free school supplies on Sunday, Sept. 7 from 3-5 p.m., or Monday, Sept. 8 from 5-7 p.m. at The Little Red Schoolhouse in the St. George Town Center. Contact Sarah Tischler at

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Class of ’76 plans for 50th high school reunion The CVU Class of 1976 is planning its 50th high school reunion in 2026 and is looking for classmates and donations for an event next Aug. 15 at Champlain College in Burlington. Email LDR43@aim.com with questions; to donate to the event, visit https:// fundrazr.com/campaigns/62Xeu1

Educational lecture series launches for fall The nonprofit Education and Enrichment for Everyone has announced a series of 11 lectures for the fall. Each takes place on a Friday from 2-3 p.m. at Faith United Methodist Church, 899 Dorset St. in South Burlington. Topics include: Sept. 5 — Russ Scully, Founder of Hula, co-developer of Burlington’s Future South End Project on “The Origin Story of Hula and How It Led to the Largest Real Estate Development Project in the State’s History.” Sept. 12 — Jeffrey Ayres, Professor of Political Science and Director of the Institute for Global Engagement, St. Michael’s College on “Canada-U.S. Relations in the Era of Trump II.”

Sept. 19 — Charlotte McCorkel, senior director of client services, and Denise Vignoe, director of development and communications, Howard Center on “Howard Center: Helping Our Community Thrive.” Sept. 26 — Miro Weinberger, executive chair of Let’s Build Homes and former mayor of Burlington on “Vermont Housing Abundance — Why We Need It and How We Build It.” Oct. 3 — James “Jim” Jones — author, publisher, local rail historian — on “Vermont’s Island Line Revisited.” Oct. 10 — Nicolas Longo, director of aviation at Patrick Leahy International Airport on “Vermont’s Aviation Innovation: A Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport Story.” Oct. 17 — Minh Ly, assistant professor of Political Science at UVM on “Answering to Us: Why Democracy Demands Accountability.” Oct. 24 — Lauren Hierl, executive director, and Jon Groveman, policy and water program director, Vermont Natural Resources Council, on “How Vermont Is Addressing Contamination from Toxic PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals.’” Series memberships are available for $55. Members may attend in person or over Zoom webinar. Non-members pay $8 check or cash at the door. For the full list of fall speakers and more information, visit https://eeevermont.org.

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At top, young fans get down to KISStory, a Kiss tribute band as they close the Maple Tree Place Thursday Night Concert Series for the season last Thursday. Above right, longtime Kiss fans enjoy the show. Above left, the KISStory guitarist leads the band. OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY

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WILLISTON: BUSINESS HUB OF VERMONT

Gardener’s Supply cuts workers, shortchanges vendors New Indianabased owner works through bankruptcy BY HENRY FERNANDEZ VTDigger When Gardener’s Supply filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in late June, it owed its vendor Green Mountain Mulch over $81,000. Over a month later, Daniel St. Onge, the owner of the mulch dealer, said he nor most of Gardener’s vendors are likely to fully recoup what they’re owed. “It ain’t looking good. I think it’s gonna be cents on the dollar, if anything,” St. Onge said. “It’s definitely a hurt, that’s for sure. … It was quite a shock actually. I do a lot of business with them and didn’t really know nothing until the day of.” As of July 31, the popular employee-owned Vermont gardening business was acquired by Indianabased competitor, Gardens Alive!. And in the wake of the sale, along with hundreds of thousands of dollars that Gardener’s still owes its international, national and local vendors, it’s the company’s employees now bracing for layoffs and suppliers calculating their losses. St. Onge said Gardens Alive! has begun the process of restarting business with Gardener’s former vendors. But according to court documents, Gardens Alive! will not be liable for any debt, legal claims or liens against Gardener’s related to its bankruptcy. “I’m in the process of speaking on that with them,” St. Onge said. Alongside vendors, workers at Gardener’s Supply are also facing upcoming layoffs following the sale, as first reported by Seven Days. The Vermont Department of Labor confirmed the layoffs, which will primarily hit Gardener’s Milton warehouse location and call center. Vermont Department of Labor spokesperson Rachel Dumeny told VTDigger that the department

could not yet specify how many workers are set to be laid off, citing pending legal approval of the company’s layoff notice. Dumeny wrote in an email that the department will be providing a free information session for laid off workers at Gardener’s Milton warehouse to discuss unemployment benefits, health insurance and re-employment opportunities. Gardener’s employee stock ownership plan also doesn’t appear to be in good standing after it lost its independent trustee — the Washington-based ESOP Trust Company. Court documents show that the trust company, once meant to “navigate the ESOP through the pending bankruptcy and corresponding asset sale,” has resigned, citing “persistent post-petition breaches” of its agreement with Gardener’s. The breaches include failures by Gardener’s to pay legal fees and comply with various fiduciary and reporting obligations, according to court filings. Gardener’s bankruptcy counsel said it would not pay the trust company $100,000 it had previously agreed to pay to steward the ESOP during the bankruptcy process. Unless Gardener’s has enough money left over after the sale, workers in the ESOP plan may not see a dime, according to Matt Cropp, executive director of the Vermont Employee Ownership Center. “So in a situation like this, the company’s got a bunch of outstanding debts and obligations — payroll, the trade invoices, secured debt, unsecured debt, all of those things? Then equity is usually at the bottom of the stack,” he said. “So the question for this sort of thing would be is there a residual amount and, if so, then there’s some fraction of it that would be distributed pro rata amongst folks depending on their shares.” Gardener’s Supply declined to comment.

Gardener’s Supply Company in Williston in June. PHOTO BY GLENN RUSSELL/VTDIGGER

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HUB Happenings Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance kicks off fall event series The Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance (VOBA) will partner with the Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative (VOREC) and Burton Snowboards in Burlington for an Outdoor Innovation Showcase event Thursday, Aug. 21 at 3 p.m. The event will bring together outdoor industry leaders and policymakers to highlight sustainable and circular business practices and projects. Future VOBA events include: Sept. 3 — Outdoor Equity Partnerships at Otter View Park and American Flatbread in Middlebury. Sept. 25 — Outdoor Career Pathways Meet-Up at the North Branch Nature Center in Montpelier. Oct. 21 — ClimateReadyVT Workshop in partnership with Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility at Bolton Valley Resort Nov. 13 — Vermont Outdoor Economy Summit at Burke Mountain Resort.

Applications open for weatherization contractor coaching program

The Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund, in collaboration with Efficiency Vermont and its Efficiency Excellence Network, is offering a new professional education program called Tools of the Trade — Business Coaching for Energy Pros. This nine-month, in-person business training program is designed to help Vermont weatherization and clean energy contractors strengthen and grow their businesses. The program begins Oct. 20 and runs through June 2026. Applications are due by Sept. 12, and selected businesses will be notified by Sept. 26. To apply or learn more, visit https://bit.ly/ ToTforWeatherizationPros. For questions, contact Kurt Ericksen at kurt@vsjf.org.

Peter Steele appointed SBA’s New England administrator U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Kelly Loeffler has appointed Peter A. Steele as Regional Administrator for Region 1 — New England. Steele will oversee SBA’s day-to-day operations in the six New England states. Steele was most recently a senior manager of corporate communications at Sappi North America.

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Feds accuse Vermont of ‘sanctuary’ immigration policies ‘This ends now,’ says U.S. Attorney General BY AUDITI GUHA VTDigger State officials maintain Vermont is not a sanctuary state but received a letter Monday from the U.S. attorney general’s office alleging it has immigration enforcement policies in place the federal government sees as unlawful. “For too long, so-called sanctuary jurisdiction policies have undermined this necessary cooperation and obstructed federal immigration enforcement, giving aliens cover to perpetrate crimes in our communities and evade the immigration consequences that federal law requires,” reads the letter dated Aug. 13, shared with VTDigger. Studies show immigrants in the United States commit crimes at lower rates than the U.S.-born population. Meanwhile, immigration authorities this year have been detaining and deporting record numbers of immigrants who have little or no criminal record, according to the Marshall Project. Gov. Phil Scott is reviewing

the letter from Attorney General Pamela Bondi and is preparing a response to push back on that assertion, according to Dustin Degree, a spokesperson for the governor. “You are hereby notified that your jurisdiction has been identified as one that engages in sanctuary policies and practices that thwart federal immigration and enforcement to the detriment of the interests of the United States. This ends now,” Bondi’s letter states. Degree rejected Bondi’s assertion Monday. “Importantly, Vermont is not a sanctuary state. Vermont does not have any law or policy that impedes the enforcement of federal immigration law,” Degree wrote to VTDigger in an email. “In fact, the opposite is true: Vermont State law is very clear that the State does not prohibit or impede any public agency from complying with the lawful requirements of 8 U.S.C. §§ 1373 and 1644,” he stated. Those laws state local law or governmental entities may not prohibit or restrict the sending or receiving of information from federal authorities regarding a person’s

immigration status. Any policy or practice that existed in Vermont that conflicts with federal immigration requirements has been abolished, according to Degree. “Gov. Scott will convey these important details in a response to the AG,” Degree wrote. The letter, which was sent to multiple communities, threatens criminal charges, civil action and potentially withholding federal funds if entities don’t comply. The letter comes on the heels of the Justice Department announcing its latest list of 35 sanctuary jurisdictions, which includes Vermont, as part of the federal government’s continued effort to target communities that it believes are interfering with immigration enforcement. An earlier list in May named more than 500 jurisdictions across red and blue states in response to President Donald Trump’s April 28 executive order directing federal authorities to identify so-called sanctuary jurisdictions nationwide that are “deliberately obstructing the enforcement of federal immigration laws and endangering American citizens.”

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Williston Observer • August 21, 2025

GUEST COLUMN

More work ahead on Vermont’s housing crisis BY LINDSAY KURRLE Despite the progress we’ve made together, Vermont’s housing crisis is far from being solved. By 2030, the statewide demand for housing units will exceed 40,000. Right now, we’re on target to build just over 12,000. Without enough housing, our communities and economy stall. Vermont can’t attract or keep the workforce our employers need, and we can’t ensure we have the people power to sustain essential services. Building more housing isn’t just about numbers. Meaningful change to build more housing means ensuring families can stay together, older Vermonters can age in their communities, and children have the stability they need to thrive and succeed in school. We must also maintain and rehabilitate the homes we already have, many of which are aging, and in some cases, have fallen into disrepair. Deferred maintenance of older homes is often driven by an increasing tax burden and can remove homes and units from Vermont’s housing supply. Bringing homes back into safe, livable condition is just as important as new construction. Ultimately, it’s about making sure our mechanics, mail-carriers, healthcare providers, educators, public safety officers and small business owners can live in the communities they serve.

Every day I hear from businesses, large and small, that are still struggling to hire and retain their employees because of a lack of housing. As Vermonters, we’ve all been feeling the ramifications of this for years. It’s harder than ever to find the services of the workers we all celebrated as essential during the pandemic. The sad irony is that the carpenters, plumbers and electricians — the very people we need to build these homes — cannot find a place to live themselves. We are at a crossroads. While some policymakers have worked alongside the administration to champion bold solutions, too many others seem ready to declare victory. We must not accept this shortage as the “new normal.” This issue will not resolve itself, and the work is not over. Vermonters are still calling for urgent action — asking us to address housing with urgency not modest attempts. Decision-makers, myself included, have a responsibility to deliver. Recent legislative sessions saw positive steps, such as the HOME Act of 2023, interim Act 250 exemptions and the creation of the Community and Housing Infrastructure Program, a tax increment financing program tailored for smaller communities. These are important, but a challenge of this scale cannot be solved with only the actions taken to date. If we stop now, we will fall short and risk failing our state.

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ADVERTISING SPACE DEADLINE Friday at 5 p.m. for the next Thursday issue rick@willistonobserver.com, 802-373-2136 CLASSIFIED ADS Deadline is Friday 5 p.m. There is a fee for business, real estate, help wanted and legal ads. Free classifieds must be 25 words or fewer and are printed on a space available basis.

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This past January, the governor presented the Pathway to Accelerating and Transforming Housing for Vermont. If adopted by lawmakers, this package would have made Vermont a truly pro-housing state. The plan included modernizing Act 250 and other state permitting, reforming our appeals process, and addressing local permitting barriers. All of this is necessary to bring down costs, unlock private investment and build housing faster. Unfortunately, despite these being the most powerful tools policymakers could use to make progress, nearly none of them were embraced by legislators. Instead, there is a persistent but flawed idea that allocating more and more money will somehow solve this problem. Thinking of spending as a solution is irresponsible budgeting and ignores the root causes. More task forces, commissions and studies won’t help either, they’ll only result in more complex laws with unintended consequences. The pursuit of more housing is also about welcoming more people to our state and growing our grand lists. This is how we can reduce pressure on individual taxpayers. Not by raising taxes, but by creating more taxpayers. So, how can you help? Participate in the process: Attend planning commission, development review

board, selectboard and city council meetings. Communicate with your legislators: Contact the people who represent you in the House and Senate. Let them know you support smart, balanced housing policies focused on furthering the modernization of Act 250, local and state permitting and appeals. Let them know that you support lowering costs, speeding up construction and bringing more homes into your community online. Put your property to work: Do you have a vacant or underutilized space that could become a home with a little help? See if the Vermont Housing Improvement Program (https://accd.vermont.gov/vhip) is right for you. Be welcoming: People want to move here for all the same reasons we love living here. Already, we have so much in common. Connect with us: How can we help? Reach out at accd.dhcd@vermont.gov. If we are serious about addressing Vermont’s housing crisis, we must keep pushing for meaningful change, invest in what works, modernize outdated regulations and keep Vermonters at the center of the process. We’ve made progress, but we are not done yet. Our future depends on what we do next. Lindsay Kurrle is Secretary of the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development.

August 21, 2025 •

Williston Observer •

State employees receive return-to-office news

BY ETHAN WEINSTEIN VTDigger

As news of an upcoming return-to-office plan reverberated within state government this month, the leader of at least one Vermont agency has looked to quiet the concerns of its employees. In an all-staff email sent Monday, Agency of Natural Resources Secretary Julie Moore told employees that the expected changes did not reflect on the professionalism or quality of their work. But she indicated more in-office time could bring positive changes and urged staff to remain calm while details are developed. “I understand this creates real challenges for many, and those concerns are valid. At the same time, this directive comes from the governor’s office as part of broader policy decisions about how state government operates,” Moore wrote. “I need everyone to focus on solutions rather than resistance, understanding that work arrangements can and do change, and our response must

“That’s a decision the governor has made, and it’s not up for discussion.” Julie Moore Agency of Natural Resources

remain professional even when changes are unwelcome.” Earlier this month, Gov. Phil Scott first signaled his intention to bring state employees back to the office on a hybrid basis. That move prompted Agency of Administration Secretary Sarah Clark to write to all state employees, assuring them that the plans are only in their early stages and will develop with input across departments. But more details may arrive in the next two weeks. According to Moore, the Agency of Administration plans to share the timeline of the proposal and the number of in-office days expected by the end of the month. Covid-19 transformed how the

state did business, shifting work from downtown offices to video calls. Years later, some of the state’s more than 8,000 employees have started increasing their in-person presence, but remote work remains prevalent. For many, work location is handled on a case-by-case basis, according to the Vermont State Employees’ Association, the union representing the workforce. On Tuesday, Steve Howard, the union’s executive director, said members have thus far overwhelmingly opposed the idea of returning to the office. Some people were hired under assurances that they could work remotely, he said, and may live 90 minutes from their potential offices. “We’re hearing a lot from people who are saying how am I going to be able to pick my child up from child care,” he said. Howard pointed to California, where the state auditor’s office determined a new hybrid return-to-office plan had not been fully studied by the governor, and that partial remote work would save millions of dollars. California’s governor

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refuted those findings. It’s unclear how all Vermont agencies are handling the early stage discussions about a hybrid schedule. A spokesperson for the Vermont Agency of Education said

the agency would keep its employees up to date but was still awaiting more details. The Agency of Human Services and Agency of Agriculture did not respond to requests for comment.

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Williston Observer • August 21, 2025

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swimming and eventually set a goal to swim the English Channel, the part of the Atlantic Ocean that separates southern England and northern France. Brynn was able to do the 21-mile swim in 11 hours and 43 minutes. For many open water swimmers like Brynn, concern for the environment plays a large role in their swimming careers. “As open water swimmers, we gain an appreciation for the environment,” said Paula Yankauskas, a resident of Hyde Park and another long-distance swimmer who uses Green River Reservoir for training. “Without it, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do.” Yankauskas has been swimming since she was 11 years old and swam for the University of Vermont team. She also swam the English Channel, the oldest woman in the United States to do so, in 2016. She and Brynn also both swam the Catalina Channel and around the island of Manhattan. “You start to care about (natural waters) and do what you can to help keep things clean and available,” Yankauskas said. Brynn has been swimming in Lake Memphremagog since 2009 and has seen a variety of manmade waste, bleaching of rocks, and occasionally white and foamy bubbles on the surface. In 2021, Canadian officials found traces of PFAS in the lake. Memphremagog, which crosses over into the Canadian border, is 31 miles long. Three-quarters of it is in Vermont and it serves as a water source for 200,000 people. “I’m in there an hour to five to ten hours,” Brynn said. “There’s definitely a concern.” Brynn said she has her own test kit to test any of the waters

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Charlotte Brynn winter swimming in Lake Willoughby. PHOTO COURTESY OF CHARLOTTE BRYNN

she swims in after flooding or if there’s discoloration. But despite concern for water quality, both Brynn and Yankauskas keep on swimming. “The water really produces a giant hug and the ripples of it just wash away stuff,” Brynn said. “It’s very much like meditation or yoga where once you are one with the water and you’re swimming, those other stresses and worries, whether they’re relevant or not, they melt away.” Brynn said she felt her relationship with nature had changed during the process of training for the English Channel, especially with the Green River Reservoir. “I know every tree and rock along that shoreline,” Brynn said. “You have such an appreciation for the beauty.” Franny Cohen is a New Hampshire resident who spends time swimming in Vermont’s natural waters. She said she feels like part of the landscape when open water swimming. “You’re aware of the loons and the ducks in New England,” said Cohen. She called her time swimming in the Boston Harbor euphoric.

Yankauskas recalled swimming in the Catalina Channel at night and swimming through bioluminescent organisms in the water. “It’s like shooting diamonds and lightning off your fingertips,” she said. “It’s just really beautiful.” Brynn said sometimes when she’s swimming she can feel fish swim under her bodies’ shade, hiding from people who are fishing in the lakes. These swimmers’ passion and commitment for the open waters only empowers them to communicate, educate and inspire others to think about how important good water quality is for the planet.

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Yum! This section in the Williston Observer features some of the best eateries and restaurants in the area! If you would like to have your establishment included please call Rick at 802-373-2136 or email rick@willistonobserver.com

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Page 10release • dates: Williston Aug.Observer 23-29, 2025•

August 21, 2025

34 (25)

Next Week: Our states: Minnesota

Issue 34, 2025

Founded by Betty Debnam

Happy Labor Day!

Mini Fact:

Oregon was the first state to pass a law recognizing Labor Day, in 1887.

Be a job detective

What do you want to be when you grow up? You have years to decide, but it’s a good idea to look around today. Ask questions. Watch what workers do. Read about careers. Work hard to build your skills in school. We’ve identified a few job categories here. Which ones interest you?

Health care

Do you like helping people? Nurses and doctors help people stay healthy. You could also be a researcher, finding cures for diseases.

For most of us, Labor Day is the last big splash of summer. Kids and families enjoy the long Labor Day weekend before school really gets under way. There are picnics and trips to the beach. There are parades and fireworks and band concerts. But what is Labor Day? This week, The Mini Page explores the origins of this September holiday.

Agriculture

Peter J. McGuire

Who started it?

The first Labor Day

photo by Shaun Greiner

Labor Day was started more than 140 years ago. It was started by workers who were struggling for many of the rights that our workers enjoy today. Working people wanted to call attention to some of their problems. They also wanted to honor the hard work they did. The first Labor Day celebration took place in 1882 in New York City. About 10,000 workers Members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical took part in Workers union in Peoria, Illinois, a Labor Day march in a Labor Day parade. parade. Many were members of labor unions. Unions are groups that work for better pay and working conditions. Later, there was a huge picnic and concert and speeches.

Matthew Maguire

People disagree about who is the “father” of Labor Day. Two men with similar last names are both given credit. Some say it was Peter J. McGuire. He became the founder of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. Others say it was another Irishman by the name of Matthew Maguire, who may have had the idea for a workers’ holiday first. McGuire proposed that the first Monday in September be set aside for a “general holiday for the laboring classes.” He chose that time because it was halfway between the Fourth of July and Thanksgiving. President Grover Cleveland made Labor Day a federal holiday in 1894.

Modern Labor Day Today, along with summer fun, the Labor Day weekend includes college football games, car races, picnics, concerts and fireworks.

You could be a farmer, a florist or a scientist who studies crops.

Business

Are you good with technology? Do numbers and statistics intrigue you?

Construction and manufacturing

You might become a builder or learn how to make factories more efficient.

Public service

Many kids dream of being a police officer or a firefighter. You could also become an emergency medical technician, or EMT.

Resources On the Web:

• dol.gov/general/laborday/history

At the library:

• “Labor Day” by Meredith Dash • “A Children’s Guide to Labor Day” by Tex Stanly

Try ’n’ Find Observer rack locations Mini Jokes

Rehab Gym Goodwater Brewing Williston Essex/Essex Jct. Price Chopper Words that remind us of Labor Day are hidden in this puzzle. Some Shell Gas Station (Essex Rd) Hannaford Adams Farm Market Essex Automotive Quality words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are Bob: What’s the best tool to Bake Shop Simon’s Mobil Williston Healthy Living Williston Aromas of India Five Corner Variety River Road Beverage use when building a playground? used twice. See if you can find: Chef’s Corner

Home2Suites

Simply Divine Café

BUILD, CAREER, Dorothy Alling Memorial R E KIsland R Homemade O W K Ice G Cream N I Sonesta P L E H L CLEVELAND, CONCERT, Library F F IKorner R Kwik E WStop O R K SSunoco Q CStation H Z I EFFICIENT, FIREWORKS, Town of Williston Marriott Courtyard Fairfield Inn S P T R E C N O C D L I U B Offices E ll Rick Cote at l CaHELPING, UPS Store Men At Wok Folino’s Pizza HOLIDAY, ai em U K R F S Y S T H G I R N Z E or (802) 373-2136 erver.com Gardener’s Supply M E FM&TF Bank LABOR, PARADE, I C I E N TVermont V B Meat E &XSeafood D illistonObs Rick@WJOB, copies e lik ld ou w Williston Coffee Shop Ramunto’s Green Mountain Bagel u yo if PAY, RIGHTS, SERVICE, M J O K E C I V R E S O C O A n for your locatio E N O I N U L M S P E E C H R SPEECH, SUMMER, R N B G H O L I D A Y Y Z F A UNION, WORKER. Q O S S L A B O R E E R A C P

Benny: A seesaw! Hannaford Inn at Essex Mac’s Market Martone’s Deli

Richmond Cumberland Farms Richmond Free Library Eco Note Richmond Market Williston

An extremely rare snowfall in northern Chile’s Atacama Desert, the driest on Earth, forced the world’s most powerful radio telescope to halt operations. The ALMA facility was placed into “survival

conditions. Later, there was a huge picnic and concert and speeches.

• “Labor Day” by Meredith Dash • “A Children’s Guide to Labor Day” by Tex Stanly

races, picnics, concerts and fireworks.

August 21, 2025 •

Try ’n’ Find

R E K F F I S P T U K R M E F M J O E N O R N B Q O S J C L

R R R F F K I G S E

O W K G N E W O R K E C N O C S Y S T H I C I E N E C I V R N U L M S H O L I D L A B O R V E L A N

I P L E H S Q C H Z D L I U B G I R N Z T V B E X E S O C O P E E C H A Y Y Z F E E R A C D K Z X P

Bob: What’s the best tool to use when building a playground? Benny: A seesaw!

L I E E D A R A P X

Eco Note An extremely rare snowfall in northern Chile’s Atacama Desert, the driest on Earth, forced the world’s most powerful radio telescope to halt operations. The ALMA facility was placed into “survival mode” to safeguard its delicate instruments when temperatures dropped to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. The Atacama receives less than an inch of rain annually on average, making the storm highly unusual. The desert sees rain only a few times per century, with some areas never having received any reported precipitation. adapted with permission from Earthweek.com

What to do: 1. In a small bowl, combine tomato juice, onion and soy sauce. Mix well. 2. Place chicken breasts in an 8-by-8-inch microwave-safe baking dish. 3. Sprinkle garlic powder evenly over chicken. 4. Pour tomato juice mixture over chicken. Marinate several hours. 5. Place dish in microwave and cook on medium-high for a few minutes at a time, until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Serves 3.

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. result of a long beach day (7) 2. math question (7) 3. online diary (4) 4. place to grow plants (10) 5. country south of the U.S. (6) 6. sports competitor (7) 7. strings in your sneakers (9)

PRO

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• 3 chicken breasts • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

For later:

Look in your newspaper for items about Labor Day events in your community.

Teachers: Follow and interact with The Mini Page on Facebook!

Rosy Red Chicken

* You’ll need an adult’s help with this recipe.

Cook’s Corner You’ll need: • 3/4 cup tomato juice • 1/2 onion, chopped • 1 teaspoon soy sauce

Page 11

Mini Jokes

Words that remind us of Labor Day are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find: BUILD, CAREER, CLEVELAND, CONCERT, EFFICIENT, FIREWORKS, HELPING, HOLIDAY, JOB, LABOR, PARADE, PAY, RIGHTS, SERVICE, SPEECH, SUMMER, UNION, WORKER.

Williston Observer •

Answers: sunburn, problem, blog, greenhouse, Mexico, athlete, shoelaces.

Photos from the Williston Observer are available for purchase! Visit willistonobserver.com to see current and past photos of events, school sports, nature shots and more!

AlFreyPhotography.com

Place your order online or email afrey202@gmail.com

Page 12

• Williston Observer •

August 21, 2025

SAVVY SENIOR

How to find a handyman help you search. WHAT KIND OF HELP

By Jim Miller Dear Savvy Senior, What’s the best way to find a good handyman or tradesman that can help with small jobs around the house? Almost 75

While it may seem obvious, whom you call on for help will depend on what you need done. If, for example, you have an odd job or small home repair project that doesn’t require a lot of technical expertise, a handyperson may be all you need. But if you have a job that involves electricity, plumbing, or heating or cooling systems, you’re better off going with a licensed tradesperson. Bigger jobs like home renovations or remodeling may require a general contractor. WHERE TO FIND A PRO

Dear Almost, It’s a great question. Finding a good home repair/handyman can be a bit of a crapshoot. How do you find someone who will return your calls or texts, show up on time, do the job right and finish it, all at a fair price? Here are a few tips and resources that can

Whatever type of work you need, the best way to find it is through referrals from people you trust. If your friends or family don’t have any recommendations turn to professionals in the field like local hardware or home improvement stores, or even real estate agents.

If you don’t have any luck here, there are a number of online resources you can turn to that can quickly connect you to a wide variety of skilled workers in your area. If you need someone for a home chore or small job, a popular option is Taskrabbit (taskrabbit.com), which lists thousands of freelance workers (called Taskers) that have undergone background checks. Here you can get help with things like furniture assembly; lifting or moving heavy items; mounting or hanging TVs, shelfs or pictures; minor home repairs; cleaning services; yard work and more. Taskers set their own hourly rates, which are displayed on their website before you book. Some other good options for locating handypeople are fix-it franchises like Ace Handyman (acehandymanservices.com) and Mr. Handyman (mrhandyman. com). These companies vet and insure their staff, but they may be

more expensive than Taskrabbit. Or, if you use social networking sites, you could also post a request for a handyperson in your Front Porch Forum group or on Nextdoor (nextdoor.com). If, however, you’re in the market for specialist like a plumber, electrician, painter, roofer or carpenter as well as a handyperson, try Angi (angi.com). They too, vet their independent contractors, and will let you request quotes from several candidates. Thumbtack (thumbtack.com) is another good resource that’s similar to Angi, but they offer more details like average response time, specifics about the work they do, and photos of past projects. THINGS TO KNOW

Once you’ve located a few candidates, here are some steps you can take to protect your money and ensure you’re satisfied with the results. First, get a handwritten

estimate or digital contract that list the tasks and the hourly rate or project fee. Also, ask to see their proof of insurance, which covers any damages they may cause while working on your home, and ask for several references from past jobs. You should also pay after the work is done, not before. But it’s not unusual to be asked for a small deposit for material costs upfront. And if possible, you should pay with a credit card, because you can dispute the payment if something goes wrong with the job. Checks and electronic payments like PayPay, Venmo and Zelle don’t offer the same level of protection. Send your questions or comments to questions@ savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

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August 21, 2025 •

Williston Observer •

Page 13

CROSSWORD • SOLUTION ON PAGE 15

TODAY’S HISTORY:

• In 1858, senatorial candidates Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas held the first of their seven debates. • In 1863, pro-Confederate guerillas led by William Quantrill raided the pro-Union town of Lawrence, Kansas, killing more than 150 men and boys. • In 1911, a former employee stole the “Mona Lisa” from the Louvre in Paris. It was recovered two years later. • In 1959, Hawaii was admitted as the 50th U.S. state.

TODAY’S FACT:

• Digital scans of the “Mona Lisa” in 2007 revealed that Leonardo da Vinci had originally given his subject eyebrows and more prominent eyelashes, which had faded over time or had been lost to restoration efforts.

SOLUTION FOUND ON PAGE 15

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•

Williston Observer •

August 21, 2025 agility in a fun, non-competitive atmosphere. There are no games in this program. No special equipment is needed. Each participant will receive a RecKids T-shirt. This is a child/parent program that meets Friday evenings from 5:20-6:10 p.m. ROOKIES

Rookies Soccer is designed for kids in grades kindergarten through second who want to learn, play and experience the game of soccer in a fun and engaging atmosphere. There are separate programs for boys and girls if numbers allow. Each program provides an opportunity for children to learn the game, improve their skills and enjoy playing. Programs begin in September and meet on Saturdays for one hour — a half-hour clinic and a half-hour scrimmage. Volunteer coaches are needed.

SOCCER PROGRAMS

NOW HIRING!

802-453-2381 Bristol, VT 05443 MINIS Jackman’s of Bristol Inc. is• looking for a CDL driver for propane Age 3. Soccer Minis will introduce 3-year-old childeliveries to come join our fun, family-oriented local team. We are www.jackmansinc.com dren to the skills necessary to play soccer. You and looking for a full time driver, but would consider a seasonal driver for the right person.

your little one will work together to develop fundamental soccer skills such as dribbling, trapping, passWe offer competitive pay, health and dental insurance, fuel benefit, ing, kicking and running/agility in a fun, non-compaid certifications if needed, paid time off, paid holidays, petitive atmosphere. This program does not include and a 401K after 1 year. Call 802-453-2381, games. No special equipment is needed. Each particemail Tim@jackmansinc.com, or visit our website ipant will receive a soccer T-shirt. This is a child/par04/22/2024 for an application and more information ent program that meets on Saturdays in the fall. 64 Jackman Drive • Bristol, VT 05443 3.25 x 2 AD for Williston Observer RECKIDS 802-453-2381 • JackmansInc.com Ages 4-5. RecKids Soccer will introduce children ESTATE SALE ages 4-5 to soccer skills. You and your little one will work together to develop fundamental soccer skills 3257 ST. GEORGE RD — Aug. 22-24, from 9-4 each day. There will be furniture, tools, household items and much more! Free items that need to go as well. No deliveries. Cash and Zelle only please. such as dribbling, passing, kicking and running/

YOUTH SOCCER

Youth Soccer is geared toward players in grades 3-5 who want to learn, play and experience the game of soccer in a fun and enjoyable atmosphere. There are separate programs for boys and girls if numbers allow. Teams will have the opportunity to play other town recreation department teams. Volunteer coaches are needed. Discount registration by Aug. 17; registration deadline is Aug. 24.

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21, 2025 • Williston Observer • Page 15 The August week-long bait drop is a cooperative effort between Vermont and the U.S. Department 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, RABIES BAIT but unvaccinated pets and livestock can also continued from page get rabies. TheService virus2isDirectory, spread through the Ads, classifieds and yard sales. with its bite of an infected animal or contact The week-long bait drop is a cooperative effort between Vermont and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services Contact Rick Cote to stop the spread of the potentially fatal rick@willistonobserver.com disease. or call 802-373-2136 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

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Page 16 •

Williston Observer •

August 21, 2025

k n Tha You!

2024/25 SPONSORS

NBT Bank Vermont Marine Delta Dental Jersey Mike’s Champlain Periodontal J.A. Morrissey, Inc. KW Ericson Group United Ag & Turf Williston Meat & Fish Access Self Storage Adams Apple Orchard & Farm Market Community Bank Hannaford John J. Entertainment Upward Lift Williston Observer Associates in Orthodontics

Service Activities Martin Luther King Jr. Day Observance Bill Skiff Story Slam Easter Egg Hunt & Parade Town Fair plant giveaway Memorial Day Observance Deb Beckett Memorial 5K Halloween Trunk or Treat Veterans Day Observance Jonathan Milne Senior Holiday Luncheon Toys for Kids Natural area and park bench maintenance Ramp building Daffodil planting Rotary Youth Leadership weekend Post-secondary education scholarships Books for WCS Mentoring program Library material donations Grants and volunteer hours for area nonprofits

We appreciate each of our generous sponsors and charitable donors. You have helped make possible a wonderful year of community service and events.

and more!

Williston Place

tively We are ac embers. wm seeking ne eck us out! Come ch

Club of Williston-Richmond, Vermont

To learn more about our club, or to donate, visit www.clubrunner.ca/williston-richmond/