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AUGUST 27, 2026
St. George roundabout plans unveiled
WILLISTON’S NEWSPAPER SINCE 1985
WWW.WILLISTONOBSERVER.COM
Onward and upward
BY JASON STARR Observer staff
The Vermont Agency of Transportation presented designs Tuesday in a public hearing for the reconstruction of the intersection of Route 2A and Route 116 in St. George. The roads currently come together at about a 45-degree angle roughly a mile south of St. George center. The agency considers it a dangerous intersection with failing level of service. In its place, and using $6 million in federal appropriations through the U.S. Department of Transportation, the state plans to remove the traffic lights and construct a three-pronged roundabout. The St. George Selectboard approved the concept in 2023. The intersection is about 6 miles south of Taft Corners in Williston. “It’s designed to lower speeds and help calm traffic,” said Thomas Bigelow, an engineer with McFarland Johnson, which contracted with VTrans to design the roundabout. Bigelow was among a group of engineers who presented plans to the public Tuesday during an evening meeting at St. George Town Hall. The meeting was a required step
School regionalization commences under Act 170 BY JASON STARR Observer staff
Students arriving at Williston Central School for first day of school on Wednesday were welcomed by folks on the sidewalk as they disembarked from the school bus. More pictures on Page 24. OBSERVER PHOTO BY AL FREY
Filion to step down as ABS principal OBSERVER STAFF REPORT
Principal Angela Filion plans to leave Allen Brook School at some point during this school year to take over as interim director of student and community engagement for the Champlain Valley School District. The district announced the move earlier this month. Filion has been the principal at the Williston elementary school for eight years. It’s unclear when the transition will see ROUNDABOUT page 5 take place. The district is planning to hire an interim principal for ABS. “Angela will remain fully focused on opening school at ABS and supporting the community through a strong start to the year,” the district said in its announcement. In her new role, Filion will lead CVSD’s student and community engagement team, promoting “belonging, equity, inclusion, restorative justice and student-centered practice,” the announcement says. VTrans plans show a roundabout at the “I have found myself increasingly intersection of Routes 2A and 116 in St. drawn to the opportunity to contribute to George. COURTESY OF VTRANS our district’s work through a student and
Angela Filion
community engagement lens, with equity at the center,” Filion said. “What matters most to me as an educator and leader lives in this work: belonging, relationships, student and family voice, joy, engagement and creating schools where every child feels known, valued and able to thrive.”
The Champlain Valley School District is no stranger to consolidation. About a decade ago, the communities of Williston, St. George, Shelburne, Charlotte and Hinesburg took advantage of state incentives under Act 46 to bring its seven separate school boards under one umbrella. The resulting 12-member Champlain Valley School Board governs a single school district of six schools and about 3,700 students. But the issues the merger was designed to address — increasing education costs, decreasing student population and equity of access to educational resources — have not abated. And this year, the Legislature passed Act 170 to put school districts statewide on a path of further consolidation. “We are moving down a continuum from voluntary consolidation to less voluntary consolation,” said Champlain Valley School District Superintendent Adam Bunting. As required by the law, Bunting helped found a “cooperative education service area” (CESA) over the summer with public school administrators from Addison County and Mount Mansfield Unified Union School District in Jericho. They are “asset mapping” across their districts, Bunting said, to investigate ways to combine efforts to reduce costs. Areas of focus are special education, transportation, curriculum, facilities and professional development. School board chair Megan Metzler described the areas as “back office operations — how you run your finances, payroll, those types of things. There are a lot of examples of that in different industries … I call it a
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Williston Observer • August 27, 2026
Around Town
Metal men makin’ music
You are invited to ‘Walk with a Doc’
Immaculate Heart of Mary Church celebrates 75th anniversary Established in 1951, Williston’s Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic parish began as a cloistered Carmelite monastery in a chapel that now serves as the rectory. An existing carriage house and barn became the first church building. The nuns left Williston in 1968, but the parish continued. Edmundite priests, from the order that founded St. Michael’s College in Colchester, served as priests from 19511989. Construction of the current church was completed in 1992, after which the old church building was demolished. Community members are invited to join upcoming anniversary events: — Tuesday, Sept. 1, 6:30 p.m., Msgr. Richard Lavalley will celebrate mass and present about the Carmelite nuns who were cloistered at the monastery. Light refreshments will follow. — Tuesday, Sept. 8, 6:30 p.m., Fr. Lance Harlow will celebrate a Eucharistic Healing Service focused on spiritual, emotional and physical healing for Catholics and non-Catholics. — Sunday, Oct. 11, 10:30 a.m., Diocese of Burlington Bishop John McDermott will celebrate a mass to honor founding members and their families.
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UVM Medical Center primary care Doctor Lucy Miller and two of her colleagues are launching a “Walk with a Doc” chapter in Williston this fall. Walk with a Doc is a free walking program that pairs community members and local healthcare professionals to walk together and discuss healthcare topics. All are welcome. The first event is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12 at Village Community Park. Future events will be on the second Saturday of every month. Miller describes it as a “low-key opportunity to get moving, learn something new and meet neighbors.” Email vermontwalkwithadoc@gmail. com for more information.
Bird words
Bon Poison, a combo tribute band of Poison Nation and Bon Jovi, jammed out at the Maple Tree Place Thursday Night Concert Series on Aug. 20 in Williston. OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY
An educator with the Vermont Institute of Natural Science shows off an American Kestral during a recent presentation outside the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
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Page 3
Rising healthcare costs are squeezing Vermonters. Here’s how everyone can make more affordable choices. Vermont has some of the highest healthcare costs in America. This hurts everyone in our community and the well-being of our state. So, it’s the perfect time to learn ways to make care more affordable. Consider these costs comparisons for common procedures: Bone Density Study
Breast Biopsy
Cataract Surgery
CT Chest Scan
Gallbladder Removal
Hip Replacement
Laparoscopic MRI Hernia Repair of Spine
Upper GI Endoscopy
Vaginal Delivery
$913
$16,054
$9,785
$3,495
$35,057
$51,432
$30,361
$4,438
$7,768
$28,912
Brattleboro Memorial Hospital
Brattleboro Memorial Hospital
Winsdor Hospital
Dartmouth Hitchcock
Northeastern VT Regional Hospital
Northeastern VT Regional Hospital
Dartmouth Hitchcock
Brattleboro Memorial Hospital
North Country Hospital
University of VT Medical Center
$359
$8,262
$4,806
$1,396
$16,262
$24,642
$17,569
$2,560
$3,626
$18,248
Porter Hospital
University of VT Medical Center
University of VT Medical Center
Vermont Open Imaging
Springfield Hospital
Dartmouth Hitchcock
Rutland Regional Medical Center
Northeastern VT Regional Hospital
Central Vermont Medical Center
Brattleboro Memorial Hospital
$64
$2,597
$2,712
$1,222
$13,293
$23,558
$10,761
$1,410
$1,928
$10,135
Thomas Chittenden Health Center
Northwestern Medical Center
VT Eye Surgery and Laser Center
Vermont Diagnostic Imaging
Central VT Medical Center
Central VT Medical Center
Central VT Medical Center
Vermont Open Imaging
Green Mountain Surgery Center
Northwestern Medical Center
(Spine or Pelvis)
(with Imaging)
Source: Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Axis Cost Transparency Data Averages, Spring 2026. Costs include facility and provider costs.
There are many reasons for this affordability crisis and no one entity or individual can fix it. That’s why our organizations continue working together to be part of the solution. We invite you to join us, take action, and explore these tips to save on your care.
Compare Where To Get Care & Save
Cut Prescription Drug Costs
• Costs for procedures can vary widely between hospitals, outpatient facilities, surgery and imaging centers. Knowing your options can help you save hundreds or thousands of dollars.
• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about options, such as generic medications instead of more costly brand name drugs.
• Carefully consider when it’s best to visit your doctor, urgent care or the emergency room. Telehealth can be a convenient, low-cost option for common health issues, including mental health support.
Know Before You Go
• See if getting a 30-day, 60-day or 90-day supply of your medications can help you save. • Compare costs and look for discount coupons on websites like ArrayRx, GoodRx, RxSaver, WellRx, SingleCare, Cost Plus Drugs, and the new federal website TrumpRx.
Review Your Health Insurance Benefits
• For routine procedures, there is usually ample time to explore care options, understand costs, and look for savings. • Ask for a written estimate before your procedure, so you have a clear picture of the costs beforehand. Afterward, review your itemized bill to understand the charges and confirm they are accurate.
• This Open Enrollment season is a great time to revisit your health plan’s benefits, premiums, deductibles, and copays to determine what makes sense for your health needs and budget. • When planning your care, check for “in-network” providers, which are more affordable and can help avoid unexpected expenses.
S p o n s o re d B y
Visit our website to get more cost comparisons, helpful tips, and free resources.
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8/5/26 3:52 PM
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Williston Observer • August 27, 2026
‘USPS isn’t delivering for Vermont’
Congressional delegation complains to postmaster general about mail issues BY ERIN PETENKO VTDigger Vermont’s congressional delegation has received more than 2,000 complaints from constituents about mail service so far this year, the lawmakers wrote in a letter to Postmaster General David Steiner on Friday. “As you know, the Postal Service’s Delivering for America ten-year plan was launched in 2021, supposedly to modernize and support the financial self-sustainability of the postal network,” the letter begins. “Five years into this plan, mail delivery service in Vermont is at an all-time low, staffing shortages in the state are pervasive, and USPS has not improved its financial outlook.” The Postal Service did not respond to a request for comment. Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Rep.
Becca Balint, D-Vt., sent the letter to Steiner to share Vermonters’ complaints about the U.S. Postal Service and posed a series of questions to his office that they hope to have answered by Sept. 1. “It’s clear the national leadership of USPS isn’t delivering for Vermont,” Welch said via email to VTDigger. “The postal service is a critical public service, and we want answers about what steps USPS is taking to improve delivery for Vermonters.” The letter cited local news coverage about Vermonters receiving only one or two days of mail delivery per week, leading to paperwork mishaps, missed birthdays and gaps in prescription medications. The issue has also affected state government operations: According to the letter, the Vermont Agency of Administration has reported two separate batches of vehicle titles have been lost in the mail. “These incidents not only create unnecessary administrative
Drive-by mailboxes bear the USPS logo on Elmwood Avenue in Burlington.
see USPS page 5
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USPS
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burdens for the state, they also present real security threats to customers’ most sensitive personal information,” the letter said. Steve Hutkins is a mail quality advocate who tracks Postal Service news on his blog Save the Post Office. He said he wasn’t surprised to hear that Vermonters have been experiencing poor service — because he’s been hearing about it, nationwide, for years. Data from the Postal Service shows that about 84% of first-class letters in the MaineNew Hampshire-Vermont region get to their destination on time, roughly in line with the national average but far below the Postal Service’s target of 90% to 95%. But even that “on time” designation is suspect, since the Postal Service has changed its definition, so what was supposed to take two days is now supposed to take three, Hutkins said. “They slow down the literal standard of what it’s supposed to be, and then they can’t even make the new, more relaxed standards,” he said. The letter alleges that some Vermont postal workers are being told to prioritize Amazon and United Parcel Service deliveries over traditional USPS mail service, delaying the mail further. That, too, is a national issue, Hutkins said. Postal workers are “being told at the office, ‘Get those Amazon packages out, because we have to have a high rating with Amazon,’” he said. Among the congressional members’ questions are several asking about what the Postal Service is doing to address an alleged staff shortage. “In January 2026, USPS’ NNE District Office confirmed to the Vermont Congressional Delegation that Vermont lags behind its regional neighbors in new employee recruitment numbers,”
the letter reads. “What resources or strategies have you committed directly to the NNE District to boost statewide hiring efforts?” Hutkins said federal reports have shown the Postal Service particularly struggles to retain “pre-career” employees, temporary workers who do not have the same benefits as career employees and are not guaranteed a regular schedule. “The usual problem is, the job is too hard,” he said. “They don’t like the forced overtime. Then people get burned out really quickly.” He said rural mail carriers might struggle even further because their routes take them down mountainous dirt roads. The three congressional members also expressed concern about the possibility of mail-in ballots not arriving in time to be counted for the election, since mail-in ballots must be received by local election officials by the close of polls on Election Day, according to the Vermont secretary of state. According to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, Vermont has a relatively low rate of mail-in ballots getting rejected, including for late delivery — only 0.2% of returned ballots in 2024. Hutkins said the Postal Service takes “extraordinary measures” to ensure that mail-in ballots are delivered promptly for November elections. But the rhetoric from the federal government against mail-in ballots has some advocates worried. President Donald Trump signed an executive order in March that would require states to share voter information with the U.S. Postal Service in order to utilize mail-in ballots. A group of Democratic states challenged the order, taking the case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. “This is a huge deal, and the Postal Service is right in the middle of it, and that’s why it’s provoking questions like that from Vermont elected officials,” Hutkins said.
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Williston Observer •
Page 5
Above, cars cue up at the intersection of Routes 2A and 116 in St. George on Tuesday evening. VTrans plans to reconstruct the intersection into a roundabout. Right, engineers Thomas Bigelow, left, and Wing Wong with McFarland Johnson present plans for a roundabout Tuesday at St. George Town Hall. PHOTOS BY JASON STARR
Roundabout continued from page 1
under state law in the process of the agency acquiring the private property needed to make way for the roundabout. In all, six property owners will be compensated for either temporary easements or permanent land acquisitions. “A right-of-way negotiator will contact each owner to review the project and its effect on the
Act 170
continued from page 1
shared service center.” The CESA members plan to meet monthly through this school year, eventually identifying the most promising areas of shared services, developing an operations and financial model and making the CESA permanent with the hiring of an executive director and staff to coordinate regional services. “A CESA requires a lot of
SOCK SALE August 27-29
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property, and to present the state’s fair market value offer of monetary compensation for the land and/or rights needed to construct the project,” VTrans’ acquisition materials state. The project is still several years from construction, said VTrans’ Project Manager Michael LaCroix, who predicts a summer 2030 groundbreaking. “The purpose of this project is to improve safety by reducing the frequency and severity of
(car) crashes, reducing vehicle speeds and improving sight lines …” a VTrans project description states. LaCroix noted that the current intersection has no pedestrian or bicycle accommodations, and none are planned for the roundabout. Several St. George residents attended Tuesday’s meeting. VTrans will continue to accept public comments via email at: michael.lacroix@vermont.gov.
work,” Bunting said. “We are giving it our all going into it.” At the same time, the legislation requires school districts to at least study the possibility of fully merging with a neighboring district. Legislators partnered the Champlain Valley School District with the Mount Mansfield Unified Union School District in Jericho to consider combining into one district. Three school board members from Champlain Valley and two from Mount Mansfield will begin meeting in October as a merger
study committee. The committee is tasked with eventually recommending whether a merger is advisable. “We can look at this and say, ‘we are both well over 2,000 students, we both feel like we (already) operate at scale,’” said Metzler. Champlain Valley School Board member Keith Roberts added: “I have no interest in consolidating with any other district.” Any merger would require voter approval in both districts.
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Williston Observer • August 27, 2026
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Thoughts on staying a step ahead of AI BY SEN. BERNIE SANDERS Artificial intelligence and robotics are the most transformative technologies in the history of humanity and will impact every man, woman and child in our country. These technologies, developed and pushed by some of the wealthiest people in the world — Musk, Bezos, Zuckerberg, Ellison, et al. — are advancing extremely rapidly. The Big Tech companies are reporting major breakthroughs almost every week. As your senator, I’ve been helping to lead the effort in Congress to address the extraordinary challenges that AI poses for the United States and the world. Given the reality that humanity is moving into unchartered territory, nobody has any magical answers to questions that have never been asked before. Let me take this opportunity, however, to briefly tell you what my office has been doing with regard to AI — and to ask for your help. I would very much appreciate hearing your thoughts regarding AI and how we best go forward in responding to this unprecedented development. Visit
ht t p s://w w w.s a nd e r s.s e n at e. gov/contact to share your thoughts. We will assemble the comments that we receive from Vermonters and publish them in a future newsletter. This is a vitally important discussion that needs to happen, and I look forward to hearing from you. Needless to say, all points of view are welcome. Here’s what I think:
Humanity is moving into unchartered territory. Nobody has any magical answers to questions that have never been asked before.
SLOW IT DOWN:
AI and robotics must be used to benefit ALL of humanity and not just a handful of Big Tech oligarchs. The extraordinarily powerful multibillionaires who own the major AI companies cannot be allowed to play God and transform humanity in ways that simply benefit their own interests. In a democratic society, these transformational decisions must be made by all Americans. WE must decide what aspects of AI are positive and beneficial, and what parts are negative and should be discarded. That is why, in March 2026, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and I introduced legislation to impose a national moratorium on the construction of new data centers. Our goal:
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Before we build AI’s enormous infrastructure there must be firm guidelines in place that protect the well-being of ordinary Americans. When we first announced that proposal we were called “crazy,” “radical” and “extremist.” Today, that concept has the support of 75% of Americans and more than 500 cities, towns or counties have passed restrictions on the construction of new data centers. Further, governors, local officials and candidates across the country are rapidly moving in that direction. THE PUBLIC MUST CONTROL AI’S FUTURE AND BENEFIT FROM IT:
AI is the accumulated knowledge of human beings. It is the books that have been written, the poems and music that have been composed and the great works of mathematicians, physicists and scientists throughout history and from all over the world. It is the
videos, tweets and podcasts that were completed last month. In other words, the foundation of AI is human effort and accomplishment. Society as a whole must benefit from it, not just the owners of major AI companies. That is why several months ago I introduced legislation calling for an American AI Sovereign Wealth Fund. That bill mandates that half the membership on the boards of directors of the major AI companies would be selected by Congress to represent the interests of the public. It also requires that a substantial part of the profits generated by AI companies go directly to the American people. WE MUST PREVENT AN EXISTENTIAL THREAT TO HUMANITY:
Over just the past month there seems to be a frightening new story every day about how Big Tech companies are losing control of the AI technology they are developing, with potentially cataclysmic results. This month we learned that AI has been used for the first time ever to create new viruses. In the wrong hands, this could lead to new bioweapons that might result in the deaths of tens of millions of people. Last month, we learned that OpenAI had lost control of an AI model that hacked into another
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Williston Observer •
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR State to get $92 million ICE extends from in Meta settlement Williston to the nation BY THEO WELLS-SPACKMAN VTDigger
Vermont has secured $92.7 million and new limits on use for customers under 18 in a settlement with social media giant Meta, state Attorney General Charity Clark said in a press conference Wednesday morning. The sum is the largest single-company settlement in state history, Clark said, and marks a “watershed moment” for social media users across the country. The settlement, which could reach $18 billion nationwide, was negotiated in coordination with 51 other states and territories, Clark added. The same consumer protection measures were guaranteed to each party, she said. Clark sued Meta, which owns social media sites Facebook and Instagram, in 2023, alleging the company intentionally designed its products to cause compulsive use and lied to customers about its platforms’ safety. The suit cited research linking social media use to mental health issues, altered psychological development and eating disorders for teenagers — particularly young women. The terms announced Wednesday include major changes to how minors can use the company’s platforms, including a ban on nighttime use and a daily time limit of two hours, Clark said. Meta is also required to improve its age verification processes to keep kids under 13 from accessing its sites, and to introduce a “school mode” which limits notifications during the regular school day. “Our priority is to get the harm
Sanders
continued from page 6
company’s computers — a clear violation of federal law. Then we learned that other models from Anthropic and Meta had similarly escaped human control. These stories prompt the question: Are the largest AI companies building machines that humans can no longer control? What kind of cataclysmic developments could occur if AI becomes independent of human control? That’s why, earlier this month, I wrote to the CEOs of America’s largest AI companies — Anthropic, Meta and OpenAI
to stop,” Clark said Wednesday, calling the required changes “incredibly useful.” Meta is required to make some such changes within weeks, and will likely have several months to address the more technical parts of the deal, according to Assistant Attorney General Justin Kolber. “The framework we’ve negotiated will empower parents to easily manage how their children access our platforms,” said C.J. Mahoney, Meta’s chief legal officer, in a statement Wednesday. “As a parent, I’m proud of both the work Meta has done to protect kids historically, and of this new groundbreaking agreement.” Meta’s lawyers had argued initially that Vermont had no ability to sue the company in Chittenden County Superior Court given the social media company’s limited physical presence in the state and the fact that its products are not aimed at Vermonters in particular. But the Vermont Supreme Court rejected that claim in strong terms last year, and the U.S. Supreme Court declined to weigh in further on the matter earlier this summer. “Vermont played a very special role in the history of this case,” Clark said of the conflict over jurisdiction. Clark’s office is currently pursuing related claims against TikTok, Youtube and Snap Inc., the parent company of the platform Snapchat. The structure of Wednesday’s settlement guarantees further payments from Meta if certain terms are met in those negotiations, which could see Vermont’s total payout rise to $127 million, Clark said.
— with a simple message: Stop racing ahead and investing tens of billions of dollars into a technology that nobody can fully understand, predict or control. I also make clear to these CEOs that if they do not respond to that request I will be introducing legislation that does that for them. Once again, AI is an issue of unprecedented consequence. It will impact us all and all of us must determine how it unfolds. I look forward to hearing your views on this extraordinarily important issue. Bernie Sanders represents Vermont in the U.S. Senate.
Did you know that Williston is hosting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)/ Homeland Security’s intelligence operations for the nation? Did you know that as of July 2026: — ICE and Customs and Border Protection have a $152 billion budget. — The Bridging Immigration-Related Deficits Experienced Nationwide (BIDEN) Program has $3 billion available to state and local police if they agree to partner with ICE. — ICE has hired more than 12,000 new officers in less than a year, raising concerns that ICE is cutting corners on
vetting and officer training. — David Brouillette, the ICE officer who killed Sebastián Derán Guerrero in Biddeford, Maine, had a history of domestic violence and mental health issues, according to news reports. “This is a person that never should have been hired,” a former commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection told NPR. — ICE arrested 51,000 people in July. This was a record high, though still short of their goal of 2,000 arrests per day. — 65,765 people are currently held in ICE detention. 70% have no criminal convictions. At a No Kings demonstration, I was standing near a young woman from Williston. After a big truck “rolled coal”
Page 7
as he drove by, blasting us with noisy exhaust, she said, “Oh, who cares. There’s a lot more of us than there are of them.” I’m pretty sure this is true. And yet, as the bulleted points above indicate, the current administration is holding scary and powerful cards, which are seeming to trump our greater numbers. Let’s use our “People Power” to loosen the chokehold of the Trump administration. Here’s something we can do: Go to wedvt.org and sign the petition to say no to ICE in Williston. Let’s fight for preserving our democracy — which I believe is in the interest of all Americans, even the rolling coal guy. Marcy Kass Williston
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Williston Observer • August 27, 2026
THINKING SUSTAINABLY • ACTING RESPONSIBLY
GREEN
Vermont’s ties to New England power grid deepen BY MICHAEL LAZORCHAK Williston Energy Committee
As Vermont households consider investing in renewable energy, weatherization, electric heating and cooling, and electric vehicles, the larger New England power grid is becoming central to powering our energy future. The Town of Williston Energy Committee has highlighted in past Living Green
articles steps residents can take to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and invest in electrification measures to reduce household energy burdens over time, especially as electricity becomes a larger substitute for fossil fuels. Still, Vermonters’ electric bills are shaped by more than household usage and investments. Vermonter’s electric bills reflect several cost categories: Electricity generation, regional transmission and distribution,
and state and federal policy-related costs make up 70%. The remaining 30% is due to local transmission. Three organizations define how electricity is generated and delivered to Vermonters, and how Vermonters are billed for the services. The Independent System Operation for New England (ISO-NE), authorized by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), operates the regional
generation and transmission system and administers wholesale electricity markets. Vermont Electric Power Company (VELCO) owns the state’s transmission system and was formed in 1956 to pool transmission resources and import hydropower from New York and Canada. The Vermont Public Utility Commission (PUC) regulates Vermont’s 17 distribution utilities, which deliver retail electricity to customers.
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Regional transmission organizations (RTOs) and independent system operators (ISOs) are products of the federal policy shift away from vertically integrated electric monopoly service and toward open and nondiscriminatory access to regional transmission facilities and wholesale energy markets. FERC encouraged the creation of regional ISOs and RTOs to minimize discrimination against competing generators and separate control of the transmission network from ownership of generation resources. In New England, ISO-NE emerged as the region’s ISO and RTO. Before ISO-NE, the New England Power Pool (NEPOOL) was formed in 1971 after the Northeast Blackout of 1965, to coordinate regional generation and transmission through central dispatch, uniform billing and regional transmission planning. It was a negotiated settlement between NEPOOL, ISONE and the six New England states that created the region’s current stakeholder process to make decisions on how our grid operates. In 1999, ISO-NE formally took control of the region’s wholesale power markets, daily operations and transmission see POWER page 9
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August 27, 2026
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Page 9
GREEN Power
continued from page 8
planning. As ISO-NE’s market rules are technology neutral, this allows any qualified resource to connect to the transmission system. ISO-NE does not manage retail electricity, own generation assets, hold a financial stake in grid infrastructure companies, or decide the region’s generation mix. ISO-NE applies reliability standards set by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) to maintain the safety and reliability of connections among New England and the Eastern Interconnection, as well as New York, Hydro-Québec and New Brunswick tie points. These regional tie points allow power imports and exports, which account for about 7% of New England’s electricity needs. ISO-NE administers the region’s $11.3 billion annual
wholesale electricity market and bulk power system planning. Its tariff, filed with FERC, governs operations, studies and planning procedures. The market includes energy, ancillary services and capacity: electricity bought and sold in day-ahead and real-time markets, reserves and reliability products, and the financial mechanism used to ensure enough resources are available to meet demand. In wholesale markets, power plants are normally dispatched in economic order, with the least-cost resources used first. As demand rises, more expensive resources are called on to meet demand. The final resource needed to meet peak demand sets the clearing price for all resources. On the hottest summer days and coldest winter days, oil and gas generators often help meet peak demand, bringing higher-cost resources into the market. see POWER page 10
Vermont Electric Power Company (VELCO) owns the state’s transmission system and was formed in 1956 to pool transmission resources. PHOTO VIA PEXELS.COM
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August 27, 2026
GREEN Power
continued from page 9
Several entities monitor whether ISO-NE markets remain competitive. ISO-NE’s Internal Market Monitor (IMM) reviews market participant behavior for anti-competitive activity and reports directly to the ISO-NE board. The ISONE External Market Monitor provides independent assessments of IMM decisions and is also independent from ISO-NE staff. FERC’s Office of Energy Market Regulation oversees wholesale electricity markets, transmission rates and tariffs to promote competitive, fair and open access. NEPOOL serves as the advisory forum linking ISO-NE and market participants and other stakeholders to facilitate consensus building and raise stakeholder concerns directly to
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ISO-NE staff and the ISO-NE Board of Directors. NEPOOL technical committees review and vote on ISO-NE initiatives and tariff changes before those changes are filed with FERC to signal to federal regulators that proposals have regional support. The New England States Committee on Electricity represents the six New England states and their administrative priorities based on reducing carbon emissions and pursuing affordability. This structure gives states, public power utilities and consumer advocates a role in regional planning. For Vermont households, these regional decisions are increasingly consequential. ISONE projects a 9% increase in regional annual electricity consumption between 2026 and 2035, driven largely by transportation and heating electrification. Currently, Vermont electric rates are about 35 percent
Household choices — weatherization, heat pumps, electric vehicles and other efficiency measures — cannot be separated from decisions about who plans, owns, finances and governs the grid. higher than the national average and rank 10th highest per kilowatt-hour. However, Vermont households have the lowest average electricity use nationally, which keeps household bills below the national average. Vermont ranks 11th lowest in per-capita
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residential electricity sales, with the residential sector accounting for about two-fifths of statewide electricity consumption. Only 12% of Vermont homes rely on electricity as their main source of heat, and just 7% have central air conditioning, both the lowest rates in the United States. Yet, Vermont households spend more than $7,000 each year on energy. Transportation accounts for almost half of that spending, heating fuels for nearly 35% and electricity for about 20%. As the state shifts away from fossil fuels and toward electricity, Vermont statewide and household energy consumption will increase, which means the forces shaping the regional grid will increasingly shape the cost and pace of Vermont’s energy transition. For local energy committees, the practical takeaway is that household choices — weatherization, heat pumps, electric
vehicles and other efficiency measures — cannot be separated from decisions about who plans, owns, finances and governs the grid. As electrification increases demand, Vermonters will continue to rely on statewide and local energy efficiency incentives and programs, but they also benefit from the accountability built into regional grid planning and utility investment to help drive an affordable energy transition. To participate in Williston’s energy future, reach out to your Williston Energy Committee at energy@willistonvt.org or attend a public meeting held on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. The agenda for upcoming meetings is posted on the Town of Williston website (www. town.williston.vt.us). For more information, visit: https://www. willistonvtenergycommittee.org.
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A delightful day for a barbecue The grill was rolled out and fired up Saturday for the Community Barbecue put on by the Williston Recreation & Parks Department. OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY
Discs fly in the park The town summer recreation program breaks out the Frisbees for a little game of Ultimate at Village Community Park recently. OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY
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August 27, 2026
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Dave Felcan poses for a portrait on his front stoop in Burlington in July.
‘I do not need this much home’
PHOTO BY JOEY PALUMBO/VERMONT PUBLIC
Shrinking household size squeezes housing supply, despite population decline BY CARLY BERLIN VTDigger
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Williston
For two decades, Dave Felcan had a full house. He and his wife bought their three-bedroom Burlington home with red shutters on a quiet neighborhood street in the early 2000s. The house felt like just the right place to raise their two young kids. But fast-forward 20 years, and Felcan, a 57-year-old retired software engineer, wound up living in this roomy house alone. Around the time his younger child left for college, he and his wife divorced. On a balmy July morning, Felcan gestured to the spaces he no longer touches — like his daughter’s bedroom, preserved like a “shrine” with her posters still on the wall, and a sunny sitting area off the living room. “This is a beautiful screenedin porch, which I now never use,” Felcan said. “It’s a lot of house for one person.” Felcan lives alone, and in Vermont, he’s in good company. A majority of Vermont households
— roughly 70% — consist of just one or two people. In fact, the average number of people living in each year-round home in Vermont has been on a steady decline for decades. In a country of fewer nuclear families and more people living alone, Vermont now has one of the nation’s smallest average household sizes: 2.2 people.
Most homes (in Vermont) were built for an era when larger families were the norm. This data point is key to understanding Vermont’s current housing squeeze. It helps answer a common question: If the latest estimates show Vermont’s population is declining after a momentary pandemic-era spike, why is it still so hard to find housing? Even without more people moving into the state, the same population is taking up more homes — and Vermont has not built enough new ones to keep up.
2.2 PEOPLE LIVE HERE
What does it mean that an average of 2.2 people live in each home in Vermont? To understand that phenomenon, let’s first zoom in to the scale of one family. Consider Felcan’s case. For many years, his home housed four people. Now, his ex-wife occupies a different house, and his two children have left Vermont to pursue opportunities elsewhere, Felcan said. But had they chosen to stay, they would be searching for their own homes, too. One large household becomes four small ones. This dynamic is particularly common in Vermont because of our older population, said Maura Collins, executive director of the Vermont Housing Finance Agency. A greater share of Vermonters are 55 and older than a decade ago, and those older residents are more likely to live on their own. The number of single-person households in the state is increasing faster than any other size of household, according to the Vermont Housing Finance Agency’s latest Housing Needs Assessment. “I hear this all the time, where middle-aged, later-life folks will say, ‘Yeah, I’m still in the see HOUSING page 13
August 27, 2026
Housing
continued from page 12
three-bedroom, four-bedroom family home, because my kids only moved out however many years ago, and what if they come back?’” Collins said. “Or, what I hear most often is: ‘I’m locked into a 3% mortgage and I can’t afford to move somewhere else and start over with a new mortgage at current interest rates.’” Small household sizes are also more common in places with whiter populations, Collins said. Vermont’s low birth rate plays a role, too. And across America, people are choosing to marry later or live independently. So how does a shrinking household size impact the overall need for homes in Vermont? Let’s zoom out to the scale of one town. In 2015, Vermont’s average household size was 2.36. Consider a hypothetical town with 5,000 people. Nearly a decade later, after household sizes shrank to 2.18, that same community needed 175 more homes to house the same number of people. Statewide, Vermont needed to add nearly 22,000 homes between
2015 and 2024 to account for declining household sizes within the existing population, according to an analysis by the Vermont Housing Finance Agency. Previous generations did a better job of building enough new homes for new households. But over the last
A majority of Vermont households — roughly 70% — consist of just one or two people. few decades, Vermont has not added enough housing to keep pace. Vermont’s rising number of households — driven in large part by shrinking household size — is considered to be the single largest contributor to Vermont’s nearterm housing need, according to VHFA. This long-simmering dynamic boiled over when Vermont saw a brief influx of new residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Other major factors that continue to drive the need for additional homes include the state’s
low vacancy rates, its high rate of homelessness, and the loss of homes from the market, typically from disrepair. One analysis of national housing supply from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis put the dynamic this way: “As average household sizes shrink and the desire for independent living grows, a ‘static’ housing stock effectively becomes a shrinking one.” ‘I DO NOT NEED THIS MUCH HOME’
Not only are Vermont’s households getting smaller, but homes in the state tend to be large. While the majority of Vermont’s year-round homes are occupied by just one or two people, most homes in the state — nearly 60% — have three or more bedrooms. Vermont has one of the oldest housing stocks in the country, and most homes here were built for an era when larger families were the norm. The data suggests a mismatch: today, many Vermonters are living in houses with considerable extra space. William Dido’s parents bought their three-bedroom Victorian in Proctor in 1985. It was walking distance from local schools and had
enough space for a swing set and sandbox in the backyard. Dido, a 46-year-old accounting specialist, moved back into his childhood bedroom during the pandemic to help take care of his parents. They both died in 2021, and he ended up with the house. “I am single. I am child-free by choice. I do not need this much
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home,” Dido said. Every once in a while he scrolls through Zillow to see if any listings better suit his needs. “But finding some place that doesn’t need a ton of work and isn’t too far out of the way and I can also afford … It’s just one of those situations where it seems like you might be able to find two out of three.”
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August 27, 2026
WILLISTON
FIRE DEPT. AUG. 14 11:37 a.m. — No emergency; call canceled — Oak Hill Road 11:58 a.m. — Accidental alarm — Blair Park Road 4:58 p.m. — Fire/smoke alarm — Oak Hill Road 8:56 p.m. — Malfunctioning alarm — Falcon Manor
AUG. 15 2:14 p.m. — No emergency; call canceled — Stirrup Circle
AUG. 16 10:48 a.m. — No emergency; call canceled — Mechanicsville Road, Hinesburg 3:19 p.m. — Fire/smoke alarm — Zephyr Road 7:07 p.m. — Fire/smoke alarm — Eagle Crest 8:10 p.m. — Fire/smoke alarm — Holland Lane
AUG. 17
AUG. 18 6:58 a.m. — Lift assist — Falcon Manor 8:11 a.m. — No emergency; call canceled — Dorset Lane 11:14 a.m. — Lift assist — White Birch Lane
Apps entice young Vermonters to join the ‘birding boom’ BY ERIKA TALLY Community News Service
AUG. 19 10:57 a.m. — Commercial vehicle fire — Avenue B 11:07 a.m. — Accidental alarm — Falcon Manor 12:30 p.m. — High-angle rescue — Vermont Route 15, Jericho 3:05 p.m. — Malfunctioning alarm — South Road 6:37 p.m. — Fire/smoke alarm — Chloe Circle 6:45 p.m. — Fire/smoke alarm — Falcon Manor 8:01 p.m. — Malfunctioning alarm — Maple Tree Place 10:57 p.m. — Fire/smoke alarm — Falcon Manor
AUG. 20 1:30 p.m. — Fire/smoke alarm — Falcon Manor 4:08 p.m. — Fire/smoke alarm — Essex Road 4:27 p.m. — No emergency; call canceled — Thompson Road, Richmond
10:22 a.m. — Smoke investigation — Industrial Avenue 11:35 a.m. — Fire/smoke alarm — Hurricane Lane 5:16 p.m. — Motor vehicle collision — Essex Road
The Williston Fire Department also responded to 32 medical emergencies during this time frame.
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A black-capped chickadee quickly grabs seed from the hand of a birder at the Woodside Natural Area in Essex. PHOTO BY ERIKA TALLY/COMMUNITY NEWS SERVICE
More than a third of adults in the U.S. engage in some form of birdwatching, with the majority of them being age 55 or older, according to data from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. But technological advancements are creating a new generation of avian enthusiasts. Experts say apps such as Merlin Bird ID and eBird are attracting more members of Gen Z to the hobby, fostering a new community of young naturalists. “We need this next generation to really develop that sense of conservatorship responsibility in terms of ensuring that we preserve what we have and all of their habitats,” said Patrick Philips, president of the Green Mountain Bird Alliance. “That’s been one of our main focuses as see BIRDS page 15
August 27, 2026
Birds
continued from page 14
an organization, to really try to instill that in all the groups, for a long time.” Allan Strong, an ornithologist and the director of the wildlife and fisheries biology program at the University of Vermont, believes the birding trend began to take flight during the COVID-19 pandemic. He said people were looking to spend more time outdoors, and walking around searching for birds in their neighborhood offered that opportunity. Data supports Strong’s hypothesis: According to Audubon on Campus, a national program focused on engaging college students in birding and conservation, the club’s growth has been exponential, expanding from a dozen chapters in 2019 to over 92 by 2025. Strong said he has seen a marked increase in the number of young birders. His ornithology class at UVM has doubled in size over the past few years, with upwards of 60 students enrolled
each semester, a number he calls “mind-boggling.” Like many birders, Strong also credits the introduction of new birding technologies, namely Cornell Lab’s Merlin Bird ID, to the increase in popularity. The free app, which Strong uses in his classes, allows users to identify birds around them with the touch of a button using features such as photo and audio identification. “The app democratizes birding. You don’t really need any kind of special training to know what birds are singing all around you. You can just walk around in the woods and have your Merlin app out,” Strong said. Philips, who is a former high school biology teacher, agreed, saying that creating technology that is accessible and attractive to Gen Z could help younger people appreciate nature more. “It’s been a fabulous entry point for people. For somebody to walk out in their backyard, put Merlin on and say, ‘Oh my god, there’s 20 species here,’ Then they start to look at those birds, and they begin to learn
The app democratizes birding. You don’t really need any kind of special training to know what birds are singing all around you. You can just walk around in the woods and have your Merlin app out.” Allan Strong University of Vermont
more,” he said. Avid birder Max Handelman, 22, of Burlington, said birding technology is reaching younger generations by challenging stereotypes about who can participate in the pastime. “Birding has the connotation of something that older people do. This is something where you have a pair of binoculars, you sit in total silence for multiple hours
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in the same location, waiting for one bird to hopefully grace your camera lens for a photo. But that’s simply not true, and these apps have made that abundantly clear,” he said. Handelman got into birding more than two years ago, after enrolling at the University of Vermont. Despite having no prior interest in the hobby, his friends encouraged him to try it. By the following semester, he was enrolled in the UVM Birding Club, he said. While he graduated this spring, Handelman has kept up with the hobby. He often makes trips to popular birding spots around Chittenden County, such as Colchester Pond and Shelburne Bay, where he searches for his favorite species, like the fish crow. Handelman said apps like Merlin are enticing to young people because of their gamelike components. Many apps feature checklists and leaderboards, allowing birders to log their finds and compare their species counts with others in the area.
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Page 15
Gen Z’s new-age spin on birding and growing appreciation of the creatures has been a net positive, said Handelman, as finding a common interest in the activity has also created new opportunities for social connection. “People go out on trips. My friends and I will have group chats and text, ‘Hey, there’s this bird around, you should try and go find it,’” he said. “It’s a very inclusive community.” Strong agreed, saying that regardless of the method, birding is appealing because there’s no wrong way to do it. Everyone can participate in their own way. “In some ways, trying not to actually define what birding is is probably a good thing,” he said. “It might be looking at my feeder. It might be doing something extreme like climbing a mountain to find high-elevation birds. But it might just be strolling through the neighborhood with Merlin on.” Community News Service is a University of Vermont journalism internship.
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Page 16release • Williston Observer • August 27, 2026 dates: August 29-September 4, 2026
35 (26)
Next Week: Remembering 9/11
Issue 35, 2026
Founded by Betty Debnam
Wonderful Wyoming
Mini Fact:
Wyoming is known for its wildlife, pioneer museums, hot springs and famous national parks. Photo by Joan Amero
On July 10, 1890, Wyoming became the 44th state to join the United States. It is home to many places, including Shoshone National Forest, which became the first national forest in 1891, and Killpecker Sand Dune, the largest sand dune in North America. The Mini Page takes a look at the state of Wyoming this week.
Land
Land is Wyoming’s most valuable resource. Most jobs in Wyoming focus on the state’s photo by J. Stephen Conn beautiful outdoor spaces. Mining, recreation and tourism are the top industries. Wyoming has some of America’s most beautiful parks and monuments, including most of Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park. The U.S. government owns about half the land. Native Americans lived in the area for about 12,000 years. Parts of Wyoming were claimed at different times by France, Great Britain, Mexico, Spain, Texas, the Dakota Territory, Idaho, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, Oregon, Utah and Washington. Although it is the tenth-largest state in area, it has the smallest population, with about 588,000 people.
Places to see
Yellowstone’s wonders include Steamboat, the largest geyser in the world; Obsidian Cliff, a mountain made of black glass; and Morning Glory Pool. Wind River Indian Reservation is thought to be the site where Lewis and Clark’s guide, Sacagawea, is buried. Fossil Butte National Monument holds one of the world’s best deposits of freshwater fossil fish. Jackson Hole is one of many areas known for its skiing. It is a valley that looks like a hole in the middle of the surrounding mountains. The Texas Trail was used by cowboys herding cattle from Texas to Wyoming in the late 1800s. The “Cowboy State” is one of the nicknames for Wyoming.
Animals
Wyoming has many animals, including fish, 400 species of birds and more than 100 mammal species. Grizzly and black photo by Sajith T S bears, elk, bison, moose, pikas, red foxes, mountain lions, bald and golden eagles, squirrels and beavers are some of the animals that call Wyoming home.
Devils Tower
Devils Tower became the first national monument in 1906. This column of rock rising above the plains was a landmark to pioneers traveling west. In the 1977 movie photo by Kunze “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” aliens also used it as a landmark. The tower is considered a sacred place to Native American tribes and stands 1,267 feet above the Belle Fourche River. Another name for Devils Tower is Bear Lodge. This site is often used for ceremonial rituals, including sweat lodges, sun dances, prayer and artifact offerings. The tower is made of a type of granite, and it is not sparkly because this granite does not contain quartz. Nearly 500,000 people visit the tower each year to sightsee, photograph it and even climb it. Devils Tower is reported to see 5,000 to 6,000 climbers per year. In June, the area is closed to climbers for Native American ceremonies. Prairie dogs live near the base of the tower, and birds and chipmunks live on the top of the tower, or the summit.
Resources On the Web:
• bit.ly/3Prgc08
At the library:
• “The Ultimate Guide to Wyoming for Kids” by Lance Johnson
The Mini Page® © 2026 Andrews McMeel Syndication
Try ’n’ Find Observer rack locations Mini Jokes
Shell Gas Station (Essex Rd) Essex/Essex Hannaford Williston Jct. Price Chopper Words that remind us of Wyoming are hidden in this puzzle. Some Will: What do you call a Healthy Adams Farm Market Essex Automotive words are hidden backward or diagonally, and Living someWilliston letters are Simon’s Mobil Williston happy cowboy? Quality Bake Shop Simply Divine Café Home2Suites Aromas of India Five Corner used twice. See if you can find: Wan: AVariety jolly rancher! River Road Beverage Chef’s Corner
Island Homemade Ice Cream Sonesta
BEARS, COWBOY, S R AKorner E Kwik B EStopH D U NSunoco E VStation S U O Dorothy Alling Memorial DUNE, EAGLE,Library E T TMarriott O ACourtyard O U T D OTown O ofRWilliston S SOffices V ELK, FISH, FOSSIL, UPS Store Men At Wok Fairfield Inn A H E O K E W C D P Z A E L K Rick Cote at MOUNTAINS, CallFOXES, Folino’s Pizza l ai G M SM&TTBank W Y W I P RVermont D XMeat T &ESeafood K em or (802) 373-2136 erver.com Williston Coffee Shop Ramunto’s Gardener’s Supply bs OUTDOORS, PARK, PIKA, nO to L D T I O E N A J E O N G R R is Rick@Will copies e lik ld ou w Rehab Gym Green Mountain Bagel u yo if SACAGAWEA, SAND, E F Y M F N R L G F W N R R A for your location B U I C O W B O Y A I M A I P SKIING, SQUIRRELS, S N I A T N U O M I C E J U F TETON, TOWER, G P I K A N D Q K Z E A Y Q X WYOMING.
Hannaford Richmond Inn at Essex Cumberland Farms would you at a Mac’sWaverly: Market What dinosaurRichmond Freefind Library rodeo? Martone’s Deli Richmond Market Wade: A Bronco-saurus! Williston
Eco Note Climate change, habitat disruption and emerging
Although it is the tenth-largest state in area, it has the smallest population, with about 588,000 people.
At the library:
and golden eagles, squirrels and beavers are some of the animals that call Wyoming home.
• “The Ultimate Guide to Wyoming for Kids” by Lance Johnson
The Mini Page® © 2026 Andrews McMeel Syndication
August 27, 2026
Try ’n’ Find
Williston Observer •
Page 17
Mini Jokes
Words that remind us of Wyoming are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find: BEARS, COWBOY, DUNE, EAGLE, ELK, FISH, FOSSIL, FOXES, MOUNTAINS, OUTDOORS, PARK, PIKA, SACAGAWEA, SAND, SKIING, SQUIRRELS, TETON, TOWER, WYOMING.
•
Will: What do you call a happy cowboy? Wan: A jolly rancher!
S R A E B E H D U N E V S U O E T T O A O U T D O O R S S V A H E O K E W C D P Z A E L K G M S T W Y W I P R D X T E K L D T I O E N A J E O N G R R E F Y M F N R L G F W N R R A B U I C O W B O Y A I M A I P S N I A T N U O M I C E J U F G P I K A N D Q K Z E A Y Q X Y L I S S O F S S A N D S S K
Waverly: What dinosaur would you find at a rodeo? Wade: A Bronco-saurus!
Eco Note
Cook’s Corner • 1/2 teaspoon salt • dash of pepper • 4 slices bacon
What to do: 1. In a medium pot, stir milk and chicken broth and bring to a boil. 2. Add grits, reduce heat to medium, and stir until soft. 3. Remove grits from heat and add cheese, salt and pepper. 4. Place bacon on a plate and cook on high in a microwave oven for 3 minutes. 5. When cool, crumble bacon and sprinkle over grits. Serve in bowls. Makes 4 servings.
The Mini Page® © 2026 Andrews McMeel Syndication
You’ll need: • 1 cup milk • 1 cup chicken broth • 1/2 cup grits, instant • 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
* You’ll need an adult’s help with this recipe.
Bacon and Cheese Grits
Climate change, habitat disruption and emerging diseases are creating new challenges for both snakes and the people who encounter them, according to two recent studies. Researchers led by the World Health Organization found that warming temperatures are driving some venomous snakes into new regions, potentially raising the risk of snakebites for people in parts of Africa, Asia, Europe and North America. At the same time, scientists studying wild snakes in the southeastern United States found that fungal, bacterial and parasitic infections are becoming increasingly common, with some rattlesnake species particularly vulnerable to serious illness. adapted with permission from Earthweek.com
For later:
Look in your local newspaper for stories about Wyoming.
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!
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Place your order online or email afrey202@gmail.com
AL
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• Williston Observer • August 27, 2026
SAVVY SENIOR
Simple ways to soothe bunion pain
By Jim Miller Dear Savvy Senior, I’m a 62-year-old woman and have had a bunion on my big toe for years, but lately it’s become more painful and is making it hard to find comfortable shoes. I’d like to avoid surgery if possible. What can I do to ease the discomfort and keep it from getting worse? — Sore Toe Susan Dear Susan, You’re not alone. Bunions are very common, especially among women, and they often become
more painful with age as the joint shifts out of alignment and inflammation sets in. What may have started as a minor nuisance can turn into ongoing discomfort, making it difficult to find shoes that fit comfortably. A bunion, known medically as hallux valgus, is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe when the joint moves out of place, causing the toe to angle inward. Over time, this pushes the joint outward, creating the noticeable bump. WHY IT HAPPENS
While tight or narrow shoes can make bunions worse, they’re usually not the root cause. Genetics plays a major role, which is why bunions often run in families. Other factors like flat feet, arthritis and past foot injuries can also contribute. Women tend to be more prone to them, partly due to years of wearing high heels or shoes with narrow toe boxes. The good news is that most
orthotic inserts, either store-bought or custom, can improve how your foot distributes weight. Toe spacers can also help by keeping the toes in a more natural position, while a night splint, such as Dr. Scholl’s Bunion Relief & Toe Corrector (about $20), can gently guide the big toe into better alignment while you sleep. It may also help to rotate your shoes rather than wearing the same pair every day, reducing repeated pressure. In addition, gentle exercises such as stretching your toes, picking up small objects, or rolling your foot over a tennis ball can help maintain flexibility. It is important to keep expectations realistic. These steps will not eliminate a bunion, but they can make it more manageable.
bunions can be managed without surgery, especially if your goal is to ease symptoms and slow their progression. SIMPLE RELIEF
The first place to start is with your shoes. Switching to footwear with a wide toe box, soft materials and good arch support can make a big difference, while high heels and tight shoes that crowd your toes should be avoided. It can also help to shop later in the day, when your feet are slightly swollen, for a more realistic fit. Beyond footwear, a few simple steps can help ease the pressure. Padding the area with over-thecounter bunion cushions can reduce friction, and if the joint becomes sore or swollen, icing it for 10 to 15 minutes a few times a day may bring relief. Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen can also help, if your doctor says they are appropriate for you. To further reduce strain,
Entering Our Next Great Chapter!
WHEN TO GET HELP
If your bunion pain interferes with daily activities, or if you are developing corns, calluses or ongoing inflammation, it is wise to
see a podiatrist or orthopedic specialist. They can evaluate the severity and recommend additional treatments. Also seek care if you notice redness, warmth or significant swelling, which could signal irritation or infection around the joint. Surgery is typically advised only when conservative measures no longer provide relief. Today’s procedures are more advanced than in the past and are often done on an outpatient basis, though recovery can be up to six months, and bunions can sometimes recur. In the meantime, taking steps to protect your feet can go a long way. With the right care, many people are able to manage bunions effectively and stay comfortable, active and on their feet. 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 27, 2026
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CROSSWORD • SOLUTION ON PAGE 20
TODAY’S HISTORY:
• In 1859, Edwin L. Drake found oil with the first successful oil well in the United States near Titusville, Pennsylvania. • In 1928, the Kellogg-Briand Pact, which outlawed war and provided guidelines to peaceful conflict resolution, was signed by 15 nations in Paris. • In 1979, British war hero Lord Louis Mountbatten and three others were killed in a boat explosion for which the Irish Republican Army claimed responsibility. • In 1999, the final crew left Russia’s Mir space station.
TODAY’S FACT:
• The Valles Marineris canyon system on Mars, also known as the Mars Grand Canyon, stretches for 2,500 miles and is over 4 miles deep.
SOLUTION FOUND ON PAGE 22
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Page 20
• Williston Observer • August 27, 2026
OBITUARIES
Elizabeth L. Dubin Elizabeth Lyman Dubin (Dawson), 62, passed away on Friday, July 24, 2026, after a 26-year-long battle with head and neck cancer. Beth had entered hospice care at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston and took her last breath surrounded by her family. Her beautiful gentle soul is now in heaven. Beth was born in Burlington, VT on May 21, 1964. She was raised on Charles Street in South Burlington and for many of her early years enjoyed wonderful and formative summers at her family camp on Lake Iroquois in Hinesburg. She graduated from South Burlington High School in 1982. She then attended New Hampshire College (now Southern New Hampshire University) where she earned her degree in
Computer Science in 1986. After college she became a software instructor for McAuliffe’s Office Systems in Burlington. She then joined the Federal Office of Probation as their Management Information Systems manager. She held that position for many years until 2000. Beth next worked as a graphic designer at her father’s company, Vermont Ware in St. George, VT. She later joined Williston Central School as a House “mom” and loved every day of her job working with the kids. She officially retired around 2012. But Beth’s greatest joy and her “best job ever” was being a mom. With her first husband, Beth welcomed Timothy Clarke into the world in 1992. For a few years, it was just Beth and Timothy taking care of each other. During those years, Beth and Timothy formed an unbreakable bond as mom and son. This is also when Beth first started going to Wells Beach in Maine for one week each summer. First it was just Beth and Tim, but it quickly expanded into an annual event with the extended family. This tradition lasted for many summers and created wonderful memories for everyone. On a cold March night in 1995, while attending a single’s dance, Beth met the love of her life. Larry had just moved to Vermont from Philadelphia and was hoping to meet some new friends. Beth and Larry started dating right away and two years
CROSSWORD SOLUTION Puzzle found on page 19
later, on June 14,1997, Beth, Tim and Larry became a family. Beth and Larry were married at Beth’s parent’s home in South Burlington. In 2000, Beth and Larry welcomed their daughter, Erika, into the world and their family was complete. Beth and Erika grew to share a profound friendship that shined as mother and daughter. They had an undeniable bond of love, laughter, and light. Beth was happiest taking care of her children. Beth’s favorite career was a stay at home mom. Being a mother to her two children meant the world to Beth. She absolutely loved being a mom. It was the joy of her life. During their 29 year marriage, Beth and Larry shared six different homes. First living in South Burlington, then moving to Williston in 1998. In 2004, the family relocated to Philadelphia and returned to Williston in 2005. Their last move to New Hampshire was meant to bring them closer to Boston and Beth’s care team at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. But their current home in South Hero was a true labor of love. Beth designed their beautiful post and beam home and was instrumental in its 2014-2015 construction. Beth was a true “crafty” Vermonter. She channeled the handiwork of previous generations as an extremely talented quilter and skilled creator with a needle and thread. In 2017 she took her love of fabric and sewing and created her own sewing business, Sew Colorful. Her creativity and talent shined with every item she made. She sold her items via her website, and during the fall she would travel around New England to sell in person at holiday craft fairs. Another of Beth’s “Vermont talents” was being an incredible cook and baker, skills handed down from her mom and her grandmother. Beth knew her way around a kitchen like a professional chef. Most of her husband’s and kids’ baking and cooking skills were taught to them by Beth. Recently, Erika took this knowledge and skill and is now a professional pastry chef in New York City. Beth made the best turkey gravy at Thanksgiving. She happily hosted family dinners and events including, for about 20 years, her famous and well-attended
holiday Cookie and Carol Party. Beth looked forward all year to the Cookie and Carol Party. She would spend weeks preparing the 30+ cookies, treats, decorations, and invitations. If there was a cookie you liked, Beth probably had it there for you. Larry would lead everyone in caroling. If there were holiday tunes you liked to sing, there were sing-alongs with Larry on the guitar all night long. One year, Feliz Navidad was sung for over 30 minutes and was led by Tim and his friend Carlos, an exchange student from Mexico. Besides baking, cooking, and sewing, Beth was a true animal lover. In her early years, she owned a horse, Bunkerdo. Beth competed in dressage competitions and exhibitions. She loved every minute she spent with Bunkerdo. She had many cats and dogs in her life, but developed a special attachment to her last dog, Layla. Layla faithfully sat next to Beth and was there for her through every surgery, illness, or whenever Beth just needed a little extra love. Layla was always right by Beth’s side every time Beth was in her garden. Beth loved to feed and listen to birds. She also loved chipmunks and would patiently hand feed chipmunks that came right up to her. Beth loved to travel, especially with family. Cruising was Beth’s favorite type of vacation. Once she set foot on a cruise ship the weight of the world was off her shoulders. Together, Beth and Larry took more than 40 cruises and land tours to places like Alaska, the Mediterranean, France, Italy, the Caribbean, South America, Ireland, Iceland, Belgium, Spain, Scotland, and Norway. Beth had a love of our country’s National Parks. She was able to visit Rocky Mountain National Park, Arches, Canyonlands, Acadia, and most recently, the Grand Canyon and Denali. Beth did not leave this world without a fight. To everyone around her, even her entire Dana Farber Cancer Institute team, Beth showed unwavering determination in fighting her cancer head-on. Beth was an absolute example of being “Vermont Strong.” Beth had a fierce attitude toward beating this horrible disease and living life as long as possible. Through her 26 year battle with cancer, she endured
ten surgeries, two rounds of radiation, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, immunotherapy, and four different chemotherapies. Although cancer took away her smile, her hair, and her ability to eat, it never reduced her will to live. This amazing woman fought until the very end. Beth is survived by her devoted husband of 29 years, Lawrence Dubin, loving children Timothy Clarke (Nicole Baker) and Erika Dubin, brother and sister-in-law Tyler and Madeleine Dawson, nephews Cory and Jake Dawson, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Lisa and Mike Ehrenberg, an aunt and many cousins from the Dawson and Lyman families. She was preceded in death by her parents Dale and Elizabeth (Betty) Dawson. Beth also leaves behind many, many lifelong friends from all her experiences and endeavors. A warm spirit and true angel on earth, Beth always looked for the good in people and left a lasting impression on everyone she met. A celebration of life for Beth will be held on October 3, 2026, at the Congregational Church of South Hero beginning at 11:00am. The church is located at 24 South Street, South Hero, VT. After the service, a luncheon will be served. All are invited to spend time with Beth’s family and share stories about Beth. She is truly someone who enjoyed life and loved all her family and friends. If you’d like to honor Beth in some way, in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to help with the fight against cancer. Donations can be made in Beth’s honor to the American Cancer Society, Dana Farber’s Jimmy Fund, Cancer Research Institute, Camp Ta-Kum-Ta in South Hero, or any other local or national cancer organization. Beth’s family wishes to thank all the incredible and dedicated doctors, nurses, and medical professionals in Burlington, VT and Boston who worked so hard and for so long to help her in her battle. Beth fought cancer valiantly for 26 years. Despite her struggles and setbacks, she continued her quest for a cure with many medical and surgical procedures. Her spirit shined through, and her determination endured until the very end. Now may this “rock star” beacon of life and light rest in everlasting peace.
August 27, 2026 5, 10:30-11 a.m. Start your weekend off with Cindy’s Storytime. STORYTIME
Tuesdays, Sept. 1 and 8, 10:30-11 a.m. Enjoy stories, songs and fun with Bella and Bonnie. BABY TIME
Dorothy Alling Memorial Library hours: • Mon./Weds.: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. • Tues., Thurs., Fri.:9 a.m.-6 p.m. • Sat.: 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. (Aug.)/3 p.m. (Sept.) Visit www.damlvt.org to apply for a library card and register for programs. Need help? Call 878-4918 or email daml@ damlvt.org. Please note. the library will be closed on Monday, Sept. 7 in observance of Labor Day.
YOUTH PROGRAMS Children in fourth grade and younger must be supervised by someone over 16 years of age. SATURDAY STORYTIME
Saturdays, Aug. 29 and Sept.
Wednesday, Sept. 2, 10:30-11 a.m. Suggested ages 0-18 months. Socialize and bond with your little one while Bonnie leads gentle literacy activities. AFTER SCHOOL GAME DAY
Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2-3 p.m. Play outdoor games with Bonnie and Bella (weather dependent) or come inside to test your wit with trivia. PLAYTIME
Thursday, Sept. 3, 10:3011:30 a.m. Enjoy the library’s bins of toys for collaborative and imaginative play with others. LEGO TIME
Thursday, Sept. 3, 3-4 p.m. Build something exciting with the library’s LEGO collection. TEEN GAME NIGHT
Friday, Sept. 4, 5-5:55 p.m.
Ages 12-18. Bring your Switch controllers (or use some of ours) to compete or collaborate with others. AFTER SCHOOL MOVIE
Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2-3:30 p.m. Rated PG. Can you survive being swept overboard at sea? This boy and his dog have to find out. MUSIC AND PLAYTIME
Thursday, Sept. 10, 10:3011:30 a.m. Join Bella for half an hour of live, interactive music and then stay for play.
MULTI-AGE PROGRAMS READ TO A DOG (ROCKO)
Thursday, Sept. 10, 3-4 p.m. Sign up for a 10-minute session to read to (or hang out with) Rocko the Therapy Dog.
ADULT PROGRAMS For online programs or to join a book club, email daml@damlvt.org. ADULT MEDITATION (ONLINE)
Fridays, Aug. 28 and Sept. 4, 12-12:30 p.m. Join our guided
meditation to relax and recenter. TECH TUTOR
Tuesday, Sept. 1, 1-4 p.m. Our tutor can help you with your device as well as with programs or apps. Call to schedule a one hour appointment. CRAFTERNOON: CD WEAVING
Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2-3 p.m. We’re taking a basic weaving project and giving it a recycling upgrade. Our efforts will be joined together as pieces for a community quilt display. Registration required. SPANISH CONVERSATION
Wednesday, Sept. 2, 5-6 p.m. Whether you are fluent or a beginner, join Elliot Lafferty online for Spanish conversation. ADULT TABLETOP RPG: WHITE BOX
Wednesday, Sept. 2, 6-8:30 p.m. A fantasy role-playing game for adult players. First time players welcome. This game uses the White Box OSR game system. Bring a character or you can make one and dice if you have them; the Game Master will provide everything you
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need if you don’t. Registration required. MAH-JONGG
Friday, Sept. 4, 1-3 p.m. All skill levels welcome. LET’S CHAT ABOUT ... BOOKS
Saturday, Sept. 5, 1-2 p.m. Our monthly chat group turns to the topic of books. Come hang out with other readers and chat about what novels, articles or audiobooks are capturing your imagination this month. CURRENT EVENTS
Wednesday, Sept. 9, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Gather in person for an informal discussion of newsworthy topics. LIFE STORIES WE LOVE TO TELL (ONLINE)
Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2-3:30 p.m. Everyone has stories and these should be shared with others. A prompt will be provided to guide the group in choosing a story to share from a written version you prepare ahead, or relate to the group in storyteller fashion. Email the library to register.
OBITUARIES
Mary Frances McGrath “My home is in Heaven. I’m just traveling through this world”. It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Mary Frances McGrath (82) of Maryville, TN has gone home. Mary passed away on Aug. 17, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was born on April 7, 1944 in Burlington, VT to parents Wilfred and Winifred Blow. She graduated from Burlington High School and attended Community
College of Vermont. She married Patrick Henry McGrath on Jan. 19, 1963, and they were together over 50 years before he passed away on Sept. 4, 2013. Partners in life as well as business, they owned and operated McGrath’s Market in Williston, VT for many years and raised three remarkable sons. Once their children were grown they left Vermont to explore, living first in Florida before finally settling in Maryville, TN – a community they both loved. Besides running a successful market, Mary had several jobs over the years. She ran an inhome daycare when her boys were small, then worked in retail, manufacturing, customer service and as an administrative assistant. Her most recent and rewarding position was in the offices of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. It was profoundly fulfilling for her to be able to devote herself to her religion professionally in addition to personally. After all, faith isn’t something you do; it’s who you are. Mary was an avid reader, a lifelong learner, and an accomplished seamstress. She made
everything from Vacation Bible School costumes to her daughter-in-law’s wedding and bridesmaids dresses. She was a dreamer but also deeply rooted in her traditional New England pragmatism; a realist, yet trusting since she accepted people at face value. Headstrong yet adaptable; resilient; adventurous and deeply spiritual. She is survived by sons Patrick (Penny), Shawn (Kimberley), and Brennan (Beth). Grandchildren Ryan (Sheena), Ian (Angela), Kelsey, Riley, Brandon (Hamilton) Timmerman, Brody Timmerman, and Jenna Timmerman. And Great-Grandchildren Percival, Estelle and Maddie Weaver. Additionally, her brother Michael (Donna) Blow and numerous nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents, her husband Patrick Henry, her brothers Thomas Blow and Robert Blow, and sister-in-law Betsy Blow. To post a message for the family, visit her memorial website: https://www.forevermissed. com /mar y-f rancesmcgrath?short_code=D3lY1vM0
Sandra S. Jones Sandra S. Jones, 90, of Essex Junction, passed away peacefully on Oct. 15, 2026 in Burlington, VT. Sandy was born in Clinton, Massachusetts to James Hubert Strang and Dorothy Wiles Strang on Oct. 28, 1935. She went to school in Leominster, Massachusetts and graduated from Leominster High School and a 2-year junior college. On Aug. 23, 1958, she married Hawley D. Jones in Sterling, Massachusetts. She worked as a decorator/seamstress independently and for Fabric Place (formerly Sportswear Store) for
many years before retiring. Sandy was an amazing human, and she left a handprint on the heart of all who knew her! She was loved and she will be missed immensely! Sandy was preceded in death by her husband, Hawley D. Jones, her parents, James Hubert and Dorothy Wiles Strang and her oldest brother, Donald Strang. Sandy is survived by her two children, Michael Lewis Jones and partner Beth Kissinger, and Holly Jones Stricker, her brother, James Strang, her sister-in-law, Laura Towns, her granddaughters, Addy Rose Holowach and her spouse Dean Holowach, Cariana Jones, and Lydia Don Stricker and many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Daniel Goodyear and the entire staff at Richmond Family Medicine, the nursing and medical staff on Baird 3 at UVMMC and St. James Episcopal Church of Essex Junction. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 28, at St. James Episcopal Church in Essex Junction. Donations may be given to the American Cancer Society.
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• Williston Observer • August 27, 2026
CLASSIFIEDS GARAGE SALE SUNRISE DRIVE ANNUAL GARAGE SALE—Saturday, Aug. 29,
9 a.m.-2 p.m. Multiple houses selling items including elliptical, wooden furniture, dollhouses, adult and kids clothing, toys, games, books and more!
LEGAL Notice of Public Hearing Williston Comprehensive Plan Amendment Tuesday, September 15, 2026 – 7:00 PM Dorothy Alling Memorial Library 21 Library Lane Town of Williston, Vermont Planning Commission The Town of Williston Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider proposed amendments to the 2025-2033 Williston Comprehensive Plan (“Town Plan”) in accordance with 24 V.S.A.§4384(c). WHEN: 7:00 PM on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 WHERE: Zoom Webinar (ID 81766972449) and the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, 21 Library Lane, Williston, VT.
The proposed amendments to the Williston Comprehensive Plan are as follows: A new section within Chapter 15 – Future Land Use Boundaries, called “Future Land Use Area Descriptions” (p 174) that provides a summary of descriptive information about each of the Future Land Use Areas, how each area serves the town today and possible future changes the town might consider for each area to further the town’s goals. This amendment does not add any new information that was not included in the original Comprehensive Plan, rather it consolidates information found throughout the Plan into a single summary section of Chapter 15. Minor revisions to Map 2 – Future Land Use Areas to include the Form Based Code area into the Mixed-Use category and symbolize accordingly.
Appendix A – Engagement Insights Report, published April 2024 as a record of the public engagement during the development of the Town Plan.
SUDOKU SOLUTION Puzzle found on page 19
Renumber/reorder existing Appendices. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: Public comments are welcomed and encouraged. Letters or emails received prior to the hearing will be added to the record and presented to the Planning Commission as testimony. Public comment at this hearing is welcomed and encouraged using the following methods: Access Zoom for free on your computer or smartphone: https://us02web.zoom. us/j/81766972449
The amendment is attached to this notice, and also available for inspection on the Town website and in the Planning & Zoning Office (Monday-Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm) at 7878 Williston Road. Go to town.williston.vt.us and click on Public Records & Documents > Agendas & Minutes > Planning Commission > September 15, 2026. Questions? Call 802-878-6704 or email Matt Boulanger at mboulanger@willistonvt.org.
LEGAL TOWN OF WILLISTON Notice of Repeal Conflict of Interest Ordinance On August 18, 2026, the Selectboard of the Town of Williston, Vermont, repealed the “Conflict of Interest Ordinance,” originally adopted pursuant to 24 V.S.A. § 2291(20) and Chapter 59. This notice is published pursuant to 24 V.S.A. § 1972 to inform the public of this repeal and of the citizens’ right to petition for a vote to disapprove the repeal. The full text of the Ordinance is available for review during regular business hours at the Williston Town Hall, 7900 Williston Road, Williston, VT, and on the Town’s website at https://town.williston.vt.us under Public Records & Documents → Legal Notices. Title 24 V.S.A. § 1973 grants citizens the right to petition for a vote at a special or annual Town Meeting to disapprove the repeal approved by the Selectboard. To exercise this right, citizens must present to the Selectboard or the Town Clerk a petition for a vote on the question
LEGAL
of disapproving the repeal signed by not less than five percent (5%) of the Town’s qualified voters. The petition must be presented within forty-four (44) days following the date of the repeal, by October 1, 2026. Unless a petition requesting a vote is filed pursuant to 24 V.S.A. § 1973, the repeal of the “Conflict of Interest Ordinance” shall become effective sixty (60) days from the date of said repeal, October 17, 2026.
TOWN OF ST. GEORGE, VERMONT Winter Plowing Contract RFP – 2-year Contract Publication Date: August 24, 2026 Deadline: October 8, 2026
Additional information pertaining to this repeal may be obtained by contacting: Erin Dickinson, Assistant Town Manager Town of Williston (802) 876-1176 edickinson@willistonvt.org
Call-in to the webinar: Dial 1-646-5588656, enter the webinar ID, and press # when prompted Mail or email public testimony prior to the hearing (mboulanger@willistonvt.org; letters to: Town of Williston, c/o Planning Commission, 7900 Williston Road, Williston VT 05495)
Additional Map 2a – Future Land Use Subareas shows the more specific land uses within the generalized future land use areas.
Appendix B – Recreation and Parks Master Plan, adopted July 7, 2026. Supplements and provides additional
specificity to Town Plan Chapter 2 - Social Infrastructure and the Arts, Chapter 8 – Recreation, Programming, Parks and Library.
LEGAL TOWN OF WILLISTON Notice of Adoption Code of Ethics Investigation and Enforcement Ordinance On August 18, 2026, the Selectboard of the Town of Williston, Vermont, adopted the “Code of Ethics Investigation and Enforcement Ordinance” pursuant to 24 V.S.A. § 1997. This notice is published pursuant to 24 V.S.A. § 1972 to inform the public of this adoption and of the citizens’ right to petition for a vote to disapprove the adoption. The full text of the Ordinance is available for review during regular business hours at the Williston Town Hall, 7900 Williston Road, Williston, VT, and on the Town’s website at https://town.williston.vt.us under Public Records & Documents → Legal Notices. Title 24 V.S.A. § 1973 grants citizens the right to petition for a vote at a special or annual Town Meeting to disapprove ordinance adopted by the Selectboard. To exercise this right, citizens must present to the Selectboard or the Town Clerk a petition for a vote on the question of disapproving the adoption of the ordinance signed by not less than five percent (5%) of the Town’s qualified voters. The petition must be presented within forty-four (44) days following the date of adoption, by October 1, 2026. Unless a petition requesting a vote is filed pursuant to 24 V.S.A. § 1973, the “Code of Ethics Investigation and Enforcement Ordinance” shall become effective sixty (60) days from the date of said adoption, October 17, 2026. Additional information pertaining to this Ordinance may be obtained by contacting: Erin Dickinson, Assistant Town Manager Town of Williston (802) 876-1176 edickinson@willistonvt.org
The Town of St. George will be accepting bids for a 2-year Winter Plowing contract for the 2026-2027 and 2027- 2028 season, with the potential option to renew, for all municipal plowing and winter maintenance needs. This includes plowing, sanding and/or salting Barber Road and the Town Hall parking lot. It also includes the western section of Ayer Road from Route 2A to the Winter Road Barriers (2/10 of a mile). In addition, it also includes installation and removal of winter road barriers, plowing, sanding and/or salting of the continuation of Ayer Road after the seasonal closure, up to Willow Brook Lane, when the road barriers are moved away, and only if required by hazardous weather conditions. It also includes shoveling and salting and/ or sanding for clear and safe pedestrian traffic along entrances, service walkways, and ramps at the Town Hall and the Little Red Schoolhouse. The Town of St. George is environmentally conscious and prefers minimal use of salt and chloride, while also prioritizing the safety of the Town. A site visit is highly recommended. Bid Process and Deadline: Bids can be mailed or delivered in person to 21 Barber Road, St. George, Vermont, 05495 or emailed to townclerk@ stgeorgevt.com. ALL bids must be received no later than Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 4:00pm. Bids will be opened at that time by the Town Clerk and Selectboard Chair and will be decided upon at the following Selectboard Meeting on Thursday, October 15, 2026. Proof of insurance must accompany the bid. Please write “Attn: Winter Plowing Contract Bid” on the front of the envelope or in the email subject line. Contact Information: For more information, please contact Lisa Laramee, Town Administrator, at (802) 482-5272 or townclerk@stgeorgevt. com. The full RFP can be found at www. stgeorgevt.com Disclaimer: The Town of St. George reserves the right to accept or reject all bids. Dated: August 24, 2026
SERVICE DIRECTORY LAND MAINTENANCE Forestry Mulching Services for private and commercial projects Driveways, Ponds, Land Clearing, Trails, Farms, Ski Areas, Natural Disaster Recovery, Logging Cleanup, Invasive Vegetation, Excavation
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August 27, 2026
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Williston Observer •
Page 23
SERVICE DIRECTORY ANTIQUES ANTIQUE SHOP
BUILDING SERVICES
BEAGLE BUILDERS, LLC F IVE C ORNERS F IVE C ORNERS FIVE CORNERS ANTIQUES NTIQUES ANTIQUES A RABIES BAIT RABIES saliva. If left BAIT untreated, rabies is almost alWINDOWS & DOORS
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DECKS, PORCHES & SUNROOMS continued from page 2 ways fatal in humans and animals. However,
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Page 24 •
Williston Observer •
August 27, 2026
They’re back! The yellow school bus brigade rides again all across Vermont as the 2026 school year began on Wednesday. At Williston Central School, seen here, students walked, rode and biked their way to the school in the center of Williston Village. They were welcomed back with signs and costumed staff as they made their way to their freshly decorated classrooms. OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY